Jessica Strand

There are a few famous writers included, but it's mostly other writers. sometimes with a moderator, interviewing each other before the floor is opened to questions from the audience. George Saunders is here, and Alison Bechdel, but the majority of the writers turn out to be people I've never heard of, usually with a long list of prestigious awards. By far the most interesting chapter was cranky Edward Albee and Paul Auster being questioned by a moderator and then the audience. Auster and the show more moderator seem to be going beyond professionalism or pleasantry during the discussion in an attempt not to anger the bad-tempered cat that is Albee. But I wasn't interested in many of the discussions. show less

This is a wonderful time of year to engage young children in baking and cooking. Although messy at times, preparing yummy treats to share with others will create memories to last a lifetime - for you and your children. I remember creating sticky and lopsided gingerbread houses with my young boys. I think they ate more of the "decorations" than they actually managed to attach to the houses! Another year, we helped Grandma bake cookies because she was recovering from a stroke and couldn't show more manage by herself. The kitchen was a disaster afterwards but the laughter, memories and delicious goodies more than compensated.

Kids in the Holiday Kitchen is a fun holiday book that is sure to inspire you and your children. Offering recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and desserts as well as craft ideas, the photographs will have you reaching for cookie cutters, rolling pins and icing sugar. show less

This curated collection of conversations with different authors would have been much more suited to an audio/visual format, or benefitted from a different edit.

Kick off the holidays in the kitchen this year with these kid-friendly projects that include easy entrées, sweet and savory noshes, and crafts to display, wear, or give.