Several silly ads about long shopping lines took me back to this book: Line Up for Murder, by Marian Babson. Seems there is a store in London that has an amazing New Year's sale ... so amazing that people get in line days ahead of time. During this time you get to know the others in line, and, perhaps, some are not so nice, or seem to be 'up to something' ... I remember an 'evil plot' (perhaps an attempt at murder) and the use of ipecac. The book is out of print but if you can track down a copy, it's a great cozy!

From the magazine Faces: People, Places, and Cultures comes the January 2016 issue all about the New Year Around the World. Find out where it is traditional to wear red underwear! And why you should only eat round fruit (and a few other foods) on New Year's Eve. Or why you shouldn't eat chicken (or crab and lobster) either. Who started the tradition of the ball that drops in Times Square? And why? Not everyone celebrates at the same time (see post from December 31, 2015). Just a nice read. And quick! :-)

Happy New Year!

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From Lorna Barrett comes the next in her Booktown Mystery series: Title Wave. This time the setting is a cruise ship. It is a gathering of book store owners (mostly those who sell mysteries) and authors (mostly those who write mysteries). The weather is good, the sea is calm, the food is excellent, what could go wrong? ;-) This is a fun series (usually) set in a small town in New Hampshire that has created a destination location for book lovers. Each store has a theme, cooking, for example. It sells cookbooks, cooking gadgets, and hosts cooking events. Start with Murder is Binding.

Now here's a first! The first female detective in fiction! (Or so they think, it's discussed in the introduction). The Female Detective, by Andrew Forrester, was first published in 1864. Working mainly undercover (since there were no women working with the police at that time), she is able to go places and learn things that men and/or the police could not access. A very interesting read!

The second book in the Magical Bakery Mystery series, by Bailey Cates, was just as much fun as the first. Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti starts just a few days before Halloween. A body is found, with an unusual tattoo, which leads to a secret society (of course!). Relationships change, people are not what (or who) they seem and the suspense builds as midnight on Halloween draws near.

And (a big sigh here), the last (for now) of the Lady Darby mysteries: As Death Draws Near, by Anna Lee Huber. Kiera and Gage are on their honeymoon when a letter sends them off to investigate the murder of a nun. There are secret tunnels, and secret lives and townsfolk who are reluctant to help outsiders. All the necessary elements for a wonderful mystery. Love the period details!

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This just might be a way to teach numbers to kids ... you get to eat the results at the end of the book! The m&m's ® brand counting book, by Barbara Barbieri McGrath teaches counting up to 12, then sets (of 2, 4, etc)., then addition, shapes, and subtraction. Wish this was around when I was struggling with math!

Wandering Reader gave me Down Cut Shin Creek (see the April 12, 2014 post) about the horseback librarians of Kentucky, which quickly became a favorite, so I was pleased to find That Book Woman, by Heather Henson with pictures by David Small. Cal (not the oldest of the children, but the oldest son) is the first to hear the sound of hoofbeats coming up the steep trail to their remote family home. Wondering why a peddler would come so far he is even more surprised when all she has to offer is a small stack of books ... for free. Not only that, she'll come back every two weeks to swap them out! True to her word, she comes in all kinds of weather. Little did Cal know at first what a change it would make in his life.

Here's another entry from the Images of America series I like so much. This time it's The 1939 - 1940 New York World's Fair, by Bill Cotter. Coming after Great Depression, the main theme was one of hope for the future. Built on the grounds of a former garbage dump (tons had to be removed before the construction could be started, dozens of nations and companies offered their view of 'tomorrow.' (My grandmother had a plastic salt and pepper shaker of the Trylon and Perisphere). As always with this series, there are wonderful pictures. A few of the buildings are still in use.

Many years ago there was a wonderful show on PBS called Connections .... Kiwi and I just finished watching it on dvd. It has held up extremely well we enjoyed it thoroughly. The companion book for it is Connections, by James Burke. While an excellent read, you miss Burkes wit and enthusiasm as he hosts the tv series. This got me looking for something else by him and came upon American Connections: the Founding Fathers. Networked. Here, he connects each signer of the Declaration of Independence with a present day (up to about 2005) person of the same name. Sort of a 'six degrees of separation' journey, it was great fun! Burke is also the author and host of the book and PBS series The Day the Universe Changed.

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Not only is today Christmas Eve, it is also Eggnog Day!

If you love eggnog then I suggest you have a glass or two before you read Eggnog Murder. It's actually three mysteries in one volume: Eggnog Murder, by Leslie Meier; Death by Eggnog, by Lee Hollis; and Nogged Off by Barbara Ross. Three cozy stories all using eggnog as the cause of death, this is a great read for a stormy winter afternoon. Maybe with hot chocolate or mulled cider ..... ;-)

Remember Musher's Night Before Christmas from the March 15th post? Once I'd read that I started to notice many other versions of the old standard, from one set in Cajun country and the Ozarks, to ones for truckers or teachers. Because I have friends with family who work for their local fire department (here and Canada) I went for Firefighter's Night Before Christmas, by Kimbra Cutlip and illustrated by James Rice. What starts out as a quiet night for those working the Christmas shift becomes anything but when a mysterious snow blowing fire truck appears, and they are called out in response to the alarm. Again, be sure to read this one out loud!

