Celia's Island Journal Author:Celia Thaxter Grade 1-4-- This lovely book, handsomely illustrated, serves as a delightful picture book, nature journal, historical narrative, and beginning biography. Based on the writings of Celia Thaxter, a 19th-century poet and writer, the adapted se: lections have been taken from her childhood journal written on White Island, where her father was the lig... more »hthouse keeper. Celia's account begins in 1839 when she arrived with her family. Her appreciation of the island's beauty remains undiminished despite the long, dreary winters and almost complete isolation. Her enthusiastic observation of the natural world is heartfelt and joyous. The text and accompanying colorful, evocative, and richly detailed pictures provide an illuminating and often lyrical glimpse of childhood prior to radio and TV. The charming vignettes and information end with a playful poem entitled ``The Sandpiper.'' A particularly attractive introduction to life in an earlier era.« less