Summer is just around the corner. Even now, the long daylight hours luxuriantly sprawl across back yards, parks, and waterfronts; twilight lingers late and the dawn chorus arrives ever so early; a bustle of green carpets the landscape and plans …
Tag: outdoor play
jolly new gems…picture books to put a smile on your face
So many delightful picture books have been published this year and I am finally getting my hands on some of them. Every one of these will warm you up on the inside — just what’s needed for one and all. …
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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 …
wonder, warmth, and wit…a dozen treats for summer reading stacks
I’ve got a dozen scrumptious picture books today. I hope you can locate at least a few of them for your crew! First up, five that celebrate the splendors of nature: Green on Green, written by Dianne White, illustrated by …
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a golden opportunity to celebrate a golden anniversary
Spring is arriving here in the Northland, despite the blasts of snow we had last week. Our yard hosted a large flock of robins one day — we counted almost 30 hopping about and feasting on their journey north. And …
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The 2020 Orange Marmalade Juicy Book Awards
It’s time once again to award the Juicies! Each year I look back on the hundreds of books I’ve read and highlight titles that outstandingly reflect six core values of Orange Marmalade. An extra List of Ten gives me wiggle …
anticipating the new year with a spin of the seasons
I know. Life probably feels like a bit of a blur for you just now. That’s why the books I have today beckon us to slow down, sit a moment, and drink in beauty through poetic observations of nature over …
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snow had fallen, snow on snow
We’ve had a good start to winter here in Minnesota with a snowy Thanksgiving and blizzards of snow up on the glorious North Shore. It’s high time to get the hot chocolate steaming and snuggle up with stories celebrating this …
awesome August options
August is a transitional month for many of you. Still full on summer, yet school routines hover just around the corner. The titles I’ve chosen for this month’s batch of books range the spectrum: some rejoicing in make-believe and fresh …
five for sunshine and friendship…and giveaway winners!
First up: our give-away winners from last week, and may I say, I really enjoyed and benefited from all the comments telling us about some of your sustainable solutions. Thank you for such a great conversation! Charity Peterson is the …
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orange marmalade 