Readalot Christmas Special 2012

Ho ho ho! It's that time of year again... Christmas!!!!! Are you readers excited? You can probably guess I am! :)

Firstly, I'd like to apologize for not writing many posts this month. I didn't realise December would be so busy! Anyway...

This is Readalot's 2nd Christmas, and I want to make it a really good one. We've got loads of cool things coming up, so don't go!

Last year, I found out some people's favourite authors and they gave messages to them. I'm doing the same this year, because I think it's important to thank those hardworking writers.

Lolaaaaaa1 says: "Dear David Walliams, I think all your books are really funny and cool. For my birthday my older sister bought me your book called 'Mr Stink'. I looooovvvveee it soooooooooo much! THANKS!"

MandyEllens says: "Dear Sue Hampton, you are my favourite author ever so I want to say this... Thank you for writing such inspirational and creative books. When I'm older, I would like to be like you. If I had to choose my fave book written by you, I would say 'Traces'. Thank you and Merry xmas!"

JackyWACKY says: "Anthony Horowitz is wicked. I have all his books, but my favourite is the first Alex Rider book. My other favourite author is Jacqueline Wilson. It may sound weird but I really like her book Cliffhanger."

amy4 says: "i like megan mcdonald she is funny funny funny. and i like the gruffalo, it very good" (this was written by a 5 year old, awww!)

Thanks guys! I'm sure they would really appreciate these comments :)

This year Santa Claus was really busy. So I interviewed Mrs Claus this year on email:

Me: Hi Mrs Claus! How are you?
Mrs.C: I'm fine! But the North Pole is very busy at the moment :)
Me: So, got any goss, Mrs Claus?
Mrs.C: In fact, I do! One of those cheeky elves found out my secret recipe for Santa Surprise Cookies!

Me: They sound tasty!
Mrs C: You'll have to come to the North Pole some time soon and taste them! ;)
Me: Anything else?
Mrs C: Mr Claus and I discovered we had a long lost granddaughter! Her parents died when she was young, so she has come to live with us
Me: Wow! What's her name?
Mrs C: Her name is Evie. She didn't have a name, but we named her Evie because of Christmas Eve
Me: Aww, that's sweet! What's she like? How old is she?
Mrs C: Evie is very smiley and she has long, curly ginger hair and big brown eyes. She is eleven years old
Me: What's the most popular present this year?
Mrs C: Santa gave the list of what each child wants for Christmas to the elves. And the most wanted Christmas presents are the Wii U, Furby and phones.
Me: Wow, how many presents have the elves made so far?
Mrs C: Well over a billon
Me: Well thank you Mrs Claus, it has been wonderful talking to you!
Mrs C: Merry Christmas!
Me: :D

Mrs Claus sent me a photo of her to show you what she looks like:

She's exactly very pretty for someone of about 60 (no offence to other 60 year olds btw)

Now it's time for a Christmas Book Review! The Best Christmas book goes to... A Christmas Carol! Who could not like this touching and gripping novel?! The book really shows the true meaning of Christmas and is a story that will touch every person's heart, whatever age. Some people say 'it's sooooo old!' but just because the story is old, doesn't mean it's not good. Thank you Charles Dickens!

Best Book Of The Year goes to... The Raspberry Rules written by Karen McCombie! This book is all about a girl called Rowan who is arty and unique. Her life and how she sees things. I really do recommend this book, so why not try buying it as a Christmas prezzie for a friend? If you would like to buy it, click here: http://tinyurl.com/cc6axz9

Here are some fun games to play on Christmas Day:

Under The Christmas Tree

To play this game, you need....

1. A Christmas Tree
2. Presents
3. A blind fold or you can close your eyes

Firstly, you choose one person to be the Guesser. The Guesser closes their eyes and goes under the tree. With their eyes closed, they pick up a present from under the tree and they can...

Shake the present, feel the present or sniff the present. Then they have 3 chances to guess what the present is.

Bad Santa!

