AUGUST BOOKMARKS

We’re going to soak up the sun…..

      August is truly the hottest month of the summer and this August will be no exception  at Curiosity House.     We are pleased to celebrate the return of a notable artist and we have the opportunity to welcome a well known author and newspaper columnist for a special event at the Creemore Farmers’ market.  We will also be participating in our second Gallery Crawl event with our partners from other local galleries.  

      Most important, August is the month when we have the opportunity to take a peek at the new titles which will be released this fall.  We have books to take you away to fascinating new places.  Whether it is a new trail guide, a fascinating biography or a heart-stopping mystery, spend some time in that wonderful sun and lose yourself in a book for a few hours.  You won’t regret your decision….

  M Vince, Editor 

What’s On in August

Friday August 6, 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Friday Night Gallery Crawl
Creemore Inspired

Curiosity House Books & Gallery, Maplestone Gallery, Moyaboya and the Mad and Noisy Gallery present our new art exhibits for August with a special apres art menu at Chez Michel (reservations suggested.)  A wonderful way to spend a Friday evening.

Saturday  July 31, 2:00 to 4:00 pm     

Artist’s Opening Reception

Johane Landry

 Curiosity House is pleased to announce the return of Johane Landry to the gallery for August.  Johane is a native of Ste-Omer, on Quebec’s Gaspe Peninsula, where she occupies herself with her greatest passions – family and art. Within the past year Johane was honored with an opportunity to display one of her canvasses in the Paris’ world renowned Louvre Museum, as part of a delegation of 27 Quebecois artists.   With energizing colours and her unique style, she interprets the Gaspe’s pastoral themes, revealing a passionate love of the land.  Join us at our opening reception and take the opportunity to meet this talented artist.
  

Saturday August 7, 

10:00 am to Noon  Creemore Farmers’ Market
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm  Curiosity House
Author Signing - Sonia Day

Sonia Day is a Toronto Star gardening columnist, an artist and the author of six books.  Her laugh-out-loud memoir, Middle Aged Spread, tells the story of her move from the comfortable world of the city dweller to the unexpected realities of the country life.  Incredible Edibles is her most recent book, a lavishly illustrated guide to how to start and maintain an organic edible garden.  
    

Please join Sonia at the Creemore Farmers’ Market where she will be chatting with fans and signing copies of  both of these popular books. 

Saturday August 14, 10:30 to 11:15 am        

Monthly Story Hour

Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small activity.  

What’s Happening  at the Book Club?

Wednesday August 4, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

What have you been reading recently and why would you recommend it?  

In August, we will be holding a roundtable discussion where we talk about our favourite reads.  Participants will make recommendations to each other and will tell why they have chosen one book as their favourite.

Curiosity House  Book Club Selections Sept. 2010 - Jan. 2011

We have just chosen the books we will be reading from September to January  for the  Curiosity House Book Club.  Our selections are:

Wednesday Sept. 8 
The Reluctant Fundamentalist 

Mohsin Hamid 
Fiction
  
Wednesday, Oct. 13 
Silence of the Songbirds
Bridget Stutchbury
Non-fiction
  
Wednesday, Nov. 3
Cutting For Stone,
Abraham Verghese
Fiction
  
Wednesday, Dec. 1
The Boy In the Moon
Ian Brown
Non-fiction
  
Wednesday, Jan. 6
The Bishop’s Man
Linden MacIntyre
Fiction

Curiosity House Knitting Group 

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Our Knitting Group will continue to work on projects and share good company  throughout August, every Wednesday, from 2 to 4 pm.   Check out our growing selection of knitting and needlework books.  It’s time to start thinking about starting projects for the winter.
   
Please call us at 705-466-3400 or email us for more information. 

Upcoming Events  

Saturday Sept. 4, 10 am to Noon
Winnie the Pooh At the Children’s Market
Creemore Farmers’ Market

Sunday Sept. 12
Author Signing
Cathy Buchanan
The Day the Falls Stood Still

Sunday Sept. 19
12:00 Noon
Author Brunch
Andrew Heintzman
The New Entrepreneurs

 In the Gallery
September to December 2010

Sept. 4 – Oct. 1

Kate Esplen

Opening Reception
Saturday Sept. 4

Oct. 2 – Nov. 4

Darla Anderson

Opening Reception
Saturday Oct. 2

Nov. 5 - Dec. 2

Elizabeth Greisman

Opening Reception
Saturday Nov.6

Dec. 3 - Jan. 7

Our Annual Christmas Group Show

Opening Reception
Saturday Dec. 4

Looking Forward to Fall

(Reviewed by Catherine Randall)  

     I just met with our Random House rep, Mike Rose, to go over the new fall catalogues and thought I would share with you some of this year’s highlights.  Jane Urquhart has a new novel, Sanctuary Line, set on a farm on the shores of Lake Erie.  The story weaves elements from the 19th century in Ireland and Ontario into a current story of events in the lives of members of one family.  Terry Fallis has a follow-up to his immensely popular, award winning Best Laid Plans.  The High Road, a deeply funny political satire, continues the story of Honest Angus McLintock, an amateur politician who dares to tell the truth.  There is a new memoir by Farley Mowat, a definitive biography of Mordecai Richler by Charles Foran and a book looking at whether democracy is the best political system, Exporting Democracy, by Bob Rae.  In the store now and just nominated for the Man Booker 2011, is a new novel by David Mitchell, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet.  I am 20 pages into the book and already enthralled by the story unfolding on this tiny island of Dutch merchants off Nagasaki, Japan in 1799.  Alexander McCall Smith, Salman Rushdie, Oliver Sacks and many, many more new books by authors known and unknown are arriving in the store every week.  
     From Penguin this September a book that is sure to be hot, hot, hot!  The Man Behind The Girl by Kurdo Baksi is a candid and well-rounded memoir of Steig Larsson, the author of the three mystery novels (The Millenium Trilogy) that have been at the top of the best-seller lists for months.  Baksi had an intense friendship and a working relationship with Larsson and in this book he attempts to answer many questions about Larsson’s life, both personal and professional. Who provided the inspiration for his characters?  Who was Lisbeth Salander?  Coming in September!!  
     

