Vintage French Picture Books

I found these gorgeous books at my favorite place to find book treasures! With little understanding of the French language I am afraid they will not be read, but that will not matter much as I so enjoy the beauty in the illustrations alone.

RABIER 1936

Picture books are a child's first introduction to the world of reading. A child reads pictures, expecting the pictures to tell the story and to tell it accurately. Who can know all the impressions and data children store up in their private world from picture books? Such books provide the fun of looking, but they also give an experience. By sharing their own observations, parents teach their children how to look at pictures.

Some concept of art values will begin to form in the child's mind as he looks at pictures.

Many times children say, "Now I'll read you this story," and then proceed to read what the pictures are saying. Or, sometimes a child says, "Don't read the writing, read the pictures." Begin to notice illustrators you and your children like and look for their work. Honey for a Child's Heart pages 30-31

BRUNHOFF 1941

A good book is always an experience containing spiritual, emotional, and intellectual dimensions. Honey for a Child's Heart page 30

Autumn Seeds and Books

Coriandrum Sativum

Four months ago in May, Julia and James chose an herb of their own to grow in little pots out on our patio front. Julia chose Chocolate Mint and James' choice was Cilantro. We were instructed by the garden lady to not let the Cilantro flower or that would be the end of enjoying its leaves. By mid-summer it got away from us and grew a tall inedible shoot that flowered. James was all right with it as he knew this would not be the end of his plant, recollecting last Autumn when we gathered seed from our Morning Glories.

Last week James informed us that the Cilantro had gone to seed and it was ready for harvest. James' Cilantro seed will soon be planted with his little green thumb in one of our hydroponic containers. His plan is to save some seed, enjoy the cilantro in guacamole, and sell the remaining herb plants to make money.

Garrett recently learned of a trio of spices for grilled chicken and fish that looked and sounded so good he had to purchase them. The three are Fennel, Cumin, and Coriander Seed in their whole raw form. Before using, they are to be toasted in a dry pan and then coarsely crushed. The three glass jars were sitting on our counter right next to James' seed harvest, when Garrett noticed James' seed was identical to the Coriander Seed. Lo and behold! James had in his hand Coriander Seed! I just learned that Cilantro is the Spanish name for Coriander.

And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like CORIANDER SEED, white; and the taste of is was like wafers made with honey. Exodus 16:31

Health effects & medicinal uses from Wikipedia

Coriander, like many spices, contains antioxidants, which can delay or prevent the spoilage of food seasoned with this spice. A study found both the leaves and seed to contain antioxidants, but the leaves were found to have a stronger effect.

Chemicals derived from coriander leaves were found to have antibacterial activity against Salmonella choleraesuis, and this activity was found to be caused in part by these chemicals acting as nonionic surfactants.

Coriander has been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia in Iran. Experiments in mice support its use as an anxiolytic. Coriander seeds are used in traditional Indian medicine as a diuretic by boiling equal amounts of coriander seeds and cumin seeds, then cooling and consuming the resulting liquid. In holistic and traditional medicine, it is used as a carminative and as a digestive aid.

Coriander has been documented as a traditional treatment for diabetes. A study on mice found that coriander extract had both insulin-releasing and insulin-like activity.

Coriander seeds were found in a study on rats to have a significant hypolipidemic effect, resulting in lowering of levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides, and increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein. This effect appeared to be caused by increasing synthesis of bile by the liver and increasing the breakdown of cholesterol into other compounds.

Coriander juice (mixed with turmeric powder or mint juice) is used as a treatment for acne, applied to the face in the manner of toner.

Let us eat more CILANTRO and CORIANDER SEED :)

This book, Seed Babies is on my want list

BOOKS

I am so excited for the book finds we purchased today! This beautiful set of five books by Annie Fellows Johnston was published in 1912, copyright in 1903, and at $4 each were truly treasures found.

CHAPTER 1

Off to Boarding-School

Something unusual was happening at Locust. Although it was early in September, and the heat and dust of a Kentucky summer still lingered in every corner of Lloydsboro Valley, the great house with its vine-covered pillars was being hastily put in order for winter closing......

