J.R.R. Tolkien text set

 For our "Poetry Treat", I featured Tolkien's riddles from The Hobbit plus riddles from The Exeter Book Riddles (Anglo-Saxon riddles from the 11th century  Tolkien read these and inspired him in his riddle creating). We, of course, had to feast like hobbits. We only could eat through luncheon (some of us skipped elevenses!!). 

While we feasted throughout the morning and afternoon, I shared facts about Tolkien from John Hendrix's new book, The Mythmakers. I have not read the entire book yet; I skimmed it for parts about Tolkien. So far I am impressed with it. A lion and a wizard take the readers through portals for more information. I am not sure if I like this aspect yet. At times I find them distracting (although the information is interesting).

*Warning-Some of the riddles contain innuendos. Borrowed from the library.

I own this book.

Concise-highlights main events in his life  Borrowed from the library.

This picture book gives an overview of his life and also reveals the inspiration for Gandalf and Bag's End

Other books of interest (I did not have time to incorporate them into our discussion. All are borrowed from the library.)-

Comprehensive-for junior high and high school readers

Some beautiful editions of  Letters from Father Christmas-

Haven't listened to yet

Beti and the Little Round House by Atinuke illustrated by Emily Hughes

 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.

Bread-and-Butter Journey by Anne Colver illustrated by Garth Williams*

 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.

Beautiful on the Mountain by Jeannie Light*

 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.

What's Cooking at 10 Garden Street? by Felicita Sala

 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.

What Can I Bring? Taste of Home

 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.

The Most Boring Book Ever by Brandon Sanderson illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi

 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.