Four seasonal stories featuring Beti, her parents, and her baby brother Jac, who live in a round house They choose to live off the land and make everything they need to survive.
At times I felt disoriented because they are a modern family who is choosing to live without modern conveniences. Beti is fiesty and places herself into predicaments!
-Borrowed from the library.
In 1884 Barbara Baum and her family are leaving Burnt Cabins in PA and are traveling west to Mead's Crossing. Fortunately, her best friends,Trudy and Tess along with their mother and brother Philip are joining them on this adventure. Their fathers are already preparing the property. Jonas, Barbara's brother and Philip lead the mothers and daughters across the wilderness where they encounter dangerous and challenging circumstances.
The author immerses readers in this time period. Although the readers will learn a lot, the writing is not didactic The characters are credible. I read this book in one sitting. I would recommend having children learning about colonial America and colonial PA to read this book.
Garth William's illustrations are always a delight and a positive addition!
This book and Bread and Butter Indian are based on the author's husband's great-great-grandmother's journals.
*Highly recommend.
Pair with Laura Ingalls Wilder books
-Borrowed via ILL.
Recently divorced, Jeannie Light moves onto her divorce settlement land in VA intending to raise sheep on its rocky terrain. Then Charles, a man from Graves Mill whose property butts against hers, proposes she open up the old Baptist church. Soon she is immersing herself in the mountain community, studying scripture deeply, and watching God transform her and her eclectic Bible study group. Christ and His salvation are proclaimed throughout the memoir. Although I did not agree with a woman leading a church (she was a lay person, not an ordained minister/priest), I mostly concurred with the other theology.
An inspiring read!
*Highly recommend (but know a woman is leading/opening a church)
Apparently Graves Mill is a historical site now-https://madisonva.com/venues/graves-mill-historical-park/
-Borrowed via ILL.
In an old apartment building people from various cultures are cooking a favorite dish. An illustrated recipe is to the right of each narrative text page. All the individuals/families meet in their shared yard to feast upon their delicious creations.
The narrative text is sparse, so I am not sure how much this book will appeal to kids. I loved viewing the clever ways Ms. Sala depicted the culture and personality of each individual and family. As an adult who loves children's books, I found this book delightful. Ms. Sala's newer book, What's Cooking in Flowerville? : Recipes from Garden, Balcony, and Window Box appears to be wonderful. The library, however, does not own a copy.
-Borrowed from the library.
360+ Dishes for Parties, Picnics, and Potlucks
Over the last six weeks I have tried several recipes from this cookbook. My family liked almost every recipe. Our favorite one was Bacon-Colby Lasagna pg. 222. Other recipes tried- Breakfast Cookies, Peachy Dutch Pancakes, Baked Blueberry Pancakes, Maple Apple Baked Oatmeal, Ham & Broccoli Casserole, Cranberry Cake, Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars.
-Borrowed from the library.
When I saw Brandon Sanderson had written a picture book, I had to check it out since he is my oldest son's favorite author.
The words are certainly not very exciting or amazing, BUT, it is intentional (alas, the title!). The illustrations contradict the words. The author and illustrator had to work closely together to create this fun and clever book.
-Borrowed from the libray.
Barbara Baum longs for "a-little-girl-her-own-age" to move to the settlement of Burnt Cabins in Western PA. This longing is pronounced when her mother gives her bread and butter sprinkled with sugar to have a tea party with her "friends". Sitting at the large stump along the creek, Barbara carefully sets leaves and sticks as place settings for her party. The squirrel and chipmunk won't cooperate; her doll Ariminta slums over. Then she notices a pair of moccains across the creek. An Indian watches her. Instead of running away like her mother had instructed her, she offers him her slice of bread with butter and sugar. A secret friendship forms, which proves life-saving later in the story.
Based on accounts from the author's husband's great-great-grandmother! Readers are immersed into what life was like in the 1780s.
*Highly recommend. I am so glad my friend shared this title and its sequel with me. I had never heard of them.
-Borrowed via ILL (a used paperback copy is $90 on Amazon!)
People come from all over the county to eat Mr. Crum's food. When a persnickety customer sends his potatoes back three times because of their thickness and blandness, Mr. Crum decides to play a trick on him. He slices them superthin, fries them to a crisp, and loads them with salt. The customer loves them! Potato chips are born! This fictional tale is based on a true story. Potato chips may have been made before this incident, but Mr. Crum is credited to popularizing this favorite snack.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Readers will enjoy poetry while learning about the Great Horned Owl! Each stanza is a haiku packed with interesting facts. The illustrations are realistic and expressive (especially when the red fox launches an attack on an owlet!).
