Two books that work for grieving, understanding the course of nature.

 I am including an "adult" book. However, truly anyone can go hiking for healing! Hurray!

I was astounded by this gorgeous book that gives a wonderful explanation of decomposition. There is a beautiful page toward the end of the book which states: "Life is everywhere. Death is not just an end, but a beginning." I think this is a perfect book for anyone who respects the cyclical power of nature. It is also a good book for a person grieving. How the fox departs this world is rough but realistic.

I am constantly recommending this powerful book to people here in Wisconsin who are grieving!

Why so slow?

 For anyone who has ever wondered why the zamboni machine moves so slowly, this is the book for you! There are nine distinct steps with this machine...fascinating stuff and, of course, it does an amazing job. This book also offers the good lesson that important things need to be handled slowly.

MLK Jr. tie!

 MLK Jr. Day is nearing and this is a perfect book to celebrate that occasion. In this book we meet the African American actress who was featured on the original STAR TREK TV series, Nichelle Nichols. She did not realize how much of a difference she was making as a role model to other African Americans until Martin Luther King, Jr. told her so. From that moment forward, she took that responsibility seriously. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and the message about how one person can make a striking difference is clear! Very cool!

Happy New Year!

I love this gorgeous picture book about horses Tim and Tom who take people for sleigh rides through the snow. First they take the children and then they take the elders. This is a celebration of the new year. Love it! The collages created by illustrator Micha Archer accompany this beautiful story about simple pleasures/traditions.
 

Wishing customs

 

Happy New Year, 2025! Making wishes is a universal habit across cultures. This non-fiction book for children (& up) explains many of them. The text is accompanied by vibrant photographs. Which of these wishing techniques have you used? For me, coins in the water is a favorite!

Somehow I missed this in 2023

 

Published since Lois Ehlert passed, what a treat to receive another beautiful book from her. "Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" becomes "Not a creature was stirring, except for a mouse." This beautiful story is accessible to very young children. That sassy mouse devours the cookies meant for a very special guest. Charming! And an instant classic!

Between two windows--a book from Dinovember!

 

This book hit so many marks for me. Makerspace! Friendship! Imagination! Dinosaurs! Play! Two kiddos send pictures back and forth to each other on a clothesline. When the clothesline is taken down for repair, they meet below their windows and find other ways to play. Love it!

I augmented this story in story time with a clothesline coloring page and a tangible clothesline we could move with pegged dinosaur pictures (for review).