Help Kids Prepare For School With Cool Learning Tools 

 (Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

       In just over a month the kids will be going back to school.  Summer holidays are an enjoyable and necessary opportunity for kids to relax with family and friends, while pursuing a less structured routine and escaping the rigors of school. The only downside to this wonderfully free vacation time is the phenomenon known as summer brain drain.  Children can lose skills and knowledge over the summer months when they are not actively engaged in the learning process.  Many parents are also aware that as the summer progresses, “I’m bored!” is frequently the most familiar refrain on a hot August day.
     One solution to these two problems is  Brain Quest workbooks (Workman Press, $16.50 ea). There are six titles in this series, for pre-kindergarten through grade 4 and each of these colourful interactive workbooks is jam-packed with hundreds of curriculum based activities, with a special emphasis on the core competencies of math and language skills. With mazes, paint by letters and sorting games, these books deal with the basics of phonics, shapes and colors, money and telling time as part of their special emphasis on the core competencies of math and language skills.  Most important, there are tips for parents to help them to assist their children in the learning process. 
     Two fresh and original activity books provide a subtle way to encourage kids to stay sharp while having fun. Alphabeasties Amazing Activities (Sharon Werner, Sarah Forss, $17.99) will engage kids with word searches, mazes, and rebus puzzles which sharpen their reading and writing skills while they can tap into their creativity as they colour, draw and use the stickers to create their own masterpieces.  The Giant Play and Learn (Pascale Estellon, $23.95)  is a book with chapters designed to teach without kids even realizing it.  With drawing and doodling, reading and writing and activities related to letters and numbers, this book will provide hours of educational entertainment for 4 to 8 year olds.
    Take time to help your child stay involved in the learning process this summer.  It will make their transition back into the new school year much easier and it will help avoid late summer boredom.

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

Every reader finds himself.
The writer’s work is merely a kind of optical instrument that makes it possible for the reader to discern what, without this book, he would perhaps never have seen in himself. 

Marcel Proust

We’re Walkin’ on Sunshine…..

Who could ask for more?  Warm weather, sunny skies and the slow pace of summertime have overtaken us. This is the time of year to savour the best Mother Nature has to offer.  Gardens are in bloom and beaches offer an invitation to spend some time luxuriating by the water.  Take a hike or a bike ride and check out the scenery.   Spend some time at the cottage or hang out in the backyard.
At Curiosity House, we have books to take you away to fascinating new places.  Whether it is a new trail guide, a fascinating biography or a heart-stopping mystery, spend some time in that wonderful sun and lose yourself in a book for a few hours.  You won’t regret your decision….

M Vince, Editor

What’s On in July

Saturday  July 3, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Artist’s Opening Reception
Jody Buda/Bowle-Evans

Curiosity House is pleased to welcome Jody Buda/Bowle-Evans to the gallery for the month of July.  Jody’s art is whimsical with an emphasis on colour and contrast and conveys a deeper message about life, the environment and people. She describes her show as “from Newfoundland to Stony Lake….portraying both the beauty of special landscapes such as Newfoundland and the sadness that has befallen the cod fishery in  Newfoundland, our forests and the Gulf coast.”  Come to our opening reception on Saturday July 3 from 2 to 4 pm and meet this talented artist.

Saturday July10, 10:30 to 11:15 am

Monthly Story Hour

Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small activity.

Saturday July 24, 10:00 am to Noon
Creemore Farmers’ Market
and
Saturday July 24, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Curiosity House
Author Signing - Margaret  Howard

All Fired Up! is a fabulous collection of fresh and flavorful grilling recipes, plus dozens of tips to make memorable meals.  In her newly expanded and revised edition, home economist and registered dietitian Margaret Howard shares 275 time-tested recipes for grilled food and accompaniments.  Please join Margaret at the Creemore Farmers’ Market where she will be answering questions and signing copies of All Fired Up!  for grilling enthusiasts  and novices alike.

Saturday July 24, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Author Signing - Jake Doherty

Retired newspaperman Jake Doherty turned to crime writing with his first novel, The Rankin Files (2002) and his follow-up work,Finding Fergus. His experience as a former publisher of The Hamilton Spectator, the Kingston Whig Standard and the Owen Sound Sun Times informed his work as co-editor and contributor to Mystery Ink, an anthology published by Ginger Press.  Please take the opportunity to meet this fascinating author.

Great Summer Reads

(Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

Ah – July has arrived - routines change and there is time to relax with a good book.  I couldn’t think of a better summer read than Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain, PB, 16.99.  The story is told by Enzo, Denny’s dog.  Enzo is devoted to Denny who is a race car driver when he can take the time from his day job and family life. There is humour, sadness and tragedy which we see from Enzo’s point of view.  The art of racing is a metaphor for how to live a good life - an absolutely delightful book.

A book I could not put down is The Reluctant Fundamentalist, PB, $19.95 by Mohsin Hamid.  Short listed for the Man Booker, the story is told by one narrator only and takes place in real time, a 3 hour meeting in a tea shop in Lahore,Pakistan.  The suspense builds as we learn about Changez’s background in the US through his stories and also about his American companion through Changez’s observations.  Brilliantly writiten and a very gripping story.  (This is the September selection for our store Book Club.)

One book on my list this summer is Solo, PB, 19.99, by Rana Dasgupta.  This book has just won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize – high praise indeed.

Happy reading!

Want to Sharpen Your Kids’ Attention Skills?

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

When Roger Priddy developed his Treasure Hunt book series for children aged 2 to 8, he set out to provide children with hours of fun as they searched colourful scenes loaded with lots of images and objects to find.  He has certainly succeeded.  I have had the joy of spending some time with my grandchildren working our way through Seek and Find:  Can You Find Me?  andSeek and Find:  Counting Colors and  I was delighted to see how much they enjoyed searching for missing objects, sorting, counting and matching things.  I was particularly surprised to see the level of attention and concentration they brought to the effort.  During the process, their attention became focussed and they noticed things that they would have never noticed at first glance.  Two other excellent choices from this series are Treasure Hunt For Girls and Treasure Hunt For Boys.  Each of these books is in a durable hardcover board book format and they are modestly priced at $8.95 each.
For kids who are 5 to 105 years old, we have the Where’s Waldo series, including  oversized paperbacks ($10.00 or less) or the nifty and compact Ultimate Travel Collection ($15.50, journal style binding).  The aim of these books is to challenge the reader to find Waldo, a bespectacled young lad who is wearing a red and white toque and striped sweater in a series of detailed double-page spread illustrations which contain scores of  people going about their daily lives in various hilarious situations.  These visual puzzles are fun to solve but they require a great deal of concentration.  I know several parents who will not leave on a road trip without taking along a Where’s Waldo book to keep the kids occupied.
All of these engaging books are excellent choices if you are hoping to encourage your children to spend some time concentrating on a challenge and find a solution.  They emphasize paying attention to detail and provide hours of enjoyment for kids and adults alike.

