Book Reviews
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Ponny the Penguin
How can it be six months since I last shared a book review! Rest assured that we love books as much as ever, so many books I’ve intended on sharing but alas when you don’t ‘seize the moment’ the momentum is lost. Trying also to ‘tone it down’ a little for my readers who weren’t keen on too many book reviews. Today I’d love to share Ponny the Penguin by Veronica Basser with you, Ponny has long been a part of our family culture. I first read this gem to our adult children over a decade ago, enjoyed it with our ‘middle set’ several years later and now have delighted in introducing Ponny to another…
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The Emperor Who Built the Great Wall of China
When Jillian Lin asked me if I would like to review a copy of her new book The Emperor Who Built the Great Wall of China, I was intrigued by the subject matter, and highly honoured as is the first time I’ve been approached by an author to review her book. (Though I have been asked previously on behalf of two authors.) A fascinating picture book that introduces children to the first Chinese emperor, whilst easily understood, the book is packed with information. We learn how the seven kingdoms became one, of the unity Emperor Qin Shihuang bought to China through the use of one coinage and one writing system, of…
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Which Noah’s Ark Book?
We are blessed to own three copies of Noah’s Ark, which I have purchased on the recommendations of friends. All excellent selections, though if I had to name my personal favourite it would be Jerry Pinkney’s. Though I highly recommend all three titles. Noah’s Ark – Peter Spier I absolutely love Spier’s illustrations and writing in The Book of Jonah, so was keen to add his Noah’s Ark to our collection. The scenes are incredibly detailed on double spread pages. I admit to being disappointed when I discovered it has no text as I’m not a fan of wordless books. However as I study the book more I’m seeing the beauty. Highly recommend. Noah’s…
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Catholic Fiction For Young Adults
I’m always searching for quality literature and always excited to discover any Catholic fiction novels. Over the last month I’ve had the opportunity to read three Catholic novels particularly appealing to young ladies and loved all three! Which is impressive odds, as I read alot I can be a tough sell, rarely does a book get a 4 star from me. Erin’s Ring – Laura Pearl Erin’s Ring is an historical novel that ‘toggles’ between today and the yesterday of the 19th Century when so many Irish immigrated to America. A young Catholic teen finds an inscribed Irish Claddagh ring half buried outside her Church one Sunday morning. Thus begins…
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A Give Away:) – Rescue: Raising Teens in a Drowning Culture
When I was invited to review (and host a give away of) Rescue: Raising Teens in a Drowning Culture by Candy Gibbs I was most intrigued. Cindy Gibbs is the Executive Director of the CareNet Pregnancy Centers in Amarillo, Texas and as someone assisting young people through potentially the most challenging months of their lives I felt her advice would be worthwhile. Mrs Gibbs uses the analogy of a Coast Guard Rescue swimmer who is us, parents, who are trying to rescue our children from this tumultuous culture in which we live. We need flexibility, strength and endurance to battle for our children. Each chapter is broken into; commentaries from…
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Year in Books 2014: Highlights
I always enjoy the book chat that abounds at this time of the year. Casting a look over my own Goodreads I see that once again I’ve read at least 200 books during the past year, as I wasn’t always diligent in recording I know I read more. Taking a look at your readings in its yearly entirety can be a little sobering, this year I’ve read way too much light fiction, plenty of mysteries and a little too much Christian romance. Though I did find towards the end of the year some novels with substance and also discovered the pleasures of some light Catholic literature and dabbled a little with health and diet books. I…
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Early Reader Series
Supporting our new reader in her search for engaging books suitable for her reading level has been been a challenge. Like all our children Jelly Bean loves to find series or authors and then binges:) When I asked her to share her five favourite series the following were her choices in preferential order. Of course our previously shared Mercy Watson still comes in as top choice! Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad series was a huge hit! Simple, humorous stories about two friends, humour is always a winner with Jelly Bean. Print is large, pictures too, non-intimidating. Four books; Frog and Toad Together, Frog & Toad Are Friends, Frog and Toad All Year, Days…
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Jesse Tree in Picture Books
With Advent fast approaching my thoughts are turning toward preparations and celebrations. It’s been several years since we’ve celebrated with a Jesse Tree, but after reading Ellie’s Jesse Tree in Picture Books I’ve felt re-inspired. Can’t promise we’ll manage making and hanging symbols but readings I can easily manage. Pulling our books off the shelves I realised we have a serious lack of Bible picture books, a situation which I immediately addressed by purchasing a couple of new books for St Nicholas presents;) (included in this list). By no means is this a ‘definitive’ list, Sara’s list and Ellie’s retain that honour, as I know Jenn’s will too (list coming). This list is really…
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Mega List of Catholic Picture Books
Reading picture books together is not only enjoyable, is it an easy way to enhance our children’s Faith, one of my favourite pastimes with our children. I’d like to share our Mega List of Catholic Picture Books with you, this list focuses mainly on Saints picture books with a miscellaneous round up at the end. I haven’t included Bible books, that list is forthcoming, nor does this list include Lenten/Easter and Advent/Christmas books, they can be found here, as can previous posts focusing on the Life of a Saint series and a review of books for March. I am quite selective in my choices and spend hours reading reviews such as…
