BR 2-18: Monkey party

"The festival organizers are giving the monkeys a whole cake" (Waring, 2008, p.15)

Do you know the nation that monkey's acting are everything allowed? You can see such phenomenon in the town of Lopburi, Thailand. There is a reason why I chose this book. When I opened it first and turned some pages, I saw some pictures of monkeys. They were very naughty. They drunk a bottle of water of human's, climbed buildings, walked streets, ate many luxurious foods. Why are they living in human society? Can they live well with human? I thought many times.

In Thailand, people believes a old legend. It's about a monkey hero, "Hanuman". Rama is a king and he has a wife. But demon (a bad spirit) aimed Rama's wife. Then Hanuman saved Rama's wife and he was respected as a hero. That is why many people especially kind to monkeys. They sometimes disturbed people's life, but people allowed them.
Every day of the year, people gave foods for monkeys in shrines. It also effected Buddhist traditions.
They were treated special and monkeys are gradually increasing every year. People hold monkey party once in every year. On the party, monkeys ate special foods! They live more luxury life than people.

After I read, I was surprised so big. In Japan, some people are suffering monkey's act. In the country place, they ruin fields or many crops. Some monkeys run streets and they are injuring people. These are serious problems. In the zoo, they are cute, I know. But once I step in forests, they are fierce. We hates monkeys but as people in Lopburi, monkeys are special. It is own traditional. However we should understand different cultures. We knew the background history, and we try to share each cultures.

Reference: Waring, Rob. (2008). Monkey party. Boston: Footprint Reading Library.

[313 words]

BR 2-17: Brer Rabbit and the Black berry Bush

"Brer Fox smiled a nasty smile." (Stowell, 2008, p.14)

I chose this book because on the book cover, a Brer rabbit who is eating a carrot is cute. Also he looks sharp. He had a little smile on his face.

Brer rabbit and brear fox were fighting every day. Fox wanted to pay rabbit back. Fox caught him and he binded him with a rope. Rabbit couldn't move. He was hung on the tree. Fox thought "I did it" . But rabbit had a idea. After I read it, I found rabbit is wiser than fox. Fox moved fast, but he couldn't think so much. On the other hand, rabbit had a plan. He was good at plotting. I couldn't expect such he think deeply.

Rabbits were written as a wise character in I've ever read books. I don't know why they are written such this. May be children like this book. And they know how rabbits are wise animals.


Reference: Stowell, Louie. (2008). Brer rabbit and the black berry bush. London: Usborne.

[178 words]

BR 2-16: The Three Wishes

"I wish the sausage was on the end of your nose!" (Sims, 2009, p.17)

I have read this books Japanese ver. in my childhood. But English ver. is more easier to read for children. If I could have wish three things, what do I wish?

The old couple is hard worker and poor. But suddenly, the husband was helped by a fairy. She left them three wishes and a sausage. His wife was angry, "Why you wished a sausage?" He was just hungry, so he wished...but she didn't understand with him. What did he wish last two wishes?

After I read it, it is important to think carefully. Three wishes are precious, so if you do so, you need to choose what's important thing for me. I thought his wish was o.k. Sausage was important thing for him now. Money, desire, status...are everyone want to wish, but they didn't. They didn't have any desire so much. I found that they were good nice couple.

Reference: Sims, Lesley. (2009). The Three Wishes. London: Usborne.

[181 words]

BR 2-15: Mike's Lucky Day

"He is very late, and Jennifer isn't at the cinema." (Dunkling, 2000, p.11)

There is a reason why I chose this book. On this book cover, a handsome boy is smiling for a cute girl. I thought it is about love story, so I chose it.

Mike is an assistant van driver. He met a beautiful girl "Jennifer" accidentally in her father's shop. He fall in love with her. He could get her phone number, but he was shy. One day he invited her to watch movies, but he couldn't expect what happen with him.

After I read it, I was surprised at his happening. Why he had to go police...? I thought many times. His accidents carried happiness for her. She doesn't know about him so much, but she found that he really likes her. He thought the day was unhappy, but actually, they don't find each feelings without the day.

Reference: Duckling, Leslie. (2000). Mike's Lucky Day. London: Pearson Education.

[169 words]

BR 2-14: Making a cake

"Some people say that making cake is not always art." (Reilly, 2007, p.12)

I chose this book because I like to eat cakes and I often cook cakes. Putting some fruits on top of the cake is the most exciting time when I cook it.

This book tells me, "Making cake is art but also science". I read it, I found why author thought it so. Cakes aren't only chocolate cake or cheese cake. Some people put colorful cream, fruits or decorate something beautifully. I've seen wonderful decorated cake at cake shop. Also, I wonder at mixing flour, milk, sugar, egg, butter and after that these materials are changed a cake. Even simple materials are produced a new thing.

