GRAB A BOOKMARK

This month, give yourself the gift of reading for fun. Or maybe you can snag these as presents! Here are two recommendations for your December reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

 FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: “United Tastes of America: An Atlas of Food Facts & Recipes from Every State” by Gabrielle Langholtz Do you like to cook — or eat? Do you need ideas for a state report for school? Check out “United Tastes of America: An Atlas of Food Facts & Recipes from

Every State” by Gabrielle Langholtz.

This educational book for all ages features delicious, kid-friendly recipes.

To set everyone up for success, the book opens with helpful reference sections titled “Cooking Tips,” “Nine

Terms to Know” and “Illustrated

Kitchen Tools,” along with a colorful map of the U.S. Each state and territory is introduced with a map and drawings of popular foods and dishes from that state. Step-by-step instructions guide you as you cook, and a photo of the finished dish provides inspiration. Recipes include

St. Louis gooey butter cake, West

Virginia succotash, Louisiana gumbo,

Oklahoma fry bread, Virginia peanut soup and more. You’ll also learn about the culinary history of each state or territory and discover many fun food facts. This oversized book is a treat for the eyes, inspiration in the kitchen, and food for the brain and heart. — Ali Lanthrum, library associate  FOR OUR READERS: “The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London” by Christopher Skaife You've probably heard of the Edgar Allan Poe poem “The Raven,” but what do you really know about these incredible, intelligent and playful birds? In “The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London” by Christopher Skaife, you’ll learn about the personalities, habitats, adventures and escapades of these extraordinary birds in a humorous, educated and compassionate manner. Skaife has the most unusual job of caring for the Tower's unkindness of ravens — and yes, a group of ravens is called an unkindness! The author is a natural storyteller, and you'll learn how he became the Ravenmaster as well as the superstitions and history of the Tower ravens and the Tower of London. A legend says that if a raven ever leaves the Tower, the city of London will fall. A lot of time and effort goes into the ravens’ care so the Tower’s 4 million annual visitors can enjoy them: Skaife feeds them raw meat and buys their food at Smithfield Market. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys reading about British history, animal behavior or reading interesting and entertaining stories in general. — Christine Dalphy, library associate