APRIL BOOKMARKS

Celebrate our Earth…

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.”
~William Shakespeare

The legacy we will leave to our children and grandchildren is probably our greatest reason for living green. Friday, April 22nd is Earth Day, a commemoration of the birth of the modern environmental movement. For more than 40 years, this very important day has served to inspire and mobilize citizens and organizations to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
At Curiosity House, we are committed to green living and we try to lead by example.  We reuse and recycle wherever possible.  Several years ago, we switched from plastic to paper bags and customers frequently opt to go bagless or to share bags with friends. Most important, we encourage our customers to take advantage of the wealth of shopping resources we have with our Shop Locally campaign.
We encourage everyone to think hard about what we can all do to make this world a healthier place for today and for our children’s future. Let’s all make some Earth Day resolutions this year. Walk, don’t drive; turn out the lights; turn down your thermostat.  Reduce, reuse, recycle.  Shop locally.  Together, our actions add up.

Miriam Vince
Editor

What’s On in April

Saturday, April 2nd

2:00 to 4:00 pm

Artist’s Opening Reception

In The Gallery:
Michael Bowness presents METALWOOD

Toronto-based artist Michael Bowness creates original acrylic works on birch bark and mixed media.  His new show, METALWOOD  uses nature as his subject matter and features original paintings and prints which convey the beauty which surrounds us.  Michael will also be bringing a selection of his greeting cards.  Please join us at our opening reception, where you can share some refreshments and an opportunity to meet this artist.
Saturday, April 9th

10:30 to 11:15 am

Monthly Story Hour

Please join Miriam for our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small craft activity with an Easter theme.

Easter Hours

Good Friday, April 22

10 am to 5 pm

Easter Saturday, April 23

9 am to 5 pm

Easter Sunday, April 24

Closed

Easter Monday, April 25

9 am to 5 pm

Shop Locally

Support  Your Independent Bookseller!

What’s New With The Book Club?

April 6, 2011, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

In April we will be discussing The Long Walk, Slavomir Rawicz’ incredible wartime tale of his trek with fellow prisoners from a Siberian Gulag to British India.  We hope you will join us.

Upcoming Book Club Selections are:

May
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand (Helen Simonson)

June
Lakelands (Allan Carey)

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Every Wednesday, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday, from 2 to 4 pm to create knitted masterpieces, from beginner to expert.  For more information, please call us at 705-466-3400.

What’s On In the Gallery?

May 7 – June 2
Sheila Jack
Opening Reception – Saturday May 7, 2011

June 4 -July 1
Bobbie Fogel
Opening Reception – Saturday June 4

July 2 – August 5
Sandy Spencer
Opening Reception – Saturday July 2

August 6 – Sept 2
Janice Mason Steeves
Opening Reception – Saturday August 6

Tigers…

Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

Sometimes we notice a trend in the new books arriving in the store – many have white or black covers, or lots are analyzing the financial crisis, or the future of the world and this month, suddenly, there are lots of books with “tiger” in the title.
One of the hot fiction books this spring is The Tiger’s Wife, HC, a first novel by Tea Obreht.  This book has received acclaim from, among others, the New York Times, the New Yorker and the Globe & Mail.  The author brilliantly interweaves a story of family legend, secrets, love and loss.  Natalie, a young doctor, is on a mission of mercy in the war torn Balkans.  While there, she is soon drawn into the stories and secrets of the people and at the same time is grieving the death of her beloved grandfather and remembering the many stories he told to her.  She then discovers the most extraordinary story of all about him and his childhood.  Obreht is being praised as one of the most vibrant and original authors of her generation.
This next book is for those of you who enjoy historical fiction and books about India. Tiger Hills by Toronto author Sarita Mandanna was longlisted for the 2010 Man Asian Booker Prize.  Set in the mountains of southern India in the late 1800s, the story concerns a young girl, Devi, who befriends a motherless young boy Devanna and their lives become intertwined.  This a family saga of hope, betrayal, mystery and redemption.
One book that has created a huge buzz and lots of letters to the author and to reviewers is Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, HC, by Amy Chua.  Chua, a Harvard law professor, tells how she raised her two daughters in the Chinese way – no play dates, no marks under an A, only violin or piano are among her many rules.  Child abuse or empowering??
Just about to be released in paper is John Vaillant’s best selling book The Tiger – A True Story of Vengeance And Survival.  This gripping story takes place in a remote Siberian village where a man-eating tiger is stalking humans and animals and must be stopped.  While taking us on this exciting search the author also gives us the fascinating story of the Siberian tiger, wonderful descriptions of the region and the people and their history.  The Tiger has won this year’s BC National Book Award and was just won the CBC Book Club Bookie for the Best Overall Book of the year.
Believe it or not, there are more “tiger” books I haven’t mentioned!  Hope to see you soon.

April New Releases
Young Adults Series

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

The Spring book season stokes the same excitement in young people as in adults.  Here are a few of the highly anticipated new books in young adult series which will be released this month. For more information about these series, click on the title/links below:
For 12 to 14-year-olds, The Gathering (HC, $19.99) is the first installment of the new Darkness Rising  trilogy by Canadian author Kelley Armstrong.  This follow-up to her Darkest Powers trilogy is sure to be a hit with young people who are looking for suspense, mystery and supernatural events in a small town setting.
City of Fallen Angels (HC, $22.99) from Cassandra Clare is the heart-pounding fourth installment in theMortal Instruments series, an urban fantasy for young adults centering on the adventures of demon-fighting Shadowhunters. It is expected that there will be six installments in this highly addictive series and rumour has it that a movie version is on the way…
Kids aged 9 to 12 years also have a couple of great additions to popular series this month.  In The 39 Clues: Vespers Rising (HC, $14,99), authors Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Jude Watson and Gordon Korman reveal four new explosive secrets in the ongoing story of the Cahill family.  This eleventh book is sure to provide more answers (and more questions…) for fans of the series which has captivated the hearts and imaginations of millions over the past three years.
Conspiracy 365: April (PB, $7.99) is this month’s installment in Gabrielle Lord’s fast-paced Conspiracy 365 series.  Monthly installments trace the adventures of a young man on the run from unknown enemies, following the  mysterious death of his father.
These are just a few of the new books for young adults coming out this month.  Drop by the store to see our other great new selections.

The David Suzuki Book Club Recommends…

There’s Lead in Your Lipstick

by Gillian Deacon
is a comprehensive, head to  toe guide to choosing safe body care products. Award-winning broadcaster Gillian Deacon offers practical advice, recipes and solutions for reducing your personal ‘chemical body burden’. By avoiding the harmful chemicals hidden in our shampoos, sunscreens and lipsticks, we can protect ourselves, our families and the environment.
Excerpted from the

David Suzuki Foundation Book Club

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

“Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to be always part of unanimity.”

Christopher Morley
(1890 – 1957)

MARCH BOOKMARKS

The winds of change are beginning to blow…

“O wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

Percy Bysshe Shelley
What a winter it has been…

These past few months have been blustery and cold, great for winter sport enthusiasts and those who love long afternoons in front of a warm fire.  However, the worst of winter is likely behind us.  The sun feels a little warmer on the face and buds on the trees are beginning to swell.  In just a few weeks, Spring will blow into our lives and the first flowers will be peeking through the receding snows.  Spring is a time of excitement and fresh starts.  Snowshoes and skis are replaced by seed catalogues, garden planners and books about perfecting golf techniques.

At Curiosity House, we are eagerly anticipating the change in seasons along with the first wave of new titles which Spring will bring.  New offerings from Alexander McCall Smith, Miriam Toews, Michael Ondaatje, Jodi Picoult and Joanna Trollope  will lead the fiction line-up,  while non-fiction titles will include new books from Christopher Hitchens and Tony Blair, Tim Flannery, Marc DeVilliers and the Canadian Living Kitchens.

Children can look forward to exciting new books from Jan Brett, Victoria Kann (Pinkalicious), Jane O’Connor (Fancy Nancy) and Marie Louise Gay (Stella and Sam), as well as a re-issue of many titles in Roger Hargreaves’  Mr. Men series.  For young adults we look forward to the eleventh book of the 39 Clues series, a collaboration between Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Peter Lerangis and Jude Watson along with new offerings from Maggie Stiefvater, Rachael Ward and Kelley Armstrong.

Let’s embrace this March with eager anticipation. There are lots of fresh new changes on the horizon and probably only a few more weeks of bundling up against the cold.  Have faith.

What’s On in March?

Saturday, March 5th

2:00 to 4:00 pm

Artist’s Opening Reception

In The Gallery:
Graeme Hughson
Using colour, texture and a dynamic style,  Graeme Hughson captures the beauty of the landscape around him with vibrant acrylic paintings.  Graeme was chosen as ourEmerging Artist for 2007, and has continued to find new ways to express his love for land, water and sky.  Please join us at our opening reception and take the opportunity to meet this fascinating and talented artist.

Saturday, March 12th

10:30 to 11:15 am

Monthly Story Hour

Please join Miriam for our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small craft activity.

(Photo courtesy Emily Worts, Creemore Echo)

People’s Choice Winner From February Art Show

Curiosity House is pleased to announce that the winner of the People’s Choice Award, for her interpretation of  “Red is best!…..”,  is Cynthia Marsh’s oil painting, Sunny Afternoon.  Second Place  went to Senka Bozik, while third place went to David Bruce Johnson.

What’s On In the Gallery?

April 2 – May 6 - Michael Bowness

Opening Reception – Saturday April 2, 2011

May 7 – June 3 - Sheila Jack

Opening Reception – Saturday May 7, 2011

June 4 -July 1 - Bobbie Fogel

Opening Reception – Saturday June 4, 2011

What’s New With The Book Club?

