klobrien2 (Karen O) Books and Life in 2026 — Page 3

Welcome to my third 2026 “Books and Life” thread!

I've been with the 75-bookers for many years now, and I enjoy so much the camaraderie and book talk that happens here. I'm very glad to join with you all again!

I had great reading in 2025. I find myself reading pretty much as the spirit leads. A long-term project of mine is to accomplish reads from the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die." My current 1001 Books count: 215.

What directs my reading more are my friends here on LT, so keep those recommendations coming!

This is my fifteenth year participating in the 75 Books Challenge. In 2009, I read 94 books; in 2010, I made it to 148!; 153 in 2011; 160 in 2012; 114 in 2013; 92 in 2014; 109 in 2015; 145 in 2016, 210 in 2017, 200 in 2018, 180 in 2019, 225 (3 x 75!) in 2020, 242 in 2021, 286 in 2022, 230 in 2023, 502 in 2024 (a LOT of children's illustrated books). In 2025, I kept track of the children's illustrated books separately: I read 130 “grown-up” books, and 392 illustrated books, for a total of 522 (so, 20 more than the year before)!

In addition to reading books, I've also discovered the world of Great Courses DVD lifelong learning courses. I love them! Below is a list of the courses I've completed, and I will try to always have at least one course going all the time.

A list of the Great Courses I have done can be found here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/331920

I also do some serious magazine reading, using my public library as source once again. I keep track of and read some fifteen magazines, on a range of topics: science, quilting, nature, birding, cats, news, etc.

I read two daily newspapers (St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune), and I also read a lot of daily newsletters from the NYTimes.

Here's where I'll list the books I read (the number at the end of each line represents the post number where I listed the book).

MY FIRST THREAD:

The books I read in January:

1. The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose
2. Legends and Lattes: A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes by Travis Baldree
3. Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall
4. Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland
5. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oliver Wilde
6. You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
7. Xolo: How One Good Dog Saved Humankind by Donna Barba Higuera, ill. Mariana Ruiz Johnson
8. Sweet Farm!: Cookies, Cakes, Salads (!), and Other Delights from My Kitchen on a Sugar Beet Farm by Molly Yeh
9. The Hedge Knight (Graphic Novel) by George R. R. Martin, adapted by Ben Avery, ill. Mike S. Miller
10. Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree
11. Dog Man: Big Jim Believes (Dog Man #14) by Dav Pilkey

The books I read in February:

12. Hoot by Carl Hiassen
13. Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round by Paul Hollywood
14. The Gilded Age Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from America's Golden Era by Becky Libourel Diamond
15. The Art of Jacques Pepin: Favorite Recipes and Paintings from My Life in the Kitchen by Jacques Pepin
16. Sisters, Oregon: Five Decades of Quilting in America by Jean Wells
17. In the Heights: Finding Home by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quirara Alegria Hudes and Jeremy McCarter
18. She-Hulk 5: All In by Rainbow Rowell
19. The Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club #5) by Richard Osman
20. The Rejection Collection: Cartoons You Never Saw, and Never Will See, in the New Yorker
21. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin, ills. Gary Gianni
22. And to Think We Started as a Book Club... by Tom Toro
23. True North Cabin Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from a North Woods Table by Stephanie Hansen
24. Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins, watercolors by Pamela Ztybel

The books I read in March:

25. The Rejection Collection Volume 2: The Cream of the Crap, ed. Matthew Diffee
26. The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon, collected by Donald Hill
27. The Power of Thought Experiments (Great Course) by Daniel Breyer
28. A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety by Donald Hall
29. You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss
30. Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns by Andrea Gibson
31. The Readers' Room by Antoine Laurain
32. Our Town: A Play in Three Acts by Thornton Wilder

MY SECOND THREAD:

The books I read in March (continued):

33. Lord of the Butterflies: Poems by Andrea Gibson -- 10
34. Vera, or Faith: A Novel by Gary Shteyngart -- 19
35. The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus -- 20
36. Dear New York, by Brandon Stanton -- 34
37. The Prevensen's Book of Fairy Tales by Alice and Martin Prevensen -- 35
38. The Half-Finished Heaven: The Best Poems of Tomas Transtromer -- 40
39. Startlement: New and Selected Poems by Ada Limon -- 45

The books I read in April:

40. Dorie's Anytime Cakes by Dorie Greenspan -- 51
41. The Good Berry Cookbook: Harvesting and Cooking Wild Rice and Other Wild Foods by Tashia Hart -- 52
42. E is for Edward: A Centennial Celebration of the Mischievous Mind of Edward Gorey by Gregory Hischak -- 59
43. Milk Street Shorts: Recipes That Pack a Punch by Christopher Kimball -- 64
44. At Midnight Comes the Cry: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery #10 by Julia Spencer-Fleming -- 74
45. The Doubtful Guest by Edward Gorey -- 75
46. The Other Statue by Edward Gorey -- 75
47. A Mind of Winter: Poems for a Snowy Season, selected by Robert Atwan, intro by Donald Hall, ill. Thomas Nason -- 76
48. This Big Fake World: A Story in Verse by Ada Limon -- 89
49. Killing Time (Agatha Raisin #35) by M. C. Beaton and R. W. Green -- 96
50. The Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium Set 1 by Bill Watterson -- 98
51. The Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium Set 2 by Bill Watterson -- 98
52. Lucky Wreck: Poems by Ada Limon -- 101
53. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot, ills. Edward Gorey -- 102
54. Do Admit!: The Mitford Sisters and Me (graphic) by Mimi Pond -- 115
55. The Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium Set 4 by Bill Watterson -- 116
56. Talking to My Father's Ghost: An Almost True Story (graphic) by Alex Krokus -- 117
57. Sharks in the Rivers by Ada Limon -- 129
58. Cannon by Lee Lai -- 130
59. Feline: Photographs by Tim Flach, text by Jonathan B. Losos -- 131
60. The Quiet Ear: An Investigation of Missing Sound: A Memoir by Raymond Antrobus -- 136
61. String Too Short to Be Saved: Recollections of Summers on a New England Farm by Donald Hall -- 145

