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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Books "ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 1 : MY HAUNTED HOUSE"


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ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 1 : MY HAUNTED HOUSE
Text copyright © 2006 by Angie Sage
Illustration and cover art copyright © 2006 by Jimmy Pickering
Cover design by Amy Ryan
ISBN 978-0-06-077483-7 | 160 p
First Harper Trophy edition, 2008 (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)
Suitable for ages 7 – 10
Rate : 3 of 5

Araminta Spookie live in the Spookie House with Aunt Tabby and Uncle Drac, ever since ‘the accident’ who took both her parents. This big-old house just like castle are really full with old-junk, empty rooms and of course secret passage. Not the mention all ghost who haunted the castle, even though Araminta never sees one of them, despite how hard she working on ghost-tracker. She really love the house, often plays hide-seek or just imagining old days everytime she sees Sir Horace – an ancient armour-statue, who often got falling apart (his head, his arm, of his legs). Then Aunt Tabby bring a surprising news, Spookie House is gonna be sell, and they all will moving into a smaller apartemen with modern equipment.

But Araminta does not want to move, she like it in Spookie House. So she must start the new project, how to get ride out all customer who come to visit the house. Starting by the real-estate agen, who ‘accindently’ got fresh-splash from aquarium water right in front the door. Then Araminta becoming ‘flying-ghost’ when some of intereted customer are shown the hose by Aunt Tabby. Araminta always got the new idea to scare of the customer, specially when she finally meet the ghost of Spookie House, and with their help, Araminta determine ti keep the house, no matter how Aubt Tabby refuse the idea. But that not until the arrival of Wizzard Family, Barry and Brenda, with their cat Pusskins and little girl name Wanda, they all love magic and guess what, they also love ‘spookie-house’ ...

Is a lot different than Septimus Heap Series who more complicated and full with dark-fantasy, secret and conspiracy, Angie Sage specially write this series for younger reader, but still gave an interesting plot to even older readers. Araminta are really smart girl, never quite the type to follow-the-order, but despite her stubborn manner, she have such big heart and generous act, as long its not against her big-plan...she so curious about everything, never been scary or even spooks by such a ghosts. But her intention (who actually good) mostly got the wrong result and almost always against Aunt Tabby rules’ – only Uncle Drac who love her unconditionally, that’s because he also an eccentric person, who prefer stays in the dark room, sleep on the sleeping bags that hanging in the turret with bats all over the room.  

And additional to that, I love all the illustration made by Jimmy Pickering, specially when he ‘capture’ the imaginary of those characters. From naughty but kind Araminta with Aunt Tabby and Uncle Drac, both have different approac to teach her and love her too. Then don’t forget the ghots, from Sir Horace – a very polite ghost and gentleman too, who like quietness  so he can rest a sleep in his hiding places before Araminta found him and keep asking his assistance (as a gentleman he cannot refuse those request). And my favorite so far – the cute little ghost, a boy named Edmud. If you looking for fresh-funny and rather light reading, this is your perfect choice for it (^_^)

Angie Sage, the celebrated author of the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series, lives in a very old house in the west of England. The west of England is a Magykal place, with marshes, ancient ports, and ruined castles – just likie in Septimus’s world. It is a great place to live and write both the Septimus Heap and Araminta Spookie series. You can visit her online at www.septimusheap.com

Jimmy Pickering, studied film and character animation, and the illustrator of several picture books. You can visit him online at www.jimmypickering.com

[ more about the author, books and related works, check on here : Angie Sage Official Site | Araminta Spookie's Site | on Wikipedia | HarperCollinsChildrens ]

Best Regards,
* Hobby Buku * 


Books "ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 2 : THE SWORD IN THE GROTTO"

[ source ]

ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 2 : THE SWORD IN THE GROTTO
Text copyright © 2006 by Angie Sage
Illustration and cover art copyright © 2006 by Jimmy Pickering
Cover design by Amy Ryan
ISBN 978-0-06-077486-8 | 176 p
First Harper Trophy edition, 2008 (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
Suitable for ages 7 – 10
Rate : 3,5 of 5

Spookie House now rather crowded than usually, specially since the Wizzard’s Family move-in. Araminta who didn’t like the idea at first place, now enjoy it the company of them, and she not lonely as use to be, since Wanda Wizzard joining the game she invent on daily schedule. With Aunt Tabby busy on the housework, with the help of Brenda Wizzard (who better cooker than Aunt Tabby), and Barry Wizzard helping Uncle Drac on his businnes : a bat-poo fertilizer selling, so Araminta and Wanda can plays or solve the mystery in Spookie House. Like when suddenly Sir Horace (actually he is a ghost who live inside the armour-suits) act really weird, become gloomy and hiding in secret place, then Araminta and Wanda have new mission, to cheer-up Sir Horace. They think is must be connected with his birthday who will happening soon.

