• Reviews

    Book Review: The Painting

    The Painting by Charis Cotter is a story of mystery and intrigue but at its heart its the story of loss and relationships among family. Annie loves painting, drawing, and art and is nothing at all like her parents who just can’t seem to understand their daughter. But, when Annie’s…

  • Lists

    (Unofficial) Top Ten Tuesday: Back to School

    There are probably hundreds, if not thousands of “Back to School” and school-themed kids books. Here are a few of my favorite back to school stories to share with your kids! If you have other titles that you can’t live without, share them in the comments! Is Your Buffalo Ready…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 8/7/17

    I finished Calling My Name by Tamani Liara and really enjoyed the perspective of this story, it’s not one you read about very often (check out my review). I also read Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham, a graphic novel I grabbed off the shelf for a patron (she decided on Babysitter’s…

  • 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…

  • Lifestyle

    …And Now a Short Break

    I’m taking a quick break today from my regularly scheduled blogging to blog-brag a little about the my partner’s amazing skills when it comes to photography and graphic design. I’m going to try really hard not to get too mushy, but he’s got some amazing skills and is brave enough…

  • Activities

    Multi-Cultural Night

    This is one of my favorite programs we put together at our library – we’ve done this a few times. What makes it absolutely amazing is that we ask our patrons to share their culture which means we get an authentic look into a variety of cultures in just one…

  • Reviews

    Book Review: Calling My Name

    Calling My Name by Liara Tamani is the story of Taja a young teen growing up in Houston, Texas with her family and friends. Taja knows what her parents expect of her – spend quality time with the family, get good grades, go to church every Sunday and abstinence is…

  • 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…