The Legend Of The Christmas Rose

Such a beautiful book! I love how the angel gives Dorothy flowers that she can give Jesus as her gift to him. - Yena, 8 

This is one of those tear-jerker books that *just* has to be read at Christmastime.

As a mother, I feel for Dorothy, who is compelled to see the King/Baby Jesus; I feel her nervousness, her timidity, her shame at having nothing to give.  I want to scoop her in my arms and assure her that anything she has to offer will be lovely in God's eyes.  Dorothy is every one of my children.

As a child of God, I wonder at the awesome gift He gave to us, when He came down from heaven to join us here on earth, as a babe, humble and helpless.  I am grateful that He chose to have His presence known first by shepherds -- His message is for all, not just the rich or the privileged.  I wonder at His continual gift of Himself when He comes to us daily in the Eucharist.

This would also be a good book to read alongside a study of flowers or plants.  The author's note at the back tells about the Christmas rose, Helleborus niger. 

Flower Fairies of the Summer

Here you'll find:  the Buttercup Fairy, the Herb Robert Fairy (new to me!), the Forget-me-not Fairy, the Poppy Fairy, the Foxglove Fairy (a favorite), and loads more, several of which I had never heard of before.  Use this book when planning your flower gardens!

Flower Fairies of the Autumn

Another Cicely Mary Barker winner.  See my post on the winter compilation.

Flower Fairies of the Winter

Now who doesn't like fairies?  And who doesn't like flowers?  Well, okay, maybe not my boys.  But this is -- as all Cicely Mary Barker books are -- magnificently illustrated, and such a delight to read.  Ideal for nature journal copywork, art, and to accompany plant/flower identification lessons.  I love this book, especially in the wintertime when everything outside is grey and dreary.  This book helps to put things in the right perspective! - Mom

I love this book! - Yena, 8

Waiting for Wings

So bright and colorful!  A perfect read for spring.  Goes well with a study of butterflies and life cycles, and flowers.  The art lends itself easily to "copywork".  Has a sampling of butterfly and flower identification.

Hana in the Time of the Tulips

Lovely artwork in the style of Rembrandt, by Deborah Noyes.  Explains a (to me) little-known phenomenon that happened in Holland in the 17th century:  tulipomania.  A good book for parents to read to their kids, esp. in light of the economic concerns of our times.  Brings attention to parents' natural desire to provide material security for their family -- but helps us remember that doing this should not happen at the expense of our personal relationships, esp. wth our children.  Excellent reminder for all.

The Prince of the Dolomites

Prince of the Dolomites

An oldie but goodie from Tomie de Paola.  I love his retelling of old Italian tales -- most of the time they're unknown to me and I get quite an education.  It's also neat seeing places we might want to visit one day.  They're going on the "Places We'd Like to See Before We Die" list.  This book tells about The Dolomites in Northern Italy, and the edelweiss, stella alpina. ***