Category Archives: Books

Books, Reviews

“Animal, Vegetable, Miracle”

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Have you read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver? If not, it is a book that has something for everyone. Whether you are an avid gardener, care about the environment, aim to shop locally, love to cook, or just like to eat, this book is for you.

It was released last year, and got rave reviews. I’m not sure why it took me so long to read it, considering I bought it for 2 of my sisters last year and the subject matter is right up my alley.

It probably has something to do with my complete lack of free time with which to read, but this past week I was on vacation and had lots of help and the luxury of laying in bed and reading for hours on end. I came upon Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and decided to check it out.

This book chronicles the author and her family’s year of eating local food- only what they grew for themselves, or could purchase at the farmer’s market. Kingsolver gently teaches the reader why it’s important to do so, and lays out exactly how they achieved this goal. She seriously believes in growing your own food- whether you live on a farm or in an urban apartment- and practically walks you through how to do it. She also makes a case for eating meat- as long as it’s pasture grown.

This book is very entertaining, as she weaves her wit and family history into the pages. There are also essays and recipes by her daughter, and lots of facts about factory farming and environmental concerns written by her husband.

Their project was clearly a labor of love and I am so thankful they embarked upon it and shared it with us. It reinvigorated my passion for eating with the seasons and supporting local farmers and my community. It also got me out to a great local nursery today to buy some lettuce, a tangerine tree, and some potted herbs!

What I love best about Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is the reminder that food is the center of almost all celebratory occasions in our lives and it can, and should be enjoyed.

This book would make a great gift for the holidays!

Books, Prevention, Resources, Websites

Eric Carle

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I love when I find a new (to me) author. One that makes me want to research and read biographies, and look for out-of-print books and read everything he or she has ever written.

This doesn’t happen all that often. And these days, it happens to be authors of children’ books that intrigue me most.

My admiration for Eric Carle began last year when my son received Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? for his first birthday. Every book I’ve read since has made me hungry for more.

My sister passed alongThe Very Hungry Caterpillar to us, which I’d seen displayed at the bookstore but had never read. My son prides himself on being able to name every bit of junk food that the caterpillar eats!

At his second birthday party he received two Very Hungry Caterpillar Happy 2nd Birthday cards. They are adorable!

He also received The BePuzzled Wooden Puzzle Set which feature creatures from his books.

Then I found The Very Busy Spider and From Head to Toe at the library. When it was time to return the books, my son was especially sad to see From Head To Toe go, so we went to the local bookstore to buy a copy for our personal collection.

While there we read The Very Quiet Cricket, The Grouchy Ladybug, and The Greedy Python.

I love that they offer all of these titles in board books.

And imagine our excitement when today on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood Mr. Rogers paid Eric Carle a visit to his studio! We saw first hand how Mr. Carle creates his beautiful illustrations by painting on tissue paper, and then makes collages out of many different colored pages.

He told us a little about his life, and It was so inspiring hearing the story of how his parents nurtured his natural artistic gifts.

He then read From Head To Toe to the television audience. It was such a treat.

As soon as I could, I went online to see what else I could discover about Eric Carle. And here’s what I found!

He has a great website, with resources like coloring pages and how to make collages, as well as book lists, and other useful links.

He has a blog

There is The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Books in Massachusetts I really look forward to visiting some day.

The more I look, the more I realize there are Eric Carle books/toys/games/puzzles/fabric/food/galore and I’m sure many of you are wondering how on earth I just discovered him. I have no answer for that, I’m only glad I know about him now.

How about you?  Who’s your favorite children’s book author?

Books

Origins:

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If you’re interested in the science behind fetal development and how what you do while you’re pregnant affects your baby’s health, personality, temperament, then I’ve got the book for you!

Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives

If you read it, come back and let me know what you think!

Books, Prevention, Reviews

Organically Raised

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Lately I’ve been in a rut with the food I’ve been serving my toddler, so when I was asked to review Organically Raised: Conscious Cooking for Babies and Toddlers by Anni Daulter, the timing was perfect. This book is exactly what I needed to reinvigorate my excitement for cooking.

It opens with reasons to buy organic, locally grown and seasonal food.  No matter how many times we read or hear those concepts it’s always great to be reminded, and Daulter nudges us in a graceful way. 

There are also inspiring Mama Mantras throughout the book, such as “Preparing healthy, delicious food is my gift to my family,” and “I am learning and growing with my baby, and every day I see the world with new eyes.”  These paired with the beautiful photos of both children and food add such a refreshing touch and  make the pages stand out from the monotony of most other cookbooks.

Organically Raised is filled with simple, delicious recipes that are easy to follow and incredibly nourishing. Each recipe clearly recommends the season it is best for, and the ingredients that will support your child’s health throughout the year.  There are also tips on what to keep in your kitchen, appliances you will need, how to start solids and the best way to expand your baby’s palate.

I have a 23 month old toddler, and he has loved every recipe I’ve made for him.  His favorite so far is the “Enlightenment” Eggplant and Red Bell Pepper Puree with Red Lentils.  Even though he has tried a very wide range of foods, flavors and spices, Daulter recommends some that I hadn’t thought to serve him- such as Cold Watermelon Soup and Sweet Potato Fries with Ponzu Dipping Sauce, as well as healthy “mix-ins” as she calls them, like goji and acai berries.

I urge you to get a copy of Organically Raised, whether you are pregnant, have a baby, or are past the baby food making stage.  These are recipes the whole family can enjoy (so you won’t be cooking two separate meals!). 

Perhaps the most important reason I recommend this book is because too often I rush to get my son’s food on the table. Organically Raised reminds me that the most important ingredient I put in his food is love.