“Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

1. Happy September! We’re happy to be back in anticipation of a beautiful Fall, and what better way to celebrate than to bask in UK artist Jenny Jones’s gorgeous art! 🙂

Are you up for a little apple picking, cuddling with comely farm animals, sipping tea in the garden? I was drawn to Jenny’s work immediately for her loving depictions of British rural life and simpler, gentler times.

She’s currently based in Bishop’s Castle, a small market town in SW Shropshire, England, known for its thriving artist community. She studied painting in Florence and at Shrewsbury and Farm Art Schools, has won prizes for her work, and has participated in many group and solo exhibitions. She’s also illustrated a number of children’s books. 🙂

Though painting is her primary occupation, she and her husband also run two Air B&B Holiday Lets at The Porch House on the High Street — a 16th century Elizabethan timber-framed town house. Looks like the perfect getaway spot!

The charm and detail in her work are irresistible. Bonus: she draws wonderful bears! Do visit her Official Website, where you can see more of her paintings and illustrations, as well as information about The Porch House. Check out this page to see paintings currently for sale.

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2. New Picture Book Alert: Coming out September 16 is Attack of the Hangries by Katherine Pryor and Thiago Buzzy (WorthyKids, 2025):

Learn how to spot the Hangries and how to keep them at bay with this engaging and kid-friendly look at the science behind our bodies’ need for food and the relationship between hunger and mood. 

We’ve all been there—when our hunger slides into anger and suddenly, we feel . . . hangry. And kids certainly aren’t exempt from this feeling. Attack of the Hangries explores the scientific reason behind this phenomenon as the author takes the reader through the experience of being hangry in a fun and informative way. What happened? Where did those feelings come from? And why? Kids will delight in the humor and over-the-top characters, while parents will appreciate the subtle message being imparted. Helpful sidebars and accessible back matter explain the science behind hunger and how to properly feed and care for our bodies. For caregivers with hangry little ones, this book will be a welcome tool to encourage regular, healthy eating.

Have you had the hangries recently? I think most of us can relate to that feeling. 🙂 Looking forward to reading this one, as I enjoyed Pryor’s Spring is for Strawberries (reviewed here). Sounds like a good title for school gardening and nutrition education. Suddenly I’m craving a satisfying snack . . . 🙂

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3. Heads up Stationery Lovers: Behold the beauty of Kirsty Baynham’s handmade illustrated paper products and ephemera at Prism of Starlings.

Currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Kirsty defines her work by two main elements: prism (geometry and symmetry), and starlings (love of animals). In this way, she combines her passion for mathematically precise pattern-making and her love of colourful abstract art.

She especially loves to feature foxes, woodland animals, dense forests filled with geometrical trees, star-studded skies and celestial bodies.

I was first drawn to her concertina books, but also appreciate her wide range of items including diaries, notebooks, art prints, postcards, wrapping paper, paper decorations, and cool letter writing sets. All make wonderful gifts for your favorite stationery lover (and you!).

Prism of Starlings uses ethically sourced materials including recycled fibers, compostable packaging, etc. Items are made to order by hand in Kirsty’s workshop to reduce waste and localize production. Visit her Etsy Shop here.

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4. Heads Up, Bob Jackson fans: Brand new art book coming out September 28: Robert C. Jackson: It’s a Colorful Life (Schiffer, 2025):

Featuring more than 525 paintings in Robert C. Jackson’s iconic style of realism with a slyly irreverent twist, this beautiful book thoughtfully covers his midcareer works. Many of his signature themes are recognizable but now treated more deeply, the compelling nature of his art is intensified, and larger canvases prevail. 

Known especially for his realistic still-life paintings featuring objects such as soda crates, balloon dogs, and foods, Jackson creates playful, exuberant art that often makes impossible situations believable, one reason for its wide appeal. Learn more about:

His final college semester when he took Painting 101 to fill out his schedule. 

The first time he ever quit anything (his career as an engineer).

How the concept of “seriously funny” motivates him.

The cleansing and growth that occurs with aging as a painter.

Zippy, the clown he keeps on retainer to make balloon dogs.

Jackson’s paintings have been featured in five solo museum exhibitions to date, and are in private, corporate, and museum collections worldwide, ranging from the Delaware Art Museum to the South Dakota Art Museum. Jackson’s conversational insights begin each section and address how he built a successful art career. Jackson offers specific details of interest to collectors as well as to artists also striving for a full-time career in painting.

