Friday 56: The Big Bands

Happy Friday!

If you've landed yourself here for the very first time, maybe you would like to participate and join in the fun. Here's the guide to use to play along:

* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog Starting Fresh and to Storytime with Tonya and Friends
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.
Here's Mine:

"Not stymied, as many of their successors in the sixties were to be, by strict adherence to a "top-forty" type of programming, many disc jockeys actually sought out records by new, upcoming bands and promoting such discoveries remained a labor of love for many a big band disc jockey."

From: The Big bands by George T. Simon

"Ever since the great band days, there has been a need for one really definitive book to document the fabulous stories. The Big Bands tells it all like it was. A fascinating book."
-- Frank Sinatra

"Anyone who grew up during the big band era will relive an exciting part of his life... And if you were born too late, you can live it the first time. It's the second best thing to having been there."
-- Johnny Carson

"Nostalgic, colorful and authoritative, The Big Bands brings back the wonderful music and people that have always meant so much to me. It's a swinger; don't miss it."
-- Tony Bennett

Have a great weekend! I hope it's filled with music!

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued

Here's the basic idea of the book:

"Meeder (Hope Rising) tells the story of an unwanted dog whose forlorn and broken heart and body called out to Meeder'sco-author, Sacher, and how, in their subsequent relationship, the dog became the agent of spiritual rescue to her owner. Together, Meeder and Sacher write about their own meeting and work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Oregon, where Sacher was moved to take ownership of a disabled pooch that she renamed Mia. In a completely disarming manner, Meeder relates a love story between Sacher and Mia as human and dog grew to trust one another one day, one bump, and one bruise at a time. Meeder parallels their human/canine relationship with the trust and love Sacher develops with God. With humorous and poignant asides, Meeder beautifully bridges the gap between the sad and silly, showing the lovely and forsaken aspects of the individual heart so powerfully that readers will be coaxed into revisiting their understanding of the rescue God readily offers to all."

Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah for providing this book for review.

The author of the book, Kim Meeder, is the founder of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, a faith-based organization which started from a desire to rescue horses and soon grew as a sanctuary for young people. Kim has written two other books of stories from the ranch and how it has touched lives. This book was a departure in that an entire book was devoted to Laurie's journey.

Laurie sacher is a team leader at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. Laurie graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2003 and taught English as a Second Language in Spain before returning to her native California roots to pursue her passion for kids and animals. Listen to this well-done video:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m2KKUH4LHBJ53G

My thoughts:

There is a beautiful bond with Mia and Laurie. Words cannot explain the depth of God's love for Laurie as she reaches out to rescue a dog. Yet Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher beautifully express the journey of one girl letting go and unselfishly caring for her dog who is slowly going blind.

How many of us are animal lovers who enjoy reading about animals? Add to the mix, real down to earth lessons of life, full of up and down struggles and a real genuine acceptance between a girl and her dog. The two just seem to influence one another in a heartwarming, transformed relationship of love. You'll easily finish this sweet book in a short time but it will leave you with lasting impressions of love and friendship. 5 stars! My favorite part is:

"Love is a bridge that stands firm through difficulties and connects one heart directly to another, not because of how it looks, but because of what it is."

Happy Reading,
-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Relationships in Children's Books: The Lion & The Mouse

Cover of The Lion & the Mouse

My grandson and I have a very special relationship. We both love a good story. So every Thursday we head to our local library for the summer reading program and check out children’s books for the Babies – 3-year-old level and ages 4-8.

When I first looked at The Lion & The Mouse with my grandson, we just silently turned the pages looking at the beautiful watercolor illustrations of the scenery and characters by Jerry Pinkerton. For those of you who are familiar with the author, you know that he is a five-time recipient of both the Caldecott Honor and the Coretta Scott King Award.

This particular book, The Lion & The Mouse, was this year’s Caldecott Medal winner. Jerry Pinkney’s wordless adaptation of one of Aesop’s most beloved fables encourages the art of storytelling. I have so much fun using my own words describing this unlikely pair’s relationship with one another. You see, King Lion needs help when he finds himself tangled in the net and his little friend, a mouse, proves to be a Great Friend.