In this game, you choose a Santa and you choose a detective. The detective goes out of the room while the other players choose a Santa.

When the detective comes back in, the room is pitch black (light off) and the players are sitting in a circle in the middle of the room. 

One of the players is guilty and is the Evil Santa who steals presents! He is Santa's evil cousin (don't worry kids, Evil Santa isn't actually real!).

The detective sits by the stockings and closes their eyes like everyone else. Then the evil santa awakes and takes a stocking. They have to hide in somewhere in the room.

When they are done, they cough, and everyone awakes and the light goes on.

The detective has a chance to guess who the evil santa is. If he doesn't guess right, he must find the present. If he gives up, someone else gets to be the detective.

Activities to do in the new year:

• Make your own mini mag
• Design a top
• Make your own blog or website
• Have a movie and pizza night with your BFF's
• Read Readalot (Lol)
• Try and read 100 books in a year
• Write a really long story
• Make a YouTube video

   What do YOU want for Christmas?

rose555555 says: "For Christmas I want an Ipad"
JoJo says: "for Christmas i Want a BMX bike and a nike cap"
Eliza says: "For Christmas I would like to treat my granny to hot chocolate and muffins at my favourite cafe"

Remember when you open your presents on Christmas Day, Jesus was born on that day. And it is through Jesus that we have this special day.

I will be doing a diary entry tomorrow, because it is Christmas Eve tomorrow. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading this! And remember to watch Mr Stink, today at 6:30 pm on BBC 1.

Lots of love, Abigail Bronte xoxo

Happy December!

Happy December everyone! 'Tis the season to be jolly, eh? :D What kind of advent calender have you all got??

OK, moving on. It's time for Book and Author of the week, and they are... Ruby Redfort: Take Your Last Breath and Karen McCombie (again! I will explain why, later!!)


Ruby Redfort are a series written by Lauren Child. So far there are two books in the series and they are both... WOWZERS! 

Ruby Redfort may seem like a small town girl, but she is totally NOT. She's a fantastic code breaker, a fabulous friend of most UN-normal... she's a kid spy.

Follow Ruby while she juggles her normal life and her secret spy life, gets very close to some fishy danger and discover a mystery that no one has bothered to look at for a whole century.

You can only read about this in... Ruby Redfort: Take Your Last Breath (book 2)

I rate this 10/10

Author of the week is Karen McCombie. 

Okay, you know all about Karen because I spoke about her last week but... this week I emailed Karen and told her all about Readalot. So you never know, she might come and see it! 

Also, I am reading a super-cool book by her called:The Raspberry Rules.

Karen has her own website where you can learn about her and even become a member on her Fanclub page.

Here is the address for her website: http://www.karenmccombie.com/

Character Profile:

Name: Rowan Love (in Raspberry Rules)
Age:13
Pro's about her: She is really creative and arty and kind
Hobbies: Making things, going on the 'Find Your Inner Fairy' website and being herself
Friends: Erin. Well... sort of... (If you read the book you will understand why I put '...'
If stuck on a desert island, would bring: Probably Ally or her journal.

I'd like to say a shout out to Rhianna Wellman, Joseph Grindrod and Ciara McKenna who birthdays all happened recently. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday guys!!

Before I head off, I would like to say that soon I will be doing another Readalot Bumper Post for Christmas. You readers excited? I hope so!

Lots of love,
Abigail Bronte
xoxo

November Is Nearing Its End

Hello people of the earth!!! I'm Abigail Bronte, and today I'm going to be chatting all about my favourite thing ever... BOOKS!

First up for all you Jacqueline Wilson fans; there is a brand new Jacky Wilson Fan Club on the internet!! It's easy to sign up to, and is loads of fun. Because the site is new at the moment, they are still working on some things, but I advise fans to join it anyway.

If you would like to sign up or log in, head to: http://www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk/

Another website I recommend is, Pottermore. Pottermore is for Harry Potter fans and is where you can learn even more about HP than before!!

