By Lila Perl
Illustrated by Erika Weihs
DDN 001.9 (1988)
Pairing superstitions with well-known rhymes, the author gives brief origins of common superstitions. The chapters present the superstitions by themes, but the index is a much appreciated access point for those looking for the history of a specific superstition, or just wishing to explore the many topics covered. For example, everyone has heard that if your ear itches (or burns) someone is talking about you. Did you know, however, that an itching palm portends money is coming your way? I enjoyed the chapter on numbers the most. The many ways numbers can be used to legitimately analyze a situation intrigue me more, but I must confess to practicing some of the number superstitions, like doing things in threes, without even realizing it. To break this trend, I will only review two books today!
The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide, Book One of Five
by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Genre: Fantasy/AR 4.2
The series begins with twins Jarod and Simon and their sister, Mallory, moving wth their mother to a ramshackle, old house in Maine after the death of their father. This first in the series does a good job developing the personalities of the children and the bond between them in spite of frequent sibling squabbles. Jarod is the first to notice odd noises in the house. He's also his mother's chief suspect in mischief around the new house, including finding Mallory's hair braided to the bedpost the first night and a giant mess in the kitchen the second. The children must investigate to avoid the wrath of their mother and prove Jarod's innocence.
