Lisa J. Amstutz

Our library's summer reading program had a craft project to get interested patrons started on fairy gardens, and so had several books on this theme on display. I grabbed three of 'em.

This is the first one I'm reading. It's a much better place to start than Pinterest. Amstutz shows a variety of curated possibilities, including at least one that can be grown indoors easily. Plenty of how-tos and tips. After studying this, you will be ready to sort wheat vs. chaff from online sources.

She uses show more found natural materials, and things that you probably already have collected or can buy in a thrift store for small change (buttons, marbles, blossoms broken off artificial arrangements, etc.), and things you'd otherwise trash or recycle (baby food jars, juice cartons, etc.).

One of her gardens is designed to attract butterflies, another to appeal to hummingbirds. They are made in planters, in basins, in gourds....

This is in the children's section, but is terrific for families.
Bibliography included.
Amstutz has at least three related books to check out. show less

This is truly a delightful story and so much educational information, too. I love how this family planted a seedling of a evergreen tree (i.e. Christmas tree type tree) when the little girl who is now seven was just a baby. She has watched and tended the little tree through the years. This year the plan is for her to cut it down and decorate it as her own tree.

Activity on the tree farm goes on all year long as they plant, tend, harvest, and then sell the trees. When it's time to open the show more farm for customers to select their own trees, it all comes alive with joy and treats.

Back information is truly informative. I found it especially interesting that rootings can be made from cuttings from trees and then planted to grow to full size.

A terrific book for libraries everywhere. A treat book for families that engage in the thrill that comes from going to a tree farm, selecting your own tree, helping cut it down, and having treats while there.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. show less

Diwali is a great book to introduce a new religion to people. I did not know of this holiday celebrated and I am so happy to learn about it because I love holidays! Diwali is celebrated over 5 days in October or November. Diwali has great illustrations showing the beautiful parts of the holiday including painting their hands and feet, having a feast, lighting a "diya" which is an oil lamp made from clay, and fireworks! I love how this book included definitions i the back of the book for show more words like "rangoli" which are patterns on the floor made from colored rice, flowers and sand. I enjoyed the book, and the message was to introduce people to new religions and holidays around the world. show less

This is a great basic book earmarked for children but for me, a great primer on cardinals. The pictures are large allowing a birder or want to be birder to easily identify birds via their physical characteristics and vocal soundings. I love the questions at the end of the book and a reference page that includes internet and books references.

Joyful.