Click here to visit Pottermore: http://www.pottermore.com/

Moving on... this week's Book and Author of the week are... Emerald Star and Karen McCombie!

Emerald Star is the third book in the Hetty Feather series written by Jacqueline Wilson. The series is about a young girl who grows up in the foundling hospital, and how her life turns out.

In Emerald Star, Hetty goes on a search to find her Dad (sorry, spoiler alert!!) who she knows she will love dearly. But Hetty has other dreams too. Meeting Madam Adeline from the circus again, marrying Jem and staying with her father are all dreams. But which one will she choose? 

This is a beautiful and touching book, so... sit back, relax, and read it!!

Karen McCombie is one of my new favourite authors. She has written has written at least ten books, all that are being bought by many children over the world. My favourite book by her is Alice.B.Lovely which I have reviewed on my last post, you can look at it if you like.

Karen's website address is: http://www.karenmccombie.com/

I recommend her books for girls 8-14. Please check her out!! :D

Readalot News:

I am thinking about making a Readalot app soon which will be really cool, so keep tuned! I also thought it would be fun to make some Readalot tops :)

When it gets to Christmas, I will be doing another Bumper Christmas Post and a Christmas Eve diary. I can't believe it's nearly December now!

I am also thinking about doing a fashion blog...

Character Profile:

Name: Zoe (from Ratburger by David Walliams)
Age: Ten ( I think!)
Family: Dad and weirdo Stepmum, Sheila
Hobbies: Looking after animals and being with her Dad
If she could have anything in the world, she would have... her own animal training company where you can teach your pet how to do anything you like. Even dance!

Lots of love, Abigail Bronte xoxo

October Goss

Hello fellow readers! It's me, Abby Bronte and today I've got loads to tell you :)

First thing is... I went to Sue Hampton's book signing at her house and I bought two books. One was called, 'Just for one day', and the other was called 'Traces'. Check out Sue Hampton and buy her books, they are awesome!!

Secondly, Jacqueline Wilson has published the third book in the Hetty Feather series. The book is called, 'Emerald Star' and I will give you the link at the bottom of the page if you wish to buy it.

Now time for Book and Author of the week, which are... Alice.B.Lovely and John Boyne!

Alice.B.Lovely is a book I read quite recently. This book is about a girl called Edie, who doesn't think she needs a nanny and wishes her parents would just let her look after herself. 

Edie also has a LOT of problems. Her mum and dad are split up but still keep fighting, she 
keeps getting angry with everyone and feels really down.

But then comes along the new nanny; Alice.B.Lovely. She is a mysterious and magical sixteen year old girl who Edie grows to like. Everything is suddenly starting to look much more exciting...

But is Alice.B.Lovely the person everyone thinks she is? Find out!! This book is written by Karen McCombie.

John Boyne is the author of 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'. He has written three novels for children, and and eight for adults. He has won various awards for his literacy skills and is now very well known.

Some of you may have seen the movie of 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'. It is a book that touches many hearts around the globe.

Character Profiles:

Name: Joe Wright (From, 'Just for one day')
Age: 12
Hobbies: Cricket, writing poems and looking after his hamster.
Favourite Person in the world: Dad and cousin, Rachel
Also likes: Going to dance club
Dislikes: Mark Hansome

I wanted to tell all of you about a fantastic magazine I found. The magazine is called Wordsmith and is all about writing. It has poems, short stories, puzzles, cool competitions and loads more packed inside it. Children and teens are encouraged to send their own literacy works to be put in the magazine.

My parents bought me a subscription to the magazine, and it is really interesting. Hope you can check it out!!

To buy Emerald Star, click this: http://tinyurl.com/9s58fmu
To buy Alice.B.Lovely, click here: http://tinyurl.com/95z7cv3


Thanks for reading!

Lots of love,
Abigail Bronte
xoxo

EAT- Epic and Terrific

Hello! Sorry about not posting earlier; school has made my life slightly busy. Tee hee :D

As you know, the last post was a special edition because it was Readalot's 1st Birthday. I think Readalot liked its little birthday surprise, and hopefully you did too!

