Kanafani shares with me her inspirations for Kate, her challenges as a writer and what she hopes to spark in the young women of today.

What has been your biggest challenge as a writer?

My biggest challenge as a writer is patience. Writing takes a lot of rewriting and I want to tell the story right away. Eventually though, I accept that what I have written is just a first draft and I have to put it down for a few days and re read, get feedback, and re write and re write many times. Once I accept that this will take some time and I am not worried about finishing the story, then I can see the organic development of the story as well. Things start to happen in the story that I didn’t intend and that’s when the create process feels very exciting.

I what ways do you relate to Kate?

I relate to Kate in many ways, it’s easy for me to get into her thinking and feeling. I was a young girl, like her, living in New York and I loved being independent, going off into my own little adventures.Having a lot of friends wasn’t important to me because I was entertained by every thing around me. I spent hours trying on clothes and putting accessories together. I always tried to create new looks and I didn’t care how unusual it looked as long as it made me happy.

I loved Kate’s outlook on life. What made you decide to create a series all about empowering young women?

I wanted to reach out to little girls because I think we need to give them empowering messages when they are very young, forming their belief systems and are impressionable. I worked with women in other parts of the world where women had little rights and little Independence. They never were given messages to believe in themselves, in their dreams and they had no financial Independence, which kept them in the suppressed circumstances they were in. If they had even encountered a character in a book that was independent and ambitious, they would have something to draw on, an image of someone they could be like.

If you are looking for a great new series for your young daughter or tween, the Kate Kate series is sure to please.

Best Gifts For Book Lovers

The Bibliophile Messenger Bag is a great gift for men, women and children alike. The 100% cotton canvas bag is enzyme washed for a cool retro look. The bag retails for $34.50 at Cafe Press and measures 16″ W x 11 1/2″ H x 4 3/4″ D. The messenger bag has a large flap with a magnetic snap as well as side and zipped exterior pockets. Definitely the perfect place for you book lover to stash their latest reads.

Book boxes offer book lovers a hollowed out book to store or hide valuables. Book boxes are made from ‘pre-owned’ and recycled books so they will have scuffs and dents which add their charm and camouflage. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes starting at around $17. They even have coffee table organizers to house all your remote control in one gorgeous coffee table book and a book that holds a bottle of wine. Want to make your gift even more meaningful? Then special order or send in your loved one’s favorite book!

The Kindle, if your book lover doesn’t have one already, is another a great gift for the book lover in your life. The new Kindle weighs less than 6 ounces and offers an 18% smaller body. With built in Wi-Fi you can get your books in 60 seconds and even borrow Kindle books from your library. Kindle also offers a massive book selection with over 800,000 titles that are $9.99 or less. The new Kindle retails for $79.oo on Amazon.

Inspired by the Great Pyramids, the Peeramid  Bookrest is a uniquely shaped pillow with bookmark props a book at the perfect angle for reading. Whether you are reading in bed, at a table, your favorite chair or on the floor, this pillow offers the ideal reading angle where ever you are. Simply place the spine of your book in the ledge and enjoy hands free reading so you can take notes, eat a snack or just truly relax.This pillow is great for readers of all ages and retails for around $25.oo and comes in a variety of colors.

Your book lover will always get their borrowed books back when they can mark their books with their own Personal Embosser. This set from Williams-Sonoma, retailing for $39.95, includes an embosser, a maple stand and your choice of personalized embosser plate. The embosser is made of chrome-plated steel with an engraved brass plate, our embosser will last for years of use.

Tofu and T. Rex by Greg Leitich Smith

Funny, You Don’t Look Like a Grandmother by Lois Wyse

Grandfathers Are Like Gold by Janet Lanese

Bonjour, Lonnie by Faith Ringgold

The Gifts of Being Grand by Marianne Richmond

Grandpa’s Corner Store by Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan

In My Grandmother’s House:  Award-winning Authors Tell Stories About Their Grandmothers

Grandparents Day by Nikki Tate

The Magic Paintbrush by Laurence Yep

I Love You, Grandma and My Grandpa and Me recordable storybooks from Hallmark

Maybe what reeled you in was a character that reminded you of yourself, or the you you wish you could be.  Before you know it you’ve developed a relationship with those characters and their story touches your very core and when you turn the last page a pang of sorrow sets in because you know you’re journey with them has come to an end.  Or perhaps it was a simple story that taught you a lesson that you’ve wanted to teach your child but weren’t sure how. Whatever the reason, certain books just leave their mark on your soul.