For example, coming up with new source material year after year requires effort, and Jackson explains his processes for doing just that. He also shares how embracing commissioned artwork as a collaborative art process can be fulfilling for both the artist and client. Candid black-and-white photos of Jackson at work and play express the spirit he brings to his art. Understand why new fans and established collectors alike respond to this artist who has found his unique and identifiable voice within contemporary art.

You may remember when I featured Bob’s work here not too long ago — soda crates, balloon animals, dinosaurs, food (!), antique toys? So cool! Fellow fans will enjoy this book for its in-depth look at Bob’s career from age 45-60, revealing his work methods, inspirations and development. Received a nice email from him thanking me for my post; he’s just as warm and friendly as his paintings. Gift this book to the kid-at-heart still-life art lover in your life who advocates serious fun. 🙂

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5. Ceramics Fix: Celebrate the simple moments in daily life with these charming pieces by Ayşe of Itsmemlove. Ayșe is a graphic designer based in Turkey who became interested in ceramics when her son Ali was born.

” . . . designing ceramics and raising a child share similar emotions and motivations. Just like a piece of raw clay, children are shaped by the skills, dedication, and love of their parents. Watching every stage of this process and finally seeing the character that emerges is a unique joy, much like the satisfaction of creating a ceramic piece.”

Her brand name was inspired by Ali, who couldn’t quite say “meme” (breast), instead calling her “Mem.” So Mem Design was born.

Love the clean lines and simple, childlike feel of her designs. Her collection includes plates, mugs, wall masks, spoon rests, coasters and jewelry trays. Every item is 100% handmade, hand-painted, and one-of-a-kind, with slight variations in pattern. They are all food and dishwasher safe, though hand washing is recommended.

See all the cuteness at Mem’s Etsy Shop, Instagram, and Official Website (in Turkish).

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6. Another New Picture Book Alert: Just released last month is the latest title in Aram Kim’s popular Yoomi, Friends and Family picture book series, Baby Cousin’s Big Day (Holiday House, 2025):

Yoomi wants her baby cousin to be happy-on her 1st birthday and for the rest of her life. Can Yoomi help?

The whole family is gathering to celebrate baby cousin’s 1st birthday. They will do the doljabi! Dasom’s mommy will assemble a microphone, a ball, money, yarn, a paintbrush, and other things. Dasom will pick something, and that will decide her future. If she picks a ball, she will be an athlete. If she picks a paintbrush, she will be an artist. 

Yoomi is worried. What if Dasom picks a paintbrush and doesn’t want to be an artist? Grandma assures Yoomi that Dasom can become whatever she wants-but maybe she will be a creative person, just like an artist. 

Then baby Dasom’s choice surprises everyone.

Yoomi’s concern displays empathy, and her questioning shows a girl exercising her critical thinking muscles in this delightful story about family customs and relationships. 

YOOMI FRIENDS AND FAMILY is a picture book series about a Korean girl,  her loved ones, and her culture. Other books in the series are No Kimchi for Me!, a Junior Library Guild selection and a Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, Let’s Go to Taekwondo: A Story About Persistence, Bravery, and Breaking Boards, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and Sunday Funday in Koreatown, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.

We’re big Aram Kim fans here, having interviewed her several times, most recently for Tomorrow is New Year’s Day. We do love the Yoomi, Friends, and Family series; Aram’s animal characters are lovable and endearing, and I always learn something new about Korean culture from her books.

The Korean custom of celebrating a child’s first birthday (doljanchi) with the tradition of doljabi (selecting objects to predict a future path) is something my family did not observe, so I didn’t get to experience doljabi firsthand with any of my friends or relatives. Truth be told, I’m a little jealous of those who do celebrate with doljabi — it sounds like a fun, interesting, and intriguing practice. Next best thing is reading about it, though, right?

For more about the book, visit the Baby Cousin’s Big Day Webpage where Aram shares more spreads, a drawing video, info about purchasing signed copies, and a link to an Activity Kit.

Don’t miss this one. Aram’s books never disappoint!

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7. Seize the Day: The year has flown by, and it always seems to be time to turn the calendar page to a new month. Have you gotten your 2026 Susan Branch Wall Calendar yet? Her calendars are the only ones I like seeing on the wall of my computer room, where I type, type, type these blog posts just for you every day. 🙂

Susan’s handwritten quotes and watercolor art always cheer me up, and her optimism is a nice way to mark each passing day. If you’re a Susan fan, you of course know that in addition to wall calendars, she also designs mini calendars, pocket calendars, and desk blotters. Doesn’t Jack look cute on the cover?

Score your SB calendar at her Online Shop.

