First, I must apologize for the long pause between posts. I was sick all last month and am just getting back on my feet. I’m more than ready to read great picture books, offer a review, and bake. Onward, folks, onward! So, let’s talk bridges. They’re connectors, and they’re fascinating. Bridges can be beautiful, simplistic, majestic, rickety, and/or…
The name of this book seals it for me. I was laughing before I even opened it. Is that an homage to Star Trek I spy? Spock on. I had three picture books staring at me. I read all of them in one go and debated as to which one would be my first review of…
I’m at it again — not reviewing a book, but entering a contest. They’re addictive, OK? I love the prompts, the ability to stretch my brain, the camaraderie with other entrants, and reading all the creative entries. The book review will come soon. Promise. Plus, I’ve been jamming on the first draft of my middle grade…
Kindness. It’s a word at the top of many of our minds the past few weeks. No better time than the right now to do a review about a book that embodies a lot of what kindness means in the heart and soul of one individual named William “Doc” Key. In STEP RIGHT UP: HOW DOC AND JIM…
Well, there went Halloween! But I am still going to review a Halloweenish book. More specifically, the boys and I read GO TO SLEEP, MONSTER! by author/illustrator Kevin Cornell. A young boy named George won’t turn off his light and go to sleep. His sister Anna tells him it’s time. But George can’t go to sleep….
Nope, this isn’t a review and there is no pie either. Booo, hisssssss. Not so quick! Halloweensie is an annual writing contest hosted by children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill, and I couldn’t pass up writing a little Halloween ditty for the kiddos. The contest rules are: 1) The story must be appropriate for kids and no…
I’m a bit of a science geek. Maybe more of a space nerd. I just adore anything I read about space, the universe, the possibilities. So, I was drawn to the recently published THE DARKEST DARK by astronaut Chris Hadfield with Kate Fillion and illustrated so perfectly by The Fan Brothers. (THOSE DRAWINGS!!!) The theme…
This book struck a chord with me. Obviously, that pun was intended. Chris Barton’s 88 INSTRUMENTS follows a young boy at a music store who is told by his parents he can pick only one instrument. In most situations when a child needs to pick something . . . anything, really . . . the choices…
Our first review. Here we go! First book up is THIS IS OUR BABY, BORN TODAY by Varsha Bajaj and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. Many of the Austin members of SCBWI were anticipating the born-day of this picture book, and I can see why. I read this to my two littles, who are 6 and 9 years…
Hi folks! Welcome to my mash-up blog of two of the things I adore in life — children’s books and pie. Yes, I also adore my husband and my children, etc., etc., but that type of content might put you to sleep. So, welcome to my inaugural blog post of what the heck A Book and…