Read, Drink, Listen: March 2017

READ

Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White

Decades ago children enjoyed Stuart Little by E. B. White, even as librarians pondered the wisdom of letting them read a book about a mouse born to humans. This story, and many others, are told and beautifully illustrated in Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet. Newbery Award-winning writer Patricia MacLachlan, like E. B. White, knows that kids want a story, not a lesson. In MacLachlan’s book, The Poet’s Dog, Teddy is a dog who can speak, but only to poets and children. Like Charlotte, the spider in E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, Teddy uses his power of speech to save lives. Like Wilbur was “Some Pig,” Teddy is “Some Dog.” With any of these books, readers of all ages can rest assured that they will have wonderful reading for the month of March. Available at the Edina Library.

Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at the Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.

DRINK

Melville Winery’s Sta. Rita Hills Estate Pinot Noir.

Spring brings a thirst for the fresh, clean flavors of lighter libations and foods ready for the grill. While we might not be dining al fresco just yet, our springtime palates are starting to crave grilled roasted poultries and the occasional burger off the beloved Weber. One of my favorite grapes for the transition of winter into spring is Pinot Noir. Not just a perfect food grape, Pinot is also a great fit for any springtime occasion having just the right amount of weight to pair to most springtime grilled goodies. Here’s one of my favorites: family owned and run California estate, Melville Winery’s Sta. Rita Hills Estate Pinot Noir. Equipped with notes of black raspberry, mandarin orange and grilled watermelon, Melville’s Pinot is a perfect accoutrement to all things hot off the grill on a sunny March afternoon, or a simple Sunday dreaming of warmer days ahead. Enjoy! Look for this or similar wines at Edina Liquor.

— Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier and owner of local wine consulting firm, Amusee.

LISTEN

Jeanne

Jeanne Taylor hails from Minnesota’s first family of music, the Petersons. Jeanne began singing at age 2 in concerts and recordings, and at age 9 formed a band with her sister, Kelly, which gained a lot of attention from Disney. By age of 12, Jeanne began writing and recording her own music. Her father, Paul Peterson began producing Jeanne’s music in their Edina home. He sent it out to industry friends, and Jeanne was soon invited to record at Grammy Award- winner, Bryan White’s home in Nashville. Since then, she’s recorded her debut pop CD titled Jeanne that released in the fall of 2016. The track “LA Nights” is a fun dance song, about Jeanne’s experience in L.A. “Fight for Me” has become an anthem at all her concerts with fans encouraged to sing along. Jeanne is a senior at the University of Minnesota and plans to return to Los Angeles after graduation to write, record, and follow her dreams. CD available at iTunes and the Jeanne Taylor website.

Patty Peterson award winning vocalist and Jazz 88, KBEM radio host.