Best Children's Books for August 2016

Best books picks,August  

Baby to age 2  


My choice for August baby books are any books from author  Nancy Tillman. Her baby collection is an excellent choice, with rhymes, sweet messages and stunning illustrations in a board style book.

The Crown On Your Head, is a wonderful board book that tells young children how unique and special they are; bestowed with a crown, it follows them where ever they go.  Along with beautiful illustrations and simple rhyme. A perfect bedtime book for your baby.

Other board books by Nancy Tillman are: 

• On the Night You Were Born, 2005 -- New York Times Bestseller.
• On the night you were born,the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered."Life will never be the same."

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• It’s Time to Sleep, My Love (with Eric Metaxas) 2008
• It's time to sleep, it's time to sleep,the fishes croon in waters deep.The songbirds sing in trees above,"It's time to sleep, my love, my love.

Ages 3 to 5 

My Author of choice is Ashley Spire's, The Most Magnificent Thing. 

The perspective of a girl, having an idea,failing, feeling upset, taking a break and trying again and succeeding. 

Ages 6 to 8 

My August choice's for ages 6 to 8
The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield  
  
This beautifully illustrated hardcover in on the children's autumn buyers guide, along with many other children's book lists, It tells the story of the importance of perseverance, and the people who love us.


Inspector Flytrap by Tom Angleberger

A new funny detective chapter book series for young readers.Inspector Flytrap is targeted for beginning chapter book readers, and reluctant readers, who may just get their funny-bone tickled.


Ages 9-12  
My August Choice for ages 8-12 
Cotton Candy Sally Finds a Home ( The Sally Horse Chronicles Book 1) by Karen Belove

A girl and her horse. Need I say more? There are those girls who love to read horse stories. This one has nothing but praise. Emotive and kind, something we all need more of. It is on my to read list on Goodreads. 


Hundred Percent by Karen Romano Young

The transition from elementary school to middle school is hard and awkward for a lot of kids. Hundred Percent, a new book this August tells a story of Christine and how she deals with all the awkward encounters of  being a preteen. It is a story of encouragement and bravery that anyone entering middle school might like to read. 

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Vaduz Castle

Photo by Justin LaBerge

Click for full view 

         Last days of summer and I wish I was there, in beautiful Vaduz.

As of the time of this post, it is 4:50 pm in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. Where is Liechtenstein? I've never heard of it before either.  It is a little place nestled in between Switzerland and Austria. So serene! and of course, if you ever meet the Prince, you will address him as Your Serene Highness! Well, duh, of course his title would have the word, 'serene' in it. ha ha

I wish I were in my car driving that road, right now. So beautiful.

Since I cannot, I've downloaded it to my desktop, and you can too.

Other notes:

Vaduz castle is a private castle. You cannot go inside and disturb the serene highnesses, but you can go to this link on Trip Advisor and check out reviews from people who have been to Vaduz. 

Back side of Vaduz Castle

Makes me dizzy

Click for full view 

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

from damndelicious.net

A quick and hearty dinner to make your first days of school a little easier. Kids love mac & cheese and adults love chili. Two awesome comfort foods in one pot. Add a salad, and your meal is complete!

ONE POT CHILI MAC AND CHEESE

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME: 30 MINUTES

Two favorite comfort foods come together in this easy, 30 min one-pot meal that the whole family will love!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 8 ounces ground beef
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 3/4 cup canned white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 10 ounces uncooked elbows pasta
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add garlic, onion and ground beef, and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat.
2. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a simmer and stir in pasta. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13-15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat. Top with cheese and cover until melted, about 2 minutes.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

Daytime Moon August 20 2016

Daytime Moon

I saw you moon. You were up all night. Moonbeams on my lawn. I see you moon this morning, waning and gibbous. Your memory won't be for long.