Ah, bliss!  We are back to our Tapestry Studies, and we have a wealth of books on the coffee table!  Life is good!  We will be studying the era of Napoleon, Austen, Dickens, John Adams and others. 

More of America's War for Independence, (And a bit on the French Revolution) as we complete the 2nd half of this tapestry unit! 

You'd think library day was Christmas from the level of excitement the girls have when we venture forth to replenish the coffee table!

Below are the books we are reading to compliment the next four weeks of our Tapestry of Grace studies:

I placed new books on the coffee table Monday, and we've been enjoying them nearly a week. 

Some of the books in the picture carry-over from the last batch.  I'll skip over those and just focus on the books that have been recently added:    (Scroll down past the picture to read my rambles about each.)

Our Colonial Year by Cheryl Harness:

Simple and sweet, this picture book gives a taste of the Colonial Era to the youngest children. 

The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

A sweet story of a young colonial girl in a strange new world.  Gentle lessons in friendship and courage and in overcoming preconceived ideas fill these pages.  We enjoyed this as a bedtime story.  Even Keianna retained enough that at lunch she gave her daddy a delightful unsolicited narration (without giving the poor man any context or telling him she was talking about a book!  Poor Ken was a mite confused about who Sarah was and why she had an Indian daddy while her daddy went to get her mommy...) 

Daniel Boone and the Exploration of the Frontier by Richard Kozar: 

Like the others in this Explorers of New Worlds series, there isn't a speck of fluff in this book, yet it is engaging. 

Elin's Amerika by Marguerite de Angeli. 

De Angeli is a favorite children's author of ours!  While this book is fiction, Gov. Johan Printz, was the actual third governor of New Sweden from 1643-1653.  Like all de Angeli's works, this is a treasure.

Handel at the Court of Kings by Opal Wheeler:

I had to insert Handel and Bach into our Tapestry studies, because the Enlightenment just isn't the same without them.  These books by Opal Wheeler are a delightful way slip them in.  Mrs. Wheeler has a glorious gift for expressing the story of the history.  Kaira and Kendra's narrations on these books have been especially detailed and joyous, a sure sign that the book is indeed a "living book" in the truest sense.

Hostage on the Nighthawk: William Penn by Dave & Neta Jackson:

A fun historic-fiction snack.  Much more fiction than history, but the flavor of the era is captured.  The adventure made it one of Kaira's favorites thus far from this batch.

Indians of the Longhouse: The Story of the Iroquois by Sonia Bleeker

This was a wonderful surprise from our public library.  Published in 1950 it has a nice balance of perspective, depicting the lives of the Iroquois in a changing world.  Conversationally told, it introduces the reader to the Iroquois in a natural manner.

Iroquois Indians by Caryn Yacowitz:

Colorful snapshots in text and images depict the Iroquois then and now.  A wonderful introduction to an interesting people. 

Just Plain Fancy by Patricia Polacco

This story about an Amish farm girl has been a "bedtime story" favorite of the girls for some time.  Although set in modern day Pennsylvania (on an Amish farm) it gives a nice child-sized depiction of Amish culture that hasn't changed dramatically from the colonial era.

Joseph Hayden: The Merry Little Peasant by Opal Wheeler

From the same author as Handel at the Court of Kings, and just as good!  Tapestry suggested a book on Hayden, and it looks great but I went the "use what we have" route.  (Which is yet another reason I love Tapestry.  The curriculum focuses on the subject matter, not on specific titles, and it flexes so easily to let me do it my way--I'm a pill about having to do things my way. HA!)

Life in New France: Picture the Past by Jennifer Blizin Gillis

Text interspersed liberally with pictures,  and captions as fascinating as the pictures themselves, this book truely does enable the reader to "Picture the Past."  For such a slim volume, it packs a lot of punch.

Life on a Southern Plantation by Sally Senzell Isaacs

From the same publishers as Life in New France, and in the same style.   To me, these books are "must haves" (or at least close) for grammar stage children studying this era.