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday from
2:00 to 4:00 pm.

The sun may be shining and the weather may be warm, but we will continue to work on projects throughout July and August.  Please call us at 705-466-3400 or email us for more information.

What’s Happening at the Book Club?

Wednesday July 7, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

What have you been reading recently and why would you recommend it?

In July and August, we will have a roundtable discussion where we talk about our favourite reads.  Participants will make recommendations to each other and will tell why they have chosen one book as their favourite.

David Suzuki Book Club

The David Suzuki Foundation Book Club has recently named two new selections for the summer season.  The choice for late June/early July is Not Just a Pretty Face, Stacy Malkan’s look at some ugly secrets behind the cosmetics industry.

The choice for late July will be Keeping the Bees, Laurence Packer’s study of the integral role these important insects play in the ecology of our planet.

Previous David Suzuki Bookclub selections are:

Locavore: From Farmers’ Fields to RooftopGardens - How Canadians are Changing the Way We Eat
Sarah Elton

Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution - and How It Can Renew America

Thomas Friedman

Trauma Farm: A Rebel History of Rural Life

Brian Brett

Climate Cover-Up: The Crusade to Deny Global Warming

James Hoggan & Richard Littlemore

Less Is More: Embracing simplicity for a healthy planet, a caring economy and lasting happiness

Cecile Andrews & Wanda Urbanska

The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering our place in nature (3rd ed.)

David Suzuki, with Adrienne Mason and Amanda McConnell

Join the David Suzuki Foundation Book Club today and learn about how you can live a healthier life in a healthier world.

Upcoming Events

Saturday August 7,  10 am to Noon
Author Signing
Creemore Farmers’ Market
Sonia Day
Middle Aged Spread
Incredible Edibles

Saturday September 4, 10 am to Noon
Winnie the Pooh
At the Children’s Market
Creemore Farmers’ Market

In the Gallery - July to October 2010

July 31 – September 3

Johane Landry

Opening Reception - Saturday July 31, 2 – 4 pm

September 4 – Oct. 1

Kate Esplin

Opening Reception - Saturday Sept. 4

October 2 – Nov. 4

Darla Anderson

Opening Reception - Saturday Oct. 2

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience:  this is the ideal life.

~Mark Twain

Save us a spot on the hammock…

It’s finally here.  The weather is warm, the days are long and the lawn chairs have been arranged on the patio.  Weekend means a trip to the Creemore Farmers’ Market, followed by a hike, some gardening and a chance to visit with friends.
At Curiosity House we have some great events planned for weekends in June.  We will welcome three well-known Canadian authors - Derek Lundy, Sara Elton and Lorraine Johnson, to Creemore.  In the gallery, we will celebrate the works of Mulmur artist Sandi Wong.  We have been planning all winter for these summer months and we are pleased to be one of the stops on your shopping itinerary.
There is a hammock or lawnchair waiting for you in the corner of your yard, along with an opportunity to catch up on your leisure time reading.  We have great new fiction and non-fiction titles arriving daily and we would be happy to make a suggestion or show you the new stock we have just received.  Drop by and see what we have to offer.

What’s On in June

Saturday June 5, 10:30 to 11:15 am

Monthly Story Hour

Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small craft activity.

Saturday June 5, 2 to 4 pm
Artist’s Opening Reception

In The Gallery:      Sandi Wong

Working in acrylics, Sandi Wong  celebrates nature and its beauty using pattern and colour.  Her new explorations are based on the theme Power and Fragility as it touches landscapes, the environment and women’s self image, elements that are often intertwined. Curiosity House is pleased to welcome Sandi to the gallery for the month of June. Come to the opening reception on Saturday June 5, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and take an opportunity to meet this talented artist.

Sunday June 6, 1 to 3 pm
Author Signing - Derek Lundy

The year he turned 60, investigative reporter Derek Lundy embarked on a quest to take a firsthand look at the the borders of the United States and her neighbours, Mexico and Canada.  In his new book Borderlands, Derek traces his motorcycle odyssey, looking at the shared interests and vast differences between the three countries and examining the US preoccupation with security and border safety.  You might know Derek from his previous successful books, including  Godforsaken Sea andBloody Red Hand.  Derek will be in the store from 1 to 3 pm to discuss and sign copies of his new book.  Please take the opportunity to meet this fascinating author.

Sunday June 13 , 10:30 am to 1:30 pm

New Farm
Author Lunch and Signing - Sarah Elton

Sarah Elton is the food columnist for CBC Radio’s Here & Now.  Her work can be found in numerous publications, including The Globe and Mail, Maclean’s, Report on Business magazine and Chatelaine.  The Creemore 100 Mile Store will be hosting an author lunch with Sarah Elton at the New Farm, RR#4 Creemore (6/7 Sideroad, east of Hwy. 124).  Curiosity House will have copies of Sarah’s new book,  Locavore: From Farmers’ Fields to Rooftop Gardens - How Canadians Are Changing the Way We Eat available for purchase at the event and in the store.

Saturday June 26, 10 am to Noon
Creemore Farmers Market
Author Signing - Lorraine Johnson

Author Lorraine Johnson is a well know name in the world of Canadian gardening and the author of numerous books related to environmental and native plant gardening, including The New Ontario Naturalized Garden,100 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants for Canadian Gardens and The Gardener’s Manifesto.  Lorraine’s new book, City Farmer: Adventures in Urban Food Growing, is a celebration of the new ways that city dwellers are getting closer to their food.  From backyard (and frontyard!) vegetable plots to green rooftop vegetable gardens to gardening public spaces for food, this book tells the the stories of urban farmers in various cities of North America.  Lorraine Johnson will be meeting fans and signing copies of City Farmer at the Creemore Farmers’ Market from 10 am to noon.

Fire up the Barbecue….

(Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

The warm weather is here and we have new cookbooks!  Several new books stand out for me this season when it comes to inspiration for outdoor cooking.  One of our favourite authors, Margaret Howard, has just released through Firefly Books, a new edition of All Fired Up; 250 Fresh and Flavourful Grilling Recipes, PB, $24.95.   Marg’s recipes are easy to follow, always work, have suggested menus and tips and many main course recipes also include a recommended wine.  Many of the recipes are beautifully illustrated with full colour photos.  You will have a chance to meet Marg at the market and the store in July.
Another new, well illustrated and very comprehensive book is Canadian Living’s The Barbecue Collection, PB, $29.95.
A small book that would make a perfect gift is 200 barbecue recipes, PB, $9.99.  One recipe and one colour photo per double page make this an easy and inspiring book to use.  We have lots of other books in our cookbook section so drop on by and add a different flavour to your next outdoor dinner.

