The Flower Workshop:: a book review

                                                                                       Photos courtesy of Ruby Waechtler of Native Fern

I have an eleven year old daughter who will find a bouquet's worth of flowers in a dry field.  She knows the names of all our local wildflowers, and will do anything to help out in my friends florist shop.  She even had her own flower garden in the front yard for a while, but just couldn't remember to water it.  She prefers to forage.

She studies the Sunset's Western Garden Book and our local wildflower field guide like it's her job.

When I saw "The Flower Workshop" by Ariella Chezar, I knew my flower lover would be intrigued.  The photographs are stunning.  And Ariella's loose organic style, using foraged materials and home grown blooms is right in line with my daughter's idea of a dream bouquet.

From gorgeous photos, to flower identification, to specific seasonal how-to's, this book is perfect for the casual flower admirer to a more seasoned flower artist.

Another beautiful flower book my daughter has in her growing collection is "The Flower Recipe Book" by Alethea Harampolis. Again, beautiful, inspiring photos, with step by step directions to create lovely bouquets.

With a growing collection of resources, my little flower lover is gradually educating herself in all things floral!  And what a blessing to have such beautiful resources to choose from.

I received "The Flower Workshop" book from Blogging for Books for this review.  This blog post does contain affiliate links, if you choose to purchase, a bit comes back my way at no additional cost to you.  I appreciate your support in this way.

10 Best Animal Lovers Read Aloud Classic Books for Kids

So many books and not enough time!  I love this feeling.  Having an endless supply of so many wonderful books on my reading list.  But what if you don't have a list?  What if you have a kid who loves to read, but keeps reading that same old series about the boy who is sassy to his parents and is always disobedient, and you know there's better books out there, you just can't think of any right now.

Here's a list of books for the young animal lovers out there.   Books where the main character either makes a friend with an animal, or the main character is an animal.  Either way, if you love animals, this is a good place to start. Perfect for the kids who are proficient at reading chapter books, maybe about grades 2 to 6 (although every kid is so individual in their reading skills, so you be the best judge here).  Also very suitable for a family read aloud.  I love those cozy moments when we're all snuggled up together listening to the same story. I have other book lists if your looking for more ideas.

Misty of Chincoteague

Written by Marguerite Henry in 1947.  Picturesquely set in the small island town of Chincoteague, Virginia.  The story of the Beebe family catching and raising a filly born to a wild horse.  A Newbery Honor Book.  An especially wonderful book for any one who's horse crazy, like my girls. Another bonus is that there are many more books by M. Henry about Misty.

Old Yeller

Written by Fred Gipson in 1956.  Received a Newbery Honor.  While young Travis' father leaves the family ranch to go off on a cattle drive, Travis reluctantly takes in an old dingy yellow dog who has wandered onto the ranch uninvited.  Through many attempts by Travis to get rid of this dog, they become close friends, with many wonderful times together. This book is a tear jerker though, because Old Yeller contracts rabies from an infected wolf, and Travis is forced to kill him to prevent any harm to his family.  Ending on a good note, this book walks the reader through the many emotions of being friends with an animal.

The Burgess Bird Book for Children (Dover Children's Classics)

Written by Thomas Burgess in 1919. Gently teaches the lessons of conversation and a love of wildlife through the fascinating subject of bird life.  The readers learn about the birds' physical appearance, behavior, eating and nesting habits, songs and calls via the characters of Jenny Wren, Melody the Wood Thrush, Spooky the Screech Owl and dozens of other common birds.

Rascal

Written by Sterling North in 1963.  A Newbery Honor Book.  Set in 1918, Sterling finds himself the caretaker of a baby raccoon. A year in the life of a boy and his raccoon, Rascal enjoys such comforts as sleeping in Sterling's bed and attending the county fair.  As Rascal ages, though, Sterling notices that the raccoon is having normal springtime urges and needs a different environment than Sterling can provide.

The Jungle Book (Dover Children's Evergreen Classics)

Written by Rudyard Kipling, first published in magazines in 1893. The Jungle Book is a collection of five tales that are fables, using animals with human characteristics (anthropomorphic) to give moral lessons. The most popular being the adventures of an abandoned "man cub" named Mowgli who is raised by wolves in the Indian jungle.  Mowgli befriends a bear and a black panther and together they fight their enemy the tiger.  

Poppy (The Poppy Stories)

Written by Avi in 1995. Set in Dimwood Forest, a family of mice inhabit an abandoned farmhouse. The young mouse, Poppy,  discovers that her family must relocate to where there is a more abundant food supply.  However, the family is refused permission from the tyrannical owl Ocax to move to the new area.  Poppy befriends the porcupine Ereth and together they devise a plan to battle the evil owl.  The first in a series of books about Poppy.  

