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You know how sometimes you’ll be going about your regular life and you’ll suddenly remember something funny that you saw or heard earlier, and you just can’t stop yourself from laughing out loud in glee (potentially resulting in weird glances from the people around you)? Well, that’s what happens to me whenever I think of Maximus, the horse character in Disney’s recent movie, Tangled.
All I have to do is imagine Maximus’ bossy expression and endearing dog-like behavior, and I smile involuntarily. Then I start thinking about the rest of the movie — Rapunzel’s spunk, Flynn’s smirk, and the amazing musical number at the Snuggly Duckling tavern — and I instantly wish I could watch the film all over again.
But since I can’t exactly afford to see a 3D movie every day, I found the next best way to relive the experience: by reading a book that’s also based on the story of Rapunzel!
Like Tangled, Wendy Mass’ Rapunzel: The One with All the Hair is also a fresh retelling of the classic fairy tale. And amazingly, the book’s got a lot of the same elements as the movie. See for yourself:
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re a fan of Tangled, come on out of that tower and read Rapunzel: The One with All the Hair. You’ll find it an enjoyable (pony)tale. Get it? HA HA HA HA! I slay myself…
— Karen
Karen has grown her hair out to donate two times: the first time she cut off 10 inches, and the second time 12 inches. But she probably won’t do it again. The last time, she kept zipping her hair into her purse by accident. It hurt!
More about Karen »
Submitted by Hope, Age 12 from Rhode Island
Rating:
This book has so many mysteries, but not the best. In this book Percy tries to save Manhattan from Kronos, an evil god. He used to kill his sons until he got cut up by his other son and got set down in a pit in the underworld. If you like action,and mysterious books you will like this book.
by Hahaha me, Age 10 from Maine
Cimorene is a bored princess living in the country of Linderwall. When she finds out of her parents planned engagement for her, she decides to run away. After befriending the dragon Kazul and agreeing to work for her, Cimorene settles into life as a dragon’s princess.
Featured in "Royal Flush"
But it’s not easy with persistent knights trying to rescue her, other dragons trying to cause trouble, and mysterious wizards who seem to be plotting something. Something that can’t be good.
It’s the best book I’ve read so far in my life! If I were president I would order everybody to own this book in the U.S. because it’s so good! I mean, it’s got wizards, dragons, a princess…what more could it need?
(A dedication to it’s biggest fan – me.)
Reviewed by: Fudge, Age 12 from Rhode Island
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Reviewed by: Meghan, Age 11 from Rhode Island
This book is so cool. It takes you into the real life world, and shows you the behind the scenes magical sorceric, magical, and alchemical life. Here you find Sophie and Josh Newman who stumble into the lives of Perenelle and Nicholas Flamel. With nemises Dr. John Dee always there, ready to destroy them, this book holds many suspenful chapters, and you won’t want to put it down.
Book 2: The Magician
Book 3: The Sorceress
Book 4: The Necromancer (Not yet published!!)
Reviewed by: Ayra, Age 10 from Ohio
“Warriors” is a book series about cats that live in the wild. The first book, “Into the Wild”, features Rusty: A nice house-cat who lives with his humans. However, Rusty soon realizes there is a world beyong his yard. Rusty ventures into the wild and discovers a whole new community of wild cats. Rusty then abandons his easy life and goes to live with the wild cats. Will Rusty survive, or will the whole forest plunge into peril? This book is very interesting, and hooks you into the story as you go along. I would reccomend “Warriors” by Erin Hunter to you anyday! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do!
This week, reading fantasy series causes Nancy to question reality and Karen to talk abnormally fast. Plus, we discuss ginormous animals, a secret world under New York City, and endless feasts. If that sounds like a fantasy come true to you, then check out our latest podcast!
And when you’re done listening, don’t forget: our next theme is books that have been made into movies! So watch our latest Mystery Book Theater video and check out these great books that have made it to the big screen.
— Nancy and Karen
This book trailer for the Chronicles of Narnia was originally the Mystery Book Theater video for our Fantasy Series theme. For more on the Chronicles of Narnia, check out our “Sweet, Sweet Fantasy” podcast.
Seeing someone with your own eyes? Talking in person? What is this, the Stone Age? Sure, computers didn’t even exist back when C.S. Lewis wrote the Chronicles of Narnia — but what if they had?
Check out our web-centric re-imagining of a scene from the first book in the series, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.
We love that famous boy wizard as much as you do (maybe even more, judging by Karen’s recent dream). But there are tons of other amazing fantasy series out there, ready to transport you to Olympus, the Inkworld, Middle Earth, Redwall Abbey, and everywhere in between and beyond. Here’s a sampling (in no particular order).
And if you’re a fan of any of these fantastic fantasy series, send in your review:
Or send in a review of your favorite fantasy series!
