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Saffia Farr reviews 100 people who made history: Meet the people who shaped the world by Ben Gilliland, DK

February 22, 2012

This book “celebrates the people who have made their mark and changed the way we live”. Each person has facts about their life and what they did that was important. The pages are illustrated with photographs and caricature people with “big heads” that are photographs of their faces. This makes the book very lively.

We all very much enjoyed the different information about each person and the wide cross-section of people featured. It might not always be obvious who should be selected, but some of the choices mean you can learn interesting facts about everyday items. For example, did you know that the battery was invented by Alessandro Volta; hence why the amount of electrical potential of a battery is measured in “volts”?

This book puts these everyday items into context – the how and why they were invented, and why they were so influential. It’s interesting, clear, concise but full of fascinating facts and up-to-date – including Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs. Especially interesting is the “they couldn’t have done it without…”, which shows the progression of inventions that lead to the “wow” invention.

As a family we have really enjoyed this book, and will continue to dip into it. If you enjoy personal history and lots of soundbite facts, this is a great book for you.

Filed Under: Editor's Blog, Family Living, For Children, Ideas

Lucy Pearce reviews Earth Wisdom: A Heartwarming Mixture of the Spiritual, the Practical and the Proactive by Glennie Kindred, Hay House

February 14, 2012

Glennie Kindred has established herself as an authority on earth wisdom over the past two decades with nine titles to her name. Earth Wisdom is a mature culmination of her work in the areas of Celtic and Pagan ritual, the Wheel of the Year, tree ogham (pronounced “oh am”), spiritual connection with nature and social transformation.
Though the subject covered is similar in scope to her previous book Sacred Celebrations and her early handwritten booklets, this new book is a treasure trove of knowledge and activities and complements them well. That she has so much fresh insight and practical wisdom to share is a testament to her expertise in the field.
Earth Wisdom is structured into two parts. Part One: All Things Are Connected deals with our impact on the earth, our potential to help to heal the earth and our communities through connecting with our natural surroundings, the spirit of the land and the gifts of the earth. Part Two: Be Here Now is a detailed guide to celebrating the Celtic Wheel of the Year – with ritual and activities, suitable for children and adults.
The book is beautifully illustrated throughout. Her distinctive black and white drawings of tree spirits and earth angels bring the earth to life in a magical way.
Interspersed throughout the book are detailed descriptions of the tree ogham, which include not only the spiritual significance of the trees, but their folklore, practical uses and information on propagation and harvesting. Her reverence and understanding of these life forms is remarkable and enlightening.
Earth Wisdom is packed with meaningful ways for interacting with earth, seasons and spirit – for beginners and more established practitioners alike.

The Spring issue of JUNO (Issue 27), published 1 March 2012, features The Wheel of the Year, an article by Glennie Kindred about the framework of seasonal festivals. Click here to subscribe or here to buy just Issue 27.
Visit Glennie Kindred’s new website at www.glenniekindred.co.uk
Lucy Pearce blogs at www.dreamingaloud.net

Filed Under: Environment, For Adults, Ideas

My Name is Rose by Sally Grindley, Bloomsbury

January 5, 2012

I was captivated by this story about a Romanian Gypsy girl named Rose. Her parents travelled from place to place playing concerts in different towns. One day there is a terrible accident and Rose ends up in hospital. She is transported to England to live with the Luca family. All is not well because Rose misses her real family and the Lucas turn out to be less than happy! Rose refuses to speak and Mrs Luca is keen to give Rose lots of treats but Rose doesn’t like it. I would really recommend this amazing story to children aged from 9 to 12. I hope you like it as much as I did. Emily Shrimpton, aged 9

 

Emily’s mum, Lucy adds: This book was indeed a little out of the ordinary: more about the emotional challenges of dysfunctional family life than about action and adventure. It is beautifully written and is great for extending vocabulary.

Filed Under: For Children

The Gentle Art of Knitting by Jane Brocket, Collins & Brow

January 5, 2012

This is a brilliant knitting book. I have been inspired to knit again and am slowly working my way through projects – I don’t have the luxury of finishing a whole pattern in a day as Jane Brocket suggests is possible. So far I’ve knitted a floppy hat and a hot water bottle cover and have started a cotton apron. The book also has instructions for making jumpers, scarves, socks, bags, cushion covers, bunting and dishcloths, as well as the highly desirable tea cosy that is on the cover. I love the combination of the beautiful and the practical and especially the lengthy introduction to each pattern. Brocket explains her choice of yarn and her inspiration for each item, and I found this both helpful and encouraging.