Justin Morgan Had a Horse

Written by Marguerite Henry in 1945.  Another book for the horse lovers! The schoolmaster, Justin Morgan, takes two colts as payment for an old debt.  Justin enlists a bit of help to train the horses from his student Joel Gross. The younger of the two grows into a small but sturdy workhorse who becomes one of the greatest breeding stallions of all times.  Marguerite Henry wrote many more award winning children books about horses. 

Charlotte's Web (Trophy Newbery)

Written by E.B. White in 1952.  The story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte.  When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered by the farmer, Charlotte tries to persuade the farmer to let him live by writing messages in her web praising Wilbur. A fun tale, complete with trips to the fair and buttermilk baths.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Written by Beverly Cleary in 1965.  It's Ralph the mouse's lucky day when young Keith comes to stay at the Inn where Ralph lives.  Keith has a shiny miniature motorcycle just the right size for Ralph to ride. Oh! The adventures Ralph has!  Three more books in this series and you're going to want to read them all!

Henry and Ribsy (Henry Huggins)

Written by Beverly Cleary in 1954. Henry's dad makes a deal with him.  If Henry can get his cat chasing, food stealing dog to behave for two months, then Henry can go with his dad on a fishing trip.  Henry thinks this is going to be easy, but he hasn't figured on Ribsy's sense for trouble making.  Written in true Beverly Cleary hilarious fashion.  Four more books on Henry's adventures to enjoy! 

Many of these books start off a series that will keep your little reader busy and excited for the next story!  Most of these books can be found at your local library, thrift shop, or your own book shelves.  Each title here is an affiliate link to Amazon where, if you choose to purchase, a bit comes back my way at no additional cost to you.  I appreciate your support in this way.

10 Best Ocean Lovers Read Aloud Classics

Even before I lived by the ocean, I was always captivated by any story that took place in or near the sea.  There's just something so mysterious, vast, and adventurous about it.  Here is a collection of our favorite ocean classics that you may want to add to your summer reading list this year.  Most likely, they're already on your bookshelf, at Grandma's house or in your local library.  These books are suitable for upper elementary aged kids and older to read themselves, or to be read out loud to younger listeners.  Let them take you away to tropical islands, adventure, and lots and lots of water. I have other book lists if your looking for more ideas.

Moby Dick: or The White Whale (Oxford Illustrated Classics)

By Herman Melville

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Moby Dick by Geraldine McCaughrean (I recommend this version for the kids, it's written very well and true to the original text by Herman Melville but more suitable for children and with beautiful pictures).  Captain Ahab sails the seas in his relentless hunt for his enemy the white whale, Moby Dick. (3rd grade and up)

Treasure Island

By Robert Louis Stevenson

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Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.  A classic tale of buried treasure, pirates, mutiny, tropical islands and X marks the spot.  Long John Silver as a main character in a plot full of action, and a study of morality. (5th grade and up)

The Swiss Family Robinson

By Johann David Wyss

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Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss.  Shipwrecked and stranded on a desert island, the Swiss Family Robinson have learn how to survive amongst dangers and delights in their new world.  Also, so fun to read first and then watch the movie! (5th grade and up)

Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling, Holling C. 1st (first) Edition [Hardcover(1941/9/9)]

By Holling C. Holling

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Paddle to the Sea by Holling Clancy Holling.  The story of a hand carved little canoe, made by an Indian boy and it's journey through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.  A fabulous study of the geography and history from that region.  A Caldecott Honor book. (3rd grade and up)

Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea

By Jules Verne

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20,000 League's Under the Sea by Jules Vernes.  A classic science fiction novel of Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus.  This story is about their adventures as they travel around the world underwater and the companions they meet. Ginger is reading this one right now, and keeps me up to date on the amazing adventures happening under the sea. (5th grade and up)

The White Seal

By Rudyard Kipling

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The White Seal by Rudyard Kipling.  Such a sweet story of a rare white seal, and his search for a new home for his large family of seals.  Many fun facts about the lives of seals and how their environment is affected by man.  This is one of the many stories that make up the complete Jungle Book. (3rd grade and up)

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell

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Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell.  The story of an Indian girl, Karana, and how she lived alone for many years on an island off the coast of California, watching season after season for a boat to come take her away. While she is there she learns how to survive by making shelter, making weapons, and fighting the wild dogs on the island.  A story full of adventure and natural beauty.  Winner of the Newberry Award. (5th grade and up)

The Voyage of the 'Dawn Treader' (The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 5)