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL.
A book that celebrates rocks and tries to connect rock searching to understanding oneself.
-Borrowed from the library.
The authors focus on holidays that utilize light in their celebrations. Featured holidays are: Diwali, Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, & Lunar New Year. The family depicted for Christmas has two dads. Christ is mentioned on the pages featuring Christmas, but not as the Light of the whole world.
An overly inclusive book.
I did not care for the art. The end pages were beautiful, though.
-Borrowed from the library.
Beatrice Steele hides herself in the family's turret of Marsh House to pine after a man . . . or so she tells her family. Actually, she reads crime cases published in a newspaper, where Inspector Huxley writes about his latest cases. Week after week she writes to Sir Huxley, sharing her opinions and how to solve the cases. One big problem-in her township, Swampshire, England, it is unlady-like to solve murder cases. The Lady's Guide to Swampshire lists all acceptable behaviors for ladies. Solving murders is not one of them.
At an Annual Autumnal Ball presented by the family's neighbors and life-long friends, the Ashbrooks, Beatrice is able to prove her prowess in solving murder when two people die. A mysterious guest also joins her side in solving the case.
I found this novel amusing and entertaining with a fast-paced plot. Austen-like phrasing, themes, and characters are incorporated throughout the story, which make it delightful. I almost was ready to recommend it to teen girls until ---see warning-(these themes/inclusions did not occur until the last third of the novel).
Warning: one character is pregnant out of wedlock, one character is in love with another female, theme of "you be true to you" then everything will be fine, feminist themes
-Borrowed from the library.
Orginally published in 1944
My friend helped me remember this title-a favorite picture book of mine when I was in elementary school. I was thrilled to reread this book!
The Doe family is tired of living in their cramped apartment in the city. As their search for a home in the country, they come to the conclusion that they could buy land and build their own home. The story relates how the family clears the land and builds their home. At the end of the story, the family feasts and celebrates with friends who participated in their project. This book contains themes that I cherish-hard work, family, and celebrating.
I would love to purchase this book....currently, the only copy I can find on Amazon is $75!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL.
Ms. Rabei transforms Mr. de la Mare's simple yet picturesque poem into a humorous story. Her illustrations build and extend on the poem so young children will enjoy it. How wonderful to be able to share beautiful language with younger children!
A farm family sits down to enjoy an evening treat. Mr. de la Mare then gives the reader a tour of the farm and relates what "dainty treats" the farm animals are savoring. Ms. Rabei focuses on the mouse encounter and imagines what chaos could ensue.
The warm colors with green depict a summer evening well.
Part of a series by Ms. Rabei-The Four Seasons.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed via ILL.
Award-winner
1805 Martha's Vineyard-
Mary Lambert is deaf. She is comfortable within her community on Martha's Vineyard, where many people are deaf. Those who are not deaf speak with signs too. Then a young man from Boston arrives to discover the "cause" of the community's prevalent deafness. As Mary watches him, she realizes he views their deafness as an illness and treats them as lesser individuals. Mary reads his notes/letters and discovers he will be bringing dirt and water samples from the island plus a live specimen. She wonders what a live specimen is. Unfortunately, she finds out! A life of horror and confusion awaits her.
A fascinating piece of history I had never encountered before reading this book.
Book #1 of a trilogy
The author's biography has a misspelling, which annoyed me.
*Highly recommend but discuss----
Points to Discuss: deafness, treatment of Wampanoag and freedmen, prejudices, kidnapping, physical abuse, Mary's hearing brother died (before this book takes place) and her mother is treating Mary unkindly in response to it (Mary thinks his death is her fault)
-Borrowed from the library
The sequel to Frindle! Before he passed away in 2019, Mr. Clements had almost completed this sequel.
Initially I did not care for this book-I thought the kids were a bit too bold, and I am not into technology like the main character, Josh. As the story progressed, I appreciated how Mr. Clements wove technology with traditional learning, reinforcing the benefits of both.
Josh, a sixth grader, dreads his ELA homework each evening. He is required to handwrite it neatly in black or blue ink. No technology is utilized in this class. Then Josh discovers something about Mr. N, his ELA teacher. If he exposes his secret, would the teacher relent from his antiquated teaching requirements?
