King Alfred and the Ice Coffin by Kevin Crossley-Holland illustrated by Chris Riddell*

 King Alfred, the only English king called "Great", loved stories and longed for his people to be able hear & read stories in English. As a result, in his spare time, he learned Latin so he could translate stories into English. This book focuses on this desire and his tenacity plus a story he heard from a trader, Wulfstan.

The illustrations fill the page or two page spreads and will immerse the reader into this time period. A couple of the illustrations may be a bit scary for sensitive readers (depictions of a personified sea & three old magicians). I like how the Mr. Riddell separates the two stories-King Alfred & his court and the story Wulfstan relates by color hues (King Alfred = brown; Wulfstan= blue).

I did not like how the author has Wulstan use improper grammar -using "me" as a subjective prononun! Three times he included this- "Me and my crew" & "Me and my salt-friends"-2x. Maybe it is ok to speak & write this way in Great Britain?

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

 

Medieval Tales That Kids Can Read & Tell by Lorna MacDonald Czarnota

 Professional storyteller, Lorna MacDonald Czarnota, shares short versions of tales from the Middle Ages. After each story she offers tips for telling it well and the story's history/true aspects. Tales about the following people are featured: William Tell, Robert Bruce, Robin Hood, Joan of Arc, King Arthur & the Knights of the Round Table, Duke Lech, Beowulf, Charlemagne, Saladin, Alexander the Great, Eleanor of Aquitane, & Boudicca.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Sacred Scales-Dragons of Camelot Book One by Bryan Davis*

 Hawk, an apprentice, and Sabina, Lady Morgan's mentee, encounter each other at Lady Morgan's house and become fast friends. Realzing that Lady Morgan wants to incite war between King Arthur's kingdom and the dragons to wipe out dragons in all realms, the two friends join Merlin and kind-hearted dragons to prevent this devastation.

An exciting, adventurous book 

I thought that the friendships formed and the conversations to Christ occurred too quickly to be realistic.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library. ( I asked my director to purchase this title, & she did!)

Considerations for younger readers: magic, death, fighting vs. evil

Sweet Tooth by Sarah Fennel, creator of Broma Bakery*

 This book was loaded with sticky notes, indicating which recipes I wanted to try! With my schedule and life events right now, I, however, only had time to make two recipes- Blueberry Almond Cake & Sugar Cookie Bars (made two times, the 2nd time I doubled it). My family enjoyed the outcomes-devoured within two days! The recipes are easy to follow using basic ingredients. 

Recipes I want to try (I will have to borrow it again or just buy it!): Double Chocolate Banana Bread, Cosmic Cookies, Oatmeal Cream Cookies, Coffe Cake Cookies, Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins, White Chocolate Brownies, Blueberry Pie Cookies, Vanilla Bean-Blackberry Scones, Funfetti Crumb Cake, Orange Pull-Apart Bread, Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, Spiced Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, Maple-Glazed Apple Blondies, Cranberry Pie Bars

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Famous American Humorous Poets by Everett S. Allen

 I borrowed this book from the library to read about Oliver Herford for an upcoming Poetry Treat theme. I only read the chapter about him (Other the subjects were: Franklin Pierce Adams, Richard Willard Armour, Margaret Fishback, Arthur Guiterman, Samuel Goodman Hoffenstein, Donald Robert Perry Marquis, Phyllis McGinley, Christopher Darlington Morley, Ogden Nash, Dorothy Parker, James Whitcomb Riley, & Bert Leston Taylor). Published in 1968 for a younger audience, it does not have the stilted, simplistic style & tone a lot of biographies for teens have today. As I read the chapter on  Oliver Herford, I felt like I got to know him and could appreciate his personality.

I will reborrow this book when I feature him at our Poetry Treat.

Merry Ever After written & illustrated by Joe Lasker*

 This book compares two medieval weddings-noble & peasant. Mr. Lasker utilized paintings or pictures drawn by artists during this time period to inspire and guide his own illustrations. A wonderfully unique book!

Considerations: peasant woman nurses her baby-the reader can see the top portion of her breast-very minimal; the merry making involves drunkenness, fighting,  & wildness-readers see people passed out!

*Highly recommend-readers will learn a lot about this time period & customs through this engaging book but see the considerations.

