Ana Braga-Henebry

Ana Braga-Henebry

Ana Braga-Henebry has seven children with her husband, Geoffrey, an international research scientist and university professor. They live in Brookings, South Dakota, a stone's throw from Laura Ingalls country. Ana has an art degree from the St. Teresa d'Avila College, Brazil and a M.A. in Humanities/Aesthetic Studies from The University of Texas at Dallas. In her thesis Ana discussed the poetry of a Brazilian Benedictine monk, translated a hefty selection of his poetry, and elaborated on the process of translating poetry.

The Adventures of Tintin

DVD cover: 'The Adventures of Tintin'

We took over 90% of the movie theater, our family plus twelve other families from the homeschool group, and were all delighted by a wonderful show! We discussed the movie over breakfast this morning, and our combined overall review—and being Tintin comic book lovers we are very picky reviewers—was very, very favorable:

God's Not Dead

DVD cover: "God's not Dead"

“If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly."

Chesterton is quite famous for having said that. Some may misinterpret this phrase as an excuse for lack of effort, but it is not what it says. I too took a while to understand it as well. And yet ever since I did, I have admired the wisdom of these words over and over.

Take the film I took my three teens to last night. A no-Oscar-pretentious Hollywood production, not by a stretch. Some of the acting wasn't even very good. Low budget. 

The Way

DVD cover: 'The Way'

A personal review

You should read this only if you have seen the film already. It came out recently on DVD.

The film has been praised by many and it undoubtedly has some great points, and perhaps they make the film worth watching just for themselves:

Saint Philip Neri

DVD cover: Saint Philip Neri

We received it for Christmas and have watched it in installments. Tears streamed from my eyes last night as the beautiful final scene filled the screen. We were all watching it, from my husband and 18 year old senior to the youngest, and we were all delighted in it.

I don't think I knew much about Saint Philip Neri beforehand although his name is so very familiar. He is not a great saint of great accomplishments or great written treaties. He did not travel and his intellect did not shine above others.

Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow

Author(s): 
Robert D. San Souci
Illustrator(s): 
Earl B. Lewis

Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow retells the classic story of Robin Hood and his men in the Sherwood Forest in the adventure of the archery contest. The villainous Sheriff of Nottingham intends to trap Robin at the contest but the Merry Men turn the tables in this lighthearted retelling for younger children. The oversize format and colorful watercolors bring the well-known story to life, adding some details from the original sources. The Author's Note at the end of the book explains a little about the origins and sources of the classic tale.

Do Re Mi

Author(s): 
Susan Roth

A dear blog reader recommended this picture book on the life of Guido d'Arezzo, the Benedictine monk who came up with the system for writing music one thousand years ago–the same system we still use today. I requested it via inter library loan since our library does not own the title.

All the World

Author(s): 
Elizabeth Garton Scanlon
Illustrator(s): 
Marla Frazee

Illustrators are so crucial in picture books! If you love our favorite picture book, The Seven Silly Eaters, you will love the illustrations in this one by the same artist. In a good picture book, the illustrations have the power to take you to another world, even if temporarily. Illustrator Marla Frazee's style is captivating, warm, delightful!

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