(Photo by Nancy Ellen Rawley; use with permission only) Hello, dear Summer Readers. You’re different than rest-of-the-year readers because it’s summer time and that means, Summer Reading Clubs, Book of the Month Club (my sister gave me a subscription for my birthday! Thanks, schwes!), Reading is Fundamental, beach trips, camping trips, out in the hammock reading time… all of it. So here are a few new titles for you. I’ve never played or really understood Dungeons & Dragons, but there is a new movie out, and that means books and toys to go with it, yay! “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” is a junior novelization that is available in hardback or paperback, with color inserts. The hardback includes the color inserts, plus a cool little poster. All kinds of cool stuff to go along with the movie and the books — action figures, a Monopoly game… have fun. My new favorite book (I’m about halfway through reading it) is Jenna Yoon’s “Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms.”  (This is the second book in the adventure/magic/fantasy series.) Our 12-year-old heroine is now attending the International Magic Academy full-time with her best friend Joon, and her magic abilities aren’t exactly going the way she’d like. This is a great, well-written and interesting book. The grown-ups and the kids will all enjoy this one. Enjoy your summer. Put some Otter Pops in the freezer and fill up the kiddie pool. All for now, bon appetit, WM

Oregon Coast (photo by Nancy Ellen Row Rawley)

Today I’m reviewing three awesome picture books about kids and their families:

“Ramen for Everyone,” written by Patricia Tanumihardja, with illustrations by Shiho Pate (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, 2023, all ages, $18.99). This sweet picture book tells the story of Hiro and his dad, who makes the most perfect ramen, every Sunday. Nori seaweed, nitamago egg, savory broth, yummy chashu pork… and noodles. (Yes, cooking tips, a recipe, and some history on ramen are included.) Hiro is ready to tackle the recipe himself, but it’s a little trickier than he thought it would be. Luckily, his dad, mom and sister are there to help and lend some support. This lively book reads like an anime — the illustrations are fun and colorful.

“The Best Worst Day Ever,” by Mark Batterson & Summer Batterson Dailey, illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti (Multnomah/Penguin Random House, 2023, $12.99). Capriotti’s illustrations give a cartoon-style flair to this picture book about a son and his father.

You know when it’s one of those days? Your cereal is soggy, your fave shirt is in the wash, you’re still sleepy and you have to go to work? That’s Bert’s story. He’d rather run and play, but he has to head to the flower shop to work with his dad. But when the clouds roll in, and the rain starts, his dad hollers, “You can’t ruin my day, no way!” at the sky. And Bert starts to look at the world a little differently.

“Babajoon’s Treasure,” written by Farnaz Esnaashari, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023, ages 4 and up, $18.99). Miriam loves spending part of her summer every year with her Babajoon and Mamajoon. The family, originally from Iran, lives for adventures. When Miriam spies a gold coin that is different from her Babjoon’s other coins, she becomes convinced that he’s… a pirate? Maybe the other language he speaks is pirate code? Lovely illustrations and a fun story. Nice way to learn about non-American cultural traditions.

Have a great week, everyone! Hope your adventures bring you magic and joy.

WM  

“Elbert in the Air,” is a brand-new picture book by Monica Wesolowska, with art by Jerome Pumphrey (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2023, $18.99). Elbert cannot help it, he has to be up in the air. His mom understands, and together, they make it work.

“Love is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement,” written by the gifted and insightful Sandra Neil Wallace, with illustrations by Caldecott Honor Recipient Bryan Collier (2023, A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, ages 4 and older, $18.99).

This beautifully illustrated biography tells the story of Chicagoan Diane Nash, an American hero who not everyone knows about. Hoping that with this book, lots of kids and grown-ups know who she is. Nash’s story is extraordinary. After attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., Nash transferred to Fisk University in Nashville. Her political work ignited when she led John Lewis and 122 other students in Nashville in the first of lunch counter sit-ins. The Nashville Student Movement began. The comprehensive timeline in the back of the book, the resources, quotes, bibliography… all of it. This is a meaningful, powerful book. Highly recommend.

“Me and the Boss: A Story About Mending and Love,” written by Michelle Edwards, with illustrations by April Harrison, is a cool book about the big sisters who look out for you even when they’re getting on your nerves. (Anne Schwartz Books/Random House Children’s Books, 2022, $18.99.)

