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Picture the world

I really enjoy reading illustrated children’s books. The interplay between stories and words makes the experience so rich. The artwork can add so much context that isn’t there in the words alone, especially for young readers who are still learning the nuances of English. One of my favorite types of picture books are those that help us learn more about our world, especially our natural world. These are a few illustrated children’s books I’ve enjoyed lately. “Marvelous Maps: The World as You Have Never Seen It Before” by Simon Kuestenmacher is a collection of illustrated maps ...

Newcomb College is not just famous for pottery

Ceramics collectors know Newcomb College for its famous pottery. From 1895 to the 1940s, students at the college, which was, at the time, Tulane University’s coordinate women’s college, decorated the ceramics that Newcomb Pottery sold. In accordance with the Arts and Crafts movement, the intention was to both teach the students vocational skills and encourage their appreciation for decorative arts and fine craftsmanship. Like many Arts and Crafts communities or guilds, Newcomb College students worked in multiple media. They bound books, crafted metalwork and, perhaps most notably, ...

Battle of the books and books

The Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative will host its Tween and Teen Battle of the books on August 3, 2024 at the St. Peter Community Center. Book Battle is now accepting applications. You can apply at the New Ulm Public Library or on our website at www.newulmlibrary.org. Just scroll down on the library’s home page and click on the poster for the event in your age range. You have until May 29 at noon to apply and space is limited. Tweens (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13 -18) who are accepted will receive four books to keep. You will be notified when your books arrive at the library ...

Poetry

One hundred or even one hundred fifty years ago, it was quite common for poems to be published in the newspaper. We have many examples in our archives. April is National Poetry Month, and I know that New Ulm has a rich past and present of poets and poetry. Poetry can be difficult to define. It comes in many shapes and sizes. It can be rhythmic or discordant. Poetry runs the gamut of human emotions. In general, poetry makes a connection between writer and reader or speaker and hearer. This connection can be empathetic, emotional, or logical even. The poet Tomasso Ceva said, “Poetry is a ...

This fancy bread box demands the name panetiere

Many of us have a bread box in the kitchen. It’s usually a simple, purely utilitarian affair made of metal or plastic; nothing as fancy as a carved panetiere like this one that sold for $1,408 at Neal Auction. Panetieres were made and used in the Provencal region of France by the 1600s. Like the bread boxes of today, they kept loaves of bread safe from pests while allowing air to circulate to prevent mold. Unlike the humble bread box, they were made from wood with decorative carvings. This one features a carved and painted lyre door, turned posts, scrolling supports and a carved ...

Uplifting fiction

Spirits need a lift? Immerse yourself in one of these feel-good reads and feel brighter in no time. Place a hold on any title at www.newulmlibrary.org or call 507-359-8331 and library staff will be happy to assist. “The Twilight Garden” by Sarah Nisha Adams. “Two feuding neighbors unite to resurrect a neglected city garden in this uplifting and quietly joyful novel by Sara Nisha Adams, author of the beloved ‘The Reading List’.” “The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers” by Samuel Burr. “When the esteemed crossword compiler and main maternal presence in Clayton’s life, Pippa ...