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.

Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes*

 Redeemed Reader reviewed this book and gave it a starred review.

Even though the Emancipation Proclamation freed Will's family, they still do not own their land as they spend their days as sharecroppers. When Will's father brings home a pamphlet announcing the opportunity for free land in OK, the family decides to leave Texas for Oklahoma. During the arduous journey, Will's relationship with his reticent father transforms. Fending off thieves, facing  racism, fending off rattlesnakes, eduring long, boring days and befriending a former Union soldier (Caesar), Will becomes a young man with his own identity.

An exciting coming-of-age story  This engaging historical fiction novel brings the Oklahoma Land Rush to life. Highly recommend having your children read it when studying this period of history

Finally, a historical fiction with a male main character which will appeal to boys. So many historical fiction books target girls!

Warnings/discussion for sensitive readers or younger readers: racism, violence-Western fist fights and gun battles, When Will stakes out his family's land, he encounters a group of men who want to steal his plot from him. Will threatens to kill them with Caesar's Colt and realizes that he is capable of killing another man, which goes against his father's principles. He grapples with this person he is becoming.

*Highly recommend for grades 4 and older.

-Borrowed from the library.

Brooklyn Bridge text set*

 After reading Secret Engineer, I wanted to learn more about this exciting engineering feat. I borrowed the following books from the library about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. If you have a child who is fascinated by bridges or is considering engineering as his/her educational pursuit, these books will appeal to them.

1. This first one is my favorite from the trio-The Brooklyn Bridge by Elizabeth Mann illustrated by Alan Witschonke. For grades 2nd and older.

It shares the story of the Roebling family (John, Washington, and Washington's wife Emily) and details of the entire bridge construction. The illustrations/drawings are meticulous. A couple of pages fold out, expanding the illustration.

**Highly, highly recommend.

2. Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing by April Jones Prince illustrated by Francois Roca

A week after its opening, a rumor raged through New York that bridge was about to collapse. To dispel the people from their fears, P.T. Barnum announced that he would allow his twenty-one elephants to parade across the bridge to prove it was safe. I love the alliteration and figurative language utilized this one. 

*Highly recommend.

3. How Emily Saved the Bridge by Frieda Wishinsky illustrated by Natalie Nelson

This book focuses on Emily and how vital she was in the bridge's construction. If she had not been as intelligent and ambitious as she was, the bridge would not have been built in that time period. Focuses on women's rights

Francesco Tirelli's Ice Cream Shop by Tamar Meir illustrated by Yael Albert*

 Italian Francesco Tirelli loves ice cream. When he moves to Budapest, Hungry, he is disappointed at the lack of ice cream shops. He opens up his own shop and befriends many customers. One of them is Peter, who is a Jew. In 1944, when the Nazis invade Hungary, Francesco decides to hide Peter and his family plus other Jews in his ice cream shop. 

The author is Francesco's daughter-in-law.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Narwhal The Unicorn of the Arctic by Candace Fleming illustrated Deena So'oteh*

 A fascinating book about narwhals and how they survive in the Arctic    The language is poetic. A unique second person narration

The illustrations are stunning. The hues, the page layouts & designs (one page you unfold and view it vertically!), and perspectives reveal artistic talent.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro illustrated by Teagan White*

 Lucy, a mouse, loves winter. It invirgorates her. Meanwhile, her friends scoff at her love for the cold. When she discovers a way to ice skate, she lures her friends outdoors and transforms their view of winter. 

I love the illustrations-especially the displays of cheese in their storerooms.

*Highly recommend.

Bear Hugs by Karma Wilson illustrated by Suzanne Watts

 Humorous love poems featuring animals   Lots of puns and word play 

A fun book to read around Valentine's Day

I did not care for the last poem, "People Are Animals Too".

-Borrowed from the library.

The 39 Apartments of Ludwig van Beethoven**

 This humorous picture book relates how complicated it was when Beethoven would move into a different apartment. The movers lugged five legless pianos from place to place. I chuckled as I read this book. The author's note clarifies which tidbits of information have been verified.

The endpapers are copies of his working score for the piano transcription, "Grosse Fuge".