Since the current theme on Qondio is Relationships, I couldn’t help but reflect on this book plus the many cat and mice books that I discovered were at our library. Please feel free to add to this endless list:

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young

Puss in Boots by Charles Perrault

The Story of Jumping Mouse: A Native American Legend by John Steptoe

Mice Twice by Joseph Low

Alexander and the Wind-up Mouse by Leo Lionni

Once a Mouse by Marcia Brown

Anatole and the Cat by Eve Titus and Paul Galdone

Lion by William Pène du Bois

The Lion Who Wanted to Love by Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz

How Loud is a Lion? by Stella Blackstone and Clare Beaton

A Lion Called Christian by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall

The Very Lazy Lion by Jack Tickle

Puss in Boots, by Charles Perrault , Fred Marcellino, and Malcolm Arthur

April's Kittens by Clare Turlay Newberry

Andy and the Lion by James Henry Daugherty

Figaro Cat Who Snored by Jean-Baptiste Baronian and Martina Kinder

Three Cat and Mouse Tales by Marilyn Helmer

Mouse Tales by Arnold Lobel

That’s Not My Lion by Fiona Watt

Lilly's Big Day by Kevin Henkes

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

In The Lion & The Mouse, it just goes to show that “The Powerful” showed mercy and “The Weak” showed deliverance. Excellent book. 5 stars!

The Lion & the Mouse

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Friday 56: Blind Hope

Dear Readers,

Do you want to play along? If you have the extra time and love reading books, better yet just simply grabbing the book that is closest to you, then join in our weekly Friday 56 meme. It is an easy post to share with everyone and I always look forward to seeing what everyone is reading. Here are the guidelines from Gaby and Tonya. By the way, stop by their blogs if you have a minute. These gals are great and they have a lot going on at their site with their community of readers.

* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog Starting Fresh and to Storytime with Tonya and Friends
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Here's the fifth sentence on page 56 of a paperback book that I'm reading at the moment. I'm looking forward to posting my review on the main characters and layout of the story in the near future. You know how it goes with animal stories... they leave you crying or filled with joy!

"Honestly, as unpleasant as our weak and rough places are, they all can be used to teach us the antithesis of the very issues we struggle with."

From "Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued" by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher.

Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued

So what are you currently reading that has grabbed your heart and inspires you so?

Happy Friday!

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

The Bridging of Two Cultures with Allen Say

When thinking about family, Allen Say's book, Grandfather's Journey is a must to add to your library. It is a sensitive, soothing universal journey for all to read. I have not read the book before other than today, nor have I read any other of Say's writings. But this particular book grabbed my heart because it speaks of family.

Through compelling reminiscences of his grandfather's life in America and Japan, Allen Say delivers a poignant account of his family's unique cultural experience.

He warmly conveys his own love for his two countries and describes the strong and constant desire to be in both places at once: When in one country, he invariably misses the other. His grandfather, he tells us, would understand.

One thing you can really say about his illustrations is that the Pacific Ocean, the farm fields, and of course, the palm trees all paint California landscapes perfectly.

Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, and he came to the U.S. when he was sixteen. He lives in San Francisco. Other books you may want to look into are:

El Chino

The Lost Lake

A River Dream

The Bicycle Man

From my own experience of reading many children's books, this one gets ***** stars!
The illustrations are beautiful, the story is precious and true and the interview on the cd is worth purchasing the book. Allen Say's voice is so soothing to listen to; a gentle spirit.
Grandfather's Journey

-- LadyD
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Endless Boogie with Warren Hanson's Bugtown Boogie

On a hot summer's day, such as today when we reached temperatures in the 90's, it was time to rest after a good swim and read another children's book. One interesting choice from our library search was a green hardcover book with bugs playing musical instruments called Bugtown Boogie by Warren Hanson.

"I was strollin' on home through the woods the other night,
When I saw something a-flashin'-
It was shining mighty bright!
It was blinkin' and a-winkin''
near the bottom of the tree,
So I scurried on over just to see what I could see."

About the Book:

On his way home, a little boy happens upon a magical door to a tiny bug town where termites play the trumpet, centipedes dance, and the Queen Bee announces that everyone in her kingdom should "Boogie down!"
Warren Manson's rhyming, rhythmic read-aloud, filled with bug sounds and dance moves, jives with Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher's rockin' art for jammin' insect adventure.

My Thoughts:

What could be more fun for a grandmother than to read aloud to her grandson who loves bugs:

"Freega, Freega, The Bugtown Boogie. Zmmmm, Zmmmm, The Bugtown Boogie, shakin' up the woods tonight."

It is a pure delight to enter Bugtown, seeing a ladybug playing flute, the ants shaking, caterpillars twisting, and glowworms dancing disco all through the night.
Our family loves Bugtown Boogie. ***** stars!

Bugtown Boogie

About The Author:

Warren Hanson has been writing and illustrating children's books for the last twenty years. He's the author of Grandpa Has A Great Big Face, the author and illustrator of The Next Place, and the illustrator of the Peef books and A Cup Of Christmas Tea.

