As I mentioned last week, here is a sequel to my list from a couple years ago featuring about 50 books that are 100-ish pages or less. Today’s list features 50 more, most of which are part of a series so …
awesome August options
August is a transitional month for many of you. Still full on summer, yet school routines hover just around the corner. The titles I’ve chosen for this month’s batch of books range the spectrum: some rejoicing in make-believe and fresh …
one crocodile, two crocodile, three crocodile
Now that Chance the Snapper, that wily Chicago alligator, has been captured, it seems the perfect time to unleash a trio of snappy crocodile books that emerged this year! Treat yourself to some toothy treats! Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast, …
just right for July!
How’s the summer treating you? Taking a mostly-break from my blog has definitely been revitalizing for me. For one thing, it’s freed me for a bit of gardening. I am entirely a novice gardener. So, small things feel monumental: tomatoes …
simply smashing: fiction imports for a wide age span
Today, three short chapter books to suit a variety of readers coming to us from Sweden and the UK. These books were all a joy for me to read, and I am hardly the target audience! So think outside the …
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ten faves for June
I have been soaking up summer here in Minneapolis. Every day I peer at my milkweed plants, exulting in the gorgeous Monarch caterpillars munching them, begging them to please evade all enemies and spin a lovely, jade chrysalis. I am …
summer breeze makes me feel fine…
Summer weather has been slowly drifting our way here in Minneapolis. The first few iris and lily-of-the-valley are gracing my gardens, turtles sun-bathe on half-submerged logs in the ponds I pass on my morning walks, and a swell of deep …
a time to plant…a list of five
Yes, I realize that for many of you, mid- and late-May are long past your time of planting, but we in Minnesota are finally nearing the end of freezing temperatures (we hope) and can safely tuck our tomato plants in …
a second batch of fantasy!
Earlier this year I decided to devote some time to reading a bit more fantasy, looking for gems to recommend. In January, I posted one batch of titles which you can find here. Over the past months I’ve tackled quite a …
butlers, betrayals, and the gentlemanly game of cricket
Gary Schmidt wrote a couple of my favorite ever middle-grade novels, The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now, both richly human, honest, painful, and redemptive stories that get my highest recommendation for ages 13 and up — which is not …
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five for sunshine and friendship…and giveaway winners!
First up: our give-away winners from last week, and may I say, I really enjoyed and benefited from all the comments telling us about some of your sustainable solutions. Thank you for such a great conversation! Charity Peterson is the …
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