Building on Nature Author(s): Rachel RodríguezIllustrator(s): Julie Paschkis Like most art students and lovers, I have had mixed feelings about the architecture of Gaudi all my life. When our oldes son visited Barcelona and sent pictures of Gaudi buildings, I planned on learning more about him. Now I find this new and remarkable picture book telling children about a man who was perhaps little understood during his lifetime. Read more about Building on Nature
Byrd of the 95th Author(s): Showell Styles This book is now included in the Bethlehem Budget Book The Flying Ensign, also reviewed on this site. I really liked this book. I can vouch for my wife's statement that this is a great read aloud. I read it to my children at bedtime (ages 3 through 9) – they were engaged... though the younger ones usually fell asleep. The older two LOVED it. Read more about Byrd of the 95th
The Flying Ensign: Greencoats against Napoleon Author(s): Showell Styles In their latest "Budget Book", Bethlehem Books gives us a double dose of adventure featuring Ensign Peter Byrd of the "Fighting 95th" Riflemen of the British army.... The Flying Ensign. Read more about The Flying Ensign: Greencoats against Napoleon
I, Juan de Pareja Author(s): Elizabeth Borton de Treviño I, Juan de Pareja, is biographical fiction, set in Spain in the first half of the seventeenth century. It tells the story of Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez, the Court painter in Spain, through the eyes of his personal servant, Juan de Pareja. Juan was part of Diego Velazquez's inheritance, and became his personal aide. Because of his nature, Juan doesn't resent his master and becomes a beloved member of the household. Read more about I, Juan de Pareja
Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus Author(s): August DerlethIllustrator(s): John Lawn Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the well-known saint/scholar, founder of the Jesuits and author of the Spiritual Exercises, was a surprisingly simple and humble man. Although he was rather arrogant and adventurous as a young soldier, a serious battle wound forced him into an extended bed rest. Restless and bored, he finally gave in to reading the only two books available to him – The Life of Our Saviour and The Lives of the Saints. Read more about Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus
Columbus Author(s): Ingri & Edgar Parin D'Aulaire This is another great biography by the D'Aulaires. Well told and beautifully illustrated, this book will introduce you to Columbus' boyhood dreams, some of the reasons why he (and others) believed the earth was round, his early sailing days and interest in the tales of Leif Ericson, and of course the story of his family, his long quest for sponsorship of his desired trip and finally his voyages to America. Most adults don't know as much about Columbus as your children can learn from this story. Read more about Columbus