March 2, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

In March we be discussing Tom Rachman’s Governor General’s Award-nominated first novel The Imperfectionists.
Upcoming Book Club Selections are:

April - The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawciz

May – Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

June – Lakelands by Allan Carey

Show You Care…Shop Locally!

5 More Great Reasons To Shop Locally

Customer Service Is Better

Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service.  You are also going to see these people around town and they are less likely to blow you off or be rude because they have to face you day after day.

Local Business Owners Invest In Community

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s welfare and future.

Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs

Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores.

Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices

A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

You Matter More

We talk a lot about exerting influence with your purchasing choices, or “voting with your wallet.”  It’s a fact that businesses respond to their customers but your values and desires are much more influential to your local community business than the large big box stores.

Excerpted from

greenupgrader.com

(Focussing on energy, the environment and sustainable living)

Commonwealth Writers Prize Regional Shortlists Announced

The 2010 Commonwealth Writers Prize regional shortlists have been announced.  In the Caribbean and Canada field, Best Book nominees are all Canadian:

The Sky is Falling by Caroline Adderson

Room by Emma Donahue

Master of Happy Endings by  Jack Hodgins

In The Fabled East by Adam Lewis Schroeder

Death of Donna Whalen by Michael Winter

Mr. Shakespeare’s Bastard by Richard B. Wright

The shortlisted writers for the Canada and Caribbean Best First Book are:

Bird Eat Bird by Katrina Best

Doing Dangerously Well by Carole Enahoro

Mennonites Don’t Dance by Darcie Friesen Hossack

Light Lifting by Alexander MacLeod

Cake is for the Party by Sarah Selecky

Illustrado by Miguel Syjuco

More information about the 2010 Commonwealth Writers Prize is available at

www.commonwealthfoundation.com

Good March Reads…

Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

Historical fiction seems to be all the rage this month.  Bride of New France, tp, $25.00 is a first novel by historian Suzanne Desrochers and has received very enthusiastic reviews.  It takes on the story of the unwanted young women of France who were shipped to Canada to marry and produce lots of children for the colony.  This is a poignant, powerful and engaging story.

Another debut first novel is The Midwife of Venice, tp, $22.95 by Roberta Rich.  Set in Venice in the year 1575, Rich weaves a gripping tale.  Venice, love, murder, disease, mystery and more!!  Pauline Gedge has just completed her King’s Man Trilogy with the release of Volume 3,pb, $24.00.  This series takes place in ancient Egypt and might be particularly interesting in light of recent events.

A new non-fiction read is The King’s Speech, tp, $22.00 written by Lionel Logue’s grandson and based on the famous speech therapist’s diaries, letters and other material.  There is even a copy of the king’s famous speech with all the marks made by Logue to help with the delivery.  It is full of fascinating details for those who loved the movie and want to delve more into the story.

Happy reading in this last month of winter.

March Break Boredom?  Books are the Answer….

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

There is nothing more challenging than trying to keep young people occupied during March Break.  The good news is a trip to the bookstore can solve that problem.  Why not tap into their creative side?

An innovative book from Klutz books is Safety Pin Bracelets (Kaitlyn Nicholas, $21.99). This innovative book shows kids that it is possible to create unique bracelets out of garden-variety safety pins. The book includes 12 bracelet designs, with excellent illustrations and simple step-by-step directions.  Included are hundreds of safety pins in three different sizes, over a thousand colourful glass beads and stretchy silver cord.  This is a great choice for crafty 8- to 12-year-olds.

Got someone in the house who has caught the knitting bug?   How to Knit (Usborne Art Ideas Series) (Fiona Watt, Gail Maccoll, $19.95) is a perfect choice for beginner knitters, both young and old. This book provides all of the basics required by the novice knitter with instructions on selecting the correct needles and wool, casting on, the basic stitches and finishing off techniques. Step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations are easy to follow and projects included range from simple to more challenging.  Novice knitters are sure to find everything they need to encourage their confidence as they develop a wonderful new skill.

Some kids want to spend their free time drawing and doodling.  We have two great choices which are sure to satisfy both novice and experienced artists.

Super Scratch and Sketch, (Kerran Barbas, $12.99) is a delightful way for kids to create wonderful pieces of original art.  Using a wooden stylus, kids have the opportunity to scratch off coated pages to reveal scenes underneath.  Stencil sheets can be used to assist in creation of drawing and design projects.  With 20 coated pages and another 20 plain doodle pages this innovative book is a great way for kids of all ages to create wonderful pieces of original art.

How to Draw Funny (David Sheldon, $19.99)  is an offering from Klutz books which comes with a mechanical pencil, a white eraser, and three dual-tipped markers in various tones of gray and black. Also included are plastic, easy-trace templates of essential comic shapes like speech bubbles, bursts, blaps, blobs, bonks, and bings. Kids can use these tools to practice drawing right on the pages. Simple instructions show  how to exaggerate, how to illustrate action and energy, draw sound effects and accentuate the ridiculous.  Kids can learn the fundamentals of funny and learn how to turn their doodles into visual slapstick.  This wonderful book is sure to teach even the most timid of artists that anyone can draw funny and that it easy to master the art of getting laughs.  This book is sure to put a smile on any kid’s face.

For kids who want to spend some quiet time exercising their minds during their time off we have Bananagrams for Kids (Abe and Rena Nathanson, $11.95).  Like a mash-up of Scrabble, Boggle and crossword puzzles, these anagram brainteasers will stretch your child’s mind and vocabulary, while just providing some good old-fashioned fun.  Kids from 6 to 12 years are sure to be captivated by these seriously addictive puzzles.  Still looking for something to keep kids occupied?  We have a variety of joke and puzzle books at the store, along with the Where’s Waldo? series.

We are happy to help you solve the problem of March Break boredom.  Drop by the store and we’ll make a few recommendations.

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

“Books are delightful society.  If you go into a room and find it full of books – even without taking them from the shelves they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome.

~William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898), British Statesman

FEBRUARY BOOKMARKS

Share the love…

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
– Lao Tzu

Love really is all that matters. No amount of money or success will replace the wonderful feeling that we have when we know that we are cared for by those around us. This month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our feelings for the people we cherish. In a world where we rush from place to place, activity to activity and challenge to challenge, it is important to remember that staying connected to our loved ones is vital to our happiness. It is also important to create new loving relationships with our community and to nurture those connections.
This February, Curiosity House will celebrate the community of artists who live in our area or have shown in the gallery in past years. Our annual Group Art Show invites artists to submit one picture which interprets a theme which is close to the heart. Our theme this year is “Red is best!” and more than 30 artists will be participating. An opening reception will be held on Friday February 4th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
This month, let us celebrate the power of love and caring and its importance to our survival as human beings. Share the love…

What’s On in February

Friday, February 4th
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Artist’s Opening Reception

In The Gallery:
Red is best!
Our February Group Art Show

More than 30 artists will be participating in this very popular show, entering one piece of artwork which reflects their interpretation of this year’s theme, “Red is best!”. The public is invited to vote for their favourite piece and the People’s Choice winner will be announced on Friday, February 18th. At our opening reception, you will have a chance to meet the artists, enjoy some refreshments and cast your ballot. Please join us.

Saturday, February 12th
10:30 to 11:15 am
Monthly Story Hour

Please join Miriam for our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small craft activity with a Valentine’s theme.

Saturday, February 12th
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Author Event – Ken Thornton

Local author and Creemore Echo columnist, Ken Thornton is well-known for his many contributions to the local scene. His book of short stories, A Barnyard Affair, was released two years ago and became an instant bestseller. Ken has recently released an audio version of many of the stories from that collection. He will be available to meet with friends and fans and sign copies of his delightful new CD.

What’s New With The Book Club?

Book Club Author Event

February 2, 2011, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Our February book club will welcome local author Catherine Gildiner, who will be discussing and reading from her latest memoir After The Falls, an entertaining account of her teenage years in the 1960s. This engaging book is her long-awaited sequel to Too Close to the Falls,a childhood memoir of growing up in small-town America in the 50s. This is sure to be a a very special event!

Book Club Selection For March

Our Book Club selection for March will be om Rachman’s Governor General’s Award-nominated first novel, The Imperfectionists.

What’s On In the Gallery

March 5 – April 1
Graeme Hughson
Opening Reception – Saturday March 5, 2011

April 2 – May 6
Michael Bowness
Opening Reception – Saturday April 2, 2011

Winter Reads

Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

I recently read two Giller Prize winners with uncannily similar stories of an episode experienced during the Vietnam war which haunts each of the main characters. The Sentimentalists, TP, by Johanna Skibsrud, the 2010 winner, is the story of a daughter who goes to visit with her father at the end of his life and discovers in her time spent with him, the event and emotions he has carried, and cannot escape, since his time in the US army. Skibsrud is a poet and this is evident in her beautiful use of language in this multilayered story. This is a book to savour and to read when you have the time to enjoy the magic of her narrative style.
Coincidently, someone lent me a copy of David Bergen’s 2005 Giller winner, The Time In Between. A similar story unfolds except that the main character finally leaves Canada to return to Vietnam and to try to put to rest a particular experience he had while in the US army. It is his story and also the story of two of his adult children who travel to Vietnam to search for their father when he goes missing. This novel is much more about Vietnam and the war, the past and the present, again told by father and daughter in a more direct manner than Skibsrud’s, but is also very moving. I very much enjoyed reading the one after the other.
Tinkers, TP, by Paul Harding won last year’s Pulitzer Prize and is a wonderful, emotional story of George in the last eight days of his long life, his hallucinations and his memories of his life and his father Howard’s life. It is lyrical, poetic, haunting and unforgettable.
Two new history books are receiving much critical acclaim. Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin, HC, by Timothy Snyder examines the time and the countries between Germany and Russia where terrible atrocities were committed by the Nazis and the Stalinist regime, first when they were allies and again when they fought over the same territory as enemies. The Longest War: The Enduring Conflict Between America and Al-Queda, HC, by Peter Bergen offers a very comprehensive and balanced look at this 10 year old conflict.
We also have the five CBC Canada Reads books. The debate takes place live on air Feb 7, 8 & 9. Read them all before or wait and listen to the always spirited discussion and then decide which ones you want to read. Keep warm, and well read!

