1. Hello, September! We’re welcoming this new month with the lush beauty of Linnea Tobias’s art. Based in Spokane, Washington, Linnea enjoys painting modern interpretations of nature.

She’s inspired by daily walks in her neighborhood — the trees, birds, plants, light and color she observes later emerge in her work.

 I am influenced by textile design, the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, fairy tales, optical illusions, and the changing of the seasons. I use different mediums depending on the effect I want to achieve. Lately I choose between watercolor, encaustic or acrylic paint, combining collage and texture with abstract forms and patterns.

Each painting or print has multiple layers of color to heighten contrasts and create an inner glow.

Linnea earned a BA in fine art from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA; studied painting, art history and printmaking at The Aegean Center for the Fine Arts in Paros, Greece; and graphic design and ceramics at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA.

Visit Linnea’s Official Website for more. Prints and cards may be purchased via her Etsy Shop. Follow her Facebook Page or Instagram for the latest updates.

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2. New Poetry Picture Book Alert: Buffy Silverman’s Starlight Symphony (Millbrook Press, 2024) is officially out today!

Eee-oh-lay! Chirp-a-chirp! Rat-a-tat!

Nature is full of music. Listen in as a wood thrush, a cricket, a woodpecker, and many other animals perform a symphony under the stars. Rhyming verse and eye-catching photos will draw in animal lovers and music lovers alike!

This is a great fit for educators looking for STEAM content, bringing together animal behavior, figurative language as animals are compared to musicians, and lots of onomatopoeia. Back matter includes more about each of the featured animals and each of the featured instruments.

I was lucky enough to see a PDF of this delightful book and really enjoyed it. Buffy actually had me at the title since I love music in all forms. I always learn something new in her books and this was no exception. She’s brilliant at blending poetry + science for fun, educational reads.

The book has already received **starred reviews** from Booklist and Kirkus, who said, “Whether a bedtime story for the very young or a nature text for early elementary schoolers, this title has broad appeal and utility. Perfectly pitched for its audience.”

Congratulations, Buffy!

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3. What am I thinking about? The “Don’t Think Too Much” watch designed by Maira Kalman! Yes, it’s always the right time to fangirl over Maira and to see what she’s been up to.

This Special Edition M&Co. 33mm wristwatch encourages the wearer to find a respite, a moment of simple joy in this overly anxious world. The hat-wearing dog’s head spins with the hours while the skinny black hand marks the minutes. A clever combination of wit and whimsy with good design. Made of stainless steel with a leather band (either in black or brown).

Available via Maira’s website shop or the MoMa Design Store. Doesn’t the dog look like the famous Max from her children’s books? Tick tick tick . . .

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4. Another New Picture Book Alert!! Coming out September 28 is Bound to Dream: An Immigrant Story by Charles Ghigna and Anna Forlati (Schiffer Kids, 2024):

A heartwarming picture book about Carlo, a young Italian immigrant in 1800s New York City, that celebrates books and family as it instills the values of heritage, perseverance, and the love of learning. 

Transcending borders and generations, Bound to Dream: An Immigrant Story follows Carlo as he leaves his home in Italy and travels far away to New York City to create a new life. Carlo finds a job as a bookbinder and learns the skills of the trade, cultivating a love of books, words, and stories that he passes to future generations. 

Featuring stunning, atmospheric illustrations depicting Carlo’s immigrant journey, this picture book is based on the experiences of the author’s great-grandfather. The uplifting true story inspires children ages four to eight to learn about their family history and how it shapes and lives on in them today.

Oh, this sounds so interesting — and I love the art. So cool that Ghigna’s great-grandfather was a bookbinder. What a beautiful legacy for Carlo to pass on to his family. Safe to say, Carlo is probably smiling down on his great-grandson, so proud of the hundreds of books he’s published! Can’t wait to read this one.

Congratulations, Charles and Anna!

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5. Heads Up, Little House Fans: You probably know that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the beloved “Little House on the Prairie” TV series, which ran from 1974-1982. There have been dozens of celebratory events across the country, including the big 3-day cast reunion and festival held back in March with 18,000 in attendance. This took place at a park in Simi Valley, California, not far from Big Sky Ranch where much of the series was filmed.

I only recently learned that in 2022, Melissa Gilbert launched a lifestyle website with business partner Nicole Haase called Modern Prairie, geared for women over 50. Have you visited yet?

Modern Prairie is a community hub in addition to being a shopping site. There are online events featuring special guests (via the App) — such as Tea Thursdays, Book Club, cooking demonstrations, and more. Products for sale include homeware essentials, gardening and craft kits, journals, and apparel for women and girls.

Check out the “50 Years of Loving Laura” Limited Edition Collection where you can purchase prairie-inspired apparel (aprons, bonnets, dresses). Love this cute doll kit:

The 50th Anniversary Collection includes Rowe hand-thrown, hand-painted stoneware, and April Cornell kitchen linens, etc. Any of these items would of course make perfect gifts for any LH fans on your gift list. Most of the items are exclusive to MP, which supports women artisans and female-owned businesses (see the Makers who are behind the products here.)

Check out the Modern Prairie Website, and follow Melissa on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for more. Melissa regularly posts reels featuring new products for sale. She loves pie! 🙂

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6. Sweet Manly: Speaking of LHOTP, did you, like me, have a crush on Dean Butler, who played Almanzo Wilder? There was just something about his disarming boyish smile that lit up the screen. *sighs*

Butler has just published a memoir to celebrate LH’s 50th: Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond (Citadel, 2024):

An illuminating, insider’s journey through the world of Little House on the Prairie and beyond, from Dean Butler, who starred as Almanzo Wilder, the man Laura “Half Pint” Ingalls married—on the iconic show still beloved by millions of fans as it reaches its 50th anniversary.

