Children's Book Monday

A Gift for Mama

by Linda Ravin Lodding

illustrated by Alison Jay

Every once in awhile (all too rarely, it seems) a new children's book comes along that has the feel of a classic, and this is one of them.  Not only do the beautifully colored illustrations have an old feel to them (due to the artist's method of using alkyd paint covered with crackle varnish), but the story itself, with the author's use of famous artists, musicians, writers and nobility as side characters, appeals to the senses of a child even as it brings a smile to their faces with the sweetness of a little boy, on a mission to get the perfect gift for his mama's birthday.

As morning bells ring out over Vienna, Oskar sets out with only a single coin.  He sees beauty everywhere, but decides rather quickly to purchase a beautiful yellow rose, only he is not the only one captured by its' beauty; the artist, Gustav Klimt (although we do not find out who exactly he is until a note from the author at the end of the book), decides he must include it in his next painting, and so Oskar trades the rose for a beautiful horsehair paintbrush.  

As Oskar attempts over and over to make his way home with a gift for Mama, he is continually stopped by people with need, or who are simply captured by his traded gifts.  We encounter Felix Salten (Bambi), Johann Strauss II, and the Empress Sisi, all who are touched in some way by Oskar's willingness to share his gifts.  And when he finally reaches his mama at the door, what he has ended up with as a gift for her is really the perfect one anyway.

*Funny aside: I have to tell you, at one point Oskar has traded for a book (from Felix Salten), but when a carriage carrying the Empress Sisi is trapped in some mud, the coachman grabs the book from Oskar and tosses it under the wheel to give it some traction.  This action elicited an audible gasp of dismay from the three of us reading along, and Gideon said, "Use your own book!", and Eliana countered with, "No!  Never throw a book on the ground!"  ~smile~

The author has actually lived in Vienna, and her love for the beautiful city is evident as she ponders her own memories of strolling under the arches of the Hofburg Palace, passing the Opera house, and lingering in front of Demel's coffeehouse, all of which contributed to this story that brings to life a little boy, "darting through the old town, encountering the famous nineteenth-century artists, musicians, writers and nobility."

The work of Alison Jay has been long-adored by the Hooper family; a favorite that she both wrote and illustrated is a wordless story about the sea titled Out of the Blue.  Her signature use of crackle varnishing is a pleasant accompaniment to the comical story, and the border pictures are always a favorite around here.

I hope your library has this new (but old-feeling) favorite!  Happy reading!

Children's Book Monday

Katie's Wish

by Barbara Shook Hazen

illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

I know I'm not the only one.  We've all, young and old, made a reckless wish at some point in our lives.  But do you remember if your wish, whispered in haste and sometimes anger, seemed to come true?  Perhaps you can recall the agony of wondering if what followed was all your fault...

In Ireland, a little girl named Katie is tired of plain-boiled potatoes.  They weren't the way Mam made them- lashed with milk, onion bits, and knobs of butter.  But her mam is dead and her da has left to make a way for them in America and she always seems to say the wrong thing.  When she mutters, "I wish they'd go away,"after Grand Da asks the blessing for the meal, she can't take those words back.  

We know how it happened overnight.  

One day the potatoes were firm and fine.  The next they were mushy and covered with black spots.

As the rot spreads quickly through the countryside, Katie tries to be extra good, gathering berries and grass to help their meals stretch further. She accompanies Grand Da to sell the pig, and in town, they see children begging.  Grannie becomes ill, and even though the Americans send shiploads of corn, Grand Da declares, "It's like spitting on a house to put out the fire!"

Woven with traditional Irish phrases and painted in soft, dusky watercolors, the story of how Katie makes her way to America carrying her terrible secret is a moving and sometimes difficult tale to read.  My mama heart longed for Katie's mam to be with her, to coax the pain out of her, to speak truth.  My children and I solemnly gazed at the pictures of the crowded ship, filled with sick and crying children and their weary parents.

But when at last, at a warm table in America covered by a mountain of mashed potatoes with onion bits, lashings of milk, and a knob of butter, in a tumble of tears, Katie confesses her reckless wish...

"Nay," Katie's da said, holding her heart-close.  "Believe me, your words weren't wicked.  Nor can words make bad things happen.  None of it was your doing.

Eat, Katie lass, and know how big you are loved."

Happy reading!

Children's Book Monday {Baby Book Edition}

Well, it's no surprise that Evangeline loves books.

