I am Mr. Sherman. I need this book. I needed it even when I was a kid. Yes, it's earnest, even didactic. But it's also tremendously appealing, funny, I am Mr. Sherman. I need this book. I needed it even when I was a kid. Yes, it's earnest, even didactic. But it's also tremendously appealing, funny, and affective....more
Very cute. I love that it's simple things, mostly non-material, that make all the interviewees happy. And I love that there's a spread with a whole liVery cute. I love that it's simple things, mostly non-material, that make all the interviewees happy. And I love that there's a spread with a whole list of things most any of us can try. And that we don't have to learn why this child is unhappy... everyone has their own griefs, and everyone can just have a bad day, too. I do wonder what's up with the head scarf though.
I enjoyed this on openlibrary.org (Internet Archive)....more
Discovered because I wanted to see more work by the illustrator. Turns out the story and themes are even better than the art! Teaches empathy and AnotDiscovered because I wanted to see more work by the illustrator. Turns out the story and themes are even better than the art! Teaches empathy and Another Point of View very effectively, in an enchanting fable that is about two sisters, and also about any peoples that don't understand each other's cultures or histories.
Very highly recommended to all. I will read again, and look for more by author (and even more by illustrator)....more
TLDR: Despite my initial skepticism, I did wind up enjoying the whole thing and I do recommend it if you're interested. -------- My fault for choosing bTLDR: Despite my initial skepticism, I did wind up enjoying the whole thing and I do recommend it if you're interested. -------- My fault for choosing by cover alone, but I didn't realize how much science would be in here. I love that there's science, but it's so new, and therefore incomplete. Ok, yes, "mindset" in general has been a part of popular culture forever, from morals in fables to inspirational posters, but to make it reliable science we need more replication, more efforts to disprove, and more diverse locations, climates, & cultures (I don't think Leibowitz ever visited the Southern Hemisphere, nor, though this is aimed at Americans, did she apparently visit Montana, Idaho).
So anyway, I'm focusing more of my attention on the tips. And there too it's rather disappointing, so far, because, again, doesn't everyone interested already know that we need to spend more time outside? That there can be a joy found in bringing out the candles and the sweaters?
I do *very* much appreciate the idea that "winter tiredness" is a thing, and does not necessarily equate to SAD. Simple allowing oneself to sleep more is ok! Granted, not everyone can, especially if they're trying to get more exercise, but try it before scolding yourself for being depressed! It's just that you're being adaptive, and following the cycles of nature; hibernation is ok!
And back to the subtitle of the book. The author theorizes that if one can develop a flexible mindset, one can not only be able to find reasons to enjoy winter, but can also find the 'silver linings' (my idiom) in other difficult times. She doesn't oversimplify as I do, but she does want you to learn from this book things that might help you with loss, illness, other challenges.
Well, I'm not very far in, so come back for more insights when I'm done. :)
Meanwhile, one of my most favorite poems is relevant:
Dust of Snow By Robert Frost
The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued.
Further along and time to record more bookdarted bits:
Seek "apricity, the warmth in the winter sun." I tried it today. It didn't work on my morning walk, but on a later one, when the air got to above freezing, it did. And it reminded me of similar feelings as a child in Wisconsin.
Author talks about the power of language to shape thought. Well, yeah, propaganda, and biased words, branding, etc. And she uses the word "nice" which reminds me of what my mother used to say: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Stop kvetching so much. Call the cold wind Invigorating, or Refreshing, at least if you only have to experience the few minutes between the car and office.
She writes well. I like a little purplish prose sometimes, and so I like: "The long night made space for contemplation: feelings too intense to be looked at in broad daylight crept out of my head and curled by my feet in the evening shadows."
" we can thank winter for making space for the serene."
--- OK done.
Yes, I do like her voice, and did find the text itself worth reading. Even if the science is incomplete, and even if not nearly all the tips are actionable to me. I'm putting this on my 'to reread' shelf.