-I own this book. I bought it used (via order online). Unfortunately the spine is brittle. I am afraid with a few more readings it will fall apart.

Illuminations by Jonathan Hunt*

 Through illuminations and the alphabet, Mr. Hunt exposes readers to important words that describe the Middle Ages. Some words are basic (dragon, falconry, knight, Merlin) but other words are not as well-known (at least to me!!) (oriflamme, quintain, xylography). All ages will enjoy this richly illustrated and written picture book.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Spider Lady by Penny Parker Klostermann illustrated by Anne Lambelet**

 I read a review of this book in World magazine and was intrigued.

What an amazing woman Nan Songer was!! She raised spiders to harvest silk for crosshairs for gunsights during WW II. This book details how she learned their habits, fed them, and harvested their silk. Her perseverance with her "hobby" is inspiring!

Nan Songer's family granted the author permission to read through her unpublished journals to enrich this story.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Turkey for Christmas written & illustrated by Marguerite de Angeli*

 Purple House Press was having a sale off its new titles it was republishing. I took advantage of the sale, purchasing several titles. This book was one of them.

A true story from the author's childhood

This Christmas Bess's family can only afford a turkey. No presents would be given. Through this difficulty, Bess learns the importance of obedience and the unsurpassing gift of love. It was interesting to read how Christmases were observed and celebrated years ago.

*Highly recommend.

I own this book. (only 46 pages)

Snails & Monkey Tails by Michael Arndt*

 A Visual Guide to Punctuation & Symbols

My friend had this title on her recommended book list. I thought it looked intriguing.

It is fascinating! The author orients the reader to each punctuation's history/origins and how to use it properly. The graphics are stunning. Unfortunately, because I read this right before falling asleep, I did not retain any of the information. This book would be fun to incorporate into late elementary through high school grammar lessons.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang illustrated by Hyewon Yum*

 When Luli stays in childcare while her mom attends an ESL class, she plays alone. Everyone plays alone.The children do not share a common language. Then Luli fills her backpack with items to serve tea. Tea connects all of the cultures represented.

A sweet story! I loved the endpages (tea cups from the each of the countries that the children in the classroom used to live).

The author's note about how the different cultures enjoy tea was interesting.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Boy who Loved Music by David Lasker illustrated by Joe Lasker*

 I liked Joe Lasker's knight book so much, I searched for more books illustrated by him. 

This story, written by Joe's son, relates the events leading up to composer and music director, Haydn's composition, "Farewell" Symphony. An intriguing and humorous story

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Goran's Great Escape by Astrid Lindgren illustrated by Marit Tornqvist*

 This summer, my mom, my sister-in-law, and I attended a baby shower for my cousin. Instead of a card, we were to bring a book we had signed. My sister-in-law gave this delightful book. I had never heard of it (even though I love Pippi Longstocking!).

On Easter Day, the normally mild bull, Goran, becomes angry. The farmer cannot calm him. The village gathers around the farm to watch the "show".  Who can restore Goran to his pleasant demeanor?

I like the illustrations just as much as the story.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Bill Pickett: Rodeo-Ridin' Cowboy by Andrea D. Pinkney illustrated by Brian Pinkney*

 Starting with Bill Pickett's father, Mrs. Pinkney explains how Blacks journeyed west to Texas and how they established communities. As a child, Bill was curious, fast, and observant. One day he spies a dog biting the lower lip of a cattle to subdue it. Bill tries this method on a  calf and amazes cowboys with his ingenuity. They call it "bulldoggin'". A new style is born! Through hard, tedious work, Bill proves his dedication and skill as a cowboy. His performances at rodeos beckons crowds.

*Highly recommend.  I appreciated Mrs. Pinkney's explanation about Black cowboys after the main text.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Boy, the Bear, the Baron, the Bard by Gregory Rogers

 A wordless graphic "novel"

A boy kicks his soccer ball into an abandon building. As he explores it, he realizes that building once housed plays. He selects a costume, emerges on the stage, and at 4 pm (when all of Shakespeare's plays began in the midsummer) he is transported to the Globe Theater.  He is standing before a crowd. The Bard (Shakespeare) dashes from behind the curtain to remove the distracting boy but slips on the soccer ball. A chase ensues. The reader and the boy experience the streets of Elizabethan London with lots of adventures.

