Month: October 2016

BOOK NEWS: October 18, 2016

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s Monday; tomorrow is release day!  Here are just a few of the books releasing on October 18, 2016 that you might be interested in:

Books for Kids

Crayons' Book of Colors by Drew DaywaltCrayons' Book of Numbers by Drew Daywalt The Great Spruce by John Duvall Maple & Willow's Christmas Tree by Lori Nichols If You Give a Mouse a Brownie by Laura NumeroffGingerbread Christmas by Jan BrettTwo Tales, One Dog by Nancy Krulik Ratpunzel by Ursula Vernon Night of the Living Shadows by Dave Coverly Mr. Nick Is a Lunatic! by Dan Gutman  Lou Lou & Pea and the Mural Mystery by Jil Diamond

The Crayons’ Book of Colors – Fun new board books from the Crayons
The Crayons’ Book of Numbers
The Great Spruce – a Christmas tree story
Maple & Willow’s Christmas Tree – These sweet girls are back in a Christmas story
If You Give a Mouse a Brownie (If You Give… Books)
Gingerbread Christmas – The latest from Jan Brett
Super Special: Two Tales, One Dog (Magic Bone) – This series is a hoot! I love the dog who tells about his adventures from a puppy’s perspective.
Hamster Princess: Ratpunzel – This is an excellent illustrated chapter book series.
Night of the Living Shadows (A Speed Bump & Slingshot Misadventure) – Book 2 in a series
My Weirdest School 6: Mr. Nick Is a Lunatic! – This is the fourth series in this line. More adventures for AJ and his friends.
Lou Lou and Pea and the Mural Mystery – includes glossary of Spanish terms

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz Like Magic by Elaine Vickers Rebellion of Thieves by Kekla MagoonThe Boy Who Knew too Much by S. T. Bolivar IIIWho Is Stevie Wonder?Who Were the Three Stooges? Royal Tour by Amy Alward  Twelve Days of Dash & Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Finding Perfect – explores Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) for  kids
Like Magic – Three girls search for what they need in a treasure box they find at the library
Rebellion of Thieves (A Robyn Hoodlum Adventure) – Book 2 in this series that is a twist on Robin Hood
Munchem Academy, Book 1 The Boy Who Knew Too Much – a reform school that might not be as it seems
Who Is Stevie Wonder? (Who Was…?) – This is a FANTASTIC biography series for kids!
Who Were The Three Stooges? (Who Was…?)
Royal Tour (The Potion Diaries) – Book 2 in the Potion Diaries series
The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily – Book 2 in this series. I enjoyed book 1, Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares. Looking forward to this holiday story.

Books for Adults

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas Fatal Frost by Karen MacInerney

A Study In Scarlet Women (The Lady Sherlock Series) – this sounds like a great twist on the usual Sherlock Holmes mysteries!
Fatal Frost (Dewberry Farm Mysteries Book 2)

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: 8 Authors I Buy Automatically

Posted on by Jaymie

 

I do an incredible amount of “book work.” I read magazines about books, I read web posts about books. I read book reviews. I track book release days. I do a lot of reading.

There are a few authors that I will buy almost without even bothering to read a blurb about the book. These are my “go-to” folks. These are the ones who have written new series and I have followed them merrily along without hesitation. Here they are:

Jen Hatmaker Jen Hatmaker

I will read anything Jen Hatmaker wants to write – books, Facebook posts, Instagram posts, emails. You name it! She makes me laugh while “telling it like it is.” She is an encourager and an affirmer. If you’ve never read her stuff before, I’d recommend starting with For the Love.

 

 

Jennifer Lynn Barnes Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The book, The Fixer was my favorite book of 2015 – and I read over 300 books in 2015! The sequel, The Long Game: A Fixer Novel is shaping up to be my favorite for 2016. I tried her series, The Naturals, from the library after eyeing the covers in bookstores over and over. I fell in love with that series, too. There’s a smart, sassy quality to both series that I adore. Jennifer Lynn Barnes is my go-to recommendation when I am talking to people about books for teens.