So both girls are seeks a perfect gift for Sir Horace. And while they busy in persue the quest for the gift in secret tunnels above the ground, something horrible happens. Despite Edmund’ warning (a cute ghost of little boy who act as Sir Horace’s loyal servant), this girls get inside the unidentified tunnels, and finding at the end, trapped inside the ‘dungeon’ who use to be as the place where Sir Horace and Edmund dies few hundred years ago, they not only trapped but also drowned by the seas who at high tide coming inside the holes above the dungeon. The only ‘person’ who knows those girls whereabout are Edmund – who unconsious fo a while, and by the time he wake-up, the girls already trapped so deep with sea-water. Did Araminta and Wanda will survive ? Or they will becoming a ghost just like Sir Horace and Edmund ?

Moral issue :
Is so sweet when Araminta decided to cheer-up Sir Horace and when they trapped inside the dungeon, the truth on the past life of Sir Horace and Edmund are reveal, I feel so sorry on Edmund (specially if you looks on how cute the illustration Jimmy Pickering made for him) – he dies in such young age to fulfill his duties even it must sacrifice his life, but he never lost his soul, as a ghost he is still very shy little boy with his grace manners (even Sir Horace sometimes act so horrible, but never Edmund). Taking the lesson from Edmund past life and future, I think those girls get the lesson on how worthy is life they taking now, even on the worse situations, at least they are not ‘ghost’ __

Angie Sage, the celebrated author of the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series, lives in a very old house in the west of England. The west of England is a Magykal place, with marshes, ancient ports, and ruined castles – just likie in Septimus’s world. It is a great place to live and write both the Septimus Heap and Araminta Spookie series. You can visit her online at www.septimusheap.com

Jimmy Pickering, studied film and character animation, and the illustrator of several picture books. You can visit him online at www.jimmypickering.com

[ more about the author, books and related works, check on here : Angie Sage Official Site | Araminta Spookie's Site | on Wikipedia | HarperCollinsChildrens ]

Best Regards,
* Hobby Buku * 

Books "ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 3 : FROGNAPPED"

[ source ]

ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 3 : FROGNAPPED
Text copyright © 2007 by Angie Sage
Illustration and cover art copyright © 2007 by Jimmy Pickering
Cover design by Amy Ryan
ISBN 978-0-06-077489-9 | 224 p
First Harper Trophy edition, 2009 ( an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers )
Suitable for ages 7 – 10
Rate : 3 of 5

If anything weird and troubling happens in Spookie House, everyone (by means all the adult person, unless Uncle Drac) will be looking for Araminta, because of many brilliant idea she puts on the tasks. But this time, she refuse to blame and taking responsibilty on the dissappearing Bary Wizzard’s frogs. You see, Barry have a magical frogs who taught to be an acrobatic frogs. Like Uncle Drac who love his bats, so Barry would lost without his frogs. No matter how hard Araminta say it to Barry that she did not take or hide those frogs, Barry never believe it, just looking so sad and ‘stil-blame-it’ on Araminta. So she have no choice than to clear her name.

That’s why Araminta decide to becoming a detective, with first mission, looking-out who really steal Barry’s frogs. With the helps of Wanda as her assistant (even she prefer as a partner), they looking-out the clues, follow the trace and search for evidence, start with first suspect : Nurse Watkins – who appears on the same days when thos frogs are missing. Nurse Watkins are often come to Spookie House to help Uncle Drac exercise his walk after he had accident that broke his legs. Poor Uncle Drac, he so miserable because Nurse Watkins are not the type of sweet-gentle nurse.

