It's November, 1847 and Charles Ellet, Jr. has been hired to build a bridge across Niagara Falls. To promote this project, he held a contest in January ... a kite-flying contest, to be exact, offering a cash reward to the first boy to anchor a string between Canada and the U.S. (It was secured on January 31, 1848). Read all about the winner in The Kite That Bridged Two Nations: Homan Walsh and the First Niagara Suspension Bridge, by Alexis O'Neill, illustrated by Terry Widener.

Unlikely Loves: 43 Heartwarming True Stories from the Animal Kingdom, by Jennifer S. Holland came as a gift from Riding Reader. A nice collection of tales about animals you'd never expect to be friends ... a turkey and a deer, or a dolphin and a cat. As the title says, these really are heartwarming! A nice contrast to some of the stories on the news.

There are many programs nowadays that partner prisoners with dogs in training for guide dogs and service dogs. Prison Puppies (part of the Dog Heroes series) by Meish Goldish is a children's book, but still a very nice look at one of those programs.

Another book from Riding Reader proved to be one of those hard to put down books. Scent of the Missing: Love & Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog, by Susannah Charleson is the story of how the author selected and trained Puzzle, her SAR dog. The training (for both human and canine) is intense, the bond that is created is strong. SAR folks (with and without dogs) are amazing. So was this book.

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I was a bit concerned about reading Dave Barry's Book of Bad Songs as I sometimes get annoying songs stuck in my head and I in no way wanted to encourage that! However, these were just poorly written songs, (or so the people that responded to the survey thought) and not so much ones that would stick with me. A rather interesting read ... my favorite being the Carpenter's song Close to You .... ("why do birds suddenly appear ...") .... the question here was "Does no one remember a particular Hitchcock movie?" ! :-) Good for a chuckle or two.

Here's a word book with a nice twist: The African Svelte: Ingenious Misspellings That Make Surprising Sense, by Daniel Menaker (drawings by Roz Chast). Yes, the words are spelled incorrectly or are incorrect, and yet, it works! Is a "last stitch" effort any less descriptive than "last ditch" effort?

Are you someone who thinks of the perfect thing to say ... after the fact? (I am). There's an expression for that! L' esprit de l'escalier ("the wit of the staircase"). There's one in German, too: Treppenwitz (it also means staircase wit). Alas, there is nothing in English. Fortunately there have been many who did come up with something clever to say and these are gathered together in viva la repartee: clever comebacks and witty retorts from history's great wits & wordsmiths, by Dr. Mardy Grothe. Thoroughly enjoyable (I even enjoyed the sports retorts). :-)

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The reading to dogs program found at many libraries has been very successful and here's why ... dogs don't care if you stutter, miss a word, etc., they'll listen anyway. A young reader learns this in Madeline Finn and the Library Dog, by Lisa Papp.

This book would go nicely with other world tour picture books I've used. (Ride on Mother's Back from May, 2015, While You Were Sleeping from October 6, 2015, and At the Same Moment, Around the World from November 3, 2016). This time you follow a yawn around the world! The Moon's Lullaby, by Josephine Nobisso and pictures by Glo Coalson is sweet and charming. And it should make you yawn.

Here's a book with wonderful pictures and is an introduction to poetry as well! Switching on the Moon: a Very First Book of Bedtime Poems, collected by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters with illustrations by Brian Karas. From bedtime to dawn there were familiar poems, new poems, and a few variations on familiar poems. Nicely done.

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For a look at something both far away (at least from where I write) and long ago, try Forgotten Queens, by Kevin Walsh and the Greater Astoria Historical Society. Part of the Images of America series, it is, as expected, filled with wonderful archival photos of what the borough of Queens looked like in the early to mid 19th century. Each photo offers up a bit of history, too. A most interesting read!

Here's an earlier book by Kevin Walsh: Forgotten New York: the Ultimate Urban Explorer's Guide to All Five Burroughs. Since it's a travel guide there's information on subway and bus routes in addition to the photos and historic information. Even as an armchair tourist this was interesting. :-)

For more (a lot more) on strong women check out Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, & Heretics, by Jason Porath. This is a teen read so the entries are fairly short. Still, there's a lot of information here, with interesting pictures that reveal many elements from the short biographies.

In an effort for full disclosure here, I did not read this book in it's entirety! It came (of course) during Christmas, there was company (great visits!!), a bout of the 'big bad bug' ... and, I knew there were lots of others waiting, so I have returned The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars, by Dava Sobel without finishing it. What I read, though, was good. Talk about strong, intelligent women!