Below is a list of several books that have done all of those things for me. Stop by your local library and check them out.  Then come home and sit down with a pot of tea and maybe even a box of Kleenex.

• One by Kathryn Otoshi-Discover the difference just one of us can make.
• The Most Important Things by Alexandra Lopatina-Read the title?  Enough said.
• Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister-A colorful tale of pride and popularity…
• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin-where fairy tales come to life.  The illustrations alone make this a story to remember.
• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo-A friendship that every girl, young and old, is sure to keep close to her heart.
• Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski-Reap the benefits of hard work and perseverance.

For more great suggestions, check out the ALA’s list of Newbery Medal winners here.

What books have left an imprint on your soul?

I, of course, never realized that until I read a book called The Memoir Club.  It’s about a group of women who found common ground in the desire to write their own memoirs.  Needless to say, my writer wheels began to turn.

So, I did what every 21st century woman does when she needs to know something.  I googled it.

I ran across a very helpful article on memoir writing.   I immediately loved the idea of writing a memoir.  One thing I learned is that a memoir is not an autobiography or biography; it does not cover a person’s entire life.  It covers one phase of a person’s life.  Did you have a life-changing experience during the few years you lived abroad?  What about the first months as a new mother?

Here are some great memoirs to check out.  Some titles I’m sure you’ve heard before and some may be new to you, but I encourage you to browse through them and pick a few up from your local library.  They’re sure to make you laugh, cry, and maybe even discover something new about yourself.  Go on, you know you want to…

1. Keep on Dancing by Sarah Churchill
2. Footprints of a Pilgrim by Ruth Bell Graham
3. The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeanette Wales
4. Hard Times in Paradise by David Colfax
5. My Life in France by Julia Child
6. Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang
7. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
8. Please Stop Laughing At Me by Jodee Blanco
9. Night by Elie Weisel
10. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

And just in case these books inspire you to write your own memoir, here are a few books to help you along the way:

• On Writing by Stephen King
• A Writer’s Diary by Virginia Woolf
• Write Your Memoir:  The Soul Work of Telling Your Story by Allan G. Hunter

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Back-to-School traditions are big in our home, so every year we throw a “Night Before (Whatever Grade) Party”.  I check out a bunch of books and we bake a school bus cake.  Then as we sit around and eat our creation, we talk about typical back-to-school topics, such as safety tips, proper behavior, and I answer any questions my son has about returning to school.

With the beginning of the new school year right around the corner, you might want to think about picking up some books about school for your children, especially if this is the first time they’ll be going.

Some of the books we used before my son started Kindergarten were:

• The Night Before Kindergarten (these books continue through several grades)
• Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!
• A Place Called Kindergarten
• The Kissing Hand

If you have children in older elementary grades, some fun titles are:

• Berenstain Bears Go Back To School
• The Secret School
• School Trouble for Andy Russell

Parents of kids going attending middle school should definitely pick up:

• How To Survive Middle School
• The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School
• A Smart Girl’s Guide to Starting Middle School:  Everything You Need to Know About Juggling More Homework, More Teachers and More Friends

What back-to-school traditions do you have?  Any books that have helped your child adjust to school?

Here’s how to create a reading program customized to your child’s needs (and wants):

1. Have your child make a list of 5-10 items they want. They can be as big or small as you think appropriate.
2. Depending on your child’s reading level, create a point system.  For my son, each page of a chapter book counts as one point.  I set up a 30 page “pit-stop”, which means every 30 pages he can take a break and get a special snack like a cookie or a juicebox.  We assigned a different prize for every 50 points.  For example, a pack of Bazooka bubblegum is worth 50 points, he can earn a  $5.oo gift card to Target with 100 points or lunch at his favorite restaurant with 150 points, and so on.
3. Set a goal.  It can be a certain number of books to read or a page amount.  Make sure the goal is within reason but also not too easy.  It’s good to make them really work for it.  And make the prize for meeting that goal something really special.  My son chose to have a full day with mom without any siblings.  He really wanted some alone time with me and it made me realize it’s been longer than I thought since we had some of that q-time with just the two of us.
4. Grab a piece of scrapbook paper and some stickers and make a chart to keep track of their progress.  Be sure to post it somewhere where it can be seen and accessed easily.  They are very proud of their accomplishments and what a great opportunity to teach them how wonderful it feels to work hard and meet a goal!

