2025 Thread # Two Whisper 1 (Linda)

Recently sent to me by a friend:



Niall Williams Time of the Child

Pamela Zagarenski is one of my favorite illustrators. As Valentine's Day approaches this month, I send this to those who visit here. There is so much hate in the world, I chose love.

Loving you right back! Happy new thread. Thanks for making this a happy place to visit. Always. : )

Happy New Thread, Linda! I have Time of the Child on the hold list at my library and I hope it will get to me fairly soon.

Happy new thread Linda!

>2 Whisper1: Thank you very much, Linda - and Happy New Thread.

Happy new one, Linda!

Happy new thread, Linda. As others have said, your thread is always such a delight to visit. Hope you are feeling good these days. And staying warm!

Happy New Thread, Linda! Have a lovely day!!

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread!

I just put Time of the Child on hold at the library. I really enjoyed This is Happiness when I read it a couple years ago.

Happy new thread Linda!

Joining the chorus of those wishing you a happy new thread!

Karen O

Happy new thread, Linda!

Happy new thread, dear lady.

Happy New Thread, Linda. >2 Whisper1: I love this!

Hello to all and many thanks for visiting here.

The severe cold and snow/ice brings pain. For the most part this week, I've sat in my comfortable chair, read and then fell asleep. Yesterday I slept most of the day. I've managed to do some chores and cleaning around the house. I bought new file folders and have all bills in order.

I'm still working on getting books in order, and overall making a dent.

I am thankful to neighbor Andres who took large recycling bins to the front of the driveway, and he shoveled my driveway and cleaned the ice off my car! He does so very much for me. We went shopping at Home Depot and I purchased a XL heated/battery operated jacket for him.

It helps tremendously. I could not live here without his assistance. He works outside all day long as a maintenance worker at a local college. And then comes home and helps me and another woman/friend who recently lost her husband. He tells me he likes "helping the two widows!"

I am so very relieved that the jacket works well for him as I was worried about him being outside in the freezing temperatures all day long, and then helping in the neighborhood.

This weekend, I'll invite members of the neighborhood, and will call out for a super large order of chicken wings and also some pizza. And, of course, there will be wine to go with it!

Hopefully, resting this week will enable me to entertain people I love very much!

BOOK #23 READ IN JANUARY 2025



Oh No, The Aunts Are here by Adam Rex and Lian Cho

Cute, funny, witty! As the title notes, the aunts have arrived, and by starting with "Oh, No!" the reader knows who ever is talking is not particularly happy about the visit about to be made.

The aunts are funny, and can make a visit to a quilt museum quite funny. The young girl is overwhelmed by all the noise, the action and the funny things that are said.

And, "Whew!" they are glad when they leave.

Happy new one, Linda!

I love that you have such a neighbor as Andres. Your story reminds me that in the last decade or so of his life, still a very vigorous man, my Dad was the "go-to-guy" for a couple widows in his general vicinity. My mom found it very amusing--we all did---that certain women knew they could always call him if they needed some household repair done that they couldn't manage by themselves. Mom said if she went first, she knew there'd be a rousing competition to see who might claim Dad next! (Didn't happen that way.)

>19 Whisper1: Ooh, I must go find a copy of Oh No the Aunts Are Here! Looks great! Thanks for the review. Have a great weekend.

Karen O

>20 drneutron: Thanks Jim
>21 laytonwoman3rd: Hi Linda. I very much like my neighborhood. Andres is a special person. It is a win/win relationship. I always pay him for his help. I know he needs the money, and it is only fair that I pay him for all the work he does for me.

Happy new thread and happy weekend Linda.
Andres sounds like a truly wonderful person. I hope you’ll all enjoy the neighborhood get-together, what a lovely idea!

BOOK #24 READ IN JANUARY OF 2025


Brothers by Yin with paintings of Chris Soentpiet

The Paintings in this book are outstanding, all clear crisp wit a yellow/orange hue. Young Ming arrives in San Francisco after a very long voyage across the sea from China. He lives with his older brother who owns a well-stocked store. Ming is told by his brother and owner of the store Shek that he should not journey past Chinatown.

Ming does not listen to him, and discovers a wonderful friend Patrick. Shek arrived with his older brothers along with the first Chinese railroad workers. The worked hard to set down a railroad yet were not accepted by non Chinese people.

Ming struggles to make a success of his brothers store while his brother is away. Sadly, he struggles. But, Patrick is a wonderful friend and soon he encourages his family and other non- Chinese people to purchased wares from the store. Without their help, the store would have closed.

This important step in bringing the two cultures together saves the store and is the beginning of bringing the two cultures in their attempt to learn more about each together.

As the beautiful descriptive text inside the flap of the book notes, this is a rarely told story of the beginning of the two cultures working together to learn about their cultures, and in helping learn about each other.

I will look for the previous book written by this author titled Coolies. Both pivitol, important books very important in showing the importance of understanding the cultures and working toward bringing a more just and understanding of two very different cultures working together to understand each other and forge a like-minding nation.



Additional books by this time of Yin and Chris Soentpiet, and the author Yin with other artists, and Christ Soentpiet who shared his beautiful artistry in the making of these books:



I share this information to highlight the importance of "children's" illustrated books! The knowledge gained from reading these most important stories is incredibly beautiful and wonderful!!

Happy new thread, Linda! Love the cover images in >25 Whisper1:. Looks like I'll have to check out some of his illustrated books sometime soon!

>25 Whisper1: Brothers delivers an incredible and uplifting tale - thank you, Linda, for sharing all this!

Hi Linda my dear, Happy New Thread dear friend.

>25 Whisper1: - Wow, I love the talent of this illustrator! His work is almost photographic, and in that sense, reminds me of Kadir Nelson. Beautiful! Thanks for putting these on my radar.

Linda -Sending You Prayers and Hope for a Quick Recovery - LOVE!

>26 bell7: Hi Mary. I appreciate your visit here!
>27 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne, I think you will like Brothers
>28 johnsimpson: Hello John, I hope you are well.
>29 jessibud2: Shelly As you can see, I added some of his other books to my collection to be read!
>30 m.belljackson: Thanks Friend!

BOOK #25 IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2025

Cast A Diva: The Hidden Life of Maria Callas by Lyndsy Spence

This is an in depth look at the life of the incredible opera singer Maria Callas I found it to be a slow read as it covered her early years of abuse by her mother who propositioned her to men for food and money. She did the same with Maria's sister Jackie.

As the mother and daughters moved from one country to another, always living in poverty, Maria's pushy mother enrolled her into one after another schools for learning opera.

Sadly, Maria died at the age of 53 after losing the preciousness of her voice. Many feel this was because her mother pushed her to use her voice from a young age and from one school to another and one country to another.

BOOK #26 READ IN JANUARY 2025


Rabbit & Bear Make A Wish by Tara Shannon
This book was given to me by a very special friend on LT.

A beautfiully illustrated book of a friendship between Rabbbit who is scared and negative and the friend Bear who provides stability, hope and love.

What a fun book Oh No, The Aunts Are here looks like, Linda! I hope my nieces and nephews aren't thinking oh, no , my aunt is here! when I visit.

>21 laytonwoman3rd: Lynda, Your dad must have been a very special man!!!

Happy new thread, Linda!

>2 Whisper1: That’s lovely!

I really enjoy all the art you share on your thread. I still love illustrated books. And you find really beautiful ones.

>35 Whisper1: Well, I certainly think he was! He's been gone over 20 years now, but I think of him every day. I'm so glad his grandchildren had him in their lives through their childhood...they were all young adults when he died.

>36 EllaTim: Thanks for visiting here Ella. I look forward to following what you are reading.
>37 laytonwoman3rd: Lynda, You were so very fortunate to have him in your life, and your children were fortunate to have known him!

BOOK #27 READ IN JANUARY 2025



Gentle on my Mind by Kim Campbell

Many people my age (72) will remember growing up in our teen age years to the music of the beautiful music and voice of country music singer Glen Campell.

A few years ago, I watched the production of GLEN CAMPBELL...I'LL BE ME WHICH IS is "the true tale of how America's greatest country star would not give up his music or his family, against all odds." I highly recommend this!

I recently found this book, bought it and read it right away. It was a wonderful, but sad read of the life of Glen Campbell through the memories of his wife Kim Campbell She begins with his history, how they met, their love and life, and the sad assault on Glen's brain when he developed Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the strong faith base of them and their family was mentioned throughout the book.

If you like/liked his music, this is an insightful look at his musical and personal life career.

4.5 Stars

Here are a few links to his singing and music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjzTNWWO7U0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV_Tm4KoCBg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd9nMrvBbmA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm7BQpZVC1s

Oh Linda, wasn't that a sad documentary! Yet, at the same time, sort-of uplifting. That farewell tour, with his wife and kids and how *muscle memory* enabled him to play his guitar as masterfully as when he was healthy. I was never much of a country music fan but there are some exceptions and he was one of them.

