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.