I am a big fan of Jackie and this book was a delight all the way through. What is a first lady to do when the White House and the people in the US seeI am a big fan of Jackie and this book was a delight all the way through. What is a first lady to do when the White House and the people in the US seemed to be missing out on the enjoyment of the finer works of art? Well, she started by pulling out those precious antiques from the warehouses and giving each of them a special place in the people's house. And when that was done, Jackie had a brilliant idea. She talked the Louvre into loaning the US the Mona Lisa. Once that masterpiece was very carefully shipped to Washington, D.C. it was displayed at the Washington Gallery of Art and at the Met in NYC. Between the two showings, 1.5 million folks got a firsthand look at Mona. This was followed by a renewed interest in visiting museums across the country. Well done, Jackie! *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
A young boy named Alan has a stutter. The one time he doesn't is when he communicates with animals. After years of hard work, Alan must find his voiceA young boy named Alan has a stutter. The one time he doesn't is when he communicates with animals. After years of hard work, Alan must find his voice to save and help those without a voice, particularly a jaguar he sees in a barren cage at the zoo with his family.
Based on the real-life of the "Indiana Jones of Wild Life Conservation", Alan Rabinowitz gives us a book about empowerment, stuttering, animal conservation, perseverance and courage, in this beautifully illustrated book by Ca'Tia Chien.
As someone who grew up with a very tough speech impediment, seeing someone similar to myself in a book is very heartwarming. *Review by Andrew from Red Bridge*...more
Flying is much more than just a quick way to traverse space. It's freedom and color and form and style. ~ Amelia Earhart
This cheerful, colorful new piFlying is much more than just a quick way to traverse space. It's freedom and color and form and style. ~ Amelia Earhart
This cheerful, colorful new picture book brings the fashion sense of Amelia Earhart to our attention. Her designs were not only attractive and fashion forward, they also included innovations that made the clothes more comfortable and lent ease of movement. Details like large pockets and washability were not common at that time. A detail I definitely did not know was that Amelia was friends with Elsa Schiaperelli, the famous French designer. Also, Amelia took First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt for a quick plane ride while they were both in evening dress in 1933.
The author of this book is a Kansas native and I happen to be reading and reviewing the book on the Kansas State Birthday -- January 29. Happy 161st birthday, Kansas! Your state motto: "Ad astra per aspera: To the stars through difficulties" certainly defined your native daughter Amelia Earhart. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
I can be president of the United States, or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly DO BOTH.~Theodore Roosevelt
Alice Roosevelt was involved in WashingtI can be president of the United States, or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly DO BOTH.~Theodore Roosevelt
Alice Roosevelt was involved in Washington politics for decades. She assisted her father with his campaigns, was married to a congressman and Speaker of the House, and circulated in the social scene into her eighties. She was a firecracker and was said to carry her pet snake, Emily Spinach, in her purse. She travelled the world to help her father and his administration. Her boundless energy often caused gossip, but she was likely Teddy's favorite of his six children. It makes you wonder what heights she might have achieved had she been born fifty or possibly one hundred years later than she was. This picture book bio does a great job showing us what Princess Alice was like. Another book I have enjoyed featuring this fascinating woman is American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
Several things fascinated me about this book. One, we see that Laura Ingalls Wilder most definitely inherited her storytelling talents from Pa. When hSeveral things fascinated me about this book. One, we see that Laura Ingalls Wilder most definitely inherited her storytelling talents from Pa. When her journalism experience was combined with that skill, we were blessed with the Little House series. Two, the ways we could see the series unfolding as we read this book. Although some names were changed and events sometimes out of sequence for effect, we still read the Little House books and learn about Laura's childhood. Three, the dynamics of Laura's relationship with her daughter, Rose, and how much she leaned upon Rose for editing assistance. Quite illuminating.