Volume VI

TRAVELS AND ADVENTURES 1921

INTRODUCTION

The interesting accounts of the Early Explorers tell us these moving stories. Most of the men who took hazards mentioned in the book had the fortitude of old Orellana. "Having eaten our boots and saddles boiled with a few wild herbs, we set out to reach the kingdom of gold." These men answered that fierce question which his frightened mate asked of Admiral Columbus, "What shall we do when hope is gone?" as he answered it:

"The words came like a leaping sword: Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!"

by WILLIAM BYRON FORBUSH

What a beautiful GEOGRAPHY book this is! Just open and see....

O HANA SAN OF JAPAN

by Edna Walker

"PAD" -- "pad" -- "pad," followed by the sounds of crackling paper and firewood, come faintly through the thin paper walls of the room where O Hana San is drowsily waking into new day, and she knows that the maidservants have just slipped out of their room, which is next to the kitchen, and are kindling the fire.

It is only half-past four, but they are never late; granny, or, as they call her, inkyosama ("the retired lady"), sees to that. Granny's room is close to the maid's apartment, and she takes care that the clock is right; an ancient clock it is, too, where the face goes round and the hands stand still, for the retired lady does not approve of new-fangled European clocks with their fixed faces and moving hands.

Suddenly O Hana San becomes wide awake, for the sliding shutters on the outside of the veranda are opened for the day, and not only make a considerable noise, but let in a flood of bright morning light which heralds a beautiful Japanese day of blue sky and sunshine.

The name of "O Hana San" really means the "Honorable Miss Blossom," for little girls in Japan are nearly always called after something beautiful--trees, or flowers, or other lovely things, like sunshine or rainbow.......

The pink book on the right is Leaves from a Journal 1855, Queen Victoria

THE VISIT OF THE QUEEN AND H.R.H. THE PRINCE CONSORT TO THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH

Saturday, August 18th, 1855

Could not sleep for a long time for the heat, though the yacht is most comfortable. At five we got under way. From the rapidity with which the yacht goes, there is a great deal of vibration; and they were noisy on deck. After seven we got up: the day quite splendid, the sea deep blue, and quite smooth....

The scene was very brilliant. On the shore was the Emperor, surrounded by his officers, including the Marechal Baraguay d'Hilliers, who commands the troops there, Lord Cowley, a regiment of Lancers, many horses, many people, the brilliant carriages, the troops covering the Falaise and constantly firing (musketry fire)....

Boys and their BMXs

Last Sunday we took a short drive down the coast with a specific shop in mind as our destination. The children asked, "What store? Where are we going?" We parked our car, walked into the bicycle shop and announced, "James is getting a new bike today!" A BMX bike. A Haro BMX, something daddy had only dreamed about having as a little boy.

Just after turning four James was ready to ride Julia's "hand-me-down" bike. Though daddy painted it blue, the seat still had those flowers which were covered nicely when sat upon:) With how often he did those brodies Grandpa John taught him, the rear tire was going to soon need to be replaced or better we thought, it was time for a real boy bike.

On the first day, James was only able to ride his new BMX with our help to get him going and for stopping as it was too big for him to touch the ground while sitting. He could go so much faster though with a bigger bike!

Daddy is really liking James' Haro and decides he also needs one to teach James all he knows. Two days later when Mama was away, James learns to start and stop himself while riding on the boardwalk. Daddy can no longer run or skate fast enough to keep up with the little guy and his sister! Daddy finds his own Haro on Craig's List and they have a fun afternoon.

This morning, when I was at the Jan Bloom vintage living books seminar, Garrett took Julia and James on their first big bike outing. Before today the children only peddled their bikes around town while Garrett and I ran to keep up. They started this morning from home and rode on the river bed bike path. My babies are growing up! Riding on the river bed out in the big wide world! They travelled 7 miles and wanted to go for a longer ride. Their daddy was worn out, but Julia and James finished the day swimming in Auntie's pool.

