Notes from Me
Reading: I listened to the audiobook of Edith Nesbit’s The Railway Children last month. The narration by Rosalyn Landor was excellent. The story is full of adventure and warmth. I look forward to reading it together with my boys sometime soon.
With the Boys
Reading: I picked up this anthology (The 20th Century Children’s Book Treasury: Celebrated Picture Books and Stories to Read Aloud compiled by Janey Schulman) from a used bookstore a couple of weeks ago, and I think that it is the best children’s book collection I’ve seen yet. It includes 40+ entire stories, ranging from simple books like Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Freight Train by Donald Crews to lengthier stories like Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey and A Million Fish…More or Less by Patricia C. McKissack.
Having all of these stories and their illustrations from the original books in one place is a great way to introduce a variety of books to children. Plus, it is so convenient: you can sit down on the couch and read book after book, dipping into a whole library without needing to walk to the shelf for another book. We read it in the waiting area of the barbershop last week. I think it would be an amazing gift for children anywhere.
In the Kitchen
Jollof Rice: For a few years now, our family has been making Yewande Komolafe’s
jollof rice recipe (which she published in the New York Times back in 2016). Our boys like it with a dollop of sour cream on the side to cut the heat. I substitute canned green chilies for habanero too. It is hearty and flavorful.
Latkes: We made these around Hanukkah in December and they were so good (crispy on the outside and soft on the inside). I printed out the recipe and filed it away for next time. While we ate latkes, I read aloud the book shown above: Latkes and Applesauce: a Hanukkah Story by Fran Manushkin.
Small Joy
Lip Balms: I’ve been wearing Aveda lip balm for a few years now and still wear it most days—it is very good. But last month I also started using this EOS Medicated Lip Ointment if my lips were especially dry. It is effective and long-lasting: recommend.
Until next month,
Susie
P.S. This short film about a Sandpiper is a favorite around our house.
Thanks for sharing!
I loved reading this! Thanks for the ideas and inspiration.