-Borrowed from the library.

Christmas at Thompson Hall & Other Christmas Stories by Anthony Trollope

 A collection of five Christmas short stories by British novelist Anthony Trollope 

I had never heard of this author who wrote prolifically during the 1800s. These stories are heart-warming with some humor. Reading about a story with the setting of the U.S. Civil War by a BRITISH author was interesting! I like these short stories better than the modern Christmas stories by American authors.

I learned about this anthology from Lanier Ivester in her book, Glad and Golden Hours.

-Borrowed from the library.

William Shakespeare Twelfth Night retold by Georghia Ellinas illustrated by Jane Ray

 My favorite aspects of this retelling of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare are the bold illustrations and the oversized book. The retelling is a bit stilted. Also, the pronoun switch (from she/her to he/him) for Viola, who is disgused as a man, Cesario,may be a bit confusing. BUT the original story is confusing, so it is a challenge for anyone to retell it well for a younger audience!

I am glad I have it in my collection. (I own this book.)

A Tournament of Knights by Joe Lasker*

 Through a narrative about Justin, a young knight about to fight his first tournament, readers learn how a typical tournament was set up and run. They also learn what is at stake for the loser! 

This author/illustrator has also written/illustrated two other books about this time period. My county library system does not own them, so I bought used copies. (Merry Ever After: The Story of Two Medieval Weddings  & Pearl in the Egg: A Tale of the Thirteenth Century).

-Borrowed from the library.

*Highly recommend.

Let's Keep Christmas a sermon by Peter Marshall illustrations by Barbara Cooney*

 with an introduction by Catherine Marshall (the author of  Christy)

I read this teeny, precious book because Mrs. Ivester recommends it in Glad and Golden Hours (I wrote down a lot of titles she recommends!). Mr. Marshall, a Scottish-American preacher, shares the importance of Christmas and keeping it in our souls. I would love to buy this book (especially this 1952/1953 edition illustrated by Barbara Cooney!) and read it each Christmas.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (the former owner who donated it to the library was from my hometown!)

Hilwa's Gifts by Safa Suleiman illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

 While visiting his family in Palestine (Israel), Ali helps them harvest olives from his favorite tree, Hilwa. During his stay, he learns about the myriad of gifts Hilwa bestows on the family. 

A sweet, multi-generational story set in a region not often featured in children's books.

Discussion: How the author calls the region Palestine, not Israel

-Borrowed from the library.

The Friendship Train by Debbie Levy illustrated by Boris Kulikov*

 After WWII, in 1947 Europe faces a cold winter without food. The U.S. government proposes a plan to help, but government plans take a lot of time to enact/pass. So Drew Pearson, a newspaper journalist, rallies the American people to make donations to these countries. The U.S. sends 500 boxcars of food! Children contributed a lot of these donations and were a huge force for raising money toward the cause.  In return, France expresses its gratitude by sending forty-nine boxcars with gifts to the U.S.

In the author's note, tinges of her political leanings peek through her writing.

*Highly recommend because of this little known piece of history! (at least to me!)

-Borrowed from the library.

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin illustrated by Barbara McClintock*

 In her book Glad and Golden Hours Lanier Ivester mentions books by Kate Douglas Wiggin several times. I then realized that I had never read this classic by her (nor any books by her)!

This book is a delight. Spinster aunts, Miranda and Jane Sawyer, agree to host one of their sister's children. They are hoping for Hannah. Rebecca, however, arrives at their doorstep with an imagination and a zest for life. Soon the town embraces her. Aunt Miranda continues to be harsh and strict. Despite this treatment, Rebecca flourishes and becomes a source of pride. 

This book was published before Anne of Green Gables but does not receive as much recognition. I still like Anne better but this book is at the top of my "favorite classic list". Anne contains more drama, a meatier plot, and more flowery writing. I feel like by the end of these novels, readers know Anne better than they know Rebecca (plus there are more books about Anne than Rebecca). 

I especially like this edition with illustrations by Barbara McClintock (one of my favorite illustrators). If I ever see this edition in a bookstore, I will most likely want to buy it!

*Highly recommend. I think every preteen and teen girl would benefit from reading this novel! 😉

-Borrowed from the library.