They can cash in their points all at once or at every 50 pages and if they meet their goal they also get their super prize at the end.  Either way, it’ll be fun for everyone!

For oodles of recommended titles for all ages and reading levels, click here.

Below are some of my favorite reading programs for kids.

Library Summer Programs. Call or visit your local library to find out what type of reading program they have available. Most libraries offer local coupons for various summer activities. So far this year we’ve roller skated, bowled and eaten at Chili’s for free! My boys love “paying” for things with their coupons and I love watching them take pride in their accomplishments.

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Imagination’s Destination. Stop by your local Barnes & Noble and pick up a reading journal from the kid section of the store. When your child reads eight books and records the title and author of each book, they can return the journal to receive a free book!

Book Adventure. A website by Sylvan Learning that hosts several reading programs a year. They just ran a Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer contest. Kids who read the book were entered to win a copy of the book, family movie passes, posters, and more. Keep checking their website for information on their next contest.

Richard & Judy’s Book Club. Richard and Judy from across the pond also run a fantastic program to encourage summer reading. They always pick wonderful titles and also have a podcast to go along with their selections.

And if you’re looking for a way to get best-selling children’s books for free, you will want to click over to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library asap. Children ages 0-5 can sign up to receive one free book per child every month! Simply type in your zip code to see if the program is offered in your area.

Check back soon for step-by-step instructions on how to create your own summer reading program for kid’s!

Until then, happy summer reading!

Most families spend the Fourth of July picnicing, traveling and enjoying great fireworks. Why not spend this year reading to your child about the Fourth of July?

Here is a quick list of ten family friendly books about one of the most celebrated birthdays in the United States!

1. How To Bake an American Pie by Karma Wilson
2. Biscuit’s Fourth of July by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
3. The Story of America’s Birthday by Patricia Pingry
4. Fireworks, Picnics and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols by James Cross Giblin
5. Corduroy’s Fourth of July by Don Freeman
6. Pee Wees on Parade by Judy Delton
7. I am America by Charles R. Smith
8. We the Kids by David Catrow
9. A is for America by Devin Scillian
10. Fourth of July Mice by Bethany Roberts

While this is just a sampling, I am sure you can find even more titles at your local library for more Fourth of July fun! What a

I love summer reading.  I love tucking a new book into my bag and heading to the beach or park. This year, I’m even more excited because some of my favorite books have made it to the big screen!

Be sure to read these incredible titles before buying your tickets (because if you’re anything like me you simply cannot read the book after seeing the movie):

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin.  In theaters now!  And while you’re at it, be sure to check out Something Blue before it is on the big screen.  Trust me, you’ll love the characters so much that you won’t be able to get enough of them.  This is the ultimate chick flick so be sure to grab your girlfriends and be prepared to laugh!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  The Help is coming to theaters this August.  “A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don’t.”  Told by three unforgettable characters, this book is destined to become a favorite.

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald.  In theaters beginning Friday, June 10.  Even though this is a kid’s movie, I am very much looking forward to seeing it myself.  I mean c’mon, who doesn’t love Judy Moody?

If you’re a book lover but can’t seem to find time to read, check out Audible, a great resource for audiobooks. When you sign up for their 14-day trial, you get a FREE audiobook.  You can cancel at any time and there is no purchase necessary.

Father’s Day is on June 19 this year, which means it’s right around the corner.  Are you wondering what to get the favorite man in your life for Father’s Day? I’ve listed some of my favorite gifts for Dad below.

• Bottom of the 33rd by Dan Barry.  This book is based on the longest baseball game in history between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings.
  

  

  With Bottom of the 33rd, celebrated New York Times journalist Dan Barry has written a lyrical meditation

  on small-town lives, minor league dreams, and the elements of time and community that conspired one fateful night to produce a baseball game seemingly without end.

