Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
Paddington V
Michael Bond in the Paddington series of five 'Paddington At Large' is the last one that I have read. This is one where Paddington has a day out with a friend, goes on television, makes a snack, helps out a neighbor the only way that he knows how, and makes Christmas special once again. All the illustrations in this volume as well as the other four volumes were drawn by Peggy Fortnum as pencil sketches of Mr. Paddington Brown of Number 32 Windsor Gardens, London.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Dinosaurs
Oh, my dinosaurs seem to be everywhere these days even though they are extinct or are they. Dinosaurs are everywhere from schools to parks and everywhere in between. There are many varieties of these large mammals that range in size from the small to the very large. Just ask any preschooler and they can name many of these mammals.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Paddington III
Michael Bond has written further adventures of Paddington and in this third installment entitled 'Paddington Helps Out' this bear who has quite the knack of getting in trouble but not really meaning to will learn what is wrong and figure out how to make it right unless it works out on its own. Paddington helps out by doing laundry, caring for the sick, helping a friend at work along with a few other adventures. From my adult perspective on this edition one learns that one can learn from the younger.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Paddington II
Michael Bond has written a second children's book entitled 'More About Paddington'. In this edition to the series Paddington will learn about how to decorate, spot trouble while learning new skills and what Christmas is all about. Reading this novel from an adult perspective one would think more about just how to be a better person to all no matter how one is treated just how Paddington does with his neighbor at various times and whomever he meets out in the community on his daily jaunts out. To me Paddington Bear is a bear for all seasons of growing.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Paddington
Michael Bond wrote a series of children's novels and the first one is entitled 'A Bear Called Paddington'. This is the story that introduces a bear from Darkest Peru to the city of London and the Brown family. Paddington is found sitting on a bench at the train station when he is spotted by the Brown family of Mr. and Mrs., Judy and Harry and Mrs. Bird. One aspect of this bear known as Paddington is that he has a love of marmalade sandwiches. In this first book Paddington has many adventures from exploring his new home to going shopping and even making new friends. I have read this book as a child and I even like this one more as an adult.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The Sword
'The Sword' is book one of a series of Oddny Einarsdottir. It is a historical fiction novel written by Lilypearl Colman. The story is all about how Oddny a woman of substance is kidnapped and adapts her life as a slave in Scandavian countries of Norway and Finland. Oddny does what she is told to do and at times she finds out more of the people who have kidnapped her and for what reason. The author offers pronunciation keys for characters names and places and even some illustrations of the equipment that Oddny uses in her captivity.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Dibs
'Dibs' a novel written by Virginia M. Axline. This is a novel of a small boy named Dibs in search of himself. Dibs needs to learn who and what he is in perspective the place he holds in his family, school and the community. The first time I read this novel was part of a Play therapy course in a Master's Counseling program. Some chapters are short, and some are of medium length, but it could be read in one sitting if your time permits. Actually, I have read this book a few times and there is always something to learn even for adults that are parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to help children grow.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Mother's Day
Even though it is a day late here is a short critique of the holiday Mother's Day. It is a day to honor your mom with however you want to whether with a gift or a dinner or even just a card and a hug. It is a day to give your mom something special thought. I wish my mom was still here but I will see her again someday.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
"Feedback Frontier"
In the dynamic city of Horizonville, where imagination exceeded all rational limitations and creative articulation flourished, there carried on with a youthful essayist named Alex. Enthusiastically for narrating and a yearn for new encounters, Alex set out on an excursion through the Input Boondocks — a local area of essayists, specialists, and makers who looked to push the limits of their art by investigating inventive skylines through valuable criticism and joint effort.
By Natalie A. Smith2 years ago in Critique
