READY PLAYER ONE

by Ernest Cline

It’s the year 2044, and the real world is an ugly place. Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes his grim surroundings by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia that lets you be anything you want to be. OASIS creator James Halliday has hidden a series of fiendish puzzles inside the vast worlds of the OASIS and has bequeathed his entire fortune to whoever can unlock the riddles based in the pop culture he loved — that of the late twentieth century.

As you may have guessed, Watts is the one to stumble upon the first clue Halliday left behind and now the whole world is watching — along with certain powerful players who are willing to commit very real murder to gain this prize. What follows is a fantastical adventure of 1980s pop culture and Atari-style video games — with a few real life lessons of friendship, love and facing up to the challenges life throws at us.

“Ready Player One” is a must-read for everyone that grew up among the pop culture of the video games era. If you find yourself imagining the vivid OASIS battles and wishing to see them on the silver screen, you are in luck because the film directed by Steven Spielberg is currently scheduled to be released in early 2018.

← ODD and the FROST GIANTS

by Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by Chris Riddell

Living in a village in ancient Norway, twelve-year-old Odd is an unlucky boy who has lost his father, had his leg shattered when a tree falls on it, and is just trying to find a quiet spot away from the grumpy villagers.

In the forest, Odd encounters a bear, a fox and an eagle who are really the Norse gods Odin, Thor and Loki. Together, they go on a journey to end the long winter caused by the Frost Giants who have invaded Asgard. It’s going to take someone very special to outwit the Frost Giants and restore peace.

“Odd and the Frost Giants” is a delightful adventure for both kids and adults alike. Recommended for ages 8–12, read this with your children and marvel over the stunning illustrations. Go with Odd on his wild and magical journey, and learn a little about Norse Mythology along the way.

Little Jungle Childcare Center

When families enroll in the Little Jungle Childcare Center, children will receive the best care the industry has to offer. All that is needed is to “expect more.”

If you enjoy reading, discovering great new books, and discussing them with others I highly recommend Litsy, a new bookish social media app. Free for iOS and Android, Litsy has been described by Book Riot as “a social media app for readers that is kind of like if Instagram and Goodreads had a beautiful, perfect baby.”

You can share your favorite quotes, review the books you’ve read, and post other pictures and moments with blurbs. There are stacks to organize your reading list and users post all sorts of photo challenges, reading challenges, recommendations, quotes, book clubs and topics. I’ve found more great new books to read here than anywhere else, and made lots of new bookish friends from all over the world.

FOR MORE INFO or to download the Litsy app for your device go to Litsy.com If you join, be sure to follow me: @meganann

Mother Goose preschool curriculum

built into the program for no extra charge.

Gardening program

6

- 5

Yrs

& After school program

Ed Clapp – Centennial Independence – Kennedy Oak Grove Elementary all things woman

Mike Sherman 701-306-5119

Debbie Trombley 701-729-1910

Marietta Hartze-Andresen 701-200-3010

Jon-Michael Sherman 701-306-1288 areawomanmagazine.com