I do admit that at times the footnotes were a bit tedious. The book was so thoroughly researched that each person mentioned in "Pioneer Girl" is also given a back story and a brief summary of their life after their mention in the narrative (if known). I tended to skim over those details. The info I found most interesting was the references to where these nuggets were found in the Little House series as well as comments about the manuscripts of this book. Highly recommended! *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
A bit of Betty White makes everything better. Her career in television began in 1949 and lasted almost 70 years. She was literally the very first womaA bit of Betty White makes everything better. Her career in television began in 1949 and lasted almost 70 years. She was literally the very first woman to appear in the medium and she knows her stuff. Add to that her animal advocacy and her winning personality and you have an American icon. When I saw this book was coming out, I jumped on the hold list. Such a great idea to publish this book to commemorate her 100th birthday. So sad that she was not here to celebrate with all of us. Filled with amazing photos, interviews, and facts about Betty this is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. *Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
Here is an excellent read for Women's History Month: Annie Wilkins was 63 when she began her journey. She had been given 2-4 years to live. Despite thHere is an excellent read for Women's History Month: Annie Wilkins was 63 when she began her journey. She had been given 2-4 years to live. Despite the lack of a planned route, she pointed her horse south and left her farm behind. As Elizabeth Letts tells Annie's story, we also get a snapshot of our country in 1956. Along the way, there were many clues to the new normal that was making itself known. Annie called herself the last Saddle Tramp. The era of highway travel was barreling in and traveling on a horse was going to become increasingly difficult. When Annie packed for her trip she anticipate many nights out under the stars. In reality, she found the kindness of strangers to provide accommodations in jail cells, stables, fairgrounds, fancy hotels, and guest rooms. Often, her hosts would encourage her to stay with them indefinitely. I am sure she was often tempted to just hang up the saddle and stay put. She never gave in. Her courage and determination pulled her back into the saddle to go onto the next town. Readers will also find Annie's deep love and respect for her traveling companions to be an endearing facet of this story. I can just see them: Tarzan (the Morgan horse) and Rex (the Tennessee Walker) with Annie on one horse and her dog Depeche Toi perched on the other. I did not think a horse story could top The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation, but I do believe this new title from Elizabeth Letts is my new favorite. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
My life has been an eventful one. I was born a slave--was the child of slave parents--therefore I came upon the earth free in God-like thought, but feMy life has been an eventful one. I was born a slave--was the child of slave parents--therefore I came upon the earth free in God-like thought, but fettered in action.~from the autobiography of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly
Elizabeth was born into a household where her mother was the seamstress in 1818. Stitch by stitch she learned not only how to sew, but also how to read and write. She became a seamstress like her mother and eventually became so well-known for her talents that Mary Todd Lincoln hired Elizabeth to sew the dress needed for Abraham Lincoln's 1861 Inauguration. This picture book is not only filled with quotes from Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly's autobiography, but also gorgeous fabric swatches, embroidery and trim. It is a beautiful book with an important story. ...more
He never shirked his duty. ~ Why Chief Marshal Leo Bennet thought Bass Reeves made a good deputy.
Although this is a work of fiction, Gary Paulsen put He never shirked his duty. ~ Why Chief Marshal Leo Bennet thought Bass Reeves made a good deputy.
Although this is a work of fiction, Gary Paulsen put as much truth as he could dig up on Bass Reeves into it. When it comes to law and order, you can't get any better man than Bass Reeves. Paulsen spends a good chunk of the book fleshing out the boyhood and fugitive years Bass lived before becoming a free man. He became a deputy at the age of 51. Anecdotes of his life in the book include a 25-mile chase to catch a serial horse thief. Bass and the criminal had to switch horses three times. And Bass, at the age of 70, prevailed with a trick he learned from the Comanches. That trick involved dismounting and running alongside his horse on the downhill slopes to help his horse have more stamina. Bass Reeves even had to round up his own son Bennie and arrest him for murder. He told his son that "free men live by the law." The last law enforcement job he had was as town constable for Muscogee, Oklahoma. He was 81 when they hired him. Check out this book to get the Gary Paulsen treatment of a legendary lawman from the Wild West. *Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
I think everybody needs a passion. Whether it's one passion or a hundred, that's what keeps life interesting.~Betty White
As many contemplate the new yI think everybody needs a passion. Whether it's one passion or a hundred, that's what keeps life interesting.~Betty White
As many contemplate the new year ahead, these wise words are worth pondering. I checked this little book out in anticipation of Betty celebrating her 100th birthday soon and the planned documentary about her life. When I heard the sad news of her passing yesterday, I had to pull this one out to remember the iconic Betty White. Love was poured into her as a child and she never stopped returning that love to people and four-legged friends everywhere. She will be greatly missed. RIP, Betty White. *Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
Yesterday marked the 504th anniversary of the day Martin Luther nailed a list of 95 concerns (theses) to the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This was theYesterday marked the 504th anniversary of the day Martin Luther nailed a list of 95 concerns (theses) to the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This was the beginning of a movement that would change the world. If you have been worshipping in a Protestant church, then you can thank Martin Luther for what he started. The event happened so long ago, we take the results for granted. This book is not long -- just 32 pages. The message inside is wonderfully presented alongside gorgeous museum-worthy illustrations. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
In nearly nine hundred episodes, from 1968 to 2001, Mister Rogers broadcasted affection, compassion, and respect for his audience. His message was cleIn nearly nine hundred episodes, from 1968 to 2001, Mister Rogers broadcasted affection, compassion, and respect for his audience. His message was clear: It is normal to have feelings. It is good to talk about feelings. It is important to share feelings. And the best part? Everyone expresses their feelings in their own special way.