With a foreword from Melissa Gilbert (Laura) and Alison Arngrim (Nellie)!

Cast just before his twenty-third birthday, Dean Butler joined Little House on the Prairie halfway through its run, gaining instant celebrity and fans’ enduring affection. Ironically, when the late, great Michael Landon remarked that Little House would outlive everyone involved in making it, Butler deemed it unlikely. Yet for four decades and counting, Butler has been defined in the public eye as Almanzo Wilder—a role he views as the great gift of his life. 

Butler had been cast as a romantic lead before, notably in the made-for-TV movie of Judy Blume’s Forever, opposite Stephanie Zimbalist. But Little House was, and remains, one of the most treasured shows in television history. As the eventual husband of Laura “Half-pint” Ingalls—and the man who would share actress Melissa Gilbert’s first real-life romantic kiss—Butler landed as a central figure for the show’s devoted fans. 

Now, with wit and candor, Butler recounts his passage through the Prairie, sharing stories and anecdotes of the remarkable cast who were his on-screen family. But that was merely the beginning of a diverse career that includes Broadway runs and roles on two other classic shows—Moondoggie in The New Gidget and Buffy’s ne’er-do-well father, Hank, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Coming of age during a golden era of entertainment, Butler has evolved along with it, and today enjoys success and fulfillment as a director and producer—notably of NBC Golf’s Feherty—while remaining deeply loyal to Little House.

The warmth, heart, and decency that fans of Laura and Almanzo fell in love with on Little House echo through this uplifting memoir, a story, in Butler’s words, about “good luck, good television, and the very good—if gloriously imperfect—people who made it so.”

I’ve got this one on my TBR list and can’t wait to dig into it. Meanwhile, check out this LH Cast Interview with Dean (still has that boyish smile and quite charming!):

For even more, check out the Little House 50 Podcast for great conversations with Dean and Alison Arngrim, who played Nellie Oleson (Alison’s a hoot!).

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7. Teddies teddies teddies!: Cheer up your kitchen with an adorable Teddy Bear Tea Towel by Half a Donkey (Mr Cornelius insisted I include this in today’s Roundup).

British artist Richard Partis drew these cuddly friends with their different occupations: Chef, Golfer, Sailor, Clown, etc. They are 18″ x 25″ and made from 100% pure cotton. Absolutely love it!! Get yours here.

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8. How Does It Feeeeel? Look what’s coming to theaters in December 2024: a new Bob Dylan biopic!!! Can’t wait to see “A Complete Unknown” with Timothée Chalamet in the starring role. First he was Laurie in Little Women, then Willy Wonka, and now Dylan. Quite a range of roles, talented actor. Enjoy the official teaser trailer — Chalamet does a great job of imitating Dylan’s singing voice (not an easy feat)!

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9. Love me some Dolly: Hungry?! Kudos to you for making it to the end of this Roundup without starving to death. Not to worry, here’s a brand new cookbook coming out September 17 that’ll fill you right up: Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals — A Lifetime of Family, Friends and Food by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George (Ten Speed Press, 2024):

You’re invited to pull up a chair to a year of meals, friends, and fun with the Partons, as Dolly and her sister (and favorite cook) Rachel share beloved, crowd-pleasing recipes and family stories.
 
“Hey, good lookin’—what ya got cookin’?”

This is what Dolly Parton sings to her sister Rachel Parton George whenever she walks into her kitchen. It’s what you do when a love for good music and good food runs in the family. 

In Good Lookin’ Cookin’ Dolly and Rachel share tips for hosting events all year long, including twelve multi-course menus of cherished recipes for New Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more. You’ll learn how much butter or whipped cream goes into a “Dolly Dollop,” what condiment is almost always on the table at Parton family meals, and what special dish Rachel makes at Dolly’s request every year for her birthday. Recipes include American classics such as Country Ham and Biscuits, Barbecue Spare Ribs, Family Favorite Meatloaf, Slaw of Many Colors, Watermelon Fruit Salad, Mac and Cheese, and Strawberry Shortcake.

Filled with more than 80 delicious dishes as well as photographs of Dolly and Rachel cooking and hosting all year long, Good Lookin’ Cookin’ is a treasured cookbook that will make you feel like part of the Parton family. With their trademark warmth and sisterly love, Dolly and Rachel remind you that cooking doesn’t need to be serious—it should be fun! And always good lookin’!

Is there anything Dolly can’t do? She’s got to be the busiest woman around! I thought it was cool that she came out with her own line of baking mixes with Duncan Hines, and now this. 🙂 Yep, she loves food. Rachel is her youngest sister and I’m looking forward to learning more about her. This one’s definitely on my Wish List; I think the family stories and photos will be just as enjoyable as the recipes. 🙂

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Since it’s election season, we must feature a blue song. Channeling BLUE in the run-up to the 2020 election did the trick, so here we go again — fingers, toes, eyes crossed for good luck.

Many musicians have endorsed Kamala including Barbra Streisand (have you read her incredibly detailed memoir yet?). We’re sharing a clip from her iconic movie “Funny Girl,” where she sings on roller skates. 🙂

“I’d Rather Be Blue” was originally sung by Fanny Brice in the 1928 Warner Bros. film “My Man,” and was written by Fred Fisher and Billy Rose. Barbra is quite adorable here. No matter the scenario, I’d always rather be blue — how about you?

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HAPPY TUESDAY

HAPPY WEEK

SING A SEPTEMBER SONG

GO SKATING

SAY “HELLO, GORGEOUS” TO A STRANGER

WINK AT THE MAILMAN OR UPS GUY

THINK BLUE

WEAR BLUE

DREAM BLUE

VOTE BLUE

BE TRUE

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**Copyright © 2024 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.