bird poetry

In the last seven days we've visited/hung out at three different library locations. My gratitude for Toronto's Public Library system is unmeasurable. First of all, the number of locations within walking distance from our front door is a testament to the richness and wealth that is the city of Toronto. Secondly, the plethora of well-loved but mostly newish materials is incredible. Third, but not least is the gorgeous architectural renaissance that has been experienced at some of the city's older branches.

One of the books that's stood our from last week's journeys is Wild Birds written by Joanne Ryder and illustrated by Susan Estelle Kwas.
This book is a song, a poem, a celebration, an introduction, a reminder, an art installation devoted to the miracle of the seasons and its birds. We were enraptured in the story, we repeated the delicious rhymes, and devoured the look-and-find art work and devoured the fact that we were invited to mimic the birds' use of space. Honestly one of the best kids books I've ever read.

the good life

A new year symbolizes a fresh start. What are you doing, planning to start doing to make it a great year?

Harvest by Kris Waldherr

Kris Waldherr's HARVEST is lovely! Gorgeous picture book about gardening, collaboration, nature's bounty, patience, nurturing and so much more.

Wishing everyone an extra bounce in their step today. xo

local flavour @ Toronto Public Library!

Am so looking forward to checking out this library exhibit:
Local Flavour: Eating in Toronto, 1830-1955
Eat your way through Toronto’s gastronomic history at the library


Anyone interested in another homemade revolution contest? If yes, leave me some comment love, and I'll dream up a delightful prize(s) pack.

mama provi and the pot of rice

Popping in to share the title of our latest favourite library can-not-put-down-must-read-every-night-food-book: Mama Provi and the Pot of Rice by Sylvia Rosa-Casanova and illustrated by Robert Roth.

We love this book because it's about family, food and cooking, community, numbers, huge lesson on sharing/exchanging, huge lesson on the concept of gifts from the heart. You will learn some Spanish words, you will be delighted by the illustrations.

Anzac Biscuits and so much more...

For a phenomenal homeschooling unit, rush over here now!

green-fingered kids

Popping in again, to share two great library finds that those of you with wee family members may enjoy too.

how does your garden grown - great gardening for green-fingered kids (Hamlyn) and The Great Seed Mystery For Kids (Avon Books) .


work update:
I'm 9/10's through my editing project, due Monday. Feels like I'm running a marathon, I can see the finish line, but I've still got to put one foot in front of the other to get there.


So, let me know what's going on in your gardens, and I'd LOVE more gardening book recommendations.


Happy St.Patrick's Day Weekend to those of you who celebrate!
XO
Village Mama

Nile Valley Books, 1921 Gerrard St. E., Toronto

On our daily walks, we somehow always end up peeking in the window of Nile Valley Books (scroll down to 'Black Bookstores').


What first drew our eye to this unique bookstore, besides its inviting presence, was the vibrant cover of Island Counting 1 2 3 by the divinely talented Frane Lessac.




Nile Valley Books has irregular hours, so it took us a while to have the opportunity to shop there. It was a magical experience for jr cookie monster to finally have the book he'd be admiring in his hands. He just held the book while I poked around and spoke with the Nohsakhere Ibrahim, the gentle, kind and ever so knowledgeable book lover owner.

Together he and I caught the end of a radio show about lead painted toys & recalls. He shook his head with disbelief saying 'wasn't lead outlawed decades ago'?! Though I wanted to stay and chat, my eldest tiny book lover was anxious to get home and devour his new book (which to this day remains one of his and his sister's favourites).

If you live in TO or are ever around, make a point to visit this wonderful book haven.
Currently their window is dedicated to Black History Month - the few featured cookbooks look tantalizing.






Nile Valley Books
1921 Gerrard Street East (west of Woodbine, north side)
Toronto, ON M4L 2C2
Tel: 416 686-7441
Toll Free: 800 368-0079
sokoto@on.aibn.com
Contact: Nohsakhere Ibrahim

best friends

Dear X,
May some of your best friends be books.
Love,
X
September 2004

This is the lovely handwritten note one of our best friends wrote in Tickle Tickle by D. Hru and K. Wilson-Max, one of the books jr cookie monster was gifted when he was born. It has become a best friend; other best friends can be seen here:










Of this lot, the one I'm always hoping they bring into bed is Dragonfly Kites - pimihakanisa by Tomson Highway and Brian Deines. This was another wonderful book our children were gifted.

I am delighted, enamoured with this Canadian book, written in English and Cree; it's the story of two brothers and the summer adventures they come up with. Imaginary, outdoor play at its finest. The warm pastel textures and hazy summer colours are beautiful. Fun animal names like their dog Ootsie, and Wagisoo and Migisoo two baby eagles they name provide ongoing fun for kids to repeat and sing over and over.

this week's library stack

On Monday we found some wonderful Valentine's Day books, discovered the 'Facts At Your Fingertips' series, actually found a Muppets VHS, and a dated, but fabulous Gung Hay Fat Choy: Happy New Year picture book.

We never go to the library on Saturdays because it's our family day, but today 'the dad' has to work, so we are going to the library again, but this time all the way to the bigger library in our hood. If they don't have any acceptable [as per jr cookie monster's desires] videos, we'll have to check out the video store, then maybe throw some stones into the lake, then who knows...

Luscious library loans

Four of many food related books which we've thoroughly enjoyed this holiday season. Thank you Toronto Public Library!