(Favorite corner of the living room.)

Books really began to capture her when she was about six months old; we would pull her onto our laps and open up a story and she would lean forward and look, top to bottom, left to right, taking in everything on the pages.  Sometimes, she would begin to turn a page and then suddenly stop and look again, as if she'd missed something the first time.  (Or if we began to turn before she was ready, look out!  Slap!  Her little hand came down on the page to keep us from turning.)

And I think one of my favorite things to see is Gideon, if his sister gets hurt or is sad, sitting down with a book and patting his lap; Evangeline smiles big through her tears and crawls or walks right over to him, snuggling contentedly into his folded legs.  He "reads" it to her (almost perfectly, for he knows almost all of these stories by heart!), and all is well for a few more minutes.  :)  

Truthfully, the foundation of Evangeline's book basket is made up of favorites that have been tried and tested with each of our children- some are even the original copies; chewed-up corners, scribbled pages and all. Some Dr. Seuss, Stan and Jan Berenstain, Helen Oxenbury, Eric Carle, Margaret Wise Brown, etc. Familiar, yes?

Well, this time around Evangeline has fallen in love with some new (to me!) books, and I'd love to share them with you here.

Gyo Fujikawa.  Anything by Gyo Fujikawa.  If this author is old news to you, I apologize, but perhaps my recent discovery has to do with the way these sweet books evoke a fuzzy warmth and quiet that Evangeline especially responds to.

She also adores this little four-book set, and I adore their size; perfect for tucking into the diaper bag and holding in a highchair or car seat.

Fujikawa's artwork is so precious; full of babies and animals, children climbing trees and reenacting nursery rhymes, loving each other and sometimes being naughty... so much on every page to enjoy!  And reading Sleepy Time, Evangeline's favorite bedtime book, helped her learn what sound an owl makes: Ooo, ooo! she earnestly hoots with each sighting.

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So, of course when the gently lilting rhyme of the incomparable Margaret Wise Brown (Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny, etc.) is matched with the colorful line drawings of Felicia Bond (If You Give a Mouse a Cookie), the book immediately becomes a treasure.  If the amount of times Evangeline chooses this book to be read backtobacktoback is any indication, toddlers love it.  It has the perfect mix of descriptive prose with matching illustrations, and it comes to a conclusion so softly that I find myself whispering the last four pages or so.  Another excellent bedtime story.

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My Good Morning Book and My Goodnight Book are two precious (out-of-print but still easy to find!) stories to begin your day, fill your day, and end it.  Eloise Wilkin, another author/illustrator I'm sure you are familiar with, described the simplicity of children's days beautifully in her prose, and displayed it perfectly in her art.  Again, so much to see on every page; here Evangeline signs "bird" for a robin in the garden; and there she laughs as mama bathes the baby (baths are her favorite!).  

Oh, mamas (and daddies!), are you reading aloud to your children?  Never underestimate the powerful influence reading aloud holds; your voice, combined with excellent storytelling, will not only create matchless memories for your children but it will work wonders for their language and grammar skills.  

And don't be too caught up in matching their ages to the reading level of a book- the previous reviews are for Evangeline's favorite books in her basket, but she sits happily with us at the dinner table while I read aloud from Nesbit's The Story of the Treasure Seekers (free for Kindle and such an excellent story!), and crawls around playing quietly while Kevin reads to Eliana and Gideon from The Hobbit.  The beloved voice of a parent is soothing to every child.  (For an excellent podcast that has ministered to my mama's heart so much this past year on this very subject, listen here: an absolutely wonderful use of an hour of your time while you fix supper or fold laundry.)

Happy reading!

(No affiliate links- just sharing what we love!)

Children's Book Monday

So, it's definitely spring, right?  The Polar Vortex has ended?  Around here, there is a full clothesline to show for the bright, breezy weather and a large garden space is being prepped by a third tilling.  It's been warm enough to finally paint the trim on our house, and Eliana's Garden is fixing to be weeded and filled with rose bushes and wildflower seeds. Windows flung open?  Check.  Grilled food back on the menu?  Check.  All sorts of Spring Books filling up our shelves?  Double-check.

And this one is at the top of our favorites stack.  In this week's delicious little story, (that takes place almost entirely underground!) a perfect marriage is made between prose, artwork, education and warmth.  

In My Dreams I Can Fly
by Eveline Hasler
illustrated by Käthi Bhend

"Above the ground

a strong wind was blowing

the leaves from the trees.