Harold and his purple crayon are back in Harold at the North Pole, by Crockett Johnson. It's Christmas Eve and there are problems ... Harold still needs a tree, Santa is snowed in, what's to be done? I've often thought I would have enjoyed watching Mr. Johnson at work!

Here is an interactive book that requires no batteries, tablet, smart phone, etc. (It's also part of a series, so if you like it, check for other titles). Can You See What I See? Night Before Christmas. Picture Puzzles to Search and Solve, by Walter Wick. And while I enjoyed it, I'm not sure today's youngsters would, but I can always hope! :-)

It's Christmas Eve and the barnyard is anything but quiet. Could they ever all be friends and get along again? The Barnyard Night Before Christmas, by Beth Terrill and illustrated by Greg Newbold will answer that for you.

This time the poem is traditional (and in the complete form) as are the illustrations ... well, sort of! The Night Before Christmas: a Brick Story, by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Amanda Brack is the familiar poem done with Lego bricks! Amazing!

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I read Holiday Lights: Brilliant Displays to Inspire Your Christmas Celebration by David Seidman just after watching the 2016 'Light Fight' so the displays looked a bit tame! However, watching how outside displays have grown over the years was interesting as they went from simple to complex, having a theme, or adding music and motion. There's even an igloo with lights (a lot of them!) which made me worry a bit. ;-)

The Christmas Message from the King or Queen of England began in 1932, here the message from the President began in 1927 with Calvin Coolidge. Many of these speeches are collected in Christmas Greetings from the Presidents. Each entry starts with a synopsis of what is going on at that time ... the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the assassination of JFK, or, rarely (it seems), relative peace ... and this makes the speech all the more meaningful.

The Great Spruce, by John Duvall and illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon is based on something that really happened, for a while at least. When their tree is chosen to be the Christmas tree in the city square., Alec stops the crew from chopping it down and suggests they dig it up and plant it instead. This is done (and done again until it became too expensive). At the end there are instructions as to how to transplant a tree. Loved watching the tree move from country to city via barge, and horse drawn sleigh!

Keep an eye out for the British Library Crime Classics! They are reprints of books that were popular back in the 1930's or so, and the ones I've read have been wonderful! A bit slower paced than we might be used too these days, but great settings and character development. The one I just finished is Mystery in White: a Christmas Crime Story, by J. Jefferson Farjeon. When the train they are in is stalled by deep snow, several of the passengers get off, hoping to be able to walk to the next station and continue their journey. (And you know that's not going to happen)! What they find is a house with an unlocked door, fires cheerfully burning in the rooms, the table laid for tea, the tea kettle boiling on the stove ... and no one home.

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Two books from Sandra Boynton now. Bob and 6 more Christmas stories is a board book with stories about parties and a star, Christmas morning, and more. My favorite is the title character, Bob, the reindeer. :-) Then, check out who (or, perhaps, what) is celebrating the holiday in Christmas Parade. Are you ready? (Boom biddy boom biddy boom boom boom)!

Based on real people and true events, Christmas After All: the Great Depression Diary of Minnie Swift, by Kathryn Lasky follows a young girl living in Indianapolis for one month ... November 25 - December 25, 1932 ... and how her family survives, and even celebrates Christmas. There's a nice inclusion of historical events here, and some good photos at the end.

For another trip along memory lane, try Midcentury Christmas: Holiday Fads, Fancies, and Fun from 1945 to 1970, by Sarah Archer. It's fun seeing the hottest toy (Slinky, Easy-Bake Oven), or the newest things in trees (think aluminum). How wrapping paper has changed, and so on. A nice read with my Mitch Miller Christmas CD (once an LP) in the background.

It seems fans have been asking Victoria Thompson to write a Gaslight Mystery involving the secondary characters, and she did just that in Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue. It was thought that Una O'Neill married well ... until she is found sitting on the floor next to her dead husband. With Frank and Sarah Malloy on their honeymoon, the job of finding out what happened and why if up to Maeve, Gino and Mr. and Mrs. Decker. If you've been reading this series, this is a wonderful addition! (And a nice winter cozy, too).

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I've long loved the song "Christmas in the Trenches" on the CD Winter Solstice by John McCutcheon so was not surprised when I also liked Shooting at the Stars: the Christmas Truce of 1914, by John Hendrix. The author/illustrator used letters and notes from interviews with soldiers as his inspiration for the story of the ordinary men, in the trenches, cold, hungry and far from home who had little (if anything) to do with the 'higher ups' that directed the fighting. Sad and moving.

Silent Night: the Story of the World War I Christmas Truce, by Stanley Weintraub, is an adult read. Fewer pictures, more serious text, but a gripping story nevertheless. Grim descriptions of the battlefield, and the living conditions there. How the truce spread from simple lights, to singing, a football game to exchanging photos and family stories. When ordered back to the fighting, many men shot up into the air. Those higher in rank wanted to bring disciplinary actions against those who took part. A rather grim read sometimes, but worth it.

Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes: a Celebration of Christmas, compiled and illustrated by Linda Bronson is a wonderful collection of carols and Bronson's 3-D art. I love her use of texture and unusual objects to create a picture for each song.

The Little Drummer Boy, with illustrations by Ezra Jack Keats, (words and music by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone) came with Seattle Reader's email of favorite picture books, but I decided to put it here, with Christmas books. It's one of my favorite seasonal songs and the illustrations here are Keats usual blend of the traditional and the unexpected. Nicely done.

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More favorite picture books were tucked into emails. From Wandering Reader there was The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats (See the December 27, 2014 post), A Time to Keep, by Tasha Tudor and Library Lion, by Michelle Knudsen with illustrations by Kevin Hawkes. I had not read this one until now, and it was delightful! WR also mentioned enjoying the picture books by Brian Wildsmith so I will include Hunter and His Dog at this time. I love both the illustrations and the twist to the story here. :-)

County Reader added The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater and The Sea People by Jorg Miller and Jorg Steiner. A (now adult) child said this book was the inspiration for becoming an artist. Looking at the illustrations, I can understand why.

Thanks to Tall Reader who has a grandchild who loves The Shemsu Alphabet (doesn't need an adult to read it anymore)! (This book may be found on the April 1, 2014 post).

One that we all enjoyed to end today's post: Puff, the Magic Dragon, by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton, with paintings by Eric Puybaret. We all admitted to singing along while we read it, too. :-)

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This was just an amazing read! History, nostalgia, and wonderful pictures may be found in Christmas Memories: Gifts, Activities, Fads, and Fancies, 1920's - 1960's, by Susan Waggoner. What a wonderful collection! There are memories of Christmases past, what the holiday season was like during the war, or the Depression. How the Kennedy's influenced how trees and houses were decorated ... all in all just a lovely book.

For a look at how some of the landmark homes decorate for the holidays without having to travel, pay a fee, or stand in line, try Christmas at Historic Houses, by Patricia Hart McMillan & Katharine Kaye McMillan. There's a brief history of each house, plus a bit about how Christmas was celebrated at the time the house was being lived in. Beautiful pictures, too.

I remember, vaguely, hearing about the Berlin Airlift in history classes, but not the 'spin-off' that dropped candy to children. Christmas From Heaven: the True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber taught me about that! The book includes a dvd from the tv show so the credits look something like this: as read by Tom Brokaw, illustrated by Robert T. Barrett, written for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir by David T. Warner. (Since this was the book form, I would have bumped the author up in that order). ;-) It was Lt. Halvorsen who noticed the children gathered at the fence when he brought in supplies. He wondered what he could do for them. Find out! (There's a hint in the subtitle). :-) Wonderful illustrations are combined with old photos.

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The recent cold weather sparked this post. It could be worse!

Blizzard, by John Rocco, is based on true events ... that actually happened to the author. One Monday in February of 1978 in started to snow. And snow. And snow. It would be one of the biggest snowstorms in New England history. At first it was fun, but when food runs low someone had to figure out how to get to the store that was a mile away from home. (There were drifts up to 15 feet high, and wind, remember). Who went, and how did he get through the snow?

About 100 years earlier, there was another huge storm. (I think it would have been interesting to see this one from a satellite image, there were several factors at work here). This storm stopped everything (or should have). There is an image of a horse hitched to a rowboat in an effort to delivery coal ... carts were of no use, the snow was too deep for a sleigh. Trains were stuck. Sadly people died because they tried to get in to work, only to discover the doors locked. (There were so many people looking for work that someone could be fired for missing work or even showing up late, so many figured they needed to go). Blizzard: the Storm That Changed America, by Jim Murphy is the history of that storm. Compelling! Prior to this cities did not try to clear their streets, there were no emergency plans to follow. That would change.

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Here's a nice introduction to the wildlife in this area: Where Do I Sleep: a Pacific Northwest Lullaby, by Jennifer Blomgren and illustrated by Andrea Gabriel. It's night time and the youngsters of whales, otters, eagles and more are settling down to sleep. Just where do they do so?

What happens when it's bedtime but you aren't sleepy? Listen for night noises! The sound of the house settling down, tree branches blowing against each other, geese on the wing ... The Night is Singing, by Jacqueline Davies and illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker is a lovely read for the end of the day.

What happened at night on the Ark? Noah's wife sang a lullaby, of course! Learn just what she sang in Naamah and the Ark at Night, a lullaby by Susan Campbell Bartoletti illustrated by Holly Meade. Don't skip the author's note at the end, it explains the rhyme pattern (every line ends with the same word), variations on the name 'Naamah' and why the Ark was the chosen subject. Beautiful.