After I read, I want to eat cakes. But actually, I've had cakes three times for December 24th to 26th. I'm full, but on this book, many sweets pictures fascinate with me!

Reference: Reilly, Carmel. (2007). Making a cake. Melborne: Nelson Cengage Learning.

[167 words]

BR 2-13: The Magic Porridge Pot

"Hanna shouted the magic words.! (Dickins, 2008, p.42)

I read it because I want to know what is the magic porridge pot. On front page, an old woman stirs something and a girl looks the pot. I haven't read this book, so I enjoyed reading.

Hanna is poor, so she can't get enough foods. She always hungry. She met a magical old woman. She carried an empty pot and she told it's a magical pot. She taught the magic words for Hanna. When she shouted them, the porridge was filled a delicious meal. Can you believe it? After I read, I found stealing someone's stuff is not good.

If you do it, it causes bad things. On this book, a greedy boy stole her porridge stealthily. Can he remember the magic words? and can he ger a luxurious meals? If you want to the last, I recommend to read this book once.

Reference:  Dickins, Rosie. (2008). The Magic Porridge Pot. London: Usborne.

[167 words]

BR 2-12: The Nutcracker

"Something magical always happened when he was around."(Helbrough, 2004, p.6)

I chose this book because it was written about fantasy Christmas. A dancer was standing in front of sweets house. I like fantasy book, so I felt like reading this book.

On Christmas Eve, Clara experienced a special night. Her god father visits her house every year and gives her presents. However this year, he gave a special present for her. I don't know what he is and his message's mean. She slept in her bed and she experienced a big adventure.

After I read it, "Is this real or dream?", I thought. The Nutcracker helped Clara's adventure. He introduced various places. For example, ice castle, the land of sweets. I have read this book in my childhood, so this book remembered me many memories. Japanese version was good but also English version was worth reading. I want to experience like magical dream at Christmas night!


Reference: Helbrough, Emma. (2004). The Nutcracker. London: Usborne.

[169 words]

BR 2-11: The barbecue

"Would you like to join us for a barbecue?" (Strong, 2001, p.30)

I chose this book because in front page of this book, every one dancing and they look so happy. Black and white people are laughing and adding colorful illustration.

Mrs.Cassandra became 40 years old when the day of barbecue. Her family and relatives came to the party. Her husband, Colin was cooking, so others were disgusted by the couple. After that, I was surprised the funny accident.

After I read it, I thought doing something with family is important. Even step mother and step dad, they enjoyed party. Recently, some Japanese family doesn't eat three meals together. Children stay their room a lot; doing play games, using computer, studying or something. Then they have eat meals in their room. It's terrible problem between families. Communicating with mother, father and relatives form better relationship for children.

Reference: Strong, Jeremy. (2001). The barbecue. London: Pearson Education.

[160 words]

BR 2-10: More Macdonalds

"Later that same night the twins were woken by strange noises." (Strong, 2001, p.16)

First, I wonder this book's title means fast food shop. I love McDonald, so I wanted to read it! But actually, this "MacDonalds"didn't mean fast food shop. The mean is "Macdonalds family".

Mouse and Jojo's father came up with a new plan about building a new room. They were very happy and they talked which person can get the new bed room. They quarreled each other. The family have a humstar, called "Jumbo". When the house construction started, she wasn't calm. Her behavior was little strange and she ate meals a lot. What happened with her?

After I read it, I felt the warm family. First the twins quarreled about the new room. They thought only themsselves, but by Jumbo, they changed their minds. they could become to think other members of the family. Mother and father understood their feelings and they looked more happily. If you pay attention how change their feelings.

Reference: Strong, Jeremy. (2001). More Macdonalds. London: Pearson Education.

[182 words]

BR 2-09: The Girl with Red Hair

"He laughs and walks away, but I can't stop looking at the screen." (Lindop, 2009, p.5)

This book's cover page was cute. A girl with red hair picked a pink shirts, and her eyes looked smile. That is why I felt like reading this book.

The main character is Mark who works in security in Mason's store. He falled in love a girl with red hair when she came there first. Her smile attracted him and she was beautiful. She came there with a child every Wednesday night. Is she married or single? He thought a lot. He loved her in any other girls. I cheered his love because he couldn't talked her so much, every time he just looking her.

If we fall in love someone, we have to talk he or she that have a courage. It may need a lot of efforts for us. But first, it's important for us to understand wach other. Step by step, we can approach someone who we love.If I have a time, I'd like to try to make it.

