Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother, Ami, insists that she bring her little sister along. Rubina is mortified, but she can't convince Ami that you just don't bring your younger sister to your friend's party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina's prized party favor, a red lollipop. What's a fed-up big sister to do? Rukhsana Khan's clever story and Sophie Blackall's irresistible illustrations make for a powerful combination in this fresh and surprising picture book.

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Prigger bases her engaging debut on an incident in her own family. The setting is 1920, so Minnie can’t be considered obsessive-compulsive; instead, she’s a woman with a system for keeping things shipshape and just so. Her farmhouse is trim and neat, as is her garden and barn. Her neighbors snipe that it’s a good thing that Minnie, a spinster, has no children, who would surely interfere with her system. Then the telegram arrives: “Come quick. Your brother and his wife have had an accident. Their children are orphans in need of a home.” Aunt Minnie goes and gathers the children, all nine of them, in a thrice. The neighbors look on with amazement (as will readers) when all the potential for pandemonium is breezily absorbed into Aunt Minnie’s system: “The oldest looked after the youngest. The ones in the middle looked after each other. And Aunt Minnie looked after them all.” Tweak this template a little, and it works for grocery shopping, housework, bathing, and going to the johnny house. There are episodes of stubbornness and fretting, dawdling, pouting, and crying; there is also noise, music, laughter, and hugging, all captured with elemental clarity and a visual caress in Lewin’s watercolors. This story is a sweet and simple song of grace, love, and responsibilities met; it will leave children aglow and adults in tears. (Picture book. 4-8) 

Now me, I do not care one hoot for what that Book Woman has carried ‘round, and it would not bother me at all if she forgot the way back to our door.
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But here she’ll come right through the rain and fog and cold. That horse of hers sure must be brave, I reckon.

Comes on a time the world turns white as Granpap’s beard. The wind it shrieks like bobcats do deep inside the dark of night. So here we sit tucked ‘round the fire, no thought to howdy-do’s this day. Why, even critters of the wild will keep a-hid come snow like this.
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But sakes alive—we hear atap tap tap upon the window-glass. And there she be—wrapped tip to toe!

She makes her trade right through the crack to keep us folks from catching cold. And when Pap bids her stay the night, she only shakes her head.
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“My horse will see me home,” she says.

I stand a spell to watch that Book Woman disappear. And thoughts they go a-swirling ‘round inside my head, just like the whirly-flakes outside our door.
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​​It’s not the horse alone that’s brave, I reckon, but the rider, too. And all at once yearn to know what makes that Book Woman risk catching cold, or worse. I pick a book with words and pictures, too, and hold it out. “Teach me what it says.” 

I couldn't resist sneaking a candid shot of Matt reading Miss Q's birthday gift, Up in the Leaves, last spring.

Inside this little booklet my son filled-out at school, there was a list of "Mom's Favorites." For example..."Favorite Food:________." His answer: "broccoli." "Favorite Thing to Do: ________." He wrote, "laundry." How does he know the true me so well?!!! Kids may never know their parents until they become some.

What a happy smile that mama has!

Codell (Educating Esme) has amassed an exuberant treasure trove for parents who want to help their children develop a love of reading. A strong believer in reading aloud, Codell gives an admiring nod to the work of Jim Trelease (The Read-Aloud Handbook), while presenting her own theory that interest (finding the right books for the child), integration (using reading as a springboard into other disciplines) and invention (when a child's unique ideas are inspired by the writing) can make the difference in how a youngster approaches reading. Codell, a teacher and librarian, resists grouping books by age level, explaining, "don't let somebody else's scoring system define your child, and don't let reading levels level your child's love of reading." Instead, she offers a simple method for determining whether a book is too difficult while pointing out that kids may listen on a much higher level than they read. The witty, comical "Madame Esme" (as she calls herself) offers scores of thematic book lists parents can use to inspire young readers, ranging from topics as diverse as medieval England to dinosaurs or hiccups. Covering a vast spectrum of subjects and authors, Codell casts a wide net as she builds a magical literary bridge between home and school. With appendixes of Caldecott and Newbery winners present and past, the book is akin to having one's own personal children's librarian at one's fingertips. Codell creates a contagious enthusiasm for the enormous value of children's literature, which will leave parents primed for their next trip to the library or bookstore.

