Togo- September Book of the Month

Togo, by Robert J. Blake, tells the account of the 1925 Serum Run from Anchorage to Nome.

A young boy contracts diphtheria putting the entire village of Nome, Alaska at risk of annihilation. Leonhard Seppala, a dog sled musher, is recruited to help transport beneficial serum that will stop the spread of the infectious disease. Seppala chooses Togo to lead his dog sled team. Seppala, Togo and the team contend with harsh blizzard conditions to receive the serum. But will they deliver the serum in time?

The book includes a map of the Serum Run route and epilogue. Togo is considered a hero, and his team was a vital part of the relay.

Togo was published in 2002 by Philomel Books. Togo received the 2005 Texas Bluebonnet Award. 

Cook-A-Doodle-Doo! - August Book of the Month

Cook-A-Doodle-Doo!

Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

Harcourt Brace & Co.

1999

Big Brown Rooster, the great-grandson of Little Red Hen, is sick and tired of eating chicken feed. After finding his great-grandmother's cookbook, he decides to make strawberry shortcake. Although some friends are unwilling to assist, Turtle, Iguana, and Potbellied Pig are eager to help. Turtle reads the directions, Iguana helps, but gets mixed up. Iguana picks a flower instead of getting flour, and tries to beat an egg with a baseball bat. After Rooster completes each step, Pig is anxious to jump in and taste the cake mixture.  Will Rooster and his friends successfully complete the strawberry shortcake?

The page margins contain definitions of cooking terms and helpful hints. The strawberry shortcake recipe is included at the end of the story. My granddaughter baked the cake and sent me this photo. It looks delicious! 

Cood-A-Doodle-Doo! won the 2001 Texas Bluebonnet Award. It was one of my favorite books to read to my library students. I highly recommend sharing this book with a special young one in your life. Happy Reading!

Big Brown Rooster discovered his great-grandmother's cookbook. What's your favorite family recipe passed down to you? Mine is "Vanilla Wafer Cake" give to me by my first mother-in-law, Martha.

Pirates Don't Change Diapers

I visited the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature located at 102 Cedar in downtown Abilene (aka "The Storybook Capital of Texas"). This summer, the museum featured original artwork by illustrator, David Shannon. He wrote and illustrated A Bad Case of the Stripes, Duck on a Bike, and No David!, a 1999 Caldecott Honor Book, and several more. Shannon uses acrylics, and his illustrations are colorful, bold, and entertaining. They made me smile.

Browsing through the Center's bookstore, I picked up a copy of Pirates Don't Change Diapers written by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon. The book was autographed by Shannon, as well.

 

 After reading the story, I knew it was the perfect title for July's "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month." Pirates and a baby...an appealing and amusing combination for my grandkids.

Jeremy Jacob's mom instructs him not to wake up his napping Dad and baby sister, Bonney Anne. After Mom leaves to buy milk, Jeremy's pirate friends show up. Their ship was wrecked and they need the treasure buried in the backyard to replace it. When Bonney Anne wakes up, Jeremy insists the pirates help babysit and keep her happy. Each time the pirates attempt to dig for the treasure, Bonney Anne needs attention. And then, the pirates lose the treasure map. Will they ever be able to dig up the treasure and repair the ship?

I hope you'll put Pirates Don't Change Diapers on your "Read Aloud Bucket List." It's a delight.

The Real Pooh-Bear

Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker is my June selection for "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month." Children love animal stories; and,  my grandchildren are familiar with Winnie-the-Pooh, so I know they'll love this book!

On his way to military training, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian, purchases an orphaned black bear cub and names  her Winnipeg- "Winnie" for short. Harry feeds Winnie milk and biscuits. Winnie follows Harry as he tends to the horses, and she sleeps under his cot every night. Other soldiers help Harry play with and care for Winnie. And, who wouldn't want to cuddle and play with a black bear cub?


During World War I, Harry and the veterinarian corps travel to England to care for horses used in battle.  Harry takes Winnie along, and she watches the men train. Soon, Harry's company must go to France to help wounded horses. Because the battlefield is too dangerous for Winnie, Harry makes arrangements for her to live at the London Zoo.

