Books to get you in action
By NewsPress Now
The book selections this month from the St. Joseph Public Library are all action-related, from learning a new hobby, to self-care with herbs to improving life for both dogs and their people. The books are available at the library, at other Missouri Evergreen libraries or from one of the SJPL eContent vendors. Visit the library’s catalog at sjpl.missourievergreen.org to find these or other great books to enjoy.
“The Embroidered Closet: Modern Hand-Stitching for Upgrading and Upcycling Your Wardrobe” by Alexandra Stratkotter. This is a beautifully detailed instruction book on anything you can think of that is related to embroidery. From information about supplies and equipment to instructions on specific stitches, to patterns and project ideas, this book has it all. This book is recommended for anyone who is looking for a new creative outlet or wants to add a little flair to their wardrobe.
“Happy Dog: 101 Easy Enrichment Activities for a Healthy, Happy, Well-Behaved Pup” by Chelsea Barstow. The activities included in “Happy Dog” start with your pup’s natural inclinations and either build on or modify them. Sections include environmental, food, sensory, cognitive and social enrichment. The activities vary from fun to corrective. Noise desensitization is a very practical one for dogs having trouble around holidays that include fireworks. Each activity is explained step by step for ease of use.
“The Home Herbal: Restorative Herbal Recipes for the Mind Body and Soul” by Andrew Chevallier. Starting with identifying key signs and symptoms of serious illness and helping you to decide if self-treatment is a safe option, the book moves to preventative self-care and treatments of common illnesses. Herb profiles are comprehensive and include their safe usage. Note: The font used to print this book is both small and light. Some readers will find this problematic.
“Let’s All Keep Chickens: The Down-to-Earth Guide to Natural Practices for Healthier Birds and a Happier World” by Dalia Monterroso. If you have been considering raising chickens but are not sure if you can pull it off, then this is the book for you. It is a very readable how-to book from a chicken enthusiast who has her own YouTube Channel, podcast and website, welcometochickenlandia. The book is packed with useful information, interesting stories and even gorgeous pictures of chickens.
“Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard” by Joan E. Strassmann. Strassmann lives across the state in St. Louis and has written a book about 16 common birds found in Missouri. Each chapter includes an essay with interesting facts and details about a specific bird and an activities section that provides tips on how to enjoy the birds in our own backyards or habitats nearby such as parks or the riverfront. Whether you want to sit in a chair and watch the birds in your backyard or get out and do a little local exploring, this book will help you gain a better appreciation for the birds you’ll encounter.