"The real moment of revelation was another book. Three books, actually. I've had a hardbound trilogy sitting on my shelf for two or three years now, waiting to be read. On a whim (what I thought was a whim) I picked it up this summer. It's a trilogy by Thyra Ferre Bjorn about a mother and daughter: a real life Swedish pastor's family that immigrated to America. The picture of family was so homelike that I couldn't get away from its pages. It held simple charm, ambition, and trust in God's goodness. Just a childlike faith, and deep love for taking care of husbands, children, and grandchildren that one woman passed on to all her daughters.

And I got it. I got it. The heart connection always comes for me through a person. A story about a person in the Bible, a fictional character, or a real-life person. Through the people in this story it clicked, and the love came in. I wanted the picture of family they gave. I loved it, and I saw how family was precious. This story didn't really stop to teach anything. It simply demonstrated how family and children and the routine tasks of keeping the home are an act of worship and blessing from God."

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Because many parts of the book are similar in prose to Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn novels, Papa Married a Mormon fits the mold of a Victorian look at an era long gone.

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I really adored the character of Mama, whose courage and convictions, and just her basic goodness are an inspiration to me. She was one of those believers who understood and lived the real gospel, the part about loving others even if they're different from us, and doing what's right even when it will get you shunned or gossiped about in the neighborhood. I just love Mama. Kids and dogs and people everywhere she went loved her, and so do I.

To say I loved this book is an understatement - it was fabulous, moving, and even funnier than I imagined it would be! Of course I grew up watching the great film, Sound of Music, of which Maria's life was based from, but I'd never read the true story of her life. There was so much more to her life than was portrayed in the film, and it was exciting to really get to know her in her own words.

Maria von Trapp shares her life from convent to barroness to family singing group - from Austria to America – filling the pages with humor, love, faith and family, and lot's and lot's of stories. Like learning their very first American songs: “My Old Kentucky Home” and Old Black Joe”. And trying her first taste of Coca-Cola, root beer, and ginger ale (she disliked the first two “decidedly”).

I was inspired by so many of these wonderful stories of the family's struggles adapting to a new world and language, or the chaos of living on the road with a large family...or building a house in the mountains of Vermont in the middle of winter. My favorite story remains that of her engagement to Captain Georg von Trapp – much more humorous than the movie version.

“None of the people we had met on the boat lived in New York. We had no acquaintances and no friends, no letters of introduction to anybody. We discovered the New World by ourselves.”

Her faith was such a part of her life, her family, and thus her story. It's on every page. You can hear it in every word she wrote. This book has become a new favorite for me, and sparked a deeper interest in this inspiring family who followed wherever God led, no matter the cost. I would highly recommend this to everyone - it's both greatly historical and faith-filled.


“We have now the precious opportunity to find out for ourselves whether the words we have heard and read so often can be taken literally: 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be added until you.'”

My niece, Lydia, and her tiny new son.

These little Eastern Phoebe birds (below) chased off a nasty crow after it snatched their single hatchling right from their nest as we on the ground helplessly watched. The mama bird squawked and pursued that gross old crow. But, sadly, to no avail. So the heart-broken couple left their summer home desolate for several weeks. However...after a month or so, they came back, and happily raised a second brood of FOUR fuzzy-headed babies with a vengeance of hope for a bright new future. That is the spirit of motherhood.

The reddest, juiciest, most succulent strawberry in the land!”

Pictured above: the pick-your-own fields at Gillespie Farms of Pineland, in New Gloucester, Maine.

​I spoke for all the girls in my valley who couldn't speak for themselves. My voice became so powerful, that the dangerous men tried to silence me. But they failed.

And now my voice is louder than ever, and together, we make a chorus--standing up together for what we believe--raising our voices for those in need.

Help people in danger, even if they are an ocean away! Think of the world as a family. 

One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world."

"I'm pretty certain, that I'm also the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize who still fights with her younger brothers. I want there to be peace everywhere. But my brothers and I are still working on that."

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, …”

"Into each life some rain must fall.
Some days must be dark and dreary."