Reference: Lindop, Christine. (2009). The Girl with Red Hair. New York: Oxford bookworms.

[199 words]

BR 2-08: Super dog

"Suddenly, Floppy saw something happen." (Hunt & Brychta, 1993, p.19)


Can your dog run faster or doing something well? I have a dog, and I've imagined my dog became a super dog. I was remembered it by this book.


Floppy is negative dog. He prefer to be alone. He is happy while his owner is going out. He can stay safe at house and he is free. One day, he slept his owner's bed alone and he saw an interesting dream. He saved old woman, baby, drowned child, lost dog! He was so cool and her was a hero. But it was a dream...


I think it was funny book. It's because Floppy's face is always cute. Sometimes serious, happy, angry, sad... His face made me laugh. He couldn't do well in real world, but if he practice many times, he'll be strong. I think he has a possibility that he doesn't know.

Reference: Hunt, Roderick & Brychta, Alex. (1993). Super dog. England: Oxford University Press.

[172 words]

BR 2-07: The Clumsy Crocodile

"Finally, Cassy put on her Everglades badge and admired herself in the mirror. She looked perfect!" (Everett, 2007, p.27)


Do you know the words "Clumsy"? It shows crocodile! When I looked for the word on my dictionary, I wanted to read this book more.


The cute crocodile's name is Cassy. She was exciting for her new job. But she couldn't work well, so her boss mad with her. He told her to quit her job right now. She cried but she wanted to work there. However her life was changed. She didn't do anything, but she became a super hero only one day!


I like this story. Cassy's behavior is pretty. She was crocodile, but she worked hard. I'm happy that her sprint was admired. She isn't sad now and she doesn't weak.


Reference: Everett, Felicity. (2007). London: Usborne.

[147 words]

BR 2-06: Sleeping Beauty

"Florien's heart fluttered like a bird when he saw he." (Knighton, 2006, p.44)


I've read like this book in my childhood. I haven't read it in English, so I tried to read it.


Rose ought to be the most happiest princess in the world, but she was casted a witch craft when she was a baby. When she grew a beautiful princess, the witch appeared in front of her again. Every one slept in the floor and princess Rose, slept too. They has been slept over 100 years. Who can help them and Rose?


After I read, I felt "Power of Love". Her life was changed worse, but finally she was saved. It took many years until she was saved. It's difficult to save them bravely. I'm sure her life will be shining.


Reference: Knighton, Kate. (2006). Sleeping Beauty. London: Usborne.

[147 words]

Essays 2-02a: Group movie reviews

      Yuka watched a Robbin Hood 2010 version, and Momo watched Robbin Hood of Disney. There are some different scenes each other, but a few main scene were same. Both Robbin who appeared 2010 and Disney were brave. Thanks to him and his friends, the villagers were helped by misgovernment. We are going to tell about our favorite scene of Robbin Hood.

      Yuka’s favorite scene in this movie is that Robin fight with Godfrey.It is a climax of this movie and also important scene, I think. Their fight in the sea was so hard battle and I was attracted this scene naturally. Robin really wanted to win because of avenge on Marion's husband and her father. I think Godfrey's crime can't allow. He killed many innocent people and he injured people's feelings. He is more crueler than the others. I think his doing is not correct. It is not justice, everyone think. I believe Robin because his thought convinced me. He taught real justice and don't give up however the lower status. This is why I like this scene. I understood this battle's mean and Robin is the real hero in Middle Ages.
 

       Momo’s favorite scenes of Robbin Hood is that Robbin Hood disguised a poor person, and he gave his bow and arrow for rabbit boy who robbed his birthday present from a government official. Robbin was kind foe everyone, so he was liked by almost all the villagers. Robbin always helped them when they were in troubles because the King levy a heavy taxes. 

       Our third favorite scene is that Robbin and his friends beat a bad king cooperation. The villagers were distressed by a levy and self-centeredness of a bad king. Robbin used arrows, and the part of the king used swords and cannons. However, Robbin won. We think Robbin could not win without cooperation of his friends. Through this battle, their bands were very strong.

We watched different Robin hood each other, but there are some similar scenes. Robin hood was kind and he had consideration for people. He helped country from a bad king with his friends. Robin was their hero.

[ 367 words ]

BR 2-05: Diana

"In the magazine pictures Dianna was young and beautiful. But was she happy?" (Vicary, 1998, p5)


I chose this book because I'm interested in Diana's life. What makes her life unhappy? What contribute in society did she do? I want to know the truth.


