Sherlock and Shakespeare

A Fairy Song

Over hill, over dale,
Thorough bush, thorough brier,
Over park, over pale,
Thorough flood, thorough fire!
I do wander everywhere,
Swifter than the moon's sphere;
And I serve the Fairy Queen,
To dew her orbs upon the green;
The cowslips tall her pensioners be;
In their gold coats spots you see;
Those be rubies, fairy favours;
In those freckles live their savours;
I must go seek some dewdrops here,
And hang a pearl in every cowslip's ear.

William Shakespeare

All Photos for Blue Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday

After a leisurely stroll amidst the yellow mustard fields nearby and walking passed the beginning blooms of a blue royal madera plant, my grandson who is 4, discovered a few thing along the nature path. I used PhotoShop for this "bug" but I tell you, one simple magnifying glass from the Dollar Store provides tons of fun!

  Sherlock is all set for spring with his binoculars, butterfly cage and magnifying glass!

Book Sharing Monday

Barefoot Book of Stories from the Opera

The Barefoot Book of Stories from the Opera

Watch as the curtains open and the opera begins. The seven operatic stories in this beautiful collection are each proceeded by an introduction about the origins of the story. There are also extensive notes about opera houses, behind-the-scenes terminology, famous opera houses and composers, and more. Book with double CDs edition includes stories read by actress Miranda Richardson.

Ages 8 and up

Retold By: Shahrukh Husain
Illustrated By: James Mayhew
Narrated By: Miranda Richardson

The reviews on this paperback book with 2 cds is wonderful. I have sold this one to some of piano students who homeschool. The illustrations are great.

Happy Reading on a Blue Monday!

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

Bandana Kids

Bandana Kids

My grandchildren, 4 and almost 2, had a blast with a couple of bandanas. It's funny how the littlest thing can bring so much fun and pleasure, plus occupying their time.

Blue Monday

My grandson, wearing the blue bandana, had so much fun acting out a little skit!

Mellow Yellow Monday

Of course, with a big huge smile and a happy child that my granddaughter is... are you noticing the sweet yellow barrette in her hair?

Book Sharing Monday

Classic Poems

The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems

Become inspired by this breathtaking collection that brings together seventy-four of the finest poems in the English language, celebrating all manner of human experience. Features introduction from UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

For all ages
Illustrated By: Jackie Morris

Today is William Shakespeare's Birthday! April is also Poetry Month. I love The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems.  It is one of my favorites to read because of the choice of authors and lovely illustrations. Here is an example of what's inside:

All the World's a Stage 
(reminds me of the photo of my grandchildren playing up above.)

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress's eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation


Even in the cannon's mouth, And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side,
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of All,
That ends this strange, eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion.
sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

-- William Shakespeare

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

Celebrate Earth Day with Barefoot Books

World Atlas

About The Book:

Embark on a mind-expanding journey of discovery across the planet. On your global adventure, you will meet all kinds of people and species, discover how the different parts of the planet are interconnected and learn about initiatives and ideas which are shaping a sustainable future. Features a pull-out map and lift-the flap booklets.

Rave Reviews:
 
"With its emphasis on sustainability, interconnectedness, and diversity, the book offers young armchair travelers and globe-trotters much to discover" --Publishers Weekly

"Broken down into major regions and illustrated with images characteristic of the area, this atlas of maps makes navigating the world's terrain a pleasure" --ForeWord Magazine 

I have this book and it's a beautiful hardcover book. I also purchased the app for my iPad and it's a great educational tool for my grandson, too.

 

Barefoot Book of Earth Tales

The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales

Learn how different cultures around the world set out to live in harmony with the natural world. The seven folk tales are each followed by a hands-on activity that promotes green living and reinforces the eco-messages of the stories. 

Ages 5 to 11 years
Compiled By: Dawn Casey
Illustrated By: Anne Wilson

We're Roaming in the Rainforest

We're Roaming in the Rainforest

Three children embark on a day-long trek through the rainforest, discovering all sorts of exotic creatures in their natural habitats. The charming, rhyming text highlights an adjective for each creature. The story is complemented by educational endnotes about the creatures in the story, and the peoples of the rainforest.