Great Books to Stretch your Kids’ Minds!

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

Here are a few new titles which are sure to fight boredom while encouraging kids to stretch their intellectual and creative talents:

Art for Kids:  Cartooning - The Only Cartooning Book You’ll Ever Need to be the Artist You’ve Always Wanted to Be  by Art Roche  ($12.95, HC)  If your child can draw a stick figure, this book can teach him or her how to make funny cartoons.  More sophisticated than most art instruction manuals, this delightful book features glossy, full-coloured pages, fosters creativity and encourages young readers to experiment with different techniques. This book gives kids an opportunity to develop their own personal drawing style, through a hands on approach.
Kids who love the written word and games which stretch their vocabulary will really enjoy  I Love Words by Francoize Boucher ($18.99, PB).  With word riddles to solve, secret codes to crack and poems to write, this book will have children playing with words and developing great spelling technique.  They’ll be having so much fun, they won’t even realize they are learning valuable skills.
For kids 5 and up, why not try two new books from a new series by Roger Priddy?  Make and Do: Cook and Make and Do: Craft  ($12.99 each, HC) are two titles which feature clever but inexpensive projects which are easy to follow, in an easel-style format where instructions are always visible.  This is a great way to encourage kids to take on new creative and culinary challenges with minimal supervision.
Finally, Crafts With Kids:  Over 40 Fun and Fabulous Projects by  Susie Johns ($19.50 PB) features a wonderful collection of projects for kids and their parents to enjoy together. The instructions are easy and are accompanied by step-by-step photographs.  With an emphasis on using recycled and found objects, this book is a perfect antidote for rainy days.

What’s Happening with the Book Club?

Wednesday June 2,
2:00 to 3:00 pm

Our selection for June will be Wade Davis’ 2010 Massey Lecture, The Wayfinders.

What have you been reading recently and why would you recommend it?
In July and August, we will have a roundtable discussion where we talk about our favourite reads.  Participants will make recommendations to each other and will tell why they have chosen one book as their favourite.

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group continues to work on projects throughout the Summer months.
Please join us
every Wednesday, from 2 to 4 pm.  We have spent the past few months ordering exciting new needlework books for knitters and quilters.  If you are looking for a needlework or crafting book which we do not have in stock, please ask us to order it for you.

In the Gallery - July to September 2010

July 3 – July 30

Jody Buda

Opening Reception

Saturday July 3, 2 – 4 pm

July 31 – September 3

Johane Landry

Opening Reception

Satururday July 31, 2 – 4 pm

Sept 4 – Oct 1

Kate Esplin

Opening Reception

Saturday Sept. 4, 2 – 4 pm

Upcoming Author Events

Saturday July 24, 10 am to Noon

Author Signing
Creemore Farmers’ Market
Marg Howard
All Fired Up

2 pm to 4 pm

Author Signings

Curiosity House
Marg Howard
All Fired Up
and
Jake Doherty
Murder Ink, Rankin Files, Finding Fergus

Saturday August 7, 10 am to Noon

Author Signing

Creemore Farmers’ Market
Sonia Day
Middle Aged Spread
Incredible Edibles

Saturday, September 4

10 am to Noon

Winnie the Pooh
At the Children’s Market
Creemore Farmers’ Market

Four Good Reasons to Shop Local

1. Local stores are more fun!  In a small local shop whose inventory is carefully chosen by the owner, you can find all sorts of unexpected treasures

2. In a local store, you can build a relationship.  The owners and clerks get to know you as people and understand your wants and needs.Your community is unique and local merchants understand this.

3. Dollars spent locally support and maintain your own community.  They create jobs, keep your downtown healthy and build a community that is worth living in.

4. Local merchants care about your community.  They will donate to local causes and community institutions.  The owners of these stores live and work next to you.

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

‘Tis the good reader that makes the good book; in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakenly meant for his ear; the profit of books is according to the sensibility of the reader; the profoundest thought or passion sleeps as in a mine, until it is discovered by an equal mind and heart.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson,
Society and Solitude, 1870

]]> http://curiosityhousebooks.com/june-newsletter/feed/ http://curiosityhousebooks.com/may-newsletter/ http://curiosityhousebooks.com/may-newsletter/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 23:27:57 +0000 info@curiosityhousebooks.com http://curiosityhousebooks.com/?p=1452 Creemore is buzzing…..

     Can you hear that?  There is a buzz in the air.  The village of Creemore is slowly shifting into the active pace reserved for Spring and Summer, when thoughts turn towards long hikes, garden projects and new barbecue recipes.  The opening of the Farmers’ Market, at the end of the month, signals the beginning of the high season in Creemore.  As cyclists zip down Mill Street, tourists are taking the opportunity to browse through the shops.  Hammocks are being strung between trees and lawn chairs have been placed in shady spots just right for lazy afternoons of reading.    

     At Curiosity House, we’ve been working very hard over the past few months, reviewing our publishers’ catalogues and selecting the best new titles in fiction and non-fiction books.  Whether it’s great new Canadian literature, biography, history, sports or current events, we are sure to have something to capture your imagination.  Kids and young adults can look forward to a great new selection of titles as well.  Why not drop by the bookstore to check out the the great new books we have for Spring?  We are happy to be here to serve you….

M Vince, Editor

What’s On in May

In The Gallery:  

   
Pamella Branch presents “flow”

Saturday  May 1, 2:00 to 4:00 pm     
Artist’s Opening Reception

Curiosity House is pleased to welcome Pamella Branch to the gallery for the month of May. For her new show, which is appropriately titled  ”flow”, she has employed a dynamic style, along with vibrant and bold colour to capture the movement in the landscape which surrounds us.  Come to our opening reception on Saturday May 1 from 2 to 4 pm and take an opportunity to meet this fascinating artist.

 Saturday May 8, 10:30 to 11:15 am        

Monthly Story Hour

Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a seed planting activity. 

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

 We gather around the table to work on our latest projects, inspire, support and help one another. Please call us at 705-466-3400 or email us for more information.  We have a growing selection of books which are great choices for knitters of every skill level. 

What’s Happening at the Book Club?