 

Kate Messner Kate Messner

Capture the Flag was probably my first encounter with Kate Messner’s work and it remains my favorite book of hers to this day (although there is stiff competition!). I’ve also loved The Seventh Wish, All the Answers, and the Ranger in Time series (Rescue on the Oregon Trail – think Magic Tree House with a dog). She writes books – and characters – that connect with readers’ hearts. When she puts out a new book, I pay attention!

 

Jenn McKinlay Jenn McKinlay

The Library Lovers series (Books Can Be Deceiving) is the only one of hers I have read from start to the latest installment. But I like her writing style so much, I’ve picked up and started her cupcake bakery series and her hat shop series. I haven’t had time to really dig into those series, but I love her writing style. Her books click for me no matter what series she is writing.

 

Mo Willems Mo Willems

Knuffle Bunny. The Pigeon. Piggie and Gerald. Diva and Flea. Leonardo. Edwina. Amanda and her alligator. If you’ve read these, you know what I am talking about. Funny, clever writing. Endearing characters. If you don’t know what these books are, get to a bookstore immediately! I recommend starting with I Will Surprise My Friend! or I Am Invited to a Party! . I’ll say “you’re welcome” now. I know you’ll love them!

 

Donalyn Miller Donalyn Miller

Donalyn Miller is known in teacher and literacy circles as “The Book Whisperer” (also the title of her first book). When Donalyn talks – about how to conference with readers, about what real readers do, about great books you should read – people listen. The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child and Reading in the Wild: The Book Whisperer’s Keys to Cultivating Lifelong Reading Habits were my two favorite books when I was a teacher/ librarian. I love the practical advice given in them for teachers who want to build a classroom that celebrates reading. I recommended these to every teacher who talked to me about ways to improve the reading culture in their rooms. I attend any and every presentation she gives at a conference. I follow her recommendations on GoodReads and Twitter. She is the real deal for teacher resources. Even if I am not teaching when her next book comes out, I would buy it without hesitation.

Jarrett Krosoczka Jarrett Krosoczka

We were first introduced to Jarrett Krosoczka’s work with the Lunch Lady graphic novel series (Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute). Then we checked out his picture books. When he released the first Platypus Police Squad middle grade novel, I hesitated, wondering if he could handle a longer form like this. I should not have hesitated! I remember being delighted at the intricate mystery in book one (Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked). We loved the whole series. When Jarrett said he was picking up the Jedi Academy series (started by Jeffrey Brown), I was completely on board. I have seen Jarrett present at conferences, and I will forever be a fan after the way he interacted with my son several years ago when we met him in person.

Rick Riordan Rick Riordan

I don’t remember how we discovered the Percy Jackson series (The Lightning Thief ). I just remember our whole household fell hard for this series about a kid with ADHD who finds out he is the son of the god Poseidon. We have read them multiple times and have the books in multiple formats – physical, audio, graphic novel. We have read Riordan’s Egyptian series (starting with The Red Pyramid ), his crossover books between Percy, Annabeth, Carter and Sadie. We have started the Trials of Apollo series and are currently reading book 2 in his Magnus Chase series,Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 2 The Hammer of Thor . The books are funny and completely engaging. The characters are kids you love spending time with. As long as Rick Riordan keeps writing them, our family will keep reading them.

 

So, what do you think of my list? Who would be on your “Must Buy” list of authors? Leave a comment below.

REVIEW: Still a Work in Progress

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Noah is a 7th grader, navigating the ups and downs of middle school. Crushes, dating, school work, friends… family. And something is definitely up with Noah’s family. There’s the “incident” that no one will talk about, the family tension at meal times, and the sense that everyone is walking on eggshells. Noah feels most at home in art, doing sculpture. But that creative outlet may not be enough to help Noah through all that his 7th grade year will entail.

