He Leadeth Me

We started a new tradition last year, but it just didn't take off very well.  But this year, the boys love it and cannot wait to enter Nana and Ducca's house and open their book of the day. I guess that just goes to prove that sometimes you have to "do" traditions a while before they are really traditions. I simply wrapped up a lot of the Christmas books that I have collected over the years. I placed them on the antique school desk in the hallway. Every time a little visitor comes to my house, he gets to open a "new" book and Nana reads it to him. (Thanks for the idea, Kelly) These are some of the books that we have read already this year. If you are familiar with The Jolly Postman , this is the Christmas version of that book. Lot of interaction. Little ones enjoy it--David especially enjoyed the Humpty Dumpty puzzle in one of the envelopes inside the book, but it is probably most appropriate for elementary age children. Kel...

Z Is for Moose by Kelly Bingham My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is one of the most entertaining alphabet books that I have seen in a very long time.  I can't wait to read it to my grandchildren. View all my reviews

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate My rating: 5 of 5 stars I LOVED this book!!!  In my opinion, it is extremely deserving of the prestigious Newbery Medal.  Although the main character, Ivan, is a gorilla, you will suspend reality and believe that he is capable of writing his memoirs.  I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this book and how much it made me think about friendship, art, and hope. View all my reviews

My Book of Life by Angel by Martine Leavitt My rating: 5 of 5 stars The sex trafficking industry is heartbreaking.  I was aware of the serious problem and of the alarming statistics, but this excellent book put a face to the problem.  I strongly recommend this book.  Although the subject matter is very disturbing, the author deals with the issue in beauty and grace. View all my reviews

Today was a big day in the world of Children's Literature. The American Library Association gave out their  YOUTH MEDIA AWARDS. The 2 best known are the Caldecott Medal & The Newbery Medal. If you would like to see some of the best books for children published last year, click HERE .

Cinder by Marissa Meyer My rating: 5 of 5 stars I loved this book and I am not even a fan of Science Fiction.  I definitely see a sequel coming. Thank you, Jenny, for pointing me to books I might not read otherwise. View all my reviews

Son by Lois Lowry My rating: 5 of 5 stars This was an amazing sequel to The Giver.  I am so glad that Ms. Lowry decided to write the book to let us see the end of Jonas and Gabriel's story.  I LOVED it. View all my reviews

Every year, I set a reading goal for myself. Some years I reach the goal; other years I do not. This year, I have reached my goal of 112  (because it is 2012) books and it is only November 6th.  Who knows how many more books I might read? The final two books were finished today. Both books were by authors that my niece, Jenny, the middle school librarian, recommended to me. I listened to this book on CD while driving in my car. That's a great way to get extra books read. It was hilarious!  I found myself laughing out loud at several places.  I wonder what the drivers around me were thinking. Laugh with the Moon by Shana Burg was a fantastic read.  As the book flap promises, it is wise, warm, and brilliant. For some of you, the following message is "preaching to the choir", but be patient with me. If you have not read any children's or young adult books lately, treat yourself.  They are some of the mo...

Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is an excellent debut children's novel.  Set in Mississippi during the turbulent 60's, it shows a very human side to the civil rights struggle.  I highly recommend it.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay My rating: 5 of 5 stars For anyone who likes Historical Fiction as much as I do, you will enjoy this book. Thanks Debi Kirksey for recommending it to me. View all my reviews

I had the two little guys for a play date today. We had lots and lots of fun, but the best fun of all was when they both went searching for books for Nana to read to them.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is an Academy Award Winner for Best Animated Short Film. It is a little lengthy (15 minutes), but is worth the watch if you are a book lover. Thank you Darlene for sharing.

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann My rating: 5 of 5 stars What a fantastic read! Kirkus reviews says, "The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter." I would have to add that it reminds me of Lois Lowry's The Giver. This book will open so many discussions with upper elementary and middle school children. Thank you Jenny Aven for introducing me to author Lisa McMann. View all my reviews

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is a quick and fun read for middle school students. View all my reviews

The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac Barnett My rating: 5 of 5 stars This children's book was hilarious and a must read for all my librarian friends. View all my reviews

The Buddy Files: The Case of the Lost Boy by Dori Hillestad Butler My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is a well written book for early readers. It is written from the point of view of a dog and is quite humorous. View all my reviews

Book Cover Courtesy of Goodread.com Like many people, I waited in anticipation for Brian Selznick's newest "picture book". His book The Invention of Hugo Cabret won a prestigious Caldecott medal and was ground breaking because it was considered a picture book yet was the size of a novel. Wonder Struck is just as great as Hugo in my opinion. Selznick created a 639 page picture book that tells two stories, one with illustrations and one with words. At the end, the two stories merge in a surprising way. Whether you are 10 or 100, you owe it to yourself to find a copy of this book and enjoy a really good read.

Imogene's Last Stand by Candace Fleming My rating: 5 of 5 stars Book cover courtesy of Goodreads.com This is a really good picture book about saving historical buildings. Imogene uses quotes from famous people as she strives to save her town historical museum. Her first words as a baby were, :"Four Score and Seven Years Ago." (Lincoln) She quoted John Paul Jones--"I have not yet begun to fight." She even quoted Eleanor Roosevelt when she said "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." This was a well thought out and crafted picture book.

If you are looking for a great picture book for the preschooler in your life, check this book out. Press Here by Henre' Tullet is fun, interactive, and imaginative. PS. If you are related to me, don't buy this book because it will probably show up as a Christmas present. book cover courtesy of TitleWave.com

Are you familiar with the book Chicka, Chicka ABC's? It is one of my favorite alphabet books. Aunt Kelly is sharing the book one day with David and Aaron. This cute idea came from Pinterest and the blog Little Page Turners I usually look at the ideas, but Kelly actually implemented this one. The little guys had a blast!