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“The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That's the deal.”  (C.S. Lewis)

Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. She's not comforted by the news that she'll be able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. Who cares about walking when you live to run?

As she struggles to cope with crutches and a first cyborg-like prosthetic, Jessica feels oddly both in the spotlight, and invisible. People who don't know what to say, act like she's not there. Which she could handle better if she weren't now keenly aware that she'd done the same thing herself to a girl with Cerebral Palsy named Rosa. A girl who is going to tutor her through all the math she's missed. A girl who sees right into the heart of her.

With the support of family, friends, a coach, and her track teammates, Jessica may actually be able to run again. But that's not enough for her now. She doesn't just want to cross finish lines herself—she wants to take Rosa with her.

Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award

​"In general, works published after 1977 will not fall into the public domain until 70 years after the death of author, or, for corporate works, anonymous works, or works for hire, 95 years from the date of publication or 120 years from the date of creation, whichever expires first."

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"Do you hear the people sing, singing the songs of happy men (and women, and children!)? It is the music of the people who will not be charged again!"   Ha ha! 
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I've read a lot of books to my son. A lot. The Hobbit, all three books of The Lord of the Rings, the Narnia books, Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain, six or seven of the original Doctor Dolittle books, several Three Investigators books, and far more. And he's loved almost all of them (I selected them carefully, from the books I loved best as I child and teen).

But so far, I think he loves the Great Brain series best.

Partly, I think that because they're so accessible. John D. Fitzgerald writes about his semi-fictionalized younger self in the true voice of a child - and that's quite an accomplishment. When his brother insults the father of a friend, the young John D. tells us that he has visions of that man coming down the street after them with a butcher knife. That's not the sort of language that most modern publishers allow in books for children, I believe, but it's how children think - some of the time. And over and over, as I was reading The Great Brain to my son, he'd stop me and ask me if the book really said what I'd just read.

You see, I sometimes can't resist adding a humorous comment or line now and then in some books - always, however, immediately admitting that the book didn't really say that. For this book I didn't add a word - but many of the passages in the book were so funny that my son suspected that I'd added them. I had to show him the lines in the book to convince him!

He pretty much had a huge grin on his face the whole time that I was reading. When I'd finish a chapter, he'd hold my arm and beg for another one. I can't think of higher praise for a book for children.

Each chapter in this book is a self-contained story, written in a beautifully straightforward style that some have compared to that of Mark Twain. John D. Fitzgerald (the author, as you'll note) chronicles his childhood as the younger brother of the infamous Great Brain, the greatest kid swindler in town. He is, of course, frequently the victim of the Great Brain.

In fact the Great Brain is pretty much a complete jerk, as we all noticed fairly quickly. But the stories are so entertaining that it doesn't matter.

A warning: the original edition and most later reissues are perfectly illustrated by Mercer Meyer. For some insane and inexplicable reason, there are a few editions out there that have been re-illustrated by other artists. This makes about as much sense as replacing the classic Tenniel illustrations in Alice In Wonderland (which has, of course, also been done. What were they thinking?).

Another point: the story begins in 1896. Although the town has electricity and street lights, one of the stories features the installation of the first flush toilet in town. It's hysterical, but it's also a great opportunity to explain something about history to young children in a way that they'll enjoy and remember.

All in all, a deeply enjoyable classic.
Follow Reviews

They may be different colors, but inside their chemical make up is the same. They both want their days to glow in the sun. ​ Please, share with me in the comments below, which books have helped YOU make it through the most uncertain times. And which books have made the biggest impact on your heart and mind to understand the roads others tread. Sincerely, one heavy-hearted bookworm buddy--Emily

​"Peas you sow in early May
Will clamber up a curly way
And bloom for you some pearly day
When rain comes down a swirly way.

And when the sun comes out to shine
Pods will grow about the vine
And fatten up--all stout and fine.

Then what delicious peas there'll be
For you to eat--and me! and me!"


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"I do not think I'll eat 
This beet.
Too much of it is red,
Too much of it is head.
I do not think I'll eat 
This beet."

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A few last illustrations from Anna's Garden Songs so you can see how delightful this book truly is...

