• Lists

    Go Camping with Picture Books

    My parents were (and still are) pretty cool – they’d pack all four of us up (with the dog), maybe some cousins and we’d go camping all around western PA in the summer. We had a small pop-up camper and I absolutely loved every minute of it! So I’ve created…

  • Lists

    (Unofficial) Top Ten Tuesday: Picture Book Sequels

    I love to share my book knowledge with families at the library – especially when I get to tell them their favorite stories are part of a series! Check out these great sequels (and trilogies!) Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk, illustrated by Brendan Kearney The Case…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading 7/31/17

    I was able to accomplish just about what I set out to do this week – I read Miss Ellicott’s School for the Magically Minded by Sage Blackwood and also read Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. edited by Betsy Bird (check out my review). I started working on Calling My…

  • Lists

    Transgender Characters in Kid Lit

    As I’ve stated previously on my blog, I choose not to make this blog political, that being said, because I have a platform that reaches more than my immediate circle of friends, I also feel that it’s important to take a stand. These are just a few of the transgender…

  • Lists

    (Unofficial) Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Titles for Shark Week

    I’ve had a number of kids interested in shark books – everything from picture books (for those who frighten easily) to nonfiction titles that show rows of teeth and talk about sharks as apex predators and an important part of the ecosystem. So while everyone watches Michael Phelps race a…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 7/24/17

    I’m not doing too bad with middle grade fiction lately!  Over the past week, I read Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder and Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk. I just started Miss Ellicott’s School for the Magically Minded by Sage Blackwood yesterday, so I’m working my way through that story and have Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories.…

  • Lists

    Themes in Middle Grade Fiction

    I had the funniest realization while I was reading over the past week, each book I read fed into the next in with its theme. I’ll show you what I mean: The first title I read of this group of books – it’s about a child growing up as (you…

  • Lists

    The War That Saved My Life Readalikes

    horse field

    When your friend/colleague/children’s librarian comes into your office with a huge smile and twirls, you know life must be good. Her most recent book discussion for middle school students was on The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – a book that all eleven kids LOVED and were…

  • Lists

    (Unofficial) Top Ten Tuesday: Middle Grade Audiobooks

    My regularly scheduled blog themes for Tuesday is on hold until August, so I created my own list – Ten Middle Grade audiobooks – perfect for summer vacation! Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan, narrated by Mark Bramhall, David de Vries, MacLeod Andrews, Rebecca Soler; music, Corky Siegel Nimona by Noelle…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 7/17/17

    I read a lot this week, which probably equates to my stress level! We’re in the midst of hiring two full-time employees and making sure the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed is enough to make anyone crazy. I also finished shifting the entire adult fiction section (all…