23. A Blessing of Toads
A Gardener's Guide to Living with Nature
by Sharon Lovejoy
nonfiction, 2004
paperback, 294 pages
finished, 4/18/09
A beautiful book in every way. The subject matter, the illustrations, the feel of the paper. It is really exquisite. I first heard of Sharon Lovejoy from my long-time internet friend, Aisling, and I am so grateful. The author truly loves the creatures of this earth, and not just the pretty, sweet ones. She sings the praises of skunks and snakes, as well. They each have their own special place in the scheme of things.
The title comes from a delightful little chapter extolling the virtues of toads. In a 1915 pamphlet called Usefulness of the American Toad, A.H. Kirkland wrote:
Of the toads' total food, 62 percent was made up of harmful insects. Should ants be included as injurious, as many housekeepers would think proper, this figure would be increased to 81 percent. Toads fill their stomachs to capacity up to four times in a single night, accounting for as many as fifty-five army worms, thirty-seven tent caterpillars, sixty-seven gypsy moths caterpillars, or seventy-seven thousand-legged worms.
Because of the superior job they do, Sharon Lovejoy says "a knot of toads" just isn't good enough, and feels "a blessing of toads" is the apt phrase.
The chapters include information on how to attract various creatures to one's garden, including houses and even some food recipes. The author's enthusiasm and love for her fellow creatures is contagious, and the reader comes away from the book with a new awareness and understanding of the birds and beasts and bugs of our planet home. I want to pass along this delightful book, and will offer a drawing. If you would like the book, please leave a comment from now through Sunday April 26. I'll do the drawing on Monday April 27. I will send the book anywhere.
I'd love to win this. It sounds lovely. :D
ReplyDeleteloony_balooga_91(at)hotmail(dot)com
What a fun looking book!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful review! I'm sure you'll receive many, many comments for this one and I'm going to jump right in there and throw my name in the pot.
ReplyDeleteI keep forgetting to tell you, Nan...I love this little button-nosed squirrel!
This book has been on my Chapters wishlist for a long while...I think if I don't win I will have to buy it now! Thanks for posting about it!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds delightful, Nan. Please count me in.
ReplyDeleteI've got all your names down. Thanks for reading and entering.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun book for my country home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful book! Thanks for introducing me to this author. I would love to be included in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteaww,! The book sounds fantastic. I've always been a huge fan of toads :)
ReplyDeleteOne woman, JoAnn, Jenn - your names are in the draw.
ReplyDeleteI was thrilled to see this book on your blog. I've read it, loved it, and don't need to be entered in the giveaway. Thank you, however, for sharing such a special book w/ others. You might enjoy two of her other books - Sunflower Houses and Hollyhock Days. These focus more on sharing gardening w/ children. I never quite followed through w/ her creative ideas when the kids were small but will keep the books handy when grandkids eventually arrive.
ReplyDeleteThanks too for the great E.B. White piece. Unfortunately that day out here in sunny California was more of a A.A. Milne "blustery day."
I adore Sharon Lovejoy's books. I've read a library copy of this and would be thrilled to have my own copy.
ReplyDeleteI always love books that champion so-called "creepy crawlies" and toads are some of my favourites. Couldn't agree with the author on the "blessing of toads" more! I'd love to be entered in your draw. Thanks for putting this book on my radar!
ReplyDeleteThank you for another intriguing suggestion!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful book!
ReplyDeleteMargaretha
I knew you would love her gentle writing style and sweet illustrations. Your review captures it all just perfectly. I hope you will move on to read some of her others. To me, they are "comfort food" books that I browse through again and again to rejuvenate my spirit.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Aisling
I am so pleased with all your notes about the book. It was great fun for me because it isn't a 'how-to' book but more of a why-to. Why we need these creatures, and how they make our gardens and lives better. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds wonderful! Love the illustrations!Count me in...and thank you!
ReplyDeleteU. Grammie, you're in!
ReplyDeleteI love a beautifully made book and this seems to be just that. I would dearly like a book that makes my relationship with snakes better, so may I enter the draw please?
ReplyDeleteCarole.
Of course, Carole!!
ReplyDeleteI have read exerps of this book in a gardening magazine that she used to write for. It would be a great read I am sure. I would love to read it sometime.
ReplyDeleteLisa, you're in the drawing!
ReplyDeleteI love Sharon Lovejoy's work! How generous and thoughtful of you to do this.
ReplyDeleteSue Sirgany
yapdogs@charter.net
Sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI know I've heard of her before, most probably another of her gardening books.
Sue and Brenda, your names are in.
ReplyDeletePlease throw my name into the drawing hat! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLesley
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Nan,
ReplyDeleteI just had "Trowel and Error" home from the library last week! "Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots" is one of my favorite books for garden ideas with the kids. Thanks for holding the drawing!
Lesley and Alison, your names are in the draw.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me for this draw. I love the cover of this book.
ReplyDeleteIt's just warming up in Maine, and we've had two solid days of rain to kick off the warming trend, so gardens are happily on my mind! Hope I'm a "winnah!" Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJennifer and Leamonteach, your names are in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful book. Please enter me in your competition.
ReplyDeleteMrs Pao, your name is in.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely book to win. We have lots of creatures in our garden including toads. I get such a start when they jump out at me. We have snakes and they are even more startling. One our very young grandson noticed snake eggs in a pile of compost that had been sitting untouched all summer.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this, Nan! It would be right up my alley.
ReplyDeleteI always learn something new when I visit your blog. I'm all in favor of toads and snakes, but would be interested in what Sharon Lovejoy has to say about skunks. Chances are I won't win the book, but I can see if the library has it.
ReplyDeletePat, Joyce, and Donna, I've put your names in the draw.
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to buy this book - it will go perfect with my renewed interest in my own backyard and the planting and growing/gardening I have been sharing with my 7 year old twins - we will read this book together since they very much love frogs/toads/lizards etc.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this with us!!!
BlessedwithFour - new to blogging
Thanks so much for writing, Blessed With Four - Sharon's books are perfect, perfect for gardening with children. Her other titles are listed on her blog:
ReplyDeletehttp://sharonlovejoy.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the blogging world, and I'll be over to visit!
Wow Nan, thank you for giving away my book "A Blessing of Toads," which, like all my books was a true labor of love.
ReplyDeleteI am working on the finish of my new book for Grandmothers. Unplug the television, unplug the computer, and play in the mud or cook!
All blessings to you,
Sharon Lovejoy -author of Blessing of Toads
Oh, Sharon, thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Did you see how many people entered the drawing? You are much loved.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the book yesterday from Amazon and now am waiting (impatiently - :o) LOL) for it to arrive in the mail. I am very excited about the new knowledge that will be gained from reading this book and passing this on to the wee ones. Oh --- and I just love your Blog, Nan!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Blessed with Four - wait till you see the quality of the paper and the wonderful illustrations. It is a perfect book in all ways!
ReplyDeleteDear Nan,
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading this book and it is very informative - she is such a great author and I thank you for mentioning the book on your blog, it has been a great one!
Blessed with four, I am so, so pleased you like it! If you click on her name on this post, it will take you to her blog. (it is also on the sidebar)
ReplyDeletehttp://sharonlovejoy.blogspot.com/