“Little Black Boy: Oh, the Things You Will Do!” written by Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Larry C. Fields III, with illustrations by Paul Davey, is a beautiful, dreamy, empowering picture book. (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House, 2022, $18.99.) A young boy loves marine biology and is inspired by his heroes, Samuel M. Nabrit, Robert K. Trench and Ernest Everett Just. Great title.

“Little Black Girl: Oh, the Things You Can Do!,” by Kirby Howell Baptiste, with more beautiful art by Paul Davey, is a lovely, sweet book about a girl who knows that the sky is the limit. (Or rather, not the limit.) (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House, 2022, $18.99.)

“You have sparks in your brain and fire in your heart. You can decide where to stop and where to start.”

Yes, she would like to become a robotics engineer, she is thinking, and is inspired by some of my favorites: Claudette Colvin, Audre Lord, Toni Morrison… ahhhh. Yes, kid. Go for it. This is a fantastic pair of books. 

“You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce! The Storied Life of Folk Artist Elijah Pierce,” by Chiquita Mullins Lee and Carmella Van Vleet, with extraordinary illustrations by Jennifer Mack-Watkins. (Kokila/Random House, 2023, all ages, $18.99.) This is a great modern day telling of the true story of a great man and artist.

He really does sound like someone I would have liked to have met. People like Mr. Pierce? We are all better off knowing people like this. He made incredible wood carvings, and as a side job, worked as a barber. His barbershop? Was also an art studio. Man, do I love stories like this. Mr. Pierce’s list of honors is included in the back of the book.

“Your life is a book and every day is a page.” — Mr. Elijah Pierce 

Mr. Pierce passed in 1984, but you can still see his work at the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio; High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia; the American Folk Art Museum, New York, New York; Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.; and Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“You Come From Greatness: A Celebration of Black History,” by author Sara Chinakwe and illustrator Ken Daley is a vibrant new picture book from WaterBrook/Random House. (2023, all ages, $13.99.)

“You come from people who spoke with voices as mighty as a lion’s roar. You come from change makers and status shakers, people ready to rally in unity to ensure your future.”

I appreciate the list of names of the powerful people pictured here, the recommended reading list in the back, the added bios, and the enthusiastic nature of this book. It lifts up the reader, the imaginary hero of the book, and all of us.

I’ve got to say… it’s pretty cool to see real-life historical heroes finally get credit where credit is due. Big smiles for all of these titles. Have a great week.

WM

(“Last summer…” photo by Nancy)

Hello, dear friends and readers, how are you today? It’s cold and clear here, but not pouring like it was yesterday. I was out and about, and the roads resembled lakes. The underside of my car is washed clean now.

But today I’m home and rocketing through a list of books for you. Any and all would be great holiday or birthday or no-reason-needed gifts. I’m going to organize it a bit differently, and just throw some great titles at you. I wouldn’t mind uncovering my dining room table, I think it’s there, somewhere, under the stacks and stacks of new titles. So here we go. I’ll give you three categories: All ages, big kids and little kids.

Please support authors, illustrators, book publishers and the work they do, and your local booksellers, too. I always include Amazon links because they’re easy. Check with local booksellers, though, because they often ship or sometimes even deliver in person, or let you do a drive-by pick up.

XO and happy shopping.

WM

For all ages:

“Lunar New Year Mad Libs,” yes, I said Mad Libs. Super fun way to entertain the kids and each other at a gathering or party.

“Give This Book Away!” by Darren Farrell, illustrated by Maya Tatsukawa (Random House Kids, 2022, $18.99). This is a super idea — take this pretty picture book, take the love, take the words, take the kindness, spread it around. Pass it on. Especially love the flyleaves — lines and space to write the names (and cities) of everyone the book has gone to. Aw. Y’all know I live for stuff like this. Share the soup, share the space, share the compassion. Just do it. (Nike didn’t make that up… I did. LOL.)

“Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea,” by Ashley Herring Blake, is a middle grade book, but I’m including it under all ages because it deals with grief (loss of a parent) in such a thoughtful way. I really love this book, which includes a family story, a mystery from the past, a mermaid’s tale, and, of course, the deep blue sea. Highly recommended.

