Book Review: A Christmas Spider's Miracle by Trinka Hakes Noble

✰✰✰✰½ A long time ago in a faraway forest of the old Ukraine, there lived a mother spider with her brood of little ones. As Christmas approached, the cold temperatures became unbearable. The mother spider did her best to protect her children, but as she drifted off to sleep she feared the cold would be too much for them.

Nearby, a poor peasant woman with children of her own struggles to make ends meet. The woman's children have been very good, but she is sad because she has nothing to give them on Christmas. There will be no feast or presents for her children, but the woman decides that at the very least, there will be a tree. Later that night at the edge of the forest, she finds the perfect little fir tree and brings it home, but alas, she does not possess the materials required to make decorations for the little tree. The poor woman falls into a troubled sleep.

Meanwhile, the mother spider awakens. She explores her new home. It is warmer than the forest and there is food as well. Grateful for her new home, the spider decides to give the peasant woman and her children the greatest Christmas gift of all and she spins her way into legend.

The Bottom Line: The legend of the Christmas spider is one of my favorite holiday stories. It's the reason many people (including me) have a sparkly spider ornament on their tree at Christmastime. This legend has been retold many times, but author Trinka Hakes Noble brings her own magic to the tale. Also, children will enjoy Stephen Costanza's watercolor and colored pencil illustrations, which were painted with a beautifully subdued palette of blues, greens, and purples. A Christmas Spider's Miracle will appeal to all generations from the very young to the young at heart. Highly recommended for children in grades Pre-K - 2. Also, highly recommended for librarians and teachers looking for a holiday book to tie in with a craft project (for example, a Christmas Spider Ornament) for story time.

Details: A Christmas Spider's Miracle written by Trinka Hakes Noble & illustrated by Stephen Costanza. Hardcover picture book published by Sleeping Bear Press in 2011. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-58536-602-6

"Christmas in July" Book Reviews for 2012

It's never too early to start planning ahead for the holidays. July is the  time of year when we here at Mini Book Bytes Book Reviews take a special look at books featuring the winter holiday season. Holiday picture books will always hold a special place in our hearts, so we'll review several including A Christmas Spider's Miracle by Trinka Hakes Noble, The Snow Angel by Christine Leeson, and Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck.

Additionally, we'll check out a few cookbooks and a craft title or two. So make some hot chocolate, grab a peppermint stick, and join us as we try to beat the summer heat with these wintry selections.

Stay cool everyone!

P.S. I found this beautiful image at Activity Village.

Independence Day Books for Kids

When you think about the Fourth of July, chances are you probably think about barbecues, family reunions, ceremonies, parades, concerts, and, of course, fireworks. However, there's another way to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you will be spending the holiday at the beach, the campgrounds, or grilling in your own backyard, now is the perfect time to learn more about America's favorite summertime event...the 4th of July!

If you have ever wondered about the signing of the Declaration of Independence or who sewed the first American flag, then a visit to your local library is in order. Your library is filled with books about Independence Day trivia, facts, and stories. Check out a selection of both fiction and nonfiction books for kids today.  

My top picks for nonfiction books for kids include:

1. The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
2. The Making of America by Robert D. Johnston
3. Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags by James Cross Giblin
4. The Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key
5. Independence Day Crafts by Mary Berendes

My top picks for picture books for kids include:

1. Fourth of July Mice! by Bethany Roberts
2. Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong
3. Corduroy's Fourth of July by Don Freeman
4. A Fourth of July on the Plains by Jean Van Leeuwen
5. Looking for Uncle Louie on the Fourth of July by Kathy Whitehead

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Note: The free clip art used on this post was found at Graphics Hunt.

Book Review: The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield

✰✰✰✰½ When Samuel Lake drives his family to the annual Moses family reunion in Arkansas, little do they realize how drastically their lives are about to change. Samuel is a minister with a calling. Unfortunately his unconventional methods have left him without a church for the next year. Coincidentally, a family tragedy at the reunion convinces Samuel Lake and his family to stay in Arkansas for a year. As Samuel, his wife, Willadee, and their three children Noble, Swan, and Bienville become accustomed to their new home with Grandma Calla, it is Willadee who holds the family together as Samuel tries to find his way again.

Meanwhile, eleven year old Swan makes it her mission to defend an abused little boy named Blade, who lives on a neighboring farm. Blade's father, horse trainer Ras Ballenger, is a brutally violent man who uses violence to get what he wants from both the horses he trains and the people he encounters. As the violence escalates, Swan sets out to save Blade believing that God will grant this miracle. Swan's mission sets a whole series of explosive events in motion that once begun can't be stopped.

Before the year has passed, many of the characters in this novel will have faced their greatest and darkest fears. The Lake family's faith will be tested like never before and only their faith in God, their love for one another, and a miracle can save them.