I love the incorporation of the book The Elements of Style by William Shrunk Jr. & E.B. White.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Presented by the Colonial Radio Theatre on the Air-Dramatized for Audio, Produced & Directed by Jerry Robbins
1 1/2 hours
Winner of the 2005 Gold Ogle Award for Best Fantasy Production
This time of year I have the urge to watch The Road to Avonlea or Anne of Green Gables and also read some version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. My youngest son (age 15) and I listened to this dramatized retelling and found it humorous and delightful. When the narrator spoke, I was reminded how much I love Irving's writing style, his descriptions, and his word choice. The actors/actresses and sound effects were superb. I felt like I was watching it on stage.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
What a delightful biography! As Ms. Rinker relates how Virginia Lee Burton wrote & illustrated her well-known picture books, she also reveals how wonderful and magical of a person Ms. Burton was. Knowing the back story, I have a new perspective about her books now and will enjoy them on a different level.
The layouts of the illustrations are clever and creative.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
How could I have missed this book?!! My friend, who was at the library when I was there, recommended this book. It is hilarious!
Three dinosaurs carefully prepare their house so they can enjoy a chocolate-filled-little-girl-bonbon. Humor and sarcasm abound!
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Jakob has been working at Bletchley Park, a code-breaking facility trying decipher the Nazi's Engima cipher. When his sister Lizzie avoids her journey to America, he is forced to share his room with her and have her join the secret group at Bletchley Park. Within minutes she proves her worth and wins over the Colonel.
Two plots will engage the reader-the progression of deciphering at Bletchley Park and Lizzie's attempt (& then Jakob's) of trying to find the truth about their mother's disappearance.
Very engaging and interesting! I loved Lizzie (I usually don't care for female characters). This book is full of humor & hope despite the sobering setting & plot.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
As a child and their parent read bedtime stories, the forest surrounding them prepares for winter. A celebration of the beauty of autumn!
I love woodcut art. These woodcuts are stunning.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL.
A family searches for a house to buy in the country. They purchase a "fixer-upper" and debate on the exterior paint color. Readers will receive a lesson about color theory as they read this book.
-Borrowed via ILL.
A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners
An interesting account of the Pilgrims' history, centered around food.
Mid-late elementary students could easily read and comprehend this nonfiction book.
Recipes included.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
How a Bird Inspired Two Famous Writers, Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe
Another fascinating biography!
Charles Dickens kept numerous ravens as pets. He named all of them Grip (then Grip II & then Grip III). Poe read Dickens's novel, Barnaby Rudge, which included a pet raven and loved the story. When Dickens and his wife visited the United States, Poe was able to meet and talk with Dickens about this novel and the raven. This raven inspired Poe to write his poem, "The Raven", which finally made him famous (but not rich!).
*Highly recommend for the unusual tidbits of history that one learns about these two famous authors.
-Borrowed from the library.
In both of these books, Mousekin, a white-footed mouse, encounters a creature that is an icon for the book's featured holiday. I liked Mousekin's Thanksgiving more than Mousekin's Easter Basket. The illustrations are realistic and lovely in both books.
-Borrowed from the library.
The Fifty-Year Friendship Between Beethoven and Nannette Streicher, who Built His Pianos
A fascinating story about Beethoven and Nannette from their early years until their deaths. The author shares information about them as individuals and then when their lives intersected. The flow and overarching thread seemed lacking at points, and sometimes the information seemed scant, but I am still highly recommending it because the story is unusual and inspiring.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL.
Vincent has decided to stay away from art-not look at it, not draw it, not paint it. When his parents leave him and his adopted sister Lili at his great-uncle's house in Texas, he believes they are trying to coerce him into loving art again. His uncle's house is crammed with art. How can he avoid it? Georgia, his second cousin, is also spending the week. The two form a friendship as they attempt to rescue Lili from a sinister society in an art world.
Exciting and unique! Vincent, Lili, and Georgia travel into paintings. I loved learning about artists through this adventurous novel. Book #2-Between Flowers and Bones is already available (it is mostly from Georgia's perspective).
At first I did not care for Vincent. In my opinion, it took too long for the author to reveal why he hates art. I like how the author confronts nudity in art. She incorporates it tastefully and realistically into the story and then discusses how to handle it in the author's note. I love how she lists where to view all the art she incorporates in the book. God is mentioned throughout. Jesus, on the boat in Rembrandt's The Storm on the Sea of Galilee , helps him process and move on from the evil conflict within himself.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Marta and her mother live in the attic room of Hotel Balzaar. While her mother cleans the rooms during the day, Marta roams the hotel, trying to be quiet as a mouse. She longs for her father, who has been fighting in the war. It has been over a year since they had received a letter from him. Then the countess arrives at the Hotel Balzaar. During her stay she relates stories to Marta. At first the stories seem meaningless and disjointed. As time progresses, Marta begins to understand their connection.