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1930. It started as breadlines and evolved into relief measures to provide food for families. Magazines and pamphlets included recipes for making meals with leftovers and 'unloved' food. Men, women,and children were starving. A Square Meal: a Culinary History of the Great Depression, by Jane Ziegelman & Andrew Coe is an interesting (if sometimes depressing and frustrating) read. Bonus money for WWI veterans had been promised in 1945, but they were hoping to get it sooner. A march to Washington D.C. (with military discipline, no riots, etc.) was planned, but their plea went unanswered, and then all bonuses were tabled indefinitely.(And the president had the Army 'escort' the vets out of DC) (which turned into the Army burning what little shelter they had). Government officials, worried that citizens were 'getting used' to relief monies and foods wanted to cut back so as to "encourage" them to look for work, but there was no work. Children (those who could make it) were fainting at school, but 'statistics showed that there was no hunger'. As I said, depressing and frustrating. Well researched and well written.

Here's a delightful find! Seems Clara, at 93, had a Facebook page, blog and a show on YouTube featuring her life during the Depression and the recipes her mother used to feed the family. They are simple and filling, and Clara used them all her life. Clara's Kitchen: Wisdom, Memories, and Recipes from the Great Depression, by Clara Cannucciari with her grandson Christopher Cannucciari, was an inspiring read.

There are many books out about the Depression but this is the first I've read that explains what it was like to be a minority (or a woman) (or both) during that time. One of the series Perspectives, A Multicultural Portrait of the Depression was an interesting read. We are not always a noble species. Fortunately, some of the programs started then did include African-Americans, women, and so on. (Other titles include a multicultural look at America's Music, World War I and Immigration).

When Our Mothers Went to War: an Illustrated History of Women In World War II, by Margaret Regis. It's a first hand look at what it was like to be a nurse, or pilot, or ammunitions maker, or wife at home with the kids and a Victory Garden. Well written, great pictures, it's almost a one sit read! Partner it with Women Who Wrote the War (February 23, 2016 post) and On Silver Wings (November 12, 2016) for more on these brave women (lots of overlapping names makes for a very complete picture).

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Can you tell when the season is about to change? With her sketchbook in hand, one young girl watches this transition in Winter is Coming, by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Jim LaMarche. Wonderful pictures and story. I loved the views of the girl in her perch in a tree as animals passed underneath. (Just one question, though, would fawns still have spots by this time of the year?)

Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold, by Joyce Sidman and Rick Allen is a book I enjoyed on many levels. The art work is rich and detailed, the poem that goes with each drawing is simple but evocative, and then there is a side bar for each entry with factual information on how different plants, animals, and insect survive the winter. Most enjoyable.

The first snow of the season can be magical, as it is for the little girl in First Snow, by Bomi Park. The illustrations are soft and lovely. Be sure to look carefully in the woods.

Even though it would take a lot of snow to make most of the things in this book, it was still a delightful read. (Hmm, and maybe all the better because I was inside where it was warm)! ;-) Snow Play: How to Make Forts & Slides & Winter Campfires Plus the Coolest Loch Ness Monster, and 23 Other Brrrilliant Projects in the Snow, by Birgitta Ralston has ideas for all kinds for snowy winter days. (yes, brilliant is spelled that way in the title). Compared to the ones here, my snowmen where really, really lame! Loved the snow lanterns. I think this would go well with a cup of cocoa.

Will we get our first snowfall in the next few days?

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Here is a sweet, soft lullaby all about nightfall as a Mother Mouse puts her wee one to bed. Lullaby Moon, by Rosie Reeve is the perfect way to end the day.

Lullaby Moons and a Silver Spoon: a Book of Bedtime Songs and Rhymes, illustrated by Brooke Dyer might be just the thing to read at the end of the day (or am I showing my age with that comment)?. Familiar poems, nice pictures.

Just what happens in a pet shop after dark? After all, not all animals sleep at night. Pet Shop Lullaby, by Mary Ann Fraser addresses this very problem. I have a feeling some pet owners would find this all too familiar. :-)

Daddy gets home very late. The cat greets him, but the rest of the family is asleep. Or are they? Daddy's Lullaby, by Tony Bradman and illustrated by Jason Cockcroft is just a beautiful story, wonderful illustrations, and a sweet lullaby.

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Remember Sisters: Coming of Age & Living Dangerously in the Wild Copper River Valley, by Samme Gallaher & Aileen Gallaher from the March 6, 2016 post? Here is a collection of more stories from that wild and remote area: Moonlight Madness: Tall Tales From the Copper River Valley. In the past, when travel was by dog team or on foot, there were road houses about every 10 miles or so along the Richardson Trail (Valdez to Fairbanks) where a weary traveler could get a meal and shelter from the elements. Naturally there was talk ... news, gossip, and wonderful tales, some true, some, well, not so much! Samme Gallaher remembers those stories with great fondness and has gathered them together here.

Okay, so it's not a foreign language, but there are territorial differences in our speech and How to Speak Alaskan, edited by J. Stephen Lay and Sue Mattson (revised second edition) explains the ones from the great state to the north. Quite amusing!