The books I read in May:

62. The Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium Set 3 by Bill Watterson -- 146
63. The Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium Set 5 by Bill Watterson -- 146
64. The Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium Set 6 by Bill Watterson -- 146
65. Introduction to the Qur'an (Great Course) by Martyn Oliver -- 153
66. Lee Friedlander: Christmas by Lee Friedlander, afterword by Peter Kayafas -- 157
67. Vigil: A Novel by George Saunders -- 158
68. Patchwork: A Graphic Biography of Jane Austen by Kate Evans -- 168
69. Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous People of North America by Sean Sherman, with Kate Nelson and Kristin Donnelly -- 174
70. Helm by Sarah Hall -- 181
71. The Stars: A New Way to See Them by H. A. Rey -- 182
72. The Lost Language of Oysters (Professor Dr von Igelfeld #6) by Alexander McCall Smith -- 203
73. A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic, or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm by Philip Christian Stead -- 203
74. Purgatory Funeral Cakes Volume 1 by Sanho -- 203

The books I read in June:

75. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome -- 228
76. Something Under the Bed is Drooling: A Calvin and Hobbes Collection by Bill Watterson -- 229
77. Lee Friedlander: Sticks & Stones: Architectural America by Lee Friedlander -- 252
78. Attack of the Deranged Killer Monster Snow Goons: A Calvin and Hobbes Collection by Bill Watterson -- 252
79. Please Write: A Novel in Letters by J. Wynn Rousuck -- 252
80. Sugar and Spite (Agatha Raisin #36) by M. C. Beaton with R. W. Green -- 263
81. Do You Sleep in the Nude? by Rex Reed -- 263
82. Asterix Omnibus 2 by Rene Goscinny, ill. Albert Uderzo -- 263
83. The Celtic World (Great Course) by Jennifer Paxton -- 263
84. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: The Illuminating Diary of a Professional Lady by Anita Loos -- 276
85. To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes: Food Legacies of the People Who Left Behind Recipes, Etched in Stone by Rosie Grant -- 276
86. The Essential Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury by Bill Watterson -- 276
87. The Days Are Just Packed: A Calvin and Hobbes Collection by Bill Watterson -- 276
88. Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate, ill. Jennifer Bricking -- 293
89. The Dogs of Venice: A Novel by Steven Rowley -- 293
90. True North Cabin Cookbook: Volume Two: Seasonal Recipes from a Cozy Kitchen by Stephanie Hansen -- 293
91. Missing May by Cynthia Rylant -- 293
92. The Names Upon the Harp: Irish Myth and Legend by Marie Heaney, ill. P. J. Lynch -- 293
93. The Secret of Kells: The Graphic Novel, based on a film by Tom Moore and Nora Tuomey, adapted by Samuel Sattin -- 293
94. Asterix Omnibus 1: Asterix the Gaul, Asterix and the Golden Sickle, Asterix and the Goths by Rene Goscinny, ill. Albert Uderzo -- 293

MY THIRD THREAD:

The books I read in July:

95.

Good reading to you!

*******************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
*******************************************************

So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!)

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From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).

https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books

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Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus. I'll search out the books a few at a time.

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Here's where I'll list the illustrated books I read (the number at the end of each line represents the post number where I listed the book).

My FIRST thread:

The illustrated books I read in January:

Illustrated1. Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
Illustrated2. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig -
Illustrated3. Melisande by E. (Edith) Nesbit, ill. P. J. Lynch
Illustrated4. Quentin Blake's Fantastic Journeys by Quentin Blake
Illustrated5. Oh, Olive! by Lian Cho
Illlustrated6. I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive by Leslie Barnard Booth, ill. Alexandra Finkeldey
Illustrated7. Making Art by Diana Ejaita
Illustrated8. So Cold! by John Coy, ill. Chris Park
Illustrated9. Dragon Flower by Jiang Hong Chen, tr. from French by Alyson Waters
Illustrated10. The Nutcracker by E. T. A. Hoffman, ill. David Delamare
Illustrated11. The Tiger Prince by Chen Jiang Hong, tr. from French by Alyson Waters
Illustrated12. The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
Illustrated13. Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan
Illustrated14. Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, ill. Dan Santat
Illustrated15. The Christmas Secret by David Delamare
Illustrated16. Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld
Illustrated17. Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza (Andy J. Miller) and Sophie Miller
Illustrated18. Winter is the Worst! by Dan Tavis
Illustrated19. Lucy's Christmas by Donald Hall, ill. Michael McCurdy -
Illustrated20. The Twelve Days of Christmas, ill. David Delamare
Illustrated21. Sneetches on Beaches by Dr. Seuss
Illustrated22. All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson, ill. Winona Nelson
Illustrated23. Remembering by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia
Illustrated24. The Mightiest Heart by Lynn Cullen, ill. Laurel Long
Illustrated25. Where Wonder Grows by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia
Illustrated26. Winter's Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan
Illustrated27. How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide by Ame Dyckman, ill. Jennifer Harney
Illustrated28. Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi! by Art Coulson, ill. Madelyn Goodnight
Illustrated29. All Around Us by Xelena Gonzalez, ill. Adriana M. Garcia
Illustrated30. Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated31. A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love by Michelle Edwards, ill. G. Brian Karas
Illustrated32. Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies by Margi Preus, ill. Jaime Zollars
Illustrated33. Mr. Putter and Tabby Take the Train by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated34. Mr. Putter and Tabby Clear the Decks by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated35. Mr. Putter and Tabby Hit the Slope by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated36. A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead
Illustrated37. Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story about Sharing by Matthew Diffee
Illustrated38. Widget by Lyn Rassiter McFarland, ill. Jim McFarland
Illustrated39. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen
Illustrated40. The Monster in the Lake by Leo Timmers, tr. Bill Nagelkerke
Illustrated41. The Library in the Woods by Calvin A. Ramsey, ill. R. Gregory Christie
Illustrated42. Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou, ill. Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Illustrated43. Chicken Man by Michelle Edwards
Illustrated44. Listen: How Pete Seeger Got America Singing by Leda Schubert, ill. Raul Colon
Illustrated45. Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex, ill. Lian Cho
Illustrated46. Pup and Bear by Kate Banks, ill. Naoko Stoop
Illustrated47. Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri
Illustrated48. I Am the Dog. I Am the Cat by Donald Hall, ill. Barry Moser
Illustrated49. Is It Asleep? by Olivier Tallec, tr. Antony Shugaar

The illustrated books I read in February:

Illustrated50. Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated51. Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated52. Mr. Putter and Tabby Row the Boat by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated53. Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead
Illustrated54. Cat Nap by Brian Lies
Illustrated55. Saturday Morning at the 'Shop by Keenan Jones, ill. Ken Daley
Illustrated56. Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs, poems by Sun Yung Shin and Melina Mangal, ill. Leslie Barlow
Illustrated57. Amos McGee Misses the Bus by Philip C. Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead
Illustrated58. Dear Acorn (Love, Oak): Letter Poems to Friends by Joyce Sidman, ill. Melissa Sweet
Illustrated59. Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel, ill. Mike Wohnoutka -
Illustrated60. The House with the Little Red Door by Grace Easton
Illustrated61. The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak
Illustrated62. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, ill. Trina Schart Hyman
Illustrated63. The Rough Patch by Brian Lies
Illustrated64. Mr. Putter and Tabby Stir the Soup by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated65. Mr. Putter and Tabby Catch the Cold by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated66. Mr. Putter and Tabby Toot the Horn by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated67. Little Bat Up All Day by Brian Lies
Illustrated68. A Walk in the Words by Hudson Talbott
Illustrated69. Tiny Owl's Scary Day by Petr Horacek
Illustrated70. So Much Snow by Hyunmin Park
Illustrated71. Snow by Uri Shulevitz
Illustrated72. Snow by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Lauren Stringer
Illustrated73. Snowman's Story by Will Hillenbrand
Illustrated74. So Much Snow by Kirstin Schroeder, ill. Sarah Jacoby
Illustrated75. Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated76. Mr. Putter and Tabby Make a Wish by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated77. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated78. The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: A Russian Tale, retold by Arthur Ransome, ill. Uri Shulevitch
Illustrated79. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
Illustrated80. The Lucky Red Envelope: A Lift-the-Flap Lunar New Year Celebration by Vikki Zhang
Illustrated81. New Moon's Family by Erika Adams, ill. Eric Soderstrom
Illustrated82. Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne, ill. Dan Yaccarino
Illustrated83. Never Give a Baby a Library Card by Erin Sandberg, ill. Tom Booth
Illustrated84. Big Kids by K. L. Going, ill. Reggie Brown
Illustrated85. The Cake Problem: Equivalent and Simplified Fractions by Bill Wise, ill. Davilyn Lynch
Illustrated86. Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
Illustrated87. From Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs by Hudson Talbott
Illustrated88. Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, ill. Dinara Mirtalipora
Illustrated89. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard -
Illustrated90. Mr. Putter and Tabby See the Stars by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated91. Mr. Putter and Tabby Run the Race by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated92. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Parker by Patricia Hruby Powell, ill. Christian Robinson
Illustrated93. River of Dreams: The Story of the Hudson River by Hudson Talbott
Illustrated94. Dear Moxie, Dear Rex by Cathy Petter, ill. Bryony Clarkson

The illustrated books I read in March:

Illustrated95. Mr. Putter and Tabby Drop the Ball by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated96. Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated97. Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated98. Mr. Putter and Tabby Dance the Dance by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Arthur Howard
Illustrated99. Llama Llama Home with Mama by Anna Dewdney