Magic in the Margins by W. Nikola-Lisa illustrated by Bonnie Christensen

 Simon, an orphan, is living in a monastery and longs to  draw pictures for the manuscripts. Under Brother William's guidance, Simon learns about the various tasks in a scriptorium. When Brother William inquires about Simon illustrating the illuminated manuscripts, Father Anselm concedes IF Simon proves to have the ability to capture mice. Simon slowly solves Father Anselm's riddle and experiences the joy of drawing!

I liked the writing and the storyline, but the illustrations did not appeal to my preference.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Bestiary by Jonathan Hunt*

 An Illuminated Alphabet of Medieval Beasts

My eighteen-year-old son would have loved reading this book as an elementary and junior high student! 

Mr. Hunt creates an illuminated alphabet book depicting various creatures, both real and fantasical, from the medieval era. Thoroughly researching his subject manner, he exposes readers to the lore of that time.

*Highly recommend (but some of the creatures are evil and violent in nature! Not for sensitive readers).

-Borrowed from the library.

Pie Is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard illustrated by Jason Chin*

 A family of four packs up for a day and evening at the local beach to celebrate the 4th of July.  Two pies are tucked into a picnic basket. Joining other children, the two siblings share many things with their friends throughout the day and night-a book, a ball, a tree, a boat, a best friend . . . I love how the book begins and ends with pie. It features many different ethnicities. The illustrations are the meat of the story and give the words meaning.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Grandpa's Face by Eloise Greenfield illustrated by Floyd Cooper

 This book is recommend in Soul School by Amber O'Neal Johnston. 

Tamika loves spending time with her grandfather-listening to his stories, taking talk-walks, and watching him perform in plays at the local theater. His face and expressions proclaim that he loves her, even when he is scolding her. One day she witnesses him practicing his lines in front of the mirror. His face and eyes are cold-full of hatred. What if he looked at her with that face one day? Tamika withdraws and misbehaves until Grandpa takes her on a talk-walk.

A sweet story featuring the unique relationship between a grandparent and grandchild

-Borrowed from the library.

Miguel's Brave Knight Poems by Margarita Engle illustrated by Raul Colon**

Young Cervantes and His Dream of Don Quixote 

Through narrative poems, Ms. Engle animates Miguel de Cervantes's life, focusing on his tumultuous childhood (his father would consistently gamble away his barber's earnings and be thrown in debtor's prison), his imagination, and his resiliency.  The historical, biographical, and cultural notes were extremely interesting. The oversized, tall book reminds me of windmills! Each poem is accompanied by a full-page or more illustration. 

**Highly, highly recommend. I would have teens read this before reading Don Quixote for great background knowledge.

-Borrowed from the library. It's only $10.48 for a new hardcover on Amazon . . .maybe I will buy it!

Across a Dark and Wild Sea written & illustrated by Don Brown Calligraphy by Deborah Nadel**

 What an enthralling biography about Columcille, an Irish monk and bard! His love for books caused a war and his explusion (by his own accord) from Ireland. Living out the rest of his life in Iona, Scotland, he witnessed to the Picts and continued copying books, bringing light to the Dark Ages.

I do not care for Mr. Brown's style of illustrating, but his story-telling skills are superb! Mr. Brown's diagrams were concise and easy to understand (how to assemble a book, build a coracle).

*Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library. (I would love to purchase this book.)

A few books recommended in Soul School by Amber O'Neal Johnston

 Below are a few books featured/recommended in Soul School, which I recently reviewed. I borrowed all these books from the library.  I do not "highly recommend" all of these books. Please read carefully.😀

1. Saving the Day by Karyn Parsons illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

In rhyme, Ms. Parsons shares Garrett Morgan's childhood and his idea for the traffic signal. She imagines a story to highlight his invention. She also reveals he that invented many other helpful objects but only shares one other device-a gas mask.

2.  The 1619 Project-Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renee Watson illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

A young girl needs to research her heritage. When she asks her grandmother about her ancestors, her grandmother reveals her family's rich West Central African heritage (Ndongo Kingdom) and then how they were captured, sold, and shipped across the Atlantic to Virginia to work the tobacco fields. Unique format: poems 

Considerations/discussions: I found it  one-sided-they only state about the whites capturing and selling them. Black Lives Matter is mentioned. Because of the cruel nature of slavery, I would read this book with older children, who are ready to discuss the many facets to this part of history (& be prepared as a parent to disclose how whites were not the only ones selling the Blacks into slavery).