Then, a side trail: Speaking American: How Y'all, Youse, and You Guys Talk: a Visual Guide, by Josh Katz. Tennis shoes or sneakers? Traffic circle or roundabout (or something else). How do you say pecan? Grocery? The words we use and how we say them depends on where we live and this is a great way to learn about these differences. I find I often use two of the possibilities (semi-truck and 18-wheeler, for example). How about you? Great fun!

J. Stephen Lay is also the author of What Real Alaskans Eat: Not Your Ordinary Cookbook (with illustrations by Barbara Santora). In addition to the, mmm, recipes unique to Alaska (how to cook a salmon on a boat motor. Inboard or outboard), there are also tidbits of history, such as when bacon helped put out the fire in Fairbanks in 1906.

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Back on the Lego trail with this: Beautiful Lego: Wild! by Mike Doyle. No kidding! Birds and bees, and lions, tigers, and bears (oh, my!) and other amazing creations made this a two cup of tea read. My favorites were the bird bath, an amazing unicorn, and the Husky. And the mouse (rodent) on a mouse (computer).

This took me to a 'how to' book about Lego. 365 Things To Do With Lego Bricks, by Simon Hugo is full of projects and games from easy to hard. There are games for one or more participants, artsy projects (check out the Seattle sky line!), to animals or vehicles large and small ... it looks like a lot of fun!

Another counting book, dog book, Sandra Boynton book here ... Doggies: a Counting and Barking Book is an amusing look at the sounds dogs make (and counting, of course)! It's probably no surprise that my favorite is 9.

Two trails merge as one here ... Shakespeare and Doctor Who! Doctor Who: the Shakespeare Notebooks. And while there is no author given on the title page, I found this: text by James Goss, Jonathan Morris, Julian Richards, Justin Richards, William Shakespeare and Matthew Sweet, with additional thanks to Becca Dunn, Jenni Sweet and Helen Cornes. The illustrations were done by Mike Collins. It is offered as 'proof' that the Doctor and Shakespeare knew each other, and met up several times. Overall a lot of fun, but I'll admit to some skimming here and there.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's another wonderful version of that old Thanksgiving song many of us (of a certain age) sang in grade school. Over the River and Through the Wood: the New England Boy's Song About Thanksgiving Day, by L. Maria Child and illustrated by Matt Tavares includes several verses I don't remember, but I sang them anyway. :-)

Does it really have to be a turkey for the Thanksgiving dinner? Isn't the key word thanksgiving? Not This Turkey! by Jessica Steinberg, with pictures by Amanda Pike puts a wonderful spin on the turkey tradition.

Here's another delightful spin, this time on an old favorite Thanksgiving song: Over the River: a Turkey's Tale by Derek Anderson (based on the song by Lydia Maria Child). Here, it's a turkey family that is headed to grandmother's house for dinner. Fun!

For a seasonal cozy mystery, try Turkey Day Murder by Leslie Meier. It's part of the Lucy Stone Mystery Series, an early one, actually, the publishing date is 2000. Lucy is looking forward to Thanksgiving. Her son (and his roommate) will be coming home for the first time since he left for college, and, with just eight for dinner, she has the perfect amount of silverware, plates, and so forth. Of course, this can't happen! Her son arrives with two extra people (and girls!), her husband invites a couple who need a place to go while repairs are being done to their house. And then the body is found and any chance of a quiet holiday vanish. As always, Meier provides a nice, easy to read mystery. Perfect for a crazy day when you want an escape.

And, lastly, for any of you who like to cook: Thanksgiving: How to Cook It Well, by Sam Sifton. From pots and pans to clean up and leftovers, it's all here (I think, remember I don't cook much!) The author is going for 'tasty' here, so lots of butter (this is not the day to consider calories or cholesterol), and no salad! It's all about how things taste together. Interesting, even for this non-cook. :-)

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A few more alphabet books today. I love books like this when I'm busy, they provide a quick, easy break with wonderful pictures!

I was pleased to find another Harold and his purple crayon book with Harold's ABC, by Crockett Johnson. Follow along as Harold takes a journey through the alphabet. Look for the letter in question in each drawing.

I first saw Hannah Viano's beautiful art work in S is for Salmon (November 4, 2014 post). (She is described as a paper artist). You can see more in B is for Bear: a Natural Alphabet. Wonderful detail! My favorite is R. :-)

When is a letter more than a letter? Find out in The Turn Around Upside Down Alphabet Book by Lisa Campbell Ernst. Turn the book every which way and discover magic wands, magnets, hats ...just so many things!

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There really is a World Toilet Day, and it is today, November 19th. The mission here is to improve sanitation conditions for people around the world. (And yes, the choice of WTO was intentional). I learned this in The Big Necessity: the Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why It Matters, by Rose George, which I found when I was looking for something else entirely! Sanitation is a huge issue and the author traveled all over the world to see how different countries cope. In turns disgusting, sobering (and depressing that so little is being done), amusing, and interesting, this was an unexpected read. :-)

For a lighter look at this subject, read A Funeral in the Bathroom, poems by Kalli Dakos, pictures by Mark Beech. Short, to the point, and funny poems about what happens in an elementary school bathroom.

