Pocketful of Pinecones: Nature Study With the Gentle Art of Learning : A Story for Mother Culture Paperback – January 1, 2001

"Pocketful of Pinecones" by Karen Andreola is a heartwarming novel that beautifully captures the journey of a young woman in the 1950s who decides to homeschool her children. Written with a touch of nostalgia and deep admiration for nature, the book unfolds as a delightful exploration of how the protagonist integrates Charlotte Mason's educational principles into her daily life.What makes this book truly special is its gentle narrative style that effortlessly weaves practical homeschooling advice with moments of joy and reflection. The protagonist's passion for nature study is palpable, and her adventures with her children in the great outdoors are both inspiring and educational. It's a book that not only celebrates the wonders of homeschooling but also reminds us of the soul-enriching benefits of spending time in nature."Pocketful of Pinecones" is more than just a novel; it's a soothing balm for the soul, encouraging readers to slow down, appreciate the beauty around them, and embrace a more contemplative approach to education. Whether you're a homeschooling parent or simply someone who loves nature and wholesome storytelling, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This book just made me so happy while reading it.

Okay, I wasn't raised in the 30's, I am a 70's child, but many things mentioned by Ms. Andreola in this book still evoked memories of "days gone by." I found it a joy to read!The book is set up as a diary. The only thing I found annoying through-out the book is that sometimes it reads as a diary, but then switches to a book/story. It was kind of choppy in this respect, especially at the beginning. Towards the latter part of the book the "diary entries" were kept down to at the most two pages, making it seem more like a diary by then.The entries with nature references are especially helpful. I've gone on nature walks with my children but realize that there is a lot lacking in this area. I hope to discipline my children more to watching nature, observation, and awe rather than letting them make a hasty sketch of what they observe and then scampering off!To the readers who state this book is unrealistic...I ask "why?" Why do we have to assume or think that men today cannot be a strong support system, or that they are as handsome as Cary Grant? Remember, Cary Grant was the standard for handsome in the 30's! (Today, it would more like Pierce Brosnan!) One only has to read books primarily written prior to 1950 to get solid conversation, proper dialect, and MANNERS. I cringe every time I ask my children something and they respond with "YEAH." I can't figure out when being proper became passe....About the only other thing that bothered me about this book is the size...it did not make comfortable bed-reading material as it is kind of large and bulky. I appreciated the size when I read on the couch because I could write in it and make notes, but I like to read in bed, too, and this book was not very accommadating. Other than that, no other issues.Check this book out of the library, then make a decision to buy it. I sure am glad I did!

Before purchasing this book, I read all the reviews and was honestly not sure what to expect. Some of the reviews are quite harsh.However, I really enjoyed reading this. I didn't think it was too nostalgic or the children were "too good". On the contrary, I found that the main character, Carol, faces challenges not so different than the ones many of us face to today.Her son was starting to dislike school and his personality was changing because of that, and her daughter was labeled as "slow", so she she decided to try homeschooling. Many of us can relate to that. School at home is not all smooth sailing. Her son gets frustrated, wads up his drawings and throws them away. Check. There are problems some days with the kids dawdling over their math. Check. Cabin fever sets in on a snowy day and the son becomes morose... check. It all sounds very familiar to me.In addition, Carol faces several problems: her husband loses his job, she has to make a move she doesn't want, she worries about miscarrying her baby...again, these are problems many people today face.I was inspired by how Carol persevered with grace and faith. Her nature study outings with her children are very similar to what my family does- and here I had been thinking we weren't doing "enough". I appreciate, too, all the notes, book lists, and resources listed at the back of the book. Very helpful.Overall, I was very inspired by this book and enjoyed reading it so much. I hope the author will continue the series past Lessons at the Blackberry Inn.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but I have to say I am SO encouraged by it. I have always loved diary-style books, so I immediately liked that aspect of the book. I find this book so encouraging because it feels like the mother is just a normal mom like me, one who doesn’t always know what she’s doing, who sometimes makes mistakes and gets frustrated sometimes, who values Charlotte Mason’s way of teaching children and desires to do the same. I look forward to reading the other books by this author. Highly recommend!

I liked the book. It gave great examples on how a CM method of homeschool looks like.I give it 4 stars Bc I was hoping for more of a satisfying ending of the story.

As a homeschooler this resource is wonderful. I purchased it with my older children and gave it away when we were done and repurchased it with my younger again. Timeless!

I’ve seen this book often over the past several years as I’ve learned more and more about Charlotte Mason and her educational philosophy. I now wish I would’ve bought it sooner! What a well written, encouraging read that draws you in from the first page. Highly recommend!