Illustrated100. Norman Didn't Do It! (Yes, He Did) by Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrated101. Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor
Illustrated102. The Bear Out There by Jess Hannigan
Illustrated103. Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman
Illustrated104. Lone Wolf Goes to the Library by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Illustrated105. Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
Illustrated106. Chicken Little, retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg
Illustrated107. Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
Illustrated108. No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons
Illustrated109. The Cat Who Walked Across France by Kate Banks, ill. Georg Hallendsleben
Illustrated110. Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen
Illustrated111. Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano, ill. Marla Frazee
Illustrated112. Pluto Gets the Call by Adam Rex, ill. Laurie Keller
Illustrated113. Lone Wolf Gets a Pet by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Illustrated114. Lone Wolf Goes to School by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Illustrated115. Lone Wolf on Vacation by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Illustrated116. North Woods Girl by Aimee M. Bissonette, ill. Claudia McGehee
Illustrated117. Old Home Day by Donald Hall, ill. Emily Arnold McCully
Illustrated118. Bear Can't Sleep by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman

My SECOND thread:

The illustrated books I read in March (continued):

Illustrated119. Memoirs of a goldfish by Devin Scillian, ill. Tim Powers
Illustrated120. A Stone Sat Still by Brendon Wenzel
Illustrated121. Move Over, Rover by Karen Beaumont, ill. Jane Dyer
Illustrated122. Sorry (Really Sorry) by Joanna Cotler, ill. Harry Bliss
Illustrated123. Many Moons by James Thurber, ill. Marc Simont
Illustrated124. The Truth About Max by Alice and Martin Provensen
Illustrated125. Luke on the Loose by Harry Bliss
Illustrated126. Good Rosie! by Kate DiCamillo, ill. Harry Bliss
Illustrated127. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson, ill. Jane Chapman
Illustrated128. Paper Mice by Megan Wagner Lloyd, ill. Phoebe Wahl
Illustrated129. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
Illustrated130. Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney
Illustrated131. Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney
Illustrated132. Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney
Illustrated133. Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney
Illustrated134. Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel
Illustrated135. They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel
Illustrated136. Everybody Says Meow by Constance Lombardo
Illustrated137. Poopsie Gets Lost by Hannah E. Harrison
Illustrated138. In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb by Marion Dane Bauer, ill. Emily Arnold McCully
Illustrated139. Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann -
Illustrated140. Pearl's Garden by Carolyn Olson
Illustrated141. My Brother's Book by Maurice Sendak
Illustrated142. Many Moons by James Thurber, ill. Louis Slobodkin
Illustrated143. Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb, ill. Erin Kraan
Illustrated144. I Want 100 Dogs by Stacy McAnulty, ill. Claire Keene
Illustrated145. Lucky Ducklings by Eva Moore, ill. Nancy Carpenter
Illustrated146. The Biggest Dog in the Book by Ben Lerwill, ill. Mark Chambers
Illustrated147. Something from Nothing: Adapted from a Jewish Folktale by Phoebe Gilman

The illustrated books I read in April:

Illustrated148. The Great Quillow by James Thurber, ill. Steven Kellogg
Illustrated149. Unfunny Bunny by Kenan Thompson with Bryan Tucker, ill. Tony Neal
Illustrated150. The Weedy Garden: A Happy Habitat for Wild Friends by Margaret Renkl, ill. Billy Renkl
Illustrated151. Please Please the Bees by Gerald Kelley
Illustrated152. And, Too, the Fox by Ada Limon, ill. Gaby D'Alessandro
Illustrated153. In Praise of Mystery by Ada Limon, ill. Peter Sis -
Illustrated154. Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee -
Illustrated155. Memoirs of a Hamster by Devin Scillian, ill. Tim Bowers
Illustrated156. Llama Llama Happy Birthday! by Anna Dewdney
Illustrated157. Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa by Anna Dewdney
Illustrated158. Llama Llama Loves to Read by Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan, ill. J. T. Morrow
Illustrated159. Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too by Anna Dewdney
Illustrated160. Llama Llama Yum Yum Yum by Anna Dewdney
Illustrated161. Llama Llama Mess Mess Mess, An Anna Dewdney Book, by Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan, ill. J. T. Morrow
Illustrated162. Llama Llama Hide & Seek: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Anna Dewdney
Illustrated163. Llama Llama Loose Tooth Drama, An Anna Dewdney Book -
Illustrated164. Llama Llama Meet the Babysitter, An Anna Dewdney Book, by Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan, ill. J. T. Morrow
Illustrated165. Llama Llama Back to School, An Anna Dewdney Book, by Reed Duncan, ill. J. T. Morrow -
Illustrated166. Llama Llama's Little Lie, An Anna Dewdney Book, by Reed Duncan, ill. J. T. Morrow 0
Illustrated167. Someone Could Win a Polar Bear by John Ciardi, ill. Edward Gorey
Illustrated168. You Know Who by John Ciardi, ill. Edward Gorey
Illustrated169. The Shrinking of Treehorn by Florence Parry Heide, il. Edward Gorey
Illustrated170. Bartleby by Matt Phelan
Illustrated171. The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster, ill. Chris Raschka
Illustrated172. Wood & Words: The Story of Poet Mary Oliver by Sara Holly Ackerman, ill. Naoko stoop
Illustrated173. M Is for Monster: A Fantastic Creatures Alphabet by J. Patrick Lewis, ill. Gerald Kelley
Illustrated174. Grandma and the Pirates by Phoebe Gilman
Illustrated175. What Lolo Wants by Christina Oxtra, ill. Jamie Bauza
Illustrated176. Little Black Crow by Christopher Raschka
Illustrated177. The Blue House I Loved by Kao Kalia Yang, ill. Jen Shin
Illustrated178. That Swingin' Sound: The Musical Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Illustrated179. Who Will Rule the Trees? by Eric A. Kimmel, ill. Alette Straathof
Illustrated180. Uh-Oh, Rollo! by Reed Duncan, ill. Katih Frawley
Illustrated181. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault ill. Lois Ehlert
Illustrated182. Your Birthday Was the Best! by Maggie Hutchings, ill. Felicita Sala
Illustrated183. The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee --
Illustrated184. The Utter Zoo: An Alphabet by Edward Gorey
Illustrated185. Brave Irene by William Steig
Illustrated186. Poppleton by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Mark Teague
Illustrated187. What Miss Mitchell Saw by Hayley Barrett, ill. Diana Suchyka
Illustrated188. Letters from Space by Clayton Anderson, ill. Susan Batori
Illustrated189. Bats in the Band by Brian Lies