Fall had arrived.

Below the ground,

five friends were getting ready

for the long, cold winter ahead:

a grub,

two worms, 

a beetle,

and a caterpillar.

Their homes were connected by tunnels."

And with that, we are visually pulled into a world below the world... instantly, your child wants to connect each creature with its' home, so you must pause here, and let their fingers trace the lines from friend to home.  Above the winding tunnels and holes is a blowing landscape of golden leaves, evoking a feeling of warmth from the protected dirt below. 

The relationship between friends is described alongside full-page drawings of each nest; roots and pebbles, dirt and tunnels inhabited by busy ants.  In the grub's home, every third evening, they play cards together among the roots.  As winter approaches, the worms proudly show their friends the bits of leaves and nuts for food that are scattered about their home, which is lit by lanterns.  The beetle is not worried, for he has "tasty morsels" hidden under his bed.  (Here, your five-year-old might cry out, "Hey, you're not supposed to put things under your bed!")

And when the caterpillar leads her friend through the tunnels to show what she's done to prepare for winter, they are amazed at the beautiful colors and woven threads that shine from her walls.  From her woven bed, she tells them that she doesn't need food.  Only dreams.

And then, the grub shares his dream...

"I dream every night too...

In my dreams, I can fly."

As winter unfolds and spring winds begin to blow, the friends learn secrets about each other as their little homes below the ground begin to warm up.  The grub finds a bulb cracked open that he has saved for food, and the caterpillar no longer responds to their calls; all they find is a tightly woven, empty ball lying in her bed of gossamer threads.  But when the friends gather together on that saddest of all days, a miracle happens...

First published in Switzerland and translated into English the following year, this story has a simplicity of words that beautifully compliments the intricately detailed pictures.  Never underestimate the ability of your children to appreciate highly detailed illustrations- they want to pore over the pictures while you read and sometimes?  The simpler the prose, the more magnificent the drawings, the more delight and inspiration can take flight.  Ask me how I know.  :)

Happy reading!

p.s.- I just did a quick search of my archives, and it would appear that I've written over 125 book reviews for Children's Book Monday?!?  What??  Goodness.  I really love reading to my children.  And I love to share that delight with you!  So as I'm working to get back to a normal rhythm of posting, feel free to peruse the archives to help build your library lists.  I love the thought of some of these precious gems being read by you to your children!

Children's Book Monday

Around our house, when Gideon is sent to choose several stories for a quiet read before bed, he has that five-year-old boy habit of choosing the same three each time. The content?  Silly. Or action-packed.  Or silly AND action-packed.

So the rule is: choose one story he hasn't heard yet, along with two favorites.  (In a shelf of fifty-plus library books, this is not difficult.)

However, much to his mama's delight, he has chosen this one several times as a comfortable favorite, and oh, friends, it is so warmly evocative!

Once Upon a Memory
by Nina Laden
illustrated by Renata Liwska


In softly rhyming couplets, the author weaves questions into a little boy's world...

Does a feather remember it once was a bird?
Does a book remember it once was a word?

As a feather floats into his playroom, he bends to pick it up, his mind's eye envisioning a barbershop for birds in a soft, warm hole, feathers from a "trim" being swept away.  His hands smooth the pages of a book while he imagines a bookshop, patronized by the soft stuffed animals of his playroom tea party.

Gideon's breathing quiets as he leans in closer to examine the softly sketched and colored pages.

Does work remember it once was play?
Does night remember it once was day?

In one scene, the little boy rakes leaves into a scraggly pile; across the page, happy raccoons leap into a full pile of bronzed leaves.  (And here, Mama catches her breath, too, for she has a bad habit of valuing work more than play.)

There is a cyclical repetition to the story; the author calls the couplets "origin questions", prompting children to question the origins of their inanimate surroundings; islands, statues, gardens... and leading to questions about even the origins of feelings and people:

Does love remember it once was new?
Does a family remember it once was two?

I am completely in awe of this kind of writing; simple, spare words leading to deeply moving, absolutely profound observations.

So, needless to say, this book keeps hopping into our library bags each month- but I'm determined to make sure other families get to enjoy it next! Perhaps instead it will hop onto our wishlist. I hope you will look for it, too- I believe it will bless and inspire you as it captures the hearts and imaginations of your children!

Happy reading!