Upcoming Author Events

Saturday, May 22, 10 am to Noon
Author Signing
Creemore Farmers’ Market
Lisa Timpf
The Trail That Twines

Sunday, June 13
Noon to 2 pm
Author Signing and Lunch
New Farm
Sarah Elton
Locavore

Saturday, June 26
10 am to Noon
Author Signing
Creemore Farmers’ Market
Lorraine Johnson
City Farmer
100 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants

Saturday, July 24
10 am to Noon
Author Signing
Creemore Farmers’ Market
Marg Howard
All Fired Up

August TBD 
Author Signing
Creemore Farmers’ Market
Sonia Day
Middle Aged Spread
Incredible Edibles

Saturday, September 4
10 am to Noon
Winnie the Pooh
At the Children’s Market
Creemore Farmers’ Market
 

In the Gallery - June to September 2010

June 5 – July 2  

Sandi Wong

Opening Reception - Saturday June 5, 2 – 4 pm

  July 3 – July 30 

Jody Buda

Opening Reception - Saturday July 3, 2 – 4 pm

  July 31 – September 3

Johane Landry

Opening Reception -  Saturday July 31, 2 – 4 pm

 Sept 4 – Oct 1

Kate Esplin

Opening Reception - Saturday Sept. 4, 2 - 4 pm

Mothers’ Day 2010

Mother’s Day is May 9th and I have several suggestions for presents to mothers who enjoy reading.

     I have been dipping into Lisa Timpf’s slim new book A Trail That Twines: Reflections on Life and Nature, $16.00, and savouring each short piece or poem. Her observations of nature, of the creatures within or of her dogs are thoughtful, many times humorous and inspire one to take time to appreciate our surroundings and the events of each day. 

     A really fascinating new reading journal has just arrived in the store - Read, Remember, Recommend, $18.99. Remember is the key word! This ring bound journal has the usual sections for recording books to be read, notes about books already read and books out on loan but the really interesting section is one that lists the award winners of all the major book prizes and other notable lists. This is a great help when looking for a good book, for book clubs or anyone with an interest in books. We also have several other different types of reading journals from $10.00.

     Just new in the store are 2 small books with quotes and illustrations from Jane Austen’s novels and letters - The Jane Austen Companion To Life and The Jane Austen Companion To Love, HC, $11.99. 

Happy spring and take time to enjoy each day!

 Kids’ Books Go to the Movies 

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

     Many of the great kids’ movies released recently found their beginnings on the printed page. Here are three excellent choices:

     Tim Burton’s recent version of Alice in Wonderland, a big hit at the box office, was based on the classic tale by Lewis Carroll about a young girl who follows a white rabbit down a hole into a world of wonder where oddities, logic and wordplay rule supreme and a cast of whimsical characters and improbable situations are the order of the day.   We have various formats of this story from the hardcover version, lavishly illustrated by Robert Ingpen ($25.95), to an abridged version for emerging readers ($4.99).

     The Lightning Thief  is a recently released movie which is based on the first installment of the 5 books in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by young adult author Rick Riordan   (paperback, $10.99). Percy is a teenager who discovers he’s a descendent of a Greek god and sets out on an adventure to discover who has stolen Zeus’ lightning bolt, resolve a war between battling gods, and find his mother who has recently disappeared. With a colourful cast of Greek deities and monsters, this book makes mythology come to life. 

     How To Train your Dragon is a movie about a hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons, becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed. Based on Cressida Cowell’s popular book for 8 to 12-year-olds, How To Train Your Dragon is just one in a series of books featuring the unlikely hero, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, dragon trainer extraordinaire.   This book is available in paperback ($10.99). A variety of level readers, based on aspects of this story are also available for emerging readers ($4.99)

     After you’ve taken the family to see the movie, why not pick up the book for your young people to read? Even better, why not suggest that your kids read the book first and catch the movie later?

Quips, Quotes & Trivia
  

Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.

 Christopher Morley

We Can All Be Grassroots Heroes…..

      Thursday April 22nd marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and the birth of the modern environmental movement. More than six million Canadians will join one billion people, worldwide, in celebrating the importance of the environment around us and committing to address the local environmental issues which face us. 

      Curiosity House is committed to green living. We reuse and recycle and wherever possible, we use low energy fluorescent bulbs .  Our shopping bags are made of recycled paper and we routinely offer our customers the option of “going bagless”.  We support the David Suzuki Foundation Book Club in its attempt to give citizens an opportunity to take part in a meaningful discussion about sustainability and we provide a 10% discount for all books which are part of the David Suzuki Book Club reading guide.  

 M Vince, Editor

What’s On In April 

Saturday  April 3, 2:00 to 4:00 pm     
Artist’s Opening Reception
  

In The Gallery:      Sue Belcher

Sue Belcher is a professional artist who has taught at the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts and Georgian College. She paints large Canadian landscapes which are expressionistic and energetic, relying on her memory rather than photos to inform the content of the painting she creates. Still life and portraiture are also a part of her portfolio and she is a member of The Portrait Society of Canada.  Curiosity House is pleased to welcome Sue to the gallery for the month of April.  Come to the opening reception on Saturday April 3, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and take an opportunity to meet this talented artist.

Saturday April 10, 10:30 to 11:15 am        

Monthly Story Hour

 Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small craft activity. 

 Inspired Gardening

(Reviewed by Catherine Randall) 

With the early arrival of spring-like weather this year everyone is itching to get to work in the garden, but we know it is too early! An alternative is to begin planning and reading some of the new gardening books. Here are a few that have caught my eye.

Grow Great Grub by Gayla Trail, TP, $24.99 is a “how to” grow organic food in small spaces. Many colour photos of containers, small backyard plots and half the book devoted to vegetable types, planting, growing and harvesting and even some recipes. 

Finally, for all gardeners or want-to-be gardeners The Gin & Tonic Gardener by Janice Wells, TP, $17.95. The sub-title says it all, Confessions of a Compulsive Gardener. These are very short, humorous essays illustrated by pen and ink sketches. Anyone would enjoy this little book from the expert to the novice. It is a good book to read BEFORE you plan all those extra beds or rush out to buy many packets of seeds or flats of plants. Here’s to a happy spring and enjoyable gardening!                         