Kids and Love….

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

What better way is there to teach young children about love than to tell them how much you love them? Why not give the gift of a book which tells them just how much you care?
For very young children, I Love You Through and Through ($9.99, HC) by authors Bernadette Rosetti-Shustak and Carolyne Jayne Church, is a delightful board book which reads as an affirmation that the child will be loved, “from top to bottom…when happy or sad… today and tomorrow”. With comfortable rhythm and wonderful and dynamic illustrations, this book is sure to entertain young ones and let them know how important they are to the adults in their lives. In Count My Kisses Little One, author Ruthie May ($9.99, HC) and illustrator Tamsin Ainslie use calming rhymes and delightful pictures to show us a wonderful loving bedtime ritual and devoted relationship between a little girl and her toy puppy.
For kids of all ages a delightful choice is Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You ($19.99, HC), from bestselling author Nancy Tillman. Unapologetically sentimental, this book celebrates the uniqueness of every child. Many parents will welcome this opportunity to tell their children how special and loved they are and I highly recommend it for its beautiful illustrations, fanciful imagery and heartfelt text.
Guess How Much I Love You was first published in 1995 and has become one of the world’s best-loved picture books. This modern classic is the tale of two Nutbrown Hares who love each other to the moon and back. With charming text and expressive illustrations, this delightfully simple book reminds the audience that unconditional and boundless love is the most important gift a person can give or receive. A new Sweetheart Edition ($14.00 HC) of this delightful book has been released, with a wonderful new format which will make it a perfect way to say “I love you!” to the important people in your life – young or old.Take the time to read with you kids. It’s the best way to tell them you love them….

Show You Care…

Shop Locally!

5 Great Reasons To Shop Locally

Local Economic Stimulus

When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base.

Non Profits Receive Greater Support

Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners.

Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity

The unique character of your local community is defined in large part by the businesses that reside there, and that plays a big factor in your overall satisfaction with where you live and the value of your home and property.

Environmental Impact Is Reduced

Small local businesses usually set up shop in the town/village center, providing a centralized variety that is much friendlier to a community’s walk score than out of town shopping malls. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses

Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally. Plus the more jobs you have in your local community the less people are going to have to commute which means more time and less traffic and pollution.

Excerpted from

greenupgrader.com

(Focussing on energy, the environment and sustainable living)

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

“The best of a book is not the thought which it contains, but the thought which it suggests; just as the charm of music dwells not in the tones but in the echoes of our hearts.”

John Greenleaf Whittier
American Writer
1807-1892

JANUARY BOOKMARKS

Looking Back…

What a wonderful year it has been!  We feel blessed to have had the support of our loyal customers during 2010.  A quick review shows that this has been a busy year at Curiosity House.

• Last February, to coincide with the Creemore “Big Heart Festival”, we held our third themed group art show.  Our theme was “My heart sings when……” and more that 30 artists submitted works for display.     The winner of the People’s Choice award  for this group show was local resident Darla Anderson.  She went on to be the featured artist in our  2010 “Emerging Artist” show , which spotlights an artist who has never had a solo show.  The theme for our February 2011 group show is “Red is best!” and we look forward to another successful event.
• We held two entertaining and informative author lunches at Chez Michel, with culinary personality Lucy Waverman and business writer Andrew Heintzman. Each lunch was a sold out event.
• Winnie the Pooh came to visit with kids at the Creemore Farmers’ Market on Labour Day weekend.   The silly old bear entertained more than 100 kids with stories and crafts.
• There were well-attended book signings featuring Lorraine Johnson, Sarah Elton, Sonia Day, Derek Lundy, Iris Nowell, Ian Coutts and Hugh Brewster.  Local authors darci-que, Lisa Timpf, and Christine Cowley also had the opportunity to meet with fans and sign copies of their newly released books.

What’s On in January

Saturday, January 8th

2:00 to 4:00 pm

Artist’s Opening Reception

In The Gallery: Steve McDonald
Steve McDonald Presents ‘More Views From the Valley’

Steve McDonald’s new show features delightful bold coloured sketches of Creemore and surrounding landscapes. Come to our opening reception to meet the artist and enjoy some refreshments.

Saturday, January 8^th 10:30 to 11:15 am

Monthly Story Hour

Please join Miriam for our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small craft activity.

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Every Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday, from 2 to 4 pm to create knitted masterpieces, from beginner to expert.  For more information, please call us at 705-466-3400.

What’s New With The Book Club?

Monthly Book Club Meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 5th  2:00 to 3:00 pm

Our Book Club will meet on Wed. January 5th from 2 to 3 pm, to discuss Linden MacIntyre’s Giller Prize winning book,
The Bishop’s Man.
If you have enjoyed The Bishop’s Man, we highly recommend MacIntyre’s first book in the  trilogy, The Long Stretch.

Book Club Author Event

February 2, 2011 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Our February book club will welcome local author Catherine Gildiner, who will be discussing and reading from her latest memoir After The Falls.  This is sure to be a very special event!

What’s On In the Gallery
February to April 2011

Feb. 4 – March 4

February Group Show
“Red is best!”
Opening Reception – Friday Febuary 4, 2011

March 5 – April 1
Graeme Hughson
Opening Reception – Saturday March 5, 2011

April 2 – May 6
Michael Bowness
Opening Reception – Saturday April 2, 2011

Let’s Eat!
Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

It must be the weather!  In January I always I want to read about food.   Several books caught my eye over the holidays that I want to delve into now that there is time. The 5 Factor World Diet by Harley Pasternak, TP, $18.00 examines the diet of the world’s top 10 countries with the healthiest populations to determine what factors in their diet and lifestyle might contribute to this.  (He also lists the top 10 countries with most overweight populations.) Pasternak brings his background as a scientist, nutritionist and trainer as well as his multiculturalism and travel experiences to his study and to his recommended 5 factor diet plan.  It is quite a fascinating book and includes over 125 recipes.
Feasting and Fasting: Canada’s Heritage Celebrations by Dorothy Duncan, HC, $26.99 is a lovely book from Dundurn Press.  This is one to pick up, read a chapter say on “Sap’s Running!” or “Feasts of the Fur Traders” or “Feasting & Fasting” and have plenty of interesting trivia to toss out during the next lull in conversation.
Antonio Carluccio’s Italia, the recipes and customs of the regions, PB, $29.95 is a book for anyone planning a trip to Italy or who has been to Italy or simply loves Italian food.  Part travel book and part recipe book it is lavishly illustrated with sumptuous photos of food, the people and the landscapes of the different regions of Italy.  A companion book could be Why Italians Love To Talk About Food by Elena Kostioukovitch, PB, 20.95.  The author also divides the book by the regions of Italy and discusses the history and the specialty foods specific to each.  In terms of food and the language of food what differentiates  a Piedmontese from a Sicilian or a Venetian?  Read the book and you will find out!
A beautiful new book is The Ocean Wise Cookbook: seafood recipes that are good for the planet, PB, 34.95 edited by Jane Mundy.  The beginning chapter of the book discusses what to buy, from which countries, whether farmed or wild is best and also what types of fish to avoid and what to substitute.  There are many mouthwatering recipes contributed by some of Canada’s leading chefs.
Here is to healthy and informed eating in 2011!

For Kids Who Love Hockey….
(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

There is nothing more fun than a game of hockey played on a neighbour’s pond or outdoor ice rink. Playing or watching our national game is a very important part of growing up in Canada. Here are just a few suggestions for kids who love to play or watch hockey.
For the younger child (ages 3-6) we have some wonderful storybooks including Roch Carrier’s  Canadian classic, The Hockey Sweater (pb $10.00).  Gilles Tibo’s The Best Goalie Ever (pb $7.99) introduces us to Nicholas, an inexperienced and anxious goalie who is about to face his first game in net and  Where’s My Hockey Sweater? (pb $7.99) continues his story with a humorous reminder of the importance of neatness and looking after your possessions.  Another wonderful book for this winter season is Kevin Sylvester’s Splinters (hc 19.99)  a heartwarming fairytale about a poor young girl who is a great hockey player and has a dream to play hockey on a real team.  This is a fresh take on the classic Cinderella story which is sure to show the importance of hard work and determination to achieving your dreams.
For older children we have Thomas Keltie’s Inside Hockey!  The Legends, Facts and Feats that Made the Game (pb $12.95).This wonderful compendium of facts and trivia tells about the lives and careers of some of  hockey’s greatest heroes, with a close-up look at the science behind the sport and fascinating facts and true tales of some of the strangest moments in hockey history.  In Our Game:  The History of Hockey in Canada (pb, $12.99), author Dave Stubbs details the evolution of the sport over three centuries, along with essential information and stats.  Filled with trivia and amazing pictures, this book is a must-have for every Canadian hockey fan.  Two other great choices which are sure to satisfy the curiosity of the most serious hockey fans are Helene Becker’s  Hilarious History of Hockey (pb, $7.99) and Paul Romanuk’s  Hockey Superstars:  All-Time Greats (pb, $ 5.99).
There is no doubt about it.  Hockey is a large part of our lives and a great way for kids to have fun, stay active and learn about teamwork.  Reading about the game can be a satisfying pursuit as well!