Marooned: The Strange But True Adventures of Alexander Selkirk, the Real Robinson Crusoe

by Robert Kraske

I'd not heard of this until I stumbled upon it when searching our local library (online) at the beginning of this unit.  This little book has been fascinating!  Selkirk was the real life model for Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, and his story is, perhaps stranger than the fiction it inspired.

Mr Bach Comes to Call (Audio CD) by Classical Kids

An imaginative presentation of Bach.  I like this series, and the children have a lot of fun with them.  For every unit we study I like to have one or two audio or video supplements to pull out as a special treat when I have a migraine day or when the children are run down.

Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling Clancy Holling:

The adventures of an Indian boy's hand-carved toy canoe as it journey's from the Lake Superior to the Atlantic.   These books make learning rich indeed!

Peter the Great by Diane Stanley:

Wow!  This book is brilliantly done.  Because we've enjoyed Diane Stanley's Joan of Arc and her Shakespear book, I expected we'd like this one too, but I was still amazed!  The pictures are georgous, and Stanley weaves together incidents both small and large from the life of this fascinating Tsar.  Did you know that he was proud to have been given papers certifying him as a carpenter?   I didn't.  So many interesting tidbits fill these pages. 

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (Eyewitness Classics from DK publishing)

I typically dislike abridged versions, and will make sure we get the delight of the original on our next voyage through the ages, but...  this Eyewitness Classics version is well done.  If I were reading it aloud, I'd go with the original. (Alas, our read-aloud time filled up fast this unit!)  For Grammar stages to read alone though, this one is superb!  Perhaps I was able to get past my usual abridged aversion because this does more than just boil down the original.  Through the captioned pictures, and side notes, it is more of a study of the story than a condensation of it. 

Sebastian Bach, The Boy from Thuringia by Opal Wheeler and Sybil Deucher

Ah, Bach!  Once again Opal Wheeler's delightful story telling makes for an enchanting biography.

The Silversmiths (Colonial Craftsmen) by Leonard Everette Fisher,

Almost as good as a field trip to a real smithy!  The illustrations, also by the author are wonderfully unique.  They are black and white, and appear to be ink stamps or plate prints.  (I'll have to google and see if I can figure out the artist's technique.)  However they are done, they have a striking bold simplicity, yet remarkable detail.  The silversmith's tools, and even the expressions on the faces of the customers come to life.  The text is as interesting as the pictures, completing the virtual field trip.

Skippack School by Marguerite de Angeli:

Set in German Town Philadelphia, this is another story rich in Colonial history and de Angeli charm.

Thee Hannah by Marguerite de Angeli:

A Quaker girl finds her bonnet plain, but begins to see beauty in it as the story unfolds.   (Have I mentioned that I like de Angeli?) 

 William Penn: Founder of Democracy by Arthur M Schlesinger, Jr

While well done, I'd have said that this book is a bit dry; reading more like an encyclopedia than an interesting story.  It must have some hidden charms though, because both Kaira and Kendra chose this one when told to choose one of our two William Penn books for their reading and narrations.  It is packed with detail  They certainly chose the more scholarly of the two books I had on the subject.

William Penn Founder of Pennsylvania by Steven Kroll

A beautiful biography that is half picture book.  I still am bewildered that my children bypassed it in favor of the other William Penn book.  The narrative in this is done in beautiful story, making the biography not mere facts, but personal.  The illustrations are rich and full of life.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Another Newberry from Speare, this historic fiction is a good way to introduce the complicated and tragic history of the witch trials.  It will be next week's read aloud for us.  (Tapestry spreads it over several weeks, but we tend to gobble more at a time, lest we lose context.) 

The Warrior's Challenge: David Zeisberger by Dave & Neta Jackson:

Kaira enjoyed the other Trailblazer book from the library (Hostage on the Nighthawk) so much that I grabbed this one as well.  I'm glad we got it.  It is based on a tale of The Moravian Indian Boy, and deals with the incidents of peaceful converted Indians who were brought to Philadelphia for protection but weakened from illnesses and ultimately suffered massacre at the hands of the colonists.

Sunday evening we watched a Nest DVD on William Bradford, and began our journey with the Pligrims! 

Across the Wide Dark Sea: The Mayflower Journey by Jean Van Leeuwen

A lovely picture book!  Kendra went right for this one!