Today I found some fun vintage living books for the children to enjoy reading on their own:

McBroom's Ear by Sid Fleischman

Mrs. Moon's Polliwogs by Pearl Augusta Harwood

The Adventures of Mole & Troll by Tony Johnston

Sun Dogs and Shooting Stars, A Skywatcher's Calendar by Franklyn M. Branley

The Bobbsey Twins at the Seashore by Laura Lee Hope

State Trees by Olive L. Earle

McBroom's Almanac by Sid Fleischman

Something for Now Something for Later by Miriam Schlein

Jim Forest and the Trapper by John Rambeau and Dorothea Gullett

Jim Forest and the Bandits by John and Nancy Rambeau

Magnets by Rocco V. Feravolo

Hot as an Ice Cube by Philip Balestrino

Homeschooling, First Week of Second Term, Year 2

Last week we started term 2 and are just loving to learn from the feast set before us. From our literature to poetry to nature study, our homeschooling life is a blessing. Here is a look into our schedule from last week.

We read (one story a day) about the children of Israel leaving Egypt in The Child's Story Bible by Vos.

We started memorizing James1:1-8 (I want us to learn the entire book of James).

Everyday we read a devotional passage from Big Truths for Young Hearts by Ware (loving this book).

We started reading the poetry of James Whitcomb Riley (one a day).

John Singer Sargent is the artist we are studying this term. ~ Oyster Gatherers of Cancale 1878 is displayed on our kitchen table, resting on a cookbook holder.

Edvard Grieg, our term 2 composer, was enjoyed on several occasions.

Everyday we listened to and enjoyed the Hymn, Jesus Lover of My Soul.

Dixie's Land was a fun folk song to sing along with on Thursday.

Recitation was practiced everyday. Julia is learning to recite well a part of the poem, The Fountain of Youth by James Russell Lowell. ~A perfect description of the Dragonfly.

In summer-noon flushes,

When all the wood hushes,

Blue dragon-flies knitting

To and fro in the sun,

With sidelong jerk flitting,

Sink down on the rushes.

And, motionless sitting,

Hear it bubble and run,

Hear its low inward singing

With level wings swinging

On green tasselled rushes,

To dream in the sun.

Julia learned how to spell words using a sentence found in The Farmer Boy. On Friday her daddy dictated the sentence while she wrote them correctly in her journal.

Julia practiced reading everyday from the Elson Reader 3.

Julia practiced her printing by doing copywork of The Fountain of Youth. At the end of the week she asked to try cursive. I linked the Queensland font we are using to make it cursive.

Julia had a math lesson everyday from from Math U See.

Julia gave oral narrations everyday after listening to the bible stories.

Julia my little sweetheart, makes certain that James is learning as well. They both love to play school. The little teacher makes copywork and math lessons for her student, and also teaches the sounds of the letters he is copying.

Last weeks nature study was such an adventure as the storms hit our coast. We made sure to take time to enjoy this rare event. The next day after these pictures were taken, we again took a walk outside. An hour after returning inside we learned of a Tornado Warning! The police and fire departments were up and down our street with sirens, announcing to get inside as there was a spotted tornado in our path. I quickly turned on the weather channel and learned the best way to keep safe. The water spout turned tornado did come very close to home. Thankfully not one person was hurt and witnesses told of a few little boats that were observed 100 feet in the air!


BEACH EROSION

PIER CLOSED

STRONG WINDS

BIG SURF

SNOW STORM

(pretended the children)

The white ocean foam

blew past like a blizzard!

We did brave the storm and ventured out to art class.

Julia drew this camera and painted it with water color.

Last week we also learned a little Spanish, played the violin, added to our history time line, covered geography by locating Haiti on our world map, made cookies, enjoyed afternoon tea and knitted.

I am so glad we learned to knit as it is the perfect handicraft to do while listening to stories.

