Stories from the Old Squire's Farm by C.A. Stephens Compiled & Edited by Charles G. Waugh & Eric-Jon Waugh*

 After the Civil War, six orphan cousins find refuge and a home at their grandparents' farm in Maine. This collection of humorous, entertaining stories transports the reader to a time where hard work and problem-solving were the norm. I loved reading how resourceful and confident children were during this time period.

I was disappointed to learn that these stories were "quasi-autobiographical". They are based on some true events in C.A. Stephens's life. Despite this disappointment, I know that they accurately depict what rural life was like and what the mindset of the people was like during the late 19th century.

My ninth grader read this book last year. When he heard that I was finally reading it, he commented that he should reread it. I agree with him. It is a story I would read again!

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

 

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle illustrated by Jason Chin**

 What an exquiste and fascinating book!! As I read, I was amazed at God's wisdom and creativity as I learned about how a whale fall supports many organisms and continuing life on earth. Not only is this book full of mind-blowing facts about creation, it contains beautiful language. Ms. Brunelle incorporates alliteration, similes, and apt verbs. She also offers the reader a better understanding of size by comparing the whale and its body parts to common objects. Diagrams and side illustrations support the text.

Although the age range is for ages six to ten, I am going to have my ninth grader read it for biology. It connects to many terms he has been learning this year. Numerous ages (from elementary through high school) will be enthralled with this book.

World magazine, January, 2025, featured this book as an honorable mention book for children's nonfiction for their 2024 Books of the Year picks. I am so glad they brought this book to my attention.

**Highly, highly recommend.

Consideration/discuss: reference to "billions of years"-old earth view, the whale dies (but hope abounds as the reader sees how it benefits swarms of life and future whales)

I see Melissa Stewart also wrote a picture book about this topic. I will be requesting it, reading it, and reviewing it soon.

-Borrowed from the library.

Feast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell*

 A delightful counting book that depicts a mother grocery shopping with her five children. Upon coming home, the husband greets them. The family proceeds to create a yummy meal for themselves and three other individuals. Readers can count up to ten two times throughout this story.

I love the cut-paper collage.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Farmer Eva's Green Garden Life by Jacqueline Briggs Martin illustrated by Christy Hale

 This picture book reveals how Eva Sommaripa starts her produce business in Massachusetts on a small patch of land between the ocean and the woods. Soon she is growing more herbs than she and her family can eat. So she drives into Boston and offers her herbs to restaurant chefs. The chefs love her herbs and ask her to bring more. Her business booms. This book emphasizes the science of gardening, especially the soil.

Lots of information after the biography.

-Borrowed from the library.

Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

 Newly published author, Ernest Cunningham, has been invited to the Australian Mystery Writer's Society crime-writing festival as they travel via the Ghan, a famous train, from Darwin to Adelaide. While he travels the vast desert, his agent is pressing him to write a fictional book (a departure from his typical genre). Will this train ride with its individuals maintaining secrets provide inspiration for his next book? When the most famous writer dies, Ern steps in to uncover the abundant deceptions and solve the murder. Then another person dies. They are trapped on a train with a determined murderer. Plot sound familiar? Mr. Stevenson alludes to classical mysteries but creates his own entertaining and clever storyline.

The first-person narration was interesting. Ern talks directly to the reader throughout the novel. 

Somewhat Spoiler Alert-A nice twist at the end that I did not anticipate--I thought I had figured out the twist and was sorely disappointed in Ern-felt like he was an unreliable narrator when he promised he could be trusted! But then at the last minute he proves to be trustworthy! 

I loved the allusions to classical mysteries. Although Mr. Stevenson incorporates descriptions of the Australian landscape and also historical and general information, the novel is not didactic. The amount of description is apt. I ended the book with a deeper appreciation for Australia.

Warning: one man likes younger women and had raped one of the characters when she was young, this same man makes advances (not descriptive in the novel-a one-liner that hints at what he wants from her) toward a young woman. Unbeknownst to him, she is his daughter., one character is gay-his partner was killed by a train years ago, a series of books is discussed that is soft porn (no graphic description-just that they are that), Ern & his girlfriend share a cabin although they are not married (not intimacy takes place), some swearing-very limited

Other books in this series-Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone & Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret

-Borrowed from the library.

