book review

Smitten with Kittens, by Florence and Wendell Minor

Paws in the air for SMITTEN WITH KITTENS! Co-created by Florence and Wendell Minor, it’s the purrfect read for a Caturday afternoon, before or after a catnap. What better way to celebrate International Children’s Book Day? Any day, really—this picture book is a melt-your-heart tribute to all types of kitties, from cover to cover and every page in between.

“Who isn’t smitten/ with a kitten’s sweet MEW / and all the cute things that kittens will DO?”

SMITTEN WITH KITTENS is an adorable, read-aloud romp with kittens who perform mischief and mayhem of all kinds…cuddly, curious, cats-in-the-making, whose superpower comes of charming you with their naughtiness and then snuggling into your lap for a nap.

Wendell Minor’s illustrations are disarming, in that the graphite drawings are smudged so they look like fur. Now and again, the black and white images are punctuated with playful pops of color.

Rumbly, tumbly, bouncy, flouncy kittens tumble across every page…

Shhhh! Once the kitties are napping, be sure you turn the page. Quietly, please, so as not to disturb their rest. You’ll want plenty of time to browse the “Fun Facts” about felines! Did you know, for instance, that cats sleep about 18 hours a day? That might seem like a lot, but then again, maybe not. Thumb through the previous pages and think about all the energy these furballs burn when they’re awake!

This book is at once heartwarming and entertaining, and definitely re-readable. No surprise, it was inspired by the “fabulous felines” who’ve graced Florence and Wendell Minor’s home with their presence, filling their days with joy and leaving sweet pawprints on their hearts.

I first heard about SMITTEN WITH KITTENS when we were grieving the loss of our sweet Toby. When he passed away in late January, I thought I’d never fill the void he left behind. But love has a way of expanding, doesn’t it? We’ll never forget our gentle giant, of course, but we found room in our hearts to adopt another rescue kitty.

Meet Jeffrey “the Big” Lebowski, aka The Dude. It’s a big name, legendary even. He’ll have to grow into it, but I’ve got no doubts whatsoever that he will. He’s already laid claim to every corner of our house, and on the day that we brought him home, our hearts grew at least three sizes.

You can purchase an autographed copy of SMITTEN WITH KITTENS from The Hickory Stick Bookshop. It’s a popular book, widely available through online vendors as well as brick-and-mortar bookstores. Looking for a lovable kitten of your very own? Your local adoption agencies/shelters are the feel-good, do-good way to find the purrfect matchup.

Bench restoration project and a book review

I’d love to spend an afternoon with you, swirling ice cubes in frosty glasses of fresh-squeezed lemonade. We’d talk and swing, feet tucked under our bottoms, in the cushioned glider on my wrap-around porch. 

Meet me at the corner of idyllic and realistic. When you come through my garden gate, you’ll no doubt be greeted by hummingbirds and fragrant flowers. I’ll offer you iced tea or hot chocolate, your preference. But truth be told, my front porch has a pretty small footprint. There’s room here for a sprawling fern, double doors with beveled glass, and a shaded bench that provides visitors a quiet spot in which to daydream.

I bought the porch bench for a song, about two years ago. It was sun-bleached and scarred, as you can see, but far sturdier than it looked. It’s got good bones, I told myself. With a little bit of elbow grease, I’ll bet I can restore it to its former glory.

Thing is: I love the patina of timeworn furniture. I prefer a subtle glow to a high-gloss sheen. If I were asked to define my decorating style, the closest I’d come is coastal-garden-casual. Chic, but not pretentious. Storied, but not shabby. I’m a sucker for vintage pieces with character. If that also describes your design sensibilities, here’s a quick-and-easy way to refresh your front porch bench:

  1. Gather some soft cotton rags and protective gloves.
  2. Clean your bench, using a soft cloth and Murphy’s Oil Soap.
  3. Go about your business.  Give your bench some drying time.
  4. Apply Restore-A-Finish, per the directions on the label.
  5. Rub Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish and Conditioner into the wood, wipe away any excess, and then polish to a soft sheen.  
  6. Accessorize your newly restored bench with comfy pillows and cozy throws.
  7. Sit a spell, listening to the songbirds as you drink your morning coffee. 

I love how my bench turned out! It really brightens up that corner, don’t you think? 

