In my ten years of blogging here at Orange Marmalade, I’ve never tackled issues of mental health, but that’s not because these are not represented in children’s literature. In fact, large numbers of books exist dealing with self-esteem, grief, death, …
dozens of plants all snug in their beds!…a yard restoration update
As I write, snow is falling steadily here in Minneapolis, and I couldn’t be happier! If you’ve followed Orange Marmalade for any length of time you are well aware that I love snow. Besides that, my trees and shrubs are …
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five full of beauty and history…it’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
Today in Minneapolis, as well as in about 12 other states and numerous cities, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It’s a meaningful opportunity to recognize the amazing cultures and hundreds of sovereign nations that preceded Europeans in North America, the …
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Kindness from A to Z…a treasury of goodhearted stories
Earlier this week I looked at resources speaking to the kinds of suffering many children face. Today I’m focusing on the good that thrives even in tough times, even in a year like 2020. I’ve been reminded that… …quarantine and …
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ten top treats for autumn
Here in Minnesota we have been treated to some perfect Fall days recently. The maples are beginning to flame out in crimson and tangerine, tall grasses are rustling in crisp shades of tawny gold, and the sun is setting earlier …
eight apple-icious treats for fall reading and baking
Apple harvest is such a delicious season. The soothing aromas of cinnamon, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady seem like a great remedy for our bruised hearts this year. Rustle up a tasty apple crisp, delectable pie, or potful of luscious, …
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celebrate the hands that toil…a list of ten
For most of us, Labor Day is a rather vague, 3-day weekend. Here in Minnesota, it’s normally a time to button up the cabin for winter and take in the Minnesota State Fair. How did this federal holiday arrive on …
voting rocks!: juicy resources for all ages
As we enter the final months before Election Day, and especially as many of you are educating from home this fall, it’s a perfect time to learn together about voting rights, elections, and American government as we journey towards a …
the slow, meaningful work of restoration…a yard update!
It’s already the end of August. Time for a yard restoration update! Today I want to give you a peek at what I’ve been discovering in my small wilderness, chat a bit about the arduous process of restoration, and list …
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super middle grade reads + a chapter-book *giveaway*
Today I’ve got a batch of middle grade titles I’ve recently enjoyed. Plus, courtesy of the great people at Kane Miller, I’m giving away a series of four chapter books perfect for kids reading on their own or for reading …
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in honor of John Lewis
John Lewis’s death is a massive loss for our nation, and one that deeply saddens me. I stand in awe of his courage and perseverance, his bent towards peace, and his unflagging hope. His encouragement to “make good trouble,” inspires …
