If you follow Orange Marmalade, you already know that I have a heart for books that shine the light on the marvelous variety of ways people live, all the places people love to call home, around the world. You can …
fiction favorites…Breakout
Breakout, by Kate Messner published in 2018 by Bloomsbury Children’s Books 448 pages I flew through Kate Messner’s most recent middle-grade novel last week, and loved it for so many reasons. It’s an excellent story starring a believable, flawed, likeable …
you oughta meet Ottoline
I finally read through Chris Riddell’s Ottoline series, four deliciously-illustrated tales plum full of panache! Such a treat awaits you and your sturdy new readers if you’ve not yet made Ottoline’s acquaintance! Just look at the covers. Flamboyant colors. Stylish …
warm as toast…five to bring a smile
I’ve read a boatload of books this summer. Today’s list of five rose to the top of my stacks for their sheer, sunny, good will. Need a dose of smiling? Settle in with these: A Dog with Nice Ears, written …
preschool perfection
Today, five books just begging to be read with the little shavers in your households. All peachy keen for ages 2 and up. I Really Want to See You, Grandma, written and illustrated by Taro Gomi originally published in Japan …
wishes, wartime, and music as real as jam
The Orphan Band of Springdale, written by Anne Nesbet published in 2018 by Candlewick Press 435 pages Gusta Neubronner, age 11, has just had the rug pulled out from under her slightly-blurry feet. It’s 1941. For some reason Gusta …
an elephant race in Scotland
Adventure, subterfuge, arson, exotic creatures! All on tap today… Elephant Thief, by Jane Kerr first published in the UK in 2017; first US edition 2018 by Scholastic 308 pages With elements ranging from a Fagin-esque band of child thieves to …
like a bridge over troubled water
Simon and Garfunkel were a major part of my childhood soundtrack during the 60s and 70s… … and as many Baby Boomers did, I introduced my own kids to their music as well. It just never gets old. I’m not …
freedom-dreaming in Pakistan
I recently enjoyed this novel with its wonderful Pakistani setting and a heroine full of moxie whose heart is set on something most of your children take for granted — an education. Amal Unbound, written by Aisha Saeed published in …
ocean-breezy happiness in a book
It’s been sand buckets and sun lotion this week on Orange Marmalade. If you missed my round-up of peachy, beachy picture books, that’s here. Today I’ve got a charming piece of fiction, sweet as fresh strawberry ice cream, fresh as …
peachy beach-y reads
Heading to the beach? Vacationing seaside? After a long day of sun, surf, and sand, capture your kids’ fancy with one of these peachy, beach-y reads. Even if you’re landlocked this season, you can feel the velvet ocean breeze, hear …