• An iPad.  Who doesn’t want an iPad?  Now, with the new iPad 2, Dad can enjoy FaceTime with his favorite children or grandchildren!
• 1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Shultz. Why not spark Dad’s sense of adventure with this book? Some of the places included in the book may just be around the corner!
• A travel journal. Since you’ll undoubtedly have inspired him to pack his suitcase with the book mentioned above, he’ll need a journal to record all the memories he’ll be making during his travels.
• Father’s Day Photo Book from Shutterfly.  Dad would love to see his favorite memories of the year bound into one beautiful book designed by you.
• The Real Dad Rules by Dan Pearce, author of the world’s most popular Dad blog.
• Round of golf at his favorite club. For most men, a round of golf is the women’s equivalent to a day at the spa.  Stop by his favorite club and buy him a gift certificate and for a round or two and lunch!

Most times, we curl up in our special spots in the living room and read quietly, but every now and then, we spread a blanket on the floor and choose a book from the shelf that would be fun to read aloud. We assign characters and take turns reading and laughing (my husband is the rowdiest pirate I know). Now that my 7-year old can read, he joins in the fun too.

I also love to read to my infant and preschooler. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading aloud daily to your baby starting at 6 months of age — about the time when he’ll really begin to enjoy looking at books with you. But Jim Trelease, longtime read-aloud expert and author of the Read Aloud Handbook, says that you can start when your child’s a newborn. No matter what your baby’s age, of course, reading provides a great opportunity for cuddling and bonding.  And it doesn’t matter what you read, I’ve been known to read chapters of whatever novel my nose is stuck in, to them just so they can hear me reading. 

If you’re wondering what sort of books make great read-aloud fun, I’ve compiled a (small) list of some of our favorites.

Infants/Toddlers

• Goodnight Moon
• Counting Kisses
• Pat the Bunny series
• I Love You Through and Through
• Guess How Much I Love You

I am also in love with the recordable storybooks from Hallmark.  Choose from a wide variety of popular children’s books and record yourself reading your child’s favorite story.  What a way to capture the moment!

Kindergarten-1st grade

• Big Bunny
• No Jumping on the Bed
• Adventures of Curious George
• LaRue Across America
• How I Became a Pirate

4th-5th grades

• Al Capone Does My Shirts
• Scones and Sensibility
• Catherine Called Birdy
• Princess for Hire series
• Penny Dreadful

9th-12th grades

• Anastasia’s Secret
• The Cinderella Society
• The Red Umbrella
• The Carrie Diaries (Summer and the City)
• Eyes of the Emperor

Adults

• The Help
• The Paris Wife
• Friendship Bread
• Labor Day
• Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Many of these titles can span across the recommended age groups and all of them include memorable characters and scenes that make for great group reading.

If you’re looking for a book for an age group not listed, just drop an e-mail to Sylvia{at}BlissfullyDomestic{dot}com and I’ll give you a few more of my favorite titles.  A girl like me can talk books forever, ya know. 

It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.

~Oscar Wilde

If there is anything a Mother needs more than anything, it’s a vacation.

But a vacation is not such an easy gift to give, right?  Wrong.  A vacation is a very easy thing to give a book lover.

A book is an easy and affordable escape.  It takes a reader to different places without ever leaving home. I can’t count the number of times my husband has said to me, “Put that book down and relax.”  Little does he know, it’s because I want to relax that I picked that book up to begin with.

I have always loved to read, and it is a rare thing indeed to catch me without a dog-eared book tucked into my bag.

So, if you’re looking for some great gift ideas for a book lover in your life this Mother’s Day, I’m here to help.  I’ve listed several things I either love myself, or would love to have for myself!  (Hope darling hubby is reading this.)

eBook readers are a trend that is here to stay.  Even people, like myself, who prefer old-fashioned books with actual pages, are finding the eBook reader useful and convenient. They not only allow you to carry dozens of different titles at the same time, many of them even allow you to subscribe and read your favorite magazines.  Not to mention how impressive the cases are!  Designers like Kate Spade and Michael Kors have already added them to their collections.

iPad-I personally, have an iPad and I love it.  But I do love that the iPad allows me to read what I want, literally, at the touch of my finger.  I also love all the other app options and I often use my iPad to write instead of my laptop.

Nook-The Nook is another fantastic option.  If I didn’t have the iPad, I would have the Nook.

Does she already have an eReader?  Gift cards for ebooks are always a great gift idea when you’re unsure of what books Mom has read or would like to read.

A few other unique gift ideas are:

• Banned Books Bracelet
• Massaging Bed Rest Pillow
• Ruffle Headboard Lamp
• Magazine subscriptions
• A book basket is always a fun gift too.  Choose a book or two (check out the NY Times Best-seller list for title ideas) and pack it along with a comfy blanket and pair of pajamas.
• Or why not design a personalized mug over at Ink Garden and fill it with her favorite chocolates, tea, or chocolate tea?