Great Kids Titles for Spring 

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

 Here are a few of the great new titles for children and young adults which should be in the store by the end of April: 
    
     For kids from birth to 6 years, we have Perfect Piggies ($8.95, board book) from Sandra Boynton. Told with the usual Boynton whimsy and enthusiasm, this wonderful book is a celebration of the simple pleasures of life and the special importance of each of us. Children who enjoyed the adventures of Chester, the overconfident cat, will love Chester’s Masterpiece. In this third Chester book we find our favourite feline author, determined to create his own book without any help from anyone.  Author Melanie Watt gives us lots for hilarious fun with a strong message that writing a children’s book isn’t as easy as we might think. This book is sure to be a great addition to every kid’s library ($18.95, hardcover). Finally, we have Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinare  ($14.99, hardcover), a new Fancy Nancy title complete with Nancy’s very own poetry anthology,which shows how a true love of words can be tres fancy!

     For kids aged 7 to 10, who have been waiting for a new Wimpy Kid title from author Jeff Smith,  Diary of The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary ($16.99, hardcover) gives a behind the scenes peek at the making of the recently released movie and shares secrets and information about the film industry and the challenges of adapting a bestselling book for the big screen. The  Emperor’s Code is the eighth book in the Thirty-Nine Clues series, due to be released in April. Amy and Dan Cahill will continue their adventures as they find themselves separated for the first time and face the agonizing choice of finding the next clue or finding their way back to each other. Geronimo Stilton is also back with another adventure. Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro ( $8.99, paperback) finds everyone’s favourite rodent explorer on an extreme adventure – a climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

      Finally, for young people 11 to 14 years of age, Kelley Armstrong is back the long-awaited final installment of the Darkest Powers trilogy, The Reckoning. We also have the first volume in graphic novelization ($22.99, pb) of the blockbuster  novel, Twilight, as well as a new installment in the very popular House of Night series.  Burned is the unforgettable continuation of Zoey Redbird’s compelling story ($19.99, hardcover).

Curiosity House Supports The David Suzuki Foundation Book Club

     The main objective of the David Suzuki Foundation is to protect the diversity of nature and our quality of life. Books can inspire conversation and debate. They can also move people to action that can change the world.  With reading guides tailored to each book selection, access to web resources, opportunities to meet like-minded people, online and in your community, this environmentally conscious book club provides its members with a chance to be part of  the beginnings of real, positive change.   For more information about this inspiring undertaking,  go to  www.davidsuzuki.org.  We’ve posted  the reading guide at the store and will be happy to order any titles we don’t have on hand. 

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
 We gather around the table to work on our latest projects, inspire, support and help one another. Please call us at 705-466-3400 or email us for more information.  We have a growing selection of books which are great choices for knitters of every skill level.

What’s Happening at the Book Club?

 Wednesday April 7, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Easter Hours 

Curiosity House will be open each day of the Easter Weekend:
 
Good Friday, April 2
10am - 5pm

Easter Saturday, April 3
9 am - 5 pm

 Easter Sunday, April 4
10 am - 5 pm

In the Gallery
April to August 2010

Pamella Branch

Opening Reception

Saturday May 1, 2 – 4 pm

June 5 – July 2  

Sandi Wong 

Opening Reception

Saturday June 5, 2 – 4 pm

July 3 – July 30 

Jody Buda

Opening Reception

Saturday July 3, 2 – 4 pm

July 31 – September 3

Johane Landry

Opening Reception

Saturday, July 31, 2 – 4 pm

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

Tis the good reader that makes the good book; in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakenly meant for his ear; the profit of books is according to the sensibility of the reader; the profoundest thought or passion sleeps as in a mine, until it is discovered by an equal mind and heart. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Society and Solitude
(1870)

Spring is on the way….

     Spring is a time of fresh starts and anticipation.  The worst of winter is behind us.  Longer days present us with a sun which is warmer on the face.  The first flowers will soon poke through the last snows of winter.  Seed catalogues sit in stacks, holding out the prospect of new bounty from frozen gardens and lonely golf clubs wait patiently for the beginning of a new season.

     At Curiosity House, we greet the month of March with this same sense of eager anticipation.  We look forward to the first wave of new titles for 2010, with new fiction from Jodi Picoult, Ian McEwan, John Banville and Christopher Moore, as well as non-fiction from Frances Mayes, Richard Florida, Sebastian Junger and Bill McKibben.  We also eagerly anticipate some great books for kids and young adults, including the Wimpy Kid Movie Diary, Twilight:  The Graphic Novel and a new installment in the 39 Clues series.  All of these selections are sure to engage and entertain readers of all ages and interests.

     At this time of year, we are also working hard to plan new events and programs for the Summer season.  Our aim, as always, is to give our customers the opportunity to meet fascinating authors and enjoy our excellent selection and friendly, knowledgeable service.  We hope you will join us.

 M.Vince, Editor

Peoples’ Choice Winner From February Art Show Announced

 Curiosity House is pleased to announce that the winner of the People’s Choice Award, for her interpretation of  ”My heart sings when…..”,  is Darla Anderson.  Tied for second place were Rosemary Hasner and Sandi Wong, while third place went to Roslyn Levin.

     
Celebrate March Break With Our Special Sale On Kids’ Books! 

A book is one of the best ways to keep the kids occupied during March Break. We have fiction and nonfiction books for kids of all ages and reading levels and during March Break we are offering a 10% discount on all children’s and young adults’ books.

What’s On in March?

Saturday  March 6, 2:00 to 4:00 pm     
Artist’s Opening Reception
     

 In The Gallery:      Ellie Lagrandeur 

Born and raised in Northern Ontario, Ellie Lagrandeur learned to appreciate the beauty of her natural surroundings and its abundant wildlife. In 1986, Ellie began her career as a professional artist, creating large scale wall murals and canvas paintings. Ellie’s works are available in various galleries throughout Ontario and she has been commissioned to create art for a variety of  corporate clients, including  Fanshawe College and University of Western Ontario.  Her Shores and Peaks show features wonderful works in acrylic which are evocative of the beauty of the land around us.   Join us at our opening reception and take the opportunity to meet this talented artist and enjoy some refreshments.    

Saturday March 27,  2:00 to 4:00 pm      
Author Signing - Tom Tavares

What causes the striking similarity in human behaviour in so many organizations?  In his insightful book, The Mind Field:  What’s Missing in Running Our Organizations?  Organizational psychologist Dr. Tom Tavares reveals how jobs, the universal building blocks of organizations, generate psychological factors which lead to short-term thinking, weak internal communication, low levels of innovation and teamwork, and lack of coaching. This prevents companies from achieving the flexibility and response times required to keep pace with high-speed change. Author Tom Tavares will be signing books at the store on Saturday March 27th  from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.  Please take the opportunity to drop by the store and meet this fascinating author.