Alzheimer's is such a cruel and horrible disease.

>40 jessibud2: Yes, Shelley, it was so sad. But, as you said, it was up lifting.

I agree with you regarding Alzheimer's. I watched by beloved neighbor who was a bright, sensitive, humorous and loving older adult, become a helpless, forgetful, and then as the documentary and the book noted, the anger stage was so very difficult to help Glen Campbell through in the later stages of this terrible disease. I too was impressed with the healing energy of music and how he was able to remembered how to sing and play his guitar.

In the case of my wonderful neighbor and friend, I helped her husband as much as I could. Originally, their two sons did not understand what we were telling them as we watched her slip further into forgetfulness. Finally they knew it was way too much for her husband, and me to handle.

I vividly remember the day I forgot to take my cell phone with me when grocery shopping. I came home to five frantic messages from her husband asking me to help find her because he said "she got loose!" He did not know when she left the house, nor did he know where she was.

I remember explaining to him that in these instances 911 is the first go to. I think he had a difficulty accepting the sad progression that took hold so rapidly.

Luckily, after calling 911, I found her when she was trying to cross a very busy street near our neighborhood. She told me she wanted to go to the grocery store but could not find it. She was crying because she didn't know where she lived, and she could not find either the store or her home. I remember feeling so relieved that I found her and she wasn't hurt. She said the "f....." cars were in her way. Before Alzheimer's, she was quick witted and highly intelligent, and I never heard her swear. I cried so often when not in her presence.

Her son who lived in a neighboring state moved both of them with him and his family. She passed on to a better place a few months after moving.

I think of her every day.

And now, I am watching another neighbor slowly take this journey. This past summer, I had a very strong feeling to go to her house and see her. When I did, her door was open, and I heard her crying and screaming. I found her naked on her cement garage floor. She didn't remember taking her clothes off or how she was on the garage floor. I thank God for sending me the message to help her. There is no other way I can explain how I knew to go there at that time.

I can't even imagine how scary that must have been. With my mother, the anger came at the end when she had very little physical energy left. My mother was never a person who had a lot of anger as part of her personality so for me, that was the hardest part to witness, though I certainly understood it. But this disease just consumes a person's essence until they just disappear. :-(

>42 jessibud2: Shelley, I remember your posts about your mother, and I also remember how much you loved her, how you wore yourself down in visiting her and making her your number 1 priority. I admired (admire) you so very much. You were a wonderful, dedicated, loving daughter. We can all hope that in our later years, we can have the incredible love, and patience you gave to her.

BOOK #28 MONTH OF JANUARY 2025


Firetalking by Patricia Polacco

I've read most of Patricia Polacco's books, and I very much like her character development and illustrations. this book highlights her life, both as a young child when, after her parent's divorce, she and her brother spent wonderful summers with their father.

Most, if not all of her books are based on real-life experiences, and the images and writing is a joy to read.

TOTAL BOOKS READ IN JANUARY OF 2025: 29

NON ILLUSTRATED BOOKS:

ILLUSTRATED BOOKS READ IN 2025

TOTAL BOOKS READ IN JANUARY OF 2025:

NON ILLUSTRATED BOOKS TOTAL: =8
ILLUSTRATED BOOKS TOTAL: =21
_________________________________
TOTAL BOOKS READ IN JANUARY:= 29

>1 Whisper1: I just got in a copy of that one for my personal library! I have read a couple of Williams' books and enjoyed them so I have high hopes for Time of the Child.

>47 Whisper1: Nice!

Happy new thread, lovey!

Happy new thread and happy Sunday, Linda

Your post about Alzheimers brought back my memories of a dear friend here in Merano, I often posted about her. She was my first landlady, of British nationality, but living in Italy since the late 1960s. She’d been a dancer and artist in her youth and met lots of celebrities, she had such a sharp mind, great humor and endless stories to tell. She was diagnosed around 2016 and it went so fast. Constant panic attacks, deep distrust against everyone, rage, a very messy household. I was one of her last contacts here, and during the lockdowns she often called me in the middle of the night when she had panic attacks and thought she needed an ambulance. She sold all her houses here in time some years ago and moved without notice to her small house near Rome where the family of her late husband lives (many doctors among them). She didn’t leave an address, and the last time my parents and I sent her birthday wishes she didn’t remember who we were. This year there was no answer. She was a vegetarian, non smoker, did yoga and meditation on a daily basis and there was no Alzheimers in her family.

The Callas book sounds very interesting, and I love the illustrations in the one with the rabbit and the bear. Those picture books are always difficult to find here, but this is one I might order.

>48 alcottacre: Thanks, as always Stasia, for visiting my threads!

>49 Deern: Hi Natalie, so good to open up my thread and see a message from you. Thanks for sharing your story regarding Alzheimers and your landlady.

BOOK #1 IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


Mabel and the Queen of Dreams by Henry Herz with lovely illustrations of Lisa Woods

The illustrations are beautiful in this lovely book of a little girl who cannot sleep until one of her parents reads to her. She was an expert at learning not how to sleep, including the tride and true, I have to pee, I'm afraid of the monster under the be, I'm not tired, I am thirsty, and will you tell me a story?

Her mother knew it ws the last request that would allow all to sleep. And, she made up a lovely story of magical fairy folks and the queen who was ridden throughout the kinddom. The queen was no biger tht a snowflake. The magical dragonfly led the carriage with spiderweb strands.

As the spiderweb strands held the dragonfly to the carriage, they flew throughout the magical land.

And Mabel dreamed and slept throughout the night because of the soft voice and the vivid imagination of her mother.

>23 Whisper1: So glad you have such a supportive neighbor/hood.

>25 Whisper1: OMG! The artwork in this book is amazing!! Beautiful.

>41 Whisper1: Glad you listened to the voice telling you to go check on her. Dementia just sucks in so many ways.

>47 Whisper1: Look at you go! 29 books already. Bowing down to you. : )

Happy Monday!

>52 Berly: Kim, I am so very sorry you were in the ER. Naturally, I am concerned, and I hope you are doing much better my friend!

>48 alcottacre:, Hi Stasia. You and I share a love of libraries. I remember that when you visited, we visited my local library and you were impressed by the calmness of the atmosphere. We had a wonderful time, and I'm so glad you made that trip!!! It was awhile back, and yet at times it seems like yesterday!

BOOK #2 IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


When We All Stopped - Children's Storybook About Healing for a Healthier Cleaner, Greener Future
by Tom Rivett-Carnac and Bee Rivett-Carnac

This is a lovely story, inspiried by Jane Goodall who feels strongly that we are destroying our only home. This is a call wherein the focus is stopping to pause, and to connect our minds with our hearts and focus on nature, and living in harmony, We much all play a part in the shift from destruction to reconstruction.

This book offers hope of what can occur when we stop destroying and pause and help to plant the seeds of new growth which then leads to new hope and generation for this fragile earth.

Beautfully illustrated, lovely written, this is a wake up call to re-plant, to take care of what we plant and to foster growth.

BOOK #3 IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


Swamp Angel with illustrations of Paul O. Zelinsky

I discovered this long-held book in a pile of illustrated stories located at the bottom of a closet. A Caldecott honor book, this is a story of a child born in 1815 in rural America. By the time the baby took her first breath, she already was a giant. Living in the backwoods of Tennessee she performed many wonders. When she removed a wagon mired in muck at the bottom of a swamp, her rescuers called her an angel, hence the name "Swamp Angel."

In the wilderness living a huge bear who prowled the backwoods eating all food and some of the people who lived there. It was the Swamp Angel who defeated the bear and saved the people. While the story seemed bland, the illustrations were quite interesting.

2.5 Stars

Mabel and the Queen of Dreams is beautifully illustrated, Linda. Sounds like a lovely story as well.

>51 Whisper1: This one looks adorable!

>57 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deb. I found the book in Ollie's outlet store. I was taken by the lovely illustrations. The author mentioned inspiration from Shakespeare's work.

>58 BLBera: HI Beth, Yes, it was one of those illustrated books that captivate your heart. I'm really hooked on illustrated books. So often the art work is incredible.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #4 IN THE MONTH OF FEBRAURY 2025


Love Is: An Illustrated Exploration of God's Greatest Gift by Paola Escobar

Beautifully illustrated, taken from Corinthians 13:4 in the bible, the passages regarding love and it's essence as kind, patient, not wanting what belongs to others. And, It does not brag. It is not proud. It does not dishonor other people. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people's wrongs. It is joyful when the truth is spoken. It always protects. It always trusts. And, it never gives up.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #5 READ FEBRUARY 2025


Sparrow Girl written by Sara Pennypacker with illustrations of Yoko Tanaka

This illustrated book is based on a true-life event when in 1958, Chairman Mao Tse-Tung declared war on sparrows. Believing they eat too much of China's wheat crop, his plan was to decimate the entire population of sparrows.

