"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."
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 →
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 →
I knew this book was going to be a winner! I love the illustrations; evoking emotions from young and old, Zeno takes us into a world of wonder and exploration. The look of joy on the face of the main character; a little girl with a new baby sibling, gave me feelings of warmth and... 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 