3. The Roots of Rap -16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston-Weatherford Art by Frank Morrison

The history of rap/hip-hop  I did not really learn about it through the main text. The glossary and list of  who's who of Hip-Hop taught me the most. I do not have much schema for it! 

Consideration: Some of the groups and artists may have questionable lyrics. Graffiti is one of the four pillars of hip-hop. So this book will promote discussions! 😉

4. Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham illustrated by C.G. Esperanza

*Highly recommend!

A family gathers each Sunday to make and eat "soul food". For the first time a young boy helps his Granny prep each item on the menu. A great book about family and working together  A recipe for mac/cheese is included! I loved the author's note where she explained how she learned to cook!

5. John Henry by Julius Lester illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

**Highly, highly recommend.

Award-Caldecott Honor Book

One can hear Mr. Lester tell this story-the words have so much voice! I especially delighted in the figurative language-hyperboles, similies, personifications etc. My favorite line-"Dying ain't important. Everybody does that. What matters is how well you do your living."

Consideration/discussion: Spoiler Alert- John Henry dies at the end.

6.  Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese -A Story of Food, Family, and Freedom by Glenda Armand illustrated by Steffi Walthall

As a young girl assists her grandmother in the kitchen prepping and making food for the extended family's New Year's Day dinner, she listens to stories why each of the foods are significant and the history of her ancestors. Learning about the food history was interesting. I love how the book celebrates grandparents and extended family. A recipe for pralines is shared!

7.  My Rows and Piles of Coins by Tololwa M. Mollel illustrated by E.B. Lewis

*Highly recommend!

Award winner- Coretta Scott King Award

Each market day in Tanzania a boy helps his mother. If it is a good market day, she gives him a few coins for him to purchase something. Instead, he saves the coins. He longs to buy a red, white, and blue bicycle.  A sweet story with a surprise ending

8. Black Cowboy Wild Horses  A True Story by Julius Lester illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

**Highly, highly recommend!

What a fascinating tidbit of history! Mr. Lester elucidates how Bob Lemmons, a former slave, tracks wild mustangs and captures them. He was a legendary Texan cowboy! Of course, Mr. Lester utilizes beautiful language (figurative) to narrate this unusual piece of history.

Glad & Golden Hour by Lanier Ivester illustrated by Jennifer Trafton*

 Christmas in July!

I heard this book advertised on several podcasts before 2024 Christmas. How excited I was to discover that a library in my county had purchased the book!

My initial goal in reading the book was to establish a list of  new, meaningful ideas to celebrate Christ at Christmas. I, however, found the ideas a bit too fancy and time-consuming for my current stage in life (plus, I am the only female in the house . . .my attempts to mimic her ideas may not be appreciated nor tolerated!!!😉😁). Instead, I relished in the beautiful writing, the word choice, her stories, and book lists-of course!! (The book lists contain titles that I long to read--older stories. Most of the titles are available via ILL. I am tempted to purchase several and read aloud to my teenage boys.) Setting up an advent wreath with real candles (although not novel) is one idea I would like to implement in Christmas 2025. 

Mrs. Ivester shares magical Christmas stories and traditions from her childhood and as a newly married plus heart-breaking stories about her sorrow over infertility, a house fire, and the deaths of parents. She embraces the loveliness of the season but does not ignore the sadness that naturally occurs in this life. 

Ms. Trafton's illustrations are beautiful. I, however, would have liked to see actual photos of Ruff House festooned in its Christmas glory.

*Highy recommend (for reasons above).

-Borrowed from the library.

Sunrise Summer by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr**

 What a fascinating picture book!! A young girl relates her first summer being part of the fishing crew in Alaska. The illustrations are descriptive and humorous. 

The author and his wife, the illustrator, take their family to her famiy's property in a remote area in Alaska to fish for salmon each summer. I was surprised to learn at the end it was based on the author/illustrators' family. Ms. Behr offers more details about salmon fishing in the last four pages.

I was delighted the entire time I read this book!

