Because Barbara

There are many kinds of wonderful picture books. But my favorite, has always been the kind that invites me into a beautiful world that is lush with color, alive with whimsy, and still grounded in something substantial and firm. Because Barbara by Sarah Mackenzie and illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen is just such a book.

The Wonders of Donal O’Donnell

Any storyteller who tells folktales looks for ways to show how such tales speak powerfully to new listeners. Sometimes they speak powerfully when several of them come together and, in coming together, show something that any one of them alone might not have shown. – Gary D. Schmidt

Finding Winnie

Recently, I reviewed a delightful picture book about the true story behind Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally Walker. I love that book and think that every fan of Winnie-the-Pooh would appreciate it. Shortly after discovering that book, I learned of this book by Lindsay Mattick (the great-great-granddaughter of Harry Colebourn) and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Like Winnie, Finding Winnie is absolutely charming. And, for older readers, there is a rich chapter book also by Mattick and Blackall.

A Packet of Seeds

Why is this book out of print!? I just cannot fathom how this beautiful and heartwarming prairie story was allowed to slip out of print.

A Packet of Seeds by Deborah Hopkinson is a tender tale of a family who moved West because as Pa told Momma, “folks around here are getting as close as kernels on a cob.” Momma is grieved by the decision and does not want to leave her sister and friends.

Life Story

This book is a marvel. It is the very definition of a living book. It invites our children (and ourselves) into the wonder and awe of life. And it does it with beautiful, thoughtful, teaching illustration and exceptional storytelling. It is science the way science should be taught.

Winnie

In 1914, Army Veterinarian, Harry Colebourn, was on a train traveling through Ontario, Canada when he saw a man sitting at the train station with a bear cub. Harry bought the cub from the man for $20 and named her Winnipeg after his company’s hometown. Winnie, as she came to be called, quickly became a mascot for the entire section. This is a must-have for all Winnie-the-Pooh fans.

John Brown: His Fight For Freedom

Written and illustrated in that unique style that John Hendrix is famous for, John Brown: His Fight For Freedom is a powerful and exciting (while also tragic) picturebook biography of the 1850’s abolitionist John Brown. Published on the 150th anniversary of John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, this picture book tells the tragic tale of John Brown’s attempt to make slavery economically untenable.

While Everyone is Sleeping

Oh, how beautiful this book is! While Everyone Is Sleeping is a brand new book written by Sarah Mackenzie and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard that has all of the charm and beauty of the older books that we love so much. This delightful picture book is a joy to read and a delight to behold.

Jade

And, here’s where I struggle with this book: the people and prejudices that Jade is raging against deserve her wrath and our scorn. The racism of her family is vile. The English laws regarding women as little more than property are equally vile. She is right to be outraged by these things. And so, I have a hard time objecting to her war against all of society.

I am, however, left reading this with a key question: what good will my readers find in this story?

Let’s All Keep Chickens

This book has a delightful story-teller quality to it while being paired with the kind of point of view that we at Plumfield love and appreciate. Dalia is very knowledgeable and experienced with chicken keeping. She has done it on a small scale and on a large scale. She has a real passion for the birds themselves and the culture and traditions of chicken keeping throughout history.  In this completely practical book, she shows you how to enter into chicken keeping in a variety of different ways so that you can choose the best possible option for your situation. 

By Pond and River

Oh, what a treat this book is! Bravo to Living Book Press for not only reprinting the “Eyes and No Eyes” series by Arabella Buckley, but also for updating it with gorgeous full-color photos that cannot fail to aid the reader in nature study, and invite us into the magical natural world around us.

Martha of California

Otis does a marvelous job of helping young readers imagine what life was really like in the particular setting of the story. In Martha of California, for example, we get a compelling look at the wagon train traveling across the Great Salt Desert of Utah. Before they enter into the dangerous territory, Martha tells us the men have all agreed that this journey has to be made quickly regardless of any accidents or mishaps. 

Elizabeth Ripley Binders

Elizabeth Ripley’s artist biographies are true living art books. The new editions reprinted by Purple House Press are simply gorgeous. We are particularly thrilled that Purple House Press chose to offer the option of adding 8 prints with the book. The prints are on high quality card stock with just the right amount of sheen.

Building on an idea from Sherry Early of Meriadoc Homeschool Library, I am keeping my books in a 3-ring binder with the prints in sheet protectors. I decided to make spine labels that would draw my patrons over to the shelf.