Naming things is a powerful activity—it was man’s first task in Genesis—and this power is explored in Richard Hamblyn’s brilliant book The Invention of Clouds: How an Amateur Meteorologist Forged the Language of the Skies. I do not think I have ever read such a satisfying, lyrical, information-packed science history book before, although I have […]
Quotations
Review: The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman
In 17th century Europe, young Maria Merian was fascinated by butterflies. ‘Summer birds’, they were called, and no one really knew where they came from. Raised first in an engraver’s house and then an illustrator’s, Maria learned both the technical details of her craft and how to observe nature. She combined the two to become […]
Review: Made for the Journey by Elisabeth Elliot
As a young woman, Elisabeth Elliot worked hard to prepare for her first missionary experience, learning and reducing to writing the Colorado’s language in the jungles of Ecuador. Because she was doing what God called her to do, she fully expected God’s blessing on her work. After all, that’s the way the world works, right? […]
Review: The Kids Book of Canadian Prime Ministers by Pat Hancock
Over the years, our favorite introduction to Canadian prime ministers has been Pat Hancock’s colorful overview, The Kids Book of Canadian Prime Ministers. It is geared toward middle schoolers but is also useful as a quick review of Canadian history facts for high school students. The book covers Canada’s first 21 prime ministers, from Sir […]