Breaking Waves by Robert Burleigh paintings by Wendell Minor*

Winslow Homer Paints the Sea 

Two months ago I had never heard of Winslow Homer.  When I was browsing Simply Charlotte Mason art portfolios, I asked my eleven-year-old to pick an artist he would like to study.  He selected Winslow Homer based on his painting subjects and style.  To my delight, I discovered this picture book about Mr. Homer that was just published this summer!

Beautiful illustrations; lyrical words.  Patterns provide a subtle structure to the writing (the seasons, repeated phrases).  Direct quotes by Mr. Homer are integrated into the story.  This picture book celebrates a man who truly enjoyed the work he was given to do.  After the main text, a lot of more information about Winslow Homer and tiny copies of his paintings are shared.  

Like Sarah Mackenzie says, a picture book is like having poetry and an art gallery in your lap.  This book supports her statement!

*Highly recommend.  I cannot wait to share this book with my son when study Mr. Homer!

-Borrowed from the library.

How to Art Doodle Color Patterns by Carolyn Scrace

 I borrowed this book strictly for the color wheel activity.  

-Borrowed from the library.

The Ritual Bath by Kaye Kellerman

 The First Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus Novel

Detective Decker is weary from trying to solve the Foothill rape case.  When he is called to investigate a rape in a Jewish community, he wonders if the Foothill rapist is expanding his territory.  As he delves into the case, he begins to notice discrepancies between the two cases.  Narrowing down the suspect list, he concludes the rapist may be a person who is part of the community.  Then he has the issue of Rina, a beautiful Jewish widow. .he is a goy and not allowed to pursue a relationship with her.  Rina also seems to be the rapist's target.

Very action-packed and well-written.  Mrs. Kellerman created credible characters -from minor Jewish characters to numerous criminals to the main characters.  I liked Detective Decker and Rina.  If I want a good suspense novel, I will borrow book two in this series.  Also, Mrs. Kellerman incorporates a lot of Hebrew words, Jewish customs and lifestyles, which added a stimulating layer to the book.

This book was first published in 1986.  I found it interesting to observe how technology has transformed dectective/police work and also how humans conduct themselves!

Warnings: the case centers on rape---the rapes are described but are not explicit, language, Decker visualizes what Rina would look like in skimpy clothing

Update: I won't be reading book #2 as the crime involves pornography and older men with  young girls.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain

 This novel my ninth grader will be reading this year.  

When Hank Morgan, from the nineteenth-century, wakes up in the sixth-century, he sets out to civilize England and convince its people to embrace democracy/the republic.  I enjoyed Twain's wit and his superb writing.  At times I  became weary of how Hank Morgan could incorporate any modern idea into the sixth-century!  It wasn't quite realistic, but I don't think Twain was concerned about scientific solidity or a credible plot!!

I like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain better.

Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey

 -Award-winner-Caldecott Medal

In second-person, Mr. McCloskey draws in the reader to life on the island during the summer.  

Superb word choice.  Although I enjoyed the beautiful language of this book, I did not care for the illustrations as much as Mr. McCloskey's other books.

-I own this book.

Mama Bear Apologetics General Editor- Hillary Morgan Ferrer*

 Other contributors-Julie Loos, Teasi Cannon, Rebekah Valerius, Hillary Short, Cathryn S. Buse, Alisa Childers

These women explain different cultural lies and trends and how mothers/parents can "chew and spit" to discuss these views in an intelligent manner with their children.  Some topics-self-helpism, naturalism, skepticism, postmodernism, moral relativism, emotionalism, pluralism, new spirituality, marxism, feminism, & progressive Christianity.

As I was reading it, I was frustrated with my ability to retain the valuable information and ideas!  This book is definitely one that can be utilized as an ongoing resource.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from a friend.