(p.s.- Don't miss the almost-hidden page at the end- the author and illustrator share some of their favorite memories as a prompt for you and your little ones to remember yours!)

Children's Book Monday (Night Sky Edition)

I've kept the words I wrote weeks ago.  It's been lovely.

We've walked in the woods as the sun first began to set and counted the early stars as they barely began to shine.  We've walked in heavy darkness, where if we switched off the flashlights, we couldn't see a thing except when we looked up!

And last night, at five minutes to midnight, we pulled sleepy, warm bodies from their beds, rubbed the shoulders of big boys and whispered, Wake up!  It's time!

They slipped on jeans and socks, yawning as they stepped into tennis shoes, still tied.  We wrapped a Story Blanket around her and a soft fleece blanket around Little Man and stepped out into the night.

We walked past the garage, over the dike, down the hill and into the woods, oldest son stepping onto the one barbed wire that still stretches saggingly across *our* path, allowing us to safely make our way over.

The quiet meadow called us, flat land next to the river with not too many trees; we took seats on an old fallen trunk, dry and brittle... and looked up.

And for twenty minutes, we enjoyed a glorious show.

Stars filled some areas so thickly, the sky was practically a mist; we found the Dippers, and pointed out planets.  And all the while, meteors streaked across the sky, orange and red and white; from the corners of our eyes we would exclaim, Oh, I saw one! at the exact same time as each other and then break into laughter.  Little ones snuggled close in their blankets, heads tipped back and yawns escaping; happy, sleepy noises.

I could have stayed all night (well, probably not- but I wanted to!), but after awhile even the big boys were blinking slow and longing for their beds.

We whispered glory to God, gratitude for His gifts, for His care of us in this vast, brilliant space.  I teared up (what else is new?) at the profiles of my children, faces shining from the light in His heavens.  Because it is all so very, very good.

For weeks we've had three books in our nature basket that have been thumbed through repeatedly, especially by Eliana.  She's listened, fascinated, as her Daddy held a globe, told her she was the sun, then turned the earth around and asked her when it was day and when it was night in the lands that passed her.  Perhaps our night walks have peaked interest that long lay dormant; but even I have found  myself looking for constellations in the pages, finding their mythic names and learning more from my boys of what they've spent years reading about in their mythology studies.

Patterns in the Night Sky: The Story of the Constellations

by W. Maxwell Reed

This book makes quite an effort to educate us about the origin of the constellations.  The drawings are few and simple and easy to understand, and I really appreciate the ratio of story to picture.  Reading much like a chapter book, it is perhaps best fitting as a lunchtime or evening read-aloud to learn about the origins of the stories of the pictures in our sky.

Know the Stars

by H.A. Rey

This, this, THIS is my favorite!!  Recognize the author?  Beloved writer of the Curious George Books, Mr. Rey created this fact and fun-filled book  in 1954.   It is packed with quizzes, puzzles and games, and many, many stories written in such a pleasant way for children.  I found this one at our tiny local library, but it is definitely on our wish list now. 

Stars: 150 Paintings in Color

by Herbert S. Zim

This is the one I find most frequently in Eliana's hands; it may because of the size, which is a perfect handheld book measuring about 6x4.  The paintings inside are gorgeous, and the full two-page spreads of the constellations in each season of the year are fascinating to examine.   

Along with the books on constellations, our last library visit found me drawn to night books, so we're quite set with those as well; Nocturne and Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, Fox's Dream by Tejima, Sea of Dreams by Dennis Nolan, Once When I Was Scared by Helena Clare Pittman... as the days grow shorter and the nights longer, these evening walks are far more attainable (and enjoyable, as the weather cools down!)- happy reading and happy, happy night sky watching!

Children's Book Monday

Two of our favorite book people- Mary Lyn Ray and Marla Frazee- have teamed up to create this beautiful new book about *stars*. 

(You know, those twinkly, sparkly things that only come out at night so during the summer that means after ten p.m. and your children are completely worn out from playing in the river and mowing lawns and hiking on the trail and swinging on the tire swing so they're already sleeping and they miss them?)

Yeah. 

This book reminded us of what a magical thing it is to wake a warm, fragrant little one from their dreams and carry them outside to watch the first stars appear. It's going on the summer list. To do at least once a week.  

Stars

by Mary Lyn Ray

illustrated by Marla Frazee

I was surprised so many times in this short book when the words challenged me to really see...

