The Lavender Lover's Handbook

About The Book:  With its intoxicating scent, gorgeous wands of purple flowers, and silvery foliage, lavender is one of the most sought-after plants. But the horticultural reasons for choosing lavender go far beyond its beauty. Lavender attracts beneficial insects, requires little water once established, and is deer resistant. In The Lavender Lover's Handbook, lavender grower Sarah Bader teaches gardeners how they can successfully grow this beloved plant. Featuring the 100 easiest, most stunning lavenders available today, this beginner's guide provides a complete checklist of the color, fragrance, size, and foliage of each plant, in addition to basic pruning, spacing, and planting requirements. The text is rounded out with tips on how to harvest, cook, and craft with this wonderful herb. Its abundant variety, hardiness, fragrance, and culinary uses make lavender one of the most popular and versatile plants. And now, with this practical and accessible guide in hand, it's easier than ever to grow at home.

About The Author:  Sarah Berringer Bader has always been drawn to lavender.  In 2000 she purchased a five-acre farm south of Portland, Oregon, and wafter visiting the Sequim Lavender Festival in Washingon and seeing rows and rows of this wonderous herb, decided to create a test plot of 365 plants despite knowing nothbingn about planting lavender.  She learned through trial and error, helped by a little-known society of lavender pioneers who had dedicated their careers to cultivating, growing, and preserving the true species of lavender.  Soon she purchased many varieties of lavender from a seasoned grower in Oregon who had propagated starts from his own extensive collection acquired over a twenty-year span.  In 2005 she planted almost 5000 lavender plants with more than ninety cultivars and began propagating her own starts from cuttings.  She opened her farm to the public and began holding the classes that inspired this book.  Sarah and her farm, Lavender at Stonegate, have been featured in Grower Talks and Country Gardens magazines.
My Thoughts:  Lavender has intoxicated me for years.  The heady smell of it as a potpourri, the pungent taste of it in recipes, the beauty of it in decoration has always brought me a great deal of pleasure.  The photography in the book, by Janet Loughrey was amazing.  The book is filled with glorious pictures, tasteful recipes, fabulous crafts, and a wonderful education on growing lavender.  This book is a must read for anyone who has a draw to lavender.
Disclaimer:  This book was sent to me by Net Galley Publishing Group as part of their blogger review program.  The opinion stated within the review is 100% my own. 

Hannah’s Way by Linda Glaser - ESSENTIAL

Glaser, Linda Hannah’s Way, illustrated by Adam Gustavson.  Kar-Ben (Lerner), 2012.  $18.  PICTURE BOOK.  During the Great Depression, Hannah and her family have moved out to the country – away from he city where everyone understands the family’s Jewish ways.  When the school plans a picnic on Saturday and arranging carpools, Hannah is unsure what to do, because  she is not allowed to ride in a car on the Sabbath.  She is afraid that if she tells anyone that they will ostracize her.  

Based on a true story from the Minnesota History Center, this is a very tender book that is a great way to introduce children to the ways of different religions – especially if all they have ever known is one way.  If I had an award to give, I would give this book one, because I have read it several times and I still get teary eyed when I read the end.  EL – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Abraham Lincoln by Mary Pope Osborne - ADVISABLE

Osborne, Mary Pope Abraham Lincoln (Fact Tracker), 113 p. Scholastic, 2011.  NON-FICTION.  Created as a companion to Magic Tree House #47: Abe Lincoln at Last! This short non-fiction book is a valuable addition to almost any collection.  Now that I have read it, I want to go back and see what other subjects Osborne has covered, but this one was excellent!  I can see my reluctant middle school students using these when they are require to read non-fiction.  And maybe they will pick another one up just for fun.  EL – ESSENTIAL.  MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Jennifer Lawrence by Katherine Krohn - ADVISABLE

Krohn, Katherine Jennifer Lawrence: Star of the Hunger Games, 41 p. Lerner, 2012.  $9 (paperback).  Content: G.  NON FICTION.  Ready for The Hunger Games?  As you wait, read this little biography about the actress chosen to play Katniss.  The hardcover price is $20, but may be worth it, as this will probably generate some excitement among the fans at your school.  EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Blizzard of Glass by Sally M. Walker - OPTIONAL

Walker, Sally M. Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917, 140 p.  Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2012.  NON-FICTION.  In 1917, a ship loaded with munitions for the war in Europe collided with another boat and exploded – strewing debris and leveling building through large swaths of Halifax, killing nearly 2000 people.  But students today know nothing about this devastation. 

If you have a solid non-fiction collection or regional interest, this piece of WWI history is well worth the investment.  A bit dry leading up to the actual explosion – events are riveting afterwards.  MS, HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

The Good, The Bad, and The Barbie by Tanya Lee Stone - ESSENTIAL

Stone, Tanya Lee The Good, The Bad, and The Barbie: A Doll's History and Her Impact on Us, 123 pgs. Viking, 2010. $19.99. Language G(0swears), Sexual Content G; Violence G; Ever thought really about how Barbie was a part of your childhood, or how she's changed you? Well Tanya has, Starting with the creator of Barbie all the way to Barbie today. 