Well Lived by Sally Clarkson*

 I bought this book a few months ago with birthday money. Leisurely I read it in during meals when I ate alone. Of course, Sally utilizes her modus operandi-encouragement -throughout the entire book. The photographs are 99% from Oxford and are stunning. Just paging through the book and viewing the photos uplifts my spirits. Scripture and quotes, sprinkling the pages, also hearten the soul.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Silencing the Witness by Laura Conway

 When reading my denomination's quarterly newsletter, I read about this author who is local and who is a member of my denomination.

Almost three years ago Avery witnessed a murder which involved a drug cartel. Immediately she is placed into a witness protection program. Winning the teacher of the year award results in her photo being leaked in the local newspaper. The leaders of the drug ring want her dead. When she steps outside her high school on the last day of school, her car explodes. Luckily the security guard sees the explosion and rescues her. Little do they know that the next few days will require stamina beyond belief as they dodge the savvy, evil group.

Warning-when you start to read this novel, you won't be able to stop! Very suspenseful. 

I found it a bit unrealistic and also predictable at points. But it is great escape novel that is actually clean!

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Ship in the Window by Travis Jonker illustrated by Matthew Cordell*

 Mabel, the mouse, lives in a cabin along a little lake. In the cabin, a man and a boy also live. The man builds a model ship without the boy's help. All three of them admire the model ship in the window. Mabel wonders if it can sail like a real ship. One night the wind blows the door open. She seizes the opportunity and maneuvers the boat onto the lake. In the morning, the man and boy spy her on the lake. . . .

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Brothers at Bat by Audrey Vernick illustrated by Steven Salerno**

 RAR recently added this book to their "big family booklist".

The twelve Acerra brothers played baseball constantly. Eventually, they formed their own semi-professional baseball team coached by their father. What I especially appreciated about this biography is its portrayal of a supportive, cohesive family. The author interviewed a couple of the brothers while researching this story.

The biography spans from the 1920s-1997.

**Highly, highly recommend (especially children who love baseball and baseball history).

-Borrowed from the library.

The Secrets of Ormdale, Book 1: Wormwood Abbey by Christina Baehr**

 I loved every moment while reading this book. It is one of my top favorite reads of the 2024 year ( The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion  volumes by Beth Brower remains in first place!). I first read about this series at Redeemed Reader-review of Wormwood Abbey. I then asked my librarian to purchase it. Months later it was put into the library system. I am sooo glad she honored my request. 

After the death of her uncle and nephew, Edith and her family are requested to come to the old family home (an abbey) in Yorkshire since her father is the next male heir. Three female cousins await them. Gwendolyn, the oldest, is not approachable. Slowly Edith befriends her. As Gwendolyn opens up to Edith, she reveals ancient family secrets beyond imagination.

This book contains all that I love-a warm, intact family who lives out the scriptures (Edith's family, not Gwendolyn's family),  a clery father depicted in positive light, scriptures seamlessly woven into the narrative (never preachy or sappy), well-developed characters, the Yorkshire Dales setting, historical and classical literature allusions, writing that has the depth & quality of classical literature, and an exciting plot.

Series contains four more books in the series- #2 Drake Hall, #3 Castle of the Winds, #4 City of Serpents, #5 Valley of Dragons.

The author, Mrs. Baehr, is delightful. If you sign up for her newsletter, you receive warm, inviting emails that reveal more about her personally. Some highlights: she used to travel the world as a harpist, she & her husband run a hostel in TASMANIA!!, she is a mother of TEN children. She is working on another series, which will release in 2025.

**Highly, highly recommend (for high school & older)

-Borrowed from the library.

The Wild Horses of Sweetbriar by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock illustrated by Ted Rand

 This story is based on true events that occurred in the winter of 1895 on Tuckernuck Island (off of Nantucket).

The narrator, a seven-year-old girl, relates the months she lived on Sweetbriar Island while her father worked for the Coast Guard. She especially loved the wild horses and agonized over their desperate search for food during the winter months.

The language is poetic and descriptive. The idea living on an island with no other families there appeals to my romantic nature! When I finished the book, I felt like hardly anything had happened. .  .but I guess it is more a description of this lifestyle and the true event? I could appreciate the beauty of the sentences and the unique living experience, but modern readers may struggle with the seemingly missing plot.

I loved the illustrations.

-Borrowed from the library.

The 12 Sleighs of Christmas by Sherri Duskey Rinker illustrated by Jake Parker*

 When the elves walk into Santa's sleigh shed to prepare for this year's flight, they are disheartened when they view the damaged sleigh. They decide to create a better sleigh. Dividing into twelve teams, they have a "build off". Impressive sleighs are presented on the twelves days until Christmas Eve. The sleigh Santa selects as a winner surprises all the elves.

