written by Kathie MacIsaac, librarian and middle-grade book lover (full bio below) Do you like to read a book that makes you pull the covers a little tighter around you? Do you enjoy a story that gives you goosebumps, or requires you to sleep with the light on? Many kids love scary stories with ghosts and supernatural forces, but I also like a dark and emotional tale that tugs at my … [Read more...]
Recommended Books for Kids About Families with Divorced Parents
Are you looking for recommended books that show families with divorced parents? Children's books with divorced parents (picture and chapter books) help kids know that other kids experience similar family situations as them. Bibliotherapy! This is a good thing. And I have lots of books to recommend... Recommended Picture Books About Divorce Thee picture books show your children what it can be … [Read more...]
Best Children’s Chapter Books 2016
Each year, I read and read tons of children's chapter books then deliberate at length about the best. (It's so hard!) These books are my favorites for the year 2016. Also read: The Best Picture Books of 2016 and Best Non Fiction Books of 2016 Best Beginning Chapter Books 2016 New readers, ages 6 to 8, want to read engaging books. So here are my favorite beginning chapter books from 2016 … [Read more...]
These Picture Books Will Make You Laugh
Kids LOVE funny picture books. Well, who doesn't want a book that will make you laugh?! I know these new picture books (2016) will get you giggling and chortling. These Picture Books Will Make You Laugh Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli What a funny story with fantastic illustrations! Kids will love this naughty dragon who scribbles in books, steals candy … [Read more...]
Beautiful! 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up
Both a list of recommended books and an interactive journal, 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up: The Must-Read Book List for Kids by Bianca Schulze, is a beautiful tribute to children's literature, designed to encourage readers to read and expand their worlds. Beautiful because it's about children's literature and beautiful in it's playful presentation as well. 101 Books to Read Before You Grow … [Read more...]
Entertaining and Wise, The Inquisitor’s Tale Is a Must-Read
"There are some people in this world who have magic in them. Whose very presence makes you happier. Some of those people, it turns out, are children." The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly immerses us in a story rich with layers of meaning, filled with questions of faith and prejudice, about three children: Jeanne, a … [Read more...]
How Danish Parenting Results in Happy, Confident Kids
The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids by Jessica Alexander and Iben Sandahl inspires me and I highly recommend it as an excellent resource for parents. Because why are the Danes always rated so happy and how does their parenting raise happy kids that become happy adults anyway? The authors, a Danish psychotherapist and a … [Read more...]
Fantastic New Chapter Books
Which of these fantastic new chapter books will your kids want to read first? The disappearing cousin in London? The lonely girl with a passion for stars? The history of Crazy Horse? So many books, so little time. I hope you find these books as interesting as me! Fantastic New Chapter Books Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye: A Novel by Tania Del Rio, illustrated by Will Staehle I loved … [Read more...]
A Horde of Zombie Chapter Books (For Kids and Teens)
After several years of getting zombie chapter books to review, and ignoring them all, I finally decided to try and read all the books about the undead -- or at least a lot. Surprisingly, some of these books were quite good. Really good. (And those that weren't, I won't bother telling you about.) I found that the zombie chapter books for kids ages 6 - 13 were funny, even kooky, and not gross … [Read more...]
Impactful Books I’m Reading (and Recommend)
Believe it or not, I occasionally read impactful books that are for grown-ups, too! This year was a huge growth year for me personally so most of my own reading has been nonfiction. As the Epstein-Barr Virus continues to kick my butt, one blessing of the fatigue is it gives me more time to read and learn about my health. Silver linings! Here are the books that I think you'll want to know about … [Read more...]
Fantastic! The Caretaker’s Guide to Fablehaven
Fans of the middle-grade fantasy series, Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, will love the newest companion book called The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven arriving in bookstores October 13, 2015. It's the essential guide to Fablehaven so if you want to be a caretaker, or just play one on TT, or just read the books, it's a must-own. Caretaker's Guide is a beautifully designed tome with paper that … [Read more...]
16 New Chapter Books for Summer Reading 2015
It's mid-summer and I've already got another long list of good books for your kids to read. New! Hot of the presses! I love new books, as you can tell. :) So if you need new chapter book ideas for your summer reading, check out these reviews. Hopefully something will stand out to you that will interest your kids. Happy reading! 16 New Chapter Books for Summer Reading 2015 Piper Green: Too Much … [Read more...]