Best picture books, chapter books, young adult books, graphic novels and non fiction for kids.
I’m excited about this new book series, perfect for fans of series like Whatever After and the Dork Diaries (and of course, The Babysitters Club!). I’m always looking for books for kids about entrepreneurship which I believe is not an innate talent but a learned skill. Books about entrepreneurship, I believe, encourage this type of endeavor. As an entrepreneur who fell…
I was so thrilled to discover the first Love Sugar Magic book, A Dash of Trouble when I was in search of #OwnVoices books for Latinx Heritage Month. It was the perfect blend of culture, humor, and magic! Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano For kids who like the TV show Wizards…
I love this board book series set in the British Museum. I was fortunate to have visited The British Museum years ago so it brought back fond memories. A half day is not enough time though and I’d love to go back so armchair traveling will have to suffice through these books. I’m giving away…
When we grow up, some might think that we’ve outgrown children’s books but we’ve missed some great classics from childhood. It’s never too late! Many librarians think that insights into hidden messages in children’s literature can really only be understood by adults. Here’s a list of the books from childhood which may reopen your eyes on what…
The 2018 Youth Media Awards will be announced at 8 a.m. Eastern time today during the ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibition! My predictions for the 2019 Caldecott are here and Newbery are here. 2019 Caldecott Medal and Honor Books The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It honors the artist of the most…
I thought this article, What makes a good Newbery novel?, from The Horn Book really nailed the definition of a Newbery book: “At the heart of every Newbery is a remarkable character.” “Rich, textured, fascinating worlds — stages on which wonderfully original characters can play. And live out their usually most unusual lives.” “Character and…
I made a mid-year Caldecott and Geisel 2019 Prediction list (which is new for me! I’m normally not that organized to get a list out mid-year!). I haven’t read enough easy readers to add to my Geisel list but I did judge the first round Cybils Awards Picture Books and Board Books. I read about…
Cape Ann Museum featured The Little House, the beloved picture book by Virginia Lee Burton (1909-1968). This was in celebration of the book’s 75th publication anniversary. In addition to Burton’s drawings, book illustrations, and prints, an artfully-created scale model of her “Little House.” The Japanese were also drawn to this book. My husband and I thought that…
I’ve loved judging the first round Cybils Awards for picture books and board books. There were more than 300 books to read, but it’s been a pleasure to read outstanding books that I hadn’t encountered earlier in the year. If you don’t know how this award works, anyone can nominate one book in each category….