When The Almond Tree Blossoms
David Aikman
ISBN 9780849936418
Thomas Nelson
This book is Christian speculative fiction. It was very interesting because it presents a possible future in which a second civil war takes place in the United States.
It has some wonderful plot twists. Basically it is the story of one man Douglas Richfield, a member of the peoples' movement (Socialist) who becomes a constitutionalist. It is the story of his development as a person, and as a person of faith. He is awoken from rote life living as a cog in the machine, to being a man of conscience, to finally a man of character.
It has elements of being a spy story, a love story, a story of political intrigue and faith all rolled up in one neat consistent package.
It is a good read that I could honestly recommend to just about anyone.
(First written as Journal Reading Notes in 1999.)
Pink!
What's a Penguin to think when he turns Pink?
Lynne Rickards
Margaret Chamberlain (Illustrator)
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545086080
This is a fantastic book about being different and being accepted. It is the story of Patrick the penguin who wakes up one day and has turned pink. He finds it hard being a pink penguin so goes in search of other pink birds, specifically flamingos in Africa, but he finds out he fits in even less there. So he returns home to Antarctica and discovers that being different is not so bad after all.
I was originally attracted by the hilarious cover of this book, and both the story and illustrations are wonderful. It is one of those fun books to read and look at. I think it would be fun to share with most children, and they will learn a lesson from it also. Pink! is an excellent read.
The Very Cranky Bear
Nick Bland
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545989985
This is a great picture book for children. It is the story of four friends trying to get out from the rain and the cold. Unfortunately they take refuge in a Bear's cave. Bear is not happy that they have invaded his home. Lion, Zebra and Moose try to make bear happy by making him like them; Sheep on the other hand gives of himself.
It is a fun read and wonderfully illustrated by Australian author and illustrator Nick Bland. It has made me want to track down his other stories, and the books he has illustrated for other authors.
Books by Nick Bland:
A Monster Wrote Me a Letter (2005)
Aussie Jingle Bells (2006)
I Lost My Kisses (2007)
Donald Loves Drumming (2008)
The Very Cranky Bear (2008)
When Henry Caught Imaginitis (2008)
The Wrong Book (2009)
The Very Itchy Bear (2010)
Twinkle HB (2010)
The Runaway Hug (2011)
Selected Poems
Rainer Maria Rilke
This was a very good book of poetry and Rilke is one of my all time favorite poets. The poetry in this volume cuts to the heart. As I read I could not but hope and pray that the words would have an effect upon my heart and my life. A number of the poems moved me in significant ways. I copied Oblation and The Knight out in my journal.
I end up seeing myself both as Rilke observing others and as those whom he observes. I always look forward to pursuing more of his writings. This book was a great edition with the English translation and the German original on facing pages.
(First written as Journal Reading Notes in 1999.)
Nigger of the Narcissus:A Tale of the Forecastle
Joseph Conrad
Various Editions
Originally published in 1897this book is considered to be the turning point in Conrad's career. The book has also been published under the title The Children of the Sea: A Tale of the Forecastle.
This is a very good short novel. It has strong characters, great navel insight and is a study of the character of men. It also has to do with the lives of men in general - the good, the bad, and the indifferent.
In an interesting way it weaves a tale of deceit that becomes a reality. James "Jimmy" Waits, a west Indian black sailor waits for illness and is waiting for death.
It explores not only the deceits of men, but how man deals with illness and death in confined space. It was an excellent read.
It is available for free download from Project Gutenburg.
(First written as Journal Reading Notes in 1999.)
Fox Walked Alone
Barbara Reid
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545989985
Fox walked alone is Barbara Reid's retelling of the story of Noah's Ark. It is the story of Fox who follows the other animals even though they are traveling in pairs. It is incredibly well written and the illustrations are awesome. This will be a great book for children of all ages.
Famous for her plasticine illustrations, Canadian author and illustrator Barbara Reid is world renowned. Reid has won just about every Canadian award for children's authors or illustrators. She won the Governor General's Literary Award for Children's Illustration for The Party and this book was nominated for 7 awards.
(Images courtesy Barbara Reid.)
Book written and illustrated by Barbara Reid:
Zoe's Year (2012)
Picture A Tree (2011)
The Party (2010)
Perfect Snow (2009)
Sing a Song of Mother Goose (2007)
Fox Walked Alone (2009)
Read Me A Book (2004)
The Subway Mouse (2003)
Zoe's Rainy Day (1992)
Zoe's Sunny Day (1992)
Zoe's Windy Day (1992)
Zoe's Snowy Day (1992)
The Golden Goose (2000)
Fun With Modelling Clay (1998)
The Party (1997)
First Look Board Books: Acorn to Oak Tree (1999)
First Look Board Books: Seed To Flower (1999)
First Look Board Books: Caterpillar to Butterfly (1999)
First Look Board Books: Tadpole to Frog (1999)
Two By Two (1992)
Sing A Song of Mother Goose (1987)
Book illustrated by Barbara Reid:
Peg & The Yeti (2004)
Gifts (1995)
Effie (1990)
Have You Seen Birds? (1986)
The New Baby Calf (1984)
Jenny Greenteeth (1983)
Mustard (1983)Books contributed to:
Read Me A Story (2010)
Dream; a Tale of Wonder, Wisdom & Wishes (2004)
Mother Goose: A Canadian Sampler (1994)
Author Profile and Interview with Barbara Reid
When The Almond Tree Blossoms 