Had you ever thought of white stars in June grass becoming strawberries in July?  Or how about yellow stars on pumpkin vines becoming October pumpkins?

Mary Lyn Ray has a gentle gift; with very few, carefully chosen words, she captures the imaginations of children and leaves us breathless. My almost-four-year-old slaps his hand down on most pages in this book before I even turn them, so he can lean in and look closer... 

Stars shine like silver eggs you could gather in a basket... now doesn't that evoke quite the picture?  Literal stars and figurative ones, combined with almost full-page illustrations by the marvelous Marla Frazee, invite us to dive deeper into memory, and see if we remember the shape of dandelion fluff... snowflakes... moss...

Happy reading, kind friends!

Children's Book Monday

It's been a little while since I've reviewed a book for the big boys in our lives!  (This one includes husbands, too...)

Swords: An Artist's Devotion

by Ben Boos

My boys were so excited when they saw me trot out of their bedroom with this book tucked under my arm.  You're going to review THAT?!?  Awesome!  We rather wore out the library's copy several years ago, which is always a sure sign that it's a must-own.  ~grin~

(I have to say that this beautifully detailed book was the catalyst for Micah's love of drawing swords - I'll include one of his creations at the end of this review...)

From the simplicity of a farmer's knife to the intricate sheathes and grips of the samurai, Ben Boos' style and historical detail appeals to child and adult alike.  Not only did he masterfully create full-page drawings of the weapons, but their ancient names and who created and wielded them are always included in text boxes throughout.  His research as well as love for authenticity is evident in the breakdowns of even the parts of a sword, and was incredibly helpful to my boys in helping them to understand how a sword is made, and what makes one stronger over another, depending on the length of tang, etc...

The tang is the part of the blade that is inserted into the hilt, or handle, of the sword.  Medieval swords were forged with a "full" tang, meaning that the steel from the blade continued all the way to the pommel.  The tang was usually concealed inside a grip of wood and leather.  (p. 29)

If ever there was a book to find a boy lying on his tummy enjoying- so much so that one must step over their long bodies to get to another room- this is it.

For the boys, young and old, in your life.  Happy reading!

(Proud mama moment... thank you, Mr. Boos!)

Children's Book Monday

Nana came for a visit.

And she always tries to bring a new story to read to my little ones, one she's thrifted or bought new and saved for a rainy day.

When she blew in with the April wind a couple of weeks ago, she held a new-to-us book in her hands like a promise, and as I bustled about tidying the house and preparing for the evening, I listened to her voice while she read to my children.

I'm not ashamed to say that I wept along with her at the word pictures in this story.

A Packet of Seeds

by Deborah Hopkinson

illustrated by Bethanne Anderson

Annie's father was restless to move west, a place he could stand "alone in an open field where the only shadow he could see was his own".  Her momma was sorrowful at the prospect, but quietly packed and prepared for the journey.

On the morning of the departure, Momma's friends gathered around in a circle, pressing packets of seeds into her hands with a kiss.  Heart breaking, her sister was the last to whisper words of farewell.

As the family journeyed west, Momma remained quiet as she cared for her family, a promise of her own growing in her womb.  The beautiful, sometimes barren, landscape is captured in words so vividly by the author, and painted simply by the illustrator.  Pa built a rough cabin with wood from the creek, and though it was strong, the moan of the wind and howl of the coyote mingled with the stillness and sadness of Momma and Annie couldn't feel safe.  The seasons passed and spring blew in, and nothing else changed.

But when Annie helped the midwife make some biscuits following the birth of her sister, she remembered her momma's love for flowers.  Pa was too busy planting crops to spend time tilling the hard earth for a kitchen garden, so Annie and her little brother, Jim, set to work.  After a few days of hard work, though, they'd only turned over a patch the size of a baby blanket.

Pa saw their struggle and joined them with his breaking plow.  And when they stood back to admire their work, Momma spoke softly from doorway.

What the family finds as they rediscover the bundle of seed packets helps Momma find her voice again, and will make you want to look closer at the old roses and bushes and trees around you, remembering those who came before us.

What Nana didn't know is how much we already enjoy books by Deborah Hopkinson, and this one, new to us, is a wonderful addition.

Happy Reading!

Children's Book Monday

The Big Red Tractor and the little village
by Francis Chan
illustrated by Matt Daniels

They had Gideon at "tractor". They had me at Francis Chan.

