Snow Goose by Paul Gallico illustrated by Angela Barrett

 Mr. Gallico wrote this story soon after the Battle of Dunkirk. The rescue of the British and French soldiers at the Battle of Dunkirk is vital part of this story.

Frith brings Philip Rhayader a wounded snow goose. Mr. Rhayader isolates himself from the world in his lighthouse and marsh lands on the Essex coast. Humpbacked and with a claw hand, he is tired of dealing with people's reactions to his deformities. Frith soon visits often to observe the goose's recovery. Overtime the two develop a friendship. Then one day, Mr. Rhayader sets sail across the English Channel to rescue British and French soldiers. When he does not return, Frith understands her true feelings for him.

A sad and haunting tale. The illustrations depict the mood well. I would not recommend it for elementary school children even though it is a shorter piece of literature.

-Borrowed from the library.

All Things Wise and Wonderful by James Herriot**

  I read aloud this memoir to my thirteen-year-old. We love this series!

Herriot relates stories from his time in the R.A.F but usually an incident in the R.A.F. reminds him of a story from back home in Darrowby. 

I think James Herriot is one of my favorite all-time authors. He is a superb writer.

Warning if sharing w/ young children: swearing, drinking, smoking (but if reading aloud, you can easily edit these items)

**Highly, highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

My tenth-grader will soon be reading this novella. Although it is only 104 pages long and only took me a couple of days to read, it is a challenging read. I read in some literary commentary that Conrad intentionally made the language hard so the reader would feel like Marlow, fighting through the jungle to find Kurtz.

Marlow, the narrator, relates how he searches the Congo, interior Africa, for a man named Kurtz. His goal is to bring Kurtz provisions. Along the way, Marlow sees the ill-treatment of natives and the greed that is in the center of man. Is Kurtz really the hero everyone claims he is?  Based on Conrad's own journey into the Congo.

-I own this book.

Christmas in Vienna-Hallmark DVD*

 Last week Sally Clarkson recommended this movie on her Teatime Tuesday podcast. She had lived in Vienna for many years and enthused about the scenes in this movie. I am highly recommending it because I agree with her; the buildings and setting were stunning. As I watched it, I was in awe of Vienna's beauty. The incorporation of music and a bit of music history appealed to me also. The storyline was typical Hallmark-predictable, perfect ending.

*Highly recommend it for the setting/scenery and music appreciation.

-Borrowed from the library.

Of Walden Pond by Lesa Cline-Ransome illustrated by Ashley Benham-Yazdani*

 A fascinating contrast of the lives of  two men-Henry David Thoreau, an essayist and poet and Frederic Tudor, an entrepreneur. Both men utilize Walden Pond in different ways! 

Superb writing and clever text layout. An enjoyable way to learn about little-known piece of history

Beautiful illustrations with eye-catching layouts.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Peddler's Gift by Maxine Rose Schur illustrated by Kimberly Bulcken Root*

 Leibush loves when Shnook the peddler arrives in Korovenko. Unfortunately, the boys laugh at him more than with him. When Leibush spies a dreidel that Shnook was selling accidently left in their kitchen, he decides to "borrow" it. Overcome with guilt, he finds Shnook to return and learns some life lessons.

The illustrations allow the reader to peek into Jewish Russian history and culture.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Delish Kids Cookbook by Joanna Saltz & the Editors of Delish

 A well-laid out recipe book that guides all levels of kid cooks. Clear ingredients list, supplies list and directions are included with all recipes. I tried a few of the recipes. We found them a bit lacking in flavor. We did enjoy "Chicken Burrito Bowls". The marinade infused the chicken with a deep, spicy flavor.

-Borrowed from the library.