The Little Library Cookbook by Kate Young

100 Recipes from Your Favorite Books
Ms. Young, who grew up in Australia but now resides in England, pairs recipes with her favorite books.  She divides the recipes into categories-before noon, around noon, after noon (tea), the dinner table, midnight feasts, parties & celebrations and Christmas. 

I did not try any of the recipes.  The recipes seemed a bit involved at times.  But when cooking and baking from scratch, final outcomes will require time and effort!  My main reason for reading it was to enjoy the food and book pairings.  Once reading it, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how much I enjoyed reading about Ms. Young and her love for food and books. 
Photography is delightful and creative. 
-Borrowed from the library.

China Through Time illustrated by Dufei*

2,500 -Year Journey  Along the World's Greatest Canal
Exquisite, detailed illustrations of various cities along the canal that covers 1, 115 miles. 
A brief description of what is happening in each two-page illustration is contained in a text box.  Along the illustration's edges are suggestions of what to find in that specific illustration.
A time traveling cat, Lihua, is hidden in each illustration.  Younger readers will enjoy trying to find her.
A great book to pore over while studying the history of China.
-Over-sized.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Bookman's Tale by Charlie Lovett

Mr. Lovett is a superb storyteller.  I found myself wanting to read this book outside my "normal reading time". 
The story takes place during three different time periods & locations: 1995 Kingham, Oxfordshire/England,  1983-1994 Ridgefield, North Carolina,  & 1592-1800's various places in England.
Peter Byerly has just lost his beloved wife to brain cancer.  He moves to Kingham, Oxfordshire to a cottage they had just renovated to escape his grief.  When he discovers a painting in a bookshop in Wales, he begins a journey that permits him to heal, to find love and to solve a centuries old literary mystery.  As he uncovers secrets, he realizes he and his new friend Liz are not safe.
Individuals who love books and Shakespeare will relish reading this literary mystery.
I loved how Mr. Lovett wove in historical individuals whose actions affect the main character. 
Although I enjoyed the plot, I am not highly recommending it because of the below "warnings".   

Warnings: Peter communicates with Amanda's spirit-he sees her and talks with her.  The writers, booksellers, collectors, librarians in the 1500's-1800's participate in lewd activities with prostitutes.  I also did not like how some love making scenes were described in detail (Peter/Amanda and then also  characters in the past).  Some characters participate in adultery, and Peter and Amanda have premarital intimacy.  Peter also curses God in an offensive manner.  I almost stopped reading this novel when I read it.  It offended me greatly.   Liz uses some vulgar language when she thinks they will be trapped in a tunnel.
-Borrowed from the library.

Fever Year written and illustrated by Don Brown*

The Killer Flu of 1918
Little did Don Brown know when he was creating this book how relevant it would be this year!  It was just published in early September,  2019.  A little over a hundred years later we have a virus, coronavirus,  shutting down countries around the world.
Divided into three Acts according to time-frames, this graphic novel reveals its origins, its spread, and its effects.  At the end Mr. Brown shares how in 1995 the flu virus was recreated to research it further.  Various viewpoints on this resurrection were expressed.
This book offers a thorough overview of the disease/history of it plus an understanding of viruses and their impact.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris*

I love this over-sized book!  This team has collected words that are no longer included in the most recent edition of the Oxford Junior Dictionary and created acrostic poems for each word.
Very creative, descriptive poems.
The illustrations are breath-taking and fill two pages.
I shared a poem a day from this book with my boys.
*Highly recommend.
-I own this book.

Mutiny on the Bounty DVD

This week we have been studying a bit of Australian/New Zealand/British history.  One piece of history we studied was how men mutinied against Captain Bligh upon leaving Tahiti. 
This 1935 film features Clark Gable as Fletcher Christian.  In 1935 it was the "Best Picture Academy Award". 
The film brought to life the realities of being a sailor and how the law was enforced at the time.  Since they watched this engaging movie, my boys will not forget this part of history. 
Warnings:  It did not shy away from the violent nature of the career so sensitive viewers should be cautious.  There is also a scene where men swim with the natives.
Although the DVD cover was colored, the actual film was black/white.
-Borrowed from the library.