Over a three-day period, he decreed that all citizens in the country, including children, should make as much noise as possible in the hope that the noise would kill all birds, and make them die from exhaustion or heart attacks from the fear of the sound. Using firecrackers to make loud sounds, all were told to light them to drive the sparrows from China. There was in effect, a war against the poor, helpless sparrows.

In fact, the birds did die, but Mao's short-sighted, ignorant plan did not take into account that the sparrows played a much needed role in the ecological balance. Without the sparrows, the locust population flourished, and in fact grew to uneven proportions which led to a famine that killed approximately 30-40 million Chinese people in the next three years.

This book illustrates children who, out of love of sparrows attempted to save some of the beloved, much- needed birds.

BOOK #6 READ IN FEBRUARY 2025


Emily by Michael Bedard

A lovely illustrated book of a tale regarding a little girl who lives in the neighborhood of Emily Dickinson. In this fictionalize story, the young girl's mother plays piano for Emily and enters her house in order to play for her. In real life, Emily Dickinson led a very secluded life, but in this story, the little girl accompanies her mother and visits Emily.

In real life, Emily Dickinson did like children, but did not allow them in her home. Rather, she placed treats in a wooded bucked and led the rope down to the children.

I've recently discovered the artistry of Barbara Cooney and will be sure to read many, if not all, of her illustrated books.

BOOK #7 READ IN FEBRUARY 2025


The Other Side of Suffering: The Father of JonBenet Ramsey Tells the Story of His Journey from Grief to Grace
Written by John Ramsey and Marie Chaplan, Primary Contributor

John Ramsey's life was forever changed when he found the dead body of his beautiful six year old daughter in the basement of the mansion-like house shared with his son Burke, and wife, Patsy, who had battled ovarian cancer and seemed to have beaten it. The day before was lovely as many presents were shared and there was laughter and love that beautiful Christmas morning before she was found the next day.

Their lives were turned upside down when Patsy, John, and even their young son burke was assumed to be guilty of this heinious crime.

John not only lost his daughter, but his home, his business, the trust of his friends, and eventually, he lost Patsy when the wicked cancer returned, this time to stay.

In this book, John writes of how he found faith and the love of Christ who pulled him through these many years since an evil person broke in the basement, took JonBenet to the basement and killed this tiny girl in a terrible manner.

John focuses on the faith that pulled him through.

Morning, Linda! I'm caught up with your thread and all of the lovely illustrations.
I bet Andres is the happiest guyi in your neighborhood! How lovely to reward him for the extra hands he give you.
I remember way back when Glen Campbell had his own variety show, Haha didn't everyone have one back in the day. I don't recall much more than that but I do love love love his cover of Witchita Lineman. I could put it on repeat for hours.

Dropping in to say hello and wish you a happy mid week!

Hi Linda, I was reading away on your last thread. Here is a comment I copied:
Post 121: Oh-oh, book bullet! This one looks really good, Linda. I read one of Harr's books quite a while ago and loved his in-depth writing. The one I read was A Civil Action about the polluted water in Massachusetts. Quite a different topic, but being an art lover, I might enjoy The Lost Painting even more. Thanks for the heads up!

New thread:
I guess you haven't had a chance to read Time of the Child yet. I didn't think it was Williams' best book, although I really enjoyed it. If you haven't read his other books, you have a real treat in store for you.

I love seeing the illustrations you post and I'm so happy for the camaraderie in your neighborhood. I hope you are staying warm and healthy these days.

<66> Hi Donna, Many thanks for stopping by. Awhile ago, I read about an art heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum in Mass. This case capitvated me more than others. Sadly, the paintings have never been discovered. In particular, I would love to see the art recovered and to see Christ in the Sea of Galilee. Despite many leads, nothing has come to fruition. I very much hope that the paintings are found. I highly recommend The Gardner Heist: The True Story of the World's Largest Unsolved Art Theft.

Thanks for recommending A Civil Action. I've added it to my TBR list.

I haven't read Time of the Child yet, but hope to do so this month.

BOOK #8 READ IN FEBRUARY 2025



Boot & Shoe by Marla Frezee

A story of two close-knit siblings born in the same litter and follow each other in getting in trouble. A cute story, with illustrations of one of my favorite artists -- Marla Frezee

Just popping in to wish you a wonderful weekend, Linda.
I hope your neighbor can be helped soon. We have had similar experiences ourselves with family and friends, it is very tough.

>69 SirThomas: Hi Tom. I hope you also have a restful weekend with lots of reading.

BOOK #9 READ FEBRUARY 2025


Following Grandfather by Rosemary Wells Illustrated by Christoper Denise

A lovely small book illustrated beautifully in black pencil. Jenny the little mouse, loved her grandfather with all her heart. Her parents ran a store, and grandfather spent his time with Jenny. He taught her so very much, including the importance of being real and not looking to rich snobs who lived in the home of Senator Hnry Cabot Lodge who had much more than Jenny and her Grand father did.

Highly creative, this is a gem. When Jenny's grandfather died, it left a large whole in her heart. There were so many things she meant to ask him, and places they could have attended are no longer an option. She longed to own beautiful tea cups with dainty flowers, and lovely sea shells so very richly decorated.

She misses him so much that she imagines she can seem him in true form throughout the places they previously visited. When she suddenly was taken under the water and pulled out to sea, she felt a pair of unseen arms that carefully lifted her out of the water and back on the beach with lovely shells.

From then one, though she misses him, she no longer is consumed with imagining she sees him, instead, there on the beach they always visited, she smiles at her shells and she knows grandfather is smiling back at her.

NEXT BOOK TO BE READ:


Raven Black by Ann Cleves

I'll start this book tonight. I'm exceedingly tired, but hope to read at least one chapter. It's very cold out tonight. I had dinner with a friends but came home right away. It felt too blustery to run around. After I dropped off my friend, I came straight home, and opened my new infusion of Thriftbooks.com. The package contained Raven Black!

I look forward to being a part of this group:
"https://www.librarything.com/author/cleevesann"

Hi Linda - Check your recent email for a nice long message and photos of Perry Possum!

(Taken through the screen so not to scare him/her off, but still so welcome...)

I'm heading over there now. Thanks. I'm glad your possum has a nice name!

>54 Whisper1: Maybe we can do it again this year?

>55 Whisper1: I am going to have to see if I can find a copy of that one. I am a great admirer of Ms Goodall. Have you read any of her books? The Book of Hope is one that I can recommend.

>75 alcottacre: >54 Whisper1: Sounds Good!

BOOKS ACQUIRED IN JANUARY 2025

1) Maria Callas: Sacred Monster
2) Greek Fire: The Story of Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis
3) Cast a Diva: The Hidden Life of Maria Callas
4) The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness
5) Nemesis: The True Story of Aristotle Onassis, Jackie O, and the Love Triangle That Brought Down the
Kennedys
6) Aristotle Onassis
7) The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale Illustrated book
8) The Day the Germans Came
9) Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge Illustrated Book
10) Ghosts of Gettysburg: Spirits, Apparations, and Haunted Places of the Battlefield
11) The Wednesday Surprise Illustrated Book
12) Horsefly and Honeybee Illustrated book
13) Stay Where You Are & Then Leave
14) The Boy at the Top of the Mountain
15) Moon Shot: The Inside Story of American's Race to the Moon
16) Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and their Monkey Business Illustrated book
17) Dreamcatcher
18) Rocket Men: the Epic Story of the First Men on the Moon
19) the Case For Mars: The Plan to Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must
20) Curse of the Thirteenth Fey: The True Tale of Sleeping Beauty
21) Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel (Booker Prize Winner
22) The Ghosts of Medgar Evers: A Tale of Race, Murder, Mississippi, and Hollywood
23) The Road From Home: A True Story of Courage, Survival and Hope
24) Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution
25) The Book of Ruth
26) Failure is Not an Option: Mission Control from Mercury to Apollo 13
27) Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journey
28) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
29) Hamnet
30) I Have Some Questions For You
31) Brave Companions: Portraits in History
32) Nothing Like It In The World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869
33) Lewis & Clark: Voyage of Discovery
34) The Wright Brothers
35) Emily
36) Letting Swift River Go
37) Island Boy
38) Hattie and Wild Waves
39) The Mightiest Heart
40) The Last Lecture
41) That Book Woman
42) Now & Ben: the Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin
43) The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau
44) Sparrow Girl
45) Emma
46 I Am the Ghost in Your House
47) I Cannot Draw A Horse
48) Oh No, The Aunts are Here
49) Murder Simply Played
50) Silent Betrayal
51) Homespun Homicide
52) Stolen Past
53) A Fatal Harvest
54) The Buggy Before the Horse
55) Deceptive Hearts
56) Horse and Burglary
57) Time of the Child
58) The Last Man on the Moon: Astronaut Eugene Cernan and America's Race In Space
59) The Other Side of Suffering: The Father of JonBenet Ramsey Tells The Story of His Journey from Grief to Grace

A LOT OF BOOKS ACQUIRED IN JANUARY 2025!

