The Delightful Horror of Family Birding by Eli J. Knapp illustrated by John Rhett*

 In my alma mater's "newsletter", I read about this book and knew I HAD to read it. After borrowing it via inter-lib. loan, a few chapters in, I knew I wanted to own it and returned it, unfinished. I finally put aside other books and read it in two days. Dr. Knapp and I attended the same college (I don't think we ever talked??), and Professor Rhett, the illustrator for this book, was my art professor. I loved reading a book that was created by two people I "knew".

Dr. Knapp engages readers with humorous yet philosophical essays about birds and nature. His puns are funny and "groany" at the same time! As I read, I would chuckle over a sentence or his crazy experiences in nature. I am glad to own this book and will be one I would reread. How I wish I could return to "my" college and take Dr. Knapp's ornithology course and go birding with him!

*Highly recommend.

Considerations: Evolution & old-earth views are treated as fact. God is not mentioned much in the essasy although he gives Him ultimate thanks in the acknowledgements.

The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper*

 I read this classic so I could interact with my son as he reads it for English this year. Critics have a lot to say about the lack of character development, the awkward dialogue, racism & sexism, and wordiness. Despite becoming distracted at times by the wordiness and older word choice, I thoroughly enjoyed this classic. When reading the classics, one needs to understand what society was like at that time, their worldview, and to appreciate the classic's contribution to literature. In other words, consider its context and seek its value. It was considered the first "Great American Novel", and Cooper was called the first American author.

Readers should be aware that Cooper sometimes calls a character by their first name and then in the next sentence by their title/their role or their last name. I found this confusing sometimes!

After reading this book, I am now reading a collection of essays about birding. My brain needs a break! This read was arduous but worth it!

Considerations: violence, very graphic killing of an infant in chapter 17, death of characters

*Highly recommend.

-I own 2 copies of this book (one for me, one for my son). I would love to find a copy with N.C. Wyeth's paintings in it.

We will be watching the movie when my son finished the novel. 

Wild + Free Book Club by Ainsley Arment*

 If you want to host a book club with friends or just have a special celebration with your children, this book is all you need! I have already shared most of these books with my sons so I won't be able to utilize many ideas. Wish it had been published years ago! I will be incorporating ideas from this book after I read aloud Tom Sawyer to my sons in the near future.

Beautiful photographs and whimsical illustrations. A nice mix of classics and modern novel

Most of the discussion questions were basic/quiz-like. I like Sarah Mackenzie open-ended questions because they create opportunities for discussion and also require critical thinking.

Books it features: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Anne of Green Gables, Around the World in Eighty Days, Black Beauty, Charlotte's Web, The Crossover, Esperanza Rising, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, Farmer Boy, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, The Green Ember, Heidi, The Hobbit, Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Little House in the Big Woods, A Little Princess, Little Women, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, My Side of the Mountain, Peter Pan, Pippi Longstocking, Robin Hood, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, The Secret Garden, The Swiss Family Robinson, Treasure Island, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The First Notes The Story of DO, RE, MI by Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton illustrated by Chiara Fedele*

 Guido, a Benedictine monk living at Pomposa Abbey, loved music. The complicated hymns, however, were challenging to learn. One day he realized that only six tones existed in any song. His discovery enabled him to teach choir singers hymns & songs quickly. He published a book about his methods and was recognized by the Pope. 

A lot of additional information about Guido, his life at an abbey, and his methods are included after the story.

Pair with: Do, Re, Mi: If You Can Read Music, Thank Guido d'Arezzo by Susan L. Roth with Angelo Mafucci

*Highly recommend-especially for music lovers.

-Borrowed from the library.

Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows-DVD

 Rated PG-13 -intense sequences of violence & action and some drug material

Sherlock & Watson work together to demolish Moriarty, an evil genuis, before he decimates the world. The entire movie is intense with surprises and humor. 

*Highly recommend for junior high (use descretion for junior high) or older.

Consideration: In addition to the intense action/violence, Mycroft, Sherlock's older brother, walks around naked at his home in front of Mary, Watson's new wife. The viewer does not see anything inappropriate-just his bare chest & back-enough to know he is naked!

-Borrowed from the library.