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

 Sam (Samantha) has experienced homelessness, abuse, and betrayal. As an orphan, she seeks solace in the classics and hiding behind the characters (especially Jane Austen's characters). When an anonymous benefactor offers to pay her tuition to attend Northwestern Univerisity's Medill School of Journalism, she seizes the opportunity. The benefactor requires her to write letters to him with updates on her progress. He will not reply. 

Through these letters, readers learn about Sam's past, the walls she has built, and how she slowly removes her sturdy wall, brick by brick. 

Minor characters who influence her seem to have a relationship with God. During the novel Sam does not accept Christ as her Savior, but the reader knows she is beginning her search for Him. 

Within the last year I had read Daddy-Long- Legs by Jean Webster (which inspried Ms. Reay's plot for this book). I could predict the plot from page one.  Although the plot was very predictable, I enjoyed immersing myself in Sam's life and almost read this book in one sitting. It is easy reading (like a "beach read"). I loved the references to the classics.

I liked this book better than Ms. Reay's The Printed Letter Bookshop. 

Before sharing with a teen: Sam was abused by her parents and a foster family, her dad was going pimp her out but she runs away (a man feels her up and other men check her out), her boyfriend Josh pressures her to be intimate with him (the word "sex" is never mentioned but inferred)-she doesn't give into the pressure, her younger friend is abused by his foster parents

-Borrowed via ILL.

Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz

 Caldecott Medal winner-2025

I borrowed and read this book since it won the Caldecott.

Sissy's two-year-old brother, Chooch, loves to "help" everyone in their Native American community. As she observes his disastrous help, Sissy becomes frustrated and irritated until she loses her temper with him and gets into trouble. Chooch helps. This time he really does help! 

A realistic and sweet portrayal of family life  I liked how the author included the pronunciation for the Cherokee words she incorporated into the text. The glossary in the back defines them.

The author and illustrator are both citizens of the Cherokee Nation. The author's and the artist's notes are interesting. Directions how to create a pinch pot are included.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Ark by Margot Benary-Isbert*

 My friend, a former librarian and an avid reader, recommended this book and its sequel. I am so glad she did!

The Lechow family struggles to survive in post-war Germany. Mother and her four children live in two rooms with a reluctant host. Overtime the two oldest children find employment which creates a more hopeful situation for the family. 

Each of the children have unique and endearing personalities. Readers will be exposed to a point of view not often depicted in historical fiction books-the devastation in Germany and the hardships the German people experienced as they tried to rebuild their lives. 

The author lived in Germany during this exact time period. Some of the events in the book are based on her experiences.

*Highly recommend (its sequel, Rowan Farm).

Discuss w/ more sensitive readers: Before the story begins, Margret's twin brother was shot (and their  dog, a Great Dane). Margret relates the incident to the reader. Although his death affects her tremendously, it is not a focal point of the story.

-I own this book.

Dear Duck, Please Come! by Sarah Mackenzie illustrated by Charles Santoso**

 Rabbit informs his friend Duck via a letter that he has lost his tooth and asks Duck to come. Duck immediately begins searching for Rabbit's tooth. As he progresses to Rabbit's house, he includes more Piney Glen creatures in the search. The friends become more and more distressed. Where is Rabbit's tooth?!

Out of the books Sarah Mackenzie has written (and published), this one is my favorite! The word choice depicts the personalities of the creatures well, the plot progression is perfect, and it celebrates friendship and joy. The illustrations are adorable. The page layouts are clever. I love the endpages-the first spread is a map of Piney Glen, depicting the homes of all the creatures. The back spread adds the route the creatures take from Duck's house to Rabbits and all the places they searched for the tooth.

I read this aloud to my niece. She enjoyed it! We had fun predicting what kind of critter lived in which home before we read the book and then confirming our predictions. She liked tracing the route they took after we read it the book. A perfect book to read to a child who has lost his first tooth (no tooth fairy is mentioned).

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde H. Swift illustrated by Lynd Ward*

 The little red lighthouse is proud. It performs important work, warning boats which pass by on the Hudson River of the rocks.  Then a great gray bridge is built OVER the little red lighthouse. The great gray bridge's light shines brightly from the top. Is the little red lighthouse obsolete?