Winnie loves her new home, and receives a special visitor, the son of a famous author.


Jonathan D. Voss illustrated the story using watercolors, and pen & ink. The end sheets contain black and white photos of Winnie, Harry, and others.

Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh is published by Henry Holt and Company, and appropriate for ages 4- 8. Check it out. It's worth reading!

Abbie Against the Storm

Abbie Against the Storm - The True Story of a Young Heroine and a Lighthouse, by Marcia Vaughan, is my next selection for Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month.

Abbie Burgess helps her father tend the Matinicus Rock Lighthouse. When her father sails to Rockland to buy supplies, he leaves Abbie in charge. During his absence, a dangerous storm threatens not only the lights, but lives as well. Straining against the raging storm, Abbie risks her life to keep the lights burning and her family members safe.  But will she succeed? And will her father ever return?

I love this story because Abbie is responsible, strong, and courageous.  She's a girl determined to do whatever it takes to get the job done, in spite of a mammoth obstacle. After reading the story, remind your child that God is our help in times of trouble (Psalm 46). Then pray together, thanking God that He is always with you, and asking Him to help your child be brave and trust the Lord at all times.

This children's picture book, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, is appropriate for elementary-age children. Abbie Against the Storm was published by Aladdin/Beyond Words in 1999. The story is based on actual events of 1856. 

Read more about Abbie Burgess here.

The Day the Crayons Quit: April "Book of the Month"

Our youngest granddaughter, Sparkles, loves to draw and color. That's why The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt, is the perfect choice for April's "Book of the Month."

 Duncan discovers letters of complaint written by his crayons. All, but Green, have issues. Red is overworked, while Pink feels neglected. Gray is tired; and coloring outside the lines distresses Purple.  Orange and Yellow are in a snit because each claims to be the sun's true color. How will Duncan ever make them all happy and work together again?

This humorous story encourages creativity. I believe it can also provide opportunity for parents and children to discuss how to express feelings honestly and respectfully.

The crayon pictures, by Oliver Jeffers, are appealing. I know if I were a little kid, this book would send me running for my crayons and sketch pad.

The Day the Crayons Quit, published by Philomel Books, is the winner of the 2015 Texas Bluebonnet Award.


What is your favorite crayon? Mine's Blue. And, I like Purple, too!

"Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month": An Easter Adventure

The Littlest Bunny in Texas - An Easter Adventure by Lily Jacobs is the March choice for "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month." After moving to Texas, May and Joe visit a pet shop. They choose the littlest bunny for their pet and name him Flop. The children do not realize Flop is actually the Easter Bunny. Flop travels around Texas delivering Easter eggs. My grandchildren have visited several destinations mentioned in the story, and they will be excited to hear these familiar names. I believe they'll also enjoy imagining what it would be like to have the Easter Bunny as a pet!

The book's illustrations by Robert Dunn are bright and colorful. Eggs hidden in the pictures add a fun element.  Children love searching for hidden objects within a picture.

Although The Littlest Bunny in Texas - An Easter Adventure does not convey the Biblical meaning of Easter, it does emphasize the beloved traditions of the Easter Bunny and egg hunts.
 
My grandchildren know Easter's true meaning is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of God. I've given them many Bible story picture books to read and enjoy. We make resurrection rolls  together to celebrate our risen Lord. They also enjoy decorating and searching for Easter eggs.

May God bless you and yours this Easter season.

The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is the story of a young girl, Liesel Meminger, living in Nazi Germany during World War II. As Liesel and her brother make the journey to live with foster parents, he dies along the way. At her brother's gravesite, Liesel snatches her first book- The Grave Digger's Handbook. It becomes a treasured possession, even though she cannot read or write. 

Liesel moves in with her foster parents, Rosa and Hans Hubermann, and soon meets Rudy Steiner, a boy who becomes her best friend. Liesel learns to read, and continues stealing books, including one banned by Hitler.

When Max Vandenburg, a Jew, shows up at the Hubermanns door, the family risks their lives to hide him in their basement.