“The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Life in Native America,” young readers adaptation, and “The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee,” the grown-up edition will be good additions to your bookshelf. (David Treuer, who is Ojibwe, from the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota, a New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist; Penguin Young Readers, 2022, ages 12 and up, 275 pages, $19.99.)

For the big kids:

“We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963,” written by Shelia P. Moses (Penguin Young Readers/Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022, ages 8-12, 159 pages, $17.99), is moving historical fiction about the American Civil Rights Movement. This one should really be included in the all ages list, it’s powerful and needed.

“Core 52 Family Edition,” by Mark E. Moore and Megan Howerton (WaterBrook/Multnomah, 2022, 223 pages, $16.99), is a guide to building kids’ Bible confidence. (There is a “Core 52” for the grownups, too.)

Fairy tales! Always. “Cinderella — with Dogs!” is a great new title from Linda Bailey, with hilarious and sweet illustrations by Freya Hartas (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022, $18.99). Woof!

For the little kids:

“Chinese New Year,” a Mr. Men Little Miss Book, originated by Roger Hargreaves (written and illustrated by Adam Hargreaves, Grosset & Dunlap, 2018, $4.99). This series, which started in 1971, is just a lot of fun. We catch up with our friends, Little Miss Neat, Mr. Greedy, Little Miss Shy and all the others, trying to celebrate the New Year and messing it up thoroughly. Completely. Is there any hope for this crowd? Haha.

Two more for Lunar New Year, which is coming up early for 2023… Jan. 22nd. Yes! Year of the Rabbit, on of my favorites. Beautiful. * “Alex’s Good Fortune,” by Benson Shum (Penguin Workshop, 2020, $4.99). and… * “Natasha Wing’s The Night Before Lunar New Year,” with Lingfeng Ho, art by Amy Wummer.

Uni the Unicorn is my new best friend, yo. So cute. Hello, “The Haunted Pumpkin Patch,” (with stickers! Sorry. Little late on this title); “How to Say Thank You” (includes punch-out thank you cards) and… “Reindeer Helper.” All titles are written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, with illustrations by Brigette Barrager. (Random House, 2022, $6.99-$10.99.)

“Oh what you can see from the Ester Lee!” Highway 101, Oregon Coast (vintage postcard)

Good morning, readers. It’s a beautiful, rainy fall morning in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Hope it is good where you are.

What’s up? Leave a comment if you feel like it. I like to know you’re out there.

First up for review today:

“The World Needs More Purple Schools” (part of the Purple World series) is a new title by actress/author Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2022, ages 3-7, 40 pages, $18.99). Penny Purple takes us on a wild ride through her school, where we learn about learning, how to give back to the community, and the importance of being silly. And purple.

“Zara’s Rules for Finding Hidden Treasure” hits the shelves Oct. 18, the second book in the new series written by Hena Khan, with illustrations by Wastana Haikal. (Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster, 2022, ages 7-10, 130 pages, $17.99). Zara takes off on another mission, this time to find funds to replace her stolen bike. Will sales from a Treasure Wagon bring in the much-needed money? Zara is an engaging character, and her family and friends are lively, too. Enjoy.

Witch Hazel from the Bugs Bunny cartoons was always a fave of mine. Now along comes another “Witch Hazel,” this one dreamt up by author Molly Idle (“Pearl,” “Coral,” the Tea Rex series, and “Flora and the Flamingo”). (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers/Little, Brown and Company; on sale: Oct. 11, 2022; ages 4-8; $18.99.) You will love the old-fashioned art and the charming family story.

Bon appetit, loves!

WM

(Diamond painting by me, WM)

Yeah, I sometimes start projects and then don’t finish them. Doesn’t everyone? I like that meme that says, Yes, procrastinate! That way you have something to do tomorrow and all of this free time now.

#truth

I do like diamond painting, writing books, gardening, fixing up the house. Blogging and playing the piano, rearranging the furniture. It’s a simple life, overall, and it’s mine. I like it.