The illustrated books I read in May:

Illustrated190. And They Walk On by Kevin Maillard, ill. Rafael Lopez
Illustrated191. Do You Remember? by Sydney Smith
Illustrated192. A Day in the Life off Murphy by Alice Provensen
Illustrated193. Murphy in the City by Alice Provensen
Illustrated194. The Night of the Hedgehog by Tanya Rosie, ill. Chuck Groenink
Illustrated195. Can Bears Ski? by Raymond Antrobus, ill. Polly Dunbar
Illustrated196. Terrible Horses by Raymond Antrobus, ill. Ken Wilson-Max
Illustrated197. Prince: A Little Golden Books Biography by Nikki Shannon Smith, ill. Don Tate
Illustrated198. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, ill. Juana Martinez-Neal
Illustrated199. The Library Book by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark, ill. Chuck Groenink
Illustrated200. Who Am I?: A Peek-Through-Pages Book of Endangered Animals by Tim Flach
Illustrated201. The Selfish Sister by David Sedaris, ill. Bob Staake
Illustrated202. Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman, ill. Linzie Hunter
Illustrated203. 999 Tadpoles by Ken Kimura, ill. Yasunari Murakami
Illustrated204. 999 Frogs Wake Up by Ken Kimura, ill. Yasunari Murakami
Illustrated205. 999 Frogs and a Little Brother by Ken Kimura, ill. Yasunari Murakami
Illustrated206. Five Minutes' Peace by Jill Murphy -
Illustrated207. Hedgehogs Don't Wear Underwear by Marissa Valdez
Illustrated208. Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies
Illustrated209. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
Illustrated210. Irving Berlin: The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing by Nancy Churnin, ill. James Rey Sanchez
Illustrated211. The Music Inside Us: Yo-Yo Ma and His Gifts to the World by James Howe, ill. Jack Wong
Illustrated212. Cat Nap by Brian Lies
Illustrated213. Child of the Universe by Ray Jayawardhana, ill. Raul Colon
Illustrated214. To See an Owl by Matthew Cordell
Illustrated215. See You Later, Alligator! by Sally Hopgood, ill. Emma Levey
Illustrated216. Little Bat in Night School by Brian Lies
Illustrated217. The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page by Geena Davis
Illustrated218. It's My Bird-Day! by Mo Willems
Illustrated219. Northwoods Lullaby by Mary Casanova, ill. Jordan Sundberg
Illustrated220. The Midsummer Tomte and the Little Rabbits by Ulf Stark, ill. Eva Eriksson
Illustrated221. Now One Foot, Now the Other by Tomie DePaola
Illustrated222. Katie and the Starry Night by James Mayhew
Illustrated223. Our Sacred Land of Phezuta by Tara Perron, ill. Holly Young
Illustrated224. Got to Get to Bear's! by Brian Lies
Illustrated225. Music and Silence: The Passion and Protest of Pablo Casals by Christy Mihaly, ill. Mariona Cabassa
Illustrated226. The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits: A Christmas Story for Advent by Ulf Stark, ill. Eva Eriksson
Illustrated227. Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin, ill. Harry Bliss
Illustrated228. The Not So Quiet Life of Marcel Marceau by Jenn Bailey and Sherry Bushue, ill. Pamela Zagarenski

The illustrated books I read in June:

Illustrated229. My Little Small by Ulf Stark, ill. Linda Bondestam, tr. Annie Prime
Illustrated230. Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin, ill. Betsy Lewin
Illustrated231. Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs by Tomie DePaola
Illustrated232. The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico, ill. Angela Barrett
Illustrated233. Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe
Illustrated234. This Way, Charlie by Caron Lewis, ill. Charles Santoso
Illustrated235. Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Color by Joyce Sidman, ill. Pamela Zagarenski 0
Illustrated236. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin, ill. Betsy Lewin
Illustrated237. Rhoda's Rock Hunt by Molly Beth Griffin, ill. Jennifer A Bell
Illustrated238. When Dad Showed Me the Universe by Ulf Stark, ill. Eva Eriksson, tr. Julia Marshall
Illustrated239. Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue, ill. Pamela Zagarenski
Illustrated240. A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech, ill. Harry Bliss
Illustrated241. All the Colors of the Earth by Sheila Hamanaka
Illustrated242. The Gold Leaf by Kirsten Hall, ill. Matthew Forsythe
Illusrrated243. Tomatoes on Trial: The Fruit v. Vegetable Showdown by Lindsay H. Metcalf, ill. Edwin Fotheringham
Illustrated244. Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff
Illustrated245. Warning: Do Not Open This Book! by Adama Lehrhaupt, ill. Matthew Forsythe
Illustrated246. Happy Springtime! by Kate McMullan, ill. Sujean Rim
Illustrated247. Which Would You Rather Be? by William Steig, ill. Harry Bliss
Illustrated248. The Man Who Didn't Wash His Dishes by Phyllis Krasilovsky, ill. Barbara Cooney 8
Illustrated249. Mouse Bird Snake Wolf by David Almond, ill. Dave McKean
Illustrated250. The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts by Ann Patchett, ill. Robin Preiss Glasser
Illustrated251. Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?: Words of Wisdom, Wit, and Love by Barbara Costello, ill. Margaus Lucas
Illustrated252. Monsters Are Afraid of the Moon by Marjane Satrapi
Illustrated253. Bread and Jam for Frances by Russel Hoban, ill. Lillian Hoban
Illustrated254. Lambslide by Ann Patchett, ill. Robin Preiss Glasser
Illustrated255. Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik, ill. Maurice Sendak
Illustrated256. 16 Words: William Carlos Williams and "The Red Wheelbarrow" by Lisa Rogers, ill. Chuck Groenink
Illustrated257. The Year at Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen
Illustrated258. Life by Cynthia Rylant, ill. Brendan Wenzel
Illustrated259. Pickle-Chiffon Pie by Roger Bradfield
Illustrated260. The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen

My THIRD thread:

The illustrated books I read in July:

Illustrated261. Loon Baby by Molly Beth Griffin, ill. Anne Hunter -- 11
Illustrated262. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen -- 11
Illustrated263. Same & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen --11
Illustrated264. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, ill. Robert Lawson -- 11
Illustrated265. Gravity by Jason Chin -- 11
Illustrated266. The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein -- 11

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the usual things).

Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:

Evensong by Stewart O’Nan
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich
Departures by Julian Barnes

Magazines Read:

Great Course: Understanding Western Art: Stories, Styles, and Masterworks by Noah Charney. DVDs only (no book).

Next up: 3. Order and Symmetry: The Parthenon and David, and 4. Symbols in Art: Ravenna and Chartres Cathedral.

TV Watching:
Black Mirror 3.1, 3.2 (this show is so good, but so intense; I love seeing the cast of new characters in each new standalone episode).

Listening:

Wordle 1,838 3/6* New Wordle word today: irate, mower, demur

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Connections
Puzzle #1116
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Strands #850
“Not a red herring”
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Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (07/01/2026):

Actively reading (or the potential is there!)

When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen -- p. 16 of 309
Departure(s) by Julian Barnes -- p. 8 of 160
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans -- p. 12 of 285
Evensong by Stewart O'Nan -- p. 48 of 285
Python's Kiss by Louise Erdrich -- p. 3 of 222
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global (Laura Spinney) -- p. 48 of 292
Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Aanu Zoboi --
Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth off History by Moudy al-Rashid --
Somewhere in the Unknown World: A Collective Refugee Memoir by Kao Kalia Yang --
One True Word by Snaebjorn Arngrimsson --
The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus --
Signs, Music: Poems by Raymond Antrobus --

I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:

Deacon King Kong by James McBride
A Man Lay Dead (Roderick Allayn #1) by Ngaio Marsh -- p. 1 of 149
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 73 of 250 (Libby)
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 96 of 439 (Libby
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman -- p. 8 of 389 (mine, on Nook)
Conclave by Robert Harris
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon -- p. 3 of 285
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current course: Understanding Western Art: Stories, Styles, and Masterworks by Noah Charney. I've watched 2 of 25 lectures.

Happy New Thread, Karen!

Happy new one, Karen

Happy new thread, Karen!

Happy new one, Karen!

>5 SirThomas: >6 jessibud2: >7 atozgrl: >8 drneutron: Welcome to my new thread! Thank you all for stopping by!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the usual things).

Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:

Evensong by Stewart O’Nan
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich
Departures by Julian Barnes

Have a mere five illustrated books this week…but they look really good.

Magazines Read: Consumer Reports (May/June)

Great Course: Understanding Western Art: Stories, Styles, and Masterworks by Noah Charney. DVDs only (no book).

Next up: 3. Order and Symmetry: The Parthenon and David, and 4. Symbols in Art: Ravenna and Chartres Cathedral.

TV Watching:
Secret of Kells (terrific animated movie), and Enola Holmes 3 (action-packed).

Listening:

Wordle 1,839 3/6* New Wordle word today: irate, amend, maven

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Puzzle #1117
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Strands #851
“Added flavor”
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I played https://squaredle.com 07/02:
47/47 words (+13 bonus words)—Difficulty 3-1/2 stars
🔥 Solve streak: 1

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/02:
19/19 words

***************************************************
There are only three forms of high art: the symphony,
the illustrated children's book, and the board game.
(Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)
***************************************************

So many of these lovely books are made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!) Others who have pointed me in the right direction are: jnwelch, squeakychu, jessibud2, Norabelle, avatiakh, AMQS, Blbera, foggidawn, richardderus, Booklist, and the NYTimes (please let me know if I've forgotten you!):

********************
From the LibraryThing newsletter, a list of members’ “Favorite Picture Books”! Just when I thought I had read them all (Just kidding. Not even close).

https://www.librarything.com/list/45998/Favorite-Picture-Books

********************

Another treasure list (read in April 2025): Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children's Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World by Leonard S. Marcus.

********************



Illustrated261. Loon Baby by Molly Beth Griffin, ill. Anne Hunter



"Atop the rippling waves--
the breeze ruffling his fluff--
Loon Baby waits, alone,
and wonders:
will mama ever come back?"

