"When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween." Unknown Children's picture books These popular picture books introduce the concept of fantasy and magic with characters that children adore. Combining fun, laughter and spookiness sets up the right mood for Halloween and another chance to encourage children... Continue Reading →
"Davina Bell & Hilary Jean Tapper's ABIA Children's Picture Book of the Year 2023 winner captures the emotions children experience in challenging situations, providing consolation and reassurance. This essential picture book for students, parents, and teachers combines heartwarming illustrations with powerful prose promoting empathy and emotional awareness."
Reading Success in the Early Primary Years: A Teacher's Guide to Implementing Systematic Instruction by Jocelyn SeamerMy rating: 5 of 5 starsAn absolute gem of a book for teachers and teacher librarians outlining the strategies/pedagogy developing reading success for early primary students. Topics discussed include setting up for success, theoretical underpinning of the big six,... Continue Reading →
Shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Award for New Illustrator of the Year 2021 A must read for children who are anxious at bed time or find it hard to sleep. Featuring a soothing colour palette of purple contrasted with the colourful worry monster, children will relate to the worries that creep into... Continue Reading →
Students LOVE this book! I am mobbed at the end of reading it for students to look at all of the animals in the back of the book that have gone to space! There are lots of giggles, exclamations and wonder! Stellarphant exemplifies perseverance, believing in yourself and following your dreams! If you haven’t checked... Continue Reading →
‘I’m made in China’ says Granny. ‘And I have lasted for 72 years. Things made in China can be tough.’ When Granny Came To Stay by Alice Pung, Illustrated by Soweol Han A delightful early chapter book about Granny visiting from China. Mum is going back to work and Granny is there to help Ethan with the... Continue Reading →
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is a free online event held annually by Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Promoting reading and literacy, an Aussie children’s book is chosen and read simultaneously across Australia within libraries, schools, preschools, childcare centres, homes and bookshops. Age appropriate themes Addresses key learning areas of National Curriculum Foundation to Year... Continue Reading →
Dharma the Llama written and illustrated by Matt Cosgrove https://www.mattcosgrovebooks.com This is a wonderful picture book for children who love to read and to promote reading to students. As a teacher librarian, it is a great book to show students all of the exciting places that you can go to in a book. In addition... Continue Reading →
And the winner is...This Small Blue Dot by Zeno Sworder! I read this book when it was released last year and I knew that it was a special book. I predicted that it would be nominated for CBCA Book Week and am thrilled that it won CBCA 2021 Book of the year: New Illustrator! The... Continue Reading →
JB on not Just Books
I write southern historical fiction, local history, and I've written a devotional book. The two novels I'm writing are set in Virginia and the Carolinas in the 1760s. My weekly blog started out to follow my journey as a writer and a reader, but in 2025 it has been greatly expanded to include current events and politics in the United States as I see our democracy under attack from within. The political science major in me cannot sit idly by and remain silent.
A Book Blog
Book Reviews, Lists, Discussions, and Displays
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Is your child's school library all that it can and should be?
Teacher Librarian Janet 