• Lists

    ALA’s 2021 Youth Media Awards

    This morning, the American Library Association announced the Youth Media Awards. The most popular being the Caldecott and Newbery Awards. But, in actuality, there are over 20 award announcements this morning! I’ll be talking more about these creators and titles later this week. Today, I’m sharing the winners and honors!…

  • Lists

    12 Picture Books Titles About Sloths

    sloth

    Is there anything cuter than a sloth? They’re like sleepy little cuddly balls of fur! When I think about how slowly they move throughout the jungle, I’m honestly shocked that they haven’t become extinct. They’re kind of mysterious and I think that’s also what I love about them! Today I’m…

  • Lists

    Four on Friday: National Bagel Day

    bagels

    It’s National Bagel Day! I don’t know about you, but I love bagels! Fresh bagels from a bakery, prepackaged bagels from the grocery store, I don’t discriminate. Although, I must admit freshly baked bagels are pretty awesome! Personally, I love a blueberry bagel, lightly toasted with strawberry cream cheese. Perfection!…

  • Reviews

    Snow Birds

    cardinal

    Synopsis: “Discover birds who survive winter against all odds in this poetic, gorgeously illustrated picture book Snowflakes whirling, snow-flocks swirling, streaks of white twirl through the night… You’ve heard of birds who migrate to warmer climates in the wintertime—but what about those who persevere through snowy weather and freezing temperatures? With…

  • Reviews

    Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

    butterfly

    Synopsis: “A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers’. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother’s, and her little sister’s. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea,…

  • Reviews

    Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas

    Hoppin' John

    Synopsis: “Shanté Keys loves New Year’s Day! But while Grandma fixed chitlins, baked ham, greens, and cornbread, she forgot the black-eyed peas! Oh no—it’ll be bad luck without them! So Shanté sets out to borrow some from the neighbors. Does Miss Lee have peas? What about Mr. MacGhee, or Shanté’s…

  • Lifestyle

    Heavy Medal: A Mock Newbery Blog

    stack of books

    I love following along as a group of librarians, teachers, and kid lit enthusiasts start debating the merits of one book or another for awards. Typically, the ALA awards are announced in late January and most are closed-door discussions, so we, on the outside, have no idea what is being…

  • Lists

    2020 Nerdies – Picture Books

    kid reading

    The 10th Annual Nerdies kick off today with the announcement of the Picture Book Awards. If you’re unfamiliar with the Nerdies, they are announced every year by a group of librarians, teachers, and kid lit lovers. What I love most about awards like these is celebrating the books I discovered…

  • Lists

    Run, Run As Fast As You Can! Gingerbread Books

    gingerbread garland

    I was spending some time looking back at all the holiday-themed lists I’ve created – Santa, reindeer, elves, Twas the Night Before Christmas, etc. But, I’ve never pulled together a list of gingerbread books! We didn’t often make gingerbread houses or gingerbread men growing up, so it wasn’t something I’ve…

  • Lists

    Christmas Tree Picture Books

    Christmas Tree Header

    Picking out our Christmas tree was always an event we looked forward to growing up. My mom would make hot chocolate to fill up a thermos, we’d pack up Christmas cookies, and then meet some friends at the Christmas tree farm. We trudged through the snow with our snow boots…