The Adventurous Life of Myles Standish and the Amazing-but-True Survival Story of Plymouth Colony (Cheryl Harness Histories) by Cheryl Harness

Information rich and well told, far more than just a book about Miles Standish, it has information about the clothing, foods, family relationships, and stories that give vivid pictures of incidents in daily life for the Pilgrims in the New World.

 American Pioneers and Patriots by Caroline D. Emerson

Another gem from Christian Liberty Press.  This publisher does a wonderful job of fleshing out history with captivating glimpses into the lives of the figures.

Boys and Girls of Colonial Days by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey

One more Christian Liberty Press title.  Excellent! 

I'll be reading sections of this aloud, almost like a text.  Full of information that gives substance to daily living, furnishing, clothing, tools, and other such details, it is the type of knowledge that fascinates my children, but written in a less engaging way than some.  Reading it together will make it more lively.

Colonial Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in the New World (A Kid's Guide series) by Laurie Carlson

A fun, fun, fun book of activities! We'll be doing a few of these at the end of our Colonial unit!

Colonial American Home Life (Colonial America)by Edwin Tunis

Like Colonial Living, this gives essential information, and after reading  a few pages is really a very friendly book.  It doesn't reach out and pull in a reader at first glace though.  If I get time I'll read segments of this aloud to the children.  (Or let them take turns reading sections aloud to me and to each other!)

The Double Life of Pocahontas by Jean Fritz

Jena Fritz's books are favorites here.  Kaira (who says she's not called "Kaira" anymore, but "Pocahontas") has claimed this one too.   

Simple and beautiful.  A wonderful, easy Chapter Book.

Henry Hudson: Ill-Fated Explorer of North America's Coast (Explorers of New Worlds) by Barbara Saffer

I purchased this series of Explorers at Library and Educational Services (I love their prices!)  They read like well illustrated and interestingly written encyclopedias.  Not super fun or at all fluffy, but solid, and easily read.  (The spacing of the type makes it especially nice for young readers too.)

 
Life in New Amsterdam (Picture the Past)Life in New Amsterdam by Laura Fischer

Others in this series will be appearing on the coffee table for the second half of our Colonies unit.  The text portions are excellent but minimal, accented by lots of wonderful illustrations.  Perfect to give Kendra and Keianna a solid feel for time and place.

This Beautiful Girlhood book, along with a matching doll dress, was one of Kaira's birthday presents.  The dress and book are presently available at a discounted price at Vision forum. 

One of the girls must have been reading this one when I photographed the others.  It missed the photo shoot.

John Smith (Junior World Explorers)  by Charles P. Graves

Simply written to be approachable even to the early elementary aged crowd.  Another I'm glad our library had available.

John Smith Escapes Again! by Rosalyn Schanzer

This National Geographic book is beautiful!  The pictures and text are rich and fun.

The Jamestown Colony (Cornerstones of Freedom) by Gail Sakurai

Kendra gave me the most wonderful narration on this book today.  (Wow!  That girl does awsome narrations, with a lot of detail!) For such a thin volume, this book packs in a lot of information in a way that certainly grabbed Kendra's attention.

Jolliet and Marquette: Explorers of the Mississippi River (Explorers of New Worlds) by Daniel E Harmon

Another title from the Explorers of New Worlds series that I found discounted at Library and Educational Services.  Reads a little bit like an encycolpedia, but an excellent and accessable encyclopedia.

Kings & Queens of England and Scotland by Plantagenet Somerset Fry

I have a copy from our library, and even with shelf space and book dollars at a premium, I'm resisting temptation to buy our own copy.  This is a great book to keep as a reference. 

Miles Standish: Plymouth Colony Leader (Colonial Leaders) by Arthur M Schlesinger, Jr

A well written biography.  Not exciting, but clear and very readably written.

The New Americans: Colonial Times: 1620-1689 (The American Story)by Betsy Maestro

We will be using this book extensively in this unit of Tapestry of Grace.  I've only flipped through it so far, but am pleased with what I see.