Ages 4 to 10 years
Written By: Laurie Krebs
Illustrated By: Anne Wilson

Whole World

Connect with the whole wide, wonderful world with this green book that rejoices in the marvels of our environment. The catchy rhyme in this new take on a traditional spiritual begs to be sung aloud. Includes lots of facts about the Earth's eco systems and tips on how to be eco-conscious.

For all ages
Illustrated By: Christopher Corr
Sung By: Fred Penner

My Mama Earth

My Mama Earth     

New! Hardback $16.99 

Watch the wonder experienced by a small child as he explores his world around the day, taking in many different aspects of nature. This imaginative and lyrical picture book showcases the love between a mother and child and the connection between humans and mother earth, celebrating the ever-changing beauty of the natural world along the way.   

• A beautiful gift book for a mother and child.
• Emphasizes the link between a child's dependency on his mother and our dependency on the support of mother earth. 

In honor of Earth Day, Open Road Media has created a special video that Kathryn thought I might be interested in viewing and sharing with my audience. In it, authors  Jean Craighead George and James Gleick speak to the beauty, value, and limits of this planet. Having grown up a naturalist, Jean has spent her life appreciating and writing about nature. As Jean says, "To make a book sing, you've got to go there and sit and listen and camp out and be a part of it."

You can view the video here.

Happy Earth Day!

 








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

Blue Monday: Awnings and Letters

Blue Awnings

Blue Letters; Blue striped towel and shirt

 On Sunday, we took a leisurely stroll down the pier. There's something so refreshing when a storm passes and clears the air. Southern California has sunny skies, once again! Our prayers go out for the Midwest with all the tornado action we've been seeing on the news.

For other wonderful Blues, visit our hostess Smiling Sally

Book Sharing Monday

New! Ruby's Sleepover

Available in May

Hardcover $16.99

9781846865930 

Paperback $7.99

9781846867583

Ruby and Mai are camping out in the backyard. As the night draws in, all sorts of scary characters head towards their tent. Luckily, Ruby has some magical objects in her backpack, but will they be enough to keep the girls safe?

• Joins popular title Ruby's School Walk as the second book in the Ruby series.
• Features artwork by Miriam Latimer, whom Publishers Weekly praised by saying that her "quirky, energetic acrylic and collage art playfully tweaks perspective and scale."  

Rave Review:
"As the weather turns and young readers yearn to be outside, share this well-designed tale for a most satisfying ending to a good night"--Kirkus   

Other Book Posts for illustrator Miriam Latimer 

1. Ruby's School Walk

2. The Prince's Bedtime 

3. Emily's Tiger 

I love these books and look forward to reading the new one next month!

Happy Reading!

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

InLinkz.com

Girls Just want To Have Fun

Sometimes, girls just want to have fun... right?! Well, we went to the store and found these very cool navy blue striped shorts. 
Penney's had some great items on sale, plus they were giving away free "bunny ears!" Do you have a JC Penney or an Old Navy near you?

As you can see, the shorts started on the top of her head and ended around her waist with the price tag still on. I had so much fun with the 'grandlittle' and I thought her yellow dress was special for Mellow Yellow Monday and her shorts go well for Blue Monday.

 Daughter and granddaughter are back home and I miss them already. The house is so quiet now, except for our cat, Jazz!

For Book Sharing Monday

Emily's Tiger Paperback $7.99

Emily's Tiger (Barefoot Books Publisher)

Watch out - Emily is off and running again! This little girl has a problem with her temper, and every time she gets angry she turns into quite the little tiger. This quirky picture book addresses behavioral issues with humor and an emphasis on intergenerational relationships.

Great for ages 3 to 7 years

The author is Miriam Latimer. For more information, visit her website. I love the cover art on Emily's Tiger... At 18 months, are granddaughter can say 100 words... most impressive!

Have a wonderful week ahead. Keep reading to the little ones!

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

InLinkz.com