On a related note, I came across a new book on Facebook: RESTORATION HOUSE, by Kennesha Buycks. I offered to review it, based on our shared interest in creating a warm, welcoming home–a sanctuary, if you will, for family members and guests. But since I wasn’t yet familiar with her blog, the religious overtones took me by surprise. Envisioning a beautiful house, Kennesha says, isn’t limited to furniture placement and choosing the right color palette. It’s a spiritual journey, as well, whose goal is a Christ-centered home that “gives life and connection to all who enter.”

In her introductory chapters, Kennesha describes the unmoored feelings that came of being the wife of a military professional. They moved from pillar to post, many times over, within the span of a few years. As the daughter of an interant preacher, I remember how painful it is, to be repeatedly uprooted. I remember the perpetual impermanence, and the emotional tug of that elusive place called home. Over time, Kennesha resolved those yearnings– first by anchoring herself to faith, and then creating a design aesthetic that mirrors her personality and religious leanings. 

RESTORATION HOUSE is a highly personal book, tailored to a very specific (i.e., Christian) audience. Written in a casual, blogger’s style, it provides readers with fresh ideas for home renovations and remodeling. The photographs are beautiful, stylized representations of her preference for all things “simple and minimal, yet not too minimal, cozy and warm yet uncomplicated.” Pull up a chair, the images seem to say, Let’s break bread together, you and I, and bring to the table our dreams and aspirations. 

Given the heavy emphasis on her spiritual journey (including verses from the New Testament, Bible stories, and prayers), I’d describe it as a devotional, more so than a how-to book about home interiors. That’s an observation, not a criticism. When asked, “If you could design a mug, what would it say?” Kennesha responded, “Do you, boo.” In writing RESTORATION HOUSE, she does just that.

GARDENTOPIA, by Jan Johnsen

It’s an honor to present yet another gardener’s resource, put to print by landscaper designer Jan Johnsen. Whether you have a small patio garden or expansive acreage, you’ll find lots of inspiration in her brand-new book, GARDENTOPIA: Design Basics for Creating Beautiful Outdoor Spaces.*

Jan’s writing style is breezy, and her illustrations are dreamy. But make no mistake: This book is chock-full of substantial, ingenious ideas that come from years of accumulated knowledge and experience. 

From visualizing the finished garden, to gathering materials and getting down to work, Jan covers beautifully every facet of what it means to create an outdoor oasis.  As with her previous books, she carefully lays the groundwork for her readers’ success, intertwining creative inspiration with practical guidance.  

Eye-catching color combinations + elevated containers = visual exclamation points  

Dream about your very own Garden of Eden, as you flip through the pages of this book. I guarantee you’ll get a better sense of what you want your garden space to look like, and be. Allow your mind and feet to wander, Jan suggests; in turn, your garden will “reveal itself in stages, hiding and offering up its delights in turn.” Over time, visitors (humans, pollinators, songbirds, etc.) will want to join you. Your garden will become your sanctuary, rewarding you with countless seasons of sensory pleasures.

I highly recommend GARDENTOPIA. It’s for novice gardeners and longtime landscapers alike. It’s pretty enough to be a coffee table decoration, but I have a feeling it won’t be long before my copy is dog-eared, highlighted, and smudged with dirt! Matter of fact, I just ordered it as a gift for a new homeowner, who’s just now developing an interest in outdoor spaces.  I know already that, like me, he’ll refer to it often, as he infuses his own landscaping (and life) style with Jan’s practical advice. 

*I first came to know about Jan Johnsen when I discovered her first book, HEAVEN IS A GARDEN, which I loved. To read my review of Jan Johnsen’s second book, click here: The Spirit of Stone: 101 Practical & Creative Stonescaping Ideas for Your Garden.)

The Wellness Garden

I’ve admired Shawna Coronado’s work for a long while, not only for her creative approach to landscaping, but also because she believes (as I do) that when we invite visitors into our garden spaces, new friendships take root and grow.

I also admire her grit and grace. Shawna shared openly the despair she felt when she was first diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis, a few years back. Devastating, but she never put down her garden trowel. She instead found ways to translate her lifelong passion into new ways of being, all of which are chronicled in her latest book, The Wellness Garden: Grow, Eat, and Walk Your Way to Better Health.