Regardless of what you give her, the greatest gift a mother can receive is the one that tells her how much she is loved.

What is journaling? It is the simple act of regularly writing down stories of your experiences whether it is on paper or at your computer.

Here are some tips on how to get started journaling:

• Do not concern yourself with spelling or grammar. Simply let your thoughts flow.
• Keep your journal private. If you write thinking you may share it, you may be tempted to write for someone else. This will allow you complete freedom in your writing.
• Write for as little or as long as you need to purge all our ideas and emotions. Ten to fifteen minutes a day is a good amount of time to set aside.
• Write about what feels stressful to you right now.
• Write about not only what has happened, but include your feelings about what has happened and why you feel that way.

There is no right or wrong way to journal. No matter what pen you are using or how long it has been since you last wrote, spending a few minutes journaling can help you reduce stress in your life.

The Help (2009) by Kathryn Stockett is a nearly perfect novel. Stockett has produced one of the most enjoyable, thought provoking and touching reads that I have experienced. I was hooked from page one, marvelling at the bravery and sass that she infuses her characters with.

Racial Discrimination

Set in 1962 in Mississippi, The Help is a fictional account of what it was like to be an African American maid in the South during a very real time of racial inequality, discrimination and injustice. The Help is a tale that intertwines the lives of three brave and dignified Southern women: Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson, two African American maids and Miss Skeeter Phelan, a young, idealistic college graduate from a wealthy, white family. Though Skeeter was raised in a home where the maid was seemingly well treated, she is aware that this is not always the case. She is appalled by the way her friends, Miss Hilly and Miss Leefolt, influence the community and perpetuate the myth that separate bathrooms should be built for the black maids to use so they do not spread diseases to white guests and members of the household. Once Skeeter befriends Miss Leefolt’s maid, Aibileen, Skeeter begins a project that threatens to expose her community for the vile racism it practices.

Empowerment

Skeeter’s ambition to be a writer and her determination to stand up for the values she believes in, motivates her to write a ground-breaking, non-fictional account of life in the South from the perspective of the “help”. Enlisting maids willing to speak about their experiences proves to be difficult; however, once Aibileen is onboard, Skeeter discovers that there are many more black maids that can be coaxed into admitting the truth. With Aibileen and her friend Minny’s assistance, Skeeter is able to conduct enough interviews to complete her book in order to bring awareness to the treatment of these undervalued women.

Aibileen is the tour de force behind Skeeter’s book; she secures support in the black community for this project and encourages Skeeter every step of the way. It is her way of honouring the memory of her son and acknowledging that change is needed in the way black people are viewed and treated in the South. She risks her job and her safety in order to bring about awareness. Aibileen’s sassy-mouthed friend, Minny, after some coaxing, assists in bolstering the success of the book. Her dislike for Miss Hilly prompts Minny to execute her unique brand of revenge, which is what ultimately proves to keep herself and Aibileen safe from the fallout from those white individuals whose identities are thinly disguised in Skeeter’s book. Indeed, it is the ugly truth that in the end sets these women free.

I loved this novel because the characters feel real; they speak in authentic voices. Kathryn Stockett’s historical accuracy and richly-detailed descriptions make this a novel to be savoured. Stockett does not sugar coat the events; however, she does use ample humour to expose the foibles of her characters.  The Help is a moving novel about truth, determination and empowerment.

About the Author

Kathryn Stockett spent nine years working in magazine publishing and marketing. She has an English and Creative Writing degree from the University of Alabama. The Help (2009) is her first novel. This year Dreamworks is releasing an adaptation of The Help into film, directed by Tate Taylor. If you would like to learn more about Kathryn Stockett, please visit her website. http://www.kathrynstockett.com/index.htm

Start your journal.
Whether you find one online or pick one up while shopping, choose what medium you’re comfortable with. You can be anonymous and even have private settings lock your innermost thoughts from the world online, if you feel like typing is easier for you. Or maybe you love the look and feel of a journal. Of sitting down with a cup of coffee and a pretty pen to scratch out your thoughts and emotions. Whichever one suits you more, choose it and get ready to write!