I love how Ms.DiCamillo incorporates light and hope into all of her stories. Although I enjoyed this book, I think I love how Ms. DiCamillo writes the best. Her word choice is powerful.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
I love this series.
Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney are summoned to Catherine de Bourgh's estate, Rosings Park, to determine who is trying to kill her. Her demanding, overpowerful personality could cause those closest to her to resent her and to wish to eliminate her. Secrets abound with those connected to Catherine de Bourgh and Rosings Park. As Jonathan and Juliet shift through the deceptions, will they keep ahead of the would-be-murderer?
For matters of the heart, Jonathan and Juliet discover their fathers are not in favor of their relationship beyond friendship. Their tenacity will be tested.
Ms. Gray is a superb writer. She maintains Jane Austen's tone and style while creating intriguing new plots. I was thankful this novel did not involve any infidelity. I would hand this novel to a teen (but with caution with books #1-2).
Number Four in this series will be published on June 17, 2025!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
I tried three recipes from this collection so far. My family loved the "Easy Fried Rice" recipe (better than a restaurant!). The "Mini-Chip Cocoa Pancakes" were also delicious. The pasta/ham dish did not have much flavor. I won't make it again.
Most of the recipes seem simple to prepare with ingredients you already have in your fridge or pantry.
-Borrowed from the library.
Mr. Bethke evaluates the state and priorities of families in our Western culture. Infused with studies and stories, this book will cause the reader to realize how we have been sacrificing our families to the culture.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL
Chicken wants Scarecrow's hat. Scarecrow will swap it for a walking stick. Chicken flutters away in search for a walking stick. Badger owns a "nice walking stick". He would trade it for a piece of ribbon. . . . Chicken perseveres and interacts with many critters until she is able to fulfill everyone's wishes!
I loved this book! If I see it at a store, I will purchase it!
*Highly recommend
-Borrowed from the library.
Caldecott Honor Book
How I love, love these illustrations! I want to step into the pages and walk along with the fox, devouring the countryside scenes.
Fox goes out "on a chilly night" to find a goose and a duck for his family's dinner. Yes, the fox family eats the goose and duck!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Thomas Harding's great-grandfather builds a wooden house by a lake on the outskirts of Berlin. The house hosts diverse families over a period of time. As a young man, Mr. Harding finds his great-grandfather's house, visits it, and restores it to its original beauty.
I found it intriguing to read about the five different families who resided in the house. This house provided shelter for individuals during a tumultuous time in history.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
What a fascinating piece of history!! The McClures float on their floatboat from Pittsburgh, PA to the Indiana territory. This book describes their exciting encounters and beautiful scenery on this journey. When they reach the settlement, they disassemble their flatboat and use its wood to build their home!
I wish author had included an "author's note" at the end to confirm that this book was based on fact. I had to look online to see if settlers actually traveled this way (they had😄).
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
A couple months ago I remembered a book from my childhood about a family building their own home and wanted to reread it. Because of my search online for it, I have discovered some great books about homes! My friend, a former librarian and bibliophile, figured out which book I was remembering in less than an hour. The book, The Little Stone House by Berta and Elmer Hader, costs $75 on Amazon!!
Back on topic-Henry David's House-describes his experience building his house and living in solitude in his own words. The illustrations fill entire page.
I wish I had known about this book when my oldest son read Walden.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via ILL.
Award-winner-Newbery Honor, Michael L. Printz Honor, Coretta Scott King Award
Will's brother Shawn is dead. Shot. Will knows who the shooter is. He is following the three rules: 1. Don't cry. 2. No Snitching. 3. Get Revenge.
Entering the elevator, Will has a loaded gun tucked in his waistband. Revenge. Over sixty seconds dead friends and family, who have been shot, enter the elevator and talk to him about the choice looming before him. Is revenge really worth it?
Told in free verse I read this in one sitting and recommend this method. It is fast-pace. If you stop in the middle, it is almost like you lose momentum.
*Highly recommend for its literary & artistic value but see warnings. This book will lead to great discussions about revenge, misconceptions, and breaking cycles.
-Warnings: swearing (including f-word), gun violence, graphic description of Shawn's death & how he looked right after the shooting, smoking, gangs, selling drugs, stealing
-Borrowed from the library.