The Book Thief is a popular book club selection. The novel contains the themes of courage, love, loss, abandonment, guilt, and the power of words which was my favorite theme of the book. Proverbs 18: 21 says, "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Words have the power to save and heal; words also have the power to destroy. Liesel both loves words and hates words. She witnesses the destruction of Hitler's words, and she experiences the healing, comforting words of her foster father.

The novel is appropriate for teens and adults. It presents opportunities for dynamic dialogue between parents and teens. Zusak masterfully uses strong imagery. The book contains curse words and violence (in the form of beatings). It's worth reading!

The Book Thief was released as a movie in 2013.

Have you read The Book Thief? Who is your favorite character and why?

February's Choice: Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month

After World War II, Joseph Stalin blocked the Allies access to West Berlin, Germany. The Allies responded by air lifting food and supplies to the people. Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot, by Margot Theis Raven, is the true story of American pilot, Gail Halvorsen, who flew over Berlin dropping gum and chocolate candy to children affected by the blockade. Mercedes watched the sky, waiting.. hoping... for chocolate.

I chose this uplifting story because it's about demonstrating courage and kindness to help desperate people. It's about doing the right thing, even when it's hard. It's also the story that inspired "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month."

Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot was a 2003-04 nominee for the Texas Bluebonnet Award, a 2004- 05 Children's Crown Honor Book, and a 2006 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award nominee. 

What story inspires you?

Mimi & Grandpa's "Book of the Month"

I love a great story. As a children's librarian, I had the privilege of reading aloud to students. These memories inspired me to give our grandchildren a year-long Christmas gift: Mimi & Grandpa's "Book of the Month."

Our December selection was The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.

It's the story of the Herdmans, the worst behaved kids to ever walk the earth, and their eagerness to participate in the church Christmas pageant. An impish and rowdy bunch, the Herdmans were also clueless about Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus.  The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a funny and delightful tale.

Robert the Rose Horse  by Joan Heilbroner is January's title. It's one of Grandpa's childhood favorites. Because roses made him sneeze, Robert leaves the farm, moves to the city, and finds a job. Sneezing remains a problem, so Robert changes jobs...until he find the perfect one. The book is illustrated by P. D. Eastman.

 I excited to mail our next selection to the grands! Come back in February for my reveal.  And yes, you can borrow this idea.

What beloved book would you give a child? I'd love to know!

The Grapes of Wrath

People are mean.

I read The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Uprooted from their Oklahoma home during the Dust Bowl, the Joad family joined thousands of other migrants seeking a better life in California. Hope drove them west. They discovered, not a land of promise and opportunity, but homelessness, unemployment, hunger, desperation, and wrath. 


Solomon wrote, "... there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1: 9). Since Cain murdered his brother, Abel, man has demonstrated inhumanity against fellow man. Lying, cheating, and the undignified treatment towards men ignited wrath in the migrants' hearts.

Anger motivates people to action. And, that action can manifest itself positively or negatively. The migrants attempted to stand and unionize; however, their valiant stand brought them imprisonment, beatings, or even death.

The book's message is valuable and relevant to our generation. Injustice spawns contempt.  Chaos, abuse, oppression, despair exist. But, Love's light shines in the darkness. Opportunities to extend kindness remain. What will we choose?

The novel's abrupt and unexpected conclusion impacted me. It required a self-check. We're all people, created by Almighty God, doing life together. Whether I am poor or broken, or weary will I muster all my strength to nourish a famished soul?

Lord, give me eyes to see. Help me love like Jesus. 

What historical fiction novel impacted you? How?

The Ugly and The Beauty

My book club read The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Victoria Jones grew up in the foster care system. Feeling unloved and unworthy, Victoria disrespected and rebelled against foster parents until they sent her back. I too would have sent her packing- not tolerating Victoria's bad behavior very long - my eyes blinded to the beauty, worth, potential in her. In failing to see Victoria's beauty, I saw my ugly.

 

All experience pain. Everyone has been hurt, wounded, broken. There's ugliness in all of us. But we are created in God's image, and there is beauty and worth in people. I need to search for it, dig deeper. Find in the unlovable and difficult individuals the treasure of potential and gifts God gave them. And remember, God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5: 8).