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BOOKS ACQUIRED IN FEBRUARY 2025

60) Love Is: An Illustrated Exploration of God's Greatest Gift
61) When We All Stopped- Children's Storybooks about Healing for a Healthier, Cleaner, Greener Future
62) Churchill's Band of Brothers: WWII's Most Daring D-Day Mission and the Hunt to Take Down Hitler's Fugitive War Criminals
63) Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and Health with Glen Campbell
64) The Night Wild
65) Rosa: The Story of the Rose
66) Sterling: The Lovestruck Moose With a heart for Cows
67) American Black Widow: The Shocking True Story of A Preacher's Wife Turned Killer
68) Because You're Mine
69) Cozy in Love
70) Deceptive Hearts
71) Devine Rivals
73) Devine Rivals: A Novel
74) A Fatal Harvest
75) The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson
76) Mabel and the Queen of Dreams
77) The Mightiest Heart
78) Murder Simply Played
76) Flossie and the Fox
77) The Vast Land: A Young Man's Journal of the Lewis and Clark expedition
78) The Perilous Road
79) The Wolf's Chicken Stew
80) Black Holes and Baby Universes
81) Gravel Images
82)The Nazi Hunters: How A Team of Spies and Survivors Captured the World's Most Notorious Nazi
83) Crooked Heart
84) One by One
85) Let The Celebrations Begin!
86) Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen
87) Amos & Boris
88) Fox
89) Hubble: Imagine Space and Time
90) The Length of a String
91) Color Me In
92) The Color of Love: A Story of a Mixed-Race Jewish Girl
94) I Am Smoke
95) The Universe: 365 Days
96) Glass Town
97) Only Opal
98) Basket Moon
99) Snowflake Bentley
100)Sitting Ducks
101)The Nightingale

That is a lot of of books acquired in January , Linda. I am looking forward to Time of the Child and have it on hold at the library.

>77 Whisper1: Wow!! Is there a special occasion or just a lot of books calling to you?

>77 Whisper1: Wow, that's a big book haul! I've read a few of them. #16, Caps for Sale, was a childhood favorite, and I still read it in storytime and have the kids act it out.

Wow! Love the mega book haul :)

>78 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb. I've read some illustrated books that I haven't posted yet -- maybe tomorrow. I've been busy with a lot of household projects. I started to pain the garage floor late summer, then another project called to be done. I also look forward to A Time of a Child but I joined the Ann Cleeve book thread.
I hope you are well.
>79 RebaRelishesReading: HI Reba, There were a lot of books purchased from Thriftbooks.com. I didn't realize I purchased that many until I started to post them. I'll begin the list of February tomorrow morning. I hope you are dpoing well.
>80 foggidawn: Hi there -- thanks for stopping here. I liked Caps for Sale and can see why little ones would like it and laugh.
>81 curioussquared: Natalie, thanks...I is a good book haul. We are slated for snow for the next few days. I'll sit in the chair reading some of those acquired in January. All good wishes to you!

BOOK #9 READ IN FEBRUARY 2025

So Far From the Sea by Eve Bunting with illustrations of Chris K. Soentpiet

While Laura Iwasaki's family has made the trek to the burial site of her grandfather, this will be their last visit. They are moving. Laura has learned the history of what happened to her family. In 1942, the Japanese bombed the United States with warships at Pearl Harbor. This led President Franklin Roosevelt to sign an Executive order stating that all people of Japanese descent and living on the West Coast coast of the United States would be placed in a "relocation camp."

The unfairness of this action was incredibly unfair as many of the people placed in these camps were already United State Citizens. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 people were housed in these unfair camps. Laura's family visits the camp of Manzanar, which was closed in 1945. the buildings were sold at auction. As the author notes, this area is now an historic, National Site.

The gravesite where Laura's grandfather is buried remains. Laura and her brother's grandfather was a tuna fisherman, and he was successful enough to own his own ship.

As in many issues regarding war, there is still a debate regarding the reallocation of innocent Japanese people who had nothing to do with the bombing of U.S. territory that occurred and is known as D Day. The children's grandfather died in the reallocation camp.

This is a beautiful way of teaching children history.

BOOK #10 READ FEBRUARY 2025


Following Grandfather by Rosemary Wells Illustrated by Christoper Denise

A lovely small book illustrated beautifully in black pencil. Jenny the little mouse, loved her grandfather with all her heart. Her parents ran a store, and grandfather spent his time with Jenny. He taught her so very much, including the importance of being real and not looking to rich snobs who lived in the home of Senator Hnry Cabot Lodge who had much more than Jenny and her Grand father did.

Highly creative, this is a gem. When Jenny's grandfather died, it left a large whole in her heart. There were so many things she meant to ask him, and places they could have attended are no longer an option. She longed to own beautiful tea cups with dainty flowers, and lovely sea shells so very richly decorated.

She misses him so much that she imagines she can seem him in true form throughout the places they previously visited. When she suddenly was taken under the water and pulled out to sea, she felt a pair of unseen arms that carefully lifted her out of the water and back on the beach with lovely shells.

From then one, though she misses him, she no longer is consumed with imagining she sees him, instead, there on the beach they always visited, she smiles at her shells and she knows grandfather is smiling back at her.

>72 Whisper1: I am currently reading books written by Ann Cleeves. I've joined the group discussing her well-written crime books. I began reading Black Raven, the first in the series and have am 1/3 of the way through book number one. Unfortunately, I'm not able to concentrate as much as I would like. I developed a severe tooth ache in my front tooth. A few years ago, when I had a series of three surgeries to install an abdominal pump which delivers a constant flow of dilaudid to my system in the hope that this would help with the serve pain from ten spine surgeries over a period of five or six years.

When I came home from the hospital, I noticed my front tooth was chipped. The dentist said it could be fine, but he felt that over the years, there ,might be too much wear and tear at the site and most likely I would need a root canal.

Sunday evening and Monday day and night brought severe pain. I spent an hour and 1/2 in the dentist chair Tuesday afternoon undergoing a root canal. The dentist was right! The chipping of the front tooth where the tube was inserted often during a week's frequent surgeries did indeed cause damage.

I hoped the root canal would bring immediate relief, but today I had to call the dentist to ask for assistance because of severe pain. I'm frustrated not only about the pain, but I am not able to concentrate enough to read the storyline of the book. It is 3:30 a.m. and I'm awake with pain in the tooth that had the root canal.

I called the dentist and was told to call tomorrow if pain persists.

https://www.librarything.com/author/cleevesann"

>77 Whisper1: Wow! What a wonderful book addition. Soo many books!

>85 Whisper1: I hope your dental pain is short lived. That is so nasty.

I hope the pain in your tooth has gone for good by now, Linda.

Yikes, Linda! I do hope you can get relief today. Tooth pain of any kind is just so relentless! Do you think sucking on an ice cube might help, if only to numb the spot until something more constructive can be done?

Linda - sure hope you got immediate relief from root canal pain!

I hope you are feeling better again, Linda.

I’m sorry you’re in that much pain Linda. Hope it can be alleviated soon.

Linda - Pain all gone???

Check your email for Birthday Train to cheer you on!

I hope you manage to get the tooth problems sorted out soon Linda.

Many thanks to all for your wishes. The area near the tooth that had the root canal, was numbed. It brought some relief. I haven't slept well, so off to bed I go.

Hi Linda - Sleeping it off sounds welcome.

Responses to 2 previous questions:

1. Perry Possum has come out during the day only once before - about a year ago - I was so happy
to just happen to look out when she was foraging - and that daughter could get even the blurriest of photos!

2. Reading now = just finished SHADOW OF THE WIND = compelling mystery.
Ending WORDSWORTH Selected poems and finding Hafez BELOVED poems a challenge to find one to like.

Thank you Gifts from a wonderful friend = I just finished A SWIFTLY TILTING PLANET

and am into the powerful opening chapters of UNCLE TOM'S CABIN...

"...the best-selling novel of the 19th century...."

Hope your reading goes strongly too!

>77 Whisper1: Wow, that is a lot of books acquired in January, lovey!

>83 Whisper1: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!

>85 Whisper1: Oh, I am so sorry!

Get some rest! Take care of yourself :)

>77 Whisper1: Even I can't keep up with that this year, Linda!