Pick a time to write.
This time does not have to be set in stone but it’s good to have a time at the beginning of your journaling journey that is set aside for you. This is your therapy time so make it a solid appointment. Whether it be first thing in the morning, when everything is fresh, or late at night, while winding down from a busy day, make it a time that suits you. And make it a time that you know works best for you. If you rush around all morning and barely have time to eat breakfast, morning journaling might not be the best option. Play around with different times of the day until you find the time that you know you are the most focused at.

Find inspiration.
Sometimes, it’s hard to know what to write about. If your day hasn’t lent you to any specific insights you want to write down, find inspiration elsewhere! Do a free write where you spent 10 minutes writing everything that pops into your brain, whether or not it makes sense. Or look for writing prompts online. These give you a break from writing about your thoughts and emotions to write about a topic you may never have thought about before!

It’s therapy.
Writing can be a very cathartic, therapeutic experience. It’s about taking your emotions and using a different medium to let them out. Whether it’s something that’s private to you or free for the world to see, it’s up to you. Always remember that writing is a very personal experience. Even if you don’t see yourself as the best writer or have aspirations for becoming an author, this is still a way to express your emotions in a different way.

Happy writing!

I am a work at home mom. After my youngest daughter was born, I opted to reduce my work schedule to part-time and elected to do my job from home rather than returning back to the corporate office environment. I have had the ability to spend time with my children and be involved with their daily lives (school functions, field trips, going to the library) as well as still getting a chance to do work that is NOT child related (which is something I need to fulfill MYSELF) and contributing to our family’s financial big pictures. Some might say I have the best of both worlds. Good Enough is the New Perfect seemed to understand that even when you have “the best of both worlds” there is still room for feelings of inadequacy, still room for internal struggle and debate over what you “should be” doing, and still room to feel like you might be doing your best…but you don’t think it’s enough.

While this book won’t tell you what choice you should make, or what’s best for your family – the most important thing it gave me was the knowledge that I was not alone in feeling like no matter what choice I make – to work, not to work, put my kids in daycare, keep my kids at home – it would be the wrong choice. I’m far from alone in fearing the consequences of my decisions.

The 11 chapters of this book cover everything from “mommy wars” (they exist) to finding the right fit at work (whatever that may be). Along the way, the book is filled with excerpts from moms –  moms like you and moms like me. These moms talk about the choices they’ve made, the journeys those choices have led them to, and whether or not it worked for them.

While we may not all have “cookie cutter”situations from which we can extract an easy answer from this book, I took away the solidarity of being “with” so many other women on this journey, as well as a great deal of ideas as to how I can make my working situation work a little better for me, as well as realizing that sometimes good enough really  IS okay.

Splat, the loveable cat at the center of Rob Scotton’s best -selling children’s book series, searches for the Easter bunny so he can deliver this important note:

“Dear Easter Bunny, this is what I want for Easter … a really big Easter egg, please!”

The reader follows Splat and his mouse friend Seymour on their quest to find the Easter bunny. Each page asks the question, “Where is the Easter bunny?” and has a flap under which you hope to find him. Likely spots include a truck, an Easter basket, an umbrella and a mailbox but you’ll have to read it to find out if he really does get Splat’s Easter note!

Lift-the-flap books are often reserved for the preschool isle of the book store but I bought this book at my son’s elementary school book fair and know many moms who picked it up for their kids too. My kindergartener loves the flaps and they are fun way to encourage him to read. The cast of characters are consistent in all the Splat books so if your child is already a fan he or she will love to see the familiar faces of Kitten, Mrs. Wimpydimple and Spike along the way.

If you haven’t added Splat to your child’s library yet this book will get you off to a great start. And, if your child is anything like mine, soon you’ll be adding other Splat favorites like Scaredy-cat Splat, Love Splat and Splat the Cat Sings Flat to your reading list.

If you’re interested in eating healthier, saving money, controlling the quality of your food, and happen to like recipes – here’s your book.

Canning & Preserving for Dummies by Amelia Jeanroy and Karen Ward is divided into six parts which walk you through each process step-by-step. It doesn’t skip over a thing making it a no-brainier for those of us who are less than stellar in the kitchen. The first part of the book discusses the different techniques that belong to the canning world, what gear you’re going to need to pull everything off, and how to practice canning safely so no food is spoiled.

