Well, I’m pretty blown away this morning by the photos in this post at Pondered in My Heart—and by the tremendous compliments paid me by her family’s enthusiasm for my Martha and Charlotte books. There is nothing more exciting to an author than seeing how her books have come to life for someone. Kimberlee’s daughter Mary Rose is apparently a big fan, and her thoughtful big sister made her some Charlotte-inspired goodies for Christmas: a handmade copybook, Blue Back Speller, and gorgeously illustrated alphabet book. Truly lovely work, Lydia. I am very impressed.

And wait until you see the handcarved toys and spindles Kimberlee’s sons made for their sisters. What a family!

By the way, the original "Blue Back Speller"—Noah Webster’s American Spelling Book, originally published in 1783 and used by generations of American schoolchildren—has been republished in a facsimile edition. That’s what I used to help me write some of the scenes in Charlotte’s schoolhouse. You can read most of it online at Google Books.

But I have to say, I think I prefer Lydia’s version!