“Gentle knitting is knitting for comfort and to create comfort.” Using this book has certainly motivated me to sit down and slow down and enjoy creating with wool. In her reassuring introduction, Brocket describes her journey to gentle knitting. Stressed by detailed patterns and tension and disillusioned by unfinished projects and unworn garments, she discovered that it was more important to focus on the yarn and enjoyment. Gentle knitting is knitting you can put down and pick up easily again; it’s knitting for the love of the yarn, the feel and the product you create.

I’m enjoying The Gentle Art of Knitting so much that I’ve bought a copy for my mother-in-law, an experienced knitter who was nonetheless drawn to the colourful patterns. There is something for everyone in this beautiful book.

Filed Under: For Adults, Ideas, Issue 26

Books for Christmas Presents

December 6, 2011

I love books, and it’s wonderful to see my 8-year-old son developing that same love.

I am always happy to receive books as presents so thought I would share details of two splendid hardback books.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, Bloomsbury

I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s the story of Achilles, told by his companion Patroclus. The first person narrative creates a vivid and exciting story. We think we know about Troy and the Trojan Horse but this is an alternative angle, and not always comfortable. The book has been hailed as “a debut novel that will give teen readers a fresh look on Greek myths” and “the epic Trojan Wars brilliantly told for a new generation”. Miller is certainly an excellent story teller; I was enthralled.

The Borrowers: The Borrowers and The Borrowers Afield by Mary Norton, Orion Children’s Books

This is a nostalgic hardback collection of two Borrowers stories. The text and images are original so you feel as if you are opening a splendid old book. I remember reading about the Borrower Family when I was a girl and am enjoying sharing this book with my children – our 8-year-old son is particularly interested. The Borrowers are little people who live below the floorboards, borrowing everything they have from the humans above them. What makes this omnibus edition special is its feel – the size, weight, look and feel of it make you want to sit in front of the fire and read. Saffia Farr

Filed Under: Books, For Adults, For Children

Barefoot Books

November 24, 2011

It’s always exciting to have the opportunity to go somewhere new. Today Matthew and I visited the new Barefoot Books shop, studio and cafe in Summertown in Oxford. The strapline is “step inside a story” and walking into the cafe there really is a bright welcome. The bookshop is at the front and the wide range of colourful Barefoot books are displayed, showing what a diverse range they offer.

At the back is the cafe, where we found storytime happening. Storytime happens every day at 11.30am and 4pm. Toddlers sat enthralled on bright cushions while mums sat with them comfortably breastfeeding or drinking coffee at the tables.

Upstairs is the studio where events are held. Co-founder Tessa Strickland told me the most popular event so far had been the puppet show. The puppets were hanging in the window, wonderful natural creations with bright fabric and dangling limbs. There’s a full programme with stories and crafts every day and lots happening at weekends – this Saturday (26 November) there’s an Explorer’s Workshop making musical instruments and a Toddlers’ singalong.

If you’re reading this in Aberdeen then I appreciate you can’t pop down for a convenient latte and story. However, if you are in the area, I recommend the Barefoot Books shop and cafe for warmth, colour and delicious coffee. Saffia Farr

www.barefootbooks.com

Filed Under: Books, Editor's Blog, Ideas

Step inside a story

October 3, 2011

On Saturday 8 October 2011, Barefoot Books are opening their studio in Oxford.

The studio is the brainchild of founders of the children’s publisher who hope that stepping through the door will be like stepping into a vibrant storybook. A mix of retail outlet, studio space, publishing office and family café, the studio will be a community hub for parents, carers, grandparents and children with an array of fun and educational events for all ages, from yoga to storytelling to African drumming to arts and crafts. Above all, it will be a place for families to meet, learn, have fun and become part of the Barefoot family.

The Barefoot Storytellers’ Café will serve locally sourced food for adults and children. Uniquely, the cafe will offer a bespoke baby and toddler menu – with no bad stuff! Vladimir Niza and his brother José, both Michelin-trained chefs, have created age-specific fruit and vegetable baby foods, zingy, freshly-pressed juices and smoothies, and tasty early eaters’ meals, designed to match the palates and changing nutritional needs of developing children.