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Are you looking for some place ... different to go on your next vacation? Or, do you enjoy reading about unusual places? Either way, Atlas Obscura: an Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders, by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras & Ella Morton should be of interest to you. In the Canary Islands, distance communication was done by whistling! To keep it from dying out it's now taught in the elementary schools. There's a vertically floating log in Crater Lake in Oregon that's been there since at least 1896. In Montana you'll find the last large, concrete arrow that was an aid to the early days of air mail service. You'll find a jail were the cells rotate (not so good if there's a fire), and a road so deadly and treacherous it's become a tourist destination. Like ice cream? How about flavors such as Smoked Trout, Asparagus, or Fried Pork Rinds? The short entries make this easy to pick up and put down.

Do you enjoy those period movies, tv shows and books set in the past? Victorian England, perhaps? Think it would be nice to live in that lovely era of beautiful clothing and elegant manners? Think again! Therese Oneill tells the truth of what it would really be like for a woman to live then in Unmentionable: the Victorian Ladies Guide to Sex, Marriage, & Manners. Read what it was like to dress each morning, how to deal with growing up and all the changes therein, how to set a proper table ... and how to seat a proper table. ;-) The subtleties are many and extremely important. Even walking down the street (which really, you shouldn't do) is full of strict protocol. Interesting and entertaining, but if I wasn't glad I live now (and I was) then I really am now!!

Did you read the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books when you were young? Or The Egg and I, all about a chicken ranch on Vashon Island? Paula Becker did, and loved them but was surprised to discover there was no biography of the author! She decided to rectify that with Looking for Betty MacDonald: the Egg, the Plague, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, and I. It's a wonderful, thoughtful and extremely well researched book. (Check out the bibliography)! She visited every place that MacDonald had lived, scoured newspaper archives, historical collections in libraries, and took many road trips. (Her kids started asking "Is that a Betty house?")

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It's back to libraries, Canada, and local history trails today.

For a place with a reputation for quiet and 'Marian the Librarian' (glasses, bun, 'shh') employees, (okay, so that really dated me!!) the history of the library is actually one of fire, destruction and death. Library: an Unquiet History, by Matthew Battles is an intense read. Books have been destroyed for centuries (and it continues today). Depressing at times, but hopeful and at times powerful, too.

The border between Canada and the United States is about five thousand miles long. Unfenced, remote in many places, and friendly ... well ... most of the time anyway. War Plan Red: the United States' Secret Plan to Invade Canada and Canada's Secret Plan to Invade the United States by Kevin Lippert provides the details of when, how, and where each country considered move to take over that big country 'next door'. Curious, fun at times, a little disturbing at times! :-)

Do you know the difference between a houseboat and a floating home? I didn't, actually, until I read Seattle's Floating Homes, by Erin Feeney. It's another selection from the wonder Images of America series and, as expected, is full of amazing pictures of this lifestyle unique to cities on the water. Once a place to shelter loggers and low income families, these rustic, primitive shacks evolved into amazing homes.

The fifth in the Magical Bakery series, Magic and Macaroons, by Bailey Cates introduces some darker characters with evil intent and Katie and her friends must confront them to solve a murder and a save a young woman in a mysterious coma. I love that the various 'familiars' played a part in the solution. :-)

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In times when it was unusual for a woman to work outside the home, and, when the Royals (women especially) were not allowed to work (mentioned in the Royal Spyness books) many females volunteered as nurses. Putting on the uniform, and with no reference to their high birth they were not only good at the medical aspects of the job, but wonderful at bringing comfort to the wounded. Princesses on the Wards: Royal Women in Nursing Through Wars and Revolutions, by Coryne Hall is an inspiring, if somewhat confusing read. All royal families seem to use the same names over and over and I had to pay careful attention as to when it was. ;-)

Here's one to partner with the book above: Queen Victoria's Grandsons (1859 - 1918), by Christina Croft. She may not have been the best parent, but she loved being a grandmother. She was big on the proper marriage, though, trying to unify Europe through ties to the monarchy. (That all sort of fell apart at the end ....) Not all the 'royals' were good students, or liked the public life, others did, making for a rather interesting read. (And yes, the grand-daughters got equal time, in another book by this same author). :-)

Some Enchanted Eclair, by Bailey Cates, is the fourth of the Magical Bakery series. A 'period piece' movie is being filmed in town which brings in all sorts of new and interesting characters (!) including a psychic and (maybe) a leprechaun. There's a missing weapon, and poisoned cookies, and a small library (in the bakery) where you will find the book you need. Just a fun series and Tall Reader recently loaned me all the rest of the books!