Still a Work in Progress

Review

Oh, this book. Noah is a fantastic character. I loved his honesty and loved how he tried to process all the things going on around him. The author does a great job of planting hints about what is coming. And she does it in a way that doesn’t diminish the emotion when it all becomes clear. The issue at the core of Noah’s family stuff is handled honestly and realistically. No quick fixes. No idealistic reactions. Things are raw and real – at a middle grade-appropriate level. This is a book I would read again and again.

Rating:♥♥♥♥♥

 

REVIEW: Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Do you ever find yourself craving simple living? Do you push yourself to do more, do it better, or do it ALL? Shauna Niequist shares her life experience of trying to do it all. It left her physically sick, spiritually dry, and wondering if this was really the best life God had to offer. If you’ve ever been in such a place, Present Over Perfect might help you find another way to live.

Present Over Perfect

Review

I read this right after I quit my job, so I couldn’t identify as readily to the busy life vs. simple living messages of the book. Those might speak to me better in another season. But I did identify with the pieces where she talked about her identity. When your identity and value are tied up in a job you just left/lost or in a pattern of living that says, “I can do it all!,” you can be left wondering who you really are.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Read this book if:

  • you feel worn thin from doing all the things you think you’re supposed to be doing
  • you need encouragement to find your best self
  • you need help saying no to good things you are not called to do
  • you are wondering where God is and what He thinks of your struggle to live a busy, perfect life.

 

BOOK NEWS: October 11, 2016

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s Tuesday – release day! Eventually I would like to get these posted a few weeks in advance so you can check out and plan for books that are coming that you might want to read. For now, though, here are just a few of the books releasing on October 11, 2016 that you might be interested in:

Books for Kids

Cat Knit by Jacob Grant Crime Biters 2 It's a Doggy Dog World by Tommy Greenwald Peter Powers by Kent Clark Preaching to the Chickens by Jabari Asim The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus  The Fox Who Ate Books We Found a HatStowaway in a Sleigh

Cat Knit – a book about best friends, Cat and Yarn
It’s a Doggy Dog World (Crimebiters 2) – Book two in the series about a boy who thinks his dog might be a vampire crime-fighting dog
Peter Powers and His Not-So-Super Powers! – Superpowers story about a boy whose powers aren’t so super
Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis – Picture book biography about the childhood of John Lewis
The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold – Christmas books are starting to come out. This one has a clever twist.
The Fox Who Ate Books – What is a book-loving fox to do to get his fill of books?
We Found a Hat – Third book in an interconnected set of outstanding, funny books
Stowaway in a Sleigh – A cat follows Santa home.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Liberty by Kirby Larson The League of Unexceptional Children Get Smart-ish by Gitty Dane Shvari Disenchanted: The Trials of Cinderella by Megan MorrisonIsabella for Real by Margie PalatiniKyle Finds Her Way by Susie SalomSpy Ski School by Stuart Gibbs The Movie Version by Emma WunschStar Wars: Ahsoka by E. K. Johnston Black Widow: Red Vengeance by Margaret Stohl The Midnight Star by Marie Lu

Liberty (Dogs of World War II) – Book three in this historic fiction series
The League of Unexceptional Children: Get Smart-ish – Book two in this mystery series
Disenchanted: The Trials of Cinderella (Tyme 2) – Book two in this fairy-tale inspired series
Isabella for Real – Girl becomes overnight YouTube celebrity
Kyle Finds Her Way – Sticking up for another student lands Kyle in a creative problem solving group at school
Spy Ski School (Spy School) – Book 4 in this spy school series
The Movie Version – YA about a girl whose life isn’t going they way she thought it would
Star Wars Ahsoka – The untold story of Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice (I have this one and can’t wait to read it!)
Black Widow Red Vengeance (A Black Widow Novel) (A Marvel YA Novel) – Book 2 in this series staring Marvel’s Black Widow
The Midnight Star (A Young Elites Novel) – Third and final book in this YA series