What Katy Did -DVD

 Rated: G

Starring: Megan Follows, Alison Pill, & Dean Stockwell

The movie was different from the book but it did keep the main plot intact-cousin Helen, who is an invalid comes to visit,  & Katy falls off a swing and injures her back. I enjoyed the movie and was able to appreciate the different version. 

Spoiler alert: Cousin Helen dies. In the book Aunt Izzy dies.  The movie was a bit rushed through the plot, which made Katy's recovery seem a bit unrealistic. I liked the book better but liked watching the movie.

*Highly recommend.

Points to discuss/considerations: Katy's father is a widow (they talk about his wife's /Katy's mom's  life & death throughout the movie), serious injuries & the bitterness/angry that can accompany it, one man is a drunk, Katy's father drinks alcohol after Katy's accident

-Borrowed from the library.

What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge*

 Katy, the oldest in the family, manages to create fun and chaos wherever she goes! When she was young, her mother died. Her rambunctiousness exasperates her aunt, who lives with them. This book was entertaining and fun to read! Katy reminds me of Anne of Green Gables (with lots of siblings).

-Borrowed via inter-lib. loan. The copy they loaned me included all the novels about Katy and her family. The copy, however, was fragile and made me nervous that I would ruin it as I read. As a result, I only read the first novel, What Katy Did. Some day I would like to read the other ones.

*Highly recommend. I ususally don't like girl main characters, but I liked Katy! God is mentioned via her Cousin Helen. 

I wish our county library had this series available. They do have the movie, which I requested.

Two advent books

 This advent I read Tsh Oxenreider's Shadow & Light. With each reading she has a suggested piece of music to listen, piece of art to look at, and a question to ponder. My favorite part was viewing the artwork each day. Her scripture readings came mostly from Psalms. For those who prefer to read the traditional Christmas story throughout the month, she provides those scriptures in the back. The devotional was not as "meaty" as I would have liked.

-I own this book.

A week before Christmas my good friend handed this devotional, Heaven's Light Breaking by Greg Laurie, to me at church. I really liked this one. Mr. Laurie incorporates memorable analogies and examples and thought-provoking challenges. Very Scripture-centered. *Highly recommend. I own this book-thanks to my friend! I plan to read this devotional during Advent 2024.

Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins*

 Mr. Collins shares engaging stories about our Christmas traditions. During the week leading up to Christmas for our history classs, my sons and I read about and shared with each other how our Christmas traditions started. My oldest son utilized and liked this book for this assignment. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Sherlock Holmes DVD

 2009 Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, & Mark Strong

Rated: PG 13 -intense scenes of violence & action, some startling images, & a scene of suggestive material

Since my youngest is into Sherlock Holmes, we have been watching TV shows & movies that recreate this famous classic. This movie is intense, clever, and full of action. Finally Lord Blackwood has been captured and hanged. As the doctor on duty at the hanging, Watson confidently declares him dead. When people begin spying roaming London, terror erupts. Watson and Sherlock pursue the clues to prevent more deaths and evils.

*Highly recommend but see why it is rated PG-13. The suggestive scene is easily predicted. We were able to fast forward through it.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Little Books of the Little Brontes by Sara O'Leary illustrated by Briony May Smith*

 Ms. O'Leary reveals the love the Bronte siblings had for books and for each other in this beautifully illustrated picture book. To entertain each other, they would craft homemade books and create stories. Instructions on how to make a tiny book are included. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Simple Christmas on the Farm by Phyllis Alsdurf illustrated by Lisa Hunt

 Initially a young girl is disappointed that her parents want to keep Christmas simple. Soon she realizes how delightful simple can be. A gathering with family and friends in their barn is an apt way to celebrate Christmas. Instructions how to make the homemade gifts are included.

-Borrowed from the library.

Holly Claus The Christmas Princess by Brittney Ryan illustrated by Laurel Long with Jeffrey K. Bedrick

 This picture book is based on Brittney Ryan's chapter book called The Legend of Holly Claus

When a young boy asks Santa Claus what he wants for Christmas, King Nicholas of Fovever was moved to tears. He wishes for a child. Soon he holds his daughter Holly. Unfortuantely an evil warlock, Herrikhan, hears of the child's birth and realizes she is the answer to his curse.