Constant Reader suggested Pounce, by Seth Casteel. While not a cat person (allergies) I thoroughly enjoyed it! Don't miss the introduction as the author explains the difference between taking pictures of dogs and taking pictures of cats. Or rather, trying to take pictures of cats! Marvel too, at how athletic and flexible felines are!

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Might this be the start of a new trail? Books about outdoor cooking that is not grilling, which is so popular these days? Could be! First up is Come an' Get It: the Story of the Old Cowboy Cook, by Ramon F. Adams, illustrations by Nick Eggenhofer. Just how did the camp cook keep all those men well fed using few ingredients and working in all kinds of weather, battling dust and mud, bugs and snakes, and changing location twice a day? And why was the last job each day to point the tongue of the wagon towards the north star? A wonderful look back at jobs that no longer exist (at least not like this).

Here's some of those cowboy meals updated, and prepared in the comfort of a kitchen: The Cowboy's Cookbook: More Than 50 Trailblazing Recipes From the American West, by Beverly LeBlanc. Most entries include a bit of history (many from the Ramon Adams book above), and pictures to make your mouth water!

Cowboys weren't the only ones that needed feeding, lumberjacks needed to eat, too. Here's something from what looks like a fun series: Exploring History through Simple Recipes. The title I'm using here is Nineteenth-Century Lumber Camp Cooking by Maureen M. Fischer. It's a nice combination of archival photos, history and recipes for meals to feed a hungry crew (but on a smaller level). ;-)

I almost didn't include Campfire Cookery: Adventuresome Recipes and Other Curiosities for the Great Outdoors, by Sarah Huck and Jaimee Young because it is 'camp cooking' at a level far above what I did when I camped! (Check out some of the utensils you're to bring along!) What won me over was the section at the very end with chapters on stargazing, telling stories, singing around the campfire and more.

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He took on a project that was considered impossible and overcame all odds to see it completed. When disaster struck (and lives were lost), he stepped forward and took full responsibility. (Imagine that happening now when something is always someone else's fault). Whether you think William Mulholland brought water to L.A. or stole it, Water to the Angels: William Mulholland, His Monumental Aqueduct, and the Rise of Los Angeles, by Les Stanford is good read.

Orcas Island, from the Orcas Island Historical Society and Museum, is another in the series Images of America. It is a loving history of the island full of wonderful pictures and text about what life was like in the 'olden days.' Lime from the island was used in the rebuilding of San Francisco earthquake of 1906. There was a married couple, both MDs so the wife was known as 'Mrs. Dr.' And, one of the many resorts was equipped with the most modern of amenities ... a two-story outhouse!

What was your first job? Did you like it? Hate it? Find out what others thought in First Jobs: True Tales of Bad Bosses, Quirky Coworkers, Big Breaks, and Small Paychecks, by Merritt Watts. One young man found him self covering sports for the local newspaper at age 16. All other men were off to fight in WWII, and while the owner was fine having women cover all the other stories, he thought sports should be reported on by a guy. Another started at age 5 (!) shining shoes. From Disneyland to zoos, to ice cream parlors and farms, this was an interesting read. (What happened to babysitting? Picking strawberries? Were those not considered as first jobs for this book, or are Riding Reader and I showing our age?)

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A trip in the way-back machine now ... remember drive in theaters? The last time I was at one I saw Star Wars (the first in that series). During the final battle scene there was a thunderstorm .... oh, wait here ... check out my April 14, 2015 post! That was a book on local drive in theaters, this one, The American Drive-In Movie Theatre, by Don and Susan Sanders is more national in scope. There was a time when you could only get pizza here! To make the drive-in a family destination there were often playgrounds and pony rides, or even a swimming pool. (These would be removed over insurance concerns.) Later, when television came along and it was easier to keep the family at home, the drive-in became a place for couples to get a little privacy ... and that's when the 'teen movies' started up, too. Some owners actually lived on site, often in an apartment behind the giant screen. For the premiere of Blazing Saddles the 'drive in' became a 'ride in' and you could only come on horseback! As land became more valuable, many sold out so there are just a few left anymore. Great pictures here!

Seems there have been pets in the royal family for centuries. Brian Hoey did a wonderful job on his research for Pets by Royal Appointment: the Royal Family and Their Animals. There are the expected horses and dogs, but there were also a few birds and cats ... and Elizabeth (now Queen) and her sister had a chameleon when they were young (they loved to watch it change color). Any one who had an animal had to learn to clean up after it, too (imagine the Queen mucking out stalls!!). Many also went on to learn a bit about health and medical care, too. The Queen is computer savvy ... that way she can keep up with her race horses when she's away from home!