Part two gets into water-bath canning; actually it’s the only “canning” I’ve ever done. After reading this section, it turns out that I’ve barely scratched the surface with the possibilities of this technique. By the way, I had no idea that you could can apple pie filling! One of my family’s favorite fall pastimes is making pies (apple and otherwise). Having the pie filling already prepared is an awesome head-start for pie baking day.

Photo by Ben Hussman

Pressure canning is in the third part of the book and this is the part that I plan on going over again with a fine-toothed comb. Because the fact is…pressure canning freaks me out. I’ve never tried it because I imagine the worse; with me featured in the 10:00 news. Jeanroy and Ward have addressed every fear, as well as every gadget on the top of the cooker. Honestly, after reading this chapter I’m going to give it a try this year.

The fourth part is all about freezing vegetables, meat, nuts, and everything else. Freezing is the technique I’ve used the most when preserving food. It’s fast, easy, and it turns out I haven’t been doing things exactly right (go figure). Ever wonder whether you can re-freeze something you’ve defrosted but aren’t going to use after all? It’s in here. Packed with information on freezing other food items such as soups, cookies, bread, pies, fruits, herbs, and vegetables, Canning & Preserving for Dummies is the only food preserving book you’ll ever need. All the recipes to canning and freezing food are in these chapters and at your fingertips!

Part five is devoted to drying food and storing your bounty. Don’t have a cellar? Not a problem; Jeanroy and Ward have alternatives for you. In the very last section, part six, you’ll find troubleshooting tips and where to find all the gadgets and gizmos you’ll need or want for storing fresh, healthy food for your family. Canning & Preserving for Dummies is a must have for your kitchen library.

Canning & Preserving for Dummies
Amelia Jeanroy, Karen Ward
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
September, 2009
ISBN# 978-0470504550
384 Pages
Paperback
$ 19.99

Check out the trailer for the movie version starring Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin and John Krasinski.

The novel’s basic plot involves Rachel, a perpetually single New York lawyer and her best friend, the effortlessly lucky Darcy. On the eve of Rachel’s 30^th birthday, she sleeps with Darcy’s fiancé, Dex, whom she has had a longtime crush. The book follows the next few months after that fateful night, as well as flashbacks from Rachel and Darcy’s lives. I wasn’t wild about the ending, but it was certainly nice to read a “chick lit” book that wasn’t super predictable. The book has a sequel, Something Blue, that continues Darcy’s adventures.

Here’s hoping the movie has a sequel as well.

Who else is excited for this movie? What are some of your favorite book-t0-movie transitions?

Photo courtesy of www.filmofilia.com

Emily and Einstein: A Novel of Second Chances by Linda Francis Lee is more than an entertaining read about the ultimate form of poetic justice; it is an exploration of an individual’s place in the universe. When Sandy Portman is killed in an accident, ethereal forces come together to present Sandy with a choice: he must choose to accept the challenge to do something unselfish, otherwise he will fade away into nothing. This deal comes with one surprising condition, and that is that his soul will be transported into the body of the dog that inadvertently caused the fatal accident.

Losing A Loved One

As fate would have it, Emily unknowingly rescues the very animal inhabited by the spirit of her late husband. Sandy becomes a scruffy dog named Einstein and must learn to put his ego aside and figure out a way to help Emily in order for them both to move on. Einstein’s job becomes difficult once Emily discovers that Sandy was less than a model husband. As Emily tries to come to terms with Sandy’s death, she learns that she is about to lose her suite at the famed Dakota building, over-looking Central Park. It takes a miracle, a marathon and a visit from her sister, Jordan to help Emily put her life and her relationships into perspective.

Sisterhood

The themes of sisterhood, mother-daughter relationships and empowerment are woven in this tale of atonement and forgiveness.  As Jordan and Emily write about their life growing up with their feminist mother, they learn about themselves and their relationship. Jordan’s intense need to feel that Emily truly loves her for who she is parallels Emily’s need believe that Sandy truly loved her. With a little help from Einstein, they strengthen their bond. Emily is then able to come to terms with her issues regarding Sandy in order to feel free to fall in love again.

What I loved most about Emily and Einstein is that Linda Francis Lee makes an impossible situation plausible. Just when you think Sandy got what he deserved, you will find yourself rooting for the little dog who is struggling to be a better man.

About the Author

Linda Francis Lee is the established author of nineteen books. Emily and Einstein (2011) is her latest release. Lee currently lives in New York City.