I loved how Mr. Ward subtly incorporated faces and expressions on the lighthouse and the boats. Whimsy and realism married nicely!

Based on a lighthouse overshadowed by the George Washington Bridge

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Crinkle, Crackle, Crack It's Spring! by Marion Dane Bauer illustrated by John Shelley*

 Unusual narrator: 2nd person (you)

A child enters the late winter night with a bear. The bear says, "It's time." As the child follows the bear, more creatures join their stroll, saying, "It's time." Time for what? The child and reader will be surprised by what bursts out of a huge egg.

I loved the word choice (just a few examples-lumbering, curving claw, pokes, mud sucks at your feet), figurative language, and onomatopoeia. I am not sure if younger readers will understand what pops out the egg-it may require parent discussion. It is a metaphor.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Bear in Love by Daniel Pinkwater illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

 Someone is leaving Bear wonderful treats on a rock outside his cave. So, he returns the favor by leaving his favorite treats for this someone and finds a friend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

 Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel each find a love letter (the same one, unbeknownst to them!) on the ground. The kind words encourage them to be more (respectivefully) cheerful, helpful, and carefree. This sweet story reinforces the power of feeling loved.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Q by Beth Brower*

 Beth Brower is one of my favorite authors. She creates credible characters and enchanting settings.

Quincy St. Claire runs her great-uncle's publication, The Q, with efficiency and with cutting-edge ideas. She loves The Q. It is her life. When her uncle passes away, he leaves a list of tasks with The Q's newly hired (by her uncle) solicitor for Quincy to complete in order to keep The Q. The problem is-she doesn't know what is on the list! 

As Quincy expands her business to Paris and then London, she cannot imagine losing The Q. During this challenging year, Quincy learns a lot about her self and the importance of relationships.

I loved this book and losing myself in Rhysdon. The minor characters add quirks and delight to the story. James Arch was my favorite character (although Quincy is endearing). James's father and sister Mary are also wonderful, admirable characters. 

Thank you to Ms. Brower for writing well-written stories that are CLEAN!

Considerations if sharing with younger teens: some swearing (minimal), four men jump and badly beat a main character, slowly developing romance but nothing inappropriate (they share a kiss)

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Secrets of Ormdale, Book 2-Drake Hall by Christina Baehr*

 I love this series!

Edith adjusts to her new role as the family dragon keeper in the Yorkshire Dales. She also encounters a dragon poacher and uncovers a family secret. Her relationship with Helena, a fellow Marsi, deepens along with some tension as they differ in views. Most unsettling, however, are her feelings toward to Simon, Helena's son. 

This second book focuses a bit more on Edith's feelings towards Simon. Edith also has to discuss a couple of "secrets" with a couple of family members, but events always prevents her from divulging. This suspsense techinque frustrated me! 

Consideration/discussion: prejudice vs Jews, Edith's uncle had an affair with one of his young servants (very young), who became pregnant and gave birth to a boy who works at the abbey

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Year of the Horseless Carriage 1801 by Genevieve Foster*

 I bought Music Study with the Masters by Sonya Shafer (Simply Charlotte Mason) to support my son's study of Beethoven. The booklet included a list of books for "further study". This book was on the list.

Ms. Foster connects many influential individuals during this time period and through narrative, points out how they impacted the world and interacted with each other. Children who love relationships and finding connections will appreciate this method of relating history. I recommend reading it in one sitting or over a couple of consecutive days. I read a half of it and then resumed reading it a couple of weeks later. As a result, I had forgotten some of the connections.

People whose stories are told: Richard Trevithick, Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon Bonaparte, Toussaint L'ouverture, Robert Fulton, Lewis & Clark, James Madison, George Stephenson

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Have His Carcase by Dorothy L. Sayers*

 Harriet Vane, the woman Lord Peter Wimsey wants to marry, is lunching on a beach when she notices a body on a rock. The man is dead. Being a detective novelist, she analyzes the situation and takes photographs. By the time she finds the authorities, the tide has washed the body away. Based on her photographs and the information they can gather, the police conclude it was suicide. Case-closed. Lord Peter Wimsey arrives and does not believe the case is that simple. Convoluted days ensue as Lord Peter, Harriet, and the local police uncover facts,times, and alibis that do not line up.

