The Queen and the First Christmas Tree by Nancy Churnin illustrated by Luisa Uribe*

 As a young girl Charlotte loved the outdoors more than learning how to be a queen and attending balls. This German girl would faithfully decorate a yew branch with colored paper flowers, nuts, fruits, and candles each Christmas. At age seventeen she receives a proposal from King George III of England. She sets sail to live with a man she never met and to be a queen. Thankfully King George III loved the outdoors, not balls. Together they had fifteen children. Queen Charlotte impacted England by building and sponsoring orphanages and hospitals for expectant mothers. She also introduced the Christmas tree to England as she invited one hundred children to view it at Windsor Castle.

A delightful story about a delightful woman!

*Highly recommend. 

Borrowed via Inter-Lib. Loan

Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone by Max Lucado illustrated by Eve Tharlet

 A parent bear reassures its cub that it will always be there for the cub. The whole time I was reading it, I was thinking how yes, parents are loyal to their children, but God is more faithful than earthly parents. At the end of the story, Mr. Lucado finally points out that God is a better companion and friend than even a parent. Most of the story is focused on a parent-child relationship.

-Borrowed from the library.

Franklin and Winston by Douglas Wood illustrated by Barry Moser*

 Mr. Wood delves into the interactions and friendship between FDR and Winston Churchill right after the U.S. entered WW II. Mr. Churchill travels to the U.S. over Christmas to discuss war strategies. With humor and engaging text, Mr. Wood reveals the interesting dynamics between the two men. I don't agree with FDR's politics but still enjoyed the book. The pictures are expressive and illuminate the men's personalities.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 2 by Beth Brower**

 I love this series. It is witty. It is humorous. It is captivating. I finished volume 2 in less than 24 hours!

Emma continues to accompany her cousin, Arabella, to social events during London's Season in hopes Arabella can lure a wealthy husband. Emma's job is to illuminate Arabella.  Besides being her cousin's companion, Emma slowly begins a friendship with the gentleman renting a garret in Lapis Lazuli Minor, continues to outwit her greedy cousin Archibald,  and becomes acquainted with the Duke (after reading his journal). Emma's somewhat unconventional behavior will amuse the reader like it amuses many gentlemen in this series. Of course, St. Crispin's ghost, The Roman, continues to make his appearance to Agnes, Emma's maid and cook.

I would love to see this series made into a movie. It reminds me of Jane Austen's books.

Consider: Maybe two swear words, Emma states that one man's hands wander, but she promptly hits him with a book

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Casey at the Bat illustrated by Christopher Bing*

 My sons, my nephew, my niece, my sister-in-law and I gathered to read and enjoy this poem for April's poetry treat. My nephew read this illustrated copy of the poem and shared many illustrations he enjoyed. 

*Highly recommend. It is understandable how it won a Caldecott Honor Award!

-Borrowed from the library.

Whose Knees Are These? by Jabari Asim illustrated by LeUyen Pham*

 An adorable board book that will cause the reader and child to interact!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

100 Extraordinary Stories for Courageous Girls by Jean Fischer

 When my pastor preached a sermon on Proverbs 31, he mentioned a few women as examples. Since I did not know much about them, I searched for books about them in our library system. Only this anthology contained biographical sketches about them. A diverse group of women are featured-biblical times, modern times, around the globe etc. The one page biographies just skim the surface of their lives but may stimulate further reading.

-Borrowed from the library.