   I was not overly impressed with this story.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Enchanted Book A Tale from Krakow by Janina Porazinska Translated by Bozena Smith illustrated by Jan Brett*

 A fascinating folk tale/fairy tale with rich illustrations by Ms. Brett

The miller's three daughters are beautiful. The eldest loves pretty things and looking at herself.  The middle daughter spends her days dancing. The youngest daughter is industrious and kind. When an elderly woman stays with them for the winter, she gives each of the daughters the opportunity to learn to read. Only the youngest daughter seizes the opportunity. An evil enchanter hears about the lovely daughters. He captures all three daughters. The youngest daughter, because of her ability to read, frees herself, her sisters, and seventeen other young ladies from a spell.

I borrowed this book because I wanted to view Ms. Brett's earlier art work. Her art has evolved. Contrasting this book with her more recent publications would prove to be an interesting activity.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

On the Frontier with Mr. Audubon by Barbara Brenner*

 Ms. Brenner creates an account of John James Audubon and his thirteen-year-old trainee/assistant, Joseph Mason, as they travel the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers for eighteen months. Together they observe, shoot, and draw birds. Using an unedited dairy of Audubon's, Ms. Brenner includes only actual incidents. Although the conversations are fictional, she based them on facts. I found this biography extremely interesting. Some readers may be upset how Audubon shoots or wounds some birds so he can draw them.

*Highly recommend for junior high and older.

Considerations/warnings: Mr. Audubon's dad had relations with a woman who was not his wife. The woman died soon after Audubon was born. His father's wife raised him with much love. Two swear words, killing birds in order to draw them, Mr. Audubon uses snuff, some people become drunk, Mr. Audubon becomes very friendly with a teenage girl whom he is tutoring (he is fired from this position because of his over-friendliness).

O Holy Night! Masterworks of Christmas Poetry Edited by Johann M. Moser

 During the days in December leading up to Christmas, I have been reading a poem or two from this anthology. I will not have read every single one before I return it to the library. Most of the poems were written four hundred years ago with some created in the 20th century. I enjoyed worshiping and thinking about Christ in this different way. One section is devoted to Mary, which I skipped.

-Borrowed from the library.

Peter Spier's Christmas**

As I read this book, I smiled as fond memories unfolded-shopping malls, addressing Christmas cards (not photo cards), Christmas caroling, homemade gifts, listening to Christmas songs on a record player, delivering cookies to neighbors-very nostalgic!

Through illustrations (wordless) Mr. Spier guides the reader from pre-Christmas day preparations to the fun-filled day to the aftermath-clean up!

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (another one I will purchase if I see available in a bookstore).

Winter's Gift written & illustrated by Jane Monroe Donovan*

 On Christmas Eve an elderly man aches for his deceased wife. He longs to place a star at the top of the Christmas tree with her. Each year she would remind him how there is always hope. He sees no hope this Christmas. Hearing a noise in the winter storm, the man endures the frigid evening. On the edge of his property he discovers a mare lying in the snow. Gently he leads her into his old barn. Christmas morning brings a surprise and  . . .hope.

The illustrations are beautiful and evoke the senses.

*Highly recommend. A gentle, sweet story.

-Borrowed from the library. I would like to buy this one sometime.

Cozy in Love by Jan Brett

 Cozy, the musk ox, is discouraged. Losing in a bashing contest, he bemoans how now he would not win the affections of Lofti, a beautiful female musk ox. He soon forgets his disappointment when Puffin alerts him to how Bella, the beluga whale, is in danger. Using science, he rescues and then enjoys a wonderful reward!

-Borrowed from the library.

 

Home for Christmas Stories for Young and Old compiled by Miriam LeBlanc illustrated by David G. Klein*

 Short stories from different time periods and cultures

Some of the authors: Pearl S. Buck, George Sumner Albee, Madeline L'Engle, Henry van Dyke, Katherine Paterson, Elizabeth Goudge, Selma Lagerlof

My fourteen-year-old and I read three books from this anthology this December. Each story was superbly written. These stories will appeal to teens and adults.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Memories of Survival by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz & Bernice Steinhardt**

 I cannot recall how I heard about this book. Because of its uniqueness, I plan to purchase it.