All it took was Crazy Love, and we knew we would also want The Big Red Tractor for our children.

This is one story in a group of three books (so far!) by Chan that reads like a parable for children, and it is profound enough to move, while still remaining simple enough to understand and encourage dialogue with your child.

The Big Red Tractor lives happily in a cozy little shed in a happy little village. The problem is, he's only appreciated for the powerful noises he makes; even though the entire village works together every day in the fields, they merely pull the Big Red Tractor to the field to sit and idle while they do the plowing and planting.

When Farmer Dave discovers the owners manual for the Big Red Tractor, he stays up all night to read it. When the morning comes, he can't wait to share what he learned!

But nobody believes him. How can the Big Red Tractor move on its own? It sounds like a fairy tale to them! Farmer Dave spends many nights fixing the tractor according to the manual, and when the village sees that he's plowed an entire field in one night, the wonderful news spreads.

This beautiful story reminds us that we shouldn't keep the Good News to ourselves- and why would we? When it can minister to and help so many others, why would we not act on it, share the blessing we've been made to be?

Happy Reading!

Children's Book Monday

Lighthouses have long fascinated my husband and I... their histories, their stoic beauty and steadfastness, the people who keep them. Hanging in my his office is a framed poster of this incredible scene. (Take a moment to look at all fifteen pictures (and a video!) at that site- such amazing captures of silent beacons surrounded by storms!) For us, the lighthouse creates a beautiful picture of God's protection during difficulty; we can be buffetted, surrounded, in mortal danger... and He stands firm and tall, guiding others to safety even as he shelters us.

So of course, any book with lighthouse in the title captures our attention! At our favorite used bookseller a year ago, as I sat on the floor surrounded by shelves of musty children's books, several stacks climbing higher around me, I came across this hidden gem...

Birdie's Lighthouse
written by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Kimberly Bulcken Root

Bertha (Birdie) Holland keeps a diary that her Papa gave to her before he went to sea, and each entry tells her story. When her father returns, he is chosen as the new lighthouse keeper for Turtle Island, and the family gathers to their new home. Birdie is lonely in this isolated place; the "Smearin' In", as the old-timers call it, bringing dark fog that makes her long for meadows and flowers- and no sea wind to blow them away.

Birdie's Papa teaches her how to polish the reflectors and trim the wicks, but when he takes sick after staying up all night during a storm to keep the lamps burning, someone must watch over the light; proudly, she enters her name into her diary for the first time as "Bertha Holland, Keeper's Daughter."

Her vigilance lasts over several days, as long as the storm does, and long enough to guide someone dear to their hearts... home.

Deborah Hopkinson is a beloved author in this home; she is especially gifted at historical children's books. We highly recommend Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt and A Boy Called Dickens. Kimberly Root's illustrations are simple and expressive, and when I read that she had also done the artwork for a version of Understood Betsy, I was so happy! What a match- that story, her pictures... perfect.

We so enjoyed learning some new seafaring quotes and terms throughout the story- and at the end of the book is a beautiful short biography of four real-life light keepers who saved lives and kept the light burning for many, many years. One in particular, Abigail Burgess Grant, who lived on an isolated island called Matinicus Rock, kept the island's two towers lit for four stormy weeks while her father was away. She married a lightkeeper and lived her whole life in lighthouses- and at the end of her life, simply wrote, It has almost seemed to me that the light was part of myself.

May we all endeavor to say the same at the end of our lives... that the Light was part of ourselves.

Happy Reading!

Children's Book Monday

*Big sigh*.

Hello, little place. Hello, little chicks, scratching about for food underneath my toadstool. You look familiar...

Testing the waters... dipping in a toe, watching the ripples spread. Think it'll get warmer the longer I'm here? ~smile~

Let's talk about books, shall we?

Marguerite Makes a Book
Written by Bruce Robertson
Illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt

This beautiful piece of historical fiction is a favorite among all the ages in our family. (Seriously, Kevin just walked through here and saw what I was reviewing and said, You're reviewing that? Oh, I love that book!) We just couldn't resist a story that begins with a sprawling overhead map of Paris, depicting Notre Dame Cathedral, the Libraire, the River Seine... And when a glossary of technical terms on the last page is followed by a note about how this story was inspired by a group of Parisian manuscripts in the Getty Museum's collection that date from around 1400 to 1425... well, it's all over.