 

Books for Adults

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult The Mothers by Brit BennettA Most Novel Revenge by Ashley Weaver
Small Great Things: A Novel – A black nurse defies orders to help the baby of white supremacists. Trouble ensues.
The Mothers: A Novel – This book about young love and big secrets is getting a lot of positive buzz.
A Most Novel Revenge: A Mystery (An Amory Ames Mystery) – Book 3 in this historic mystery series

REVIEW: Razzle Dazzle Unicorn by Dana Simpson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Phoebe’s best friend is a unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. Phoebe is a bit of an outcast at times. She has trouble with a mean girl named Dakota. She thinks her parents are weird. Through it all, Marigold is there to share secrets of magical creatures, extol the sparkly virtues of being a unicorn, and having Phoebe’s back every step of the way.

Graphic Novels for Kids - Phoebe and her Unicorn

Review

I adore this series! If you are looking for a fun graphic novel for kids, check this series out!  I always find some laugh-out-loud moments in each book, and this is no exception. Marigold is a hoot! There are panels that beg to be read out loud, especially when she declares “UNICORN” in a fancy-shmancy font for the answer to anything. Phoebe’s parents are sassy and fun. Great stories in this book with Max, Phoebe’s friend at school, and Sue, a friend at camp. This is a great book/series for fans of Babymouse, Big Nate, Bird & Squirrel, Binky the Space Cat or the Sunday comics.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Pictures for the other books in this series are below.

Phoebe and her Unicorn series

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: My Favorite Teachers in Children’s Lit

Posted on by Jaymie

 

Today’s post is all about TEACHERS! I love teachers. I loved being a teacher (One year I taught history and science to a split class of 2nd and 3rd graders. I taught a creative writing club to elementary students for 3 or 4 years.  And I was a teacher/librarian at an elementary school for five years. It was my most favorite job ever!). My father was a teacher for over 30 years as was my father-in-law. Many of my friends are teachers. Teachers are rock stars!

There are several literary teachers that I adore and I wanted to post about them today. Here they are:

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds Vashti’s Teacher in The Dot

The woman never gets a name but she is a key component to how Vashti thinks about art. She challenges Vashti to make her mark and own it. And her encouragement gets passed on to another young artist through Vashti.

Teachers are inspiring.

 

Mrs. Granger in Frindle Frindle by Andrew Clements

At the beginning, Mrs. Granger calls Nick out for trying to distract her at the end of the day. Kids probably aren’t sure they like her at the beginning. Adults might cheer that she gets Nick with a pretty awesome consequence. This is not a soft and sweet teacher. She is tough. Her expectations for her students are high. But as the Frindle story unfolds, you start to wonder what those looks in her eyes might really mean. And at the end, you find out she was rooting for Nick all along!

Teachers see things in their students that the students don’t yet see in themselves and then try to call those things out.

Mr Terupt in Because of Mr. Terupt  Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

Mr. Terupt is the rookie teacher for a group of fifth graders including the class clown, the genius, the kid who hates school, the mean girl, the new girl, the “fat girl,” and the outsider. These seven students share the story of their school year together with Mr. Terupt – their struggles, their triumphs, the times they grow, the times they fail, and the accident that changes things for all of them.  And this is just the first of three books where we get to watch these particular students grow. But we also get to see the impact Mr. Terupt has on them. He wants more for his students than occupying space in a classroom. He challenges them to creative projects to really cement the learning for his students. Mr. Terupt is inspiring!

Teachers are creative and innovative.

Ms. Bixby in Ms. Bixby’s Last Day Ms. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson

I posted about this book earlier this week here. You don’t get a lot of information about Ms. Bixby right off the bat, but as you read, you discover why she makes such an impact on her students, especially these three boys.

Teachers care about their students lives outside of the school day. 

