Zigaloo Picks of the Pack–March 13

Lauren picked one of my layouts to feature on her blog today. This was my layout using her Zigaloo collection for which she is donating $1 to Christchurch earthquake relief for every layout done. There is still time to grab the kit and do a layout before midnight EST 13th March.

Laurens Digital Scrapping Adventures: Picks of the Pack–March 13: "I have a few picks of the pack today  all using the Zigaloo Collection – Remember Im donating $1 for every layout done with Zigaloo for..."

Laurens Digital Scrapping Adventures: Pick of the Pack March 7 1932 Elegance

Lauren Bavin featured the layout I posted yesterday on her blog. YAY!

Laurens Digital Scrapping Adventures: Pick of the Pack March 7 1932 Elegance: "  Todays pick of the pack is by Webfrau. I love how she has chosen an art deco era photo because I really felt that the peacock feathe..."

Help the Christchurch Quake fund and earn a free kit too.

Visit Lauren's blog to find out how you can help support Christchurch just by having some fun with her latest kit in Canterbury red & black.

Laurens Digital Scrapping Adventures: My Little contribution to the Christchurch Earthqu...: "I’ve actually already made a donation to the Red Cross for the Christchurch Earthquake appeal but Ive decided to do something a little more...."

Hearts for Christchurch: It all started thus....

If you can't donate cash through the various appeals for the Christchurch earthquake you can still donate a few scraps from your sewing stash and a little time to let people in Christchurch know they are in your thoughts.

Hearts for Christchurch: It all started thus....: "I am gathering hearts for Christchurch. Not heart blocks in the quilting sense but ‘hanging’ hearts. Two heart shapes sewn together, stuffed..."

Juno of Taris

Juno of Taris by Fleur Beale

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This story is set in an isolated alternative 21st century community that was designed to survive the problems that beset the "outside" world. The society has its own rules and way of life to ensure it's harmonious existence, at least that's what the inhabitants are told. I really enjoyed following the progress of the teenagers as they begin to question their way of life and gather the courage to make a stand for truth. A really quick and enjoyable read, I'll be keeping an eye out for other Fleur Beale books when I next visit the library.



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Circle of Flight

Circle of Flight by John Marsden

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I had to read this to round off and complete the story of Ellie and her friends. It's a quick easy read though I found some of their activities a little far-fetched but that was in keeping with previous books. Some of Ellie's supposed teenage thought process, particularly those regarding "boys", became a little tiresome. However, it was enjoyable and entertaining enough and I found the end reasonably satisfying.



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The Dead

The Dead by Charlie Higson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was a little disappointed that this wasn't actually a sequel to The Enemy but is actually a pre-quel/parallel story. In a way it was really just "more of the same" and didn't impart any radically new information. Having said that it was a really quick enjoyable read. Morbid fascination with the enormity and horror of the situation compelled me to keep turning the pages. The blurb about the author at the front of the book states "Charlie is a big fan of horror films and is hoping to give a great many young people sleepless nights with this series." He's well on his way to achieving that aim.



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Behemoth

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This alternative history picked up immediately where Leviathan ended, no messing around or annoying preamble. I enjoyed this book much more than I remember enjoying Leviathan, there was plenty of action and adventure as well as the introduction of some intriguing new creatures, machines and characters. I'm looking forward to the final instalment.



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Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex

Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I started out really enjoying this book. It's been a while since I read an Artemis Fowl book and it was nice reacquainting myself with the characters and the corny writing style. However, I found myself soon growing weary of it and all problems were resolved far too neatly.



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The works of Edward Lear

The Complete Verse and Other Nonsense by Edward Lear

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I had fond memories of memorising poems by Edward Lear at school but obviously they picked out the best ones for us. En masse I found his work tiresome, there are pages and pages of limericks that are virtually the same and his alphabets are not much better.



It was interesting to learn a little more about his life. I didn't know he was the 20th child! He was also a talented artist and was drawing master to Queen Victoria. There are a couple of coloured plates included in the book of his nature drawings which are just brilliant. His skill at painting birds was said to rival that of Audubon. I think I would rather see a book of his art than his collected writings.



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