Good Winter Reads!

This past week flew by like a whirl wind even though we weren't particularly busy. I guess the not particularly busy part is why I don't have any photos to share this week, and the flew by part is why I didn't get a chance to read any new books. None-the-less, I have compiled a list of books previously read that consist of winter subject matter. They range in date from 2008 to 2017, offering a selection of old and new for you to choose from.

I noticed that there was another book titled Red Sled when I was scouring amazon, and although I have not read this book, I think it would be interesting to read and compare the two.

In addition, while roaming around on Amazon, I also noticed two other books I haven't read that look interesting. I think I might have to make a suggestion to my children's librarian who generously ordered the last book I requested.

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by Literacy Musings Mondays for more great blogs as well as my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter  @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.

Mixed Emotions And A Knowledge of Earmuffs

This past week I wasn't sure if I should cry or jump for joy. "Why the  mixed emotions?" you ask. The answer is simple, I now have a teen. Yes, that beautiful little girl I gave birth to is now thirteen. Her father and I have watched her grow over the years, and I can tell  you it has all gone by way too fast.

Some of her good friends helped us celebrate! 

Games like pass the stuffed peep, unwrap the candy kiss with oven mitts, a roll the dice game involving candy, and Twister were played.

 I have no clue exactly how her story will turn out, but I am confident her transition to adulthood will be even more exciting! 

So while I have no idea what will unfold in our days living with a teen, I do have a new found knowledge about earmuffs due to a book titled Earmuffs for Everyone. This book, written and illustrated by Meghan McCarthy, tells the story of how Chester Greenwood became known as the inventor of earmuffs. I learned that many credited inventors did not actually invent the items they were credited with, but in actuality, merely improve them. This book is treasure trove of information with funny complimentary illustrations. It also included mentions of other inventions, famous improvers, and even women's rights.

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by Literacy Musings Mondays for more great blogs as well as my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter  @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.

Snow!

This past week Emily and I attended Cook Book Club and wouldn't you know, I forgot to take pictures. The theme was soup, but Emily made an eclair dessert she found on Pinterest (which was super delicious), and I made rolls to go with everyone else's soup.

We also had some roller coaster weather. You know that fifty degrees one day and zero the next kind of weather. And with the return to cold, we had snow. Lots and lots of snow. Of course we made provisions for our backyard buddies, but I'm pretty sure they are as tired of the snow as I am.

So I found it totally appropriate that the book I grabbed from my to read pile  for this week's review was titled Snow Bear. When I saw this book at the library, I just knew I had to read it even though it was from 1999. I had to read it, not only because it was a winter themed book; but because the paintings are by my superbly talented friend Wendell Minor. This story, about an Eskimo girl and a polar bear cub, is told from several points of view which I enjoyed. The mother bear watches. The older brother watches. And the girl and the cub become fast friends. Someone more dangerous than either mother bear or brother and his gun appears. But all ends up as it should. Wendell's artwork lends a hand in taking the reader on a wonderful arctic journey, and I'm pretty sure adults and children alike will love this book!

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by Literacy Musings Mondays for more great blogs as well as my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter  @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.

Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018

Hey everyone. It's good to be back after a couple weeks off. December was wonderful, but tiring. Emily made a three -d star for art class and finished a short story for entry in the Association of Christian Schools International.

I made way more cookies than any one person should make.

We invited Bobby's family over for a Christmas celebration at our home, and I managed to get a stunning picture of the only grand niece amidst a passel of six grand nephews, the three youngest shown below.

We celebrated at my brother's house with my side of the family where Emily only has three first cousins.

We celebrated, just the three of us, at our house where Emily sported the french braids her cousin styled for her. She also performed a concert for us for Christmas, and I'm not sure, but I think the cat tried to knock her out! Guess he was jealous that she received all the gifts.

We visited Bobby's mother, who missed our celebration because she'd been in the hospital.

And, we had lots and lots of fires which kept us warm while we admired our backyard visitors.

The month of December also brought me an invitation from an author previously unknown to me. He asked if I would read and review his book and took care to learn a little bit about me before asking. This consideration is probably what made the difference between a yes and a no from me, and I'm really glad because his story was fantastic. His name is Edward Dron and his book, The Pillow Parade,is a story of a rabbit who wishes to help children go to sleep. The sheep don't think a rabbit is worthy or capable of helping children slumber, but he doesn't let the nay saying of others keep him from trying. Don's story is quite original and well told. The adorable illustrations also add a layer of depth to the story and the combination is sure to keep children's attention from wandering. The pillow parade is definitely a book worth checking out!

As you can see, we wrapped the year up quite nicely and are now ready to tackle whatever 2018 has to offer. We started off by ringing in the New Year quietly. Well, Bobby and I were quite, but I can't say that Emily and her New Year friend were as there was a lot of giggling going on. Emily spent some time doodling in her sketch books, and we celebrated Bobby's birthday on Sunday. Not a bad way to say hello to a brand new year. I can't wait to see what else 2018 has in store, whatever it is, I'm sure it won't be boring. Wishing you all a very not boring New Year too!

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by Literacy Musings Mondays for more great blogs as well as my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter  @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.