Eben's house (actually the house my grandmother grew up in)

The mail carrier has been very good to me lately and today was no exception. I received two copies of the new printing of the hardcover version of THE SEVEN WONDERS OF SASSAFRAS SPRINGS – the fifth printing. The paperback sells very well, but it’s nice to know that the hardcover, with that lovely timeless cover by Matt Phelan, is still getting into people’s hands. I like the paperback cover, too, but it’s totally different.

Librarians and teachers should check out the July issue of Book Links magazine for an article by Teri MacDonald and Helen Foster James titled, FINDING THE WONDERS OF OUR WORLD. In addition to providing suggestions on using Sassafras in the classroom, the authors also suggest other books on the subject … including THE WIZARD OF OZ. (Which reminds me, we’re going to see WICKED tomorrow – inspired by the WIZARD OF OZ.) And it has a sidebar article by moi, complete with picture.

READING RECOMMENDATIONS: We’re having a drought here in California (although we had a brief shower this week – almost unheard of in the summer months). The dry summer prompted me to pick up an old favorite off the shelf. This book has a great sense of place: Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright, the Newbery Award winner for 1939. It’s a quiet book that weaves its magic. I’m also reminded of a book that a reviewer mentioned in a flattering Sassafras review: Homer Price by Robert McCloskey. That reviewer was on to me. Homer Price was a favorite of mine which I’ve reread many times. There is also a sequel: Centerburg Tales.