Esther, a Polish Jewish teenager during WW II, relates through needlework art her life before the Nazi invasion, during it, and then after it. I love that she was an ordinary girl who demonstrated courage as she survived those awful years.

Esther's needlework art (embroidery and fabric collage by sewing machine and but mostly done by hand) is unique and beyond belief! She even embroidered captions for each depiction. Her daughters decided to share her story with the world. I am glad they did.

*Highly, highly recommend (for junior high and older).

Considerations: Esther does not shield the reader from the cruelty and the violence that pervaded this time period. One picture displays Nazi's hanging from trees. 

*Borrowed via inter-lib. loan.

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson*

 Mr. Sanderson is an incredible story teller. He creates imaginative worlds, compelling plots, and engaging characters. I did not like the setting in the story; it "creeped" me out and made me feel suffocated and trapped. However, I loved the characters and the plot so much that I endured the world!! On the other hand, I admire his ability to create such a vivid world! My sixteen-year-old read this and handed it over to me, saying, "Mom, you need to read this. You will really like it." He was right! 

This story is more whimsical than his other novels, which appeals to me! The art on the end pages and Tress's portrait are beautiful.

The Sorceress has captured Tress's beloved friend Charlie. Tress sets out to rescue him. Her credentials? A window washer. On her voyage on the spore sea with a band of pirates, she discovers friendship and the power of love and loyalty. Hoid and Ulaam, characters from Sanderson's other worlds, are part of this story. Hoid is the narrator. He is very funny (sometimes crass).

*Highly recommend.

Warning: a couple of swear words, some violence, some crassness (one had to infer but I think, Hoid hinted that the Sorceress's tower looked like a male part! It wasn't very clear . . .but  I think I am correct.)

Sherlock Season Three DVD*

 I think these three episodes have been my favorite in the series. They were extra clever and suspenseful. Unfortunately, I read reviews that say season four is disappointing. Since my husband and I watched this series years ago, I cannot remember if I agree with this assessment. 

*Highly recommend for "fourteen" years old and older but see warnings.

Warning/considerations: Mary, Watson's wife, is pregnant before they marry. In "His Last Vow" Sherlock's girlfriend stays over night. She emerges from his bedroom in a very short nightshirt. She then goes into the bathroom where he is bathing (the camera does not go into the bathroom so nothing is shown). Also in this episode Sherlock is undercover in a drug house. Watson goes to "rescue" Mary's friend's son from it and discovers Sherlock there. It does depict how drug abuse strips one of humanity and of a thriving life.

-Borrowed from the library.

Home for Christmas by Jan Brett*

 Rollo, a naughty troll, will never lose his tail, for only kind and helpful trolls do. Exasperated with his parents' demands, he leaves his home. For a while he enjoys his freedom. He finds homes with various wild animals. In the end he realizes "there is no place like home" and returns. The borders and illustrations are, of course, exquisite. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Pumpkin Day at the Zoo by Susan Meissner illustrated by Pablo Pino*

 A fun rhyming book about animals devouring pumpkins, a special autumn treat   The illustrations are vivid and humorus. I loved the chipmunks gathering pumpkin/squash chunks on the sly. Zoos & wildlife organizations actually collect unpainted and uncarved pumpkins to feed their animals.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Father Brown Season Ten DVD

 New characters enter season 10-Brenda (a young lady from last season whom Father Brown helps) becomes Father Brown's house help and Mrs. Divine, his new parish secretary. Although I like these new characters, I miss Mrs. McCarthy. God's redemption is still part of the show but not as predominant. I was disappointed in the episode, "Sands of Time", where they feature two gay men reuniting. Also in this episode, the man's new young wife was having sexual relations with his son from a former marriage (nothing graphic was shown). Favorite episodes were "The Hidden Man" (Flambeau returns!! ) & "The Serpent Within" .

-Borrowed from the library.

Merlin and the Making of the King retold by Margaret Hodges illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman*

 Ms. Hodges retells three Arthur legends from the old Winchester manuscript. The three legends are tailored so younger children can comprehend them. The illustrations are lavish and rich. I especially relished the borders.

Warning for sensitive younger readers: The violence is still intense. The illustrations still depict blood and demise.