A Secret Garden by Katie Fforde

I was in the mood for something light,  so I revisited an author whom I enjoyed in my twenties.  Her stories are very light and end happily!  Most of her protagonists are women who are trying a new venture and who also discover a sweet romance.
Two females are featured in this novel. Young Philly, who is an Irish lass, resides with her grandfather in the Cotswolds in a run-down home and property.  She grows plants and flowers while he bakes cakes.  Together they sell their items at an outside market stand. 
Philly's older friend, Lorna, has been tirelessly reviving a garden of her wealthy, childhood friend, Peter.  When Peter's new girlfriend decides to open up Peter's massive garden to the general public for a fundraiser, Lorna enlists Philly's help. 
As the story unfolds, both women begin romances. 
Not much of the book is devoted to the actual "secret garden", which was a bit disappointing.
Differing worldview- I did not like that both Philly and Lorna participate in premarital sex.  No description is included (which I appreciate), but the reader knows it has happened.  A few swear words are included.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Crofter and the Laird by John McPhee*

Originally written for The New Yorker magazine in 1969, the essays were compiled to create this book a year later.  The author, John McPhee, recounts months he, his wife and four school age daughters spend on his ancestral, Scottish island, Colonsay.  As he interacts with the crofters, the tenant farmers, he learns about the island and its people.  When the laird arrives, he reveals the perspective of this controversial figure.  As the reader, I found great delight in getting to know the people who lived there at the time and also the laird.  Not only does Mr. McPhee bring to life this interesting island and its people but also its the ancient tales, the clan battles and their mystical beliefs. 
As I read this book, I was looking up Colonsay online and found that it is now possible to stay there and visit in comfortable homes.  It looks absolutely beautiful.  I wonder if any of the people Mr. McPhee mentioned are still alive and living on the island.  His writing allows the reader to feel like they are conversing with the people themselves.
*Highly recommend for those who love essays and learning about people in different cultures.
-Borrowed via Inter Lib. Loan (not available in my county).

Curious Kid's Guide to . . .

My sister-in-law, who has a curious preschooler,  told me about The World Jesus Knew.  I then saw the same author-illustrator team had recently published The World of the Old Testament.  
These books are full of interesting facts and will bring the Bible and its setting and culture to life.
In The World of the Old Testament I found a couple of points with which I disagreed.  The author states that mankind has lived for more than 10,000 years.  He also categories the first few chapters of Genesis as myths (or that they contain mythical elements).
Fascinating facts, but be aware of maybe differing views/beliefs.
*I just viewed on Amazon that on July 7, 2020 this team will have a new book out-The World of the First Christians! Definitely one I will be trying to find!
-Borrowed from the library (*The World of the Old Testament I borrowed via Inter-Lib. Loan.)

Our Nation's Beginnings (USA) text set

Many books have been published about the Revolutionary War and the USA's beginning government.  The following books my boys have read to themselves or I have read to them during our recent study:

1. Extraordinary Patriots of the United States of America (Colonial Times- Pre-Civil War) by Nancy Robinson Masters**Highly, highly recommend.
Brief biographies with fascinating facts.
Perfect for third graders through high school!
-Borrowed from the library (but if I see this book somewhere, I will buy it.)


2. We the People by Peter Spier
*Highly recommend.
Numerous illustrations depict the preamble of the constitution.  I liked how Mr. Spier contrasted activities and ways of life in the Colonial period with modern times.
-Borrowed from the library.


3. A More Perfect Union : The Story of Our Constitution by Betsy and Giulio Maestro
-We own this book.


4. The Story of the Constitution by Marilyn Prolman
-We own this book.


5. The U.S. Constitution by Norman Pearl illustrated by Matthew Skeens
A very basic overview-good for early elementary school.
-Borrowed from the library.


