LibraryAware May 2022

Edible plants : a photographic survey of the wild edible botanicals of North America
by Jimmy W. Fike

What it is: The culmination of a decades long journey across the United States photographing wild edible flora.

What's inside: over 100 photographs that Fike has selectively colorized to highlight the comestible part of the plant.

Read it for: a focus on our relationship to the natural world, reveals food sources, and encourages environmental stewardship.; easy methods to identify both the specimen and its edible parts; detailed descriptions about the plant's wider purposes as food and medicine.

The Art of Papercraft: Unique Projects Using Origami, Cutting, Quilling, Pop-Up, and...
by Helen Hiebert; foreword by Michael G. LaFosse

What it is: Artist and teacher Helen Hiebert presents a comprehensive look at paper arts (including paper making) and 40 unique projects by a variety of artists, each using just one sheet of paper.

What's inside: detailed instructions; colorful, inspiring photos; info on paper, tools, materials, and skills (including folding and stitching).

Projects include: Origami Candy Dish; Inflatable Paper Votive; One-Sheet Tree; Pop-Up Alphabet; Floral Lantern; Plantable Paper; Storytelling Mask; Mini Tunnel Book; Swirling Flower; Exploding Cube.

The Wok: Recipes and Techniques
by J. Kenji López-Alt

What it is: an in-depth look at the wok that covers it all, including buying, cleaning, and using, by the award-winning author of The Food Lab.

What's inside: over 200 recipes; a pantry list; color photos; details on how to stir fry, deep fry, simmer, and braise; info on rice and noodles.

Recipes include: Mandarin Pancakes; Egg Drop Soup; Clams with Garlic, Sake, and Butter; Sesame Chicken; Beef with Broccoli; Japanese Fried Noodles; Thai-Style Omelet; Stir-Fried Eggplant with Sake and Miso; Smoky Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce; Bibimbap.

Unbelievably Vegan: 100+ Life-Changing, Plant-Based Recipes
by Charity Morgan

What it is: the cookbook debut of a private chef to elite athletes who began eating vegan years ago alongside her NFL linebacker husband and who appeared in the documentary The Game Changers.

What's inside: more than 100 flavorful plant-based recipes; color photos; tips for incorporating vegan foods; ingredients to watch out for.

Recipes include: Eggless French Toast; Walnut Chorizo; Cream of Broccoli Chedda Soup; Caribbean Ceviche; Taco Salad in Baked Tortilla Bowls; Smoky Jambalaya; Flaky Pie Dough; Pecan Sticky Buns.

Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life
by Matt Paxton with Jordan Michael Smith

What it is: an empathetic, step-by-step approach to decluttering and downsizing by an expert who addresses mental roadblocks and offers poignant stories from his life and the lives of people he's helped.

Don't miss: the substantial resource lists at the end of the book.

For fans of: TV's The Legacy List with Matt Paxton and Hoarders (both of which feature the author); Marie Kondo; decluttering.

Sew very easy patternless sewing : 23 skill-building projects
by 1959- Coia, Laura Ann

What it is: "YouTube sew-lebrity Laura Coia returns with 23 projects, now available as printed, step-by-step instructions for the first time".

What's inside: Brush up on basic techniques, adding zippers, binding, and drawstrings with ease. Then stitch up beautiful bags, accessories, and home decor with surprising hidden features. With no pattern pieces to transfer, it's as easy to measure, cut, and sew!

Knit 2 Socks in 1: Discover the Easy Magic of Turning One Long Sock into a Pair!
by Safiyyah Talley; foreword by Jeanette Sloan

What's inside: a step-by-step guide that teaches a new way to knit socks that starts with a cuff, creates a tube (with lifelines as markers), and ends in a cuff, with heels and toes added after; 21 sock styles.

Styles include: Savasana Yoga Socks; Huntsman's Cottage Socks; Flower Buds Anklets; Mosaic Rib; Frilly Booties; Glass Slippers.

Reviewers say: "knitters of all strokes will appreciate this innovative primer" (Publishers Weekly).

Gardening for Everyone : Growing Vegetables, Herbs, and More at Home
by Julia Watkins

What it is: An author and sustainability expert shares how to grow your own vegetables, fruits and herbs in your own backyard, providing detailed information on creating and caring for your garden including planning, building, planting, tending and harvesting.

Includes: profiles of essential vegetables and herbs, ecological tips, and fun and creative projects.

About the author: Julia Watkins is the author of Simply Living Well and co-founder of Lookfar Conservation, a nonprofit that supports conservation and restoration projects in Africa and Latin America.

Contact your librarian for more great books!