The Gnome Project

Posted on May 23, 2018July 8, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Gnome Project (2015) by Jessica Peill-Meininghaus

I can’t tell you how very rare it is for me to buy a book at full price these days, and especially one I’ve never read. My usual pattern is checking out books from the library, then seeking out the ones I especially love at a used book store or on a used book site.

But, I also like to support independent bookshops when I can. So, when The Gnome Project randomly caught my eye on a recent visit to a darling bookshop, I took a chance. And I’m so glad I did. Not only am I in love with these darling little gnomes and itching to make my own, but I’m inspired by the author’s story of searching for and finding a daily practice…well, inspired and a bit jealous. Like Jessica, I’ve always struggled to commit to daily or weekly routines. I’m hoping that after reading her story (a quick and very enjoyable read), I can find my own daily practice to pursue.

Marilyn’s Monster

Posted on May 9, 2018July 8, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Marilyn’s Monster (2015)
written by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Matt Phelan

Everyone in Marilyn’s class is getting their own pet monsters. But the way it works is this—a monster must be the one to choose the child. One by one, every kid is chosen. Everyone, that is, except Marilyn. She tries to be patient and stay positive, but she’s beginning to feel lonely, discouraged, and left out.

Finally, Marilyn bucks convention, forgets about the way it’s “supposed to work” and sets out to find her monster herself.

As a children’s picture book, this is a complete delight and one of our daughter’s favorites. A darling story with charming illustrations. (The monsters share similar physical traits with their human companions.) But this also feels like one of those picture books we can read and gain comfort from into adulthood. Who hasn’t felt like the one left out or left behind in life’s milestones, whether it’s making friends at school, finding love, having children, finding their passion or so on. Marilyn’s Monster is definitely on our must-own list.

Milli, Jack, and the Dancing Cat

Posted on February 1, 2017July 5, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Milli, Jack, and the Dancing Cat (2003)..
by Stephen Michael King

I don’t know that I ever would have found this book had a friend of mine not tucked it in with a shipment of baby clothes she was loaning me. She said the book was one of their favorites and one that made her think of me. I was so touched by that, especially after I read it. This book immediately skyrocketed to one of my all-time favorites.

Milli is an artist, a creator, but she’s too shy to share her creations with the world. So, she does her best to blend in with the ordinary world, as a basic shoemaker. But when two minstrels show up in town and befriend her, Milli suddenly finds the spark she had needed to be who she truly is.

You might also enjoy:
Belinda the Ballerina

The Curious Garden

Posted on October 13, 2016June 16, 2023 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Curious Garden (2009)
by Peter Brown

A young boy living in a dreary city happens upon a small bit of earth and decides to take care of it. As the boy’s garden grows and thrives under his care, the rest of the city begins to join in, creating unique gardens of their own.

While so many “environmental” books end up leaving the reader feeling overwhelmed or even a bit discouraged, this enchanting and subtle picture book leaves the reader feeling irresistibly optimistic. By doing something he’s drawn to do, young Liam inspires change that is wide-reaching and quite beautiful.

I can’t wait to read more of Peter Brown’s books!

Visit Peter’s website, peterbrownstudio.com, for wonderful interviews, unique items for sale, and free, downloadable activities, including coloring pages, activity pages, and a poster.

Also check out videos about the Highline. Highline history, Walking the Highline or check out their website

The Curious Garden (2009)

Me, Jane

Posted on July 11, 2016July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Me, Jane (2011)
written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

The moment I spotted this book at a friend’s house, I knew it was a must-have for us. This Caldecott Honor book has delightful illustrations by MUTTS comic creator, Patrick McDonnell. The picture book tells the story of Dr. Jane Goodall as a young girl dreaming about living in Africa and helping animals. It’s short and sweet and has inspired me to learn more about this amazing woman. Filled with true anecdotes and even a page of puzzles and drawings that Jane made as a young girl, Me, Jane is a book I can’t wait to add to our collection. And, yes, this mama did get choked up on the final page, which is always evidence of a great book.