Special Sale For the Month Of January

Please drop by the store and take advantage of a 40% reduction on Holiday merchandise, calendars and daytimers, during January.

What a great way to use your gift certificates!

Special Orders Are Our Specialty

Looking for a book that we don’t presently have in stock?

Books are ordered from a number of publishers, distributors and other sources every week, usually on Mondays. We are able to order any book currently in print and available and while we don’t regularly stock talking books or other specialized materials like large print, we can order those as well. Some books we receive the following day, some by the end of the week, and some take a little longer. We will advise you of the estimated time when you place the order and call you when the book arrives.    We’d like to help you find that book you are looking for…..

Looking Forward To 2011

• The theme for this year’s  February group art show is “Red is best!” Please call if you are an artist and would like to participate.
• We are preparing to order our new Spring selections and working on some exciting author events.

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

“A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen by morning light, at noon and by moonlight.”

~ Robertson Davies

DECEMBER BOOKMARKS

It’s a Wonderful Life!

In 1946, when Frank Capra directed It’s A Wonderful Life, his fable about Christmas in the the town of Bedford Falls, New York, he emphasized the importance of the small things that people do which form lifelong connections to community.  At Curiosity House, we recognize that fact.  We try very hard to stay connected with our community and we are committed to providing the best service that we can to our customers and friends.

This Christmas, we are working to make your shopping experience as simple as possible. Our gift registry allows customers to create a wish list for family members and provides a resource which will help you decide what would be the perfect gift for those you love.  There is nothing better than giving the gift of reading to those special people on your Christmas list.

Our Books For Everybody Gift Guide has suggestions for your holiday gift buying.  Please pick one up the next time you are in the store.  This valuable resource is a co-operative effort between publishers and independent booksellers, providing suggestions for gift giving which are suitable for every member of the family.  Don’t forget to take advantage of the $5.00 coupon inside your catalogue, as well!

More than once, we have been reminded that the village of Creemore bears some remarkable similarities to Capra’s idyllic Bedford Falls.  We hope that all who read this note recognize the importance of connecting with those you care about and cherishing the moment. This is the season when we have the the greatest gifts of all – the gifts of community, goodwill  and generosity. The directors and staff of Curiosity House would like to wish our community the best of the holiday season – happiness, good health and prosperity.

Catherine Randall & Miriam Vince
Rowland & Kate Fleming
Mary Vandewater & Family
Deirdre, Cheryl & Caitlin

What’s On in December

Friday Dec. 3, 5:00 to 9:00 pm    Art Stroll

Curiosity House Books & Gallery, Maplestone Gallery, Moyaboya and the Mad and Noisy Gallery present our new art exhibits for December with a special apres art menu at Chez Michel (reservations suggested.)  A wonderful way to start your Christmas shopping.

Saturday  Dec. 4, 2:00 to 4:00 pm     Artist’s Opening Reception

In The Gallery:

Featured Artist, Cynthia Marsh
Potter,  Suzanne Woods
Knitter and Weaver, Brigitte Huebner

Cynthia Marsh  has an impressionist approach to her art.  Working primarily in oils, Cynthia focuses on light, using a variety of subjects, including her wonderful garden, for her inspiration.  Suzanne Woods constructs wonderful pottery pieces, inspired by nature and fully functional for entertaining.  Brigitte Huebner creates fabulous fibre confections which are warm and wearable.  Come to our opening reception to find that special something for the people on your Christmas list.

Saturday Dec. 11, 10:30 to 11:15 am Monthly Story Hour

Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small craft activity with a Christmas theme.

Christmas Reading…

(Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

As far back as I can remember what I looked forward to most on Christmas day was curling up with a nectarine, maybe a chocolate or two (or more!) from the box with the pictures describing different kinds and one of my new books.  It hasn’t changed!  As it is with many families, giving books at Christmas is a tradition in our house.  In the store we have so many wonderful books to choose from at this time of year but I will limit myself to just a few suggestions.

Prize winning books are always a good choice and the winners of this Fall’s major awards are The Sentimentalists by Johanna Skibsrud, winner of the Giller Prize, available in paper in 2 different editions, $19.95 from D&M & $27.95 from Gaspereau Press, Cool Water by Dianne Warren, winner of the Governor General’s Award for Fiction, TP $19.99 and Room by Emma Donoghue, HC $29.99, winner of the Roger’s Writers Trust.  The Man Booker Prize winner for 2010 is The Finkler Question, TP, 18.50, by British author Howard Jacobson.  Winner of the GG’s Non-fiction prize this year, Lakeland: Journeys into the Soul of Canada, HC, $29.95 by Allan Casey, undertakes a voyage across Canada to discover who we are as Canadians and how our environment shapes us.  Of interest are also the books shortlisted for the awards and we have those in the store as well.

A discussion provoking gift would be the two volumes by Peter C. Newman, the white covered Heroes: Canadian Champions, Dark Horses and Icons and the black covered Mavericks: Canadian Rebels, Renegades and Anti-heroes.  Oliver Sacks in The Mind’s Eye, HC, $32.00, tells the stories of people who are manage to live fairly normal lives despite of having significant handicaps such as the inability to recognize peoples’ faces or to read or a sense of 3-dimensional space.  Sacks himself has several of the syndromes he describes.  It is quite fascinating, as his books always are.

There are many new books this year about music and musicians from, to name just a few, Duke Ellington, Keith Richards and Ian Tyson to a book devoted to the top 100 Canadian singles.  Who doesn’t love receiving a new cookbook?  We have many new and inspiring ones as well as several different 2011 wine guides.
There are so many beautiful books just waiting to be chosen as the perfect gift.  We even have a special section with books that have been autographed by the author.  Come and browse soon to ensure the best selection.

Happy shopping, gift giving and I hope you receive an interesting new book this season.

Great Christmas Choices for Kids

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

I love writing the book review for December.  At this time of the year, publishers have released their most imaginative and appealing books for children and young adults.  Here are just a few which might appeal to the young ones on your shopping list.

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Clement C. Moore’s classic verse, which has brightened the season ever since it was first published in 1823. A new version of this book includes a three track musical and narrative CD including an enchanting reading by Mary Travers along with a classic performance by Peter, Paul and Mary. With delightful illustrations by  acclaimed painter Eric Puybaret.  A must have for all parents with young children.  In Little Critter’s Night Before Christmas, Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter stars in another retelling of the classic holiday poem. Complete with a CD for kids to enjoy, this is a warm and witty book with lively illustrations which are sure to appeal to very young children.

For lovers of Jan Brett, the 10th anniversary edition of  The Wild Christmas Reindeer tells the delightful story of a young girl named Teeka who has the task of getting Santa’s reindeer ready to fly on Christmas Eve.  Wonderfully illustrated with Brett’s signature Ukranian folk art, this book will delight all ages.

For older kids, we have some excellent interactive books.    Star Wars: Millennium Falcon: 3-D Owner’s Guide gives kids the opportunity to explore the Millennium Falcon layer-by-layer.  With expert notes on the “special modifications” from the master of the Millennium Falcon himself, Han Solo, this fantastic multilayered board book is a must-have for any Star Wars fan.

Two great pop-up books have just been released.  Featuring more than 25 pop-ups, DC Super Heroes:  The Ultimate Pop-Up Book by Matthew Reinhart ($35.99)  celebrates the history, heroes, and villains of the DC Universe.  With eye-popping illustrations, this 3-D masterpiece is sure to please the super hero fans on your Christmas list.  In Frankenstein: a Pop-Up Book, Sam Ita, the genius of paper engineering and art, transforms Mary Shelley’s tragic masterpiece in a mix of graphic novel panels and fantastic three dimensional designs.

Looking for a wonderful gift book for kids or adults?  From W.W. Norton Company,  we have annotated versions of The Wizard of Oz and The Secret Garden, along with an Annotated Alice and an Annotated Classic Fairy Tales.  (Priced individually, from $37.00 to $50.00.)  With lush illustrations throughout each volume, and authoritative annotations, they provide entertaining and intimate experiences of these time-honoured classics.   These are fabulous books for those who love classic literature.

When it comes to finding gifts the young people on your list, give the gift of reading.  It is a gift that will last forever!

Think Independent ~ Read Independent ~ Buy Independent

WHY DO INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES MATTER?

“Independent bookstores are creating  communities – not just literary communities, but intellectual communities, a locus for independent thought.”

Michael V. Smith

“Long before Canadian writers became known internationally, the independent  booksellers were devoted to encouraging Canadian readers and Canadian writers, and committed to forging the bond between them.”

Jane Urquhart

“I revere and celebrate the independents because they are about literature, not merchandising, and hence stand in spiritual opposition to the times -much like the best of the books they carry.”

Steven Heighton

What’s Happening with the Book Club?

Wednesday December 1, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Our Book Club will meet on Wednesday, December 1 to discuss Ian Brown’s moving memoir, The Boy In the Moon.  Our Book Club Selection for January 2011 is Linden MacIntyre’s The Bishop’s Man.
What’s On in the Gallery January to April 2011

Jan. 7 –  Feb. 4, 2011

Steve McDonald
Opening Reception: Saturday Jan. 8, 2011

Feb. 4 – March 4

February Group Show “Red Is Best”
Opening Reception: Friday Febuary 4, 2011

March 5 – April 1

Graeme Hughson
Opening Reception: Saturday March 5, 2011

April 2 – May 6
Michael Bowness
Opening Reception: Saturday April 2, 2011

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.   We gather around the table to work on our latest projects, inspire, support and help one another. Please call us at 705-466-3400 or email us for more information.  We have a growing selection of books which are great selections for knitters of every skill level.