6. The Magic Tree House Research Guide-American Revolution by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce illustrated by Sal Murdocca
-We own this book.


7. If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution by Kay Moore illustrated by Daniel O'Leary
-We own this book.


8. Gingerbread for Liberty by Mara Rockliff illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch
Love this book!  Ms. Rockliff is a local author.
Shares "How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution".  The text is sparse, but Ms. Rockliff includes many interesting facts in the author's note section.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.


9. 12 Questions About the Bill of Rights by Tracey E. Dils
-Borrowed from the library.


10. The Bill of Rights in Translation: What It Really Means by Amie Jane Leavitt
-Borrowed from the library.


11. Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz illustrated by Tomie dePaola
Lots of other great books by this author about our founding fathers and our country's beginnings.  My ten year old read at least four from that series in a short amount of time.
-Borrowed from the library.


12. Rush Revere series by Rush Limbaugh
-We own the first three.

A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese**

I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this middle grade novel.  I loved it!
Mr. Calabrese weaves together many little plots and characters to create a compelling, hopeful story.
Three students, Ernest, Ryan and Lizzy, are bonded by an old wishing well and the results of the wishes.  Ernest is convinced that his deceased grandfather's attic holds objects that mysteriously help wishes come true.
This book reinforces that all people have a story and are enduring private struggles. 
A perfect mixture of suspense, likable characters, and satisfying resolutions.
Readers who struggle with comprehension may need to keep a list of the different characters as a lot are introduced throughout the book.
I want to read this one aloud to my ten-year old son.
**Highly, highly recommend. (Finally a realistic fiction book with no apparent agenda!!  Rare find these days!)
Warnings/points to discuss: High school students drinking schnapps and smoking, physical abuse, verbal/emotional abuse, an elderly woman dies during the story-a character finds her, divorce
-Borrowed from the library.

The Crossing DVD

Starring Jeff Daniels as George Washington, this movie depicts Washington's struggle and turmoil as he decides what to do a few days before Christmas and the day after in 1776.  The battle featured in this movie was The Battle of Trenton. 
My sons and I watched this after a couple of weeks studying the Revolutionary War.  We were able to compare its content to what we have learned.  We were disappointed how the movie portrayed George Washington-swearing and at one time vulgar.  According to David Adler's book (Heroes of the Revolution), Washington had ordered "no profane cussing, swearing or drunkenness" and required his men to attend religious services and pray to God for His help.   I also know he was a man of manners.  It is sad the movie chose not to exhibit these wonderful qualities. 
Not rated.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warnings: violence (My ten year old had to hide his eyes.)-battle scenes/close fighting with bayonets, mentions a general going to bed with a woman near his post most every night, lots of swearing, George Washington makes a vulgar comment about Henry Knox's testicles.

Heroes of the Revolution by David A. Adler illustrated Donald A. Smith*

Twelve individuals who had a big impact on the Colonies' rebellion and fight against Britain are featured with a full page illustration and a couple paragraphs about their contributions and their "story". (Ethan Allen, Crispus Attucks, Lydia Darragh, Nathan Hale, Mary Hays-"Molly Pitcher", Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Paul Revere, Haym Salomon, Deborah Sampson, George Washington)
Very succinctly summarized with compelling facts.
-I own this book.
*Highly recommend.

Eat Your U.S. History Homework by Ann McCallum illustrated by Leeza Hernandez

Recipes for Revolutionary Minds
Recipes that reflect food the Colonists may have eaten plus facts about pivotal events in our country's history (From Pilgrims-Revolutionary War).
Although I did not follow each recipe exactly, the recipes gave me a starting point with ideas. 
-I own this book.