The True Story of the Bronx Zoo's First Woman Zookeeper
Helen Martini yearns to be a mother. She prepares her home for a baby, but she and her husband are not blessed with a little one. Then her husband, Fred who works at the Bronx Zoo, brings home a lion cub whose mother has rejected him. Helen cares for him like a baby until he is strong enough to return to the zoo. Soon Helen finds herself caring for three tiger cubs and many other creatures. Eventually, she remodels an abandoned room into a nursery at the zoo.
The word and illustrations placement are clever. I love this biography -for the interesting story and for the artistic/literary value.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
A barn relates its history and the U.S. history over the centuries. Readers witness the changes to the landscape and the people. I loved the language and the imagery.
I researched where this story takes place and discovered it is along the Atlantic coast of New Hampshire (Hampton).
Pair with A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
....About What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts)
Mrs. Guthrie and her husband lost two children to the same disease. They are cohosts of the GriefShare video series.
If I owned this book, I would have been highlighting and underlining as I read. With a personal tone, Mrs. Guthrie shares how to interact and how NOT to interact with someone who is grieving. She includes stories and insights from grieving people.
It is very easy reading-an elementary student could read it (maybe not mature enough for the topic).
Chapters: What to Say (and Not to Say), Typical Things People Say (and What You Can Say Instead), Assumptions We Make That Keep Us Away (and Why We Should Simply Show Up), What to Do (and What Not to Do), Social Media and Grief (and When the "Like" Button Just Seems Wrong), Let's Talk about Heaven (and Hell), & A Few Quick Questions
-Borrowed from my church library
**Highly, highly recommend.
A papa bear encourages his cubs to put on their sweaters so they can enjoy the beautiful fall day. First the sweaters need to go on . . .minimal words but lots of humor and illustrations that tell so much more of the story.
Parents will connect to this the papa bear!
A child learning to read could learn to read this book.
Very clever, fun, relatable.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
How many of us as kids threatened to run away? I chuckled as I read this book. The author exactly captured my emotions as a young elementary kid . After a younger sister runs away to the lilac bushes, she begins to build a house. As her time away progresses, she adds on rooms for her family members.
-Borrowed from the library.
Within my extended family someone is hosting a student from South Korea. I borrowed these two books to have a beginning of understanding of the country and its culture-
Countries of the World-South Korea by Bryan Langdo (good for earlier elementray-not much text, lots of photographs):
Ms. Kunkel presents an overview of Barbara Cooney's life, from her childhood through her dedication to financing a library for her town in Maine. I love the book's endsheets-purple for lupines and the illustration of Greece. An afterword from her son Barnaby is a special feature!
Read this one and Because Barbara by Sarah Mackenzie to compare/contrast. Because Barbara seemed more personal for some reason??
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Ms. Lavelle presents how James Earl Jones struggles with speaking (stuttering & also becoming mute when trying to speak), how he decides to remain silent for eight years, and how a teacher helps him finally speak again. He then pursues degrees and careers that require speaking. I love the role poetry has in his success!!
I like how the author includes tips how to interact with someone who stutters.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
50 Mindful Moments in Nature
When I read the word "mindful" in a title, I cringe. Yet this beautifully illustrated book does not focus on the "mindfulness movement" but on the consistently amazing creation around us each day. The author refers to it as nature and does not attribute the miracles to God, but Christians reading this collection will praise Him.
Two-page spreads delve into moments in creation, encouraging readers to view the world around them with renewed amazement. I liked how the author focused on the science in an approachable presentation with enthusiasm and awe. Readers could read a two-page spread each day or before/after interacting with a specific topic.
Some topics are: dew collecting on a leaf, the dawn chorus performs,a snowflake falls, an ocean wave forms, crests, and breaks, a sunflower tracks the sun, a snake sheds its skin, fiddleheads unfurl in the sunshine, a sea star shuffles across the ocean floor and many more!
Mindfulness is addressed at the very end but vaguely. In the resource section, the author recommends some mindfulness websites.
*Highly recommend because it can cause the reader to celebrate God and His creativity.
-Borrowed from the library.
A delightful, poetic book celebrating the demae who would deliver soba via bicycle. Photographs of these men from 1937 & 1959 offer proof of this incredible feat.
Children narrate the story, which adds to the simplistic marvel of this skill.
**Highly, highly recommend.
When cholera breaks out in the neighborhood along Broad Street, London, England, in 1854, Dr. John Snow is convinced it is not the stinky air causing the illness. Can he provide enough evidence to stop the outbreak from killing more people?
*Highly recommend. I did not care for the illustrations.
Pair with The Great Trouble by Deborah Hopkinson, her middle grade historical fiction novel about the same subject.
-Borrowed from the library.
