Lafayette and the American Revolution

One of my favorite topics is the American Revolution. I have not had more than a moment to glance through this book, but the layout is impressive--hopefully, the content is too! I like to post things here to remind me, this is a good book!

Lafayette and the American Revolution (Russell Freedman's Library of American History) by Russell Freedman, 2010.

Take Command Captain Farragut!

Take Command, Captain Farragut! by Peter and Connie Roop.

I have yet to read a book by this husband and wife team that I did not like. Always a good story and always something interesting to learn. In this short biography we learn about Captain Farragut's younger days as a midshipman in the US Navy during the War of 1812. He was 10 years old at the time. Written as letters to his father while he is imprisoned, he relates his exploits as sea and with his shipmates as he struggles to gain their confidence and gain his courage.

Monet's Impressions

Monet's Impressions Words and Pictures by Claude Monet, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

In this lovely picture book, a full-spread picture of a Monet's painting is opposite simple words that describe the picture as well as Impressionistic painting. These short phrases are culled from Monet's letters to family and friends. For example, the words "setting gloriously" (referring to the sun) are opposite a stunning picture of a sunset. The last pages identify where the painting is located, what type of painting, when painted, etc. A great way to introduce young children and even older children to beautiful art.

Green, seeing Green All Around Us

Green: Seeing Green All Around Us (Colors) by Sarah L. Schuette.

This is part of a series of books about colors. Ideal for very young children, it contains eye-popping visuals and a simple text for wiggly children to easily follow along. The choice of visuals offers interesting conversation starters.

Bumpety Bump!

Bumpety Bump! by Pat Hutchins.

If you are getting impatient to begin your gardening, this colorful picture book will get little people into the spirit. A little red hen follows a young boy as he goes bumpety bump in his grandfather's wheelbarrow as they go around the garden picking ripe fruits and vegetables until the end when they follow the little red hen into the barn for a pleasant surprise.

You will find more books about gardening here: Garden Books

Annie Rose is My Little Sister

Annie Rose Is My Little Sister by Shirley Hughes.
This is just one of many books by this author that we enjoy. What I particularly like is the attitude of the brother and sister. It gets to be a bit tiresome to read about siblings not liking each other. Rather Shirly Hughes presents a far better and more realistic picture. Loving patience by the older brother is beautifully expressed in this story.

Picture Books with violins

Mole Music by David McPhail.

Mole spends his life digging tunnels, but he feels he is missing something, until one day he sees a man playing a violin on TV.  Mole thinks the man plays the most beautiful music he ever heard and wants to play beautiful music too.  Mole then sends away for a violin and when it arrives practices faithfully.  At first it does not sound very good, but he keeps on trying.  In the end, his beautiful music not only inspires himself, but others as well.

The Bat Boy And His Violin (Aladdin Picture Books) by Gavin Curtis.

While most boys would rather play baseball, than play an instrument, let alone a violin, not Reginald. In the end, his violin playing inspires the team his father manages.



Bravo, Ernest and Celestine! by Gabrielle Vincent

Ernest is unhappy.  The roof leaks.  How will he pay for it?  Celestine devises a clever plan that involves Ernest dusting off his violin, practicing, and performing.  But somehow, that is not enough.  Celestine joins in the act with her lovely voice.

 Rosie's Fiddle by Phyllis Root 

When the devil comes to Rosie's door, she enters into a fiddling duel with the devil himself. Has Rosie gone too far?