Old Silver Leg Takes Over! A Story of Peter Stuyvesant by Robert Quackenbush

I chose this because it was the only children's book in the library on Peter Stuyvesant.  Despite being chosen simply by default, it is delightful!  The asside dialogue between two little pigs in the drawings gives an added chuckle. 

We were able to acquire quite a few Abeka books that my children enjoy just for pleasure reading.  This was among them, and Kaira and Kendra have both read it several times.  It is an Abeka 3rd grade book, with comprehension questions and vocabulary words included (although children can ignore these and just read it as a story.)

Pilgrim Cat (Albert Whitman Prairie Paperback)by Carol Antoinette Peacock

Finding this at the library was pure delight!  The author's discovery that cats accompanied the pilgrims on the Mayflower sparked this book!   Pilgrim Cat gives us a glimpse of Plymouth Plantation through the eyes of "Pounce."  Keegan chose this book for a bedtime story Saturday night, and officially kicked off our unit!

Pocahontas by Ingri & Edgar Parin d'Aulaire

The d'Aulaire's books are fantastic, and this one is perfect for my Pocahontas enraptured children.

Kaira's claimed this one too.  A well told account.  My copy has my name penciled inside in childish printing, and I remember enjoying it when I was about her age. 

Rebel Pilgrim: A Biography of Governor William Bradfordby Wilma Pitchford Hays

A find from our jaunt to the library: I've not yet perused this one well.

Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy by Kate Waters

Another photograph-rich book follows a Pilgrim boy as he helps with the Rye harvest. 

Beautiful engaging reenactment photos, bring the reader along with Sarah Morton to Plymouth Plantation.

This is a fun easy reader.

This book, from Christian Liberty Press, is outstanding.  Historically accurate, at least according to my recollections of William Bradford's journals and other accounts from the time, it is rich in both information and appeal.

The Thirteen Colonies (Cornerstones of Freedom)by Gail Sakurai

On the "must read" list for both Kaira and Kendra, as we begin this unit.  An excellent overview.

Three Ships Come Sailing by Gilchrist Waring

Another good overview of the founding of Jamestown.

Three Young Pilgrims by Cheryl Harness

Captivating enough for even a young child, but surprising detailed in information.  Definately a treasure for teaching small folk. 

William Bradford: Governor of Plymouth Colony (Colonial Leaders)by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr

Great combination of reenactment photographs, drawings and paintings, this book takes the reader from England to Holland then to Plymouth.

We are wrapping up some remaining Renaissance studies, Royalty and Explorers, primarily.

I did throw in a few other fun windows on the era, such as our read aloud, I, Juan de Pareja.  What a wonderful book!  Through the eyes of Juan, a black slave to Spanish painter Diego Velazquez, the canvas of this era is painted in a sensitive light, with masterful strokes, and unique perspective.  It is a gem for a wide range of ages, and is within grasp of Kaira and Kendra, yet I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to my parents, and am enjoying it myself.

Here are the girls, playing at painter, inspired by Juan de Pareja  .  When I surprised them with the camera in the playroom, Kaira was being the artist and Kendra the subject.  Soon after they switched roles.  (Apparently the model gets to read to prevent boredom.)

And, the finished portraits:

In other news our new schedule is going well thus far!  I've been rising at 6:30, not 6:00 though, and skipping the exercise slot.  Bad Dell!  I do hope to work in within a week or two as I acclimate. 

A few years ago I wouldn't have thought I'd ever schedule to 15 minute intervals!  But then, until this year it wasn't necessary, and I could afford a loose routine.  Somehow though as the older girls have begun doing more involved work, and we've added more children to the mix, it became necessary.  What would have been a burden and hindrance  in the past, now gives our days  needed and beautiful orchestration.  

Oops!  Somehow the blog is lagging behind "real time".  The day after Thanksgiving we decorated for Christmas, and the Renaissance book basket got bumped to the side.   Most of our Christmas selections are the same as last year's.  Holiday books are stacked invitingly on several tables, taunting us to enjoy their pages. 

We are using Tabitha's Travels this year for our advent time.  Tabitha, like the others in Ytreeide's Jotham series, is a slightly outlandish adventure.  It gives us a fun seasonal change from our usual Oswald Chambers devotionals. 

