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Tag Archives: books

Let’s Chat with Katherine: Winter Book List

1 / 25 / 191 / 25 / 19

Hi everyone! I am excited to be back! I wrote a post in December for Christmas book recommendations and glad to be back again.

Currently, it is a beautiful sunny and snowy day here in Chicagoland.  We had kids pulling each other in sleds, my husband shoveling the driveway and I was put in charge of cocoa.  I love to be in charge of cocoa.

Winter is feared by those who don’t live in it, but it does bring about a coziness that I love.  I also love that it invites us to slow down, turn on the fire and take on a task we wouldn’t normally consider.  One of my favorite activities during these cold days is to snuggle up under blankets next to the fire and read with my kids.  So, here are a group of books highlighting this beautiful season.

Mama Dug a Little DenAlmost a Full Moon

You're Snug With Me  Got to Get to Bear's!

Mama Dug a Little Den by Jennifer Ward and Steve Jenkins–A sweet and lilting story with rhyme incorporates nonfiction elements. Each page describes how a different animal family builds a den for their loved ones.

Almost a Full Moon by Hawksley Workman and Jensine Eckwall–Beautiful illustrations capture the coziness of winter and how a simple pot soup can bring people together.  Enchanting.

You’re Snug with Me by Chitra Sounder and Poonam Mistry–As new baby cubs learn about the earth around them, they feel comforted as Mama repeats, “You’re snug with me.”  Illustrations are particularly interesting.

Got to Get to Bear’s by Brian Lies–This fun book talks about friendship and adventure.  I loved how loyalty and kindness is also highlighted with wonderful illustrations and perfect characters.

Samson in the Snow  The Snow Bear

Duck Skates  Katy and the Big Snow

Samson in the Snow by Philip C. Stead–A woolly mammoth encounters a little red bird in search of a yellow flower for her friend.  Samson wonders what it would be like to have a friend.  A sweet story of kindness and unlikely friendship.

The Snow Bear by Miriam Moss and Maggie Kneen–A polar bear cub wanders away from home and when she struggles to find her mama, she begins to use the snow to create a safe place.  Her woodland friends help along the way.

Duck Skates by Lynne Berry and Hiroe Hakata–Sweet little book of ducks going out to enjoy the snow.  Fun way to practice counting and delightful illustrations give lots to entertain.

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton–A classic that kids of all ages will love, Katy a strong and loyal tractor works hard to clear all the snow that keeps coming in her community.

Maple Syrup Season  Hurry Hurry Mary Dear

Snow Sounds: An Onomatopoeic StorySnow

Maple Syrup Season byAnn Purmell and Jill Weber–The Brockwell family works together to collect the maple syrup on their farm.  Fun illustrations captivate while learning something new!

Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear by N. M. Bodeker and Erik Blegvad–While her husband rushes her along, Mary works hard to prepare for the coming winter.  Rhyming text and detailed illustrations make this a cozy read.

Snow Sounds: An Onomatopaeic Story by D. A. Johnson–“Hush, yawn, swoosh, slush, smoosh.”  Delightful illustrations captivate readers as you simply “listen” to the sounds of winter.

Snow! by Cynthia Rylant and Lauren Stringer–A girl and her grandmother are charmed by the snow that has blanketed their home overnight.  Beautiful prose and descriptions make this a lovely read.

Snow  Owl Moon

[(Snowflake Bentley )] [Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin] [Dec-2009]  Snowflakes in Photographs (Dover Pictorial Archive)

Snow by Uri Shulevitz–A Caldecott winner, this enchanting book shows the progression of snowfall in the city.  Landscapes are often open or wild in these types of books so a city was a fun change.  Also understanding the concept that when one snowflake keeps adding to another, it can make a big impact.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and John Schoenherr–This book captivated me so much when I read it the first time.  The story of a girl and her father on the hunt for owls on a late evening walk through the snow.  Absolutely lovely.

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Mary Azarian–Another Caldecott winner tells the true story of Wilson Bentley who studied and captured beautiful photographs of snowflakes.

Snowflakes in Photographs by W. A. Bentley–A beautiful nonfiction title showing photos of all the different types of snowflakes.  Little ones may struggle with amount and depth of the text, but the photographs alone are stunning.  A wonderful companion to Snowflake Bentley.

~Katherine

For other book lists, please click here.

You can also find more about Katherine at her blog, The Comfort Table!

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Moms In Progress: Katherine Salinas

12 / 13 / 18

Michelle
Michelle

We love that Katherine Salinas is joining us to chat today. Hi, Katherine!

Michelle
Katherine

Hello! Glad to be here! I thought I’d introduce myself with a photo.

This photo is my family in my favorite city of Chicago! My husband David and I fell in love in this great city and want it to be a big part of our kids lives, despite the fact that we are true suburbanites now! We love the energy, the culture, the FOOD, and all the fun.

Michelle
Michelle

Well, I do love Chicago too. As you know, that’s where my hubby and I spent the first four years of our marriage. I would agree with all of the things you listed above that you love. It’s probably best we don’t mention the traffic or wind and just stay in the positive. HA. So tell us – what other hats in addition to your [big, gigantic, hugely significant] Mom Hat do you wear?

Michelle
Katherine

I have started a blog called The Comfort Table which focuses on recipes, building community and delicious recipes. I also run my book club, participate in a couple of bible studies and am active in our small group.