By C. S. Lewis

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The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis.  Book five in the series The Chronicles of Narnia, a fantastic tale of a king and his companions on a voyage beyond all known lands.  As they sail further and further towards the worlds end, they come across many challenges and adventures. (3rd grade and up)

The Cruise of the Arctic Star

By Scott O'Dell

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The Cruise of the Arctic Star by Scott O'Dell.  A true story of the author and his crew as they sail up the coast of California.  We loved the historical anecdotes told about the places they cruised through on their voyage. (5th grade and up)

The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (Great Illustrated Classics)

By Daniel Defoe

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Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DeFoe.  The only survivor of a shipwreck, he is cast on shore of a tropical island.  He encounters cannibals, captives, and mutineers before being rescued after 28 years of living on the island.  He acquires a companion, Friday, who becomes his humble and devoted slave.  A tale of survival and providence. (5th grade and up)

*This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may get a commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support in this way!

our friends, the books

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Joanne on Pinterest

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.  ~Charles W. Eliot

The other day, while reading a book out loud, I got to thinking how many books we read around here.  Specifically, how many books at one time.  And I thought how amazing it is that we can keep the stories straight, and be able to follow the plot from one book to the next.  But, of course, we are able to know many people, and know them from one visit to the next, not confusing one with the other.  And these books certainly are our friends.

Here's a snap shot list of the books we are reading right now:

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling  (mom read aloud)
The Knights Tales Collection by Gerald Morris  (a book on cd for car time)
Song of the Swallows by Leo Politi (science study on swallow migration and CA History)
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'dell (mom read aloud for California History)

And then we're each reading our own book for pleasure as well.  Ruby is working her way through Beverly Cleary, and Ginger is in love with Rose Wilder (daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder).

I'm just about to start Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns , a suggestion from my mother in law.

What are you reading?

a collection of quotes

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. ~Charles W. Eliot

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them. ~Mark Twain, attributed

***

I am a lover of good quotes. And have often thought I would like to have a collection of them. What better way to collect quotes, then to collect them in a way as to share them with others!

So you will be seeing my quote collection grow, accompanied by a picture which may or may not have something to do with the quote.

justin morgan had a horse

The girls have had horse fever for years now. And we've read our share of classic horse stories. We just love the stories we've read by author Marguerite Henry. Misty of Chincoteague and King of the Wind are favorites!

Justin Morgan Had A Horse is just as good. It's a true story about the Morgan breed. An American breed. About a colt named Little Bub, who grows up to be an unexpected champion work horse.

Then suddenly Joel's face lit up as if he had just thought of something for the first time. "Why, come to think of it, he's like us. He's American, that's what he is. American!"

A story that gives hope to the underdog. Pride for hard work.
And reward for patients.

summer reading

summer starts for us this week!
one of my favorite parts of summer are the lazy afternoons stuck in a great book.
we have a great kid's summer reading program at our local library that we always join in on,
and then there's the kid's summer reading program at barnes and noble, too.

i've already found a cute reading log for the girls to keep track of the books they finish.
the next step is stocking the house with books that come alive.

one of my favorite childhood authors is beverly cleary.
my oldest daughter has been working on a whole stack of beverly cleary books this year,
and loves them as much as i did.
remember ramona and her sister beezus?
remember ralph the mouse?
here's my top ten beverly cleary books:

1. beezus and ramona
2. ramona and her father
3. ramona and her mother
4. ramona quimby, age 8
5. ramona the brave
6. ramona the pest
7. the mouse and the motorcycle
8. ralph s. mouse
9. ribsy
10. socks

the other goldmine we found at our library was ramona books on cd.
we actually listen to alot of books in the car, and not only when we're on long car rides either.
it keeps us all entertained.
the ramona books on cd we love are narrated by stockard channing and are hilarious!

do yo have any book suggestions for us this summer?

{books &} Little House on the Prairie

how many times have you read {the little house on the prairie} series?
when was the last time?
i still remember very fondly those quiet hours in my cozy space out on the prairie.
the world you get transported to when your involved in a good book is priceless.

Becca (bright haven)

the simple, yet feminine look of the prairie is a big part of me.
the prairie look has inspired so much of our style throughout history.
i find myself always drawn to those little floral calico's and modest lines.
there's a sort of humility to life on the prairie that is so wonderful.

i read {little house} when i was young, third or fourth grade maybe.
then i read them aloud to my girls when they were only 3 & 6,
and they were both glued to my side chapter after chapter.
now my oldest is reading them for the first time to herself.

there are so many amazing books out there
i sometimes grow faint with excitement of wanting to read them all, right now!
good books are like good food. they feed your mind and make it big and strong.
and likewise, bad, mindless books can make your mind lazy and fat.

i hope for children {of all ages} to feast on the best of the best!