BOOK TALK
by Joan Reid
Kimberly Goes to Poland
by Danuta Swiatek & Kimberly PienkawaA delightful mother-daughter collaboration makes Kimberly Goes to Poland one of the most refreshing little books I've read in a long time.
Danuta and her daughter, Kimberly, reside in Upper Nyack. Together they wrote about Kimberly's first international journey to her mother's homeland, Poland. The illustrations are by Kimberly. What is remarkable is that Kimberly began and completed this project when she was 4. She will be 5 years old this May! Happy Birthday, Kimberly.
The book's colorful illustrations detail the trip, while the story is written in both English and Polish. Yes, Kimberly is also bilingual.
It is a positive book that encourages children to learn about geography and another culture. The book affirms that travel for little ones is important and may enhance creativity.Congratulations to both Kimberly and Danuta on their debut book. We look forward to future titles.
DSP Publishing Paperback, 24 pp. $13
Available on Amazon.com
by Ronnie Clark CoffeyWhen was the last time you visited Bear Mountain? Well, Bear Mountain by Ronnie Clark Coffey will certainly renew your interest in this Rockland County treasure. Few of us today can recall or even know that this public park was once threatened by quarrying operations and the relocation of Sing Sing prison.
What we take as a given is that a section of the Hudson Highlands was saved through the combined efforts of local citizens and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. This is a must book to have in your local history home library.
Among many well-produced books by Arcadia Publishing, Bear Mountain brings local history to life. Dozens of historical photos will make you wish you were there then and now. The images capture the bygone era when Bear Mountain was a mecca for day trippers with its camp, zoo, restaurants, hiking, skiing and lodging. Sure, its heyday is past, but thank goodness the picturesque beauty remains and is easily accessible by car. It would be a pity if you didn't visit Bear Mountain at least once this year.Ronnie Clark Coffeey is a historical researcher, teacher and lecturer. A longtime resident of the Highlands, she has frequented the park since her childhood.
She is a member of the NY-NJ Trail Conference and the former executive director of the Construction island Association of West Point. The images are from both public archives and personal collections.
Arcadia Publilshing
www.arcadiapublishing.com
paperback, $19.99
128 pages; over 200 vintage photographsAuthors of new books who live in Nyack and surrounding villages (and others writing on subjects of local interest), may submit a review copy to Joan Reid, The Nyack Villager, PO Box 82, Nyack, NY 10960. All books selected for review will be at the discretion of the editor.
Local authors with new books may send a review copy to
Joan Reid, Book Talk, c/o
The Nyack Villager, PO Box 82, Nyack NY 10960.
Reviews are at the discretion of our editorial board.
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