I’m not just talking dogs and goldfish. These novels feature kids who really have a heart for animals, and though they might not have wide appeal, I think they are perfect suggestions for those kids who love nature and all God’s creatures. The Sundown Rule by Wendy Townsend — Louise lives a quiet, nature-drenched existence…
Category Archives: Community
Stand-Out Cybils Nominated Picture Books, #3
I tell you, I can’t think of anything better right now than immersing myself in the world of picture books. I’ve been entertained to laughter, amazed by remarkable illustrations, and touched by the emotion expressed in some others, especially those that, though fictional accounts, base their stories on real life people and experiences. This week,…
What’s on Your Nightstand — October 25
I’m amazed that each month there seems to be at least one new participant to What’s on Your Nightstand. I know that it’s because booklovers are drawn to other booklovers, and as you post each month, others catch the fire! If this is your first time, please add that beside your name in the linky…
Children’s Fiction that Explores Fitting In
Fitting in is a common theme in children’s lit: moving to a new town, moving up to middle school, or experiencing personal changes that make it more difficult to fit in with others are storylines that are common because many kids can relate to them. Each of these Cybils Middle Grade fiction nominees present this…
Stand-Out Cybils Nominated Picture Books, #2
Oh, the joy that I’ve been experiencing even in these beginning stages of judging the Cybils nominated titles in the Fiction Picture Book category. I’ve got three more books that have wowed me and the kids this week. If I were to search for some common ground among these three, I would have to say…
Short and Meaty Cybils’ Fiction for Kids
While we often tell kids not to judge a book by the cover, we all do, don’t we? I also judge a book by its spine. When I see one of those thin spines, barely pushing an inch, probably less than 180 pages, I automatically assume it’s strictly kid stuff. Boy, have I been proven…
On Reading: “KidLit, Take Me Away!”
Reading is a wonderful escape for me. If there is stress or strife or uncertainty, books are undemanding, accepting, certain escapes into fantasy. But sometimes reading fiction for adults reminds me a bit too much of the real world. A strained marriage might be a little too close for comfort if my husband and I…
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other Fatal Circumstances
I was first introduced to Alvin Ho when I was reading for the Cybils last year. I loved his humor and vulnerability and the appeal to younger middle-grade readers (Read my review of that book, Alvin Ho: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Parties, and other Man-Made Catastrophes). I thought that this particular hero would be…
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