Hope the toothache has subsided dear lady.

BOOK #11 READ IN FEBRUARY 2025


Fox by Margaret Wild

This book should come with a warning that it is a story of a devious fox who wishes harm, and an innocent dog with only one eye who comes upon a raven who is missing one wing.

The lovely, kind dog helps the despondent raven who recently lost a wing thus crippling her for life. The text is hand written as though it is a child writing the story. The feel is immediate and captures the reader's attention suddenly with the blocked, larger writing when the writer wants to make a strong point.

The lovely, friendly, kind dog with one eye tells the raven not to despair, for he only has one eye and though he is blind he states, "life is still good." The writing continues and sets the sad despondency of the raven as it is noted "Magpie drags her body into the shadow of the rocks, until she feels herself melting into blackness." This deep description sets the tone of just how very sad the raven feels.

Every sentence is needed. The descriptive writing is strong, without a wasted word. The dog is able to help the raven out of despondency and carries her on his back, as they develop an incredibly strong bond, until along creeps the nasty, evil fox with "his haunted eyes and rich red coat," as he lurks in the trees "like a tongue of fire!"
WOW -- this is indeed descriptive writing that any teacher would give the student writer an A.

The sly fox is told to go away because she will lever leave Dog. Later, the magpie is suddenly seen on the back of the fox, and away they go.

And, the ending is left for the reader to discern if the magpie and the kindly dog will ever reunite.

My grand daughter was very bright and intuitive when she was young. With a house filled with books, one of us read to her every night. While we read, she was intelligent enough to fill in the ending before it was known. I think this book might have scared her gentle soul as she was hopeful of a happy ending, but fearful there would not be one.

Highly recommended with a caveat to weigh the strength and intuitiveness of the reader and/or listener experiencing the tale.

>100 Whisper1: Good morning, Linda! Needless to say, probably, you prompt me to immediately go request Fox. Thanks for the great review!

Karen O

It is cold outside. Yesterday I ventured out for a trip to the bank and to get a few groceries. It was icy cold. Cold enough to go inside and stay there. What a luxury it is to stay in pjs, read and rest all day. Life is good when I refuse to watch any news. Perhaps sticking my head in the sand isn't wise, but it is better to take a break then to be depressed by it all.

Hi Linda! Belated happy new thread, and happy Sunday to you.

From your last thread: really trying to stop collecting things. Of course, that hasn't applied to books. I've purchased quite a few already this year. Ditto. I only collect one ‘collectible’, Lladró Christmas Bells, but always get one ornament for the Christmas tree. I’m so sorry Meow, Meow broke some of yours. The last time we had broken ornaments was because our real tree literally fell over. After that we stabilized it with a bungy cord tied to one of the door stoppers. Even with the artificial tree, we still do that. Since the tree’s always in that one corner with the closet door, it makes it simple. I was very pleased that a hideous clown ornament given to us by Bill’s Mama was one of the broken ones, not being a clown person.

>77 Whisper1: My goodness! And I thought I’d acquired quite a few books so far this year. You’ve got me beat by more than double. I'm reading a lot, but using Kindle Unlimited.

>85 Whisper1: Oh no, I’m so sorry about the root canal and severe pain.

BOOK #12 READ IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


Luba The Angel of Bergen-Belsen by Michelle R. McCann, Luba Tryszynska-Frederk with art work of Ann Marshall

Based on the true story of a woman who was an incredible hero. Bergen Belsen was a death camp located at the northern most section of Germany. Known for brutality and incredibly high numbers of those who did not make it to freedom.

Luba lost a child. The first period of her confinement she was haunted by the voice of her Issac calling "Mama!" "Mama!" She also lost her husband. It was a brutal, cold experience, and the suffering was so high that many lost their sanity. When walking, she heard the cries of children all 54 were left to die in the cold. The brutal guards did not kill them, they simply thought they should die from starvation and the bitter cold elements.

Huddled together, Luba felt compelled do something. When first taken the camp she cried "Why am I here?" "Why am I alive." During the time when she took 54 children into the dangerous camp, asking others to help feed and shelter them, she knew why she was there -- to help these innocent beings.

The children told her their parents were taken away, and they overheard the guards say they were supposed to kill them, but they simply dumped them out in the bitter cold. Luba gathered the children and took them to the barracks. When at first the other prisoners asked why they should risk death for these starving little ones, she asked them what they would do if it was their child.

The women were heard telling the children "Welcome!" "Welcome!" Luba was a nurse and had more freedoms than others. Risking her life, she was able to somehow get scraps of food and bread and to ask others to join in helping.

All 54 children survived. It was a time when freedom was mentioned and that the British were on their way. When they did arrive, they could not believe that all of these children with dark, shrunken eyes and raggedy clothes survived.

The book states that Luba and others scooped up the children who were to weak to walk, and the stronger children hugged the skirts of women.

It truly is amazing they survived. During the last months at Bergen Belsen, of the 60,000 more than half starved or died of illness.

The children she saved were primarily Dutch, called the Diamond Children from working in the diamond mines.
When Luba, others and the children were rescued, she returned to Bergen-Belsen to help the orphaned child who were transferred there at the end of the war. She actually escorted one group a refugee came in Sweden.

Luba was able to meet some of the children who were now adults. Luba was called an angel, a hero who could have lost her life, but risked everything to save the innocent children. In April of 1955, she was flown to Amsterdam for the reunion. She was 75; the children were in their 50s and 60s.

This is an incredible story of heroism, compassion and bravery. In the midst of all the dark hate of the Germans, lives were saved because of one woman who found a purpose for her life.

For more information regarding the Diamond Children, see below:

The Rescue of Belsen’s Diamond Children | SpringerLink
link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-97707-8
They and their families were exempt from deportation for a long time, but were eventually deported to Bergen-Belsen. In the end, almost all of the men perished, and the women barely survived slave-labour. Their children were left to die in the camp, but were miraculously saved by the intervention of a Jewish Polish woman, ‘nurse Luba’.

BOOK #13 READ IN FEBRUARY 2025



Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin with Caldecott-award winning illustrations of Mary Azarian

Set in cold, icy Vermont beginning in 1860's, young Willie Bentley is incredibly happy when he is outside in the snow, particularly after a snowstorm. As he watched snowflakes fall on his mittens, his love of the snow, and snow flakes began.

He loved the bitter cold snow, and in particular the snow flakes that he thought were as pretty as butterflies. Using an old microscope, his excitement grew as he followed the lovely patterns of the snowflakes. Studying the icy tidbits, he kept records recording the weather and his observations of snow and rain drops.

His parents greatly encouraged his ever-expanding mind, and spent their life savings on a microscope that had its own camera. His first images were failures, but later he developed his talent quite well. Using a sharp knife, he cut away dark parts of the negatives, he produced clear cut images of crystals.

This is a fascinating story of a young boy who grew to a man who never let go of learning the science of crystal formations, writing articles and giving speeches, his love of the science of crystal formations led to other scientists raising money to help him publish a book he called his gift to the world.

Years later, a monument and museum were built in honor of Snowflake Bentley, who while never making any money from his studies, continued to love snowflakes throughout his entire life.

This is a lovely book that hopefully will inspire young children to follow their dreams.



Here are some of the images discovered by Snowflake Bentley:

>100 Whisper1: Why did the magpie go with the sly fox?!?

Hi Marianne, the author is not specific in that, nor do we know if the magpie who could not fly made it back to her true friend, the one eyed dog.

Snowflake Bentley is a lovely book -- and a good time to read it, too!

Hi Beth. Yes, it was a good time to read it given our power went out for a long time because the the whipping wind.

It was so very windy last night that power went out at 7:30 p.m. and did not come back on until this morning at 8:00 a.m. The wind could be heard loudly throughout the night. The furnace thermostat read 60 degrees inside the living room. When I went upstairs to check on the ferret for the fourth-fifth time, I went into the loft area to find that the wind was so strong it blew a bottom portion of a large set of windows wide open. The top most part was on my computer monitor.

I counted my blessings that Meow the cat did not go up in the loft and did not go out the open window.

I believe over 9,000 houses did not have power throughout the night.

BOOK #14 READ IN MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


Let the Celebrations BEGIN! by Margaret Wild & Julie Vivaas

After reading book #12, (above), without knowing when I started Let the Celebrations BEGIN! by Margaret Wild that this book was also written to celebrate some of the loving people at Bergen Belsen concentration camp.

Some children thought they had always lived in the camp, while others had memories of their homes and their toys left behind when they were herded like cattle to be taken to camp.

As a way of helping the children get through the terror, some women told the children in their hut that were they were freed, there would be enough chicken to eat for all, and there would be a big party with a toy for each child. Using scraps of cloth from their raggedy clothing, women made stuffed dolls or stuffed animals. Cutting pieces of thread from their clothing, even though using their clothes meant they had to endure the bitter cold in a much harsher way, they made incredible toys.