This is a delightful picture book biography with colorful illustrations and an important message. Emotions can be overwhelming for kids. As adults, we sometimes find those emotions to come at the most inconvenient time. Mr. Rogers reminds us to take time to listen and understand rather than rush on with our to do list. For kids, this is validation that their feelings are normal and worthy of discussion. Sit down with the kids in your life and read this encouraging picture book. *Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
The memory of meeting past challenges now helped her fingers dance, celebrating the way life had turned out to be a mixture of all sorts of feelings, The memory of meeting past challenges now helped her fingers dance, celebrating the way life had turned out to be a mixture of all sorts of feelings, happy and sad.
Do you know the story of Teresa Carreño? She played the piano in a private concert for President Lincoln shortly after he signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Teresa's family emigrated from Venezuela in 1962. Her musical talent helped her to feel more at home here in a nation where brother was warring against brother. The composer Gottschalk gave her piano lessons and was also performed for the president. This book won the Pura Belpré Award for illustration in 2020. The colorful illustrations are beautiful and inviting while the lyrical text evokes the Teresa's dancing hands. A fabulous choice for Hispanic Heritage Month! *Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*...more
Oh boy, where do I start! Imagine an unremarkable housewife in the English countryside, making cakes and taking care of her children and husband. WhatOh boy, where do I start! Imagine an unremarkable housewife in the English countryside, making cakes and taking care of her children and husband. What would the village neighbours think when they find out that Ursula Burton is a Soviet Spy, who's been spying for the Russians during WWII and into the cold war. Author Ben Macyntire research leaves no stone unturned as we learn about her personal life and her life as a spy spanning across many countries. Extensive research adds layers of intrigue that compels discussion -- such as how did she get away with it? Like, you may start breaking down the reasons and the mistakes, that helped her be so successful. The author narrates the audiobook and does a remarkable job. Lisa - Information and Reader Services department ...more
Mary Walker was born into slavery. She lived 121 years and died during the Civil Rights movement. She lived through 26 presidents! All her life she woMary Walker was born into slavery. She lived 121 years and died during the Civil Rights movement. She lived through 26 presidents! All her life she worked and put off learning to read until she was 116 years old. In 1964 she was certified as the nation's oldest student. (See below.) This picture book bio has appealing collage-type illustrations and text that lends itself to read aloud settings. Inspiring for all ages! You are never too old to learn. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*
Did you know that the popsicle will soon be 100 years old? Everybody likes 'the frozen drink on a stick,' right? Frank Epperson stumbled across the coDid you know that the popsicle will soon be 100 years old? Everybody likes 'the frozen drink on a stick,' right? Frank Epperson stumbled across the concept of a frozen drink when he accidentally left one of his many soda water creations out overnight during an unexpected cold spell. Eureka! That was the beginnings of the 'Epsicle' which Frank would develop later in life and the proceeds helped him support his growing family. Frank's kids loved the new treat so much that they would ask Pop for a 'sicle. Thus the name became Popsicle! So as the weather gets warmer and you are cooling off with a tasty frozen treat, remember Frank Epperson. This book also includes some cool science experiments to illustrate the concepts. Perfect for a classroom unit on matter. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*
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