I read this aloud to by sons (ages 15 and 18) at lunch on our school days. My youngest son figured it and thought it was too easy-just like Strong Poison (He liked The Nine Tailors best). My other son liked this one best because the characters interact more, and the story takes place over a few weeks  (In The Nine Tailors Lord Peter returns almost a year later to finally solve the case). Ciphers were included in this book and described step-by-step how Peter and Harriet solve them. I skipped these sections and just summarized their findings to my sons. The ciphers would be more fun to solve while reading the novel to yourself.

*Highly recommend for high school and older. See considerations.

Warnings/consideration: Since I read this novel aloud, I skipped these concerns-some swearing, some innuendos, Mr. Weldon is a lady's man and makes a grab at Harriet, murder-description of the crime scene, discussions about suicide and why the victim did it-Peter even goes into detail why he would do it-narrating why/why not. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Wintergarden by Janet Fox illustrated by Jasu Hu

RAR recommends this book. 

A girl and her mama plant seeds to grow on their windowsill in their city apartment during the winter. The similes are apt and descriptive. The illustrations are surreal and a bit too abstract for the age group who would listen to this book. After the story, the author offers tips on growing one's own wintergarden plus a great list of other gardening picture books.

-Borrowed from the library.

Secret Engineer How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge by Rachel Doughtery*

 Even though most girls during her time period rarely pursued a higher education, Emily loved science and math and was able to attend a school where these subjects were taught. She married an engineer, whose family built bridges. Soon Emily's husband is building the Brooklyn Bridge, incorporating new technology. Unfortantely, he becomes ill. Thankfully, Emily is intelligent and an eager learner. Although she does not receive credit, she is the one who oversaw the building of the Brooklyn Bridge!

An amazing story!  I liked this story so much that I requested two other picture books about her!

Kids who love to build, who want to understand how things work, and who have an engineer mindset will love this book.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

This Beautiful Truth by Sarah Clarkson*

 Sarah Clarkson reveals how OCD has impacted her life and how God's goodness and beauty breaks through it, giving her hope and joy. Sarah's writing is concise yet stunningly beautiful. The manner she relates stories and truths is through imagery and apt word choice. Weaving in quotes, depictions, and  narratives, Sarah has created a memorable book that will give the reader hope.

A deeper read requiring concentration and comtemplation.

Consideration: She is Anglican, so her style of worship is liturgical. She, however, clearly states salvation is found through believing in Christ as the Savior and how His death and resurrection was necessary to connect us, sinners in need of a Savior,  again to the Father. She does not state that salvation is found in good works or in that style of worship. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Pizza for the Queen by Nancy Castaldo illustrated by Melisande Potter

 Raffaele, the pizza chef of Napoli, loves making pizza for his town. Queen Margherita wants to taste this pizza! Raffaele gathers up fine ingredients and tries to imagine what kind of pizza she would enjoy. 

A recipe for Pizza Margherita and the history of the real story is is included in the back.

A great book to read on International Pizza Day, Feb. 9th.

-Borrowed from the library.

Rags Hero Dog of WWI A True Story by Margot Theis Raven illustrated by Petra Brown

 Many WW II books exist. WWI ones for kids are challenging to discover. This WWI picture book relates how Rags, a stray dog, becomes an invaluable asset for the First Division U.S. Army. Private James Donovan finds him in an empty doorway in Paris. Donovan brings him back to the base, where Rags quickly learns how to perform a myriad of tasks on behalf of Donovan.

A sweet story about loyalty.

Discuss: Donovan lies to a French policeman. Donovan dies at the end of the story.

-Borrowed from the library.

The MAD Scientists' Club by Bertrand R. Brinley illustrated by Charles Geer*

 I read about this series via Purple House Press's email newsletter.

What a fun read! A group of intelligent, adventurous boys form a club where they use science, math, and intellect to get into and out of scrapes. 

Consideration: the boys think one girl is good looking and has great legs

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Foyle's War -TV series

 During WWII Detective Foyle remains at home solving crime. This first season includes four episodes (each about 100 minutes long)-The German Woman, The White Feather, A Lesson in Murder, & Eagle Day.