With a rumor that they would be freed soon, the women cut and sewed every night while the guards slept. Even the most bitter women, cut pieces of clothing from their sparse sweater or skirt to make toys.

When the big gates swung open, the soldiers had difficulty seeing the terrible condition these women survived through.

The soldiers were hesitant, then then an old woman demanded cooked chicken. The night of the party, the women brought the hidden toys.

As a footnote, a small number of stuffed toys made by Polish women, have been preserved

This book references Antique Toys and their Background by Gwen White. I'll be sure to look for this one!

BOOK #15 READ IN MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


That Book Woman by Heather Henson with illustrations of David Small

Set in rural mountainous Appalachian Kentucky, this brave woman brings books to those who cannot afford them. Bringing hope through nasty and/or good weather, she never ceases to journey, thereby bringing books to poor areas. This is a lovely story with special illustrations.

Packed with history, and the joy of reading, this is a book to read an enjoy, while giving credit to those people who delivered books in all kinds of weather, never failing to make a difference in the lives of those she touched.

A lovely book of hope and determination.

Four Stars

Wow, Linda, your wind sounds way worse than the wind we had here today! Is there a way to either lock your windows or secure them somehow, in weather such as this. Is there a door to that area that can be closed so the cat wouldn't be able to go there?

We have had a lot of snow over the last week, far more than Toronto is used to coping with. And they barely cope. But the wind was bad only today.

I hope you are able to stay warm. Is the tooth pain gone?

>111 Whisper1: Hi Friend! This was my mistake -- I never checked that those windows were locked. I assumed Will had locked them. In April it will be six years, since he died of complications from his lungs after heart surgery.

I'm learning more and more about the things in the house that need to be checked.

Last summer, my neighbor and friend, Andres, asked if Will had the lint removed from the dryer vents. He said he told him it needed to be done and he would do it free of charge, but to eliminate a fire it really had to be done. At that point, Will lived here 10-12 years.

I was here many years when last July, I thought the floor in the downstairs bedroom was warm. Andres remembered that he needed to check the dryer lint/vent. He removed part of the tubing (for lack of a better word.) The entire line of vents were packed solid. Indeed, I was fortunate that once again Andres came to my rescue. He actually worked two days through a crawl space in the basement that vented to the outside. All vents were solidly packed, from start (beginning upstairs initial vent to last vent in the basement.) Andres prevented a fire!

Since then, I've paid him to check on, and if needed to repair things that I was ignorant about. I never thought about checking the windows in the loft. Lesson Learned!!!

Over the years, Andres has installed new smoke detectors, replaced batteries every fall in the detectors, installed a new outdoor front door light, and many other items that needed to be taken care of.

He never tells me how much I should pay him, so I always check how much it would cost if I had a company come to the house, and I pay more. Often, he tells me if I pay too high, he will not help me! I know he would help, but I now tell him ahead of time, he should give me a ball-park cost.

Interestingly, a good friend in the neighborhood lost her husband last spring. Jim was much more aware of things that needed to be fixed or checked. Will, an eye doctor, never bothered to check things.
Now, Andres laughs and tells us that he helps "the two widows!" We are indeed very appreciative for his help.

>113 Whisper1: That is a heart-warming story Linda.

Tooth pain is indeed relentless, Linda. I recall getting dry socket after a 4 wisdom teeth were pulled. But the oral surgeon was so good, when I called that night, he meet me in the building at 10:00 pm and cleaned out the socket and put some dressing in it. What a relief. I had to keep going in every other day for several days to have the socket cleaned and redressed. As it was downtown, it was a good 40 plus minute drive. At least I was in my early 30's then. I did have tylenol 3, but that didn't do much for the pain . I am glad you are feeling better.

>114 humouress: HI Nina, thanks for stopping by! I hope you are having time to read and relax! I'll check your thread later. I'm getting ready for a nuclear stress test. It is painless, and I'm simply walking on a treadmill to see how my heart is impacted. Then, I'm heading back home to clean out the refrigerator and enter more books that I've read.

>115 vancouverdeb: Deb, as always, it is good to see a message from you. Your experience with that kind doctor reminds me that there are kind people who care. A dry socket sounds very painful. I'm crossing my fingers that it is good new that my tooth that had the root canal is getting less painful. You are spot on regarding the difference in availability of over the counter pain relief medications then vs. now. I hope your day is a good one!

BOOK #16 READ IN MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


Sterling The Lovestruck Moose by Vita Murrow with illustrations by Laivi Poder

This is a part of a series regarding hero animals. and is a true story of Sterling, a 1,000 pound moose who could not stay away from cows. Knocking down large fences to be with him, he continued this practice time after time when the fences were repaired. The cows would come running to Sterling, and they would run and snuggle when exhausted from their activities.

The Farmer finally decided to ship Sterling to wild life sanctuary in Holland, VT, near the Canadian border. Stubbornly, he escaped, chased a farmer up a tree, and then proceeded to follow tire trucks to another farm where, of course there were cows. Sterling and a new cow bumped the fence until it gave way. Sterling once again was in love with the cows and there was no way of keeping him behind fences.

Articles were published regarding Sterling, the lovesick Moose who would not be stopped until he followed his heart.

BOOK #17 READ IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino

This is a wonderful look at the life of the famous French sea explored Jacques Cousteau. From the time he was young he enjoyed exploring the eas and what he found there. As a young child, he was badly harmed in a car accident. The prognosis was bleak as he was told he would have to wear braces for his arm for his entire life.

Refusing to accept this, he swam in the Mediterranean every day. When a friend gave him a pair of goggles which enabled him to look undersea, his entire life was changed. From then on, he longed to see the mysteries of the quiet under sea.

Increasingly he developed items that would allow him to stay undersea for longer periods of time. Exploring the Antarctia was exciting for its penguins, squid and whales.

He discovered that people could not live under water and that we needed sunlight. As the book notes, he became the ambassador for undersea exploration. Hosting his own tv show opened the world below the sea to all those who watched his adventures.

As Cousteau and his team increasingly expanded with explorations, they shared what they learned with all who also became enchanted with life undersea. When he noted undersea pollution, he was one of the first to advocate for the necessity of taking care of our planet.

He was an incredible man with wonderful ideas put to use that opened the entire world to undersea exploration.

BOOK #18 READ IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025

The Night-In-Gale by Michael Bedard and Regolo Ricci

Lush illustrations made this book on I'll keep on the shelf reserved for special illustrated books. Regolo Ricci has a way of pulling the reader into the page with his lush colors, stark illustrations and gorgeous details.

This is the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen encouraging the reader to ponder the beauty and freedom brought by life. The nightingale's song is heartfelt, and exquisitely beautiful. Every person who hears the song of the nightingale wants to find the bird and perhaps keep it to themselves by caging the bird.

It is the freedom to fly or stay that renders the beauty of the story. The Emperor heard the tale of the Nightingale and sent his men to find it. Once found, it was confined in a cage and demanded to sing. The bird is captured and brought to him, and becomes the Emperor's finest thing in all of his kingdom. While the song is of beauty, the bird is plain with no color except for a non descript tan.

The bird was allowed out of the cage, but it was tethered. One day the Emperor of Japan gave the Emperor a beautifully ornately decorated wind-up bird. Mechanical and encrusted with diamonds sapphires and pears, the mechanical bird can only sing in a mechanized way.

The little serving girl opened the cage and allowed the lively bird to be free. In the court, the Emperor was very sick and dying. The wind up bird could bring no joy. Fearing death, the Emperor realize that beauty must be feee in order to sing. Thus when the living nightingale was returned, he san at his own discretion and now under orders..

I finally am admitting that I am not feeling well, and haven't had a lot of energy for over a week. I'm lethagic with a migraine, pain (though it is better) from a root canal in a front tooth, upset stomach causing me sporadically eat little bits at a time, and an over all feeling of blah...
I have one get together for late breakfast tomorrow and when i come home, I'm staying there until I feel better.
I'm so glad I am a reader. I can stay in pjs , sip tea and read books I've wanted to read for a long time.

I'm feeling lethagic and want to get better. In addition, I am frustrated by all the spam calls on my cell phone. I'm not phone bound, and when I did check messages, today I found 15 spam ones. grrr. One read "Hospice Counselor." I laughed out loud as I don't feel well, but certainly am not dying.

Oh, Linda, I am so sorry to hear this. Why not just postpone your breakfast get-together and stay home and pamper yourself? I'm sure your friends would understand. As for the spam calls, I get them multiple times a day as well. I simply don't answer. I don't know exactly what the point is. If you don't answer, there is never a message left. If you do answer, in my experience, there is never anyone on the other end, just dead air. I have also picked up the phone and just didn't say anything. Still, dead air. Such a stupid waste of time. If you are able, block those numbers but in truth, they (meaning the computer that generates these calls) will just use different numbers.

