Settling young ones down after a full day of play can be challenging. And now with school right around the corner, getting back in the “bedtime on time” schedule can be difficult. So check out these great picture books to help lull those youngsters off to dreamland. All books are great for ages three to [...]

Summer is for reading and here is a list of some great page-turners for ages nine and up (with the exception of the first book which is best for teens and adults).
The Evolution of Thomas Hall, by Kieth Merrill, is an extraordinary novel about an extraordinary artist who comes to terms with his disbelief in [...]

Last week, I reviewed beginning readers. This week concludes the newer reader’s review with chapter books that feature more words, more complex stories and fewer pictures. These books have short chapters, larger font and have anywhere from 30 to 100 pages. And these chapter books are the gateway to novels and the road to enjoying [...]

Summer is almost here but that shouldn’t stop the progress of youngsters on the road to reading. Here is a list of the newest and best new readers beginning with emergent readers and then progressing to level 2 and 3 books with more words. Next week I’ll end this 2 part review with beginning chapter [...]

I am continually reading through, and looking for, great and interesting books that kids will love. Here is my latest list of great fiction geared for ages nine to adult.  These books would also be great as read-alouds.
The Clockwork Three, by Matthew L. Kirby, is a story rich with suspense, mystery and adventure. It begins [...]

The renowned Newbery and Caldecott awards were announced last week and here are the Newbery winners: Medal winner – Moon Over Manifest, by Claire Vanderpool; Honor awards – Turtle in Paradise, by Jennifer L. Holm, Heart of a Samurai, by Margi Preus, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night,  by Joyce Sidman, and illustrated [...]

Reissues are wonderful additions to anyone’s library because these classics, favorites or otherwise wonderful books might be forgotten. Here are some outstanding picture books, as well as fiction reads, that are also terrific read alouds and good for all ages.
Firebird, by Saviour Pirotta, and beautifully painted by Catherine Hyde, is an old Russian folktale that’s been retold in this [...]

Here are some outstanding new publications to delve into while the days are short and the nights are long. This is an eclectic collection of historical fiction, fantasy, fairytales, science fiction, mythology, sports and mysteries that will appeal to ages nine and up (except for the last book which is geared for ages seven to [...]

It was hard to decide which books I should include without making the list too long. But every book listed is a great read – as well as a read aloud – and best for ages 9 and up.
Wishing for Tomorrow:  The Sequel to A Little Princess, by Hilary McKay, and with illustrations sprinkled [...]

Christmas time is the greatest time of year to give: a gift of love, a gift of thoughtfulness – and how about a gift to read?  Here are some wonderful new books that are perfect gift giving ideas and great for all ages.
Let’s start with some outstanding and enlightening new pop-up books. Wild Oceans: A [...]