So what’s on the nightstand this week? Kids’ books about fall, leaves, pumpkins, all of it, and more books on the way. That means fun and good art. First up…

If you’re looking for a books about fall and leaves, start with these:

“Fletcher and the Falling Leaves: A Fall Book for Kids,” by Julie Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke

“Leaves Falling Down: Learning About Autumn Leaves,” written by Lisa Marie Bullard, illustrated by Nadine Rita Takvorian

“Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom (DK Our World in Pictures)” (hardcover, illustrated, 2019)

“The Leaf Thief,” by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater

Received a lovely review copy of “If You Find a Leaf,” a new picture book by Aimee Sicuro (Random House Studio, 2022, $17.99). Let’s start with the cover, a little girl, with her doggy, in a boat with a big red leaf for a sail. And the flyleaves: leaves! Of course. Little leaf linden, Japanese cherry and elm, American basswood… just beautiful. The story takes us on an imaginative journey, travelled by our hero and her pup, high up in the air, sailing on the ocean and having a parade with her friends. In the back, you’ll find instructions on how best to preserve leaves. All in all, an amazing book.

Welcome, autumn. Glad to see you again.

WM

“Dancing Chickens” photo by Nancy Ellen Row Rawley

I started this draft a few weeks ago, then got busy getting back to teaching (reading groups, recess and cafeteria duty, and assisting students with special needs. I miss my library and computer lab work, I’ve only been doing a little of that). The kids and I spent the fall and winter doing our usual stuff — being stressed, fighting various viruses, dealing with homework and school and work, pets and livestock, taking care of errands and trying to figure out plans for spring and summer break.

Then the entire world fell apart.

Here are my notes for the draft:

• planter box/trellis for grapes
• blackberry cobbler — yes, if you rip out all the blackberries, you’ll have your backyard back, but what will you do for cobblers and crisps? (she says, then rips out all the blackberries and mows down the roots)
• chickens
• plants
• the deer leave these plants alone: herbs, hellebores, daffodils, snowdrops, violets, rhodies and azaleas

I would give anything to go back and remember what it was, exactly, I was doing with that draft. To see where I would have gone with it. To be living in the world that was week before last and not in this fresh hell we’re in right now.

I miss my husband. He’s there for me, for us, for the kids. But I miss being married. But we both have support, and good, kind people in our lives. Our friends and extended families, the grandparents, our neighbors — everyone is okay. So that is good enough for today. For now. We’re still partners, we’re still there for each other. It’s just really different than what it was.

It’s 59 degrees here in the Willamette Valley, sunny and perfect. It’s spring break. And in our state, and others, the governors are telling us we’re in lockdown, please stay at home, please don’t go out unless you have to go to the doctor’s office, or the hospital, or to the store, or to get some exercise, but keep your distance from the other walkers/hikers/skiers/players.

Social distancing. 

And wash your hands. Don’t cough and sneeze on people. Look in on your neighbors. 

I am worried. We’re all scared. There have been so many deaths already from the corona virus, and more to come. But there are also so many people who are having mild cases and getting through it, or even terrible cases of it and getting through it.

People are stepping up like crazy. Except for the President and his crew, they’re just all crazy. We’ll survive them, and the virus.

My friend Elaine has me hooked on the Hallmark Channel — we’re watching nonstop “Golden Girls” re-runs and Christmas movies over here, even though it’s March. I picked up a bunch of four-dollar sale books from Winco; I’ve started them and they’re all good. 

Adriana Trigiani’s “Kiss Carlo”

Wally Lamb’s “I’ll Take You There”

Phillip Lewis’s “The Barrowfields”

Sara Blaedel’s “The Undertaker’s Daughter”

Prayers, peace, and good thoughts. Be well and be safe.

xo

Wacky Mommy

#westcoastbestcoast

This is one of our favorite spots, forever and always, on the Oregon coast. Leave the dogs at home or in the car (if the weather is cool, which it generally is.) All photos by me and my kid.

Enjoy your weekend.

WM

All photos by moi, Nancy Ellen Row Rawley, and are not for steal.

“The Girls, Strutting”

More from Tiny Bible Tales… “Daniel in the Lions’ Den,” and “Miriam and Pharaoh’s Daughter,” both written by W.C. Bauers and illustrated by Marta Costa (Grosset & Dunlap, 2018, ages 3-5, $7.99). More from this series of board books. Daniel is trapped in the lions’ den, but an angel and God watch over him and he is free. Miriam and her mother save their brother and son, Moses, by setting him adrift in a basket, where Pharaoh’s daughter finds him. Sweet illustrations and rhyming words make for an easy introduction to these Bible stories.