Humorous! Children that are mechanical and love everything cars/engines will appreciate this book.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Alice in a Winter Wonderland by Jan Brett

 Ms. Brett retells the Alice in Wonderland story by placing it in Alaska.

Alice follows a white rabbit down a moulin in a glacier and experiences events that are " almost right and not exactly wrong". I found the story odd and confusing, BUT the original story IS odd! The Alaskan wildlife and imaginative creatures Ms. Brett depicts are exquisite.

-Borrowed from the library.

What Was the Great Molasses Flood of 1919? by Kirsten Anderson illustrated by Dede Putra

 This series is perfect for introducing topics and building schema. Even though my sons are in high school, I still assign them these books to build their schema about authors or history topics. They can read it in less than an hour and glean valuable information.

When I taught third grade, one of the reading anthology stories was Patrick and the Great Molasses Explosion by Marjorie Stover (with woodcuts! Can't find this version anywhere!!). This event in history fascinates me. This book reveals the negligence and the years-long lawsuit that followed the disaster.  Actual photographs are included.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Silent Bells by William MacKellar illustrated by Ted Lewin*

 Based on a Swiss legend

Each Christmas Eve Anne-Marie dreams that she will be the one to give the perfect gift to the St. Julien's Christ Child to make him smile and to make the catherdal's silent bells to ring. Since their installation two-hundred years ago, the bells have never rung. This year Anne-Marie plans to bestow the Christ Child an exquiste shaw she has created. The village is also enlivened with the news that the Prince of Aragon, Don Carlos, will be joining their Christmas Eve tradition and will be giving the Christ Child the best gift. 

As she and Barry, her St. Bernard, run errands for her mother and prepare for Christmas, she encounters various individuals with whom she trades objects, until she is left with a crudely carved sheep to give the Christ Child. 

Although the story was predictable, I enjoyed it. Throughout the story, my Type-A personality became exasperated with Anne-Marie's day-dreaming and her lack of focus to complete tasks.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

 

Time of the Child by Niall Williams*

 World magazine reviewed this novel in its latest publication. Since it takes place in a small village in Ireland, it intrigued me. Mr. Williams previous book, This Is Happiness, also takes place in Faha. 

Doctor Troy spends his days listening and caring for his parish, Faha. His expressionless face and reticence has served him well over his sixty years. Then a young boy and two farmer brothers drop off a baby that was left outside the church during the Christmas season. Ronnie, the doctor's oldest, unmarried daughter, embraces the child and assumes the role of mother. The five individuals vow to keep this baby a secret. But how can one keep love a secret? 

The story of power of love  I especially liked the line, "Only through the birth of a child is the lure of death conquered." pg. 283

Life-affirming-for the newborn through the elderly 

Slow-paced and poetic, lyrical language that deserves to be savored and appreciated. 

*Highly recommended for those who appreciate the beauty of language and non-plot driven novels (the baby does not appear until after one hundred pages into this two-hundred eighty-seven page novel).

-Borrowed from the library.

Mistletoe by Tad Hills*

 Mistletoe, the mouse, loves to play in the snow. Her friend  Norwell does not enjoy being cold and refuses to go outside with her. In the days before Christmas, Mistletoe decides to create him a gift that will guarantee Norwell will venture outside in the snow.

A sweet book  I love how oversized it is (perfect for a group story time).

*Highly recommend-Consider: It does not mention Christ, just Santa Claus coming and leaving gifts.

-Borrowed from the library.

To Walk Invisible The Bronte Sisters-DVD by PBS Masterpiece*

 In the new year my ninth grader will be reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. As I was searching for resources to build his background knowledge, I discovered this movie at my local library. I watched it to build my schema. He will not be watching it.

This movie focuses on the Bronte sisters' desparate situation with no way to support themselves. Charlotte, the oldest, initiates the sisters' novels' publications. 

As I watched the movie, I was struck how "nothing new is under the sun" in regards to addiction. Throughout their lives, the sisters and their father faced heartache as their brother/son, Branwell, struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. It seems like some of those who produce great art  suffer much. My heart broke as I watched this family endure disappointments and sadness.  Oh the joy, though, the viewer experiences when the ladies' novels are published and when the publishers meet them with great enthusiasm!

The Yorkshire moor landscapes are raw and breathtaking. 

