Starfish

Starfish,by Edith Thacher Hurd

A couple of years ago, as I perused the children's Science section of our local library, my eyes alighted on Starfish and I scooped it from the shelf. Starfish, originally published in 1962 and read by children in Montessori schools, was republished in 2000 as part of the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. In simple, easy to understand language the reader learns that starfish have arms, but no legs; feet, but no toes; a mouth, but no eyes, ears, or nose. The author describes different kinds of starfish. Edith Hurd shares how a starfish grows, moves, and eats. She divulges where they live. An art project and tips on finding starfish are included at the end of the book.

Although Starfish is geared towards children in Preschool and Kindergarten, all of my children find the book interesting and informative. They especially liked learning that the ray of a starfish grows back. Little did I know, when I plucked this book from the shelf, that I had found a star of the sea. Little did I know, that this book would introduce me to what has become an integral part of our Science studies, the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series.

Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home

Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home, by Elizabeth Foss, By Way of the Family, 2003

Real Learning belongs in all homeschooling libraries.  I have read this book three times, since purchasing it in 2004.  Elizabeth Foss draws on the writings of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (St. Edith Stein), while at the same time sharing ideas for teaching Language Arts, Math, History,  Science, Religion, Art and more in a loving and gentle manner.   Each time I read this book, I come away feeling refreshed and thankful for the gift of homeschooling.  I can't wait to read it again!

Miss Rumphius

Miss Rumphius,by Barbara Cooney

I discovered this book when I was teaching pre-Kindegarten one summer. It is one of my children's favorite stories. Alice's grandfather tells her that she must do three things. The third and most difficult is to make the world more beautiful. Miss Rumphius' solution to the last challenge inspired my family and me to carry on the tradition of making "the world more beautiful" in our garden.

Make Way for Ducklings

Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert McCloskey

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard start a family in Boston after finding the “perfect” place to live. This is one of several good picture books for children written by Robert McCloskey.

The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales,by Beatrix Potter, Frederick Warne

As a young girl, my mom was introduced to the wonderful world of Peter Rabbit. As a young girl, my mom introduced me to Peter Rabbit and his friends. When we moved to the United States, she bought all 23 little books for my youngest sister. When my first child was born, my mom gave me the book pictured on the right. Beatrix Potter's tales have been read more than any other stories in our home. My children enjoy hearing about the antics of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Tom Kitten and all their friends. I highly recommend getting the original little books, too. The little books are perfect for young children's hands.

The Parables of Jesus

The Parables of Jesus,  by Tomie dePaola, Holiday House

This book presents seventeen of the parables told by Jesus, including “The Good Samaritan” and “The Lost Sheep”.

The Seven Silly Eaters

The Seven Silly Eaters,  by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Marla Frazee

You know you've found a good children's book when you find your husband lying in bed reading it with a smile on his face (and there are no children to be seen).  The Seven Silly Eaters tells the story of a growing family of silly eaters.  Each Peters' child likes a specific food and Mrs. Peters goes out of her way to satisfy her dear children's appetites.  Eventually, she feels totally unappreciated and believes that nobody has even remembered her birthday.  Her birthday morning proves otherwise.  My family enjoys the lyrical and sometimes humorous text of The Seven Silly Eaters.  We are also amused by the pictures that capture life in a growing family so well.