She gigantic like a wresler with big-high voice determine to watch like a hawk and order step-by-step hard exercise until Uncle Drac prefer to hide in the corner. Now back on Araminta and Wanda mission, seems the briliant idea did not works smoothly like they imagine. Specially when they have to follow the suspect in Old Morris’s place – who use-to-be- a mushroom farm, now changes into waterland recreations. With the help of Sir Horace who knows a little-bit about this place (he dies in the dungeon below this building), detective Araminta and her assistant (partner) Wanda are prepare to face the worse enemy.

Moral issue :
I think this story just ask the reader to have fun by playing ‘detective’ and again little Araminta did not lost her charm and lots of idea to make such interesting game (but she really taking the situation very seriously, and that’s why is so funny). But the most hillarious act I have to gave credit to Sir Horace (^_^) – now, how can you make ‘a ghost’ who live inside the steel armour to walks out-side the building, goes near beaches and getting inside of the waterland, despite his fear of ‘rush’ (you must remember he is form form steel hohoho)

Angie Sage, the celebrated author of the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series, lives in a very old house in the west of England. The west of England is a Magykal place, with marshes, ancient ports, and ruined castles – just likie in Septimus’s world. It is a great place to live and write both the Septimus Heap and Araminta Spookie series. You can visit her online at www.septimusheap.com

Jimmy Pickering, studied film and character animation, and the illustrator of several picture books. You can visit him online at www.jimmypickering.com

[ more about the author, books and related works, check on here : Angie Sage Official Site | Araminta Spookie's Site | on Wikipedia | HarperCollinsChildrens ]

Best Regards,
* Hobby Buku * 

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Books "ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 4 : VAMPIRE BRAT"

[ source ]

ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 4 : VAMPIRE BRAT
Text copyright © 2006 by Angie Sage
Illustration and cover art copyright © 2006 by Jimmy Pickering
Cover design by Amy Ryan
ISBN 978-0-06-077486-8 | 224 p
First Harper Trophy edition, 2008 (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
Suitable for ages 7 – 10
Rate : 3,5 of 5

Is never get bored when you live in Spookie House. Anything can happen any time. Like when Aunt Tabby tripped over Sir Horace’s treasure chest. Then Pusskins ‘seems’ missing, although only Brenda who feeling her lost. Others, specially Araminta who never be friend with that hideous cat, did not bother regarding Pusskins whereabout. But after days, everyone (specially Aunt Tabby) really annoyed by Brenda act, looking all over place for her precious cat. So when Aunt Tabby ordering everyone must help Brenda to look for Pusskins, that means Araminta too...despite her urgent mission to find the mystery behind scary werewolf she found around corner when bat-poo are pilling.

Both mission are never complitely done, when the door-bell are ringing, and unexpected visitors are arrive at Spookie House. One of the visitor are Uncle Drac’s mother, that’s means also Araminta’s great-aunt Emiline – a scary old woman, even Aunt Tabby really speechless in front of her (something Araminta never sees in her life). Great-aunt Emilene are not just visited, she brought two child with her, and almost grow-up girl name Mathilda and her little brother Maximilian. Since Mathilda are going into boarding school and great-aunt Emilene will be gone for cruising, she decide that little Max should stays in Spookie House. With her ways, no one dare to says otherwise unto those demands.

So Araminta who didn’t like the ‘slicky’ looks on Maximilian are prepare to avoid and ignore that little rascal. But she shock when Wanda acting really nice to Max, even gave him attention that never-never she tried in when she with Araminta...some bestfriend she is. But Araminta are use to be alone before Wanda and her family move-in. So she didn’t care to much, specially when she focus on the mission to trapped the werewolf and vampire who hidden inside the Spookie House. Then she found a terrible and scary secret regarding Maximilian – he is the vampire...what she should do ?

Moral issue :
Friendship can be build between two strangers, but also can be separated by others strangers. Like Araminta who always be alone at first time, did not quite like either when Wanda and her family moving-in. But at last she like her too, despite her ‘grouwling’ on Wanda’s ignorance, you can tell that she like it Wanda very much (yes, wanda is cute little girls, can stop smiling when ‘hear’ how she can argueing with Araminta. And on this story, Maximilian just another little boy who lonely but acting like some kind hero, hiding his fear that ended with the result he being accused as the vampire (^_^)