Warnings: "f-bomb" a few times, alcohol abuse, violent arguing, Branwell has an affair with his employer's wife (nothing is shown), Charlotte at one point loved & became obsessed with a married man but did not act on it (nothing is shown-Emily just relates it to Anne),  & why my son won't be watching this movie-Branwell has a withdrawal dream where it shows the married woman he loves having sex with another man (they are fully clothed but the position and movement of bodies indicate exactly what is going on)

*Highly recommend but see warnings.

Little Christmas Carol based on the classic text by Charles Dickens envisioned & illustrated by Joe Sutphin*

 RAR Christmas School is centered on this version of The Christmas Carol  this year. By changing the characters into woodland creatures, Mr. Sutphin creates a welcoming invitation to younger readers to enjoy this classic. The rich vocabulary remains. 

The end pages are classy, elegant, and apropos.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Santa's First Christmas by Mac Barnett illustrated by Sydney Smith

 On Christmas Day everyone is opening their gifts. How does Santa spend the day? He sleeps, of course! This fun picture book tells how the elves provide Santa with his own special Christmas Day. 

The illustrations were not in a style that I prefer.

-Borrowed from the library.

Code of Silence by Tim Shoemaker*

 On a Thursday night Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro are hanging out in a favorite local restaurant  after hours, Frank 'n Stein's when they witness a brutal robbery, which leaves the owner in a coma. When one of the thieves threatens Cooper and his family (it seems like some of the thieves may be dirty cops), Cooper convinces Gordy and Hiro to not reveal the three of them were witnesses. They take the "Code of Silence" as they try to figure out who the thieves are. To maintain their anonymity, they begin telling lies to the police, their teachers, their parents, and their families. Lies grow and become more complicated. 

A fast-paced book that will make the reader to want to devour it one sitting  This book showcases the danger of lying and how easy it is to fall into the habit and to justify it. God is mentioned but only in reference to praying to Him (and will He answer prayers when you are sinning and knowing you are wrong?) about the situation. This book will stimulate conversations.

My fifteen-year-old has read it twice and told me to read it. He likes the depiction of consequences of lying and how the book requires you to think about your choices. 

*Highly recommend for junior high readers and younger high school students (the main characters are in 8th grade).

It looks like Mr. Shoemaker has written two other books in this series featuring Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro, all featuring a mystery/suspense theme-Below the Surface and Back Before Dark.

I Saw Three Ships by Elizabeth Goudge illustrated by Margot Tomes*

 Polly's parents died ten months earlier so she moves in with her spinster aunts at a seaside town. On Christmas Eve Polly longs to leave the door open in case three wise men arrive on three ships, according to the song. Aunt Constantia, however, double locks the doors and takes the key to bed with her. Her caution cannot stop wise men from visiting their cottage.

A delightful Christmas tale

*I am highly recommending it but am not sure if modern children readers will appreciate/enjoy it as much as I did.

-Borrowed as an interlib. loan

Stella & Marigold by Annie Barrows illustrated by Sophie Blackall

 Short chapters about two sisters- Stella, who is seven and Marigold, who is four. Each mini story celebrates sisterhood, imagination, and typical frustrations experienced at that those ages. I laughed out loud while reading a few chapters. Each of the endings were a bit abrupt.

I love how this book portrays the loyalty, love, and friendship between sisters.💓

A great book for transitional readers who need to build stamina

Considerations: lying (in different chapters), their dad swears-no swear words are printed-just "he said a lot of bad things about drains" & the illustrations show swear word symbols.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Persecutor by Sergei Kourdakov

 Sergei shares his life story-as an orphan, a succesful leader of the Communist Youth League, a naval officer, and a leader in raids to stop the Believers. A captivating story that reveals how deceived the Russians were/are about non-Communist ways of life and how strong the believers were/are despite brutal opposition. Sergei's escape off of a naval trawler into Canada (freedom!!) is incredible!

Sadly, Sergei died at the age of twenty-one. Initially his death was ruled suicide. A few months later an inquest was held. They then ruled his death accidental. I thought his death was a bit odd so I googled him. In 2013 Christianity Today published an online article about his life, stating a lot of his story was fabricated. I revisited the article but could not read it because it was open only to paying members (I guess my first reading was my "one free article".).  Another website, Muckrock, exposes the contradictory testimonies about his death and other interactions he had with the FBI and CIA. 

Despite these confusing conclusions/opinions, I am in awe of the Christians in Russia during this period as they continued to meet and worship the Lord. Also, Sergei was amazed (& confused)  how the numbers of the Believers increased even though they were beating them and how many of them were young people.

