Green Reading: Climate Myths

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If you're like me, then the book Climate Myths: The Campaign Against Climate Science is pretty much preaching to the choir. I already buy into a lot of what the author says, and know that there is a lot of greenwashing going on, as well as minimizing the very real threat to the environment that a lot of features of society currently pose. It's got a ton of resources in the back for further research and information, and the author is currently working on two follow-up books, Climate Peril and Climate Solutions - both of which I plan to check out when they're available!

Green Reading: Closer to the Ground

When I first had the chance to read Closer to the Ground: An Outdoor Family's Year on the Water, In the Woods, and at the Table, I was actually worried that it would be even too eco-friendly for me, since I live in a first-ring suburb of St. Paul and would never be able to live completely unplugged.

Dylan Tomine, a Patagonia Fly Fishing Ambassador, conservation advocate and writer, saw two teenagers sitting next to each other, texting. He decided he wanted a different life for his kids than a constantly-connected one. They moved from a Seattle high-rise to an island in Puget Sound - not an isolated island, completely cut off from the outside world, but one with ample opportunity to explore the great outdoors.

The book goes through each of the four seasons, including experiences his kids were able to enjoy, such as foraging for and catching their own food, learning the patterns of nature from experience, not a book, and being surprised by new discoveries.

This book is a great read for anyone who wants inspiration for how to help their kids look beyond the screen - no matter where you live. Even if you can't find your own mushrooms to sauté for dinner, you can still appreciate his family's sense of discovery - and use it to launch your own.

Dylan Tomine is a writer, conservation advocate and speaker for wild fish and water. He serves as a Fly Fishing Ambassador for Patagonia and a trustee with The Wild Steelhead Coalition. A noted outdoor writer, his stories have appeared in The Flyfish Journal, The Drake, The New York Times, and other publications. He lives with his wife and kids, now five and eight years old, on an island in Puget Sound where they run Bainbridge Island Blueberry Co., a U-Pick blueberry farm.

Book Tour Schedule is available at www.dylantomine.com.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate this review.

Giveaway: MOMumental

I recently had an opportunity to review MOMumental: Adventures in the Messy Art of Raising a Family. This was an excellent, uplifting book. Most parents dream of being the "perfect mom" - but when you have four children, as writer Jennifer Grant does (her children are now 15, 13, 12, and 10), you realize that survival is more important than perfection. Quite honestly, with my two kids I feel that survival is more important most of the time!


She describes her parenting style Velveteen Rabbit parenting (like the rabbit in the story who becomes more real, with fur rubbed off and shine gone, but full of love. No matter what your parenting style is, she has tips that apply to all parents:

• Choose your battles.
• Keep your eyes open and look with a critical—and often delighted—eye at what the culture is dishing up to your children. Teach your children to do the same.
• Remind yourself that children are not little adults, but are uniquely suited to grow, learn, and enjoy life in ways that many of us adults don’t remember how to do anymore.
• Ask questions such as, “What do I want our family to be like? What are our individual gifts and perspectives? What connects us as a family and brings us joy?”
• Develop certain priorities in your family’s life, such as treating each other with respect, eating together whenever possible, and attending church together.

The book is written with a humorous, gentle tone. Faith is a big part of her life, and comes out in the book as well, but her storytelling style is entertaining and enlightening without being preachy.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment with the moment you felt you became a "real" mom (or dad). Deadline is May 9th.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate this review.

Book Review: I Believe in You

Part of being a mindful parent is choosing positive books that reinforce the lessons we want kids to learn. Educational books that teach specific school-type concepts are great, but it's also important to pick books that help us pass certain values on to our kids. I had the opportunity to review I Believe in You by Marianne Richmond. This book stirred up emotions in me, as a kid who went through tough situations but had very loving, supportive parents.

Everyone from toddlers to high schoolers needs to hear from their parents that they believe in them - not with false expectations or generic praise, but with specific examples of what makes kids special. This book manages to be specific, yet universal. One of my favorite lines is, "I believe in your awesome skills to shine another way."

The beautiful illustrations and soft rhythmic rhyme will keep the attention of younger kids, yet not bore older kids. If you have kids who are struggling to find their place, or just want a book to read to start the message early that you believe in your kids, this book is a great choice.

Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book to facilitate my review.