If you would like to learn more about Linda Francis Lee and her work, please visit her website. http://lindafrancislee.com/

Note: I received this book from the http://www.goodreads.com/ First Reads giveaway program.

Skippyjon Jones is one naughty kitty boy.  With his imagination, he gets into mischief at every turn and ultimately saves the day.  When Skippyjon Jones is sent to his room by his frustrated Momma to think about what it means to be a Siamese cat, he does anything but.  His imagination runs wild in this delightful adventure of a Siamese cat with an alter ego- a Chihuahua named El Skippito Friskito.  His closet is the gateway to his imagination and to old Mexico, where he meets up with the gang of Chihuahuas named the Chimichangas.  In old Mexico, he takes on Alfredo Buzzito the Bumblebeeto Bandito who steals the beans of the Chimichanga gang.  Throughout the story are elementary Spanish phrases and rhymes that delight the reader and listener.

This book is delightful for children as young as one and as old as eight, as well as adults.  The use of a silly accent only makes the story more exciting and charming as children and adults alike giggle their way through.  Gorgeous illustrations paired with a wonderful, silly storyline make this book a household favorite.  Children will be practicing their Skippyjon Jones saying with cute phrases like ‘Holy Frijoles’ and ‘Chihuahuas, cheese and crackers!’

The greatest part of Skippyjon Jones, is Schachner brings the adult reader back to their childhood, when imaginations ran wild and nothing was off limits.  Get lost in old Mexico with Skippyjon- you won’t be disappointed!

Bookshelf Spring Cleaning

To begin with, make sure have all the books together, not scattered about the house. Before placing any books on the shelf, organize them in neat piles, perhaps on the floor where there is room, according to how they should be categorized.

Be sure to dust the shelves before replacing the books. For wooden shelves, you may wish to oil them or polish them. Choose a product that will not leave residue that will transfer to the books.

Consider splitting them first into fiction and non-fiction, and organizing them by genre: classics, cookbooks, reference, Bibles, children’s books, and so on. Organizing them by genre will help in the long run to more easily find books. This kind of organization also looks more put together.

Book Organization

Besides categorizing genres, other organization methods depend on personal preference. If you would like to be super organized, try grouping the books by author as well, and alphabetizing them by authors’ names. Books can also be organized by height, beginning with the tallest on the outside edges of each shelf, to the shortest in the middle. This would not likely work if the books are organized by author or alphabetized – the choice it is a matter of personal preference.

Have you outgrown your bookshelves? If so, consider a few solutions: diminish the amount of books by donating or selling some of them to a used bookstore; if you have the space and wish to keep all the books, purchase another shelf; or remember that it is okay to stack books across the tops of the books standing up.

Come time for spring cleaning, you will love having the bookshelves reorganized. It makes your books easier to find, frees the bookshelves from dust, and improves the overall neatness of the whole room.

Dracula by Bram Stoker
The 1897 vampire classic, Dracula, was penned by Bram Stoker, a native of Dublin, Ireland.  The gothic novel tells the tale of Count Dracula, a Transylvanian vampire, and his interactions with a circle of British acquaintances.  One of the original vampire tales, Stoker’s classic is a haunting work that has stood the test of time.  And no, Dracula does not sparkle like certain other literary vampires.

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
Although technically a play rather than a book, George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion deserves mentioning.  Shaw was a famed Irish playwright who, in 1912, composed this five act play that went onto serve as the basic story line of My Fair Lady.  In this classic tale, phonetics Professor Henry Higgins wagers that he can teach Eliza Doolittle to be rid of her Cockney accent and adopt a more genteel manner of speaking.

Ulysses by James Joyce
One of the most famous literary works of the twentieth century, Joyce’s Ulysses is a modern retelling of Homer’s Odyssey in eighteen vignettes. In it, Joyce perfected his stream of consciousness writing style, making this one of the most important works of the Modern era.  While most of Joyce’s life was spent on the continent, he hails from Dublin, where he began his fruitful writing career.

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
Another Dublin-ite, Swift gained more notability as a clergyman than he did an author, but his one stand out work, Gulliver’s Travels is still well read by all circles nearly three hundred years later.  Considered to be a satirical work, Gulliver’s Travels follows a traveler by the name of Gulliver across sixteen years of adventures.  Along the way, he meets many larger than life (and sometimes smaller than life) characters, and the interactions that take place provide a proper parody to travel tales of the era.