Christmas Hours 2010

For your shopping convenience, Curiosity House will be OPEN until 8:00 pm, every Friday until Christmas (except Christmas Eve).

Our hours for the Christmas season will be:

Thursday Dec. 23 10 am to 5 pm

Friday December 24 9 am to 5pm

Saturday Dec. 25 CLOSED

Sunday December 26 10 am to 5 pm

Monday December 27 10 am to 5 pm

Tuesday December 28 to Thursday December 30 10 am to 5 pm

Friday December 31 10 am to 4 pm

Saturday January 1 CLOSED

We will resume our regular hours on Sunday January 2, 2011  at 10:00 am

Drop by the store and take a look at the selection we have to offer. Can’t decide? We are happy to help you with suggestions and we also have a “gift registry” if you want to note the books you would like to receive from Santa this year!

Give a gift card and give the gift of choice…

Special Orders are Our Specialty

Looking for a book that we don’t presently have in stock?

Books are ordered from a number of publishers, distributors and other sources every week, usually on Mondays. We are able to order any book currently in print and available and while we don’t carry talking books and other specialized materials like large print, we can order those as well. Some books we can receive the following day, some by the end of the week, and some take a little longer. We will advise you of the estimated time when you place the order and call you when the book arrives.   Our special order business is tried and true and we’d like to help you find that book you are looking for.

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

God bless us, everyone!

~ Tiny Tim (A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens)

NOVEMBER BOOKMARKS

November winds begin to blow…

November is a time of change.  When the last warm days of Fall are replaced by colder winds and icy skies we say “Goodbye!” to indian summer and “Hello!” to the months when we become preoccupied with  finding ways to stay warm in body and spirit.
This month we will have the opportunity to attend the opening of a fascinating show by a talented mixed media artist and a presentation and book signing featuring a well known author.  We will also be eagerly anticipating the announcement of the winners of the Giller Prize, the Governor General’s Award and the Rogers Writers Trust Prize.  We will also be contemplating our shopping lists and wish lists for the upcoming holiday season.
November is a month which gives us time to slow down, catch our breath and experience some quiet time.  The snow hasn’t arrived, with skiing and snowshoeing to keep us active, so this month is one where we can sit back and enjoy the luxury of relaxation.  Happily, there are hours which can be spent challenging the mind with great reading in a warm spot by the fireplace.  Enjoy!

M Vince, Editor

What’s On in November?

Saturday Nov. 6, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Artist’s Opening Reception
Elizabeth Greisman - An Artist Abroad

Curiosity House is pleased to welcome Elizabeth Greisman to the gallery for November. Working primarily in oil paint on canvas, or mixed media on paper or fabric, Elizabeth’s work as a painter is influenced by her experiences as a dancer, landscape designer and educator.  Join us at our opening reception and take the opportunity to meet this fascinating and accomplished artist.

Saturday Nov. 13, 10:30 to 11:15 am
Monthly Story Hour

Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small activity.

Friday Nov. 19, 12:00 Noon to 1:30 pm
Author Presentation at Nottawasaga & Creemore Public School
Hugh Brewster

Hugh Brewster’s newly released offering in the new I am Canada series, Prisoner of Dieppe: Word War II, Alistair Morrison, Occupied France, 1942 is an historically accurate novel which details the experiences of a young Canadian soldier during one of the worst battles of the second World War.
Hugh Brewster’s award-winning non-fiction titles include three that explore Canada’s role at war: At Vimy Ridge, On Juno Beachand Dieppe.  Hugh will be leading a presentation and discussion of his new novel and will be available to sign copies of many of his titles.  This fascinating and informative event is open to the public.  We encourage you to join us.

Special Orders are Our Specialty

Looking for a book that we don’t presently have in stock?
Books are ordered from a number of publishers, distributors and other sources every week, usually on Mondays.  We are able to order any book currently in print and available and while we don’t regularly stock talking books or other specialized materials like large print, we can order those as well.  Some books we receive the following day, some by the end of the week, and some take a little longer.  We will advise you of the estimated time when you place the order and call you when the book arrives.    We’d like to help you find that book you are looking for…..

What’s Happening at the Book Club?

Wednesday November 3, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Our book club will be meeting on Wednesday November 3 to discuss
Cutting For Stone, by Abraham Verghese.

Curiosity House Book Club Selections Dec. 2010 – Jan. 2011

The Curiosity House Book Club selections for December and January are:

Wednesday, Dec. 1
The Boy In the Moon by Ian Brown
Non-fiction

Wednesday, Jan. 5
The Bishop’s Man by Linden MacIntyre
Fiction

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

As the winds of November begin to blow, our Knitting Group is knitting those warm scarves, mittens and sweaters to protect against the icy blasts of Winter! Our neddlework section continues to grow and we are happy to take recommendations for new titles.

Please call us at 705-466-3400 or email us for more information.

Time to Start Thinking About Shopping for the Holidays

We are stocking up to provide you with plenty of gift-giving choices for everybody on your shopping list. Soon we will be rolling out our Christmas Gift Registry file. Please pick  up a Books for Everybody  catalogue the next time you are in the store.  This excellent resource is a co-operative effort between publishers and independent booksellers, which features valuable gift-giving suggestions suitable for every member of the family.   Don’t forget to take advantage of the $5.00 coupon inside your catalogue, as well!

In the Gallery December 2010 to February 2010

Dec. 3 – Jan. 7

Featured Artist - Cynthia Marsh

Potter – Suzanne Woods

Knitter and Weaver - Bridget Huebner

Art Stroll Friday - December 3, 5 to 9 pm

Opening Reception -  Saturday Dec. 4, 2 to 4 pm

Jan. 7 –  Feb. 4, 2011

Steve MacDonald

Opening Reception - Saturday January 8, 2011

Feb. 4 – March 4, 2011

February Group Show – “Red Is Best”

Opening Reception - Friday Febuary 4, 2011

Comfort cooking…

(Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

It must be the approach of cool weather and long nights, but I always feel like spending time cooking comforting food in the fall.  Serendipitously, this season has seen the arrival of many wonderful cookbooks.  I’ll highlight just a few but we have lots of new and interesting ones on the shelves.

Amanda Hesser has just written The Essential New York Times Cookbook, HC, $45.00.   Hesser is a wonderful food writer and navigated the New York Times 150 year archive and tested 1400 recipes to compile this book.  At 932 pages it appears to have a recipe for anything and everything you might ever desire to try.  She introduces each recipe and adds cooking notes and serving suggestions to each recipe.  Really, it is a cook book to own if you could only have one.
Another large cookbook, but this one with lots of colour illustrations, is The Good Housekeeping Cookbook, HC, $42.00 by the editors of Good Housekeeping Magazine.  Lots of information such as time, calories and nutritional information accompany each recipe plus kitchen tips highlighted in yellow boxes throughout.
Keeping with the compilation cookbooks Canadian Living and Alison Kent have just released Canadian Living – The Vegetarian Collection, PB, $22.95.  The cover photo of toasted quesadillas oozing black beans and melted cheese is enough to grab anyone’s attention.  One recipe per page makes this an easy to use book and the full page colour illustrations also add to the visual delight.
We have new slow cooker books, a re-issue of the extremely popular For the Love of Soup book, a new book Seasons by Donna Hay and one we have all been waiting for, Barefoot Contessa – How Easy Is That? By Ina Garten.
Now that should be enough to tantalize your tastebuds!  I’ll meet you by the cookbooks!

New Books For Middle Grade Readers

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

This fall heralds the arrival of some great new books for middle grade or tween  readers (ages 7 to 10 years).  Here are a few which deserve attention:
Perhaps the most highly anticipated book for this season is the next instalment in the Wimpy Kid series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid:  The Ugly Truth.  Due for release on November 9th,  this hilarious book details the continuing saga of unlikely hero Greg Heffley, as he faces the social pressures and responsibilities of growing older, including a changing body and the ever-intimidating prospect of boy-girl parties.  This is sure to be an instant hit.
For 39 Clues enthusiasts,The 39 Clues: The Black Book of Buried Secrets  reveals the shocking truth about history’s most notorious family. With an introduction by Rick Riordan, this book discloses each hidden fact, concealed strategy, top agent, lost founder, secret base and hushed-up scandal of the Clue hunt. A comprehensive guide to the Cahills contains information on all five branches, and the complete story of the fire that split the original Cahill family The Black Book of Buried Secrets is guaranteed to provide complete access to the Cahill’s most deeply-buried secrets.
The Babysitters Club is back!   In 2010, Scholastic Books has released the original  Babysitter’s Club series with a new format and some updated content.  Kristy and her friends all love taking care of kids, so starting a club is clearly a fantastic idea! They’ll have fun and make money—as well as having some crazy adventures.  This fall, Mary-Anne Saves the Day (Book 4) and Dawn and the Impossible Three (Book 5) will be released to entertain a whole new generation.
Finally, in Geronimo Stilton Special Edition:  Thea Stilton and the Mystery in Paris, Geronimo’s plucky little sister is back, narrating a fabulous adventure that’s packed with action, mystery, and friendship!  The Thea Sisters are off to Paris to visit Colette’s fashion-designer friend Julie. Julie’s designs are suddenly stolen and the girls are on a mission to save the fashion show by scouring the streets of Paris to catch the thief and save the fashion show.   With fun clues and full colour these books make solving a mystery extremely entertaining! Fall is a great time for kids to enjoy a good read in a comfy chair.  These are just a few of the great choices to captivate young imaginations.  Don’t be surprised to find many of these titles on your young person’s Christmas wish list, as well.