The story sent my little artist, Eliana, into a flurry of paint brushes and scraps of paper. She sported stained fingers for days, and even wore a ring on her second finger, just like Marguerite!

The oldest and most famous book painter in all of Paris is Papa Jacques. He illuminates manuscripts for the nobility of the day, even the King and Queen! His daughter, Marguerite, watches over him anxiously as he works to finish a book of hours for Lady Isabelle; when the deadline fast approaches and the threat of no pay begins to loom, she even offers to help her father finish. But when his glasses are broken in a close call while they are out running errands, Marguerite must step up to the task!

As she fetches eggs for mixing paints, and parsley, dried saffron flowers, madder root, vermilion, and lapis lazuli for color, we get an up-close look at the marketplace of the day, as well as an apothecary. But the magic really comes as Marguerite begins to illuminate a manuscript. As she crushes roots and herbs and mixes them with egg whites, the process is laid out so simply, step by step- you almost imagine you could make paint of your own, just like this! Eliana sure did...

The kindness of a daughter protecting the reputation of her father by serving him in this way, and the gratitude of a father who passed on his art to his daughter, spills onto the pages of this story as surely as the artwork. The pictures are what children fall in love with first, I believe, and the delightfully informational story only enhances the simply beautiful watercolors. Paint pots and ingredients for homemade paint like Marguerite's? On the wishlist.

Happy Reading!

Children's Book Monday

I revisited this post recently, as I stacked some old favorites in a basket by the woodstove. Wanting some fresh books to add, I went shopping in the bookshelves in our home- so inexpensive! (~grin~)

I decided on a common theme- each book must have many individual stories within it's covers, and all must be read-aloud friendly! They didn't even have to be winter or Christmas stories, per se (we've got a large bin of those right next to the Fireside book basket!)- just inviting tales that are best enjoyed together.

Tiny Tots Picture Books: Merry Mother Goose Rhymes and other stories

Among the poetry and stories in this colorful book are the works of Edward Ardizzone, Gelett Burgess, and Marguerite de Angeli. What a treasure! Everything in this book is enjoyed equally by toddler and seventh-grader alike. A perfect fireside choice.






Abraham Lincoln: His Essential Wisdom
edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi

Kevin and I bought this especially for Corban- his favorite president being Abraham Lincoln and his affinity for clever quotes sealing the deal. I added this to our basket thinking that a couple of President Lincoln's excerpted letters or lecture notes in the quiet of the evening might lead to some deep discussions and, if nothing else, some good, clean laughter.

Notes for a Law Lecture, July 1850:
Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser- in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.

A biblical approach by an honest man- see what I mean? Another perfect fit!

The Church History ABC's: Augustine and twenty-five other heroes of the Faith
by Stephen J. Nichols and Ned Bustard

This one is so enjoyable to let fall open and read a short biography of some heroes of the faith- some we'd never even heard of; among them Absalom Jones, Monica, the mother of Augustine, Zacharias Ursinus, etc. If there is an opportunity to learn something new under the guise of family time 'round the warm fire, we're so on it.

Friendly Tales
by Margaret Wise Brown

This collection of over twenty stories and poems by our beloved Ms. Brown (just try searching my blog with her name- she's a regular!) has a bright, coral cover, and the friendliest of words inside. Gideon promptly fell in love with the very first story- Seven Little Postmen- and always requests it first. I thought this was a lovely addition to the basket, especially for our little man.





Other new odds-and-ends additions include Shirley Hughes' Stories by Firelight, Original Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm, and of course Winter Poems.

All told, our Fireside book basket is fairly bulging! Happy Reading, kind friends.

Children's Book Monday (Christmas)

The Christmas book bin, with the oldest and sweetest of favorites:

Christmas in the Barn
by Margaret Wise Brown
pictures by Barbara Cooney

The Little Fir Tree
by Margaret Wise Brown
pictures by Barbara Cooney

Gian-Carlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors

The Life of Our Lord
by Charles Dickens

Over the River and Through the Wood
by L. Maria Child
illustrated by Matt Tavares

Good King Wenceslas
by John M. Neale and Tim Ladwig

Ding Dong Merrily on High! A Pop-up Book of Christmas Carols
by Francesca Crespi

The Nutcracker
by E.T.A. Hoffman
illustrated by Gennady Spirin

Norman Rockwell's Christmas Book

Messiah: The Wordbook for the Oratorio
by George Frideric Handel
paintings by Barry Moser

My Son, My Savior
by Calvin Miller
illustrated by Ron DiCianni









Do you have some Christmas favorites to add? Please do!