The Bottom Line: The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is the best book I've read so far this year. While the beginning smolders, the story quickly heats up as the reader is drawn into the lives of the well developed characters. Wingfield transports the reader to Arkansas in 1956 and takes you on a journey that includes the joys of love and the depths of despair. I laughed and cried along with the characters. Although this novel covers some very difficult topics, don't let the violence turn you away from this book. While sensitive readers may want to pass this one by, this powerfully written, well-crafted novel is a compelling read. I very highly recommend it for mature readers who enjoy books about family relationships, faith, and courage. It's a classic tale of good versus evil, and this book has it all. Wingfield's debut novel is a success, and I'm looking forward to reading her future works. The characters in this novel will stay with me for a long time.

Also, The Homecoming of Samuel Lake would make an excellent pick for book discussion groups. Wingfield has woven together many story lines in this novel and there are layers of meaning within.

Details: The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield. Paperback published by Random House in 2011. 352 p. ISBN: 978-0-385-34409-8 Note: I received a complimentary Advance  Reader's Edition from Random House in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewer program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: Moonwalking with Einstein:The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer

✰✰✰ When science journalist Joshua Foer went to the 2005 U.S. Memory Championship as an observer, little did he know then that just a year later, he would find himself competing in the finals as a mental athlete. Moonwalking with Einstein is the story of Foer's journey to learn the art of memory in a world dependent on both the printed and electronic word. After all, why should we bother with the science of remembering when information about everything is at our fingertips? With just the click of a mouse, we can have the answers instantaneously.

Nevertheless, Foer makes the argument for the benefits of learning the science of remembering. This fascinating book blends the following together seamlessly: 1.) historical information, 2.) the science of memorization, 3.) anecdotes, and 4.) Foer's personal narrative as he sets out to compete in the U.S. memory championships. While the anecdotes were memorable, it was interesting reading about Foer's transformation from journalist to mental athlete. With a little bit of hard work, Foer proves that anyone can learn these techniques.

The Bottom Line: This is an easy read for anyone interested in the science of memory. The material is presented in a straightforward, easy-to-read fashion. While this is not a self-help book, Foer has included several techniques which can be learned by anyone to improve their ability to remember. However, these skills are not quick fixes; the techniques do take time to perfect. Recommended for those interested in memory and brain science. All in all, this book would make a great addition to college bound reading lists. 

On a side note, I read this book for my book club. Foer's use of a conversational writing style is easy to digest and discuss. Our group had an excellent discussion, but we couldn't help wonder what Foer's next project will be. For others interested in using this for a book club, you can find discussion questions at LitLovers and About.com Bestsellers.

Details: Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer. Hardcover published by Penguin Group in 2011. 320 p. ISBN: 978-1-59420-229-2

Book Review: Rest in Pizza by Chris Cavender

✰✰✰½ Amateur sleuths Eleanor Swift and her sister Maddy Spencer are back in another Pizza Lovers Mystery. This installment finds the town of Timber Ridge in a frenzy over the upcoming visit of celebrity chef Antonio Benet. Chef Benet's scheduled appearance at the grand opening of Cindy Rankin's new bookstore seems too good to be true, and it's bound to be memorable. Unfortunately, when the famous chef is found dead inside A Slice of Delight just minutes before his appearance, there is no shortage of suspects including Eleanor. Eleanor suddenly finds that she and her sister must juggle pizza making and sleuthing in order to solve the mystery before the publicity hurts business or someone else winds up dead.

The Bottom Line: This installment of the Pizza Lovers Mystery serves up just the right combination of fun, mystery, and pizza. Rest in Pizza was the first book in the series that I read, and I found it to be very enjoyable. You can pick up the series and start reading at any point or you can read the books in order if you wish. This is a real treat for summer beach reading. Fans of cozy mysteries and culinary mysteries will want to give this one a try. Also, readers who enjoy mysteries by Joanne Fluke and Laura Childs will want to check it out.

Details: Rest in Pizza by Chris Cavender. Hardcover published in 2012 by Kensington Books. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-7582-7150-1 Note: I received a complimentary copy from Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Round Mountain by Castle Freeman, Jr.

✰✰✰✰ Author Castle Freeman, Jr. presents a collection of short stories centered around the townspeople of small, rural community called Round Mountain. The collection weaves together a tale of country life that many readers will identify with.

The stories are tied together through the central character, Homer Patch. Homer's friends come and go as we follow them from their youthful antics through middle age and into old age. As the characters age, their true colors start to show. Each story builds upon the reader's understanding of the individual characters and their interactions.

The Bottom Line: This collection of previously published short stories is beautifully written. I enjoyed the antics of the townsfolk; many reminded me of people I grew with in a small town. My favorite stories in this collection were "Charity Suffers Long" and "The Women at Holiday's." Enthusiastically recommended for anyone who enjoys stories about country life. It's the perfect reading for a lazy weekend.

I received a free copy of this book from Concord Free Press in exchange for a donation. This book is part of a special project by Concord Free Press, Kodak, and Castle Freeman, Jr. to aid relief efforts for towns that fell victim to Hurricane Irene. While the book is free, they ask that the reader donate to a charity and then pass the book along so that the giving can continue. For my part, I enjoyed the book and made a donation of $20 to the Vermont Irene Flood Relief Fund.

Details: Round Mountain by Castle Freeman Jr. Paperback published by Concord Free Press in 2012. 156 p. ISBN: 978-0-9847078-2-9