In addition to dietary changes, Shawna speaks to the importance of daily walks, activities that build flexibility (such as yoga), and consistent exposure to nature and the outside world, all of which help nourish us from the inside out. And of course, she literally digs in the dirt of her therapeutic garden, taking full advantage of the nutritious foods she grows.

Photo Credit: Shawna Coronado. Used with permission.

The Wellness Garden is equally valuable to the urban hobbyist and rural farmer—it’s chock-full of ideas for growing healthy plants in large and small spaces (e.g., containers and “living walls”), composting and chemical-free gardening, building raised beds, and incorporating colorful vegetables into decorative borders.

Photo Credit: Shawna Coronado. Used with permission.

Shawna’s book is for practical, down-to-earth folks like you and me. But while she doesn’t wander into the weeds, her main assertions are backed by science. As always, her beautiful photographs invite readers to come outside and play. I handed my copy to Karen Reinhart, who visited me last week from Spokane, Washington. We savored it together, and were equally inspired. And when we put our heads together to write this blog, both of us agreed: Everyone who’s interested in health and well-being can find something of benefit in this book.

Note: I received a review copy of The Wellness Garden from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

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In the Author’s Tent: Catherine Pearlman chats with me about GUY STUFF

Y’all remember my blog post about Logan Everett, right? American Girl’s first-ever boy doll? Well…ta da! In yet another first, they’ve just published a book for guys!

Written by Cara Natterson

GUY STUFF is a down-to-earth, quick read that covers everything boys want to know about their developing minds and bodies–from healthy eating to hygiene, hormones, emotions and peer pressure, GUY STUFF covers it all. And psst, because I know you were wondering: American Girl isn’t mentioned on the cover, the title page–anywhere, for that matter. This is a boy book, through and through. 

Illustrations by Micah Player

Whew! It’s about time, don’t you think? As a proud mama of two sons, I searched high and low for books like this. Slim pickings, back in the day. But here’s to life, always changing for the better! And hurray for American Girl, stepping up to meet that need.

I think GUY STUFF fills a very important space, on bookshelves and in family conversations. But as Lavar Burton of Reading Rainbow used to say, “Don’t take my word for it!” Professionals like Dr. Catherine Pearlman* wholeheartedly agree.

I’ve invited Catherine to join me in The Author’s Tent, to share her unique perspectives on this book. She’s my friend, but she’s also the founder of The Family Coach and an author in her own right, having just released the critically acclaimed IGNORE IT.  Hope you enjoy our Q & A session below  And don’t miss the Lightning Round at the end!

 

Q: How can a book like Guy Stuff help kids and parents talk about puberty?

Catherine: Talking about our bodies can be difficult for grown-ups as well as for kids. Sometimes there’s shame and embarrassment. Often parents don’t feel comfortable using proper names for genitalia. Some parents may also be scared to talk about the changes coming for boys. Believe it or not some parents might not even know what to expect during puberty. Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys can facilitate the learning process and open up the discussion for both parents and boys. The book offers an excellent introduction to all that is to come for boys. It covers hormones, physical changes, acne, hair, self-care and much more. The pictures and tone are upbeat, nonthreatening and fun. This book provides an easy introduction that many parents and boys will appreciate partly because it is so well done. The cartoon drawings are adorable but informative.

Why do they even need a book?

For many parents talking about puberty is a struggle. Parents might not be sure when to start or what to say. Likewise, boys might have a hard time asking questions directly to their parents due to embarrassment. But puberty doesn’t wait for parents to become ready to talk. And if boys don’t learn all about the changes from their parents they will likely learn from the kids at school. The problem is often boys are misinformed or only know parts of the truth. Some points may be exaggerated or presented in a scary manner. Other important points may be skipped altogether. The book is such a helpful guide for parents. Sure, the talk can happen without the book. But it just helps parents know all of the topics to cover.

How do parents know when it’s time to introduce this book?

There is such a wide range of ages when boys begin to go through puberty. And it moves at a snail’s pace.  Still, it’s important to introduce the concepts of puberty before it begins. This book is geared for boys in the 9 – 12 year old range. In my opinion, 12 is much too late to begin to have the puberty discussion because even if your child isn’t there yet, one of his friends could be. It’s better to be proactive telling boys all they need to know so they are ready when it begins. I’d begin thinking about the talk and book around 9-10 years old.

Should parents just give it to kids or review it together?

