Books
News of the World by Paulette Jiles opens on a rainy evening in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1870. Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd reads from national and international newspapers to a crowded room. People pay a dime for the chance to listen to stories about the Arctic, India, and Chicago. After the reading, a freight hauler approaches Captain Kidd.
The man asks him to return ten-year-old Johanna Leonberger to her uncle’s farm outside of San Antonia. The Kiowa tribe kidnapped Johanna when she was six, murdering her parents and sister. Captain Kidd undertakes this arduous and dangerous four hundred mile journey reluctantly, yet honorably. This novel has adventure, friendship, and history. It’s hard to put down and even harder to forget.
Request this book any month of the year at your local library or bookstore.
Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at the Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.
Sips
As your palate transitions from those thirst quenching whites of summer to light bodied reds that pair well with plates of harvest veggies, I’m going to ask you to experiment with a new wine style. Lambrusco – an effervescent wine found in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy is the perfect treat for anyone looking to move beyond your ‘usual suspects’ of the fall season. Primarily chosen to eat with a wide variety of artisanal cheeses and salty charcuteries, I’m also a fan of these sparkling gems with roasted meats and fall stews. One of this year’s favorites is Cantina di Carpi ‘Piazza Grande’ Lambrusco. It is loaded with rosy florals and light strawberry, rhubarb and raspberry notes. This wine finishes light with a delightfully herbal tone, making it the perfect accouterment to those roasted fall veggies and hearty hot dishes of the season. Saluti!
Find similar selections at Edina Liquor and France 44.
Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier and owner of local wine consulting firm, Amusee; amuseewine.com and
Sip Better Wine Club; sipbetter.com.
Pets
Before the kids dump the contents of their book bag and pencil box to do homework, make sure Fido and Fluffy are out of the room. And take an inventory of your school supplies at the end of every study session. The most common school supplies that are liable to be a choking hazard for your pets include:
Paperclips
Pens —especially for the pen caps
Pencils
Markers
Crayons
Bouncy balls
Action figures/small dolls
Coins
Glue sticks/bottled glue
Erasers
Fortunately, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), these items are considered “low toxicity” to pets and are unlikely to cause serious problems unless ingested in large amounts. However, the potential for GI upset and even a blockage means kiddos should keep their school supplies out of reach of your pet.
Ann Platt is the owner of Pets Are Inn, an award winning pet lodging business in Edina.
