• Lists

    NYPL's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2014

    I’m currently working my way through the New York Public Library’s Children’s Books 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2014.  I’ve read a number of the books already, but I figured it would be a great start to the new year to work towards these 100 books.  I’m almost finished…

  • Reviews

    The Nowhere Box

    This book grabbed my attention right away – the cut-out, painted, and pencil sketched drawings fit perfectly with the story about a little boy frustrated by his even littler brothers always getting in the way of his fun.  So, he decides to go Nowhere in a washing machine box and…

  • Reviews

    My Not-Best List

    It’s been a particularly busy year for me – I bought a house in April, adopted a dog in August and in addition to working full-time, being an 2014 Emerging Leader for ALA and working with other committees as well.  That being said, I didn’t get the chance to read…

  • Reviews

    Book Review: Born Reading

    Born Reading: Bringing Up Bookworms in the Digital Age – From Picture Books to eBooks and Everything in Between by Jason Boog is a great read for new and expecting parents that gives simple ways to encourage young children to learn to love books and reading. And I’m really enjoying…

  • Activities

    Mock Caldecott 2015

    picture book

    I’m working on trying to get some programming planned before Thanksgiving rolls around next week, so I’m scrambling to come up with some great ideas that are easy to plan and implement.  We have one more Fun Friday program before the end of the semester and as it’s on Friday,…

  • Lifestyle

    Caldecott Illustrator Panel

    On Sunday, I was lucky enough to attend a Caldecott Illustrator Panel with Brian Selznick, David Wiesner, and Chris Van Allsburg. I love all of these illustrator’s artwork and have very specific memories about sharing and reading their books. I’ve had the great fortune to hear both David Wiesner and…

  • Activities

    Story Time Theme: Red

    Today was our last storytime of the session and although I absolutely love storytime, this session has been rough!  I don’t know what it was – the kids, adults, some combination of the two, but it seemed out of control each and every week.  We’re changing the schedule a little…

  • Activities

    Storytime Theme: Orange

    orange

    I don’t know what’s been going on, but my story times have been absolutely crazy all season long!  Last week, I had eight kids – it was absolutely nuts!  This week, I probably had close to 20 kids, and even crazier.  I think the biggest issue in this session is…

  • Activities

    Story Time Theme: Green

    I think the universe finally saw it fit to provide me with a really great storytime (finally)!  The past few weeks have been very busy, chaotic and not always the best storytimes I’ve offered.  But today, it was awesome!  We focused on the color green today and boy did we…