**Highly, highly recommend this unique book. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Wind Watchers by Micha Archer*

 Through the four seasons siblings enjoy the wind's different moods. The word choice is apt. Because of Ms. Archer's descriptive language, readers can feel and hear the wind in each episode. The collage illustrations are impressive.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Soul School by Amber O'Neal Johnston

 When I took a course for my masters which focused on teaching multiculturally, I noticed a dirth in fictional books about ordinary Black people. Since then (over twenty years ago), I have not seen much improvement. This book addresses this issue by offering an annotated book lists that include Black characters and culture. I still think Ms. Johnston's choices mostly feature books about Black history/racial issues (but one of her goals was to expose children to Black history/culture.). 

The book is well organized. Part One, with five chapters, sets up the premise. Part Two provides the annotated book list, divided by ages (2-4, 5-7, 8-10, 11-14, 15-17). I was impressed with her thought-provoking discussion questions she provides with each book plus the intriguing, meaningful activities she suggests. For each book she offers two more books similiar to it (but does not annotate them or supply discussion questions and activity ideas).

I requested quite a few picture books (& one chapter book) she recommends and will review them soon.

-Borrowed from the library.

Arthur, the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland illustrated by Chris Riddell*

 A lavishly illustrated account about King Arthur's entire life

This hefty graphic novel portrays the legend of King Arthur and his knights in an engaging manner. I especially appreciated the word choice and the writing style. Although I highly recommend it, I think it is best suited for high school and older. See the warnings.

*Highly recommend.

Warnings: Arthur is born out of an affair (although his mother was tricked by magic) between the king and the Duchess of Cornwall, Arthur has a son out of wedlock with his half-sister (he, however, did not know she was his half-sister), mentions of initimacy (no details are given-readers infer ), Lancelot and Queen Guinevere have an affair, very graphic violence-described  The illustrations show blood and the gore. 

-Borrowed via ILL-I bought this book, so I own it too now.

The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane by C.M. Millen illustrated by Andrea Wisnewski**

 Brother Theophane, a monk in the Mourne Mountains in Ireland, struggles to focus on his copying chores in the scriptorium. God's creation beckons him to delight in the outdoors. Because of his lack of discipline, he is relegated to make the brown ink. To take a break from the tedious task, Brother Theophane walks the  countryside, marveling at the color in God's creation. An idea forms that transforms the monks' copy work forever!

A fictional account but readers will learn about how books were copied, about monks, and about illuminated manuscripts. Ms. Millen also incorporates anonymous poems that monks doodled on leftover scraps of parchment or in the margins of their books.

A delightful story with stunning illustrations    I, of course, loved reading how different plants made different hues of paint.

The author's note offers more information about the topic. She even provides links to make your own hawthorn bark ink, to extract colors from plants, and how illuminated manuscripts were made. Even though the text is simple, junior high students can marvel at the word choice and writing style and also learn about this time period and occupation.

**Highly, highly recommend.

Borrowed via ILL -I bought this book, so I own it too now.

Broken Bread by Tilly Dillehay*

 How to Stop Using Food and Fear to Fill Spiritual Hunger

As of now, I have read all of the books Mrs. Dillehay has written!

Mrs. Dillehay explores how food traps people in sin (asceticism, gluttony, snobbery, and apathy) and also how to utilize food with eternal goals in mind.  Especially interesting chapters cover topics like Christians who drink alcohol, fasting, and longing for heaven. Each chapter she begins with one of her food memories. Ending with "Food for Thought", each chapter has a few discussion questions, has a couple of ideas to put into practice, and finally, a book or scripture to read. 

 Having recovered from an eating disorder, she understands the power food/eating can hold over someone. Readers will not only learn about honoring God with their eating but will also gain insights about hospitality, sin, food fads/diets, and theology. Oh, she also enlightens the reader the proper way to eat a pomegranate (her favorite fruit)!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (I asked my librarian to purchase this book for the library circulation; she did!)

The Castle on the Hill by Elizabeth Goudge*

 By accident my friend bought two copies of this title. She gifted me her second copy!

Summer of 1940 during WW II has brought despair and change to many people in England. Four sets of strangers come together at the Castle-Miss Brown (unexpectantly the new housekeeper), Mr. Birley and his nephews whose family owns the castle, Moppet & Poppet, two evacuees, and violinist Jo Isaacson. As they interact, some of the adult character face their love of self and learn to love sacrifically.

