MMGM: Nim's Island

Today's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday pick:

Nim's Island, by Wendy Orr
Cover by Chris Riddell

Nim's Island

Written by Wendy Orr
Illustrated by Kerry Millard
Allen & Unwin, 1999
Ages 7-10, Lexile 930L
128 pp, 21500 words


Themes:
father-daughter relationship, tropical adventure


Opening:
"In a palm tree, on an island, in the middle of the wide blue sea, was a girl.

"Nim's hair was wild, her eyes were bright, and round her neck she wore three cords. One was for a spyglass, one for a whirly, whistling shell and the other a fat, red pocketknife in a sheath.

"With the spyglass at her eye, she watched her father's boat. It sailed out through the reef to the deeper dark ocean, and Jack turned to wave and Nim waved back, though she knew he couldn't see.

"Then the white sails caught the wind and blew him out of sight, and Nim was alone. For three days and three nights, whatever happened or needed doing, Nim would do it."


Thoughts:
Nim is a young girl who lives on a volcanic island with her scientist father. When her dad leaves her alone during a three day expedition, Nim must use all her ingenuity and imagination to tackle the adventures that befall her. She is aided by a seal and an iguana who show remarkable intelligence. In tough times, Nim asks advice from her favorite author via email. Despite the dangers, this scrappy heroine protects her island's inhabitants and herself.

I loved this book, discovering it only after I had seen the movie. When you're looking for capable female characters, consider Nim whose independent spirit, boundless imagination, and generous heart see her through both emotional and physical crises.The story is full of scientific exploration, stewardship principles, and just plain fun.You'll find my review of the movie on last Friday's Summer Drive-In.


Bonus: 
1. There are more Nim books by this dynamic author/ illustrator duo. Check out the sequels and collections on Wendy's website.

Nim at Sea,
just one of the available stories
featuring Nim and her friends

2. Looking for books with a similar vibe? You might try the nonfiction Girls Who Looked Under Rocks and Finding Wonders, by Jeannine Atkins or Island of the Aunts, by Eva Ibbotson.

Finding Wonders
by Jeannine Atkins,
Cover by Victoria Assanelli

Island of the Aunts,
by Eva Ibbotson
Cover by Kevin Hawkes

3. Other MMGM bloggers recommend

The Unwanteds, by Lisa McMann, reviewed by Shannon Messenger and Michelle Mason.
The Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann Wyss, reviewed here on Bookish Ambition.
Shipwreck Island, by S. A. Bodeen reviewed by The Reading Nook Reviews
The Explorers, by Adrienne Kress and Orphan Island, by Laurel Snyder, both reviewed by Word Spelunking.

4. Liberty Hill House posted all about their chapter-by-chapter classroom activities while they read Nim's Island. You'll find awesome crafts, field trips, and activities. The author also made a companion book with crafts and recipes, available on Amazon Kindle.

Check out the  Summer Drive-In review of the Nim's Island movie, from August 25, 2017.
View all the Summer Drive-In reviews for 2017.

Check out all the recommended titles for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for August 28, 2017 available on Shannon Messenger's Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe.

Feel free to leave your MG recommendations in the comments. Thanks!

Now-Playing: Nim's Island

Perfect Picture Book Friday will return in September.
Until then,

Welcome to the Bookish Ambition 

Summer Drive-In  

The Circle Drive-In from my childhood. Still open and now with double features on two screens!

 Now Playing: 
Nim's Island
Written by Wendy Orr
Illustrated by Kerry Millard
Allen & Unwin, 1999
Ages 7-10, Lexile 930L

Nim's Island, Allen & Unwin, 1999

Nim's Island, Walden 2008

Highlights from the book?

• Engaging writing 
• Strong female character
• Fantasy and reality overlap    
• Smattering of scientific facts   
• Timeless appeal 

Highlights from the movie?

• Jody Foster's performance
• Adorable animal cast  
• Hilarious cartoon-style antics 
• Sympathetic moments for the author in me

Opening:

"In a palm tree, on an island, in the middle of the wide blue sea, was a girl."


Movie Trailer:   

Nim's Island follows Nim on her adventures around her deserted island home during her father's three-day expedition which turns into something more. She is helped by her iguana and seal friends, and by her emails to her favorite author.

I was initially disappointed with the casting of Abigail Breslin in the role of Nim. She has a definite Pollyanna vibe about her which differs from my interpretation of the text. Abby is a talented actress and her efforts eventually won me over. The movie itself deepens the subplots in order to widen the audience and intensify the character relationships. The addition of actual villains makes the story more cinematic. While all these changes were necessary to make a great film, some part of me would have liked to see a quieter movie more in keeping with Wendy's fabulous story.

Aside from the changes, it is hard not to love the humor and characterizations in the film. The settings are breathtaking, and the idea of an independent life on an island where your best friends are animals will appeal to every kid and kid-at-heart.

Reminisce with intermission commercials
from Captain Bijou on You Tube.

Visit Our Snackbar!

Modern kids probably can't imagine a theater without nachos. While they are hardly vintage fare, I can't resist a good bag of chips and a messy platter of cheesy goodness.

Try the Bacon Nachos Supreme recipe from Taste of Home or for a more mini van-friendly snack, Walking Tacos with a bag of Doritos or Fritos (my favorite!)

Nostalgic for a drive-in movie?
There are over 5,000 drive-in theaters across the U.S. mapped for you on Cinema Treasures.

Photo available from Futuramic Fotos

Remember fuzzy dice? If you haven't won any at the local carnival, Make your own with instructions for a felted mini-version on Cut Out & Keep.

Have you reviewed the book? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

View all the Summer Drive-In reviews for 2017.

Check out the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday review of Nim's Island, coming August 28, 2017.