I selected for The Christmas Doll our afternoon read-aloud.  This poignant story is a treasure, and has prompted rich discussions with my eldest girls. 

Now I'm off to bed in order to rise early tomorrow and bake a cake for Keianna's 4th birthday!

What better day than Reformation Day (Oct 31st) for us to begin the Renaissance and Reformation in our History jaunt!  Kaira is reading, Luther the Leader as I type this entry.   We talked about the past custom of selling indulgences, and will be doing a coloring sheet to place Martin Luther on our timeline later.  (Usually we don't do much of a Reformation day, but it did seem fitting that our history study would coincide with the date of Luther's historic theses. )

I won't write a blurb on each of the many books on our coffee table, but will highlight a few of my favorites: 


Katie and the Mona Lisa by James Mayhew;

Like the others in this series, this is a fun, cute book and an imaginative introduction to the artist through the mind of a fictional little girl, Katie.

Ink on His Fingers by Louise A. Vernon

Enter into the world of Johann Guttenberg!  This fictionalized account from the perspective of a young apprentice is captivatingly done, and will interest a wide range of ages.  (I enjoyed previewing it immensely!)   

Starry Messenger; Galileo Galilei by Peter Sis

Informative and delightfully illustrated. 

Bard of Avon The Story of William Shakespeare by Dianne Stanley and Peter Vennema

Wonderful, full page illustrations and great background information give a nice sweep of the culture around Shakespeare.  Very appropriate to give sense of Shakespearian time and place to children.

Tales from Shakespeare by Charles & Mary Lamb

Beautiful book.  I usually abhor abridged stories, but these are well done.

Unless I only have a handful of books that will stack nicely on the coffee table, I put them in a basket to keep things accessible, yet tidy.  Today I was just about to photograph the new selections when Kendra realized there were new books to be had!   I have to photograph quickly before the books wander off with eager readers. 

We were planning a rare "popcorn and movie" treat tonight.  I think I might pull out our Nest Video on Galileo. 

We have (finally) entered the Middle Ages! 

Due to a busy weekend coming up, It might be October before I get descriptive blurbs written for the books we are enjoying, but we are having a grand time with this fascinating and diverse time of history!

There is something beautifully decadent about having so many wonderful books to bring a period to life!  (Many are from the library, but that doesn't change the feeling of absolute wealth to have these available!)

I've been meaning to update on our history studies, but hadn't had a chance to post.  Viking invaders have lain siege to our coffee table!  (Actually it APPEARS invaders have lain siege to the master bedroom too.  We are repainting, and it looks quite ransacked at the moment, but that's another post, and not nearly as exciting as Viking books!)

Viking Quest Series  Raiders from the Sea, Mystery of the Silver Coins, The Invisible Friend, and The Raiders Promise) by Lois Walfried Johnson

Entranced by this series, Kaira has read each book multiple times, and is now fascinated by all things Viking.   Published by Moody Publishers, they are wholesome, yet vividly real with an eternal message woven expertly into the plot and characters. 

Beorn the Proud by Madeleine Polland:

Another great historical fiction adventure published by Bethlehem Books.  Kaira gives this a thumbs up, and so do I. 

The Vikings by Robert Nicholson and Claire Watts

I found this tattered-covered, and much used book at our library. Vivid pictures depict Viking life and the interspersed paragraphs of text are fascinating!

Eric The Red and Leif The Lucky by Barbara Schiller:

This Troll book lacks initial "wow power", but if given a chance, it proves to be a wonderful book!  Don't dismiss it for its unpretentious appearance.  The sepia tone line drawings weren't very dynamic at first glance, but fascinate me more and more the longer I gaze at them.  The text, likewise, doesn't have any initial draw, but after reading just one or two pages the narrative captivates, and draws the reader into the tale of these remarkable father-son adventurers.  I'll be reading this aloud to the children.  A slim 50 page paperback (and half pictures), it will be perfect for a tea-time read.

Over 900 Years ago With the Vikings by Hazel Mary Martell

This book is like a museum visit right on our coffee table.  It is the best kind of museum, with a bit of reenactment, well presented artifacts with informative captions that enable the patron to really envision the civilization depicted, and a tour guide with contagious enthusiasm about the subject matter.  Kendra and I both really liked this book. 

The Usborne Time Traveller Viking Raiders by Anne Civardi and James Graham-Campbell

I've mentioned before that Usborne tends to make me dizzy, but there is a lot of good information on the busy pages of this book.  The reader travels back in time to Knut's farm in Viking Norway.  Because of this book especially, Kendra (5) was able to respectfully disagree with an adult guest who believed all Vikings were raiders.  She explained that the average citizen was likely quite peaceable, and for all the plundering there was a society of farmers and craftsmen back at the fjords.   

Exploring Ancient Civilizations Vikings  by Tracey Ann Shofield

This publication of The Teaching and Learning Company is a rich resource.   Not at all flashy, in black and white, but full of fabulous facts.  (And in fact, nearly every page has a big bold heading over a special paragraph marked, "Fabulous Facts". 

Leif The Lucky by Ingri & Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

D'Aulaire is nearly always excellent.  This is no exception.  A lovely picture book that Keianna can enjoy, but isn't to young for Kaira (or for me). 

How we Know about the Vikings by John and Louise James

Another winner.  I'd read this earlier, but got lost in it again while flipping through to write this mini-review.  Usborne-esque, but much calmer, it is vividly engaging without being overwhelmingly intense.  It would be perfect for the budding archaeologist as alongside the information about the Vikings, it depicts archaeologists and historians unearthing and piecing together the clues to a society!  

The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow by Allen French

Allen French, author of The Red Keep, has another worthy title here.  If we were stopping to explore the Vikings in greater depth, I'd do it as a read aloud.  It really is a bit beyond even my eldest scholar this year for optimal enjoyment as a "read alone."    I enjoyed reading it for my own pleasure and education, and will be happy to yield shelf space for it to await my eager readers in future years.

The Barbarians have invaded Rome, and we are shifting the focus to the East.  A band of Schleich Arabian Figures, and a copy of The Arabian Nights have taken up residence on our coffee table.

If you do read-alouds (and have the ability to edit a few steamy passages while reading) Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher is fascinating.  I read it for my own pleasure a few months back.  Because I'm eager to move onward, I don't think I'll linger on the Arabians long enough to read it to the girls right now, but am tucking it away for a future journey through the ages.

. 

No, my own sweet "barbarians" aren't climbing the furniture. (Well, Keegan sometimes does, but we are working on that.) We have finally resumed our history journey.

Finding "living books" on the Barbarian invasions (Vandals and Visigoths and such) proved a challenge. It really was quite a bloody time--not really the stuff to inspire children's authors. I did find one book, now out of print, to bring the era to life for us.

One book is probably enough, as we will only briefly visiting the invasions before touching on the Arabians and then heading into the Middle Ages.

Having come to the birth of Christ in our history studies, we are quickly leaving the Roman Empire behind.  Soon we will be heading into the Middle Ages.  

Saint Patrick's Day is approaching quickly, and a study of Patrick will pave the way nicely.

St Patrick: Pioneer Missionary To Ireland by Michael J. McHugh is my favorite of our Coffee table selections this week.  Christian Liberty Press has some FABULOUS history selections, and this is one of them!

The Story of Saint Patrick by James A. Janda is a nice choice for the younger ones, or for Kendra to read alone.

Shamrocks, Harps, and Shillelaghs by Edna Barth takes a fun peak into stories behind the St Patrick's Day symbols.  

And, I have a ten page print out from ChristianAnswers.net on  "The Real St Patrick" that is rich with information. 

(And an irish cream latte sounds supurb right now!)

Between a handful of books on my own shelves and an abundance of library selections, our coffee table is brimming with resources on ancient Rome!

Ancient Rome: By  Peter Connolly

I like this book.  It has the interest that Usborne and others similar capture, yet isn't as visually overwhelming.  Through pictures and text Connolly provides glimpses into Ancient Rome that seem  particularly suited to a child's eye-view.  This book has a special knack for providing the angle that will intrigue children.

Ancient Rome: By Simon James

(A Dorling Kindersley--DK Eyewitness book) pictures of art and artifacts bring the text/captions to life.

Ancient Rome: Come and discover My World: By Peter Chrisp

A "hands on" book full of activities.  Make a mosaic, a writing tablet, a drum, laurel wreath, or grape punch!

The Ancient Roman World: By Ronald Mellor and Marni McGee

This is part of the World in Ancient Times series.  It has textbook style comprehensiveness, while being engaging, and interestingly written.  Appropriate for even young adults, yet interesting enough to captivate my little ones.

The Best Book of Ancient Rome: by Debra Murrell

I don't know that this is the best book of ancient Rome, as the title brags, but it is very good!  Like the Peter Connolly Book, I prefer it even to the Usborne and DK books of similar scope, because it gives lots of visual interest (and great textual content) without being quite so cluttered. 

The Bronze Bow: by Elizabeth George Speare

Historical fiction of Jerusalem (under Roman rule) at the time of Christ.  Well written.  I'm considering doing this one as a read aloud.

Classical Rome: By John D Clare

Somehow the use of actors and actual re-enactment photographs made this book disconcerting to me.  I'm not entirely sure why.  It really is nicely done, and the costuming is realistic.  Oddly, however, the whole book feels artificial and staged to me.   

 There are a few issues I'll discuss with the girls as they read this. such as the boys in the story consulting with soothsayer, but it is a fun and lively story. 

First Facts about the Ancient Romans: By Fiona Macdonald

Kendra immediately gravitated to this book when I pulled it from the library stacks.  I'll confess I'm not entirely sure what about it appeals to her, as it seems not very different from the dozens of similar ones that I didn't bother checking out.  (Not because anything was wrong with them, but simply to avoid redundance.)  Detailed (but not too busy) drawings are interspersed with text.  It does focus more on "how things worked" than many of the books, and would be of interest to a budding engineer who is fascinated with the underfloor heating, road construction, and other such aspects of Roman life.

Kids in Ancient Rome: by Lisa Wroble:

This book (part of the Kids Throughout History Series, which I picked up at a great libraryanded.com sale) is great for my little ones.  Like the rest of the series, it provides only an overview, but is somehow "just right" for young students. 

Leaders of Ancient Rome (Series: Augustus, Cicero, Constantine, Julius Caesar, Nero)

Rich with information!  These are great references to read, and packed with information, yet the large, child friendly print, and pictures make them inviting.

Life in Ancient Rome: Silver Burdett Picture Histories by Pierre Miquel

The girls were interested in the fancy braided Roman hairstyles depicted in the fashion section of this book.  I like the way this book is done.  Instead of brief captions and blurbs that many books feature, the text flows. 

Pompeii...Burried Alive by Edith Kunhardt

This "Step into Reading Book" is a nice easy read for Kendra, and yet still interesting enough for Kaira.  It is real without being horrifying, and does a great job combining history with science.

Read About Ancient Romans: By Jay Cooper

This was another one that Kendra (who just turned five) immediately claimed during our library jaunt.  Indeed the nice bold print is nice for younger readers, and it gives a good overview for the younger elementary crowd.  

Rome, in Spectacular Cross-Section: by Stephen Biesty

Something about the detail of these drawings makes me dizzy!  The children are fascinated with them though, and the text is interesting.  Each finely drawn scene depicts busy life in great detail.  It can be used almost as a "Where's Waldo" or "Eye-Spy" book.  Great for providing views of how the aquaducts, mills, and other things work. 

Technology in the Time of Ancient Rome by Robert Snedden:

A different (and fascinating) angle on life in ancient Rome.

Usborne Beginners: Romans: By Katie Daynes

Aimed to the younger scholars, a slim and inviting book for beginning readers.  It keeps the subject interesting in typical Usborne fashion.

The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of the Roman World: By Chandler, Taplin, and Bingham

The title pretty much says it all!  Usborne style, encyclopedic peak into Roman life. 

The White Isle by Caroline Dale Snedecker:

A historical fiction treat that also gives perspective on Roman life in Britain and Gaul

The World of the Roman Emperor: by Peter Chrisp

This book focuses a little more political, governmental, and military areas of Roman life than the others of similar scope.  Well done with great pictures.