{{feel better soon}}

Hi, Linda. Sorry to hear you’re feeling lethargic and otherwise crummy. I always find February a challenge - enough of winter already! Staying in your pjs and reading sounds like a great solution.

What lovely reviews, and illustrations up above. That Sterling the Lovestruck Moose story is a smile-bringer I’ve never heard before. And apparently the cows loved him right back.

I’m thinking of getting the Jacques Cousteau one for our grandlittles. Seems like an inspiring one for growing minds.

Linda - see email for card & Dance message...

Linda, I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with pain and lethargy. The one does make it hard to distract one from the other. I hope at least one, if not both, are less of an issue by the time you read this.

>121 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley, I deeply appreciate your emotional support. Today was another bitter cold, snowy flurry day. I met with the group for breakfast, came home and rested all day.

>122 jnwelch: Hi Joe, Thanks for visiting. I very much enjoy the illustrated books that teach me things I never knew. You are right about Sterling, the cows did love him right back. It was a cute story, and very much needed after the reviews regarding the holocaust.

I hope all is well with you.

>123 m.belljackson: Thank Marianne, I'm heading over there in a few minutes.

>124 quondame: Susan, It is always good to see a message from you. I know Joe (above) is right. February is a challenge. This morning, everyone agreed that we haven't had such a cold, icy, snowy winter in quite a long time. The accompanying wind, and dampness are two more factors added to the mix of rotten weather. Spring will be very welcomed this year. I appreciate your visit!

BOOK #19 READ IN MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


Sitting Ducks by Michael Bedard

A cute story with good illustrations regarinding duck eggs rescured from the assembly line to be sent for use. Machinery was in charge of alligators, who when one opened and a duck popped out, realized they were being consumed.

The alligator rescued him, and he decided to look around at the world. The alligator took him to Ducktown wherein a plan developed to free all the ducks.
Following the sun to a tropical area, they found the alligator and lone duck basking in the sun. Life became good for all.

Cute, but nothing of depth. While I admired the illustrations, the story was not engaging.

However, I will look for more illustrative books by this artists.

,img height="400" src="https://www.childrensbooks.my/10303-large_default/sitting-ducks-michael-bedard-9780744575309.jpg">

My thoughts are with you, Linda.
I hope you get better soon.

Your thread is always so nice to read, Linda. I have enjoyed your reviews, and the illustrations to go with them. I loved the story of the moose!

Wishing you the best, pain and lethargy, yuck. Hoping spring will be arriving, or maybe just a first bit of sun and birdsong to lift your mood?

Wishing you a Happier Day!

For cheer - three bunnies were gathered around eating bird seed last night when a mama deer came by and

tried to gently nuzzle (first time I ever used that word - but that's what it looked like!) one of them - bunny was not impressed and took off!

Check email for one more welcome note.

>126 Whisper1: Thanks Tom, I appreciate it. I'm usually outgoing, friendly and positive. This is a tought winter. The blustery, cold wind is gone, and with it the damp air. The sun is shining, and I am reading a good book.

Life is good, it's natural to have a blip periodically. I'm waiting for a call from my dentist. I placed a call to him this morning, and haven't heard anything now (almost 4 p.m.)

>127 SirThomas: Hi Ella, Many thanks for visiting here, and for your kind wishes. As mentioned above, the weather is much better today. I'm reading a good, non-illustrated book. thanks for your lovely mention of the reviews and illustrations.

All good wishes to you!

>129 m.belljackson: Hi Dear Friend. I love the image of three bunnies and deer at the bird feeder! I have many deer in the back of my house as there are woods. They jump the fence separating the woods from the yard, and bang the feeders with their nose while eating all the seeds.

I also have a lot of flowers. Last summer, I noticed a snake, and got rid of the seeds and put repellant around the flowers. I worked in the Pocono Mountains for ten years, and after one of our retreatants had to be transported to the local hospital, 1/2 hour away down the mountain road, because of a bite from a snake she received after stepping into a berry bush while not observing the snake inside, I have a very healthy respect for snakes and the need to avoid them.

Cooperheads are territorial, and do not like anyone in their area. While she didn't see the snake, I'm not sure, but seem to remember she was given Copperhead antivenom because of the severity of the reaction.

I have a healthy respect of snakes, and I'll do whatever I can to keep them out of my yard.

No birdseeds -- but I do miss the cardinals.

In the summer, at the center, it was not unusual to see black snakes. They are harmless, and actually good because they eat rodents and bugs.

I happened to be carrying a large box of fliers advertising our programs. I was wearing sandals and as I carried the box into the building, I felt a snake crawl on the top of my feet. I saw it quickly go away. I screamed, and the fliers flew in the air. A maintence person who observed this thought it was funny.

Until, one day I received a call from one of the facilities from this person who thought my situation was funny. His voice was shaky as he asked me to get the head maintainence person to the building where the snake was lodged between the space in the dirt and the foundation of the building.
Of course, I reminded him that he thought my experience was funny.

BOOK #20 READ IN FEBRUARY 2025



My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Christine King Farris Illustrated by Chris Soentpiet

This is another book illustrated by the incredibly talented Chris Soentpiet. A lovely book focusing on the childhood of MLK, his sister Christine and brother named Alfred Daniel King, also know as A.D. King who, like his famous brother Martin, became a minister and strongly fought for Civil Rights.

They were loved and embraced by an extended family of Aunt and Grandmother. Their father was a well-known minister who also fought for the rights of all citizens.

When Christine and her brothers originally were able to play with white children, they learned a painful lesson when the white children were no longer able to play with them.

As well know, MLK fought strongly for the rights of blacks. Tragically, he was shot and killed at the hands of a anti black man.

This is an accurate, wonderful portral of MLK and his family. Highly recommended!

Five Stars



These are not illustrations by Chris Soentpiet:

BOOK #21 READ IN THE MONTH OF FEBUARY 2025


Coolies by Yin and illustrated by Chris Soentpiet

This is an incredible book focusing on the building of the American transcontiential railroad and the fact that it was the Chinese workers who were responsible for making this a reality.

Working exceedingly long, back-breaking hours from sunup to long in the evening, the author developes two fictional brothers, Shek and Wong as who came from Canton, China where hunger has rampant, and work was non existant.

The incredible illustrations of Chris Soentpiet allow the reader to feel how very difficult their lives were in America. Thinking it would be the land of dreams, instead it was the land of screams of pain as long hours and hard work sapped their energy.

Chinese people, hired by the Central Pacific Railroad company, were paid far less than others. I did not know that Irish railroad workers were hired by the Union Pacific Railroad Company. Whereas the Chinese headed East, the Irish headed West. After completion of the railroad, meeting in Utah, people and cargo could cross the continent in days, rather than the long arduous previous trek.

Looked upon a skinny weaklings, the Chinese were not only discrimanated against financially, but in addition were treated terriblely, cruely and seen as little weaklings. Making fun of them and their attire, they were called "Coolies."

The author depicts a story of the Chinese people used to blow up the side of the mountain in order to build a tunnel. Placed in small baskets, they were then lowered down to set off the dynamite.

Intruth, though they were seen as skinnny low lifes, in reality, the Chinenese laborers carried twice the workloads at much faster speeds than others!

Finally, after four years of brutality, the Chinese laborers in the spring of 1869, found their place at Promontory Summit , Uthan where the two railway lines met.

In this book, the author notes a large celebration wherein townspeople, railroad managers, and others met to celebrate. All were invited EXCEPT "the Coolies."

This incredible book encourages me to learn more about the process of bringing the two companies together to make an incredible feat of ingenuity. I will learn more about "the Coolies." And, I will always have tremendous support for their accomplishments in the country where I live.

I'm going to read all books that I can acquire illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet. His artistry is stunning.

BOOK #21 READ IN FEBRUARY 2025


More Than Anything Else
Written by Marie Bradby and illustrated by Chris Soentpiet

This book follows the young life of Booker T. Washington, a black man who became a prominent leader.

In this story, after seeing a black man reading a news paper, he longed to be able to do the same. Hesitantly he asked the man to help him read a book his family gave to him as a gift.

His life was changed by the interaction with the wonderful man who cared enough to take time to teach him to read.

Booker was so excited, he literally jumped in the air, arms and legs flying.
---------------------------------------------------------------
I found this via google search:

The autobiography of Booker T. Washington shares his personal experience of having to work to rise up from the position of a slave child during the Civil War, to the difficulties and obstacles he overcame to get an education at the new Hampton Institute, to his work establishing vocational schools—most notably the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama—to help black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to.