Because of the content (war, murder, some relational problems), I recommend it for mature high schoolers-with parents watching with them-and adults.

I watched the first two episodes and really enjoyed them. My husband, however, did not like them. They were too slow for him. Since I mostly watch movies/shows with my husband and/or sons and not independently (I would rather read or complete a project!!), I am not watching the rest of this season. Maybe I will borrow them again when I am sick or when am home alone for a few days (which rarely occurs!!).

The characters appeal to me-Foyle seems to be a man of integrity, his driver is a bubbly, courageous young lady, and his son seems like a quality young man.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Parade for George Washington by David A. Adler illustrated by John O'Brien*

 I do not remember reading or learning about all the parades and celebrations towns gave George Washington as he traveled from Mount Vernon to New York City to take an oath to be the nation's first president. Mr. Adler takes the reader from town to town and describes how each one celebrated him. I liked the inserted maps on the pages that display his route. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Ready to Read-Tails from History-A Racoon at the White House by Rachel Dougherty illustrated by Rachel Sanson*

 Ready to Read Level Two

With words and sentence structures perfect for beginning and/or transitional readers, Ms. Dougherty relates how a raccoon named Rebecca lived at the White House with President Coolidge and First Lady Grace. Additonal facts about raccoons and the White House are included (for parents to read aloud to their beginning reader).

*Highly recommend for stimulating historical interest, for fluency, and for building stamina.

-Borrowed from the library.

Our Hymn Writers and Their Hymns by Faith Cook*

 I only read the chapter on William Cowper (researching for our monthly poetry treat at lunch). It, however,  will be a book I return to if I want to learn extensively about a hymn writer. Ms. Cook offers a comprehensive biography in a narrative form. She also includes (at least in Cowper's chapter) other biographers' conclusions that may not be accurate and refutes them. The first chapter and the last two chapters include shorter blurbs about many hymn writers. Chapters two through fourteen focus on one writer (Isacc Watts, Philip Doddridge, Charles Wesley, William Williams, Joseph Hart, Augustus M. Toplady, John Newton, William Cowper, James Montgomery, Henry Francis Lyte, Horatius Bonar, Francis Ridley Havergal,and Franny J. Crosby).

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my church library.

Bat, Cat & Rat #1-The Cozy Home by Ame Dyckman illustrated by Mark Teague*

 Bat, Cat, & Rat move into a home. As they settled into sharing life together, they enjoy teasing each other and, of course, reading together.

A perfect series for beginning readers.

It looks like book #3, The Beach Day, will be published on April 29, 2025, and #4, A Great Fall, will be published on July 15, 2025.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Wildflower Emily by Lydia Corry**

A Story About Young Emily Dickinson

A graphic novel 

RAR recently added this title to one of their lists. 

I loved this book. Ms. Corry integrates facts, Emily Dickinson's poems, and a narrative seamlessly. Before the book begins, she explains what artistic liberties she took. At the end, she shares additional information about Emily and her dog Carlo. This book focuses on Emily's love for botany and flowers.

**Highly, highly recommend. It is a title I may buy.

-Borrowed from the library.

Go Forth and Tell by Breanna J. McDaniel illustrated by April Harrison

The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller 

Award winner-King Illustrator Honor Book-2025

A biography about a Black children's librarian determined to share books featuring Blacks in positive light. She influenced a lot of well-known authors-James Baldwin, John Steptoe, Virginia Hamilton, Walter Dean Myers

I still see a need for books featuring Blacks in a honorable, respectable manner. It seems so many books with them as characters focus on race and issues. I read on Redeemed Reader about a recently published book that lists fun books, fantasty books, and book about regular families with Black protagonists. This book is very much needed-Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. Amber O’Neal Johnston. Tarcher Perigree, 2025. 304 pages.

Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar

 One of the Newbery Honor winners & a Sydney Taylor Book Award-Silver Medalist-2025

Ms. Behar bases aspects of this novel on her own Jewish grandmother's journey from Turkey to Cuba.

Readers will learn the history of Shephardic Jews from four different female viewpoints during four different time periods-Benvendia, 1492 (Spain to Turkey),  Reina, 1923 (from Turkey to Cuba), Alegria, 1961 (Cuba to Miami), and then Paloma, 2003 (twho ties all three ancestors together by visiting Spain and learning more about their story).