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

“For me, a local bookstore is like a neighbourhood`s anchor.  Without one, all you`ve got is a bunch of houses and shops, cut adrift.“

Nino Ricci

OCTOBER BOOKMARKS

Share the Bounty…..

October is a month when we are reminded of the wealth which surrounds us.  At Curiosity House, this October finds us rich with opportunities to share our bounty with our friends.  Our new books for the Fall season are arriving daily and we are just entering the time when literary awards are being announced.  We are also looking forward to two wonderful author events – one which celebrates an important movement in the world of art and one which pays tribute to the beverage which is the unofficial drink of our country.  We are also pleased to welcome our Emerging Artist for 2010 to the gallery.
This October let us harvest what has grown and matured over the summer months and recognize just how fortunate we are.  Our country is peaceful and prosperous. We have the good fortune to live in a society which recognizes the importance of personal freedom and  places high value on a flourishing arts and culture scene.   Let us share our bounty…

M Vince, Editor

What’s On in October?

Saturday Oct. 2, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Artist’s Opening Reception
Darla Anderson

Curiosity House Books & Gallery is pleased to announce that local artist Darla Anderson will be featured as the gallery’s Emerging Artist for 2010.  The annual Emerging Artist exhibit presents the work of an artist who has not previously had a solo show.   With twelve years of experience as a professional painter and interior decorator, Darla has translated the expertise she developed working on very large surfaces, to her work on canvas.  Her love of nature and the beauty which surrounds her is effectively conveyed in her paintings and she approaches her art with the same style and appreciation of colour, that she brings to her professional endeavours.  Join us at our opening reception and take the opportunity to meet this talented artist.

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Saturday Oct. 9, 10:30 to 11:15 am
Children`s Story Hour

Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of reading and complete a small activity.

Saturday Oct. 9, 10 am to Noon & 2 to 4 pm
Author Signing and Talk
Iris Nowell

In 1953, at a time when collectors were exclusively focussed on purchasing Canadian and European landscapes, eleven Toronto Abstract Expressionist artists united to bring the world of contemporary art to the attention of the Canadian cultural scene, through a series of group shows which were destined to break through the barricades of traditional art.  Jack Bush, Harold Town and William Ronald are just three of the Painters Eleven who became icons of Canadian contemporary art. Avidly sought after by public, private and corporate art collectors, their dynamic works are held in Canada’s major public art galleries and in prestigious international galleries.  Author Iris Nowell has relied upon her extensive personal knowledge of the Canadian contemporary art scene and her talent for incisive biography to write her latest book, Painters Eleven: The Wild Ones of Canadian Art.  Iris Nowell will be our featured guest at an author signing from 10 am to noon and from 2 to 4 pm.  Please take the opportunity to attend this important event and meet this captivating author.

Saturday Oct. 16, 10 am to noon and 2 to 4 pm
Author Signing at Creemore Springs Brewery
Ian Coutts

In his engaging new book, Brew North, author Ian Coutts tells the story of our national beverage, from the early days of our country through Prohibition and right up to the rise of the microbrewery.  What more fitting place for this author to spend some time, than in the birthplace of Ontario`s favourite beer—Creemore Springs Premium Lager.  Ian Coutts will be the featured guest at an  author signing which will be held at Creemore Springs Brewery from 10 am to noon and 2 to 4 pm.  We hope you will join us.

Independents Matter!

October 16, 2010 is Independents Day In Canada
What is Independents Matter?

Created by the Canadian Booksellers Association, the aim of this national grassroots campaign is to focus on communities and

encourage booksellers to celebrate their independence by promoting the benefits of shopping locally at independently

owned and operated stores.

What is Independents’ Day?

On October 16, 2010 independent booksellers all across the country will celebrate

CBA Independents’ Day - a day designed to promote the importance of locally owned businesses to lively communities.  As Canadian author
Donna Morrissey aptly said,

“Independent booksellers have a relationship with their customers based on trust and respect.  This work is personal, as personal as writing is to an author.”

Join us on October 16 and receive a free bookbag for  purchases over $50.00.

What’s Happening at the Book Club?

Wednesday October 13, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Our book club will be meeting on Wednesday Oct. 13, to discuss
Silence of the Songbirds by Bridget Stutchbury. Our Special Guest at this discussion will be local resident and birding enthusiast  Barbara Mann. All are welcome – please join us.

Curiosity House Book Club Selections Oct. 2010 – Jan. 2011

The Curiosity House Book Club selections for November through January are:

Wednesday, Nov. 3
Cutting For Stone
Abraham Verghese
Fiction

Wednesday, Dec. 1
The Boy In the Moon
Ian Brown
Non-fiction

Wednesday, Jan. 5
The Bishop’s Man
Linden MacIntyre
Fiction

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

With the warm weather waning members of our Knitting Group are sharing a renewed passion for their craft.  New projects have been started and we are constantly providing new sources of inspiration in our needlework section.    Please call us at

705-466-3400 or email us for more information.

New David Suzuki Book Club Selection

The most recent selection for the David Suzuki Foundation Book Club is David Suzuki’s

The Legacy: An Elder’s Vision for Our Sustainable Future

As his foundation’s website states,  ”If he had to sum up in one last lecture all that he learned over his lifetime, what would David Suzuki say? The Legacy is an expanded version of the lecture he delivered in 2009 which forms the core of the 2010 film entitled Force of Nature. Suzuki tells the fascinating story of how we as a species arrived where we are today and presents his inspiring vision for the future.”

For more information about this fascinating book and  to learn more about the David Suzuki Foundation Book Club follow this link:

http://bookclub.davidsuzuki.org/home

In the Gallery November 2010 to February 2010

Nov. 5 – Dec. 2

Elizabeth Greisman

Opening Reception – Saturday Nov.6

Dec. 3 – Jan. 7

Featured Artist Cynthia Marsh  And Our Annual Christmas Group Show
Opening Reception – Saturday Dec. 4

Jan. 7 – Feb. 4

Steve MacDonald
Opening Reception – Saturday January 8

Nature…

(Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

I was fortunate to hear a lecture recently on bees by Laurence Packer, Professor of Biology at York University.  In his book “Keeping The Bees” HC, $29.99, Packer speaks not about bee-keeping, but about the very important reasons for keeping the amazing number of bee species that exist in the world to-day.  It is astonishing to learn, among other things, that there are 200 different kinds of bees in Toronto, that many bees do not live in hives or make quantities of honey and that many are stingless.  Bee populations are in decline and we need to encourage bees rather than try to destroy them as bees are needed to pollinate many flowers, fruits and vegetables.   This is a very interesting book, and one that will have you out looking at the garden in a very different way.
I am currently reading last year’s GG Finalist “Silence of the Songbirds”, PB,$19.95, by Bridget Stutchbury and finding it an equally fascinating book.  Migratory songbirds are also in decline and very important to our eco-system as they are pollinators and also disperse seeds as well as the obvious added benefit of providing us with delightful songs and an amazing variety of shapes, sizes and colours.  Stutchbury writes in an engaging, conversational style and accompanies the text with fascinating photos, maps and charts.  The life of a migratory songbird is indeed a wonder and it is increasingly endangered not just by deforestation here but also along its route and winter feeding ground.  Coffee plantations producing shade-grown coffee can help a great deal to preserve the habitats the birds need so at least we can make a difference by drinking only shade-grown coffee…which many blends of Creemore coffee are.  Stutchbury’s latest book is “The Bird Detective: Investigating the Secret Lives of Birds”, HC, 32.99.
What a drab place our world would be without birds and bees but the encouraging thing is we can do our bit, however small, to help preserve these creatures.
Just out, and on my list to read, is “The Tiger”, HC, $34.95, by John Vaillant, who won the GG Award for Non-fiction last year for his book  “The Golden Spruce”, PB, $21.00.  This is his story of the hunt for a man-eating tiger outside a remote village in Russia’s Far East.  Not only a gripping adventure story but also an examination of the Siberian tiger and its endangered status, the story is sure to be exciting and informative.  Happy reading!

Enchanting New Picture Books

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

I had originally intended to devote this review to a discussion of new books for young children and ‘tweens.  However, I changed my mind after receiving some fantastic new kids’ picture books over the past couple of weeks. Here are a few examples of books that have caught my attention and have really impressed our customers.
Written and illustrated by Claudia Rueda, NO introduces a character with whom children everywhere will be able to identify.  It’s wintertime and little bear doesn’t want to hibernate.  In spite of his mother’s warnings, he sets off on an adventure which becomes a bit frightening when he finds himself lost in a snowstorm.  This wonderfully illustrated book has a great message for children about determination, love and listening to the people who love you.
Mimi loves to Mimic and Mimi Says No by Yih-Fen Chou with illustrations by Chih-Yuan Chen are two great selections which feature children in simple humorous situations which deal with the process of growing up.  Mimi Loves to Mimic explores a young girl’s love for imitating the adults in her life. Her mimicry is often exaggerated, which can have funny and chaotic results. Mimi Says No, explores her growing self awareness as Mimi boldly expresses her desire to dress herself, pour her own milk, walk by herself, and climb the stairs by herself. With charming illustrations, these lively stories encourage children to explore their surroundings and enjoy growing up.  Other new books worth noting this Fall are Nancy Tillman’s wonderful look at the bond between parent and child, Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You, Sally Mavor’s wonderfully illustrated  Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes and Bonnie Becker’s delightfully funny, A Bedtime for Bear.
Perhaps my favourite book of all this season, is Lane Smith’s tongue-in-cheek picture book about reading in the digital age, It’s a Book.  A manifesto in support of print media in the era of e-readers and i-pads, this playful and irreverent picture book promotes literacy and pokes fun at people who are forever glued to their computer screens.  I highly recommend this book as a gift for all children who need to know the importance of books to their lives and to every skeptic who doubts the value of book culture in the 21st century.  I will definitely give a copy of this book to my children and grandchildren.  These are just a few of the wonderful picture books we have ordered this Fall. Next month, I will talk about the great books which have been released for middle grade readers.

