1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up ..Julia Eccleshare

Needing some inspiration in finding stories for my children and having found this and another volume entitled 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, I set about to make a list to then take to the library. Although I found many interesting titles that my children will enjoy, I also found that many of the titles are already on our personal bookshelf; and if not, they have already been borrowed and read from the library. I’d have to recommend this book because of the excellent set up of age ranges and diversity of titles. If for nothing else, it can make a parent feel good about the books they have already shared with their children.

Your Two Year Old: Terrible or Tender ..Louise Bates Ames

What an insight into this specific age! My youngest just turned 2 and this book had been recommended. I have an older version of it, but the basics of the information remain the same. It is a comfort to know what is coming; to have a bit of an upper hand when it comes to dealing with the idiosyncrasies of childhood. It is also nice to know that what your child is doing is completely normal. This is only one in a series of books, each devoted to a specific age. Being devoted to a single age means that the author is able to truly detail the workings of the child. Wonderful.

The Alto Wore Tweed ..Mark Schweizer

I am so happy to have finally gotten to the beginning of this series. Hayden Konig, police chief, choir director, organist, and self-made millionaire, has just acquired his 1939 Raymond Chandler typewriter. In small town St. Germaine, nothing ever happens, until now. A murder at St. Barnabus church, Konig’s own. Follow Konig, his only two police officers, Nancy and Dave, and find who the murderer is. I can’t say I was surprised at who it turned out to be. The greatest part is the humor. These are very smart and funny books. I have already started another one.

Agatha Raisin and the Case of the Curious Curate
MC Beaton

Didn't see that one coming. Actually I did, then there was the twist, then it all came back around. Very good plot this time. I also enjoyed the growth in Mrs. Raisin. A little out of her element, without her normal "Watsons," she made herself over again. She found herself as well as the murderer. Very good.

Today I Will: A Year of Quotes, Notes, and Promises to Myself
Eileen and Jerry Spinelli

This is a daily devotional intended for young adults. Using quotes from children and young adult literature, then tying it to a theme or message, they made a promise of the day. Each day has its own quote, note, and promise. I would even recommend this title to adults as it is sometimes important to get back to the basics.

The Lutheran Handbook
Augsburg Fortress

This is an interesting little pocket book intended to be a quick reference for the average member in the church. I found some parts to be quite informative so I will probably be placing this on my desk at work. However, I didn't really find "knowing how to survive one hour in an un-air-conditioned church" to be all that needed. I certainly didn't think it would take 3 pages. As a quick reference, I think you could use about 50%, but as a read, you'd better just skip it.

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
Trenton Lee Stewart

I can't wait for the third book. It's out, I just don't have it yet. These books are great! This story is the reuniting of the four children and now their families. They meet at Mr. Benedict's home to find he and Number Two have been kidnapped. The children decide to set out alone on a treasure hunt of sorts in pursuit of their friends and kidnapper, Mr. Benedict's twin brother, Mr. Curtain. A tale of smarts, ingenuity, strength, and will-power. A wonderful tale of the power of the human mind and spirit. I can't wait for my son to be slightly older so I can read it to him.

The Nursery Rhyme Murders
Agatha Christie

This is a compilation of three Agatha Christie novels called; A Pocket Full of Rye, Hickory Dickory Death, and The Crooked House. The first is a Miss Marple novel and the second a Hercule Poirot novel. I thoroughly enjoy watching Miss Marple and Poirot, but in the past I have found I just don't like reading Agatha Christie. So, when I found this book at a book sale for 50 cents, I thought I'd have another go. In general, not knowing ahead of time, I got into reading the first two. However, when it came to the third, I had problems. Is it something in how she writes for Miss Marple and Poirot that makes it more fun? I don't know, but I had a hard time getting into the third story. That said, I did find the second half of The Crooked House to be enjoyable, so it may have just been my mood too. In all, I enjoyed these stories. Fun and easy to read, I found myself solving them before the end and then reading with excitement to see if I was correct.

Enter Jeeves: 15 Early Stories
P.G. Wodehouse

Another delight in the Wooster and Jeeves line. This book is a compilation of Jeeves stories that were originally written for various magazines. They are a bit shorter and the story line is not fleshed out like it is in his later Jeeves works. However, the bones are there and you just can't help but reading these stories. It is also interesting to see the progression of Jeeves from a supporting character into a main player. Also included in the book are a number of stories that center on a man named Reggie Pepper. He was the prototype for Bertie Wooster. It is a very interesting thing to be able to see where the author started and what aspects he keeps and what he throws in the development of a character or story. A must read for anyone who loves Wooster and Jeeves.

Sunday School Attendance Boosters
Group Publishing

This is a short book of 100+ ideas for making your students feel welcome in Sunday school. From environment to the parents, it is full of ideas to keep them coming. I read the entire book in about 3 hours while with my 2 kids, including stopping for various child needs and lunch. With a book like this I usually mark pages with sticky notes as flags to come back to later. I think I doubled the book's thickness with sticky notes. There were fabulous ideas in every category. Some ideas are for groups and some are for individuals, some are single events and others are ongoing. All of the ideas are easy and generally inexpensive. Many inspired other ideas of my own. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a few new things to try.

Fudge Cupcake Murder
Joanne Fluke

I started out not really liking this book. It is one of those easily written/easily read books that start out a bit slow for me. But, once I got past the first chapter or two, I took it for what it was, a fun easy read. Although I did finally get into the basic plot and had figured out the murderer in the middle of the book, I kept reading. The best part is really in the recipes. The main character is a baker by day/sleuth by night. The tie in of recipe to the story is its only redeeming feature, although the witty banter between characters isn't bad either. Without the recipes, I'd probably tell you not to pick up another one. I will probably try one more; the recipes sound good.

The Ultimate Survival Guide for Children's Ministry Workers
Ivy Beckwith

Ok, so I read this for work purposes as I do many other things, but I figured I should write a little about it. Very good little pocket handbook for the volunteer Sunday school teacher. This book contained a lot of concise information that gives a better approach to teaching. I would and am going to recommend it to all of my teachers. In fact, I am debating buying a second or third copy for the office so they don't have to wait to read it. I read the whole book in less than 24 hours and it costs approximately $5 depending on your source. For that, you just can't go wrong.