“Mine”

“Feminist Baby Finds her Voice!” by Loryn Brantz. (Disney-Hyperion, 2018, all ages, but especially 2-5, $9.99.) This crazy series… The naked baby girls are back, fighting for their rights to milk, equality, love, flair, the right to speak and all the rest. Really good fun, and the lettering and illustrations are lively.

“My Boy”

“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” — Ann Landers, quoted in Maria Shriver’s new book, “I’ve Been Thinking… Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life.” (Pamela Dorman Books/Viking, 2018, 225 pages, $20.)

This latest collection of essays, prayers and affirmations is a solid little self-help book. Shriver has been through a lot, to put it mildly, and so has her family. Self-inflicted? Sure. A mess they landed in? That, too. Bad decisions? Often. Bad luck? Some of it. It’s inspiring to see what she’s made to help fight her demons. Her books are useful, and that’s all we’re looking for sometimes, and in need of.

Peace.

All for now. Bon appetit, darlings.

WM

(Photo by my late father, James David Row, probably. Circa 1966.)

See how happy I am there, age 2, with my dog, Peaches? I’m wearing slippers that my granny knitted for me. Cuz she loved me. The dolly? The doll cradle that we will later sand and paint and turn into a doll cradle for our daughter, and oh, my Lord. The sweetness of our daughter, age 2, climbing into the cradle with her dolly and her blankie and smiling up at us. Best.

(Photo by us.)

Steve + Nancy on a date, Los Lobos concert, 8/12/12, Tualatin Valley Parks & Rec summer show, Beaverton, Ore. How do I remember the date and the details? Because we blogged our whole lives. Then it blew up. Then next thing you know…

Yeah. I’ll spare you the gory details.

So what does this tell you, other than dog people should marry dog people and cat people should marry cat people? (“War of the Roses.” War of the Rawleys.)

Don’t marry someone who tells you what you can and cannot plant in your garden.

He doesn’t like roses; I do.

I’m a June baby, they’re my birth month flower, I’m from the City of Roses. But the way he whined about them — the black spot! The aphids! The thorns and the hassle and what is the point of roses, exactly? NO ROSES FOR YOU. (Except a bouquet if you demand them, for Valentine’s Day or your birthday or something.)

My new place? So many roses. (All of these photos by moi, Nancy Ellen Row Rawley.)

These are the first ones to bloom. They came out today. They’re hanging over a trellis in my garden. Note the black spot? I do not give care about the black spot. It’s only May, how can there already be black spot, aiiiiiii, etc. Come on. You can cut off those leaves and little branches, try not to water at night (it makes it worse), but end of the day? Who cares? The old lady who lived here before me, Boots, was Welsh, and her whole goal in life was to recreate the Welsh countryside. I’m Irish. I appreciate everything she did around here, it’s gorgeous.

(Rhodies galore, mostly light and dark pinks, very girly.)

Nice yellow.

I can’t tell yet what color these are going to be, but I’ll tell you one thing — they’re already covered with aphids and I do not care. I hosed them off, they’re beautiful. They’re big, and they’re climbing all over the place. Next to them is the big, overgrown forsythia, and I’m not pruning it back much, because the chickens need a place to hide and stay cool this summer.

Iris, more iris, and life, always sweeter over the other side of the septic tank. (That’s what you want to plant in your septic field, by the way. Something with low-growing roots, not deep roots, with lots of space to let the clean, run-off water evaporate. (My garden is uphill from the septic tank and field, thank you.)

Lots of big oaks around here. That’s actually a maple, sorry. There are oaks up and down the road, they’re majestic. I kinda love Corvallis, and all the trees. It’s good here.

Here’s all I have to say: I loved my old man. I did my best, we have these two great kids, and I finally have my roses. (I’ve counted nine or ten bushes so far, including some wild roses that are going nuts from having a little attention. The garden hadn’t received enough loving the past few years. It happens.)

xoxoxoxox and bon appetit!

WM