I really enjoyed learning the history of these specific Jews during the time periods. The author researched extensively and relayed the facts well. The characters are not well-developed. Their stories end abruptly, but I wasn't upset because I did not connect to them. I felt like the book was more didactic than a captivating story. The purpose of this book seems more informational than a well-crafted story. I also felt like in part 4 all of the stories meshed together a bit too perfectly. This book would have been a great informational book, not a novel. The characters regarded their Jewish faith more as a superstition than a relationship.

-Borrowed from the library.

Up,Up, Ever Up Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains by Anita Yasuda illustrated by Yuko Shimizu

A Caldecott Honor book for 2025 

This picture book biography relates Junko's life-long love for the mountains and for climbing, even when women were not accepted into climbing clubs/organizations. 

I enjoyed the illustrations.

-Borrowed from the library.

Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence illustrated by Astrid Sheckels*

 Lydia Green loves residing in Mulberry Glen with a unique family- a philosopher, a fairy, and twins, Zamilla and Zale. In town she overhears a man share the story of the Darkness that pervades the area.  When she relates the legend  and how to destroy the Darkness to the twins, the rambunctious pair, known as the Zs, leaves the Glen, thinking they can shatter it. Knowing that they will listen to her, Lydia pursues them before the Darkness can Take them. Along the way, Lydia befriends admirable individuals and learns that growing up can be a wonderful aspect to life!

I loved the characters and the setting-both were well-developed. The plot reminded me a bit of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. 

*Highly recomemnd.

-Borrowed from the library.

Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo*

 A Caldecott Honor book for 2025 (distinguished American picture book)

When she moves from Hong Kong to America, Jun struggles to speak the language, adapt to the culture, and to make friends. Her mom packs her a delicious lunch each day. As she eats it, happiness floods her soul. This box full of scrumptious foods beckons her classmates to befriend her. Based on Cherry Mo's experience moving to the United States at age ten.

As I read this story, I was upset that the teacher had not paired the Jun with a buddy. Of course, it is better when kids decide to be friendly without an adult forcing friendship and kindness.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Vacation by Ame Dyckman illustrated by Mark Teague*

 The 2025 winner for Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for most distinguished beginning reader book

Bat, Cat, & Rat love living together. One day Cat announces that a vacation would be nice. Realizing their vacation savings jar is empty, they pursue various jobs. When the jar is full, however, they cannot agree where to vacation. Rat has an idea!

*Highly recommend for beginning readers.

-Borrowed from the library.

Fox versus Fox by Corey R. Tabor*

A Geisel Honor Book-selected by the American Library Association for a distinguished beginning reader book for 2025. 

Fox thinks he is the one and only fox. Then he meets Fox. Can two foxes exist together as friends?

Sweet.

*Highly recommend. Perfect for beginning readers.

Part of a series.

Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan*

 American Library Association's Geisel Honor Book (distinguished beginning reader book)-2025

Toad is on the go, towing critters all over town. Pop persistently offers him food throughout the day, but Toad can't stop. Then Toad needs help. Who will help him?

The illustrations reminded me of Richard Scarry's books. I loved the internal rhyme in most lines.

*Highly recommend for beginning readers.

-Borrowed from the library.

Olivetti by Allie Millington

 Our main narrator is Olivetti, a typewriter. He holds all of Beatrice's memories, which she typed years ago before Everything That Happened. The other narrator, Ernest, is one of Beatrice's children. 

One morning Beatrice goes missing. The family has already endured a trial (it isn't revealed until the middle-to the end of the book). Can the disjointed family unit to find their mother? It may take a talking typewriter, dumpster-diving new friend, Quinn, a maintainence man, and a librarian to connect the family and rescue Beatrice.

A book full of heavy topics  A mom running away from her family did not sit well with me. A talking typewriter adds some levity. I liked that the main charater is a boy. A rare occurrence these days in middle grade novels! I also loved how before she was sick Beatrice used to encourage reading, writing, and imagination (& going to the library!).