 Saturday March 13, 10:30 to 11:15 am        

Monthly Story Hour

Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small craft activity.
 

What’s Happening with the Book Club?

Wednesday March 3, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Our Book Club will meet on Wednesday, March 3 to discuss Kate Pullinger’s Governor General’s Award winning novel, The Mistress of Nothing.  In April, we will be discussing Jeanette Walls’ heart-rending autobiography, The Glass Castle and our May selection will be My Best Stories by Alice Munro.

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.  We gather around the table to work on our latest projects, inspire, support and help one another. Please call us at 705-466-3400 or email us for more information.  We have a growing selection of books which are great selections for knitters of every skill level. 

Two Great Reads For March

(Reviewed by Catherine Randall)                                   

 I recently read two really amazing fiction books. Simon Mawer’s The Glass Room, PB, $19.00 is the fascinating story of a house built in 1929 in Czechoslovakia for a Jewish entrepreneur and his wife. The house is a marvel of modern, minimalist architecture (based on a real house built by Mies van der Rohe ). The story follows the history of the house for the rest of the 20th century and the lives of its various occupants from the first owners to the Nazis, the Soviets and finally the creation of a museum in the house. This book was shortlisted for the 2009 Mann-Booker prize and anyone who enjoyed Loving Frank will want to read it.

Little Bee, by Chris Cleave, PB, $21.95, is a gripping story told in alternate chapters by a young Nigerian woman and a thirty something British female editor of a women’s magazine. Their lives intersect first in Nigeria and then in England. Cleaves weaves together this heartbreaking story brilliantly; with wit, humour and wry observation. The European title The Other Hand is perhaps a better title. 

March Break boredom?  We can help! 

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

Kids have a one week break this month. Worried about how to keep them occupied? 

The Magic Handbook series, by Joe Fullman, presents simple magic tricks which will amaze family and friends. Each of the four titles in this series, Card Tricks, Coin and Rope Tricks, Sleight of Hand and Mind Tricks, contains easy instructions for successful execution of thirteen tricks, along with colourful illustrations. Famous magicians and their best tricks are profiled to offer a sense of the history of magic. Each volume of this series is $6.95 – a great price for books which will entertain kids for hours. The Book of Cards For Kids (Gail Maccoll, $18.95) provides children and adults everything needed to play 35 great card games. The book  focuses exclusively on card games for kids and is paired with an over-sized, custom-designed set of playing cards. What better way to pass the time on a boring day than playing cards with friends? Finally, for kids who want to spend some quiet time exercising their minds during their time off, we have The Brainiest Insaniest Ultimate Puzzle Book!: 250 Wacky Word Games, Mystifying Mazes, Picture Puzzles, and More to Boggle Your Brain by Robert Leighton, Amy Shenk and Mike Goldstein. Fully illustrated in color, with over 250 puzzles on every imaginable theme and subject, this book provides a wealth of  engaging and humorous mazes, word games, visual and logic puzzles at assorted levels of difficulty. This book is a great way for kids to amuse themselves during quiet times. All of these books are sure to entertain and inform. Drop by and choose one for the kids at your house.

Commonwealth Writers’ Prize Regional Shortlists Announced

 The 2010 Commonwealth Writers Prize regional shortlists have been announced.  In the Caribbean and Canada field, Best Book nominees are all Canadian: 

The Winter Vault
Anne Michaels

February
Lisa Moore

Euphoria
Connie Gault

Goya’s Dog
Damian Tarnopolsky

Galore
Michael Crummey

The Golden Mean
Annabel Lyon

More information about the 2010 Commonwealth Writers Prize is available at
www.commonwealthfoundation.com

 Special Orders are Our Specialty! 

Looking for a book that we don’t presently have in stock? Books are ordered from a number of publishers, distributors and other sources every week, usually on Mondays. We are able to order any book currently in print and available and while we don’t carry talking books and other specialized materials like large print, we can order those as well. Some books we can receive the following day, some by the end of the week, and some take a little longer. We will advise you of the estimated time when you place the order and call you when the book arrives.   Our special order business is tried and true and we’d like to help you find that book you are looking for…..

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

 Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new at all. 

 ~ Abraham Lincoln

 attendees ate a three-course lunch which included cashew hummus, an arugula salad with a balsamic reduction, Moroccan chicken with figs and prunes

and vegetable couscous  Dessert was an apple caramel tart.  At the beginning of every course, Lucy spent some time explaining the recipe and giving some history and interesting details about its creation and after the event Lucy spent time signing copies of her recent release A Year in Lucy’s Kitchen, and chatting with her guests.  After lunch, Lucy returned to Curiosity House Books, where she spent an hour signing books for customers.  This event was a winning combination of good eating and good reading.

Curiosity House Books will be welcoming Canadian cookbook author, Lucy Waverman, for an author signing, on the afternoon of Sunday February 7th.

The author of eight cookbooks, Lucy Waverman is one of Canada’s favourite culinary personalities as well as an accomplished editor, columnist, and teacher.  She appears regularly on television and radio shows across Canada and the United States, including 12 years with CityTV’s CityLine.  She writes a weekly food column, Weekend Menu, for  the Globe and Mail national newspaper.  To connect with Lucy’s website follow this link 

In her new book, A Year in Lucy’s Kitchen, her recipes emphasize spending time with family and friends over delicious food, throughout the year.  She finds her inspiration in fresh, seasonal ingredients which are locally grown and infuses her recipes with an international flair.

Lucy Waverman will be signing copies of A Year in Lucy’s Kitchen at Curiosity House Books from 2:30 to 4:00 pm, on Sunday February 7th.  People who unable to attend this exciting event can arrange for pre-purchased orders to be personalized and signed by calling Curiosity House Books 705-466-3400.

The Curiosity House Knitters recently gave some assistance to the NCPS Knitting, Corking and Crocheting Club. When NCPS teacher Kathy Whitley asked the knitters to help students start their corking projects, they were happy to help. Left to right in back are Deidre Pringle, Eileen Hazelaar, Darlene Broomfield and Norah Mills. In front are Gail Caswell, Lana Bryant, Ea Timms, Tracey Kolowska, Marg Purkis, Linda Coulter and Cheryl Cockburn.

The Curiosity House Knitters meet Wednesday afternoons at the bookstore.  (Photo courtesy of Brad Holden, Creemore Echo)

 All You Need Is Love….

