Dislike of Modern Fantasy Books

Perhaps I'm "old-fashioned," but I dislike the modern fantasy books and find them depressing.  Are they contributing to the disrespectful attitudes of many who read them?  Do they lead youngsters and young adults to look at the world with a depressing view?

This isn't to say that books should create a rose-colored and unrealistic view of the world and our lives.  However, so many of the modern fantasy books delve into violence and present jaded characters.

I realize many people will say I'm wrong.  They (adults and young readers) regard these books and series as wonderful.

I read fantasies, or "fairy tales" as we called them, in my youth.  But they didn't seem to have so much violence and depressing outlooks.

I did come across one mother who refuses to let her children read these types of books until they're 14.  What happens when the books are included in class reading in middle school and discussed in class?  What happens when they want to attend movies of these books at a younger age?  They will hear classmates and teachers discussing the books and movies.

Reading the books your youngsters are reading and discussing your "old-fashioned" views of them does help to give them insight into why you may not approve...and give them something to consider.

The American Girls Cookbook - a Charming Look at Cooking of Yesteryear

The American Girls Cookbook - I discovered this cookbook when a friend cleaned her closet and book shelves and passed along some of hers.  I find this one fascinating because I often write about colonial and pioneer cooking in my Country Cooking column, as well as children's stories with settings in the past.

It's also a really nice book for kids to use when preparing recipes.  They learn about cooking and kitchens of yesteryear, too. Some of the recipes are from the more distant past, during the 1940s.

If they read the American Girls series, they'll find Kirsten, Samantha and Molly with recipes of their eras in this cookbook.

Why not discover The American Girls Cookbooks yourself?

Book Review: Soccer World South Africa

Soccer World South Africa (Explore the World Through Soccer) opens up this country for kids and their parents. It's also recommended at Travel for Kids as a good resource if you plan to travel there. Explore the World Through Soccer is the subtitle and gives you Ethan's view as he travels through South Africa playing soccer.

You'll gain insight into the country and into the role soccer plays there. Co-author Ethan Zohn (with David Rosenberg) is a soccer player and guides you through this country.

There also are activities you can do that are related to the country and soccer.

Have fun exploring!

Book Review - Explore Rocks and Minerals

My daughter was fascinated with collecting rocks and minerals. Her children have been, too. When my husband and I travel, we try to find rocks of the area and unusual natural items as souvenirs for the children.

A new book came to my attention recently - Explore Rocks and Minerals! by Cynthia Light Brown & Nick Brown, published by Nomad Press. It contains a great deal of information with projects, activities and experiments that youngsters can undertake. This would make a great resource book for teachers and home schooling parents, too.

In addition to projects and experiments, you learn about the various types of rocks found inside and outside the earth. You'll also discover where to locate them.

Did you know you can make your own basalt columns?

Did you realize that some islands are made up completely of volcanic rocks? Which ones?

Fossils are so fascinating. Learn about them and how to make your own.

Become a "rock hound," discover facts about rocks and minerals as you collect your own.

An easy-to-read book, Explore Rocks and Minerals! offers information that children and adults will find fascinating.

Check Out My "Green" Family Post at BlissTree

I'm now writing at BlissTree about Parenting and Crafting. There are many opportunities to be "green" in those areas.

Check out my post, Parenting for the "Green" Family, and let me know how you're going green in your home.

Creating Children's Container Gardens

Spring is the time of year when children plant container gardens at school. From kindergarten through about third grade, youngsters learn about green and growing things by planting seeds in paper cups or other containers at school.

Often these are planned so they can bring a growing bean plant, or perhaps marigold home to mom for Mother's Day. My daughter did this in elementary school, as did both grandchildren. Then we waited until we were sure the frost was gone before we planted them in the garden outside.

When I substitute teach in these grades, the children always are ready to show me the "gardens" they have growing in the classroom and want to water them so much the plants nearly drown. However, it's delightful to see youngsters so excited about gardening.

Also, check out these Gardening Resources for Families.

Writers Publish Related Books for Youngsters & Adults

Writers are taught to "get the most mileage" from the material we research and write. When we write a book, can we write others in the same vein or related to it? You'll even find this in the children's book writing field.

When I discovered the children's story book, The Quiltmaker's Gift, I didn't realize there were related books with quilt patterns and suggestions. In researching an answer for a reader's question about this book, I discovered more and wrote about them in Follow-up Books for the Quiltmaker's Gift. You may want to check out these books:

The Quiltmaker's Gift
Quilts From the Quiltmaker's Gift
More Quilts From the Quiltmaker's Gift