Consider/discuss: parent abandonment, Spoiler alert- cancer (Beatrice endured three years of treatment. The cancer has returned. It is why she ran away), Was she trying to commit suicide on the rock? I don't think so, but it may make some readers infer that or bring up a discussion about suicide, Ernest lies, skips school, and steals

Isn't the cover beautiful?!-

When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman

 I read this novel in less than twenty-four hours! It is a compelling read.

Ms. Hoffman imagines what Anne Frank's life may have been before her father hid her and the family in the secret annex. Readers experience with Anne the gradual loss of freedom in the Netherlands as the Nazi assume more control. Throughout it all Anne keeps trying to cling to the good in people and in life and concludes love is the one thing they cannot take away. The book ends with Anne entering their secret room.

I felt the writing was a bit repetitive. Throughout the novel, I thought, "Yes, this idea or this phrase was already mentioned and expounded upon. Let's have a new thought or point."

Discuss: WWII and its atrocities, hope vs courage (towards the end the characters do not hope but try to have courage), Anne begins a romantic relationship w/ a young man at age twelve (they only hold hands), following a set of rules or having absolutes was regarded as not a good way to conduct life, instead-being you and whatever your heart desires is what is true.

The King Arthur -The All-Purpose Baker's Companion-Revised & Updated*

 Over Christmas break, I started trying to bake yeast bread again. I try from time to time and soon tire of it. I enjoyed it more this time! This book contains tons of delicious looking baking recipes (not just yeast bread).

I tried "Beautiful Burger Buns" (recommended by my sister-in-law who weekly bakes yeast bread), "Back-of-the-Bag Oatmeal Bread", and "Lemon Bread".  My men enjoyed all three of these recipes. 

I also copied down yeast bread baking tips from this book. I have learned a lot!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Garlic Companion by Kristin Graves

 I read a review about this book in a seed catalog (Seed Saver's). 

As a lover of garlic, this book thrilled me and made me smile. Ms. Graves gives the history of and health benefits of garlic, plus plenty of how-tos (decorating with garlic!) and recipes. I had never heard of black garlic until reading her book. After reading this book, anyone should be able to plant garlic and experience success. 

I made her "Immune Booster Soup", which my husband, my youngest son, and I liked a lot (I did not use the amount of garlic she suggested-10-12 cloves!).

Ms. Graves owns a garlic farm and a CSA in Canada. 

Old Herbaceous by Reginald Arkell*

 A Novel of the Garden

Originally published in 1950.

From his earliest years, Herbert Pinnegar loved flowers. When he was fourteen-years-old, he was required to visit the vicar who would help find a job on the farm. He did not want to work on a farm. Fortunately, the lady of the manor sat in on his interview and convinced the vicar to allow Herbert to work in her manor gardens. This interference provided Herbert, aka "Old Herbaceous", many years of delight --by gardening. I loved experiencing this man's life from a school boy through seventies with the best setting-a garden!

Individuals who love flowers, gardening, and British villages will find this book satisfying and relatable. 

*Highly recommed.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Bells of London with a story in pictures by Ashley Wolff

 Ms. Wolff adds a story through her illustrations to a traditional British nursery rhyme. 

A young girl takes her dove into the city. As she and her father venture into London, they hear the peal of the different church bells. With much regret she sells her dove and then makes a choice that causes her and young boy (the buyer) to dash about London.

I wanted to know to know the backstory to the rhyme. But this book was published in 1984 when picture books did not include additional information.

The illustrations depict typical activities of Londoners during this time period. I did not appreciate two women's cleavage showing. It wasn't obnoxious. . .maybe a kid would not notice it?

-Borrowed from the library.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons by Anna Harwell Celenza illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel*

 This picture book focuses on Vivaldi's interactions with the girls at the orphanage, Ospedale della Pieta in Venice. As a priest, he was their music teacher. People agreed that their performances were one of Italy's finest.  After dismissing him, the board of directors regretted their decision, for Vivaldi had soared into fame. Wanting him to return but not able to afford him, they made a deal with him-to compose for the girls on an ongoing basis. Vivaldi agreed and composed more than 140 concertos for them. The author likes to  imagine he created The Four Seasons with the girls in mind.

The four sonnets to accompany each piece are included (written after the music was composed). A CD recording of the music is part of this book. The illustration style/technique were not to my taste.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.