I was reading an article the other day about what therapists know that everyone should actually know (see reference, below). It included things like “Feelings change over time,” and “Therapists guide; they don’t fix,” and “Your feelings—whatever they may be—are valid.” There was one item that I loved: “Therapists don’t have it together any more…
Who can resist a book about scoundrels? (Is that the weirdest looking word?) Last week, my post was all about titles and names. Today’s book review is the perfect tie-in: THE SWIFTS: A Dictionary of Scoundrels written by Beth Lincoln and illustrated by Claire Powell. About the Book Title: The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels…
“…That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet,” says Shakepeare’s Juliet. I suppose it’s true enough. But I would rather smell a rose than something called stinkweed. Shakespeare was good with names and other writerly ingredients (understatement of the year). I’m lousy with names. Years and years ago, I…
Sneak a Peek into the Life of Author Susan Lynn Meyer! Have you ever wondered what the life of an author is like? Take a look at this Q&A session with award-winning author Susan Lynn Meyer. Susan is the author of three picture books and three middle grade novels, including Black Radishes, Skating with the…
Wouldn’t it be nice to stick a bookmark into your busy life and go play? After all, it is summer. Tomorrow’s Independence Day and you don’t get much more summery than that. Here’s my version of a perfect summer day. And then you can tell me yours. Sunshine would be nice. Where I live, there’s…
Every so often a book falls into my lap that is so magical that I can’t believe I’ve never read it before. (Which you might agree is a funny statement once you read the book.) That’s what happened with The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo. About the Book Title: The Magician’s Elephant Author: Kate DiCamillo…
Here are two subjects I don’t see often in middle grade books: Jewish children and North Dakota. Susan Lynn Meyer’s historical fiction, A Sky Full of Song, covers both, plus Ukraine and the Russian Empire, plus the plight of Native Americans who inhabited North Dakota. About the Book Title: A Sky Full of Song Author:…
Raise your hand if you love Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys. Would you love to read something similar, but new? I have a series to recommend to you. Rachel Selle has just published the second in her European Adventures series. Book two, Aix Marks the Spot, takes place in Provence, France, specifically in Aix (pronounced…
Hello, friend. What have you been reading lately? Chances are, you’ve been reading very little from the children’s section of the library or bookstore. And that’s a shame. C.S. Lewis said, “A children’s book that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s book in the slightest.” Here are 6 reasons why…
Today is Memorial Day. I have a song in my head that’s been playing on a constant loop for the past couple of days: “Déjà vu All Over Again” by John Fogerty. You can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiojReSUfLo. Let me just say, I haven’t forgotten those military men and women—someone’s precious children—who have died…