LAST WEEKS STORIES:

An Island Story ch. 33 The Story of Richard Coeur de Lion

Child's History of the World ch. 54 Tick-Tack-Toe; Three Kings in a Row

Trial and Triumph ch. 13 Bernard of Clairvaux Lover of Christ (1090-1153AD)

The Little Duke 1st half ch. 7

Tree in the Trail ch. 19

Burgess Animal Book ch. 25 & 26

The Wind in the Willows ch. 1

Pilgrims Progress pages 94-101

Farmer Boy ch. 13

A Wonder Book ch. 13

Five Little Peppers ch. 13

Mr. Popper's Penguins ch. 13

Dr. Dolittle ch. 13

Brighty of the Grand Canyon ch. 25 & 26

Laddie pages 25-29

Insect Folk ch. 1 Dragonflies

WE ARE LOVING THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS!

THE INTRO:

(Thanks Jen)

"One can argue over the merits of most books, and in arguing understand the point of view of one's opponent. One may even come to the conclusion that possibly he is right after all. One does not argue about The Wind in the Willows. The young man gives it to the girl with whom he is in love, and if she does not like it, asks her to return his letters. The older man tries it on his nephew, and alters his will accordingly. The book is a test of character. We can't criticize it because it is criticizing us. It is a household book; A book which everybody in the household loves, and quotes continually; A book which is read aloud to every new guest and is regarded as the touchstone of his worth. But I must give you one word of warning. When you sit down to it, don't be so ridiculous as to suppose that you are sitting on judgement on my taste, or on the art of Kenneth Grahame. You are merely sitting in judgement on yourself...It is you who are on trial." A.A. Milne.

JAMES' BADGER

We just read about Badger in

The Burgess Animal Book

and were introduced to him in

The Wind in the Willows.

JULIA'S BADGER

Understood Betsy

Understood Betsy has been our favorite read aloud so far this term. It is the one that I just cannot wait to read each week! Our last chapter is coming to an end...we will miss this book, until we read again. This is one of many of Julia's favorite parts:

It was a warm, dark evening in late May, with the frogs piping their sweet, high note, and the first of the fireflies wheeling over the wet meadows near the tumbledown house where 'Lias lived. The girls took turns in carrying the big paper-wrapped bundle, and stole along in the shadow of the trees, full of excitement, looking over their shoulders at nothing and pressing their hands over their mouths to keep back the giggles. There was, of course, no reason on earth why they should giggle, which is, of course, the reason why they did. If you've ever been a little girl you know about that.

One window of the small house was dimly lighted, they found, when they came in sight of it, and they thrilled with excitement and joyful alarm. Suppose 'Lias's dreadful stepfather should come out and yell at them! They came forward on tiptoe, making a great deal of noise by stepping on twigs, rustling bushes, crackling gravel under their feet and doing all the other things that make such a noise at night and never do in the daytime. But nobody stirred inside the room with the lighted window. They crept forward and peeped cautiously inside. . . and stopped giggling.

First day of homeschool

This morning we were greeted by a friendly little skipper in our garden. This little critter quite enjoyed being held by the children while sucking nectar from his little straw. I clipped fewer Zinnia than I had planned for our morning table arrangement. I just could not take from the skipper that which he was enjoying so.

We had our traditional first day of school breakfast eating on the finest plate and sipping from the daintiest cup, heirlooms from Garrett's Grandmother. Julia chose waffles with berry syrup. James enjoyed his waffles with maple.

After our lessons we walked on the beach, looking for shells and sea glass to add to our collection.

Julia gave narrations from stories she listened to this morning, or a telling back in her own words.

Here is a narration from The Pilgrims Progress after reading pages 10-14:

Christian felt a burden on his back. They thought, "Are you going to leave all your family and friends behind?" He had a bible in his hand. He met Evangelist. He said, "Do you see the wicket gate?" Christian said, "No." "Do you see yonder shining light?" He said, "I think I do." He met Obstinate and Pliable. Obstinate and Pliable came from the City of Destruction. Pliable went with Christian.

