Monday, December 11, 2023

Books about Our Lady of Guadalupe


Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Graphic Novel

The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Out of Print.

Our Lady of Guadalupe by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand (Out of Print). KINDLE EDITION LINKED.

Lady of Guadalupe by Tomie dePaola, Out of Print

Our Lady of Guadalupe and her dear Juanito

Miracle in Mexico: The Story of Juan Diego, Out of Print

Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Conquest of Darkness, Out of Print

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Our Lady of the Americas

Saint Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe (Encounter the Saints)


Monday, November 27, 2023

What We're Reading


These are just a few of the books we are reading right now. Some are mentioned on another post. 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng by Sophia Gholz is based on the true story of a young boy in India who is saddened that the floodwaters destroy more and more of an island and surrounding land near his home. He plants trees in an effort to save the wildlife and carefully tends his trees and with time they grow and spread. Eventually, he grows into a man and continues to tend his trees which now cover a large area. Lovely illustrations. A story of hope and perseverance.

Goodby Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak is about a brother and sister who walk through the nature and then into town and talk about the changes in the seasons, saying hello and greeting them and then saying goodbye to other changes. Even though the text is simple for young readers, the beautiful illustrations are fascinating for all ages. The book encourages children to be more aware of the little changes that contribute to the changing of the seasons. The sister and brother relationship is also very sweet.

Blizzard by John Rocco is based on a true experience in the author's life of when he was a young boy and his journey to the grocery story after a blizzard. Great fun!

The Fishermen, the Horse, and the Sea by Barbara Joose, illus. by Renee Graef. Based on the true story, when two men are thrown from their rowboat during a fierce storm at night, a small group of fishermen and a horse gather to rescue them. Historical information is in the back.



One Boy Watching by Grant Snider. This vibrantly colored picture book follows a young boy as he waits for his school bus, climbs aboard, and notices the tractors, farms, and other details of the countryside out the bus window on his way to school and back home again.  

Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger. A little red sled wishes to be Santa's sleigh. Of course, "everyone in the shop" told her she was "too small, too slow, and much too young." She sets out to prove them wrong and journeys north to Santa meeting a train and a truck and along the way is picked up by a little girl. Enchanting illustrations with a clever ending.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard. What is fry bread? Engaging all the senses with imaginative illustrations, the author explains what fry bread is in simple language. There is an appendix which offers more information about the historical aspects. This is for very young children, but written in a way to appeal to all ages.

The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson. Not just a cute story. The story is based on an actual event but written in a fun and engaging way in rhyme form for very young children. The child follows a pine tree growing up in Norway and being taken to England. The reader is not actually aware of the geography and history involved until after the story is over and the adult reads the end page. The lively text, charming illustrations and positive message about children make it a wonderful story. The book will appeal to younger children because of the very simple text.  


God's Great Love for You by Rick Warren. In very simple text for the very young reader, the author assures the child of God's great love for each one of us in various ways. The illustrations are very imaginative and sweet without being saccharine. Although the audience is for toddlers, it is a message we all need to be reminded of.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening  by Robert Frost, illus. by P. J. Lynch. From the perspective of a young woman and her horse, we follow Frost's famous poem. Captivating illustrations.

Palace of Books by Patricia Polacco. When Polacco was a young child, she had to leave the comfort of her home for a new home and school. There she discovers a palace of books. One of my favorite authors, who is a master at storytelling.

Bravest Man in the World by Patricia Polacco. Based on a true story, the length of the text and the trauma involved in the tragedy make it more appropriate for older children who have a deeper understanding of the meaning and beauty of self-sacrifice. 



Sticks and Stones by Patricia Polacco. How often to children have to deal with bullies in their school or neighborhood? Through kindness, encouragement and perseverance, three brave, resilient children battle against the bullies. This would be a great launching point for discussion on bullies and the many questions about handling them. The author's note on the end page is very inspiring to know that the kids who were bullied went on to achieve their dreams. 

Out of the Woods: An Unforgettable Event by Rebecca Bond is based on the true story of a young boy who lived in a hotel near a logging camp in Ontario, Canada. He has many fascinating memories of this happy time but the most memorable is when a fire raged in the forest and all the forest animals peaceably came out into the lake water where people from the surround area had gathered in safety. Fascinating story with lovely illustrations.

Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas by Matt Tavares. Another story about Dasher from the author Matt Tavares. Impatient for Christmas to come, Dasher wanders away from home in search of Christmas Carols and lights. After it starts to snow, she realizes she needs to get back home but gets lost along the way.

 Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall. Based on the stories of a family of 12 children who grew up in a farmhouse. Written in poem form, the lively text and charming, colorful illustrations bring to life the memories of another time. 


Sunday, November 19, 2023

3 Podcasts Worth Listening to: Fr. Ripperber, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and Sr. Miriam James Heidland

 Three Catholic Podcasts Worth Listening to on YouTube: Fr. Ripperber, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and Sr. Miriam James Heidland

These may be available on other platforms. 

Bishop Strickland, How Should the Faithful Respond?

U. S. Grace Force

What Nobody Knows about Fr. Mike Schmitz, Rebellious Missionary, Almost...

This is a second part of an interview.

Chris Stefanick

The Identity of a Woman Video Series

16 videos (They cover the four identities of a woman: mother, daughter, sister, bride). Sister Miriam James Heidland, Heather Khym, and Michelle Benzinger. 

Abiding Together Podcast

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Friday, November 17, 2023

How to Find a Good Picture Book!



Are you searching for a good picture book? 