February is a month when we make a special effort to tell the people we love just how much we care for them.  If we have been reminded of anything over the past month, perhaps the most important thing is that the power of love and caring is vital to our survival as human beings.  No matter what challenges we face, we must always keep that fact top of mind. 

 At Curiosity House, February is a time when we celebrate the community of artists who live in our area or have shown in the gallery in past years.  Our annual Group Art Show invites artists to submit one picture which interprets a theme which is close to the heart.  Our theme this year is “My heart sings when….”and more than 30 artists will be participating.  An opening reception will be  held on Friday February 5th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  Whether you are a participant in this show, or an art lover who wants to see some great art by local artists, please set aside some time to join us.

 This month we also have a very special event for those whose hearts are captivated by great food.   Lunch with Lucy Waverman is an opportunity to celebrate the joy of eating well with one of Canada’s culinary luminaries.  For those who missed the opportunity to purchase tickets for this special lunch, there will be an opportunity to visit with Lucy at the store after the event.

 This February, please join us as we celebrate our community connections and our love of the wonderful things life has to offer. 

 What’s On in February

 Friday, February 5th,  5:30 to 7:30 pm     
Artist’s Opening Reception  

In The Gallery:      Our February Group Art Show

 Our theme this year is “My Heart Sings When….”  

 More than 30 artists will be participating in this show, entering one piece of artwork which reflects their interpretation of the theme. The public is invited to vote for their favourite piece and a winner will be announced on February 14th. At our opening reception, you will have a chance to meet the artists, enjoy some refreshments and cast your ballot. Please join us!

 This Month’s Featured Event

 Sunday February 7th   At Noon    

Lunch with Lucy Waverman at Chez Michel      SOLD OUT

We are very happy to announce that this exciting literary and culinary event  has sold out.   If you missed the opportunity to purchase tickets for the lunch, you can meet Lucy between  2:30 and 4:00 pm at Curiosity House, where she will be signing copies of A Year in Lucy’s Kitchen.  This is an opportunity to have a book personalized for yourself or a friend. Can’t make the event?  We are happy to arrange for pre-purchased orders to be personalized and signed.

Sunday February 7th ,  2:30 to 4:00 pm

Book Signing at Curiosity House

 After our Lunch With Lucy event at Chez Michel, Lucy Waverman will be signing copies of  A Year in Lucy’s Kitchen  and visiting with customers at the store.  Please take the time to drop by and meet this fascinating Canadian cooking personality.

Saturday, Feb. 13th, 10:30 to 11:15 am 

Monthly Story Hour

Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small craft activity with a Valentines theme.

What’s Happening  with the Book Club?

Wednesday, February 3rd  2:00 to 3:00 pm

 Our Book Club will meet on Wed., Feb. 3rd from 2 to 3 pm, to discuss 
The Open Road  by Pico Iyer.  The selection for March is Kate Pullinger’s Governor General’s Award winning novel, The Mistress of Nothing.  In April, we will be discussing Jeanette Walls’ heart-rending autobiography, The Glass Castle.

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday, from 2 to 4 pm to create knitted works of art, from beginner to expert.  We share tips and give each other inspiration.  There is always room for one more person at the table.  For more information, please call us at 705-466-3400.

Curiosity House Supports the Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading Initiative

The Ontario Library Association offers 8 reading programs which encourage people of all ages in their love of reading.  This initiative celebrates Canadian books and authors and  the titles selected must be written by a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. 

Programs, which begin in November, are designed for various age ranges and participants are encouraged to read all or a selection of the books, and then vote on their favourite in April.  This literacy project  includes the well-known Blue Spruce, Silver Birch, Red Maple and White Pine reading programs.  More than 250,000 readers across Ontario take part in these programs each year and all Ontarians are invited to participate through their local public or school library.

Many of the titles featured in the Forest of Reading programs are available for purchase at Curiosity House.

A Great Winter Read                           (Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

 I have just finished reading The Day The Falls Stood Still, PB, a first novel by author Cathy Marie Buchanan. This is a fascinating story taking place in Niagara Falls, Ontario beginning in 1915 and ending, quite tragically but heroically, in October 1923. Bess, the headstrong daughter of an important local family, now down on their financial luck, meets and falls in love with Tom Cole, the grandson of a local legend river man, Fergus Cole. He is not the match her parents want. Their lives proceed full of love, adventure and hard times. Tom is extremely knowledgeable about the Niagara River and is called on many times to rescue people or animals. He ends up, reluctantly, working for the new power project digging canals to capture the power of the river water for hydro-electric use. Tom keeps a record of the water levels and other aspects of the river as the generators in the powerhouse are completed and switched on. Filled with such interesting information about the river there are also reprints of actual newspaper stories about tragedies and miracles on the river. I am intrigued to re-visit Niagara Falls seeing them with the eyes of Tom Cole.

 Get Cooking With Kids!            (Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

Spending time in the kitchen together is one of the best ways to interact with children.  Cooking with kids can be a wonderful adventure which involves using reading skills to follow a recipe, listening skills to follow instructions and taking care to stay safe.  Most important, cooking with kids is just plain fun and sometimes, the results even taste good! 

 The DK Children’s Cookbook  (Katherine Ibbs, $16.99) is set up for beginner cooks.  With fantastic photographs this flexibound book clearly identifies ingredients and  kitchen tools.  Step-by-step methods are very easy to understand and recreate.  This book is also great because it has an emphasis on healthy eating.   Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes:  A Cookbook for Preschoolers and Up  (Mollie Katzen and Ann Henderson, $22.00 )  is a children’s cookbook classic.  This book is formatted for adults, with clear instructions and suggestions for how best to approach a recipe with kids.  It emphasizes kitchen safety while stressing that cooking should be fun. Most important, the recipes are delicious. The Usborne First Cookbook by Angela Wilkes, Stephen Cartwright and Rebecca Gilpin ($24.95) is filled with colourful illustrations.  This ’kid friendly’ compilation of recipes is intended to introduce children to the sense of accomplishment they will feel as they create simple but elegant dishes which are tasty and satisfying.  The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Children’s Cookbook  ($14.95)  features clear and logical directions for approximately 50 recipes.  Once again, this cookbook places an emphasis on safety and correct cooking methods.  

All four of these titles are excellent general beginning cookbooks for kids who want to make a first attempt at cooking and for parents who want to help their children enjoy the experience while staying safe and learning proper technique.  Bon appetit!

Quips, Quotes & Trivia  

“Only in books has mankind known perfect truth, love and beauty.” 

 George Bernard Shaw