​"We grew so many onions
That we couldn't eat them all.
I'll braid the leaves together
And hang them on the wall.

They make a pretty ornament,
With skins of golden brown,
A cheerful thing in winter
When snow is coming down.

Mother will cut them, two by two.
We'll eat them, one by one.
And every bite will taste as sweet
As summer's shining sun."
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After World War II there is little left in Katje's town of Olst in Holland. Her family, like most Dutch families, must patch their old worn clothing and go without everyday things like soap and milk. Then one spring morning when the tulips bloom "thick and bright," Postman Kleinhoonte pedals his bicycle down Katje's street to deliver a mysterious box – a box from America! Full of soap, socks, and chocolate, the box has been sent by Rosie, an American girl from Mayfield, Indiana. Her package is part of a goodwill effort to help the people of Europe. What's inside so delights Katje that she sends off a letter of thanks – beginning an exchange that swells with so many surprises that the girls, as well as their townspeople, will never be the same.

This inspiring story, with strikingly original art, is based on the author's mother's childhood and will show young readers that they, too, can make a difference.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/835306.Boxes_for_Katje

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​"Is anything more satisfying than reading about someone else doing a lot of tidying up?

“It isn't as bad as you think it is. It all works out. Don't worry-I say that to myself every morning. it will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future.”
(― Gordon B. Hinckley)


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This picture book from Eliza Wheeler is based on her grandmother's childhood and pays homage to a family's fortitude as they discover the meaning of home.

Eliza Wheeler’s book tells the story of what happens when six-year-old Marvel, her seven siblings, and their mom must start all over again after their father has died. Deep in the woods of Wisconsin they find a tar-paper shack. It doesn’t seem like much of a home, but they soon start seeing what it could be. During their first year it’s a struggle to maintain the shack and make sure they have enough to eat. But each season also brings its own delights and blessings–and the children always find a way to have fun. Most importantly, the family finds immense joy in being together, surrounded by nature. And slowly, their little shack starts feeling like a true home–warm, bright, and filled up with love. ​


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“Wheeler shares a poignant tale, based on her grandmother's childhood, of a Depression-era family's hard times. . . . Lovely ink-and-watercolor double-page spreads, in somber grays, sunlight yellow, and meadow green, evoke both the period and the family's stark poverty. . . . Delicate visual details abound, from the sparkle of evening raindrops to Mum's side-buttoned apron. Marvel's ruminative narration takes occasional poetic turns. . . . A quietly compelling look at an impoverished family's resourcefulness and resilience.”--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is one of our greatest writers.


But before that, she was just an ordinary girl.


In fact, young Jane was a bit quiet and shy; if you had met her back then, you might not have noticed her at all. But she would have noticed you. Jane watched and listened to all the things people around her did and said and locked those observations away for safekeeping.


Jane also loved to read. She devoured everything in her father’s massive library, and before long she began creating her own stories. In her time, the most popular books were grand adventures and romances, but Jane wanted to go her own way . . . and went on to invent an entirely new kind of novel.


Deborah Hopkinson and Qin Leng have collaborated on a gorgeous tribute to an independent thinker who turned ordinary life into extraordinary stories and created a body of work that has delighted and inspired readers for generations.”
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"...Because I read all of White’s work, I found interesting things about him every day I worked on this project. But the thing that impressed me the most was his conviction for how he lived his life. He never compromised his integrity or beliefs. That continues to inspire me.

I drew from Maine in every square inch of the book. The colors and landscape, and overall the peacefulness of living near the ocean and the natural world all around even in our small cities. The quote by him, 'All I ever hoped to say…is that I love the world….' is spot on."

"What happens to me when I cross...into Maine...? I cannot describe it...but I do have the sensation of having received a gift from true love." (E.B. White, pg. 53 of Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White)

"Omit needless words." 

"If you don't know how to pronounce a word, say it loud!

"Andy saw, 'with blinding clarity,' how important it was to live with the freedom to express ideas. 'To be free, is to feel you belong to the earth.'"

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"It has been ambitious and plucky of me to attempt to describe what is indescribable...[But] a writer, like an acrobat, must occasionally try a stunt that is too much for him." (Melissa Sweet, pp. 134, Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White)


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