Angie Sage, the celebrated author of the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series, lives in a very old house in the west of England. The west of England is a Magykal place, with marshes, ancient ports, and ruined castles – just likie in Septimus’s world. It is a great place to live and write both the Septimus Heap and Araminta Spookie series. You can visit her online at www.septimusheap.com

Jimmy Pickering, studied film and character animation, and the illustrator of several picture books. You can visit him online at www.jimmypickering.com

[ more about the author, books and related works, check on here :  Angie Sage Official SiteAraminta Spookie Site's | on Wikipedia | HarperCollinsChildrens ]

Best Regards,
* Hobby Buku * 

Books "ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 5 : GHOSTSITTERS"

[ source

ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 5 : GHOSTSITTERS
Text copyright © 2006 by Angie Sage
Illustration and cover art copyright © 2006 by Jimmy Pickering
Cover design by Amy Ryan
ISBN 978-0-06-077486-8 | 224 p
First Harper Trophy edition, 2008 (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)
Suitable for ages 7 – 10
Rate : 4 of 5

Araminta are looking forward for her birthday that coming up next week. But then, Aunt Tabby got surprising news, she won a holiday-trip to Transylvania. At first Araminta really happy, but then she found that Aunt Tabby are not going take her in this holiday, instead she and Uncle Drac will joining Barry and Brenda Wizzard. Disappointed then upset, that’s she feels, not only Aunt Tabby seems forgotten about her birthday, she also asking great-aunt Emiline to watch and act as sitter for Araminta and Wanda. Those are the worse thing that can happen in their life. But Araminta never lost her briliant idea to ‘get-rid-out’ great-aunt-Emiline. Then all the perfect plan are ruined. First when great-aunt Emiline did not show up at Spookie House the day when Aunt Tabby and companion already prepare to leave. So Aunt Tabby must find the replacement quickly, and she bring-back Nurse Watkins instead.

Again Araminta proove she can manage the situation, and the day after tomorrow, when great-aunt Emiline supposed to be arrive at Spookie House, she is not coming, instead she send Mathilda – Araminta cousin, who she admirer by the cool looks and appearances. Seems everything will be much better and happier, but something else happens. Mathilda did not come alone, she also bring ‘friend’ – two boys called Ned and Jed who really strange and weird, something bothering Araminta buth she did not quite understood what is it. Until Wanda, who never brilliant (that’s Araminta’s part) discover the truth, that Ned and Jed are ghosts – and worse, ‘cause they are poltergeists – a naughty ghost who like making messes and playing around. Ned and Jed not just annoying anymore, they delibrately making unfunny joke and prangs on Araminta, Wanda, even Sir Horace – until he can’t stand anymore and decide to move others place. Now Araminta must act quickly, ‘cause she did not want loose her friendly ghosts.


Moral issue :
About little girls taking responsibility while left ‘accidently’ home-alone without adult supervision. At first they thought if was just fun and free from any house rules, but then come along the risk like a lot of abandon duties regarding all the routine-house-duties. They never knew so many things have to be done, from taking-care the boiler, do the groceries, cooking so they can eat properly, and then clean-up and laundry...whew, such horrible and really hard-works, specially when there is two ghost who ruined the house inside-out. Vacations is no fun at all !! 

Angie Sage, the celebrated author of the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series, lives in a very old house in the west of England. The west of England is a Magykal place, with marshes, ancient ports, and ruined castles – just like in Septimus’s world. It is a great place to live and write both the Septimus Heap and Araminta Spookie series. You can visit her online at www.septimusheap.com

Jimmy Pickering, studied film and character animation, and the illustrator of several picture books. You can visit him online at www.jimmypickering.com

[ more about the author, books and related works, check on here : Angie Sage Official SiteAraminta Spookie Site's | on Wikipedia | HarperCollinsChildren Web ]

Best Regards,
* Hobby Buku * 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

WINNERS OF "ALL ABOUT BOOKS GIVEAWAY APRIL 2013"


