Springing Forth April 2026 at Books by Rose

What you’ll find in this month’s post:

*What’s Springing Forth at Books by Rose

*Books Read and Reviewed

*Spring Salad Recipe and More

*Spring Craft

Let’s get started…

What’s Springing Forth at Books by Rose

I can tell you this much. A few of my author friends have already looked at my next book. I have just the words for now as I’m still working on the illustrations. (Thank you, friends! Your extra eyes are much appreciated.)

I can also tell you this much…my next book is a very important book for young readers. I’ll reveal more as time goes on…

Books Read and Reviewed

“A Place to Hang the Moon,” by Kate Albus (Middle Grade)

What It’s About. ► Summary

My Review:

I really enjoyed Kate Albus’s writing and will look up more of her books. She really drew me in to learn more of the fate of the young characters, Anna, Edmund, and William. During the war in 1940, they were evacuated from London to live in the country, living with different families along the way.

An informational book fiction book that will leave readers with a heartfelt feeling.

Oh my, I went on another “Fancy Nancy” kick again. When I found these at our local library, I snatched up as many as I could carry.

I won’t leave all their summaries here. You can find out what they are about by clicking each link to read more. 🙂

► Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas, by Jane O’Connor (Author), Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)

► “Fancy Nancy: Fanciest Doll in the Universe,” by Jane O’Connor (Author), Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)

► “Fancy Nancy: Saturday Night Sleepover,” by Jane O’Connor (Author), Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator) 

► “Fancy Nancy and the Wedding of the Century,” by Jane O’Connor (Author), Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)

► “Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet: A Sparkling Ballet Adventure About Friendship, Spotlight Dreams, and Fancy Flair.” by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser

My Reviews:

What I love about these books are the sparkling, detailed, and colorful illustrations. Sometimes, you will catch little glimmers of humor on the adults faces throughout these stories. There is always a problem to solve in each story that will open up great discussions. Also, the way author Jane O’Connor adds the meaning of words that “Fancy Nancy” says in these stories will help readers learn new words and phrases. Even though these books have been around awhile, they are so cute and I’ve had fun reading them. I think kids nowadays will enjoy them, too.

Spring Salad Recipe and More

Here’s a recipe I’ve had on hand for years but only make it when we have company. (With that being said, I have made just the dressing for homemade pizzas which I will explain at the end.)* 🙂

Lettuce Salad with Yummy Dressing

1 large head of Iceberg Lettuce – wash, cut into bite size pieces, draine and dry. (Use Romaine or any lettuce you prefer.) Add to large bowl.

When ready to served, add the following toppings with dressing.

Cooked and crumbled bacon…as much as you want. Six strips will do it.

1-2 teaspoons of sesame seeds

Wash and clean the tops of a bunch of green onions and snip just the tops, around 2 tablespoons.

1/4 – 1/3 cup slivered almonds. (I like to crisp these up in a dry pan for a few minutes to give them an extra crunch.)

1/4 – 1/2 Chow Mein Noodles (I leave these to add last. Sometimes, I leave them in a bowl for those who are serving themselves to add if they wish. One thing I noticed, if you add them to the salad and there are leftovers? The Chow Mein Noodle don’t hold up well and become soggy. 🙁

Dressing:

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar. (I’ve used white vinegar and it works, too.)

1/4 cup sugar

Salt and pepper to taste.

Mix well.

Instructions:

Add toppings to lettuce. Pour dressing on top and give it a good toss. Serve immediately.

* Remember I said I have made just the dressing for homeade pizzas?

Here’s what you do. 🙂

Cut green, red, or orange peppers, and onions. Set them in the above dressing mixture and place in the refrigerator to marinate for a few hours. (Not only will these vegetables have lots of favor, they will soften up a bit and your little ones will be more likely to eat them.)

Once they are marinated, add them to your favorite homemade pizza and bake. (I never thought to do this, but why not add them to your frozen pizzas, too?)

Spring Craft

I have shared this one before and realized, I have not shared it with our new little ones. I will make these, add them to an envelope and put them in their Easter baskets for this year. 🙂 No instructions needed, just follow the steps.

Remember, you can make something like this for any occasion. Have your little ones make one for you, too. They will love that! 🙂

That’s all I have for this month.

Wishing you a happy spring!

Let us know what you have going on with any projects, plans, or news.

Al always,

Happy Reading!

~Rosie