Reading Pile

Book worms and wordophiles,
I've been snatching reading time and then getting invested and staying up too late, as you do.

Recently I've finished the following:

Choosing Hope byKaitlin Roig-DeBellis

A teacher at the now infamous Sandy Hook Elementary School, Roig-DeBellis was teaching the day that a gunman broke into the school and killed 20 children and 6 adults. She and her students survived hidden in a tiny bathroom stall where they heard things people should not ever hear. This story is Roig-De-Bellis's memoir of her own journey to those days and, more important, from them. The overwhelming message of this book is that there is always someone else to help, there is always hope to be found and the only way forward it with an outward looking face. An inspiring, harrowing, beautiful read. A true tribute to living with heart open, making the most of every day and choosing hope in the face of all things. A timely read.
Details - Allen and Unwin,  October 2015, RRP $29.99 also available as an ebook.

The Bakehouse by Joy Cowley

I grabbed this one from my local bookshop - I like Cowley's writing and it was NZ book week at the time I think! Following 3 children who discover a young defector hiding in their neighbourhood during the second world war. This book is about regrets, secrets, and understanding there is more to life than one side of ay story. A beautiful read that unpacks the war story on New Zealand ground. Perfect for thoughtful readers 10+ and for reading aloud to children of that age or above. Lots to think about and discuss from this read. There are also teaching notes on the gecko website.
Details - Gecko Press, 2015. RRP $19.99


The Crossing by Michael Connelly

Another in the detective Bosch series. This one covers recently retired Bosch as he is sucked to the 'other side'. Defending a man wrongly framed for murder, DNA evidence and dangerous characters he is effectively working against the force he's worked so long for. The narrative is compelling and there are some good twists and turns along the way. A great great for people who like crime fiction.
Details - Allen & Unwin, November 2015, RRP $32.99 also available as an ebook.

The Book of Spice - from anise to zedoary by John O'Connell

This is a book for anyone who loves cooking, history or accumulating knowledge about food. O'Connell has collected and collated stories on spices, their uses, origins and influences on history. I love the sense of story in this book - the people and how they were influenced by and used spices for so much more than food. Fascinating and enriching. There are lots of people who I think would love to discover this under the tree or get it and wow everyone with your superior knowledge!
Details - Allen & Unwin, November 2015, RRP $32.99 HB. Also available as an ebook.

Lenten Lands by Douglas H Gresham

This is the story of Gresham's life as the second son of Joy Davidman, the American woman who married C.S.Lewis. It is a story of tribute to the lives of his mother and step-father - their love and their enduring influences on him and others of course, in the case of C.S.Lewis. It is a simply told story full of much sadness but also enduring hope. A really interesting insight into the personal life of an incredibly influential writer, theologian and person.
Details - Harper One 2003

so it's a varied diet coming across my nightstand just now. Tell me what are you reading, or is it all hands on deck until Dec 25th?

love you more than cinnamon xxx

48/52 Yeah I Made It..... Minecraft Fuzzy Felt Faces

We got involved in a 7 day makeover in our area and one of the groups wanted something 'mincrafty' that was interactive.

So I suggested 'fuzzy felt faces'.

We took 9 designs and worked out the proportions to make 40cm square characters.

A design team created a seating space with a flannelette side. I made a large lined zippered pouch to keep all the pieces in and now little (or big) people can ask at the cafe for the pieces and images - laminated pictures to follow - and have some fun.

A 7 day makeover is a great experience and we really enjoyed being part of it.

love you more than an outdoor game of checkers xxx

It's My Birthday

Y'all,

It would appear that I am 38 today! Wohoo.

I had a gorgeous get together on Sunday, with lovely people that I have been blessed to welcome into my life as friends these last two years.

I believe in celebrating. Every year is a gift and I am blessed by the wonderful 38 I have had so far. Here's to celebrating many more.

Plus gratuitous photos of the boys I love best.

love you more than chocolate mud cake xxx

47 and 48 of 52

Lovelies,

It would seem I have been getting more paid work, which is good when one is planning a move that involves plane trips and relocations. It is not conducive to the fine art of regular blogging. We shall see how the selling of ones (many) accumulations, planning of Christmas and finishing of the school year influence this pattern.

In the meantime - these lovely boys have been occupying my delightful down time.

I do appreciate their company a great deal.

We are learning to surf - and having success!

