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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