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8. Bottoms Up! Well, you’ve read this far and must be a little peckish hungry ravenous. No food to speak of, but we do have something to quench your thirst: a new book by Outlander star Sam Heughan coming out September 28: The Cocktail Diaries: A Spirited Adventure (Quadrille, 2025):

Sam Heughan’s acting career has led him on a unique journey around the world and his love of craft spirits, history, and travel is distilled into this personal collection of cocktail recipes. 

The Cocktail Diaries includes chapters on Sam’s Top 10 all-time favorites, “Simple and Timeless” recipes for those easy crowd-pleasers, “Complex and Conversational” for something a bit more sophisticated, and a final section, “Made by Friends”, featuring imaginative recipes created by international bartenders for Sam and his brand Sassenach Spirits—a tailormade tour of the world’s best cocktails.

Sam’s expertise and enthusiasm shine through, as he regales tales of tasting cocktails—from the historic Boulevardier in Paris and a Bramble in New Orleans to a Papaya Margarita in the back of a van in the Oaxaca mountains—and delights in sharing his favorite adventures (and drinks!) with the reader.

I must admit to being a teetotaler and observed from the sidelines over the years as Sam launched a new whisky, gin and tequila. By all accounts, he’s a spirits connoisseur and was directly involved in developing his own products — unlike some celebrities who merely slap their names on fancy labels, then happily lap up the moolah.

Since I enjoyed Sam’s other books — the three Clanlands titles he co-authored with Graham McTavish, as well as his memoir, Waypoints: My Scottish Journey (Voracious, 2022), I’m looking forward to reading all about his favorite cocktails and the backstories to the recipes. It will definitely be a welcome distraction and I know I will learn something new about alcohol. Hiccup! 😀

Come to think of it, who needs food when you can feast on Sam’s many talents and good looks? I enjoy his acting and also admire his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Let’s just say he’s got his fingers in a lot of pies. 😀

Do I hear the clinking of ice cubes? Maybe you’d prefer just a wee dram of whisky. Great gift for Outlander fans and cocktail lovers. Let’s raise our glasses to Sam: Slàinte Mhath!

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9. Ornamental Awesomeness: It’s never too early to think about holiday gifts or decorations for your Christmas tree. Was happy to recently discover Barbara Corcoran Clark’s beautiful handmade museum quality ornaments.

Based in New Jersey, Barbara’s been making these for 40 years!! It all began in 1985 when she first sold twelve dozen snowman ornaments to the Museum of American Folk Art in NYC.

I was first drawn to her Literary Ladies collection, but am equally enamored of her Literary Gents, Dickens Collection, and Painters. Of course she also makes traditional holiday ornaments (Santa, Nutcracker, Angels, Christmas Around the World, etc.). They’re all amazing!

Each ornament is Barbara’s original design, and is hand-carved from balsa wood and then hand-painted. She also signs each piece and is happy to customize it free of charge.

The only problem: how to choose!!? Love the care and detail; I think you’ll agree that handmade items are extra special — especially for collectors. Visit Barbara’s Etsy Shop (DesignBCC) to see more. How can one resist Anne of Green Gables, Neverland, Oz, Hansel and Gretel, Mary Poppins? She also makes animal and transportation ornaments. 🙂

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This month we honor Bee Gees founding member Barry Gibb, who turned 79 on September 1. Born on the Isle of Man in 1946, the birthday boy was the principal songwriter for the group.

It’s hard to choose a favorite Bee Gees tune, as there are so many good songs, but “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” is one I never tire of. It was The Bee Gees’ first single from their 1971 album Trafalgar, and their first U.S. No. 1 hit on the Billboard Top 100 chart.

The song is also significant as it was written in August 1970 after the group had broken up and reconvened. I find it especially poignant because whenever I hear it I think about Barry’s heartbreak at losing all three of his younger brothers — fraternal twins Robin (2012) and Maurice (2003), as well as baby brother Andy, who died in 1988 at age 30.

I also love Al Green’s cover of the song, which was featured in one of my all-time favorite movies, “Notting Hill.”

“How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” was co-written with Robin Gibb. The video was recorded live in Las Vegas, “One Night Only,” (1977).

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HAPPY TUESDAY

HAPPY WEEK

BASK IN LATE SUMMER GOODNESS

HAPPY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH (SEPTEMBER 15 – OCTOBER 15)

HAPPY AUTUMNAL EQUINOX (SEPTEMBER 22)

HARVEST GOOD FRUITS AND VEGGIES

ENJOY THE NEW DOWNTON ABBEY MOVIE

READ GOOD BOOKS

TICKLE SOMEONE

EAT PIE (OF COURSE!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARRY GIBB!

BE GOOD

RESIST

STAY TRUE

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**Copyright © 2025 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.