Five on Friday

1.

“Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.”

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (1922-2007); Writer

2.  Check out this video for a glimpse of Canada at its best!

3.  I got a Christmas present in the mail yesterday!  My niece, Jill, sent me a lovely picture book called "Great Joy" by Kate DiCamillo - thanks so much, J!  I will have fun sharing the gorgeous pictures and the message.

4.  I had a chance to spend a bit of time with a friend, making cards this week.  It was fun to create together, try some new techniques and revel in the colours, images and textures available.  Thanks, T!

5.  Photo of the week:

Colours of Winter

(rosehips beside a birch tree)

Lists of 2012 - #15

Listography 2012 - #15 - 10 Children's Books I Love

1.  On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman

2.  The New Baby Calf by Margaret Wise Brown

3.  The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown - Check out this version on Youtube!

4.  The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

5.  The Party by Barbara Reid

6.  Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

7.  I Already Know I Love You by Billy Crystal

8.  You Read To Me, I'll Read to You by Mary Ann Hoberman

9.  The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

10.  Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

I seriously could make this list much, much longer!  For today, I picked only a few of my very favourite books for the littlest ones. 

Five on Friday

1.  I made this Cheeseburger Salad, from Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen site, for supper this week.  It was very good and the surprise ingredient made for an interesting flavour boost.

(photo from Pioneer Woman's blog)

2.  And I made this Valentine Confetti too!  It's a perfect Valentine treat :)

(photo from Nest of Posies)

3.  I'm busy sewing with hearts these days :)

4.  I love when the fridge is stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, all washed and ready to use.  I like opening the door just to look inside.

5.  Does anyone have any good suggestions for children's picture books that feature cats?  I'm on the hunt and would prefer if it was a realistic cat, not a cartoon one.  Thanks for your help!

Christmas Stories for Little Ones

One of my very favourite gifts to give at Christmas time is a book!  There are so many good ones to choose from and I never have trouble walking out of a bookstore or book fair with an armful of beautiful ones.  Here are some that I can recommend for Christmas.  Happy reading!!


For the Littlest Ones


Welcome, Baby Jesus - a little board book that's just perfect for Silas (who is 2 and a bit) as he sits on the hearth of the fireplace.

Biscuit's Pet and Play Christmas - a touch and feel board book which Blake, our 17 month-old grandson loves right now.

Who is Coming to Our House? - the animals in the barn clean the barn and prepare for mysterious special guests in this quiet and lyrical story of the first Christmas, a favourite of Samuel, our 19 month-old grandson.

Elmo's 12 Days of Christmas - a Sesame Street re-telling of the Christmas carol.

For Biggers


God Gave Us Christmas - Little Cub asks Mama who gave us Christmas so they go on a journey to discover God and the answers to more questions like 'Is God more important than Santa?'  I love this for its answers to many questions that come up as children get older and families focus on the real reason for Christmas.

Bearnstain Bears Christmas Tree - as Papa searches for the biggest and best tree, there are many mishaps along the way.  This is also available as a video.

Humphrey's First Christmas - told from the perspective of a camel, this shares the Wise Man's journey and the meaning of giving gifts.  Meadow and I enjoyed it together recently.

The Sweet Smell of Christmas - a Golden scratch and sniff book (there are 6 scents inside) which is a favourite of Helayna's right now.  What kid doesn't love scratch and sniff books?!

And for every adult:  William Kureluk's "A Northern Nativity", which is written as a series of 12 reflections on where the Christ Child might have been born if He came now.  The cover illustration shows Him in an igloo and others include a granary, a truck stop, a city mission and a fisherman's hut.  I have used some of the readings at Christmas gatherings and they were well received.  This is a beautifully written and very thought-provoking book - one that should be in every home, I think.

Book Review - "This Little Prayer of Mine"

If you have little ones in your life, you'll want to consider sharing this wonderful little book with them!

 "I know you're up in heaven, God, and can hear my voice from there.  

I'm just a little child.  Will you answer my short prayer?"  

As the poem "This Little Prayer of Mine"  develops, author Anthony DeStefano  "assures children that God is always near - watching, listening and eager to respond to their requests.  They'll also learn that prayer isn't just about asking for things, but about sharing their feelings of sadness and uncertainty as well as of thanksgiving and joy." (from the back cover)

Published by Waterbrook Press, a division of Random House, this little gem is written in rhyme and includes beautiful illustrations.  Children from a variety of cultures are portrayed, although there are more Caucasian ones.  I liked the square size of the book (8 3/4") and the simple pictures that paired perfectly with the writing.  The message is so perfect as little ones begin to pray and have conversations with God.  I know that our grandchildren will enjoy this book  - and I intend to read it to them at the first opportunity.  

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

The publisher very generously sent me an extra copy that I would love to give away to one of my readers.  Please leave me a comment by Saturday, April 16, and I'll draw one winner and send off a copy of "This Little Prayer of Mine."

Book Review

Way back in the winter, I signed up for a children's book swap through Carrie over at Reading to Know.  

And as a result, Sarah sent me this wonderful favourite book of hers!  

"From an old folk tale, the author has fashioned this bright picture book, infusing it with a humor which seems to have sprung from her own hearty enjoyment of the troubles of a peddler with a band of monkeys."  (The New York Times)

So then the most amazing thing happened last week when I was subbing!  This book was featured while we were planning how to write a copycat story (where someone copies the actions of a leader, usually resulting in humourous misadventures) and  we read it again in the classroom.  If you haven't enjoyed it in a long while, I recommend you find a copy in the library and read it again.    I'm looking forward to sharing it with our grandchildren the next time they come to visit.   I had forgotten what a delightful book "Caps for Sale" is!  Thanks for sharing it with me, Sarah!!