What's New

Fur and Feathers

Author(s): 
Janet Halfmann
Illustrator(s): 
Laurie Allen Klein

In Sophia's dream, all the animals had their coats blown off and so she has to make new ones for them, adding her own special touches.  This is the story of "fur and feathers" which introduces young children to animal classification.

The story has a good variety of common animals with different coats.  A few parts are a bit contrived, like the frog finding the slime, but otherwise the story is engaging.  The "For Creative Minds" section at the end of the book contains activities based on animal classification.

The Core

Author(s): 
Leigh A. Bortins
The Core is a practical guide to those who are new to the idea of classical education and are looking for an outline of what to teach in different subject areas. Leigh Bortins has written this book for all parents and teachers--those in a regular school setting as well as those who are homeschooling--but her methods would work particularly well within a home education environment.

Good Night, Little Sea Otter

Book cover: 'Good Night, Little Sea Otter'
Author(s): 
Janet Halfmann
Illustrator(s): 
Wish Williams
This sweet book is about Little Sea Otter saying good night to all sorts of ocean friends. While it makes a wonderful bedtime book, the illustrations deserve some time to be admired as you read through it. The story is straightforward, and yet contains enough tidbits to include it in an ocean study. The illustrations are full of color, bringing alive Little Sea Otter's story. You can preview the book at Star Bright Books: http://www.starbrightbooks.org/details.php?id=300

The Father Brown Reader II

Author(s): 
G.K. Chesterton
adapted by Nancy Carpentier Brown
with Rose Decaen
Nancy Brown and Hillside Education have teamed up for a second volume of kid-friendly mysteries adapted from G.K. Chesterton's Fr. Brown mysteries. It's a little difficult to say what age these are appropriate for since, unlike the first volume, these are all based on murder-mystery stories, and sensitivities vary from child-to-child.

Jesus of Nazareth, Holy Week

Author(s): 
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI has given us a gift of a second volume illuminating the events of the life of Christ. The first volume,Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration was reviewed here. Like the first volume, it is a book written for adults, but may be appropriate for group study among teenagers, provided that expectations regarding understanding are kept reasonable.

Through the Year with Mary

Author(s): 
Karen Edmisten
I love quote books. I’ve probably got 10 or 12 different ones on my bookshelf. They’re lovely for browsing through, “chewing” on a little something (without getting overwhelmed by the whole) and have often lead to discovering new authors and new books of interest. They can be used for tidbits of inspiration to start the school day or for memory work. This is a lovely, simple little book of Marian quotations with very brief reflections (usually simple prayers) – one for each day of the year. The quotes are varied, helpful, encouraging and inspirational.

The Reed of God

Author(s): 
Caryll Houselander
Passing along to others the concept of such an incredibly personal and delicate matter as the value of suffering can be extremely difficult. It's so easy to come across as heavy-handed, trite or condescending - and many materials do! Here is it presented a loving and very gentle way by means of Our Lady. Mary brought Christ to the world through her faith, love and humility and we are called to do the same.

Tin Cups & Tinder

Author(s): 
Alice Cantrell
Alice Cantrell’s newest book, Tin Cups & Tinder : A Catholic Boy’s Little Book of Fire, Food & Fun arrived the same day I was pondering ways to liven up my son’s education. While considering if we were called to homeschool my little boy, I had some serious concerns over whether I could provide enough enrichment for him, as my interests tend to be very domestic and feminine.

Saints and Their Stories

Author(s): 
Maria Loretta Giraldo
Translator(s): 
Margaret Edward Moran
Illustrator(s): 
Nicoletta Bertelle

This is the translation of a lovely Italian book for children. I love the uniqueness of the style and illustrations. The stories are filled with anecdotes and details of the saints' lives not found in other books about saints for children. Truly a gem-- we will read it aloud during Religion this Fall. Do visit the Publisher's site as they have a neat flip-the-pages "look-inside" feature.