The studio will bring all the facets of the Barefoot Books brand under one roof. The intention is twofold: first, to create a colourful and creative meeting place for families; secondly, to let the various events become prototypes for activities which Barefoot Books Ambassadors can adapt for their own communities. An integral part of the Barefoot family, Ambassadors run their own independent businesses both on the ground and online, and represent the most rapidly expanding sector of the company’s activities.

Barefoot Books offers books, gifts, digital content and experiences that are an authentic alternative to the commercialisation of childhood. The products and ethos encourage children to make time for make-believe, putting playfulness and imagination at the heart of childhood. Founded almost twenty years ago by two young mothers, Barefoot has quietly become a way of life for many families around the globe.

“Barefoot Books is about stories. The stories we make, the stories we share, the stories that are in all of us, and the stories that connect us. I am so excited about this next big step in Barefoot’s journey when we open the doors to our colourful, vibrant, and uniquely designed Studio in Oxford and our new European home. This will be a place where Barefoot’s stories come to life and where families and friends can connect, have fun and create their own special stories. ” says Co-Founder and CEO Nancy Traversy.

“Having spent close to twenty years making books which tap into the wisdom and humour of many cultures, I can’t wait to watch families living barefoot around us and sharing the stories and activities that most inspire them with their own communities” adds Tessa Strickland, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief

Open Weekend: 8 – 9 October, 2011

Barefoot Books will be holding its opening celebration on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October with a weekend‐long programme of events, including live music, storytelling, arts and crafts, celebrity guest readings, and much more.

For a programme of events visit www.barefootbooks.com

The Barefoot Books Studio is at Twining House 294 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7ED Opening hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm, 7 days, with late nights on Wednesdays to 8.30pm.

Filed Under: Books, News & Events

Monster Day at Work by Sarah Dyer, Frances Lincoln

September 26, 2011

This is a fun story reflecting a child’s idea of the adult working world. A son goes to work for a day with his dad, sharing his comments on what dad does all day. Dyer cleverly interprets some aspects in a child’s way – hence the bank is a huge piggy bank.  A simple tale with a few words, but lots to think about. SF

Filed Under: For Children, Ideas

Layers by Pendella Buchanan

September 11, 2011

Layers is a fascinating book written by Pendella Buchanan and illustrated by her 6-year-old daughter, Isabel.

Buchanan is a home-educating mother of two and has written Layers for 4-8 year olds to share with the adults in their lives. The rhyming story has many layers. It’s about a girl called Grace who makes friends with a monster up a tree. Through Grace’s empathy with his emotions, the monster shares his feelings and is able to peel off his negative “layers” and feel better.

Buchanan says of the book “through the monster, Layers demonstrates that feelings are like flags, showing us what our needs are. By identifying our needs we can move creatively towards fulfilling them.”

Layers can be read for simple fun or to open conversations about empathy, feelings and friendship.

www.pendellabuchanan.com

Filed Under: For Children, Ideas

Tara stories on CD

August 22, 2011

A review by Saffia Farr of Tara and and her Talking Kitten meet her Guardian Angel and Other Stories and Tara and her Talking Kitten meet the Naughty Dragon and Other Stories by Diana Cooper, Findhorn Press

The children and I are really enjoying these cds. We listen to them in the car. Each cd contains six stories with a running time of approximately one hour.

While the stories are fantastical, about imps, elves, pixies, dragons and of course Ash-Ting, the talking kitten, the issues dealt with are very real. Through Ash-Ting’s voice, Cooper helps children to think about how other people may be feeling, such as Skye who can’t eat her breakfast because she’s made anxious by the tension from her tired parents.

My children listen enthralled. They think they are “good stories” and love the tales of elves and imps. I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on how important it is to really listen to what is wrong with others and validate their feelings.

The stories are read by Diana Cooper in soothing tones, interspersed by wonderful oriental music.

www.findhorpress.com

SPECIAL OFFER – Order either or both of the Tara and Her Talking Kitten CDs from www.findhornpress.com and buy them for £6.39 including  P&P. RRP £6.85

Filed Under: For Children, News & Events
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