You can visit him online at:
www.warrenhanson.com

Warren is an artist, writer, speaker, and musician. I am happy to own one of his books in my library... A Cup Of Christmas Tea. But then, you just knew how much I love a cup of tea, right?
Ah, there is nothing like a cup of hot tea and a good book to read, why even on a warm summer's day like today. O.k., let's make it an iced tea!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Picture Book: Ooh-la-la (Max In Love)

Happy Friday 56 Meme!

Beside me is a book about the best books for children, from babies to young readers. So on Page 56, I found this picture book of an upside down girl called Ooh-La-La (Max in Love).

It is written by Maira Kalman. Here is a little bit about the author:

"Maira Kalman is an illustrator, author, and designer. She has created many covers for The New Yorker, including the famous map of Newyorkistan (created with Rick Meyerowitz). Ms. Kalman's twelve children's books include Max Makes a Million, Stay Up Late, Swami on Rye, and What Pete Ate. She also has designed fabric for Isaac Mizrahi, accessories for Kate Spade, sets for the Mark Morris Dance Company, and, with her late husband Tibor Kalman under the M&Co. label, clocks, umbrellas, and other accessories for the Museum of Modern Art. "

About The Book:

Max Stravinsky, poet-beagle, has gone to Paris in the springtime. The city of love is buzzing with the news of his arrival, and Pierre Potpourri of the Crazy Wolf nightclub asks Max to perform. The show opens with the divine Dalmatian Crepes Suzette playing the piano, and - ooh, la-la, Max is smitten!

Crammed with visual allusions, Kalman's busy pictures bring to mind Paris at its artistic heyday, and her witty text is filled with French wordplay.

What a great way to introduce French culture to first graders. Kids and adults will love this great picture book! I love this line, "Alors, I must run. My souffle is sinking."Funny illustrations with wonderful details that Kalman provides for the reader. ***** stars!

Ooh-la-la (Max in Love) (Picture Puffin)

5th Sentence on Page 56:

"The city of love is buzzing with the news of his arrival, and Pierre Potpourri of the Crazy Wolf Nightclub asks Max to perform."

From: The Barnes & Noble Guide to Children's Books.

Happy Friday,

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Book About the Girl in the Castle inside the Museum

Once there was a small castle on display in a museum. When children visited, they'd press close to the glass globe in which the castle sat. for they'd heard that if they looked hard enough, they'd see a tiny girl inside...

Can you see her?

Here is an original fairy tale that feels like a dream-haunting, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.

Now Kate Bernheimer is the author of two novels for adults, including The Complete Tales of Merry Gold, and the editor of two essay collections about fairy tales, including Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Women Writers Explore Their Favorite Fairy Tales. An assistant professor in the MFA program at the University of Alabama, she also edits Fairy Tale Review. Ms. Bernheimer lives inTuscaloosa with her husband, their daughter, and their dog, Penelope. This is Kate Bernheimer's first children's book.

My favorite, Nicoletta Ceccoli, is the illustrator of many acclaimed picture books published around the world. She was awarded the Silver Medal in 2006 by the Society of Illustrators in New York, and in 2001 she won the Andersen Prize, honoring her as the best children's book illustrator in Italy.

Ms. Ceccoli has illustrated, among other titles, An Island in the Sun, written by Stella Blackstone; Horns and Wrinkles, written by Joseph Helgerson; and The Barefoot Book of Fairy Tales, written by Malachy Doyle. She lives in the town where she was born-San Marino, Italy.

My favorite line in the whole book is:

"The castle is full of music and grace."

Do you see the girl in the castle inside the museum? She sees you!

It's a darling book, quite charming and very well illustrated. ***** stars!
The Girl in the Castle Inside the Museum

Yesterday I wrote about an element of writing in a story and that was character portrayal.

I feel that this book adequately describes the girl (the main character) and her feelings. Plus the setting is described perfectly in her living in the castle inside the museum. It's a great example of character and setting in a story.

Happy Reading,
LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Friday 56: Apple Avalanche

Today I'm reading a book called When You're Running on Empty by Cindi McMenamin.

Funny thing is that I'm full on into the harvest season with my summer garden.
So our cup is not empty but rather overflowing with apples!

Strolling through the fruit orchard, we found tons of Gala and Anna's apples waiting to be picked!

Today is our apple avalanche day! Can't wait for homemade applesauce, apple cake, etc.

Happy Friday everyone. Hope you will play along...

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

Here's Mine:

"In the quietness of that realization, in the moment my heart received that truth, everything changed."