*Highly recommend for adventurous boys but seeing warning. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Halloween in the Orchard by Phyllis Alsdurf illustrated by Lisa Hunt

 A sweet book that relates how a boy and his parents spend an afternoon and evening in an apple orchard on Halloween. Children can search for the scarecrows in the illustrations throughout the book. Instructions how to make a homemade trick-or-treat bag are included. The "scariest" costumes are the skeletons and bedsheet ghosts-not scary, though!

-Borrowed from the library.

Vegetable Butcher by Cara Mangini

 Fascinating book! Ms. Mangini shares how to cut and prepare a wide variety of vegetables. Recipes are included. This book may be one I reborrow during the spring/summer/fall.

-Borrowed from the library.

Gardening books

 During the winter I like to read gardening books and plan for the upcoming spring. I paged through the books below and wanted to record them so I can reference them later. All of them were borrowed from the library.

Grow More Food by Colin McCrate & Brad Halm-very practical and tons of information

The Family Garden Plan by Melissa K. Norris-She is a Christian. The only reference to God is through Bible verses she includes at the beginning of each chapter and in her introduction. She includes how many plants to plant for each person! A lot of planning worksheets that the reader may copy.

*Only could find the above book via ILL.

The Seven-Step Homestead by Leah M. Webb-she shows you how to slowly expand your garden and projects over a few years.

The History of Christmas text set

 Next week during history we will be researching and discussing some of the history behind Christmas and its traditions.

Some resources that proved useful in my preparation were: (I did not read the books cover-to-cover, just parts that were relevant to my topic)

Christmas in Amwerica in the 1700's & 1800's from World Book (borrowed from the library)- (includes recipes & craft ideas) for junior high or older-

Christmas  A Biography by Judith Flanders (borrowed from the library)-high school or older-

Christmas Past by Brian Earl (borrowed from the library)-for junior high or older-

Picture books/anthologies that I own-

Hark! A Christmas Sampler by Jane Yolen illustrated by Tomie dePaola

Christmas Tree Book by Tomie dePaola 

Early American Christmas by Tomie dePaola

For the history of PA Dutch Christmas-mainly for fun!!-

For world history-Shooting at the Stars by John Hendrix

Wholesome Holiday Short Stories

 Joe Wheeler collected numerous short stories to share with a new generation. These wholesome stories will appeal to older elementary through adults. I read a smattering of stories from a couple of the books. All titles are borrowed from the library.

Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle*

 J.C. Ryle was a pastor of the Church of England during the nineteenth century. He cared enough for young men to create a book of advice for this special group.  Even though the book was published over a 130 years ago, it still is apt and relevant. Both of my sons will be reading this booklet this school year on their "soul reading" days. My fourteen-year-old is currently reading it. I thought maybe he would find the tone would be a bit harsh and strict, but he has enjoyed reading it and thinks the urgency is necessary.

*Highly recommend.

-I own two copies of this book.

Young Hans Christian Andersen by Karen Hesse illustrated by Erik Blegvad

 Very short chapters with titles based on his published works relate Andersen's early childhood

 One chapter shares Andersen's encounter with a naked mentally-ill patient (not graphic, "there he saw a woman clothed only in her hair, her pale skin like the underbelly of  a frog." pg. 14). Younger children may be disturbed by this story as she throws herself at the door, shrieks, and tries to grab at Andersen.

Very interesting. The illustrations are lovely.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Night of His Birth by Katherine Paterson illustrated by Lisa Aisato*

 After the shepherds leave and as Joseph sleeps, Mary marvels over her son, God's Son, in her arms. Beautiful words and emotionally laden illustrations. Originally published in the Presbyterian Survey in Dec. 1985

*Highly recommend for mothers and older girls. It mentions nursing and breast. Mothers will be moved by this story.

-Borrowed from the library.

Famous Children Tchaikovsky by Ann Rachlin illustrated by Susan Hellard

 Recently my boys and I invited friends over to share the history behind Christmas songs while eating Christmas treats. My sixteen-year-old researched and shared the story behind "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy". I requested a few books from the library to assist his research. This book offers insight to Tchaikovsky's early childhood and his early interest in music. I thought the book ended abruptly.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mr. Mike Venezia features him in his "Getting to Know the World's Greatest Composers" series.