Ms. Goudge transports her readers to a specific setting and makes them feel part of it. Her settings and characters are well-developed and come to life. Her word choice and sentence structure are poetic. She weaves in deep truths and scriptural truths without being didactic  I really enjoy the way she writes. 

Consideration: One character swears throughout (d***), some characters wrestle with their view of God and His existence, a man and young lady have sex (no details are given, the reader knows they spend the night together) and later she is pregnant (so the reader infers what happens that night). The child is born early and is stillborn.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book. I wold like to own more of her books!

Loving the Old Testament by Alec Motyer

 I am currently in a class at our church for training for a certain role. Our teacher assigned this book for us to read last month. Through scripture connections, Mr. Motyer reinforces how the Christian needs the Old Testament to fully understand Christ and to fully understand (and appreciate) the New Testament.  My appreciation for the Bible as one whole book has deepened after reading this book. Chapter 14 "Settling Down to Our Task" especially challenged me. Its practical application appealed to me.

-I own this book.

The Vanished Kingdom #3- The War of the Maps by Jonathan Auxier

 Mr. Auxier finishes his trilogy featuring Peter Nimble and Sopie Quire with an exciting tale of two opposing forces-reason and magic. Whichever side wins, their reality will determine how the world functions.  When these forces war versus each other, the individuals involved realize that their conclusions about the other side may not be accurate. 

Mr. Auxier is a superb story teller, who uses figurative language aptly. I love his word play with the names of the members of the League of Maps. Additionally, it was fun reading about the Fable Stables (a transitional reader series) in this novel. It has been eight years since I read Peter Nimble, and five years since read Sopie Quire. To fully appreciate the series, the reader would find it beneficial to read the novels during a short span of time (not years apart like I did!).

I, however, was disappointed that Mr. Auxier included a nod to the transgender movement. On page 386 the Rooks are shedding their names given to them by the evil Mother and revealing their real parent-given names. One child says "their" name is Horace, but "they" always hated it. With fear, "they" declare "they" want to be called Shasta. All of the other Rooks have "he" or "she" in the sentences when sharing their name. But this one uses "they" & "their" pronouns. I had my fifteen-year-old son read this page, and he didn't pick up on it. He thinks kids are reading strictly for the enjoyment of  the story, whereas an adult reader is more attuned to these inclusions. 

Update warning-6/22/25-I just read World magazine's review of this book. Their reviewer also picked up on the inclusion of transgender. She also pointed out that Peter's sister, Peg, says she "isn't  interested in boys". I remember reading it and pausing, but then disregarding it because I thought I was reading too much into it. I probably was not.

Warnings: violence-quite graphic at times, pg. 386-transgender paragraph, character saying she isn't into boys,   discuss-Is everything black/white? What is the benefit of hearing the "opposing side's" story? What about God's Truth? Is all progress bad? What does progress squelch? 

-Borrowed from the library.

Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson illustrated by Dan Santat*

When readers first begin reading this book, they believe they are learning about the five main classes of vertebrates. The narrator then relays important information-the reader should not trust fish. At this point, the narrator leaps off onto a long bunny trail, listing all the reasons why the reader should not trust fish. Humorous and fun!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mighty-The Story of an Oak Tree Ecosystem by Henry Cole*

 Mr. Cole follows the growth of an oak tree over the centuries and its impact on creation. Mr. Cole captures its majestic appearance and all of the critters that depend on it very well. I loved looking for the animals Mr. Cole drew on the forest floor amid leaves and plants and in the oak's branches.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger

 A cranky bird, Otto, could care less about life and often mutters, "What's the point?".  When he drops a seed on his dirty floor, a tree begins to grow. Each day he tells the tree a story about his marvelous adventures in his younger years. A transformation begins-in Otto and in his home.

I did not find the illustrations appealing.

-Borrowed from the library.

Miss Prim Goes Wild by Katy Rose illustrated by Thai My Phuong*

 Miss Prim is an organized, serious, predictable --well. ..  a prim lady. She especially looks for problems in nature and properly trims or disposes of them. When she hurts her back, she gains perspective on life and changes her opinion about nature.

I loved witnessing the character transformation as the book progressed. Alliteration and excellent word choice abound. The illustrations tell just as much of Miss Prim's story as the words. 

Pair with A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie & Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.