Pauline Baynes text set

 I had never heard of illustrator Pauline Baynes until Waxwing Books announced its latest publication, Painting Wonder, How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien. Upon looking at our set of Narnia books, I discovered that we owned books illustrated by her. I am glad Ms. Katie Wray Schon choose to investigate this illustrator's life and celebrate her contributions to the literature and art world. Of course I wanted to read more books Ms. Baynes illustrated and borrowed all that our library system owned. I think I like the illustrations Ms. Baynes created in the Narnia series and for J.R.R. Tolkien best. The illustrations in the picture books were not in a style that I found appealing.

Below are the three I read (plus Ms. Schon's biography)-

1. Painting Wonder by Katie Wray Schon-available April 1, 2025 (I preordered so my copy was shipped a few days early!) Whimsical illustrations with unusual and clever layouts *Highly recommend.

2. The Coat of Many Colors by Jenny Koralek illustrated by Pauline Baynes

A retelling of Joseph-some events told in the Bible are not mentioned  Borrowed from the library.

3. The Cobweb Curtain A Christmas Story by Jenny Koralek illustrated by Pauline Baynes -Based on a legend by William Barclay--When sharing with your child, make sure they understand it is a legend. Not much of this account is found in the Bible. It may be confusing for young children to discern what is true and what is not when hearing this legend. Borrowed from the library.

4. The Smith of Wootton Major by J.R.R. Tolkien (illustrated by Pauline Baynes; a short story)

An immersive short story (sixty-one pages) about a boy who swallows a star from Faery and how it affected his life. *Highly recommend. Borrowed from the library.

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Castle Legends by Theresa Breslin illustrated by Kate Leiper*

 Thirteen legends about Scotland's famous castles   Delightfully written-perfect for sharing via reading aloud  The illustrations are stunning.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk & Fairy Tales by Theresa Breslin illustrated by Kate Leiper*

 A perfect read aloud of folk & fairy tales  My sons would have loved hearing me read these tales aloud when they were younger. Many of them were similar to Grimm's fairy tales. Some stories may be disturbing to sensitive readers.

The illustrations are exquisite. Even the page numbers have art surrounding them!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry illustrated by Wesley Dennis*

 *Award-winning-Newbery Honor Book (1946)

I am amazed at how many excellent books I have NOT read! This book is an example of one that prompts me to think, "How did I miss this one?".

Ms. Henry relates the story behind the Morgan horse breed. In 1791 a school teacher (Justin Morgan) and his pupil, Joel Goss, walk a distance one summer to collect a debt from a farmer. To pay his debt, he gives Justin Morgan two colts. The littlest colt, Little Bub, seems like he will grow into an insignficant horse. Joel, however, perceives his potential and takes time to "gentle" him. 

A story full of hope that reinforces the importance of hard work and perseverance.

In the back Ms. Henry lists her primary sources that enabled her to write an accurate story.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 8 by Beth Brower**

 This series is one of my favorites. While reading this volume, I was staying in the hospital with a loved one who needed intense care for a few days. Even though the days were exhausting and challenging, this novel still made me laugh out loud and smile. Ms. Brower is amazing author who creates such credible characters. 

Emma spends most of May obeying her aunt's bidding and showcasing her cousin Arabella's beauty and desirous state. Relief arrives in June when Emma, Niall, Hawkes, and the Duke of Islington escape to the Duke's beloved country estate, Stonecrop. While there Emma discovers how the Duke suffered heartache in his youth and also encounters Niall's dysfunctional family and how it has affected him.

Full of wit and humor yet addresses heart issues and the fall of man and its consequences.

**Highly, highly recommend. (but before handing to a teen-Niall becomes drunk, physical abuse/child abuse, some swearing, Niall does not desire to have a relationship with God, Emma cares more about the poetry Hawkes reads during his sermons than God's Word, Niall and Emma kiss a few times but it is not graphic/descriptive or sensual)

-Borrowed from the library.

Thomas Jefferson Letters from a Philadelphia Bookworm by Jennifer Armstrong

 Twelve-year-old Amelia Hornsby exchanges letters with Thomas Jefferson during his presidency and his purchase of the Louisana Territory. Amelia and the letters are fictitious. Readers will learn about the time period and its major events. 

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Heroic Symphony by Anna Harwell Celenza illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel*

 My ninth grader will be studying Beethoven for the next few weeks by reading picture books, anthologies, and chapter books about him and also listening to his music.

This picture book begins when Beethoven begins losing his hearing and how he redirected his focus on composing vs performing. Majority of the content then describes his inspiration for the piece Eroica Symphony.

Very interesting   Ms. Celenza shares information in a concise yet engaging manner.

A bonus-A CD with Heroic Symphony & "Overture to Goethe's tragedy Egmont"

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.