WINNERS OF ALL ABOUT BOOKS GIVEAWAY

Bulan April 2013 merupakan bulan penuh berkat serta kebahagiaan bagi diriku, bukan saja sebagai perlambang untuk memperingati bulan kelahiranku melainkan juga sebagai ‘pengingat’ atas segala yang telah kuterima semenjak diriku dilahirkan hingga kini. Dan terutama semenjak diriku berkenalan dengan teman-teman dari penjuru Indonesia melalui satu wadah yang sangat kusayangi yaitu berbagi kecintaan akan buku. Walau bulan April telah berlalu dan event telah usai, kuharap perkenalan singkat ini tetap berlanjut diantara diriku serta kalian seluruh peserta event ini dan tak lupa para follower blog-ku. Semua saran serta masukan kusimpan dan menjadi bahan pertimbangan bagiku untuk terus berkembang. Meskipun berbekal pengetahuan serta keahlian yang lumayan minim, namun semangatku tetap ‘menyala’ untuk terus berusaha lebih baik, dan semuanya berkat kalian – jadi jangan pernah bosan memberikan masukan ya (^_^) 

Setelah seharian ‘mengutak-atik’ setiap entry yang telah masuk dari keseluruhan peserta serta follower dari ke-3 blog-ku yang berperan sebagai host event All About Books Giveaway, maka akhirnya berhasil diputuskan para Pemenang yang Terpilih dan telah memenuhi semua persyaratan yang diminta. Pemilihan ditentukan melalui undian dengan random.org.com (untuk peserta Reading Challenge) berdasarkan urutan entry review yang telah dimasukan, dan undian langsung melalui rafflecopter.com (untuk para follower masing-masing blog-ku). Sayang sekali undian ini harus beberapa kali ku-ulang karena pemenang yang terpilih tidak memenuhi persyaratan, misalnya melakukan ‘double-entry’ untuk hal yang sama atau bukan merupakan follower blog. Saranku untuk para peserta giveaway serta Reading Challenge di tempat-ku pada kesempatan mendatang, pastikan semua persyaratan utama telah Anda penuhi pada saat mendaftarkan diri pertama kali. 

Ok, tanpa berlama-lama, inilah para Pemenang yang beruntung dan terpilih dalam event All About Books Giveaway pada bulan April 2013 :

Untuk Peserta Follower Blog HobbyBuku :

LULU
[ email : namakulutfia(at)yahoo(dot)com  | event di Blog My Fantasy Dreamland | pilihan buku ‘Topi Selebar Langit’ ]
DILA
[ email : fadhilmu87(at)gmail(dot)com  | event di Blog Little Alice’s Garden | pilihan buku ‘Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm’ ]
ASRINA M.
[ email : asrina.maharani(at)gmail(dot)com | event di Blog HobbyBuku’s Mystery | pilihan buku ‘Bel Canto’ ]

Untuk Peserta Reading Challenge 2013 :

VAAN
[ email : rubahungu(at)gmail(dot)com | event di Blog My Fantasy Dreamland | pilihan buku 'unknown' ]
INGE
[ twitter : @noninge | event di Blog Little Alice’s Garden | pilihan buku 'unknown' ]
DESTY
[ email : destinugrainy(at)gmail(dot)com |  event di Blog HobbyBuku’s Mystery | pilihan buku ‘Show No Mercy’ ]
DANEEOLLIE
[ email : daneeollie(at)gamil(dot)com | event di Blog HobbyBuku’s Mystery | pilihan buku "unknown' ]  

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL LUCKY WINNERS !! Para Pemenang akan dihubungi via email dan ditunggu konformasi kembali beserta data alamat lengkap dan pilihan buku (bagi yang belum menentukan pilihan) dalam waktu 2x24 jam setelah email terkirim. Jika lewat batas waktu yang ditentukan Pemenang tidak memberikan konfirmasi kembali, maka akan dipilih Pemenang lain sebagi penggantinya.

Bagi para peserta dan follower yang belum beruntung, masih ada kesempatan untuk memperebutkan hadiah khusus di BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY SPECIAL di Blog My Little Garden of Story, jadi buruan berkunjung ke sana ya (^_^) ___ dan jangan khawatir karena akan ada Giveaway lain dalam beberapa bulan ke depan di setiap blog Hobby Buku, jika tidak mau terlewatkan berita update dan terbaru, silahkan follow blog Hobby Buku via email atau NetworkBlogger atau pasang link blog Hobby Buku di blogroll Anda.

And last but not least, again__Terima Kasih kepada seluruh Peserta yang turut meramaikan event ini. For The Love of Books Let’s Our Friendship Be Everlasting and Grew Even More  \(^_^)/

Best Regards,
~ Hobby Buku | Secret Garden | Maria ~

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