SEPTEMBER BOOKMARKS

Fall Brings New Excitement To Curiosity House…..

There is something special about this time of the year.  Maybe it is the changing colours around us.  Perhaps the beginning of the school year stirs up an excitement for new experiences and discoveries.   This is an exciting time for the book industry. New selections for the Fall and Winter season are being released every week and nominations are being made for the long and short lists of most major literary prizes.  Look for new offerings from Jane Urquhart, Salman Rushdie, Terry Fallis and Alexander McCall Smith for adults along with great new titles from Suzanne Collins, Dav Pilkey, Hugh Brewster and Robert Munsch for kids and young adults.
We  have two exciting author events scheduled for September.   Venture capitalist and author, Andrew Heintzman will be joining us for a literary lunch at Chez Michel, where he will discuss his recent book and its connection to two well-known local agricultural entrepreneurs.  Author Cathy Buchanan will be dropping by for an author signing and  book discussion in anticipation of the Georgian Bay Reads event which will take place in late October.

On the arts scene, September also brings the the Purple Hills Studio Tour and Curiosity House is pleased to be a sponsor and a participating gallery in this exciting annual event.   More than 40 resident and guest artists,  representing a wide variety of disciplines, will be showcasing their best work.   We will also be participating in our third Gallery Crawl event with our partners from other local galleries.  We’re really looking forward to September at Curiosity House.  Please join us as we celebrate the excitement.

M Vince, Editor

What’s On in September?

Friday Sept. 3, 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Friday Night Gallery Crawl
Creemore Inspired

Back by popular demand!  Curiosity House Books & Gallery, Maplestone Gallery, Moyaboya and the Mad and Noisy Gallery present our new art exhibits for September with a special apres art menu at Chez Michel (reservations suggested.)  Our past Gallery Crawl events have been great  successes.  We are sure that this September’s event will be outstanding.

Saturday Sept. 4, 10:00 am to Noon
Special Story Hour
Winnie the Pooh at the
Creemore Farmers’ Market

Who’s the bear most loved by both adults and children?  The answer to that is simple.  It’s   Winnie the Pooh!
As part of the annual Children’s Farmers’ Market, kids and adults alike are welcome to join Miriam at the Station on the Green for some stories, a craft and a chance to meet Winnie the Pooh in person.  It’s sure to be a wonderful time.

Saturday Sept. 4, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Artist’s Opening Reception
Kate Esplen

Curiosity House is pleased to announce the return of Kate Esplen to the gallery for September.   Join us at our opening reception and take the opportunity to meet this talented artist

Sunday Sept. 12, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Author Signing and Talk
Cathy Buchanan

Cathy Buchanan is one of the new faces on the Canadian fiction scene.  Her stories have appeared in many of Canada’s most respected literary journals.  Her debut novel, The Day the Falls Stood Still, is Creemore Echo publisher Sara Hershoff’s selection to defend for the Clearview Public Library, at this year’s Georgian Bay Reads  event in late October.  Please join Cathy  on Sunday Sept. 12 for an informal discussion and author signing.

Sunday Sept. 19, 12:00 noon
Author Lunch at Chez Michel
Andrew Heintzman

In The New Entrepreneurs, author and venture capitalist Andrew Heintzman introduces us to the innovative business leaders who are at the forefront of the green economy in forestry, water and energy, transportation and agriculture. He profiles extraordinary individuals who are ahead of the curve in development of  cutting-edge, clean-tech products and innovations for export to a rapidly expanding global market.   One chapter of note profiles local resident and entrepreneur, Brent Preston and his wife Gillian Flies, whose highly successful agricultural enterprise, The New Farm, is located  in Maple Valley.
Andrew Heintzman will be the featured guest at an  author lunch which will be held at Chez Michel at 12:00 noon.  Tickets  are available at Curiosity House and are $35.00 per person (taxes and gratuities included).  Reservations are necessary, as space is limited. This is sure to be a fascinating and informative event. We hope you will join us.

New Steig Larssen Biography to Be Released this Fall

Have you finished reading all three books in the Millennium trilogy?  Are you curious about the author who brought The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to life?

In September, Penguin books will be releasing a biography  The Man Behind the Girl: The Life and Untimely Death of Stieg Larsson.  Written by Kurdo Baksi, a friend and colleague of the Danish writer, this book details Larsson’s career as a journalist and crusader in the battle against racism and for democracy in Sweden.  With  fascinating details about his personal background, his vices and his strong personal convictions,  Baksi answers the questions a multitude of Larsson’s fans have already asked, and gives some clues about who provided the inspiration for his now-immortal characters.  This book is due to be released October 5, 2010.  Pre-order your copy today!

More New Fall Reads…..

(Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

There are so many good books arriving in the store it is a challenge to keep up but I’ll share a few of the good ones I have read.  The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog and of his friend Marilyn Munroe is a novel by Booker finalist Andrew O’Hagan.  Maf, short for Mafia Honey, was given to Marilyn  Munroe by Frank Sinatra who bought him from Natalie Wood’s mother who brought dogs from England to Hollywood to sell.  That part is true.  The story is told entirely by Maf who is very smart, can tell what humans are thinking and can hear what birds, butterflies, bees and bugs are saying.  This is a very funny book, very well written, and takes one back to the early 60s when America was in the middle of the Camelot years – prosperity, fame, booze and drugs all from the view point of Maf.
Room was a compelling if at times disturbing read.  Emma Donoghue’s latest novel has already been nominated for the Man Booker this year and is generating a lot of buzz.  A 26 year old woman, kidnapped when she was 19,  and her 5 year old son, Jack, have been locked in an 11 x 11 foot room with only a skylight as a connection to the outside, and the visits at night of Old Nick.  Jack tells us his story of nights spent sleeping in the wardrobe and his days watching TV, reading and playing games with Ma.  They eventually get “outside” but Jack has no understanding of outside except what Ma has tried to tell him once he turned 5.  We struggle with Jack as he adapts to life outside, bombarded with sensory overload, sun, stairs, showers, cars and all other parts of life we don’t even think of.  Ultimately, this is a story of the love between a mother and son.
The Death of Donna Whalen is a just released novel by Michael Winter and he is calling it “documentary fiction” because he has used a true crime incident in St John’s 17 years ago as his plot, changed the names and blended several of the characters and used only the words of the witnesses from the actual criminal trial to create his novel.  It is fiction but something that happened to real people.  Winter likens his writing in this book to an updated version of Truman Capote’s method.   I haven’t finished the book yet but it is an interesting read so far as you begin to piece together the different characters and possible motives, all the while knowing that this actually happened.
We have lots to suggest regarding the new releases and some of the bestsellers of last season are now coming in paperback.  Come in for a visit soon.

Great Young Adult Selections For Fall
(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

I have been meeting with our publisher representatives over the past month, discussing new Fall titles for children and young adults and I am very impressed with what I have seen.  New offerings for young adults include Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins’ final book in the popular Hunger Games trilogy, and the tenth and final installment in the 39 Clues series Into the Gauntlet by Margaret Peterson Haddix.
Shane Peacock continues his extremely popular Boy Sherlock Holmes mystery series with Vanishing Girl and Kathy Reichs makes her debut as a writer for young adults with Virals, a suspenseful mystery novel featuring Tory Brennan, niece of the fictional forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of Bones television and adult novel fame).  Watch for this to become a popular series for young adults.
Silver Birch Award winner Robert Paul Weston has a new novel coming out this Fall, which is a chilling departure from the whimsical verse of his award winning Zorgamazoo.  Dust City is a young adult urban fantasy fairy tale set in a bleak town of the same name – a rundown gritty metropolis where the quest for fairydust controls the lives of all who live there.  The advance reviews have been glowing for this title and I’m anxious to read the publisher’s galley while I am away on vacation.
I am really looking forward to chatting with our young adult customers this Fall.  I believe we are going to have lots of great suggestions for their reading enjoyment.   In our October newsletter we will take a look at new offerings for children and middle grade readers.

What’s Happening at the Book Club?

Wednesday
September 8,
2:00 to 3:00 pm

Our book club will be meeting on Wednesday Sept. 8, to discuss The Reluctant Fundamentalist.  This fascinating novel, from author Mohsin Hamid, is sure to spark some lively discussion at our monthly meeting.

Curiosity House Book Club Selections Oct. 2010 – Jan. 2011

The Curiosity House Book Club has finalized its list of the books we will be reading from October to January. Our selections are:

Wednesday, Oct. 13
Silence of the Songbirds
Bridget Stutchbury
Non-fiction

Wednesday, Nov. 3
Cutting For Stone,
Abraham Verghese
Fiction

Wednesday, Dec. 1
The Boy In the Moon
Ian Brown
Non-fiction

Wednesday, Jan. 5
The Bishop’s Man
Linden MacIntyre
Fiction

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Our Knitting Group will be shifting into high gear as they start knitting those warm scarves, mittens and sweaters for Fall and Winter! Our ever-expanding needlework section has great ideas and tips for knitters of every skill level.  If you are looking for a particular needlework book that we don’t have in stock, we are happy to order it for you.

Please call us at 705-466-3400 or email us for more information.