Here's something that not only fits the TP trail of this post, but would also fit nicely with the other arm chair tourist books I've mentioned: There's No Toilet Paper ... on the Road Less Traveled. The Best of Travel Humor and Misadventure, edited by Doug Lansky. These are tales of adventures, um, with a twist (in other words, something goes wrong).

County Reader reminded me of this one: Everyone Poops, by Taro Gomi (translated by Amanda Mayer Stinchecum). Now, I was sure I'd already used it in my blog, but it seems I haven't, so here it is! Reminding me a bit of a linefrom that old song "Birds do it, bees do it" (Cole Porter) this was just a nice kid's book explaining that every one or thing that eats, needs to poop.

Now here's an interesting history book: Poop Happened: A History of the World From the Bottom Up, by Sarah Albee. As soon as humans came together in groups, sanitation became a major problem. See how we coped over the ages. Interesting and revolting at the same time! ;-)

And lastly, a tween read: Death by Toilet Paper, by Donna Gephart. Times are tough, Benjamin and his mother are about to be evicted from their apartment. Benjamin wants to help, but he's just 15. Funny and painful (you couldn't pay me to be a teenager again!) with lots of fun trivia about toilet paper.

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The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a Swiss non-profit organization committed to bringing books and children together. Founded in 1953, it is still going strong with more than 70 international sections. Under the Spell of the Moon: Art for Children from the World's Great Illustrators, edited by Patricia Aldana with translations by Stan Dragland is a wonderful collection of the work of artists world wide who have donated their work so that all profits will go to IBBY.

By their very nature picture books implies there are artists/illustrators. Who are they, how do they work, how are they inspired, who are their favorite artists and illustrators? Leonard S. Marcus had these questions (and more) in mind when he compiled and edited Show Me a Story!: Why Picture Books Matter: Conversations with 21 of the World's Most Celebrated Illustrators. Part of the fun of this book was to see what the artists looked like!

The Survivor Tree, by Cheryl Somers Aubin, with illustrations by Sheila Harrington, is based on a true story. (That's actually the subtitle, too). On 9/11 a Callery Pear Tree that was on the plaza was buried in rubble and dust. About a month later someone noticed green leaves poking up from the debris. The workers carefully uncovered the tree, and while severely damaged (including burns), there were green leaves, which gave everyone hope. The tree, referred to as 'she', was moved to a nursery where she was lovingly cared for by Richie. Interspersed with memories of the World Trade Center Plaza, this is the story of the of one special tree. Moving story, beautiful illustrations.

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A Grave Matter is the third in the Lady Darby mysteries written by Anna Lee Huber. On the night of the Hogmanay Ball the caretaker is killed when he interrupted grave robbers. The strange thing here, is that this grave is far away from where the body might be sold, plus, it has been in the ground nearly two years, rendering it useless to a buyer. AND, only the bones were stolen. The (expensive) clothes and jewelry were left behind. It would happen again. And again. Who was targeted, and why?

The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala is another in the Bookclub Mystery series by Laura DiSilverio. There is a death at a gathering of gothic mystery writers. The victim has no connection to any of those gathered. Or does he? What secrets are they hiding? A nice cozy, with a few twists I did not see coming. :-)

A warning here ... this series just sort of pulls you in! Shortly after finishing A Grave Matter I started the fourth Lady Darby book by Anna Lee Huber: A Study in Death. While Lady Darby is painting a portrait her client drops dead. She was young and healthy but the doctor has ruled it a death by apoplexy. Lady Darby is not so sure. Her investigation takes her to a chemist in on the 'wrong side' of town, fancy gatherings (with a dress with sleeves that are too poufy, even though she did ask that they be toned down), and a confrontation with her soon to be father-in-law (who is not amused that his son has refused to marry the 'proper' young woman that he has selected). Just a wonderful series, atmospheric, and engaging.

Tall Reader shared Brownies and Broomsticks, by Bailey Cates with me. It is the first in her Magical Bakery Mystery series. Katie has moved back home to Savannah to help with the bakery her aunt and uncle are opening. She also is told she comes from a long line of witches (something her parents chose to ignore telling her). On the day of the grand opening a woman (who has had nasty dealings with many of the townsfolks) is found dead in her car. A nice cozy, I look forward to the next book (which Tall Reader has just delivered)!

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This amazing biography is about an amazing man who does not consider himself a hero. He explains why in Sully: My Search for What Really Matters, by Chelsey B. "Sully" Sullenberger III with Jeffrey Zaslow (originally published as Highest Duty). From the time he was a young boy Sully loved anything about flying. To that end he trained, read, practiced ... He studied reports on plane crashes, what went wrong, what might have done differently, etc. On January 15, 2009, it all came together when he landed his crippled plane in the Hudson River. Mesmerizing.

Women like to fly, too, and they were finally able to prove just how good they could be in WWII. It was a tough struggle, but hundreds of women served their country by ferrying planes across the country. Early on (by treaty, it seems) planes could not fly across the U.S./Canadian border so those bound for Nova Scotia would actually be pushed across! From there a British pilot would take the plane on to Britain. On Silver Wings:1942 - 1944: The Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II,by Marianne Verges is a thrilling history of that service.