Some people seem endlessly fascinating and that includes presidents. Louis L.

Picone’s first book was on were they were born. I haven't read it but it seems not as many of those places have been preserved because, of course, who knew they'd become president? This book, The President is Dead! The Extraordinary Stories of the Presidential Deaths, Final Days, Burials, and Beyond is about just that ... their last days, what killed them, sometimes their final words,and their funeral. Andrew Jackson had a parrot who had to be removed from the memorial service because Jackson had taught it to swear. John Tyler's death was not acknowledged by President Lincoln. Three former presidents died during Nixon's term, leaving him with no one who'd actually served as the president to talk to. Each entry ends with location, hours, and admission cost (if there is one) to visit the grave. (See also my post for June 24, 2016 for another book on this subject).

Here's the third in the Magical Bakery series by Bailey Cates: Charms and Chocolate Chips. It involves a swamp that is scheduled to become a golf course, a magical tree, and origami bats. See how they all tie together! I love meeting all the 'familiars' of the coven as this series develops. Great fun!

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We're a long way from the summer solstice now, but Under Alaska's Midnight Sun, by Deb Vanesse and illustrated by Jeremiah Tramwell might be just the read you need! It's full of long days filled with sunshine as it takes place far enough north where the sun never sets (for about 83 days). Wonderful pictures, this is a joyful celebration of light.

This might be a better read for earlier in the winter, but now is when I found it and I didn't want to wait a year to post it! Sleep Tight Farm: a Farm Prepares for Winter, by Eugenie Doyle and illustrated by Becca Stadtlander is a delightful and detailed look at what happens on a farm when winter is coming. (If you think it's a slow time, think again)! Worth several reads, pay attention to the pictures, absolutely wonderful!

This is just a wonderful book! Cookie Advent Cookbook with *24* festive recipes, by Barbara Grunes and Virginia Van Vynckt. On the front cover is the advent calendar. Now, I've not opened any of them as this is intended as a gift, but the blurb says behind each window is a cookie, and then inside is the actual recipe. Looks like a lot of fun!

Seems I've jumped into the middle of a series with January Thaw, by Jess Lourey. It's part of her A Murder By Month Mystery series which started with May. Even so, I didn't have too much trouble figuring out the characters and it was a nice cozy mystery. The body found under the ice is not who, or what, people thought and there's an interesting tie to a murder from Civil War days.

This is a rather old-fashioned clip art book ... the clip art is actually in the book and not on line! Still, it was fun and I found some nice pictures to use when I design cards, and so forth: Clip Art for Winter, created and illustrated by Dianne J. Hook.

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Susan Jeffers version of The Twelve Days of Christmas is more fitting for the younger set, I think, in that Santa brings the gifts rather than a true love. Here, the adventure starts with a snow globe. I love the twist to the pipers piping in both this version, and the one by Laurel Long.

Here's one that is both traditional and has a spin! Woodland Christmas:Twelve Days of Christmas in the North Woods, by Frances Tyrrell is a story of a courtship and the gifts involved. I love the 'eight maids a milking' in the Milky Way! Keep an eye on the bears. ;-)

The Twelve Days of Christmas: a Peek-Through Picture Book, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup was great fun to read! Follow the song along as the picture gets more and more complex and detailed. (No peeking at the end now! ;-)

Still don't care much for the song, but I love the various (and varied) interpretations!

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My usual posting days didn't fall on Twelfth Night this year, and, I didn't find twelve books, so I'm just going to divide what I did find into two posts leading up to January 6th. :-)

This is, I've learned, a 'moveable' book, pages that lift up, or rotate to show a new image. And, given the subtitle, it would also fit with other counting books. :-) The 12 Days of Christmas: a carol-and-count flap book, by Tad Hills is a nice, quiet 'interactive' book (before the computer age) that lets readers lift the flap to find out what happens next. Probably more fun for those of a certain age than youngsters today. ;-)

This book, Twelve Days: a Christmas Countdown, by Gordon Snell, and illustrated by Kevin O'Malley had one odd twist ... why 10 reindeer and not 8? Ah, well, I'll never know, but it was still a fun read as chaos (and excitement) build in the days leading up to Christmas.

A bit of a spin this time, in The Twelve Days of Winter: a School Counting Book, by Deborah Lee Rose and illustrated by Carey Armstrong-Ellis. See how a teacher keeps her students busy with a new activity every day.

Exquisite, colorful, detailed ... the illustrations in The Twelve Days of Christmas by Laurel Long are all these and more. Look carefully and find elements of other days in the pictures.

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