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.