One off-hand tip is actually rather brilliant. Get dressed for the outdoors, then do a warm-up inside the house, so that going outside gives you relief from being on the verge of overheating. I've already tried that a couple times and I think it works.
"Wise or fierce self-compassion: " "Sometimes, dealing with our inner selves is like parenting a child: treating the child with compassion doesn't mean giving them whatever they want, or letting them do whatever they want. If a child never wants to take a bath, the compassionate response is not to let them remain filthy, but to try to communicate the necessity of bathing, or to help them make fast time more fun."
" I'm giving myself a chance to do something that feels a little difficult and to overcome a challenge. And if I was able to do that, what else can I do?"
The actual bulleted tips I'm going to note to myself only as it seems beyond fair use to add them here.
Bottom line, yes, this is worth the read if you're interested. ...more
Well, it's no The Long Winter but it's certainly fascinating, and charming, even humorous at times. The hardships don't strike me as too extreme; BianWell, it's no The Long Winter but it's certainly fascinating, and charming, even humorous at times. The hardships don't strike me as too extreme; Bianco emphasizes that courage & good neighbors are all one really needs. I do definitely appreciate that the women are seen as individuals, just as strong and independent as they could possibly be, and that's all handled so matter-of-factly. In 1936 that was true for some (remember, we'd had flappers etc., and had achieved suffrage).
Thank you, OKC library for buying the Dover trade paperback. It's a true classic, not moldy canon.
Highly recommended to fans of bold young women in what would nowadays be read as historical fiction....more
3/4 done... and I already know that I will be rereading this. But really, so many of the women are hooking up with married men. Was there a shortage o3/4 done... and I already know that I will be rereading this. But really, so many of the women are hooking up with married men. Was there a shortage of men in Binchy's day?? At least they usually realize it's best to break things off by the end of the story. --- Done. Yes, lovely little bits that don't shy away from how messy life can be, but that also give the reader comfort & hope....more
How does Palwick not get the recognition she deserves? Her writing and themes and characterizations and ideas are all amazing. Speculative fiction, yeHow does Palwick not get the recognition she deserves? Her writing and themes and characterizations and ideas are all amazing. Speculative fiction, yes, but literature, too. I am so lucky that I just happened to be browsing shelves at the library because I never would have realized that she had a (relatively) new collection out and that I could borrow it in print from OKC.
I'm not quite done, but I don't think that I'll be able to choose a favorite story among these stunners. --- Ok done. There is no least favorite, or any clear favorite. But let me note especially *Hideous Flowerpots.*
"If I'm not curating exhibits and discovering new artists because I need to be loved,... what's my motivation? Why should I do that stuff at all?" "... it's no longer about being loved. It's about being loving. It's about, well, reversing the polarity."
Also, from *Remote Presence,* "'love trumps law' Jesus had said that." (Law referring to protocols and rituals of the church.)
From *The Shining Hills,* "The dead always understand, don't they? Anything we want to do, they'll always approve."
And from the headnote to *Sanctuary,* "If Jesus came back tomorrow, he'd be crucified again in two minutes for hanging out with the wrong people."
This would make a fantastic book club discussion choice. The themes, the "what ifs," are provocative. Highly recommended. I hope to reread it with someone someday.
Honestly, this is amazing. The artwork is stunning. Mikambo is manager (?) of a game farm, according to the notes. Fun to read aloud; I would have lovHonestly, this is amazing. The artwork is stunning. Mikambo is manager (?) of a game farm, according to the notes. Fun to read aloud; I would have loved to share this with my children when they were young, over & over again. Highly recommended to the young at heart, to families and other educators, to children of all ages.
I'm not only going to read it again before I return it, I'm also going to put it on my to-reread list for the future....more
It takes a whole year, not just an epiphany, of hard work for our little ghost to overcome the fears. There are setbaOh what a delight. And so smart.