Warning: excess drinking, graphic violence, some sexual violence-stripping off female Christians' clothing and touching them

-Borrowed from my church library.

For the Glory by Duncan Hamilton*

 Over two months (maybe more??) I read this biography aloud to my sons during lunch. Of the three biographies I bought to read to them, this one is probably the least exciting, but mostly likely the best written and most impressionable! Mr. Hamilton provides rich, detailed information about the times, the countries, and the people. If you like details and background information/context, this biography would be a treasure trove!

Mr. Hamilton shares with readers Eric Liddell's life as a runner and missionary in China up to his death and then how his family dealt with his death. This biography delves deeply into Eric's character and how he impacted people. Readers will carry with them an indelible impression of him. My oldest son said he will remember what an incredible person Eric was and wants to emulate him.

As far as I can tell, the author is not a believer like Eric. He, however, did not disparage his faith but treated it with high regard.

*Highly recommend for the reader who loves details and history.

Warning: some graphic details about how the Japanese treated their prisoners and the Chinese, the conditions in the camp are brutal, the author describes how teens were experimenting sexually/orgies-since I read it aloud, I could easily skip this section (about 2-3 paragraphs)

-I own this book.

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie*

 Two places where I find book recommendations (Read Aloud Revival and Redeemed Reader) "spoke" highly about this book in their reviews. Fantasy is not my favorite genre, so I would not have selected this book to read. While I was reading it, our latest World magazine arrived, which also recommended it!

It is a book about friendship, love, hope, and sacrifice. Although I did not relish the fantastical creatures and world, I loved the characters and how they chose to live.

Christopher Forrester is to spend the holiday with his grandfather in Scotland, a man he has not seen in years. His grandfather gives him permission to explore his land except he is not to go near the top of the hill. Christopher goes to the top of the hill.  Soon he finds himself transported to a magical world, The Archipelago. He discovers he is The Guardian between the two worlds.

Mal lives with her aunt. A cloak given to her enables her to fly. When a man enters their home and murders her aunt, Mal flees and encounters Christopther. Together they diagnosis the sickness invading The Archipelago and sail the seas to cure it, no matter the sacrifice.

Although this book is tense, Ms. Rundell throws in humor just when it is needed.

Abundant black and white illustrations (not my taste in art, though). The Guardian's Bestiary is included in the back, referencing all creatures mentioned throughout the story.

*Highly recommend.

**On September 11, 2025 book #2 will be available!

-Borrowed from the library.

J.R.R. Tolkien-BBC dvd

 48 minutes long

This DVD interviews various people who interacted with Tolkien or were influenced by his works (his publisher's son who told his dad to publish The Hobbit, Tolkien's biographer, Christopher Tolkien, artists, environmentalists, societies, children who love his books etc.) I loved viewing the places where Tolkien lived and worked. They also had video clips of Tolkien himself! 

It was first filmed in 1998.

I would not show this to elementary age kids (it probably would not hold their interest anyway) since one interviewee mentions sex (the absent of it Tolkien's books) and people tripping on acid.

-Borrowed from the library.

I cannot find a photo of it that I can copy and paste.

The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood by LeUyen Pham*

 The man loved his neat apartment, his plant, and his quiet. He avoided and despised animals. One day a cat arrives on his doorstep and won't go away. Discovering that the cat liked sleeping in the sun, watching the rain, and eating dinner precisely at six like he did, he allowed the cat to remain. Then another cat appears. . . then a dog, another dog,  then ducks, chickens, goats, pigs, and cows. His neighbors had have enough! The animals had to leave. The birth of Old MacDonald!

I liked the illustrations almost more than the story-they add humor and enhance the story. Her attention to detail was superb. The end pages are fun to compare/contrast.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

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.

Bread and Butter Indian by Anne Colver illustrated by Garth Williams*

 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!)

Mr. Crum's Potato Predicament by Anne Renaud illustrated by Felicita Sala*

 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.

Whoo-Ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story by Maria Gianferrari illustrated by Jonathan Voss*

 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.

When You Find the Right Rock by Mary Lyn Ray illustrated Felicita Sala

 A book that celebrates rocks and tries to connect rock searching to understanding oneself. 

-Borrowed from the library.

We Celebrate the Light by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple illustrated by Jieting Chen

 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.

A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales

 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.

The Little Stone House by Berta & Elmer Hader*

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.

Summer Evening by Walter de la Mare illustrated by Carolina Rabei*

 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.