Diana was princess in England and her husband Charles was prince. They got married, but they didn't feel love each other. Charles has been loved Camilla who has known each other for a long time. Diana was shocked and ill. I think if she doesn't marry with Charles, she may be happy. I watched the news about Diana's die when I was a child. I remembered every one cried and this news gave big impact for many people. She was rich, and beautiful, but she has never been haughty herself. She talked various people equally. I like her character and I think we should respect her thinking. We don't separate rich and poor and healthy people and patients. We are the same and we are the human.


After I read, if she still alive, she can change the world, I think. Her life looked unhappy, but she gave hope for many ordinary people. I was sad about her life, but her name is known all over the world.

Reference: Vicary, Tim. (1998). Diana. New York: Oxford book worms.

[ 220 words ]

BR 2-04: The Run away Pancake

"The pancake rolled out of the gate and into the road, faster and faster." (Mackinnon, 2006, p.9)

I chose this book because the title of this book was interesting. Can Pancake run fast? It's so funny expression!


This story was about a Pancake which was cooked by one big family's mother. At that time, they started to eat it, but they couldn't. It run away and rolled out in the house. They chased but they couldn't catch it. Pancake was chased many animals, ducks, cats, goats, foxes. It was very cute that its looks. Nobody couldn't expect who can be able to eat it.

After I read, I became smile about the Pancake's last. Who got the yummy Pancake? The family? or some animals? If you want to know the last, check this book out!


Reference: Mackinnon, Mairi. (2006). The Run away Pancake. London: Usborne.

[ 146 words ]

BR 2-01: Sally's Phone

"Paul picks up his phone and goes out of the cafe. Sally finishes her coffee. She picks up her bag and her phone, and goes back to work" (Lindop, 2008, p.9).

The reason I chose "Sally's Phone" was including love stories. Also I felt development of information society. Recently people are depending on high technology. We can see websites in cell phone and every day we are using internet. Every year technical innovation is developed and we are surprised at.


I like the scene that Sally and Paul met in the coffee bar. It was miracle for them to change their phone accidentally. Sally was bored her boy friend, so Paul was fresh and nice. If I were her, I would think same thing! I think this story is similar to drama. Sally had Paul's phone, and Paul also had Sally's phone. Sally didn't know why she had his phone, but after that she knew the truth. Phone is very useful to communicate many people and carry every where. However if you mistake how to use once, it'll invite terrible, but in Sally's case, things were going well. I hope their love still continue.


Reference: Lindop, Christine. (2008). Sally's Phone. New York: Oxford.

[ 203 words ]

BR 2-02: Soup with Obby

"Obby stood by a small stove, stirring something in a big pot." (Umansky, 2001, p7)

There is a reason why I chose this book was I wanted to see the contents of the magical soup.
Was it good or bad? I wanted to know details about the soup.


Obby lives in a little house near the small river. One day, Sam and her friends went his house to introduce him. I was the tastes of strange soup that he was just making. The soup was looking so bad, but the tastes was wonderful. The tastes is different in each person. Besides, favorite tastes that every one like! Maybe Magic Toad Stools will change it.


After I finished reading this book, I think I don't like the last of the story. It made me sad. Except it, you can enjoy reading it.

Reference: Umansky, Kaye. ( 2001). Soup with Obby. London: Pearson Education.

[ 152words ]

BR 2-03: Stories of Mermaids

"Coral told Dan 2005er amazing secret. A week later, they went to the rocks to meet the king." (Punter, 1989, p.45).

I chose this book because it's written about ocean. There are three interesting stories in it. Each stories were good, so I felt like to read these stories soon.

Especially, I like third story. The title is "The dancing mermaid". Coral is young mermaid. If she has legs, she has a lot of things to do. However she found 1 good thing while she changed a human. She  was fall in love with human boy. I think this story is like "Little Mermaid", but this story makes me happy.

Many sea animal are written in three kinds of stories, so you'll feel as if you were in the ocean. The words is not so hard , but perhaps you'll find difficult words.


Reference: Punter, Russel. (2005). Stories Of Mermaids. London: Usborne.

[152 words]

BR 1-14: A Rat for Mouse

    I chose this book because I was fascinated with a cute hamster on the book cover. Mouse is a shy boy, and he looks like a hamster because hamster often hide too! When his friend boosted his new hamster, Mouse feels like buy some animals. After all he bought a rat. His friends and family hate a rat. The rat suddenly bit one of his friend because he grabbed it. Mouse treated it properly, so it has never bit him. If people have some animals, they have to follow rules for pets
    After I read, I was thought how I keep my pets again. I was glad to it adored him gradually. If you like animals, you can enjoy reading it.

References: Alexander, Jenny. (2001). A Rat for Mouse. London: Pearson Education.

                                                             [ 132 words ]