It takes a whole year, not just an epiphany, of hard work for our little ghost to overcome the fears. There are setbacks. A lot of time is spent hiding in the attic. But, yes, of course there's a happy ending.
But it's not preachy; it's funny.
I love the art. I love that it starts out very B&W, and gradually becomes full color. I love the glimpse of sibling relationships. Don't miss both endpapers (which are library-friendly, as the dust jacket does not cover up any key details).
Very highly recommended to anyone who is timid or who has phobias. To fans of Scaredy Squirrel who want something the same but different. Also to anyone who knows, or, especially, loves someone who is trying to be more brave. Um, I guess that means I recommend it to everyone!
I've read the library copy four times and am putting it on my to reread shelf. And looking for more by the creator....more
A bit implausible, but the happy ending is definitely possible. I believe I have seen something like it happen, in the news.
To address concerns from nA bit implausible, but the happy ending is definitely possible. I believe I have seen something like it happen, in the news.
To address concerns from negative reviews: Yes, your 4th grade students might be bored to learn about the pace of life in a small rural town, but one of the themes of the book is that we all are people, no matter our background. And of course it's always good to learn about diverse cultures.
And yes, the mother is experiencing a crisis that has tipped her over into clinical mental illness. All this about "getting help" for her is about a lot more than giving her Sterno and cans of stew.
To address something I don't see in other reviews - how cool is it that this is a mystery that a fan of mysteries can actually solve? And that it prompts him to "solve the mystery of why [he] likes mysteries!" (See list in comments below.)
Clements is wonderful. I need to check again to make sure I've not missed anything by him.
Oh, and, yes, there is an author's note. And also, though this is a tiny bit dated, just read it as if historical fiction and your kids will be fine....more
Oh my goodness. Just a normal kid who wants to have normal fun ... but who is too unhealthy to go to school because he's dying, so what can he learn, Oh my goodness. Just a normal kid who wants to have normal fun ... but who is too unhealthy to go to school because he's dying, so what can he learn, what can he do, in the months left? The best thing about the ending is that we finally get to know Dad a little better and can understand his pov well enough to root for him.
I'm not glad that this was discarded from the library. I am glad that I picked it up from their sale shelf and I will read it again before donating it to a Little Free Library....more
What a marvelous find at a Little Free Library! Teaches logic, yes, but also the kind of brain work that exercises one's ability to be a detective (seWhat a marvelous find at a Little Free Library! Teaches logic, yes, but also the kind of brain work that exercises one's ability to be a detective (see the costume on the hatter ;) and the ability to see another's point of view, to imagine oneself in their place. It also references shadows, as made famous by the allegory of Plato's cave. Very smart. I'll have to reread it to be able to solve the puzzles by myself.
But do let me emphasize this is not a set of trivia puzzles. Logic is so very important, for scientists and voting citizens, for parents and educators and leaders! So, too, is the ability to see from perspectives of others, of course.
So I highly recommend this book! It is old, so probably your library has culled it. But you can read it for free on openlibrary.org, a source of archived books.
Extensive author's note. Apparently part of a series, too; I'll have to look for more like it....more
I did not know this is Australian when I picked it up at a library discard sale while on a road trip (or, for that matter, when I was done; I only leaI did not know this is Australian when I picked it up at a library discard sale while on a road trip (or, for that matter, when I was done; I only learned that from another review). I have no idea why it was discarded, and why it's not at the libraries from which I could borrow it.
The appeal is universal, across geography and, imo, across age groups. Such a lovely exploration of starting to grow up and learning about grief. Pearl is an individual, first, a charming little girl who nonetheless behaves authentically. But she's also representative of everyone, as her teacher finally realizes at the end.