A riveting story telling a popular doll's history as well as addressing the Barbie debate. With great quotes and points this book will have you deciding on your side in this on going argument. Eye opening to how your childhood might have differed had Barbie been nonexistent. HS, MS - ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: KU

The Story of Britain from the Norman Conquest to the European Union by Patrick Dillon - ADVISABLE

Dillon, Patrick. The Story of Britain from the Norman Conquest to the European Union, illustrated by P.J. Lynch, 341 pages.  Candlewick Press, 2010. $21.99.  NONFICTION.So much has happened in England since the Norman Conquest, and this book tries to tell it all.  It includes a brief overview from the Middle Ages, the Tudors, the Stuarts, the Georgians, the Victorians, and the Twentieth Century.  The book has pictures, maps, and timelines.  It is one thousand years of history in a 341 page book.  If you are looking for a brief overview of the history of England, than this is the book for you.  It does not, however, provide many details.  For example, the entire American Revolution spans one page.  That's not very much detail.  Of course, if someone wants to then turn around and learn more about a certain topic, then they can read more details.  I am no England scholar, but I think this is a great volume of British history.  EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL.  Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Here Come the Girls Scouts! by Shana Corey - ESSENTIAL

Corey, Shana Here Come the Girl Scouts! illustrated by Hadley Hooper 40 pg. Scholastic Press, 2012. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. $17.99. Corey has created another masterpiece highlighting a strong female from history. Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low wanted to make a difference in the world so through a series of events, she founded the Girl Scouts of America. I have never known much about Girl Scouts besides the delicious cookies, but after reading this, I am wishing I was a Girl Scout! The illustrations, layout, and quotes throughout the book perfectly highlight the ideals and values of the Girl Scouts. Included at the back is more information about the Girl Scout era. Girl Scouts would be thrilled to see this in your library! EL-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

The Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn by Robert Burleigh - ADVISABLE

Burleigh, Robert The Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn illustrated by Barry Blitt 48 pg. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Written in the voice and style of one of Mark Twain's most famous characters, Huck Finn, this biography is unique and interesting. Huck Finn takes us from the early years of Samuel Clemens (alias, Mark Twain) playing in the Mississippi river to his later years of Steamboat pilot, public speaker, and author extraordinaire.
The fact that this book is written in the voice of Huck Finn gives it such an authentic feel. Readers are able to see the parallels between the lives of Twain and Finn. This was a fun way to highlight big events in Twain's life. I really disliked the illustrations. Huck Finn hovering in the background and the bigger-than-life Twain was weird. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo - ESSENTIAL

Cardillo, Margaret Just Being Audrey illustrated by Julia Denos 32 pg. Harper Collins, 2011. PICTURE BOOK/ NON-FICTION. $16.99. I never knew very much about Audrey Hepburn, but I am a fan after reading this darling book! Starting when Audrey lived in Nazi occupied Holland, the author takes you through her life as an actress, mother, and Goodwill Ambassador. Audrey's motto of "just doing her thing" is a good one for others to live by.
I loved reading the author's and illustrator's notes because you can tell how much they both love and admire Audrey. The illustrations are completely charming and complement her sweet life perfectly. EL-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Bettye Stroud - OPTIONAL

Ramsey, Calvin Alexander & Bettye Stroud Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend illustrated by John Holyfield 32 pg. Candlewick Press, 2011. PICTURE BOOK. $15.99. During pivotal moments during the Civil Rights era, the people of Gee's Bend and their steady mules proved their worth over and over again. Alex, a young boy waiting outside a store front for his mother, meets an old lady who shares one of these stories with him. Alex learns of the people of Gee's Bend determination to vote despite the opposition. He also learns that after Dr. King's death, two mules from Gee's Bend pulled his casket through the streets of Atlanta.
I loved that this book highlights just a tiny scrap of history.The illustrations are so rich and add good detail to the story. EL-OPTIONAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Building a Dream by Beth Dunlop - ADVISABLE

Dunlop, Beth Building a Dream: The Art of Disney Architecture, 206 p. Disney/Hyperion, 2011.  $60.  Disney never does anything without a purpose and a plan.  This eye candy delves into the processes and purposes behind pretty much every non-ride building on any Disney property – and a few of the in-park buildings too.  From the Team Disney building in Burbank to the post office of Celebration, Florida, you will read about things that you never would believe people thought out.  Architectures, designers, Disney-philes alike will be fascinated by the wealth of information that Dunlop imparts.  The price makes it a little out of reach for lots of schools, but if you can fit it in, I think you will find an audience.  Otherwise, I am definitely gifting a copy to someone I know.  Gift – ADVISABLE.  MS, HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Layout & Background by Disney - ADVISABLE

Layout & Background (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series), 279 p. Disney/Hyperion, 2011.  $50.  A book of few words – but LOTS of gorgeous full color photos – following the history of Disney animation from Winter Storage in 1949 and 2011’s Winnie the Pooh.  But this unique book looks specifically at the power of the backgrounds – the layout for the action. 