 

 

Detached and wary, Victoria Jones learned to communicate through the Victorian language of flowers. She taught people to express their true feelings through the bouquets they sent. In general, lilies symbolize "majesty"; but, have other meanings depending on the color.







Summer Reading - One Thousand Gifts

I love books.  "Too many books, too little time" describes me perfectly. Books are a gift. So are book recommendations.

My college roommate, Karen, recommended  One Thousand Gifts - A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp. I read it, and I hope you'll read it too.



 



Ann Voskamp is a New York Times Best Selling author, and homeschooling mom of six. She and her husband farm in Ontario. She writes for DaySpring, and has spoken at Women of Faith events. Ann is also an advocate for Compassion International.

After experiencing the childhood tragedy of her sister's death, Ann Voskamp shares her discovery of "eucharisteo" - to give thanks (Luke 22:19), and the challenge to journal one thousand gifts. Ann develops a deeper awareness of God's grace and goodness, all around, right where she lives. In the mundane, the mess, the motherhood challenges, the anxious moments...she counts. Daily life is full of God's gifts. In expressing gratitude, Ann experiences joy, and a greater desire for God's presence.

Ann Voskamp succeeds in challenging the reader to practice thanksgiving in every situation - good or bad. As I drove past a dad and his young daughter riding bikes, I immediately thought, "That's a gift."  I realized the personal impact of One Thousand Gifts. I'm inspired to live eyes-open alert, counting my blessings...A grandparent-honoring country song...little fingers plinking out first piano recital pieces... red velvet cake balls and birthday ice cream... rain soaking a parched earth...gospel brunches.

A few of my favorite quotes from One Thousand Gifts:

• "Prayer without ceasing is only possible in a life of continual thanks." (page 60)
• "We don't have to change what we see. Only the way we see." (page 135)
• "Worry is the façade of taking action when prayer really is." (page 143)

Ann Voskamp invites others to share their God-given gifts at One Thousand Gifts.

One Thousand Gifts is published by Zondervan (2010); 237 pages; ISBN 978-0-310-62085-3.


What gifts has God given you today?

"Flat Liz" & "Flat Stanley"

My North Dakota cousins, Cassie and Abbey, visited us during Spring Break.  Their mom, Liz, wanted to visit also, but her work schedule didn't allow it.

In order to include her mom, and inspired by the children's book, Flat Stanley, by Jeff Brown, Cassie created "Flat Liz." Later, Cassie compiled a digital book about their Texas adventure with "Flat Liz."

"Flat Liz" flew to Texas with Cassie and Abbey. Flat Liz's Lone Star State experience included:

 Galveston Island



 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

 

 Corndogs & Fried Pickles

 

Johnson Space Center

 

and a Blue Bell ice cream tasting party!

 

"Flat Liz" also went on a road trip to San Antonio where she visited The Alamo, strolled along the River Walk, and met more cousins.

 

There's no denying "Flat Liz" had a fun-filled and memorable trip to Texas. But, all good things must come to an end. Tucked safely away in Cassie's purse, "Flat Liz" returned to North Dakota.

 

"Flat Stanley" did not remain flat, and neither did "Flat Liz." After being flattened when a bulletin board fell on him, Stanley Lambchop returned to his real shape. And "Flat Liz" returned to hers.

 

Arms that embrace...

Words that encourage...

a Heart full of Love...

a new Name...

 

GRANDMOTHER.

 

Becoming a grandmother. It still overwhelms me. Congratulations, cousin! Grandparenting is one of life's most wonderful seasons. There are so many fun things to do with the grandchildren...laughing, dancing, singing, praying, listening, playing, and reading.

 

Dr. Seuss, Ramona, Amelia Bedelia, and Flat Stanley. But above all these, may this little one, born in the image of God, grow to know the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus Christ.

 

 

Stanley Lambchop accomplished much as "Flat Stanley." He became a kite his brother, Arthur, flew. Stanley's family mailed him to visit friends. See Flat Stanley for additional ideas. It's a great way to chronicle your children's school year or summer.

 

Where would you take "Flat Stanley"?