New David Suzuki Book Club Selection

The most recent selection for the David Suzuki Foundation Book Club is Laurence Packer’s, Keeping The Bees:  Why All Bees Are At Risk and What We Can Do To Save Them.  For more information about this fascinating book and  to learn more about the David Suzuki Foundation Book Club follow this link:
http://bookclub.davidsuzuki.org/home

Purple Hills Studio Tour

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday September 25 and Sunday September 26

Over its 20-year history the Studio Tour has become a popular fall event for area residents and visitors. Timed to coincide with the spectacular fall colour display, the tour offers scenic drives along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment,along with the opportunity to visit local artists at work in their own studios.  Kate Esplen
is the featured artist at Curiosity House for this year’s Studio Tour.  She will be at Curiosity House on Saturday and Sunday to meet with visitors and discuss her body of work.

In the Gallery – October to December 2010

Oct. 2 – Nov. 4

Darla Anderson

Opening Reception
Saturday Oct. 2

Nov. 5 – Dec. 2

Elizabeth Greisman

Opening Reception
Saturday Nov.6

Dec. 3 – Jan. 7

Featured Artist Cynthia Marsh and Our Annual Christmas Group Show
Opening Reception
Saturday Dec. 4

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face.  It is one of the few havens remaining where a man’s mind can get both provocation and privacy.

~Edward P. Morgan,
Newspaper Columnist and Television Commentator

AUGUST BOOKMARKS

We’re going to soak up the sun…..

August is truly the

hottest month of the summer and this August will be no exception  at

Curiosity House.     We are pleased to celebrate the return of a

notable artist and we have the opportunity to welcome a well known author and

newspaper columnist for a special event at the Creemore Farmers’ market.

We will also be participating in our second Gallery Crawl event with our

partners from other local galleries.

Most important, August is the month when we

have the opportunity to take a peek at the new titles which will be released

this fall.  We have books to take you away to fascinating new places.

Whether it is a new trail guide, a fascinating biography or a

heart-stopping mystery, spend some time in that wonderful sun and lose yourself

in a book for a few hours.  You won’t regret your decision….

M Vince, Editor

What’s On in August

Friday August 6, 6:00 to 9:00 pm

Friday Night Gallery Crawl

Creemore Inspired

Curiosity House Books & Gallery, Maplestone Gallery,

Moyaboya and the Mad and Noisy Gallery present our new art exhibits for August

with a special apres art menu at Chez Michel (reservations suggested.)  A

wonderful way to spend a Friday evening.

Saturday  July 31, 2:00 to 4:00

pm

Artist’s Opening Reception

Johane Landry

Curiosity House is pleased to announce the return of

Johane Landry to the gallery for August.  Johane is a native of Ste-Omer,

on Quebec’s Gaspe

Peninsula, where she occupies herself with her greatest passions –

family and art. Within the past year Johane was honored with an

opportunity to display one of her canvasses in the Paris’

world renowned Louvre

Museum, as part of a

delegation of 27 Quebecois artists.   With energizing colours and her

unique style, she interprets the Gaspe’s

pastoral themes, revealing a passionate love of the land.  Join us at our

opening reception and take the opportunity to meet this talented artist.

Saturday August 7,

10:00 am to Noon  Creemore Farmers’ Market

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm  Curiosity House

Author Signing – Sonia Day

Sonia Day is a Toronto Star gardening columnist, an artist

and the author of six books.  Her laugh-out-loud memoir, Middle Aged

Spread, tells the story of her move from the comfortable world of the city

dweller to the unexpected realities of the country life.  Incredible

Edibles is her most recent book, a lavishly illustrated guide to how to start

and maintain an organic edible garden.

Please join Sonia at the Creemore Farmers’ Market where she

will be chatting with fans and signing copies of  both of

these popular books.

Saturday August 14, 10:30 to 11:15 am

Monthly Story Hour

Miriam will be leading our monthly Story Hour

from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Children from 18 months to 6 years of age

will have the opportunity to listen to captivating stories, share the love of

reading and complete a small activity.

What’s Happening  at the Book Club?

Wednesday August 4, 2:00 to 3:00 pm

What have you been reading recently and why would you

recommend it?

In August, we will be holding a roundtable discussion where

we talk about our favourite reads.  Participants will make recommendations

to each other and will tell why they have chosen one book as their favourite.

Curiosity House  Book Club Selections Sept. 2010 – Jan.

2011

We have just chosen the books we will be reading from

September to January  for the  Curiosity House Book Club.  Our

selections are:

Wednesday Sept. 8

The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Mohsin Hamid

Fiction

Wednesday, Oct. 13

Silence of the Songbirds

Bridget Stutchbury

Non-fiction

Wednesday, Nov. 3

Cutting For Stone,

Abraham Verghese

Fiction

Wednesday, Dec. 1

The Boy In the Moon

Ian Brown

Non-fiction

Wednesday, Jan. 6

The Bishop’s Man

Linden MacIntyre

Fiction

Curiosity House Knitting Group

Our Knitting Group meets every Wednesday from

2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Our Knitting Group will continue to work on

projects and share good company  throughout August, every Wednesday,

from 2 to 4 pm.   Check out our growing selection of knitting and

needlework books.  It’s time to start thinking about starting projects for

the winter.

Please call us at 705-466-3400 or email us for more information.

Upcoming Events

Saturday Sept. 4, 10 am to Noon

Winnie the Pooh At the Children’s Market

Creemore Farmers’ Market

Sunday Sept. 12

Author Signing

Cathy Buchanan

The Day the Falls Stood Still

Sunday Sept. 19

12:00 Noon

Author Brunch

Andrew Heintzman

The New Entrepreneurs

In the Gallery

September to December 2010

Sept. 4 – Oct. 1

Kate Esplen

Opening Reception

Saturday Sept. 4

Oct. 2 – Nov. 4

Darla Anderson

Opening Reception

Saturday Oct. 2

Nov. 5 – Dec. 2

Elizabeth Greisman

Opening Reception

Saturday Nov.6

Dec. 3 – Jan. 7

Our Annual Christmas Group Show

Opening Reception

Saturday Dec. 4

Looking Forward to Fall

(Reviewed by Catherine Randall)

I just met with our Random House rep,

Mike Rose, to go over the new fall catalogues and thought I would share with

you some of this year’s highlights.  Jane Urquhart has a new novel,

Sanctuary Line, set on a farm on the shores of Lake Erie.

The story weaves elements from the 19th century in Ireland and Ontario into a current story of events in

the lives of members of one family.  Terry Fallis has a

follow-up to his immensely popular, award winning Best Laid Plans.

The High Road, a deeply funny political satire, continues the story of Honest

Angus McLintock, an amateur politician who dares to tell the

truth.  There is a new memoir by Farley Mowat, a definitive biography

of Mordecai Richler by Charles Foran and a book looking at whether democracy is

the best political system, Exporting Democracy, by Bob Rae.  In the store

now and just nominated for the Man Booker 2011, is a new novel by David

Mitchell, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet.  I am 20 pages into the

book and already enthralled by the story unfolding on this tiny island of Dutch

merchants off Nagasaki, Japan in 1799.  Alexander

McCall Smith, Salman Rushdie, Oliver Sacks and many, many more new books by

authors known and unknown are arriving in the store every week.

From Penguin this September a book that is sure to be hot,

hot, hot!  The Man Behind The

Girl by Kurdo Baksi is a candid and well-rounded memoir of Steig Larsson,

the author of the three mystery novels (The Millenium Trilogy) that

have been at the top of the best-seller lists for

months.  Baksi had an intense friendship and a working

relationship with Larsson and in this book he attempts to answer many questions

about Larsson’s life, both personal and professional. Who provided the

inspiration for his characters?  Who was Lisbeth Salander?

Coming in September!!

Help Kids Prepare For School With Cool Learning Tools

(Reviewed by Miriam Vince)

In just over a

month the kids will be going back to school.  Summer holidays are an

enjoyable and necessary opportunity for kids to relax with family and friends,

while pursuing a less structured routine and escaping the rigors of school. The

only downside to this wonderfully free vacation time is the phenomenon known as

summer brain drain.  Children can lose skills and knowledge over the

summer months when they are not actively engaged in the learning process.

Many parents are also aware that as the summer progresses, “I’m

bored!” is frequently the most familiar refrain on a hot August day.

One solution to these two problems is  Brain

Quest workbooks (Workman Press, $16.50 ea). There are six titles in this

series, for pre-kindergarten through grade 4 and each of these colourful

interactive workbooks is jam-packed with hundreds of curriculum based

activities, with a special emphasis on the core competencies of math and

language skills. With mazes, paint by letters and sorting games, these books

deal with the basics of phonics, shapes and colors, money and telling time as

part of their special emphasis on the core competencies of math and language

skills.  Most important, there are tips for parents to help them to assist

their children in the learning process.

Two fresh and original activity books provide a subtle way

to encourage kids to stay sharp while having fun. Alphabeasties Amazing

Activities (Sharon Werner, Sarah Forss, $17.99) will engage kids with word

searches, mazes, and rebus puzzles which sharpen their reading and writing

skills while they can tap into their creativity as they colour, draw and use

the stickers to create their own masterpieces.  The Giant Play and

Learn (Pascale Estellon, $23.95)  is a book with chapters designed to

teach without kids even realizing it.  With drawing and doodling, reading

and writing and activities related to letters and numbers, this book will

provide hours of educational entertainment for 4 to 8 year olds.

Take time to help your child stay involved in the learning

process this summer.  It will make their transition back into the new

school year much easier and it will help avoid late summer boredom.

Quips, Quotes & Trivia

Every reader finds himself.

The writer’s work is merely a kind of optical instrument that makes it possible

for the reader to discern what, without this book, he would perhaps never have

seen in himself.

Marcel Proust