Not just any book, but something that will add zip to your history or science study, or just the perfect touch to your topic on the change of seasons or current holiday, or just something to refresh your read aloud time? If so, there are several paths to find that hidden gem. 

Time is precious. Sometimes we don't have the luxury of sifting through the shelves and shelves of books at the library. What are some alternatives? 

As an Amazon Assoicate I earn from qualifying purchases. A few resources are linked to Amazon.

 1. Books that recommend books

 Before the days of the internet, I often would look for books based on the recommendations of trusted authors. What are some of these titles?


I have referred to Honey for a Child's Heart numerous times.



Another book I have referred to is  A Landscape with Dragons. The recommended reading lists are found at the back of the book thanks to the editorial staff at  Bethlehem Books. While many of the chapter books are out of print, several publishers have sought to republish them. The picture book list is comprised of many classics. For a person who never experienced these treasures growing up, it is a great place to begin. 

I have several other books I have referred to in the past.

2. School or Curriculum Book Lists.

Sometimes I look at the recommended lists on various school or curricula websites. 

Ambleside Online is one of many Charlotte Mason curricula.

Simply Charlotte Mason Go to "Build Your Own Charlotte Mason Curriculum."

Mater Amabilis is a Catholic Charlotte Mason approach.







And others!

 3. Follow a recommended book trail.

Sometimes on Amazon you will find "more items to explore" or "similar items" or "products related to this item" or "frequently bought together." Some online library catalogs offer additional suggestions or look up subject areas or favorite authors and peruse their new to you books.

4. Blogs or websites or Facebook groups which recommend books.





On Facebook and they also have their own website. Reshelving Alexandria

5. Book Stores or Book Publishers.









If you have a favorite resource for finding picture books, please share in the comments below.

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Best Picture Books about Snow!



Inspired by our first snow day in Wisconsin on October 31, here is a list of favorite picture books about snow. ❄ The video is only when the flakes started flying. I could add more and more books to this list. Some are out of print.




As an Amazon Assoicate I earn from qualifying purchases.



In Snow Day! by Lester Laminack, illus. by Adam Gustavson, a young boy imagines what he can do on a snow day. Surprise ending.



Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston, illus. by Jim LaMarche. Lovely illustrations complement the quiet gentleness of the moment.



Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton is in print as both a paperback or hardcover Katy and the Big Snow. Katy persevers to the end, clearing the way for everyone else.

Snow Day by Betsy and Guilio Maestro (one of my favorite author--illustrator teams) is a fun book about a big snow storm. Out of Print.


 Snow by Uri Shulevitz is an imaginative book about snow. A little boy hopes for more and more snow. An author worth looking for.


First Snow by Kim Lewis. Mommy, Sarah and Sarah's teddy bear climb up the hill to feed the sheep. Suddenly a snowstorm envelopes them and Sarah loses her teddy in the snow. Thankfully one of the sheep dogs finds teddy. One of a series of books.


Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger, illus. by Elizaveta Tretyakova. Although this is listed as a Christmas book, this is a fun and imaginative book about sledding.



Snow Toward Evening, A Year in a River Valley, Nature Poems selected by Josette Frank, paintings by Thomas Locker. Captivating illustrations complement poems by famous poets, Langston Hughes, Wordsworth, and others. Out of print.


Most likely you have heard of these!
The Hat by Jan Brett is available as a hardcover or board book. When Lisa hangs her wollen clothes outside on the line, the forest animals discover them and create mischief. 
The Mitten by Jan Brett is also available as a hardcover or board book. When Nicki drops his mitten in the forest, the animals all cosy up together until . . . 
The Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader. In this Caldecott classic, the reader is introduced to what the animals will do when winter and the big snow comes.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is another Caldecott winner. The link is to a board book even though I own it as a paperback. Peter discovers the wonder of snow.



Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illus. by John Schoenherr. A young girl and her Pa set out one winter night to go owling. 
On a Wintry Morning by Dori Chaconas, illus. by Stephen T. Johnson. A baby and her daddy explore the wonders of a winter day, sledding, creating snow angels and more. Out of print.
Too Many Mittens by Florence and Louis Slobodkin is back in print as a paperback. When Ned and Donny, twins who live in Michigan, lose one of their mittens, life turns upside down.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Woods by Robert Frost, illus. by Susan Jeffers. When an elderly farmer drives his sleigh through the woods, he stops to enjoy its wonderous beauty and also meets his daughter and grandchildren on his way. Captivating illustrations.


Red Sled by Lita Judge is a fun book. A bear borrows a red sled and as he goes careening down the hill, more and more animals join him in this rolicking escapade. Available as a board book also. Red Sled

Tom and PIppo in the Snow by Helen Oxenbury. Tom is fearful os going down the big hill by himself, but in the end, he decided to do it several times without daddy. This is part of a series. Out of print.


Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, illus. by P. J. Lynch. In this recent release, Lynch imagines the voice in the poem as a girl riding her horse through the woods. Lovely illustrations transport the reader to a magical winter scene. 

More books about snow!




Blizzard by John Rocco. Based on a true life experience of the author's childhood. Fantastic illustrations!

The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg. Where or where did the little girl's red mitten go?

Snow by Cynthia Rylant. Lovely illustrations complement a child's favorite things to do in the snow.

Sugar Snow by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House Picture Book). Pa creates sugar snow for the girls.



Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer. What makes winter the warmest season? Read to find out.

Goodbey Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak. A brother and sister explore nature with the changing of the seasons. Lovely illustrations.


The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett. Hedgie is back again. What did he miss while he was hibernating? Read to find out :)