If you are a long time PNW resident then much of this book will be familiar: the locations, the names ... well, it will if you are of 'a certain age'! Island Bush Pilot: Founder of San Juan Airlines, by Roy Franklin is a wonderful read of the history of the airline service in the San Juan Islands. It was hard work, at times there was just one pilot who carried not only passengers, but freight, and the mail. He provided medical transportation (for both the local doctor, and to the mainland to the hospital), carried the mail, and dropped food and supplies to fire crews. Just amazing!

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Wandering Reader loves pop-up and moveable books and has an amazing collection including both. Pop up books do just that, the image pops up when the page is turned while moveable books have a flap to lift, or a tab to slide, etc.

The first on a recent list was The Toy Cupboard, by David Wood. From the research I did it looks as if it is a 'traditional' interactive book with treasure chests that open to a fishing line that actually catches a fish, to puzzles and more (no electronics needed)!

Next was one called Mickey Mouse Waddle Book: the Story Book With Characters That Come Out and Walk, from Walt Disney Productions. This looks like an oldie, one date showing was 1934. Here, it looks like figures are put together and then are able to waddle down an incline.

William and the Christmas Moon: a Shadow Casting Bedtime Story, by Laura Robinson looks most interesting! The information I found mentions laser cut images and a "specially designed flashlight" so as to cast shadows on the wall!

And a special mention here to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Frank L. Baum) .... while not a favorite story of Wandering Reader, the pop up version of Robert Sabuda was the first of his amazing pop up books WR opened ... and gasped when the tornado spiraled up off the page! Needless to say, it was the start of the Sabuda collection for this reader!

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I had a mixed reaction to the joy of leaving your sh*t all over the place: the art of being messy, by jennifer mccartney. (yes, all lower case!) On the one hand, it is a witty and hysterical parody of the decluttering books that are so popular, especially one (see the January 9, 2016 post). I laughed and nodded frequently. On the other hand, it is full of foul language, something I feel is totally unnecessary 99% of the time. (Note: this is a Very Personal opinion here and I've been told that this is the 'new' way of writing and that I am being stodgy. That's fine with me! The English language draws on so many languages and is so varied and complex I see no need to resort to such language). So, if you are able to just sort of 'skip' over the bad language, or, it just doesn't bother you, then I think you will enjoy this book. As to the 'decluttering' issue, I have friends on both ends of the spectrum. One house is bare and spare with no knick knacks or piles of books anywhere. The other is stuffed full of books and treasures collected on travels, both around the world and to the nearest thrift shop. Some are home made, or by a local artist. Both home owners are content and enjoy their surroundings ... and that, to me, is the key. There's no need to do what 'everyone' is doing (and is it ever really everyone??), do what makes you happy.

Twenty-Odd Ducks: Why, Every Punctuation Mark Counts!, by Lynne Truss and illustrated by Bonnie Timmons is a clever book that explains punctuation to young readers. It makes learning grammar fun!

It's back to the WWII trail for this book: Helluva Town: the Story of New York City During World War II, by Richard Goldstein. So much happened there it's hard to know what to say! Ships were built, U-boats lurked off the coast, troops trained, celebrated their last night in the U.S. and then were shipped out, refugees escaped invading armies from across Europe, shows with patriotic themes filled the stages of Broadway (those in uniform got in free), Canteens were popular .... famous actors could be seen setting up tables, etc.,then performing (for free), then cleaning up afterwards. When all the bright lights made NYC an easy target, 'dimouts' were imposed everywhere. A most interesting read. (Side note here, originally, in the opening number for On the Town, the words really were "It's a helluva town" but the powers that be thought that was too rough for the movie audience and had it changed to "wonderful town.")

And lastly, a new trail for me ... Bees! From Constant Reader came recommendations for two books on this subject and Keeping the Bees: Why All Bees Are at Risk and What We Can Do to Save Them, by Laurence Packer is the one I read first. Factual (there are dozens, maybe hundreds of types of bees) and fun (despite the myths, some bees are lazy, or solitary). From how they do what they do, to Colony Collapse (and what it might mean), to what we can do to help bees this proved to be a most interesting read.

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At first it was a simple wheel barrow, then a cart pulled by a horse. The food was made at home and sold on the street. Samuel Jones may have been the first to create an indoor space for diners (SRO) and then (with customized appliances) a kitchen. When streets started to get congested, these 'eateries' moved off to the side and, eventually, lost their wheels. To attract more women and families, booths were added. The evolution of this once (and future, it seems,) favorite eatery is beautifully told and illustrated in The American Diner, by Michael Karl Witzel. When the men went of to fight in WWII, women moved behind the counter ... and became an American Icon! There is diner slang: "zeppelins in a fog" for sausages and mashed potatoes, for example. They were known for good (local) food and great service, clean restrooms and endless cups of coffee. With the creation of the interstate highways (which bypassed so many of the small towns), faster cars, etc. the fast food establishments took over with generic food the same everywhere (but you could grab it and eat it in the car) and the diner declined. Fortunately, it is making a comeback.