Land of the Pilgrim's Pride by Callista Gingrich illustrated by Susan Arciero

Ellis the elephant learns about the beginnings of the thirteen colonies.
Rhyming text loaded with interesting facts.
Sweet illustrations.
Part of a series.
-I own this book.

True Grit by Charles Portis*

An author I like wrote a blog post about Charles Portis and True Grit after Mr. Portis passed away on February 17, 2020.  The excerpts this author quoted intrigued me and convinced me to read the book.  I am glad I did!  While reading it, memories of devouring Louis L'amour books would flit in and out of my mind.  It was fun to read a western story again!
Fourteen year old Mattie leaves her mother and siblings behind in order to avenge her father's death.  Tom Chaney, their hired hand, has shot her father and escapes the law.  Mattie hires Rooster Cogburn, a U.S. Marshal, who is not afraid to kill.  Mattie, Rooster and a handsome Texas officer LaBoeuf enter Indian Territory to pursue Chaney and find themselves involved with some other outlaws.
The dialogue is witty, the plot engaging and the characters are well-developed.
Mattie is admirable character and her voice is strong and confident.
As recently as 2010 a movie has been produced based on this novel.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

East O' the Sun and West O' the Moon by P.J. Lynch, translated by Sir George Webbe Dasent*

Absolutely stunning illustrations!
A Norwegian fairy tale
A farmer gives up his youngest daughter to the White Bear.  The White Bear promises the farmer that he will be as rich as he is currently poor.  After much persuasion, the daughter agrees to leave and reside with the White Bear.  Living with him is not a hardship for she has everything she could ever want.  She, however, misses her family and is lonely.  Meanwhile, her family is enjoying riches and a massive home beyond their imaginations.  The White Bear allows the daughter to visit her family, warning her not to be alone with her mother.  The daughter does not listen to the White Bear and horrible consequences ensue.  For most of the story the daughter is trying to break a spell she has activated. 
Warnings: At night the White Bear becomes a handsome prince.  Each night he lies with the girl, but she cannot see who exactly he is.  The term "bosom" is used (The daughter hides a small candle in it.  A curious child may ask what a bosom is.).  The daughter lies.  When she does finally help the prince break the spell, the translation says "there was great joy and love between them all that night" and a full page illustration of them lying side by side with the prince passionately kissing her on the cheek. . . .most kids won't understand what this means, but thought I should share it.  The trolls are very ugly and may scare more sensitive readers.  I was startled when I turned the page to see one for the first time!!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler*

I loved this book about resilience and hope.
Told from the point of view of Marvel, she shares how her family had to move into a tar paper shack in the woods after their father dies in 1932.  The mother and her eight children manage to survive on the resources around them. 
Beautifully written and illustrated.
The story is inspired by Ms. Wheeler's grandmother Marvel's childhood.
*Highly recommend.

The Dragon by Archibald Marshall illustrated by Edward Ardizzone

How can a king destroy a dragon that feeds on his kingdom?  Have princes come to kill it by promising a reward of his beautiful daughter, the princess  and have half of his kingdom, of course!
The amusing solution will satisfy readers!
Point to discuss: the term "murderer" (The King would feed the dragon murderers.)
-Borrowed from the library.

The Wall by Peter Sis*

-Award winner
Mr. Sis grew up behind the "Iron Curtain".  In this amazing book he describes what life is like when socialism and communism rule the Czechoslovakia.
A book that will stimulate interesting conversations about government, socialism and communism.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Nine Months by Miranda Paul illustrated by Jason Chin*

The reader experiences the development and growth of a baby girl from Day 17 until her birth.  Mr. Chin, the illustrator, reveals the baby's development as she grows in utero with detailed, accurate illustrations. 
This book extols the miracle of life!
Lots of great additional information at the end of the book.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Little Libraries, Big Heroes by Miranda Paul illustrated by John Parra

This sweet picture book shares how Todd Bol's idea of the "Free Little Library" germinated, slowly grew and then burst into full bloom around the world.
-Borrowed from the library.