I got to participate in the newly launched Blogher BookClub Review program. We read A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz. I loved the book, and you can read my review here and all other reviews here. Next month we’ll be reviewing A Discovery of Witches. Stay tuned!
I read 53 books last year, and these were my top 10 favorites, in no particular order: The Books of Bayern (#1-4) by Shannon Hale The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy Fire by Kristing Cashore Airman by Eoin Colfer The Help by Kathryn Stockett The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley … Read more
These aren’t necessarily new books this summer, just ones I got around to reading: White Sands, Red Menace by Ellen Klages These is My Words by Nancy Turner Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers Beast by Donna Jo Napoli Fairest by Gail Carson Levine Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail … Read more
WINNER! The winner is Michelle! She said, “Oooh, I’ve been coveting the square needles for a long time, and the sock book looks fabulous! I have Toe-Up Books, and 2 at a time books, but none that marry the two. Would love it!” Send an email to kelsey[at]vanillajoy[dot]com to claim your prize. THE PRIZE One … Read more
Guest post by Jennifer from The Literate Mother. Every year about this time, I start to feel a small wave of panic settle in. Knowing that summer is just around the corner is exciting, but daunting. I am almost as relieved as my kids are to be done with reports, projects, homework and the strict … Read more
I’m always on the lookout for great books for boys, and this is a winner. I remember hearing lots of good things about this book years ago but I’d never read it until now, and it is a great story with some great lessons. If you don’t know, the story is about a boy named … Read more
The authors of The Siblings’ Busy Book are twin sisters Lisa Hanson and Heather Kempskie who have lots of great ideas that kids from ages 3 months to 9 years can participate in together. Every page in this book has at least one fun kids activity with variations so children of all ages can essentially … Read more
This has been the most helpful book that I’ve found so far about child development and parenting strategies. It provides a very thorough explanation of developmental stages, which really help me understand how to handle the things my child does. It then discusses solutions and ideas for dealing with every day challenges that come with … Read more
This is such a fun book, especially if your child is old enough to know that they’re getting it wrong! We first heard this story at our local library’s story time. It’s a silly story about Mary who takes her little LAMP everywhere with her, until one day she decides she can have more fun … Read more