From: When You're Running on Empty, Hope and Help for the Over-Scheduled Woman

About the Book:

Product Description

Many Christian women give of themselves relentlessly. In the midst of their many responsibilities they get tired, yet there’s simply no time to stop and become refreshed. What can a woman do when she’s running on empty?
Cindi McMenamin shares how women can renew their energy and passion and press on. She touches upon every area of a woman’s life, offering practical advice on

knowing when to say no
serving to please God and not people
maintaining good health habits that recharge one’s energy
simplifying one’s priorities
taking time to rest and play

Every chapter concludes with a “Pick–Me–Up Prayer” designed to help women do all things in the Lord’s power and not their own.

***** stars! A wellspring of motivation and encouragement. Great gift for women.

When You're Running on Empty: Hope and Help for the Over-Scheduled Woman

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

The Dust Bowl of 1930 and Leah's Pony

Leah's Pony by Elizabeth Friedrich and illustrated by Michael Garland is about the year the corn grew tall and straight, Leah's papa bought her a pony.

Set in the Dust Bowl of the 1930's, Elizabeth Friedrich's deeply felt story, vividly portrayed through Michael Garland's stunning oil paintings, tells of one child and what she would sacrifice for love of her family.

Leah's pony was swift and strong. Together they would cross through cornfields and over pastures, chasing cattle as they galloped under summer skies.

Then came the years the corn grew no taller than a man's thumb. Locusts blackened the sky. The earth turned to dust. Gone were the cornfields and pastures where Leah and her pony once rode. It was the beginning of the great drought. Now Leah's papa faced losing the family farm.

The days were filled with hard times. Here are a few lines of the story that I like:

"Mama used flour sacks to make underwear for Leah. Mama threw dishwater on her drooping petunias to keep them growing."

Now I won't be telling you any more about this story other than that you will need to reach for some tissue. Yes, reading this children's book will bring tears to your eyes and melt your heart. Indeed, it will be a "kleenex moment."

***** stars! I highly recommend the book.

Elizabeth has sold over a half-million- copies of The story of God's Love.

Michael Garland has provided the illustrations for the Boyds Mills Press edition of Washington Irving's the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Why is it that little girls and big ones, too just love ponies? They are indeed beautiful animals.

Leah's Pony

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Babies in the Bayou: Jim Arnosky

About an hour's drive from our home and up a steep mountain road, our family soon arrived at a peaceful nearby lake for day use. The men went trout fishing while the women opened up a tablecloth, prepared food for the day along with several sitting places. I chose the blanket and began reading to our grandson a very special book with beautiful illustrations of Babies in the Bayou written by Jim Arnosky.

Lots of babies from the bayou have sharp white teeth, hard shells, webbed feet or quick claws. The babies learn how to dig and swim. Jim Arnosky presents an intimate look at life in the bayou, revealing the challenges and the excitement that animals face there every day.

Our son was able to rescue a few baby ducks who were separated from their mother. All ended well for the duck family at the lake that day. All of the baby ducks learned to follow their alert mother's lead.

Jim Arnosky's work has been called "first-rate natural history for the youngest."

Here are my favorite books from the author:J

1. Grandfather Buffalo

2. Coyote Raid in Cactus Canyon

3. Armadillo's Orange

4. Turtle in the Sea

I give babies in the Bayou ***** stars! Nature is so peaceful to be in. The next best thing is to read about it. Ah, but to be in the mountains, reading about the bayou was sure bliss for us that day.

From beautiful white birds walking among trees dripping with moss, seeing a mama raccoon with raccoon babies wearing their black masks and little ducklings in a row following their mother through the maze of lily pads, I recommend this winning book.

Babies in the Bayou [BABIES IN THE BAYOU] [Hardcover]

 Happy Summer Reading,

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Friday 56: The Wholefood Cookbook

Here we go again. Are you ready to play this week's book blog meme? Here's how to go about it.

Rules:

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

Here's Mine:

"Stand the dish in a roasting pan and pour in enough water to come 1 inch up the sides of the pan."

From: The whole foods Cookbook by Gallery Books

I had fun with this one because as I turned to the page I needed to be on to participate in the Friday 56 meme, I realized as I chuckled to myself, that this sentence could apply to any recipe really. Would like to take a guess as to what recipe is on page 56? How could you begin to come up with the correct answer unless of course you have this cookbook in your possession! I have decided to give you a hint. It's in the Fish and Shellfish section. Aha! That narrows it down considerably!

Happy Friday to all! :)

Product Details

Hardcover

Publisher: Gallery Books (February 1985)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0831794100

ISBN-13: 978-0831794101