With two days left 'til Christmas, Shelf Candy gives to you - two wonderful new tales for Christmas to help build both anticipation and some magical shared moments. Duck & Goose: It's Time for Christmas!by Tad HillsSchwartz & WadeISBN: 9780375964841Audience: 0-3 yearsDuck and Goose are … [Read more...]
Pigs on Parade!
Enjoyed the Santa Claus parade this year? Thank goodness it wasn't a pig parade...A Pig Parade is A Terrible Ideaby Michael Ian BlackSimon & SchusterISBN:9781416979227Audience: ages 4-8Ever thought it might be kind of awesome to have a parade of pigs? Pigs are cute, what could go wrong? Well, … [Read more...]
LoveCats (Yes, I’m a Stereotype.)
I just have to share these two great new picture books starring fab felines! Ginger and the Mystery Visitorby Charlotte VoakeCandlewick PressISBN: 9780763648657Audience: ages 3 - 7I have adored every one of the Ginger stories, which manage to be both heartwarming and adorable and display a sense of … [Read more...]
Playing Santa
As you might imagine, I give a few books at Christmas time. Here's a rundown of some people on my list and what they are getting, which might spark some ideas for you. The Young Pirate Fan (2 y.o. girl): Pirate Girl, by Cornelia Funke (Scholastic, ISBN: 9780439716727). This is a terrific twist on a … [Read more...]
Scholastic Decoder: December
It's December! (How did that happen?!)Your Scholastic order is probably due any minute, so without further preamble, here is this month's rundown of Scholastic's Book Club flyer offerings, with my top picks from each. ElfDuck & Goose: It's Time for Chrsitmas - I do love me some Duck & … [Read more...]
Action Bunny and the Super Geeks
Two great graphic adventures! Stone Rabbit series by Erik Craddock Random House Audience: grades 2-4For kids who love adventures that take them into a whole different world (think Magic Tree House or Knights of the Kitchen Table series), this fun and light series of graphic novels … [Read more...]
Three Winners and Five Questions with Kathy Reichs
We have winners! ... and I'll tell you who they are, too, but first, let me share some interesting answers I got from Kathy Reichs about how this new teen novel came together. Who doesn't love to get a little peek inside the world of making books? 1. Your adult books have always seemed very grounded … [Read more...]
Sweet Clementine
Clementine, Friend of the Week by Sarah Pennypacker Hyperion Books for Children ISBN: 978-1-4231-1355-3 Audience: ages 6-10 yearsThere are lots of books about spunky, precocious young girls for the grade 2-4 set. Lots. I have to be honest - I don't love all of them. Some series … [Read more...]
Football Party Prep
How Football Worksby Keltie ThomasMaple Tree PressISBN: 978-1-897349-87-8Audience: ages 8-12 yearsI'm not a sports fan, generally, but every year, my in-laws have a long-standing Grey Cup party. It's a big deal. We go to every year to help out and see everyone, but I'm pretty much clueless when … [Read more...]
If You Love Something…
... set it free. Or so goes that old saying, anyhow, and so goes the message behind this third and final book in the ongoing story of Trixie and her much-beloved Knuffle Bunny. In case you are not already a Knuffle Bunny fan - and if so, you are very much missing out - this much-praised series is … [Read more...]