And be sure to check my friends' Christmas book lists- Kristin's, and Kathi's, which is on her sidebar!

Happy Reading!

Children's Book Monday

The winter library basket:

Louisa May Alcott's Little Women at Christmas

Excerpted from Little Women, this book follows the March sisters as they strive to be less selfish at Christmastime, saving their pennies and sharing their food with the poor. Word for word from the chapter book, it's an excellent introduction for little girls to the beautiful world of Louisa May Alcott. And the pictures are so much fun!

Winter Poems
by Barbara Rogasky
illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

These poems are breathtaking- Rachel Field's Something Told the Wild Geese is my favorite...

Something told the wild geese
It was time to go
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered,- "Snow"...

Trina Schart Hyman is ever a favorite, and her vivid artwork combined with this collection of poems makes a perfect match for the winter fireside, or the Grove Tending basket.

The Three Gifts of Christmas
by Jennie and Randy Bishop
illustrated by Preston McDaniels

We've only been able to read through this book once, but did it ever leave an impression! By the author of the The Princess and the Kiss, this little story focuses on the heart of the matter- that it is better to give than receive. The illustrations of a princess and her worried parents are beautiful, and what the princess learns from the lesson taught by her parents is priceless. I'm always on the lookout for Christmastime books (for my Christmastime birthday girl!), so perhaps this year, it will finally find a home on our own shelves, to be enjoyed with the Story Blanket, perhaps?

Happy Reading!

Children's Book Monday

Have just a few moments this morning, but I was reminded this week about another book that fits the fall theme so very well, and wanted to share it with you as these fall days grow shorter and colder! After rooting through several bookshelves full of children's books, I found it, and placed it in it's proper home- our fall book basket.

Ox-Cart Man
by Donald Hall
illustrated by Barbara Cooney

A story of the hard (and rewarding!) work of preparing, the colors alone of Ox-Cart Man evoke the warmth of autumn hearth and winter fires.

A family knits and whittles, plants and harvests, all the way through every season, in preparation for Father's long trip to town to sell. What he purchases with a tiny portion of the money directly contributes to their work for the next trip to town, and the beautiful cycle continues. Self-sustenance, gratitude, being careful of waste, and wise use of time are just some of the wonderful lessons to be learned in this book.

Of course, we love Barbara Cooney's work, and this book has the same excellent quality that invites close examination before we turn each page... I love to see little heads lean closer as they sense my fingers on the corner of the page, and they look and look and exclaim and point...

Happy Reading!

Children's Book Monday

Hello, kind friends!

Are your days of late as filled with pencils and books and apple peelings and waxed leaves and yarn pumpkins and crock pot stew and felted acorns and wassail and gratitude as mine are? ~smile~

Just peeking in with a few fall book basket favorites:

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything
by Linda Williams
illustrated by Megan Lloyd

This interactive story illustrated by a favorite artist is a Hooper family fall staple for sure- this year, Gideon has fallen in love with it! I love to hear his little, Tlomp, tlomp! BOO! BOO! as the little old lady who was not afraid of anything is followed home one night by shoes and a shirt and pants and gloves (or dubs, as G calls them! When will it be time for my snow dubs, Mama? Is it winter yet?). What this brave little lady decides to do with her predicament will bring smiles to every sweet little face that surrounds you as you read this fun story- including yours!

Waltz of the Scarecrows
by Constance W. McGeorge and Mary Whyte

This lovely story of a little girl's visit to her grandparents is a new favorite. The legend of what a small community discovered one harvest season is so enchanting, and the way young Sarah participates makes my little girl run to her dress-ups basket to create her own contributions to the harvest ball. Beautiful watercolors and magical prose makes for a wonderful fall basket addition.

Thanksgiving With Me
by Margaret Willey
illustrated by Lloyd Bloom

I'll admit, it's a wee bit early for this book, but the soft fallish colors and story of a mama's long-ago Thanksgivings with her six larger-than-life brothers captivates the little girl in the story, and the little ones in this house, as well! Reading like the lyrics of a folk song, the little girl begs her mama to tell her about every beloved uncle, in detail, and lovingly they plan an enormous menu for the Thanksgiving dinner to come. Now that I think about it, it's a perfect book to read leading up to that day of gratitude!



Happy Reading!