Here is a narration from The Little Duke after reading pages 1-7:

A long time ago there was a castle and it was made of stone. The inside was made of tile on the ground. The fireplace didn't have a chimney. The soot on the inside walls made it look darker. The windows did not have any glass. The rain could not come in it. The maidens were putting green plants on the ground. The men were setting up long wooden tables with silver cups. For the person of honor, there were lions carved on the chair. The little boy had a bow and arrow and shot the deer and said, "I hit him, I hit him." He wanted to tell his father. His father was the Duke of Normandy. He didn't live with his father and mother because they wanted him to speak a different language. He saw his father coming with a banner and when he came he hugged and kissed his father.

James made this "A" in the sand with his finger.

My mom taught Julia how to knit almost two weeks ago. Julia started a new yarn today. Here shows 'casting on'.

We had a beautiful day together my loves. A blessing to disciple you in the Lord everyday!

A Child's Gratitude

A Child's Gratitude––A mother, who remembered a little penny scent-bottle as an early joy of her own,
Vol 2 pg 56, Parents and Children by Charlotte Mason
took three such small bottles home to her three little girls. They got them next morning at the family breakfast, and enjoyed them all through the meal. Before it ended the mother was called away, and little M. was sitting rather solitary with her scent-bottle and the remains of her breakfast. And out of the pure well of the little girl's heart came this, intended for nobody's ear, 'Dear mother, you are too good!' Think of the joy of the mother who should overhear her little child murmuring over the first primrose of the year, 'Dear God, you are too good!' Children are so imitative, that if they hear their parents speak out continually their joys and fears, their thanks and wishes, they, too, will have many things to say.

Living Books

A living book... The ideas it holds must each make that sudden, delightful impact upon their minds, must cause that intellectual stir, which mark the inception of an idea. (School Education, Charlotte Mason Vol. 3 p. 178)

Hans Christian Anderson's original story of The Little Mermaid (translated by Neil Philip) begins like this:

Far out to sea the water is blue as the petals of the loveliest cornflower and as clear as the purest glass; but is deep, deeper than any anchor can reach. Countless church steeples would have to be piled one on top of the other to stretch from the sea bed to the surface. That's where the sea folk live.

...So beautifully written where a child's imagination can delight in the rich language of the story being told! Sadly, the Walt Disney version begins like this:

Ariel was sixteen, the age when a mermaid was supposed to be thinking about marrying a merboy and settling down. But Ariel had other things on her mind.

(Honey For A Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt p. 44)

Books

There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away.
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears a human soul!

Emily Dickinson

Word of God

Quote from Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place, chapter 13, Ravensbruck:

Like waifs clustered around a blazing fire, we gathered about it, holding out our hearts to its warmth and light. The blacker the night around us grew, the brighter and truer and more beautiful burned the word of God. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?. . .Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

Birds

What a beautiful journey this year has been. And now Year 1 comes to an end. Back in the fall, Julia drew her first bird in her nature journal after listening to a story about Jenny Wren in The Burgess Bird Book for Children. I fell in love with her little House Wren and anticipated the little bird drawings to come. Below is a slide show of all her Year 1 birds.

An excerpt from chapter 12 about Goldy the Baltimore Oriole:

"We simply must have this piece of string," said Mrs. Goldy. "I've been hunting everywhere for a piece of string, and this is the first I've found. It is just what we need to bind our nest fast to the twigs. With this I won't have the least bit of fear that the nest will ever tear loose, no matter how hard the wind blows."
Once more they tugged and pulled and pulled and tugged until at last they got it free, and Mrs. Goldy flew away in triumph with the string in her bill. Goldy himself followed. Peter watched them fly to the tip of a long, swaying branch of a big elm-tree up near Farmer Brown's house. He could see something which looked like a bag hanging there, and he knew that this must be the nest.

God's Will

I love this quote I read last evening in The Hiding Place:

But Betsie put a finger on my mouth. "Don't say it, Corrie! There are no 'if's' in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety--Oh, Corrie, let us pray that we may always know it!"