It really depends on the particulars. Parents should feel free to review this book with their sons. However, Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys could easily be read and understood by a boy in the recommended age range. It would be perfectly appropriate to give a boy this book. He will secretly devour it. But if a parent doesn’t review it with the child it would be a good idea to make sure the boy knows the parent is open to discussion or questions any time. And I’d recommend the parent following up every now and then to see if any new questions or concerns turn up. One main benefit of this book is that it’s incredibly useful if a parent or child is too bashful to discuss puberty.

What should parents do if they are too embarrassed to talk to their kids about puberty and the birds and bees?

There are two good options here. The best option is that parents take time to read up about puberty and sex and how to talk about these topics with kids. Being informed can help ease anxiety about the discussion. Ask for help when needed from a doctor or use books and articles to help share information. It’s important to remember the talk about puberty and sex shouldn’t be a one and done kind of talk. It should slowly evolve over time to include more age-appropriate information. It can get easier over time.

The second option is to find another grown up who would be willing to have the talk for you. This isn’t the best option but it’s certainly better than not discussing these issues with kids. For some parents this can be a good option if it is just too uncomfortable to have this discussion.

The worst option is for parents to just avoid discussing the topic altogether. Kids will be forced to learn about their bodies from the bits and pieces their friends bring up on the playground. Or they won’t learn at all. It’s too important to help kids through this process. And it’s even more vital that they know about sexually transmitted diseases, how babies are made and about consent. Don’t leave this up to chance that your son will be informed. Fight through the embarrassment and fear and do it anyway.

Do boys need men to help them learn about their body changes and puberty? What if a parent is a single mother of boys?

Boys absolutely do not need men to learn about their bodies and sex. Sometimes it might be easier for boys to talk to a man who has been through the same experience. But not always. Mothers can do an excellent job relaying this information based on what’s available in books and from their own experience. However, if a mother is taking on this role it’s a good idea to offer a grown man as a possible option for the boy if he has additional questions or concerns.

Thanks for spending time in the Author’s Tent with us today, Catherine. Your answers are as genuine and thoughtful as you are! And now…it’s time for the LIGHTNING ROUND! Whatever pops into your head, give it to us as a one-word answer.

Jersey Subs or California Rolls?  
California rolls.
Paddleboard or snowboard?
Paddle board.
Favorite American Girl BeForever doll?

 

*Catherine Pearlman, LCSW, PhD is the founder of The Family Coach, a private practice specializing in helping families resolve everyday problems related to discipline, sleep, and sibling rivalry, among other issues. Her syndicated Dear Family Coach column has appeared in The Wall Street Journal and many regional parenting magazines. She has appeared on TODAY and her advice has been featured in Parenting, Men’s Health and CNN.com. Dr. Pearlman is a licensed clinical social worker who has been working with children and families for more than twenty years. She is an assistant professor of social work at Brandman University, and her new book, IGNORE IT, is widely available. 

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Testifyin’ for DAYS OF LITTLE TEXAS

Brothers and Sisters, please put your hands together for Ronald Earl Pettway, aka Little Texas–the faith-healing child evangelist who takes the spotlight in R.A. Nelson’s latest novel, DAYS OF LITTLE TEXAS (Knopf, 2009).

Ronald Earl’s youth is scarred by tragedy. His father is sent to prison for growing marijuana in the crawl space under their trailer home. Soon afterward, his mother’s corpse is discovered among the wreckage of a meth lab explosion. Miss Wanda Joy King—his great aunt, a sturdy Pentecostal woman—provides the newly orphaned boy with food and shelter, but not much else.

 

Ronald Earl’s watching old-time evangelist Sugar Tom Walker preach up a storm in San Angelo, Texas, when Fate comes knockin’ at his front door. Thunder clouds roll in, and a bolt of lightening strikes his friend, Certain Certain. When Ronald Earl lays a comforting hand on his motionless chest, the old man’s body shudders back to life. “You resurrected him!” a bystander cries, and when someone hands him a microphone, he gives an electrifying speech to an enthusiastic audience. “Ten years old, and the Holy Ghost comes up inside me for the very first time,” he marvels. 

 

And thus begins Little Texas’s faith-healing ministry. Throngs of believers flock to his services, chanting his name and expecting miracles. Sugar Tom and Certain Certain serve as stage hands, while Miss Wanda Joy acts as Chief Operating Officer in his evangelical enterprise.