Sweet story, with beautiful illustrations.



Illustrated262. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen



This was a reread for me, but it's so lovely and funny.

"With a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits for everyone and everything in town until an evil archduke decides he wants the yarn for himself."



Illustrated263. Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, ill. Jon Klassen



Another by the same Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen!

"Sam and Dave are digging a hole, and they will not stop
until they find something spectacular."

Very funny, with clever words and illustrations. I can see kids roaring
with laughter once they figure out what's going on.



Illustrated264. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, Robert Lawson



Another reread for me, "this classic tale of a peaceable bull has been
a favorite of children since 1936"!

I love the story so much, but I hate reading about the gruesome torture
that the Spanish bullfighting inflicts on the poor animals!



Illustrated265. Gravity by Jason Chin



"Jason Chin has taken a complex subject and made it understandable
to young readers in this unusual, innovative, and very beautiful book."

A very enjoyable book, with extra information at the back for further study.



Illustrated266. The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein



"Impressive and perfectly paced...inspired in part by a real-life video
of a whale's rescue and the creature's joyful dance through the waves
after being freed."

Lovely story and illustrations! I cried happy tears at the end.

>11 klobrien2: The cover of Loon Baby is so cute! It really appeals to me. I never saw The Story of Ferdinand when I was a child, so that's one I want to pick up one of these days.

Happy new thread, Karen.

>12 atozgrl: “Ferdinand” is such a classic, and “Loon Baby” is a delight. I faintly remember a cartoon version of Ferdinand from back in the day, and I’m feeling compelled to try and locate it. Looney tunes on a rainy morning!

>13 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul!

Thank you both for stopping by!

P.s. “Ferdinand the Bull” is streaming on Disney+!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the usual things).

Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:

Evensong by Stewart O’Nan
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich
Departures by Julian Barnes

Magazines Read:

Great Course: Understanding Western Art: Stories, Styles, and Masterworks by Noah Charney. DVDs only (no book).

Watched: 3. Order and Symmetry: The Parthenon and David, and 4. Symbols in Art: Ravenna and Chartres Cathedral.

Next up: 5. Coloring the Rainbow: Kandinsky and Tres Riches Heures, and 6. Textiles and Women Artists: Bayeux and Judy Chicago

TV Watching:

Listening:

Wordle 1,840 4/6* They reused a Wordle word really quickly after the last one! Today’s word was used in game 183: irate, antsy, untax, baton

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Connections
Puzzle #1118
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Archive July 3, 2026
Strands #852
“It's like talking to a brick wall”
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>14 klobrien2: - You mentioned *Ferdinand*. I am not sure why but it brings to mind another classic from that era, Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel. Do you remember that one, Karen? You know what? I think I was introduced to them by none other than Captain Kangaroo! I adored that show when I was a kid. He was way ahead of his time, way before Sesame Street, in fact, when it came to kids literature. Through him, I also knew Blueberry Sal, Make Way for Ducklings and so many other classics.

>16 jessibud2: I have those same memories of Captain Kangaroo and the story books he introduced to my family. Stone Soup, Lentil, (he must have been a big fan of Robert McCloskey), Curious George...

>16 jessibud2: Yes! I read Mike Mulligan just recently, but I’ve read Blueberry Sal and Make Way for Ducklings and rated them both highly. Sometimes the old classics are the best!

And I loved Captain Kangaroo!

>17 laytonwoman3rd: I’ll have to go after Lentil! That’s one I haven’t seen.

Thank you both for visiting and sharing classic leads!

>18 klobrien2: Not that I've thought of it, I think I'll have to re-read Lentil---it was one of my favorites.

What I loved about Captain Kangaroo, even when I was so young and didn't have the knowledge or sophistication to articulate it, was his quiet, calm demeanor. Humour never lacked and his show included all the elements of successful kids' shows - ie, animation, puppets, humans, humour - but it was never the loud, frantic pace kids' programming of today seems to think necessary. I guess I was a budding introvert even then!

I'm glad to see so many others here who have fond memories of Captain Kangaroo! But I don't remember his discussion of books. I guess I was too young to remember that.

>14 klobrien2: I guess I'll have to check out Ferdinand on Disney+. It might be a while before I get to it. Thanks for letting me know, Karen.

Today: Independence Day! Got my mail-in voting ballot for Minnesota’s August primary, so I’m feeling quite patriotic! Puzzles and papers and LT (the usual things).

Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:

Evensong by Stewart O’Nan
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich
Departures by Julian Barnes

Magazines Read: NYT Magazine (06/14), NYT Book Review (05/10).

Great Course: Understanding Western Art: Stories, Styles, and Masterworks by Noah Charney. DVDs only (no book).

Watched: 3. Order and Symmetry: The Parthenon and David, and 4. Symbols in Art: Ravenna and Chartres Cathedral.

Next up: 5. Coloring the Rainbow: Kandinsky and Tres Riches Heures, and 6. Textiles and Women Artists: Bayeux and Judy Chicago

TV Watching: Ferdinand the Bull (as sweet as I remembered, but still creepy seeing the intended cruelty and bloodiness of the bullfighting). Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, dir. Howard Hawks. So dated in its bones, but the music and the clothes are so good.

Listening:

Wordle 1,841 5/6* I don’t think I’ve ever had a checkerboard pattern like this! New Wordle word today; I really struggled with this one: irate, cabin, amiss, pilaf, pizza

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Connections
Puzzle #1119
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Strands #853
“Happy 4th of July!”
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Today: Church. Puzzles and papers and LT (the usual things).

Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:

Evensong by Stewart O’Nan
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich
Departures by Julian Barnes

Magazines Read: New Yorker (07/06-13), The Week (07/03)

Great Course: Understanding Western Art: Stories, Styles, and Masterworks by Noah Charney. DVDs only (no book).

Watched: 5. Coloring the Rainbow: Kandinsky and Tres Riches Heures, and 6. Textiles and Women Artists: Bayeux and Judy Chicago

Next up: 7. The Renaissance: Giotto and Van der Weyden, and 8. Perspective and Illusion: Holbein and Cezanne.

TV Watching: Project Hail Mary (for the second time! I love this movie!).

Listening:

Wordle 1,842 4/6* New Wordle word today: irate, claim, umami, swami

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Connections
Puzzle #1120
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Strands #854
“Barking up the right tree”
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Happy Sunday, Karen. Happy New Thread. Wow! You have some nice current reads going. I loved Cranes and The Correspondent. Curious about the Erdrich collection too..

I hope you had a nice holiday. It has been a quiet weekend here, other than those dreadful fireworks.

I've enjoyed seeing the children's books you are reading as I've skimmed through catching up on threads.

>24 msf59: My local library is converting to a new computer system, and part of the rollout is that checkouts are six weeks rather than three. I’ve gotten many in-demand books, some of which I’ve been waiting for, for seemingly forever, and now I have them to read with a little less pressure.

I feel a little guilty having so many in-demand books at once but there’s nothing I can do about it, since no check-ins or checkouts can be done while the library is converting. I suspect the circulation staff did some re-ordering of requests, maybe because I am a high-volume user and I used to work in circulation and still know a lot of the peeps. Regardless, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime bounty! I’ll take it! and be thankful.

I’m nearly done with Evensong and really loving it. Making progress on the others.

I had a quiet weekend, too, though there were a few fireworks. My hearing difficulty is really a benefit on the Fourth! My cats were a little anxious, but a thunderstorm closed down the evening celebrating (hehe).

Thanks for stopping by, Mark!

>25 thornton37814: I love the illustrated books! Thanks for stopping by!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the usual things).

Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:

Evensong by Stewart O’Nan — should finish today
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich
Departures by Julian Barnes

Magazines Read:

Great Course: Understanding Western Art: Stories, Styles, and Masterworks by Noah Charney. DVDs only (no book).

Next up: 7. The Renaissance: Giotto and Van der Weyden, and 8. Perspective and Illusion: Holbein and Cezanne.

TV Watching: Black Mirror 3.3, 3.4

Listening:

Wordle 1,843 3/6* New Wordle word today (I laughed out loud when my list brought up only one possible solution at guess three!): irate, bundt, toddy

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Connections
Puzzle #1121
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Strands #855
“The growing season”
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Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the usual things).

Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:

When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich
Departures by Julian Barnes

Finished: Evensong by Stewart O’Nan

Magazines Read:

Great Course: Understanding Western Art: Stories, Styles, and Masterworks by Noah Charney. DVDs only (no book).

Watched: 7. The Renaissance: Giotto and Van der Weyden, and 8. Perspective and Illusion: Holbein and Cezanne.

Next up: 9. Stories and Allegories: Matejko and Oshawa Tanner, and 10. Rivalry and Competition: Titian and Anguissola

TV Watching: Black Mirror 3.5, 3.6

Listening:

Wordle 1,844 4/6* New Wordle word today: irate, bijou, chimp, sling

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Connections
Puzzle #1122
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Strands #856
“Hitching a ride”
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>29 klobrien2: Morning, Karen O. I'm set up to have a standard summer rainy day, happy to report. Anything that keeps that malevolent heat away is a cause for celebration!

Enjoy Black Mirror, well...you know what I mean...and the Great Course.

I really love Great Courses too. I think we've discussed that. There's such a variety. I loved the one about the history of King Arthur

>30 richardderus: Howdy, Richard…I looked at NY weather today, and it looks pretty good! Sunny, high of 84 F.

Thanks for your well-wishes. Black Mirror is great, quite spooky as I see how familiar a lot of it seems (yikes!) My Great Course is really good—it’s taking a non-linear approach to art, so subjects are grouped by themes, not chronologically.

Thanks for stopping by!

>31 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel. I agree, Great Courses are wonderful. I suppose it’s like auditing a course—no pressure, no assignments, just knowledge there, ready to be absorbed (or not 😏).

Thanks for stopping in to chat. I’ll be by your thread in just a bit!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the usual things).

Books: I’ve been dipping into these books:

When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich
Departures by Julian Barnes

Adding: A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis

Magazines Read: Rolling Stone (May)

Great Course: Understanding Western Art: Stories, Styles, and Masterworks by Noah Charney. DVDs only (no book).

Next up: 9. Stories and Allegories: Matejko and Oshawa Tanner, and 10. Rivalry and Competition: Titian and Anguissola

TV Watching: Black Mirror 4.1, 4.2 (I’m really enjoying this show, but I must stop watching late evening! Gets my mind going!)

Listening:

Wordle 1,845 4/6* New Wordle word today: irate, chemo, moved, demon

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Connections
Puzzle #1123
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Strands #857
“Here comes trouble”
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>32 klobrien2: It is the Platonic ideal of a New York summer day today...sunshine, breeze, exactly warm enough. It was heavenly to get outside for a walk!