Seems waitressing isn't the bad job so many seem to think it is. The hours allow a mother to be home when her children get in from school, and the money is better than an office or factory job. The difference may be is that those interviewed for Counter Culture: the American Coffee Shop Waitress, by Candacy A. Taylor all worked in the smaller, local diners, etc. Here, they establish a customer base of folks who become friends and a waitress may serve three or four generations of the same family. None denied it was hard work, but many are working well into their seventies and eighties, not because they have to, but because they love what they do. An eye opener of a book about a dying breed of the American work force. Very interesting!

For a different look at the job, this time from a high end restaurant, there's Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip - Confessions of a Cynical Waiter, by The Waiter, Steve Dublanica. Part biography, part memoir, part "what do I want to do when I grow up" musings, this book started as a blog. The author started out studying to be a priest, worked in the health care industry and various other jobs before starting to wait tables. The blog was a way to cope, and vent frustrations. Anonymously he was able to talk about the good, bad, rude, and surprising moments of the job. It caught on and he was asked to write a book (where he had to give up being anonymous ...) A different customer base, plus alcohol and the fancier meals offered make this a contrasting look at the profession from Counter Culture, but also an interesting read. (A wonderful observation from Constant Reader is that one book is about serving people and the other about deserving tips and such without really earning them). (See what you think!)

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November 3rd is Sandwich Day! There are lots of books out there about making the perfect sandwich, but this one was different and caught my eye: The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, by Julia Sarcone-Roach. A sandwich is missing, but just who ate it? Follow along this delightful ... 'explanation' ... of why there's nothing left of said sandwich but a wee bit of lettuce. Be sure to check out the bear in the park. :-)

At the Same Moment, Around the World, by Clotilde Perrin is an amazing way to show children the various time zones. Starting in Senegal it shows what a child may be doing at the same time. Wonderful illustrations. I love how the first and last pictures work so well together. :-) At the end is a brief history of how we keep time and a fold out map. This book would go well with While You Are Sleeping: a Lift the Flap Book of Time Around the World found in the October 6, 2015 post.

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I was using Google images looking for inspiration for a birthday card and instead found a new book trail! I came across a wonderful picture of a woman on a plow, which took me to Wikipedia and an entry on the Women's Land Army. These were women, who, in WWI and WWII, took up the traditional men's duties on farms in the UK. Naturally, I had to learn more!

First up is The Women's Land Army, by Neil R. Storey & Molly Housego. This is a short history of how it got started, what training was provided,and what happened when the men came home (think no pension, etc). Full of wonderful photos, it's a wonderful overview of a remarkable program.

Then, for a more in depth look, try The Women's Land Army, by Vita Sackville-West. It includes all the charts and statistics the government likes, but also descriptions of the various jobs and some great anecdotes. Those who were part of the WLA were given a certain amount of time off each week/month ... except for those milking cows. (Think about it)! Those working in the forests did ALL the jobs, from finding the trees to cut, to cutting them down, hauling them to the sawmill, and so forth. (Woman are strong)! One farm was heavily shelled but would carry on with the necessary work (the men fighting would need the food, after all). The comment here was that the "war was the sidehow" ... so very British! And, my favorite ... the Queen held a big gathering for the Land Girls. Initially it was set up to be held outdoors, but she decided that indoors would better since the Girls had probably had enough of being outside. :-)

Talk about strong women! Nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, spies, journalists, and even soldiers on the front lines, they did it all. Women Heroes of World War I: 16 Remarkable Resisters, Soldiers, Spies, and Medics, by Kathryn J. Atwood is a collection of short biographies about these amazing members of "the weaker sex." (Hah!)

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Looking for that perfect pumpkin for your Jack O'Lantern? So is Sylvie Ann, and just look at what happens! Pumpkin Moonshine is written and illustrated by Tasha Tudor.

Now this one, Runaway Mummy: a Petrifying Parody, by Michael Rex would fit nicely with my post on Good Night Moon and all those parodies. A loving spin on Runaway Bunny (Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd) it is filled with monsters, which also makes it an excellent choice for a Halloween post. :-)

1962. That's when this song was released? Do you remember? (I do!) Here, in Monster Mash, artist David Catrow gives the lyrics wonderful, creepy, 'monstery' illustrations. (As for the song itself, Bobby Pickett and Leonard Capizzi did the words and music).

While Ten Orange Pumpkins: a Counting Book by Stephen Savage would fit well with my Counting Book post(s),it fit even better here! Love the pictures! Be sure to keep an eye on the cat.

Here's a fun spin on lullabies: Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters, a Lullaby, by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Kelly Murphy. Find out just how monsters get ready for bed!

A picture book, a counting book ... and a Halloween book, that's why Spooky Pookie, by Sandra Boynton is going with this post! Follow Pookie as he decides on the perfect costume for trick or treating. Great fun!

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