Book Review #17 :: A Nest for Celeste by Henry Cole

A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home

by Henry Cole

Published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Copyright 2010

"Celeste's newest basket was going to be of a design she hadn't tried before, with a side pocket and a fold-over flap to keep things from spilling out.  Her nook was dim, but Celeste was used to it.  From her pile of dried grasses she pulled another long blade and, using her teeth and nimble fingers, began twisting and weaving."

Publisher's Summary:  Celeste is a mouse who is looking for a home.  Is it nestled in the toe of a warm boot? In the shirt pocket of Celeste's new friend Joseph, who is Audubon's apprentice? Or is home the place deep inside Celeste's heart, where friendships live?

Mary Elizabeth's Musings: 
Heartwarming.  Inspirational.  Happy.  Cozy.  Absolutely delightful.
This story about Celeste, a sweet and gentle mouse, will leave every reader with a feeling of comfort and contentment in his or her heart.
Set on a Louisiana plantation in 1821, A Nest for Celeste draws the reader into the unique, artistic, and natural world of John James Audubon and his apprentice, Joseph. 
Both looking for a true friend and a comforting home, Joseph and Celeste form a tender friendship that forges its way through changes and events in both of their lives.
Henry Cole's whimsical, gentle, charcoal illustrations provide the perfect companion to this heartwarming tale of home and friendship.

I recommend this book for ages 7-12 years.


Other books by this author:




Visit Henry Cole's inspiring website to be a part of his incredible world of illustrations!

Book Review #11 - Insect Detective

Insect Detective

Written by Steve Voake

Illustrated by Charlotte Voake

Published by Candlewick Press

First U.S. Edition 2010

"Lift up a stone and you might see an earwig scuttle out.  They like to hide in the damp and the dark.  The pincers on the tips of their abdomens make them look kind of scary, but don't worry - they're completely harmless."

Publisher's Summary:  Right now, all around you, thousands of insects are doing strange and wonderful things:  wasps are building their nests, ants are collecting food, and dragonflies are readying for the hunt.  But it's not always so easy to catch sight of these six-legged creatures...Become an insect detective and find out just what the insects around you are up to!

Mary Elizabeth's Musings:  I must say that I am quite smitten with this book! Its watercolor illustrations pair beautifully with the rich prose, which is filled with exceptionally interesting insect facts.  Giving children practical tips of finding and observing the world of insects around them, the author conveys a quiet message of respect for insects and their place in the ecosystem.  Quite simply, this informative non-fiction book reads as smoothly as any children's fiction book.  You will find it as fascinating as your child surely will!

Why I Recommend This Book:  This gem of a book will encourage your child to observe the intricacies of the natural world right in their own backyard! After finishing this exceptional book, your child will be armed with the knowledge of how to unobtrusively explore the world of insects ... and he or she will be eager to do so as soon as you reach the back cover! I tremendously enjoyed this book - do yourself and your child a favor by grabbing it from your local library today!

Recommended for ages 5 - 9 years.

Also by this author:




Also by this illustrator:

** Clue #2 for Mystery Friend Friday :: Apple Pie Tree :: **