 

Mr. Howell in Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett (Origami Yoda 4)   The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett by Tom Angleberger

If you aren’t familiar with this fun series, you should really check it out. It starts out as a series about a kids with an origami Yoda puppet that gives advice. But the series becomes so much more  when the emphasis moves to the school’s program to improve standardized test scores. In this particular book, the students (with a plethora of origami Star Trek characters) stage a rebellion against the school’s inane test prep program. I can’t say too much about Mr. Howell’s role, because that would be a big spoiler. I’ll just say this:

Teachers go to bat for their students.

Mrs. Twinkle in Chrysanthemum  Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum feels special and loved. She especially likes her name. But when she gets to school, the other girls tease her for being named after a flower and for having such a long name. Poor Chrysanthemum starts to wilt at school. But when Mrs. Twinkle arrives and says how much she adores the name, how she is also named after a flower, and that she might even name her baby Chyrsanthemum, the other girls change their tune. And Chrysanthemum can bloom at school once again.

Teachers are clever, and understand group dynamics and how to diffuse difficult situations.

Do you have a favorite teacher from children’s literature?

REVIEW: Ms. Bixby’s Last Day by John David Anderson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Ask any kid and they’ll tell you not all teachers are alike. Some seem to be there to punch a clock. Others, though, put everything they have into their students and into their subject matter. Those are the teachers kids remember later. Those are the teachers kids would do anything for. Ms. Bixby is one of those teachers to Topher, Brand and Steve. When she gets sick, these boys will do anything to be sure she can celebrate their last day together.

Books about Great Teachers

Review

I picked this up at a bookstore while I was shopping with my nieces. We got back to the house, and the three of us dove right into our new books. Pretty soon I was aware that I was building a pile of tissues next to me. And I was working really hard not to startle the girls by sobbing out loud. But this book was so touching. I love stories with amazing teachers! I was especially touched that she connected with these three students so much that they were willing to risk a great deal to give her a memorable celebration.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Do you have a favorite book about an amazing teacher?  I am planning a post for SATURDAY SMORGASBORD about amazing teachers in books. I would love to hear from you about your favorite books with great teachers.

REVIEW: Star Trek: 50 Artists, 50 Years by Titan Books

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Star Trek Art!! Fifty artists created a piece that reflected something from Star Trek. This book is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first episode airing on television. Each page includes a 10.5×14.5 inch image of the artwork. There is also an interview with the artist. Interview questions include the artist’s connection to Star Trek and their inspiration and process for creating their piece

Star Trek Art

Review

This book is eye candy for Star Trek lovers! I wouldn’t call myself an art lover in general. I know what I like but I can’t always say why I like it. But I am a Star Trek lover, and I am fascinated by this book. The pieces are mostly from The Original Series (TOS) or The Next Generation (TNG). There are some glimpses of the artist’s other ideas besides the piece they ultimately submitted. After the art itself, my favorite parts are the artists’ stories about their connection to Star Trek. Some are reluctant fans, some watched it because a family member did, and some are huge fans in their own rights.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

If you aren’t sure about purchasing the whole book, you can get a calendar (roughly the same size as the book) with 12 of the pieces included. They are 11×14 and could easily be framed. Star Trek Poster Calendar for 2017.

BOOK NEWS: October 4, 2016

Posted on by Jaymie

I heard recently that over 20,000 new books for kids are published every year. That is a CRAZY number of books! And that is just for the kids market. There’s no way I could ever track all of the books releasing on a particular Tuesday (when most new books are released). But I have my favorites that  I’d love to share with you!