I started at the back – with the movies that were most familiar to me  - and moved my way to the front – to the movies that came out well before I was born.  What really amazed me was how much of the older pictures I recognized any way – just from the backdrop.  While this pricey book is probably not a good buy for a school – unless you have an animation class or a high level art class, a public library would be a great place for this and it would be good for any gifting opportunity for a Disney-fanatic. PUBLIC, GIFT – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Titanic Sinks! by Barry Denenberg - ESSENTIAL

Denenberg, Barry Titanic Sinks! 69 p. Content: G.  Composed around the construct of a imaginary magazine, Denenberg has a created a fascinating and detailed look at the origins, the launching and the subsequent sinking of the Titanic.  All of the facts and figures are real, the photographs are real – the only inventions are the “Modern Times” and its on-the-spot reporter, S.F. Vanni.  Everything else is based on actual circumstances.  It is utterly fascinating and a rich resource for any collection.  EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

First Garden: The White House Garden and How It Grew by Robbin Gourley - ADVISABLE

Gourley, Robbin First Garden: The White House Garden and How It Grew 48 pg. Clarion Books, 2011. NON-FICTION. $16.99. In 2009, Michelle Obama initiated the First Garden project. Her goal was to encourage healthful eating so the White House kitchen garden was born. With the help of a class of twenty-three 5th graders and other White House staff, the garden was planted and harvested and now produces more than a thousand pounds of food and one hundred and thirty-four pounds of honey. Interspersed throughout the story is a brief history of the White House gardens and grounds. Also included at the end are some favorite White House recipes.
This was a very interesting book that had a good mixture of historical and current information. The watercolor illustrations add good visual interest to the story. Overall I think it was a political/green book with an encouraging message to become more self-sufficient and healthy. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Look at That Building! A First Book of Structures by Scot Ritchie - ADVISABLE

Ritchie, Scot Look at That Building! A First Book of Structures 32 pg. Kids Can Press, 2011. NON-FICTION. $16.95. Five friends set out to build a doghouse for their dog, Max, but before they can start, they need to learn all they can about buildings. They head to the library (the perfect place to start! :)) and learn all about how buildings are made, what makes them strong, and what keeps them standing. Now they are ready to build Max an amazing doghouse! 
Great beginning book about structures because there is a perfect ratio of text to pictures. Younger students wouldn't be intimidated by the text, which is sometimes in comic-book-style discussion format, and would enjoy the illustrations as well. Each page includes interesting facts about buildings that are bolded on each page. The most fun thing about the book is that the last page teaches you how to make your own mini doghouse. Great non-fiction book for intermediate grades. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Inside: Lightning by Melissa Stewart - ADVISABLE

Stewart, Melissa Inside: Lightning, 46 p. Sterling, 2011.  $10.  Lightning is powerful and ,ysterious.  While scientists know what forces create lightning, predicting where, when and how lightning will strike is elusive.  Instead of making the words and pictures fit the page, the author and illustrator have pages that fold out or lift up to create more logical forms for the information.  Younger students will enjoy reading the facts, the strikes and the mysteries of lightning.  If you are looking for new science books, try this entire series from Sterling.  EL – ADVISABLE.

Talk, Talk, Squawk! by Nicola Davies - OPTIONAL

Davies, Nicola. Talk, Talk, Squawk! Candlewick Press, 2011, $14.99. Content G- NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK. This book tells and shows how different species communicate without saying a word. It analyzes and unlocks that mystery of how animals talk to each other. The illustrations are cartoon-like and a few are slightly inappropriate. The information is informative and succinct. It’s a great and entertaining reference book. EL, MS - OPTIONAL, Shauna, reading teacher.

MicroMania by Jordan D. Brown- ADVISABLE

Brown, Jordan D. MicroMania: A real close-up look at bacteria, bedbugs & the zillions of other gross little creatures that live in, on & all around you, 80 p. Imagine (Charlesbridge), 2011.  $10.  NON-FICTION.  Jordan Brown knows how to bring science to the level of kids and how to bring microscopic creatures up to the level of our eye.  Fromt eh germs around your house, inside your body to the ones surrounding us on all sides in nature – you just might be afraid to get out of bed – or maybe you should sleep in a bed at all.  Perfect for elementary aged boys who love to be grossed out!  EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Marching with Aunt Susan by Claire Murphy - ADVISABLE

Murphy, Claire Rudolf Marching with Aunt Susan, illustrated by Stacey Schuett.  Peachtree, 2011.  $17.  PICTURE BOOK.  Bessie Pond was only ten when she met Susan B. Anthony, who had been fighting for women’s rights for more than 50 years.  The great leader inspired her walk in a parade asking the men of California men to vote to allow women the right to vote.  While this is a work of fiction, most of the details of the book actually happened – including the rewording of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” used in the parade.  Murphy includes historical material that she used to construct her story.  Very useful for any class that talks about the history of women’s rights – instructional for young girls who don’t understand how much better off they are now.  EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher