What's New

Schiller Math

Schiller Math Kit
Author(s): 
Larry Schiller
This is an impressive, complete, scripted, Montessori-based Math program. Though it's not 100% purist Montessori (for example, some of the manipulatives will provide changes in color and shape at the same time, where Montessori was very fussy about only working with one attribute at a time), I think it does a really nice job of incorporating her most critical ideas.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Book cover: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Author(s): 
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Illustrator(s): 
Tonya Engel

I never cease to marvel at the wonder-full story of Guadalupe. This new picture book does a fabulous job of retelling it, with historical accuracy, gentleness, and vibrant illustrations. This lovely book will make a very nice gift to a child, and the child's older siblings and parents will enjoy it as well. 

Fur and Feathers

Author(s): 
Janet Halfmann
Illustrator(s): 
Laurie Allen Klein

In Sophia's dream, all the animals had their coats blown off and so she has to make new ones for them, adding her own special touches.  This is the story of "fur and feathers" which introduces young children to animal classification.

The story has a good variety of common animals with different coats.  A few parts are a bit contrived, like the frog finding the slime, but otherwise the story is engaging.  The "For Creative Minds" section at the end of the book contains activities based on animal classification.

The Core

Author(s): 
Leigh A. Bortins
The Core is a practical guide to those who are new to the idea of classical education and are looking for an outline of what to teach in different subject areas. Leigh Bortins has written this book for all parents and teachers--those in a regular school setting as well as those who are homeschooling--but her methods would work particularly well within a home education environment.

Good Night, Little Sea Otter

Book cover: 'Good Night, Little Sea Otter'
Author(s): 
Janet Halfmann
Illustrator(s): 
Wish Williams
This sweet book is about Little Sea Otter saying good night to all sorts of ocean friends. While it makes a wonderful bedtime book, the illustrations deserve some time to be admired as you read through it. The story is straightforward, and yet contains enough tidbits to include it in an ocean study. The illustrations are full of color, bringing alive Little Sea Otter's story. You can preview the book at Star Bright Books: http://www.starbrightbooks.org/details.php?id=300

The Father Brown Reader II

Author(s): 
G.K. Chesterton
adapted by Nancy Carpentier Brown
with Rose Decaen
Nancy Brown and Hillside Education have teamed up for a second volume of kid-friendly mysteries adapted from G.K. Chesterton's Fr. Brown mysteries. It's a little difficult to say what age these are appropriate for since, unlike the first volume, these are all based on murder-mystery stories, and sensitivities vary from child-to-child.

Jesus of Nazareth, Holy Week

Author(s): 
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI has given us a gift of a second volume illuminating the events of the life of Christ. The first volume,Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration was reviewed here. Like the first volume, it is a book written for adults, but may be appropriate for group study among teenagers, provided that expectations regarding understanding are kept reasonable.

Through the Year with Mary

Author(s): 
Karen Edmisten
I love quote books. I’ve probably got 10 or 12 different ones on my bookshelf. They’re lovely for browsing through, “chewing” on a little something (without getting overwhelmed by the whole) and have often lead to discovering new authors and new books of interest. They can be used for tidbits of inspiration to start the school day or for memory work. This is a lovely, simple little book of Marian quotations with very brief reflections (usually simple prayers) – one for each day of the year. The quotes are varied, helpful, encouraging and inspirational.

The Reed of God

Author(s): 
Caryll Houselander
Passing along to others the concept of such an incredibly personal and delicate matter as the value of suffering can be extremely difficult. It's so easy to come across as heavy-handed, trite or condescending - and many materials do! Here is it presented a loving and very gentle way by means of Our Lady. Mary brought Christ to the world through her faith, love and humility and we are called to do the same.