I also very much admire the B&W illustrations. They look simple, but they are certainly not cartoony and have more going on than is seen at first glance. I will save this to reread before letting it go, and I will look for more by both author & artist....more
Highly recommended to all who go through life thoughtfully and who want to do so more joyously. Yes, it's an earnest book, some would say didactic. BuHighly recommended to all who go through life thoughtfully and who want to do so more joyously. Yes, it's an earnest book, some would say didactic. But it's appealing, concise, authentic, all the good stuff. I wish I had read this as a child or, honestly, at any point in my life before now.
All the mottos about being brave, and kind, and persistent, etc., are here, all together in one unified message. All are contextualized with each other. And all that is accomplished in a short picture-book. Yay!...more
I'm not even done, and I know I'm going to reread it again, and to recommend it to all.
Btw, if you like this, also read the essay collections by MichI'm not even done, and I know I'm going to reread it again, and to recommend it to all.
Btw, if you like this, also read the essay collections by Michael Perry. (Ask me where to start with his oeuvre.)
"The act of reading makes me feel safe.... The influx of information. The transport to other lives, other worlds." Yes! I've always understood when people say they like to "escape" into books, or lose themselves in them, but to feel safe, yes, thank you, Shannon. Now in her case, because she's hearing-impaired, it means quite a bit more to her... but you'll have to read why for yourself. --- Now done, and discovered that this even has a list of books and works mentioned! Reed 'gets' me - the reason I have thousands of books on my to-read lists is because I love getting recommendations from books like this!
Not to read: Horror. I love her chapter on what it was like to teach about vampires, according to an assigned syllabus, even though she's a self-professed scaredy-cat....more
Wait, this was published in the very early days of the Covid-19 plague? As in written before that? I mean, it seems so perfectly suitable as a subtle Wait, this was published in the very early days of the Covid-19 plague? As in written before that? I mean, it seems so perfectly suitable as a subtle form of bibliotherapy. But it's also universal; there's a lot of doom around, enough to give us the idiom 'doom-scrolling.' So a funny and wise book like this just hits the spot. Highly recommended to all children and all who are in touch with their inner child.
"Friends stick by each other when one is down. That is a true test of friendship. But sometimes, it is harder to stick by a friend who is up. That is the ultimate test of friendship."...more
GR member Elayne Crain says it better, but I'll try. This is so much more than a concept book. It's not just colors, or shapes, or animals, etc.... buGR member Elayne Crain says it better, but I'll try. This is so much more than a concept book. It's not just colors, or shapes, or animals, etc.... but all of the above! And puzzles. And thinking, for example about attributes.
If you ever liked 'three of these go together but one is different' puzzles, you'll see the appeal. One spread asks the reader direct questions, and I had a lot of fun stopping to think of all the possible 'right' answers, and even caught myself coming up with a couple of wrong answers!
Metaphorically, it could even be about people, as in, just because someone is big & strong doesn't mean they can't be tender & sweet, for example.
I love that it's going on twice as long as a 32 p. picture-book. It also works very well as an ebook (from Overdrive/Libby). It's just beautiful. Another reviewer says it's on that heavy paper that's so good for toddlers, so yay for that choice, too.
I read it because of an article in, um, Book Pages? I'll find my clipping and say more in the comments below a little later....more
(Read inside a library, could not check out.) Encouragement to be creative, not nearly enough actual guidance or support. But the art thrilled me. I m(Read inside a library, could not check out.) Encouragement to be creative, not nearly enough actual guidance or support. But the art thrilled me. I might have to try to find it again or find more by the artist....more
A picture-book story of immigration told from the pov of a young refugee sounds like it would be something unbearably heart-wrenching and difficult. BA picture-book story of immigration told from the pov of a young refugee sounds like it would be something unbearably heart-wrenching and difficult. But this is about courage, resilience, empathy, and, ultimately, joy. Not just hope for a better future, but joy in the journey that is starting right now.
Beautifully poetic metaphor, and gorgeous art to enrich. There are no blankets... but even young children will be able to understand why that word is chosen to represent the feelings.
Very highly recommended to all. I will look for more by both author and illustrator. And this is going right on to my 'to reread' shelf. ...more
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