A birthday date for me and November boy - fondue at movenpick again, not complaining.

This big one reading a 'new' (second hand) Calvin and Hobbes, while we waited for lunch in the markets.

Family, a family with children who like each other, so good for a mama's soul.

love you more than a second hand book xxxx

More for Little Readers

These new titles have landed on our bookshelf recently.

Reindeer's Christmas Surprise by Ursula Dubosarsky and Sue deGennaro

A sweet and gentle tale that follows Reindeer as he delivers presents to his friends. Then heading home Reindeer is blessed with a special surprise of his own. A perfect little book to share with reindeer and present lovers alike. Some nice repetition of language to engage the younger reader on retellings/readings.
Details - Allen & Unwin October 2015, RRP $19.99 HB

Gawain Greytail and the Terrible Tab by Cornelia Funke and Monica Armino

The mice of Raven Castle are under attack from the Terrible Tab. Their lives and livelihoods in ruins they are rescued by the fearless Gawain Greytail who teaches them all how to fight with a needle. The illustrations in this book have a collage meets animation feel to them. Great action and a wonderful adventure tale, unless you are one of the humans or cats that dares to try and get ride of the mice at Raven Castle.
Details - Faber Factory Plus October 2015, RRP $22.99 HB

Adelaide's Secret World by Elise Hurst

This book has a gentle and dreamlike quality. The words and images are soft and other-worldly. The story is about being an observer, a dreamer, a watcher and about the wonderful things that can happen when we step outside of the expected. It is a story about finding our voice. The paintings are particularly wonderful.
Details - Allen & Unwin October 2015, RRP $24.99 HB


We also got The Cow Tripped Over the Moon by Tony Wilson and Laura Wood from the library the other day.

This is a really delightful adaptation of the Hey Diddle, Diddle Rhyme. Bounce picked this up and we laughed our way through its gorgeous rhyme scheme and all of cow's attempts and failures to get over  the moon. Very sweet for sharing together but I think it would also be interesting to use as a writing inspiration with older children and challenging them to adapt/expand a well known fairy tale.
Details - Scholastic RRP $24.99 HB

47/52 Yeah I Made It.... actually I wrote a book

Since I’ve had babies I’ve wanted to build traditions around Christmas. I’ve dreamed about the sense of holy wonder in our home as we contemplate together the rough stable, those young parents, the scrappy shepherds, the choirs of angels.

I’ve wanted a Christmas build up that has felt like Christ-mas. God with us.

It seems that little kids are offered all sorts of tinsly, glowing, baubly bits but there hasn’t been much for wondering on. So I wrote a book for families with children who are aged 3-7 years old.

A book where each day is based on a word like – chosen, generous, myrrh and each day includes a Bible verse and a very simple activity and a reflection and a prayer.

A book where the information is sound and meaningful.

A book where the activities are actually achievable.

A book that works when you miss some days because the grandparents came to stay and the cat vomited on the carpet and we all had a meltdown.

I wrote this book for every family that’s wanted something more than tinsel and jingle bells.

I wrote it for busy parents who want to do something well but don’t have time to do all the thinking.

I wrote it for children, my children, and for so many little ones who are very dear to me and to whom I want to give the gift of wonder, delight, depth and meaning.

This book is currently free as a kindle e-book, just for a few days. Then it will be about the price of a good hot chocolate.

When I pray for this book I pray it will bless you. I pray it will encourage you and I pray that you will find it practical, Biblical and tradition building.

If you want your own copy you can go here. Here’s the official description:

24 opportunities to reflect on an element of the arrival of Jesus 
• Simple and inspiring activities and reflections 
• Assistance to build a Biblical understanding for children aged 3-7 about the arrival of Jesus 
• Create a wonder-filled and worshipful attitude in your home as you lead up to Christmas

Written by teacher, speaker and communicator Miriam Fisher. Motivated by a desire to provide theologically sound, simple, and meaningful ways to celebrate and anticipate Christmas together.

Meaningful, Achievable, Biblical, Joyful

This is my Christmas gift to you. Wrapped in my love for the honour and glory of Jesus.

x Miriam x

week forty six

Making the most of our last weeks here in Adelaide and enjoying every day it isn't over 30 degrees.

Scheduled to be 38 degrees today.... urgh.

New Zealand I miss your weather.

love you more than an invented game xxx