You can find me on Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest , and Goodreads .

Michelle
Michelle

I can’t wait for the moms in our community to get to you know you through your beautiful blog!

Speaking of getting to know you, I loved the post you wrote last week that we shared here about the picture books you recommend for Christmas. So many good ideas and some new ones I hadn’t heard of!

Will you tell us about your kids?

Michelle
Katherine

Olivia (7) is my smart and thoughtful first born. She is fantastic at math, loves to watch sports with her Daddy and quite the soccer player. She loves to write little notes for her family all over the house and her ability to memorize scripture boggles my mind.
Isaac (4) has dimples for days and is passionate about everything he does. The Chicago Blackhawks are his newest obsession and his prayers have taught me more about where my prayer life needs to improve than almost anyone else. I love watching his pure trust in the Lord and thank God for how much he “loves his fam-ly.”
Anya (2.5 )is our little CEO. She loves to introduce herself to everyone and make people feel welcome. Anya is always sure to remind you of her presence with lots of hugs, welcomes and snuggles. She will remind you of the rules and which words we don’t say at our house. She is learning to pray, but at the very moment, she says it is a bit “tricky” for her. 🙂

Michelle
Michelle

Haha. Wow, it sounds like your kids are amazing. And in a future post, I’d love for you to share how you teach your daughter to memorize Scripture and teach your son to pray. You make it sound so easy but I know it’s been an intentional decision to teach them these things. Can’t wait to hear more about that later!

In the meantime, what is your favorite book, podcast, or blog?

Michelle
Katherine

Oh goodness, this question is my favorite to answer and I have SOOO many! So, my recent favorites are as follows:
Books:
Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion (Devotional)–so rich and grace-filled The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood (Fiction)–beautiful, wonderful redemption and friendship
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (Memoir)–sobering, thoughtful, life-giving
Podcasts:
What Should I Read Next with Anne Bogel (book recommendations) The Read-Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie (book lists for you to read with your kids)
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey (interviews Christian authors and influencers who are doing God’s work)
Blog:
Shameless plug for The Comfort Table!
Also, I’m loving How Sweet Eats for amazing recipes as well as pinch of yum and Gimme Some Oven.

Michelle
Michelle

Oh! You have a lot of good resources here! I will have to check them out! What would you say your favorite mom product is?

Michelle
Katherine

SHIPT. Grocery delivery so I don’t have to buy the whole store to keep them happy while I shop. *Angels singing*

Michelle
Michelle

Can you believe that I’ve never done anything like this yet?! I think I must be too old-fashioned or something because I like to see what I am getting. But I know people –moms– love it and I need to check it out!

What is the last thing you made for dinner or your favorite simple meal to throw together?

Michelle
Katherine

Oh! Our Family favorite: Oriental Lettuce Wraps

Michelle
Michelle

Those sound good. I will add those to our menu! I am always looking for new family-friendly recipes. What has challenged your mothering recently?

Michelle
Katherine

Getting out the door for school in the morning.

Michelle
Michelle

This made me laugh out loud. I hear ya!!! Why does it take so long and why do they find a million things to do right when we need to walk out the door?! I have tried lots of things but still haven’t found the magic bullet. Have you??

Michelle
Katherine

Well, I am still working on this, but I’ve set an alarm on my phone to go off 10 minutes before we need to leave. My kids know this is the cue to get shoes on to leave. While we haven’t mastered this yet, it helps to have the sound get them moving rather than my voice.

Michelle
Michelle

That is a great idea! I use the alarm feature on my phone to alert me and my youngest that it’s time for us to leave to pick up my daughter from school. I don’t know why I haven’t thought about this in the morning. Good call!
Do you have any general words of encouragement for other moms in the trenches like you?

Michelle
Katherine

I had a mom this week give me a compliment about something I said to one of my children in a (ahem) difficult discipline moment. This particular child is often receiving these little chats with me and I was so thankful to hear another mom say something encouraging about it. Another time I was changing my 5 month old in a restroom and a complete stranger said I had a very soothing voice and she could tell I was a good mom. Years later I still remember that moment.
All this to say, if you see a mom doing something well, tell them. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US needs to hear it because I know I doubt myself everyday. We have a job where there are no raises, no vacations, no annual reviews, and no boss giving “constructive criticism.” So many times I would just love someone to tell me things I’m doing well because my inner dialogue is constantly listing all the ways I’m failing. Even if it is just a simple “you look beautiful today” you could lift their spirits higher than you know.

Michelle
Michelle

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Michelle
Katherine

The Lord has really been working on my heart lately about what my job description looks like as a parent. Sharing my faith with my kids had not only become my sole purpose as their mom, but the heaviest burden to carry. He has been teaching me that I cannot take the job that was supposed to be on God’s plate. The best thing I can do is to love the Lord and share with my kids how loving Him is changing me. God is the One who draws their heart, I can’t bring their hearts to Him. I can share my heart with them and say how I have been forever changed, but they need to seek Him on their own. And I trust that will lead to the sustainable faith that we all hope for our children anyway.

Michelle
Michelle

Wow. Such insight here. Love all of this. Thank you for sharing your heart with us today!

And thank you again for sharing your list of picture books to read. We are looking forward to your next post and what you’re going to share!

Michelle
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