Way Back Wednesday ~ Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay – Susan Hood

This review was originally posted on June 21, 2017.

I first became aware of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay from an episode of 60 Minutes.  This uplifting and inspirational children’s book shares the story of that very special orchestra which is composed of instruments made from recycled trash.  Ada’s Violin is beautifully written and illustrated.  After reading it, I highly recommend watching one of the videos of the orchestra online.

Ada's Violin Book Cover Ada's Violin
Susan Hood
Juvenile Nonfiction
Simon and Schuster
May 3, 2016
40

Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo – John Lithgow

Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo is written in rhyming text and details what happens when a concert adjacent to the zoo does not go as planned.  This darling picture book is filled with engaging illustrations which capture the mayhem when animal musicians take over the concert.   The book comes with a CD that includes the author (John Lithgow) singing the song of the same name.  This is a fun book!

 

 

Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo
John Lithgow
Juvenile Fiction
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
October 22, 2013
40

The Skinnytaste Cookbook: Light on Calories, Big on Flavor – Gina Homolka and Heather K. Jones

Today’s post features another blogger turned cookbook author.  Skinnytaste is a blog that I have enjoyed for many years.  It features yummy, healthier recipe options.  Now Skinnytaste has a number of best selling cookbooks.  The first one remains my favorite and is filled with delicious options.

The Skinnytaste Cookbook Book Cover The Skinnytaste Cookbook
Gina Homolka, Heather K. Jones,
Cooking
Clarkson Potter
2014
320

Way Back Wednesday ~ Bread Illustrated: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Bakery-Quality Results at Home – The Editors at America’s Test Kitchen (Editor)

This review was originally posted November 27, 2017.

If you are interested in learning how to make delicious home-made bread, this is the book for you.  I have loved going thru and trying the recipes in this book.  Everything I have made has been wonderful.  I particularly liked the explanations included with each recipe that explain why the recipe works to give you the result you want.  I also really appreciated the detailed information about ingredients and supplies.  This would make a great gift for your favorite baker!

Bread Illustrated Book Cover Bread Illustrated
America's Test Kitchen (Firm)
Bread
America's Test Kitchen
2016
432

Damn Delicious: 100 Super Easy, Super Fast Recipes – Chungah Rhee

I originally found Chungah Rhee’s blog (Damn Delicious) and was delighted with the results whenever I tried one of her recipes.  Then I found her cookbook which includes some favorites from the blog as well as many other outstanding recipes.  Although all of the recipes are fairly straightforward, each one has a complexity of the flavor not traditionally found in “easy” recipes.  This one is a winner!

Damn Delicious Book Cover Damn Delicious
Chungah Rhee
Cooking
Oxmoor House
September 6, 2016
240

Little Red Rhyming Hood – Sue Fliess

Little Red Rhyming Hood is a fun spin on the original tale of Little Red Riding Hood.  This time the red cloaked protagonist speaks in rhyme, and the school bully, Big Brad Wolf is her nemesis.  After Big Brad Wold literally scares the rhyme out of Red and into himself, it takes a shared spirit of cooperation and creativity to save the day.

Little Red Rhyming Hood Book Cover Little Red Rhyming Hood
Sue Fliess
Juvenile Fiction
Albert Whitman and Company
October 1, 2019
32