In fact, recently, it was MY birthday!! 

My birthday was on the 13th of September, and I had a lovely time. I got lots of wonderful presents, but my favourites were:

A new phone
A new bed
A kindle!

I also got these cool new items from Waterstone's called, 'Story Cubes'. Story cubes are cubes and they have lots of little pictures on them instead of numbers. You roll the cubes, and see what pictures you get. Then you can begin a story, using the things on the cubes to help you with ideas.

Anyway, I'm rambling! Book and Author of the week are... Back Home and John Grisham!

I don't think I'd have read Back Home if it wasn't for my teacher. In class, we've been looking a lot at story genres. Our teacher got some books from the library and read the opening of each to show us all the different ways of writing.

She read the opening of Back Home, and it caught my attention. So I asked, "Will that book be in the library if someone wanted to read it?". And she nodded.

After lunch I came back to my desk to find Back Home sitting there. I smiled, sometimes teachers were the best!

Back Home is set at war time, and is very touching. The main character is a girl called Virginia, but everyone calls her Rusty because of her long ginger hair.

The long and sad war has ended, and Rusty is coming back to England after being evacuated to America for five years.

At first, everything is well... terrible.

Her little brother seems to hate her, her mum is never around and doesn't talk much either, and worst of all, she has to attend a strict and mean boarding school.

Will Rusty ever fit in to the English ways? And will people stop pestering her about having an American accent and using slang?

Find out in... Back Home! By the way, Back Home is written by the same person who wrote, Goodnight Mister Tom. The author is called: Michelle Magorian.

John Grisham is a famous crime writer. He writes fantastic mysteries, usually for adults. But when I was at Waterstone's, I found an interesting children's book written by him. 

He has written loads and loads of books. So many, I think the list would take up this whole post's space! He is the writer of the Artemis Fowl series and the Theodore Boone series.

Check him out!!!!

Character Profile:

Name: Rusty (From Back Home)
Age: 12
Personality: Courageous, confident, creative and reliable.
Looks: Ginger hair, pale skin, blue eyes and slim.
Hobbies: Drawing, listening to music, fixing things and rowing boats.
Best Possessions: Letters from her friends in America.

I am now going to reveal who won the Readalot Writing Competition 2012.

In 3rd place is... Filippo Ali!

In 2nd place is... Ella Ainscough!

And in 1st place is... Elisabeth Hamilton, the Readalot Writing Competition 2012 Winner!!

Next time, I will be telling you why these awesome people got the top places in the competition. But for now...

See ya next time! Lots of love, Abigail Bronte xoxo

P.S: Wanna email me? Just send your message to: abbybronte@hotmail.co.uk

Readalot's 1st Birthday!!

Hello! Welcome to Readalot, the blog that tells you about books :D

Today it's Readalot's 1st Birthday!! I, Abigail Bronte, am very excited.

Readalot has now been going for a year and I'm really grateful to all the lovely people who have checked it out.

Firstly, let's sing:
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to Readalot,
Happy Birthday to you!!

Now, for the awards.

Best Book of the week... The London Eye Mystery!

This book has to be one of my favourites.

Ted and Kat are siblings and they live a normal life with their parents. 
Then, one day, their cousin (Salim) and Aunt Gloria come to stay.

Salim seems really cool and fun to have about.

But... what happens when Salim goes missing? Find out!

Best Author is... Jacqueline Wilson!

I have been reading a lot of Jacky's books recently, and I thought them truly enjoyable.
Jacky is a very successful author and I hope there will be more books to read from her :)

The next award is 'Best Blog'. I couldn't decide, but YOU can!! Just comment which blog is your fave!

Readalot's Playlist:

1. Mr Medicine, Eliza Doolittle
2. Your Song, Ellie Gouldling/Janet Devlin
3. Sing, Gary Barlow 
4. Enchanted, Taylor Swift
5. Wings, Little Mix

If Readalot wanted a present it would be... books, to make people smile and a top with, 'Readalot' on it.

Here are the books I've read in the summer so far:
Emma On Thin Icing
Alexis and the Perfect Recipe
Olivia and the Movie Stars
The Boy In The Dress
The London Eye Mystery
Olivia and the Enchanted Summer
Tennis Shoes
Four Children And It
Lottie Project
Kentucky Thriller (Currently Reading)

Want to start your own blog? If so, feel free to email me at abbybronte@hotmail.co.uk 
for help.

Readalot's Favourite Shops:
Amazon
Waterstone's
WHSmith
Paperchase
Any Food Place ;)

Readalot Quiz:

1. What date was the first Readalot post?

A: 25th October 2011
B: 28th August 2011
C: 10th January 1901

2. Who writes the Readalot posts?

A: Roald Dahl
B: Abigail Bronte
C: Sherlock Holmes

3. Name a Readalot post that people have commented on

4. Was there a BIG Readalot Christmas post?

A: Maybe...
B: Yes
C: No

5. On which post did I review the book: The Twins At St. Clare's?

A: Welcome!!
B: Lots & Lots!
C: CAKES

To buy The London Eye Mystery, click this: http://tinyurl.com/8ryjhmb
To buy a cool, snazzy pencil case for school, click this: http://tinyurl.com/9luy66w

Thanks for reading, Readalot loved its birthday surprise :]

Lots of love, Abigail Bronte xoxo

Keep Calm And... READ A LOT!

It's summer!!!! Sorry I haven't blogged much! I went to Suffolk and stayed in a beautiful cottage with my family. I also swam in the sea, cool, right?

Have you completed any of the Summer To-Do List yet? Well, even if you haven't, keep on trying! :)

Now, time for: Book and Author of the week. And they are... Four Children And It and Noel Streatfield!

The Four Children And It is the newest Jacqueline Wilson novel. This story is about four children who discover a sand fairy who can grant wishes.

Of course, the four kids get very excited. Their wishes might come true, but they all seem to be going a bit wrong.

I suppose the motto might be: Be careful what you wish for. 

The Four Children And It is a summer must-have! I rate it five stars, it's one of Jacky Wilson's best books ever.

Her book is a tribute to E. Nesbit's; 'Five Children And It'. It's an interesting modern version.

Noel Streatfeild was a greatly famous and fantastic author. She wrote lots of classics which everybody still loves now. Probably her best known book is, Ballet Shoes. She has written many 'shoes' books. Such as: Circus Shoes, Tennis Shoes and White Boots. 
I wonder what other kind of books she could have written... Fashion Shoes? Spotty Shoes? Electronic Shoes? What are your crazy and cool ideas?

Character Profile:
Name: Eel (From Lyn Gardner's, 'Olivia' series).
Personality: Energetic, funny, bubbly and caring.
Family: Jack (her Dad), Alicia (Grandmother and head of Swan Academy), Alfie (her cousin) and Olivia (her older sister).
Hobbies: Dancing, watching west end shows and being with her friends and family.
When she grows up, she will most likely be: A dancer

This letter is for Rosalind. Rosalind tells the story of, 'The Four Children And It'.

Dear Rosalind,

I'm Abigail Bronte. I've heard all about your summer holiday adventures with Smash, Robbie and Maudie.

Was the Psammead scary? (By the way readers, Psammead is pronounced: Sammyadd, it's a sand fairy!). He sounded a bit grumpy but kind as well.

Which wish was your favourite? I think everyone's wishes were unique. I loved when you were all rich and famous. And when Robbie's animals came alive and you met up with story characters. 

Your dad must have been so surprised that you kept wanting to go to Oxshott Woods!

Was it annoying when all the nusery rhyme people kept singing the same tunes over and over again in Maudie's wish?

I think your last wish was the most significant though.

Lots of love, Abigail Bronte xoxo

P.S: The next post will be on the 28th and will be Readalot's 1st Birthday Edition.

See ya there!
x