Here are just a few of the books releasing on October 4, 2016 that you might be interested in:

Books for Kids

the-mermaids-purse henry-and-leo the-christmasaurus-6  pete-the-cat-and-the-missing-cupcakes good-good-fatheranswering-the-cry-for-freedom little-babymouse-and-the-christmas-cupcakethis-book-is-out-of-controlplanet-kindergarten-100-days-in-orbitada-lovelace-poet-of-scienceliving-in-south-africa living-in-india narwhal-unicorn-of-the-sea pete-the-cat-snow-daze pinkalicious-fashion-fun

The Mermaid’s Purse – New from Patricia Polacco
Henry & Leo
The Christmasaurus
Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes
Good Good Father – based on the hit song by Chris Tomlin
Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution
Little Babymouse and the Christmas Cupcakes – Babymouse, star of many graphic novels, gets a picture book just in time for Christmas.
This book is out of control! – Book three in this fun series
Planet Kindergarten: 100 Days in Orbit – Celebrate the 100th day of school with Planet Kindergarten!
Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer
Living in . . . South Africa
Living in . . . India
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea (A Narwhal and Jelly Book)
Pete the Cat: Snow Daze (My First I Can Read)
Pinkalicious: Fashion Fun (I Can Read Level 1)

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

trouble-on-the-orphan-train-1stfairy-tail-ending gerties-leap-to-greatness some-writerstick-dog-slurps-spaghettia-tail-of-camelot home-sweet-motel mabel-jones-and-the-doomsday-bookharry-potter-and-the-chamber-of-secrets-illustrated magnus-chase-hammer-of-thor  mystery-mayhemrebel-geniusashesnemesis

Trouble on the Orphan Train (AIO Imagination Station Books) – Book 18 in this Christian series similar to The Magic Tree House
Ever After High: Fairy Tail Ending (A School Story) – Book 6 in this Ever After High series – final book in series
Gertie’s Leap to Greatness – This book is getting a LOT of positive press from folks who read early copies
Some Writer!: The Story of E. B. White – Biography of the author of Charlotte’s Web.
Stick Dog Slurps Spaghetti – Book 6 in this fun series. You can read about a festival I attending where the author spoke here.
Mice of the Round Table 1: A Tail of Camelot
Welcome to Wonderland 1: Home Sweet Motel – Kicking off a new series by Chris Grabenstein author of the exceptional Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.
Mabel Jones and the Doomsday Book – Book 3
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition (Harry Potter, Book 2)
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 2: The Hammer of Thor – Book 2. My copy arrived today! I can’t wait to dive in!
Mystery & Mayhem: Twelve Deliciously Intriguing Mysteries – 12 mysteries for kids from best-selling authors
Rebel Genius (Rebel Geniuses) – Kicks off a new fantasy series
Ashes (The Seeds of America Trilogy) – Conclusion of the Seeds of America Trilogy, after Chains and Forge
Nemesis – First book of a planned fantasy duet

 

Books for Adults

the-witch-and-the-dead the-queens-accomplice the-hammett-hex tangled-up-in-brew seeds-of-deception paws-and-effect masking-for-trouble killing-thyme crepe-factor cinnamon-toasted behind-chocolate-bars jesus-always

The Witch and the Dead (Wishcraft Mystery) – Book 7 in this supernatural mystery series
The Queen’s Accomplice: A Maggie Hope Mystery – Book 6 in this historical mystery series
The Hammett Hex (A Book Collector Mystery) – Book 5 in this book collector mystery series
Tangled Up in Brew (A Brewing Trouble Mystery) – Book 2 in this craft beer mystery series
Seeds of Deception (An Orchard Mystery) – Book 10 in this contemporary mystery series
Paws and Effect (Magical Cats) – Book 8 in this supernatural mystery series
Masking for Trouble (A Costume Shop Mystery) – Book 2 in this contemporary mystery series
Killing Thyme (A Spice Shop Mystery) – Book 3 in this contemporary mystery series
Crepe Factor (A Scrapbooking Mystery) – Book 14 in this crafting mystery series
Cinnamon Toasted: A Spice Shop Mystery (Spice Shop Mystery Series) – Book 3 in another spice-related mystery series
Behind Chocolate Bars (A Chocolate Covered Mystery) – Book 3 in this tasty candy-based mystery series
Jesus Always: Embracing Joy in His Presence – New devotional by best-selling author Sarah Young