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BOOK #22 READ FEBRUARY 2025


Peacebound Trains by Haemi Balgassi with illustrations of Chris Soentpiet

This is a beautiful story of a child living with her grandmother while he mother is away in the Army. Every day the little girl sits on a rock and watches as the trains go through the valley below. The sound they make is a lonely one, and the girl longs for the return of her mother.

Meanwhile, the sound of the train reminds her grandmother of the hasty trek out of Korea before the war arrived in Seoul. It was because there was a train that enable them to escape at the very last moments.

This is a very special book highlighting a lovely relationship of a grand daughter and her grand mother and the way in which their lives intertwine.

Highly recommended. Once again, Chris Soentpiet captures the story so very well with his lush paintings.

>126 Whisper1: Those ducks make me smile. Thanks, Linda.

Hi Linda!

>120 Whisper1: Oh, my dear, I am so sorry about your aches and pains. I hope your day of rest and jammies helped with your energy level.

I also hope that the root canal pain/infection are diminished or gone.

After I called the dentist's office yesterday at 8:00 a.m. and hadn't heard from them, I called again at 3:00. I followed directions and left a message for the dentist.
there still was no response at 6 p.m.

I called again, this time with a VERY heavy message to say I was in pain, feared infection and did not want it to get worse. Finally, the dentist called at 6:15. I told him the pharmacy closed at 7:00 and he should call right away. I know the pharmacist well. I called to confirm he called in prescription and that the could fill it before closing. I got in the car, and was able to get the meds.
Finally, there is relief immediately after taking the strong, large amoxicillian pills.

I'm feeling good enough to go out and get tuna for Meow the cat, and a few other needed items.

It is sunny today with temps in the high 20's. It feels like summer after all the cold, bitter days and nights.

It is a good day! I'm reading the Black Raven, the first book in the Anne Cleves series. It is a slow go, I'm half way through and it seems to be picking up.

Does anyone have comments about this book? Do you also feel it is slow go?

>140 Whisper1: Whew, I'm glad you were finally able to get the medicine you needed and that you have gotten relief! I'm sorry it took so long and so many calls to get the help you needed.

>117 Whisper1: I remember seeing the news reports about the moose who was attracted to cows. But I don't remember ever hearing that the cows liked him in return. Or that he had been shipped off to another location and started chasing the cows again. How funny! It looks like a cute book.

I am loving the art in your thread! Gorgeous :)

I miss having young kids to buy awesome books for :)

>141 atozgrl: Hi Irene. Thanks for stopping by. It really was a cute book of a real-life story. Yes, the cows were as attracted to the moose as much as the moose was attracted to them.

>142 LovingLit: Thanks for your feedback regarding the art in my thread. A few years ago, I discovered illustrated books. Since that time, I've read many articles regarding the fact that adults are increasingly buying and reading them. These books are wonderful, as you note, for the illustrative art work, but also I've learned quite a bit through reading the accompanying stories.

BOOK 23 READ IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


The Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman

This is a very detailed story of a young woman who discovered her Great Grandmother's diary that was filled with messages she hoped to send to her twin sister who, unlike her, did not have the opportunity to flee to the United States during the 1940's when Hitler was deporting so very many people to concentration camps.

Imani is adopted, and deals with both the fact that she wants to find her birth mother, and to learn more about the outcome of her adoptive families relative.

The longing exhibited keeps the book together. If not for this, I would have put the book down as it seemed way too winding and filled with too much unnecessary text.

Two Stars.

BOOK #24 READ IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025


Only Opal The Diary of a Young Girl by Barbara Cooney

A beautifully illustrated book with a wonderful character development and strong story. A true story of a young girl who probably was born in the 1900's. Her biological parents died and she was taken to live with another "mama." This one was cruel and demanding, and certainly unloving.

Opal was taken in to do all the hard work needed. Adopted by an Oregon family, she was uprooted 19 times when her adoptive family moved from one lumber camp to another. This book is an adaptation from Opal's diary. Yet, Opal saw the beauty in the flowers and the world around her. She was an amazing child!

This is an example of how difficult life was for so many at the beginning of the 1900's. Opal had a beautiful spirit, captured by the poet Jane Boulton who saw the beautiful wording and poetry in Opal's writing. She is the author of the book Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart.

Five Stars Highly Recommended.

BOOK #25 READ FEBRUARY 2025


Saturdays and Teacakes by Lester L. Laminack with wonderful illustrations of Chris Soentpiet

This book brought tears remembering special weekends with my grandmother. In the book, every Saturday the young boy takes his bike out of the garage, and pedals away, with his loving dog beside him, as he drives throughout the countryside, into the small town where his grandmother awaits him. It was a long ride, and he stopped to rest under the shade of an old oak tree where his dog placed his nose on his lap as together they rested.

When they finally arrive at grandma's house, she is on the porch, surrounded by her multicolored, lush flowers throughout the yard and on her porch. She is waiting and sitting in the old metal glider sipping a cup of coffee. And, as the boy lovingly notes, she was waiting for him, no one else, just him!

And when they went into her large kitchen, sunlight poured throughout as her cat played with the dog, and together they ate hot bisquits with sweet butter and syrup. He mowed her lawn as she weeded her flower beds, and picked plump, ripe tomatoes for wonderful sandwiches they ate at lunch. The ate on the metal glider as they looked at the mountains in the distance and listened to the blue jays.

Then, when lunch was finished, they went back inside to bake, as she taught him how to break open the eggs without wasting any outside of the large bowl. When the teacakes were cool enough to eat, they ate as many as their stomachs could hold. The rest were wrapped for him to deliver to his family awaiting him back at home.

And, together the boy and dog traveled throughout the bright sunlit country roads smiling the entire way home.

This is yet another beautifully illustrated book by Chris Soentpiet. It is obvious he does tremendous amounts of research to replicate the time frame of the story. This is a very special, nostalgic book that will warm the heart of all who have memories of a beloved grandparent.

Happy Sunday, Linda! What marvelous book hauls. You are making Thriftbooks revenue thrive!
Hope your tooth is as it should be, pain free and doing its job.

>146 Whisper1: Ooh, Saturdays and Teacakes looks great. I’ve requested it from my library. I was struck by how well Soentpiet captures sunlight. I’m not surprised that you like the artist!

Happy Sunday to you!

Karen O

Linda, the artistry and talent of Soentpiet reminds me very much of that of Kadir Nelson. Just gorgeous. Thanks for introducing him to me. I will see what my library has on offer.

>147 Carmenere: Lynda, It is always a joy to see a message from you. I visited the images you have on your home page.
The wonderful relationship with your son Will is evident. I think it is so very good that both of you can be together in the process of grief, and find joy by moving on and embracing life!

>148 klobrien2: Karen, I am so very glad that you join me in my trip through the beauty of illustrated books. I've been out of touch because of the infection from a root canal. Today is better. I visited your thread late last night and added some of the books you read that I haven't. Thank you for joining me in the joy of these incredible artists.

>149 jessibud2: Shelley, Hi friend. Yes, I agree, Kadir Nelson is on the level of Chris Soentpiet. Thanks for your encouragement regarding my love of these beautiful stories and illustrations.

BOOK#26 read in February 2025


Hattie and the Wild Waves by Barbara Cooney

Unlike previous books I've read by this artists and writer, this one fell flat. A rich young girl whose parents move from winter and summer lush homes, with houses of many serants.

There really isn't a story line here.

BOOK #27 READ FEBRUARY 2025


The Treasure Box by Margaret Wild illustrations by Freya Blackwood

When war hits this town, all the books in the library are burned and destroyed. Following others who are leaving by foot, the young boy and his father trek with only a few possessions. One of the most important things they take with them is a box, carrying a very special book.

As the group huddles together at night in the bitter cold, the father becomes sick and dies. The group buries him and the son carries the box in remembrance of his father and the history left behind.

Knowing the group must travel up a steep mountain, the boy buries the box near a cottage with a Linden tree.

When he becomes a man, he goes back to the town, now reconstructed. He finds the small area where he buried the precious box and carries it back to the new library where the old precious book now is re-shelved.

This is a wonderful book that addresses what is kept when facing terrible life-changing circumstances.

Linda - you might enjoy checking Joe's thread for my daughter's father photo! #213.

Both the THE TREASURE BOX and SATURDAYS AND TEACAKES look like winners...time to check Thrift...

>153 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne, I will be sure to check Joe's thread.

This is a continuation of the topic 2025 Thread # Two Whisper 1 (Linda) .

Please join me in thread three in my continuation of love of illustrated books.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/368760

Please join me in thread number three as I continue my journey of illustrated books.

Hi Linda, just over for a visit at your very colourful thread! Hope you have had a good weekend.