Children’s Picture Book: Laxmi’s Mooch by Shelly Anand

Hey everyone, it's Sarah! There are times when I come across a picture book that I just have to talk about. I ordered this as a potential mock Caldecott book, but I can't wait for my next mock post to talk about this book. Title: Laxmi's Mooch Author: Shelly Anand Illustrator: Nabi H. Ali Summary: …

Middle Grade Book Review: Luna Howls at the Moon by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb

Hey everyone, it's Sarah! I received this audio galley through Netgalley. This was one of several books I needed to select to complete audio testing through the Netgalley app. I hope that more audiobooks will begin appearing through the Netgalley site. This galley was a voice galley, which basically means it was read by a …

Middle Grade Book Review: Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake

Hey all, it's Sarah! I am still working through Newbery potentials, and I am still flummoxed. This novel has been getting buzz and it will be a great read for the younger chapter book readers. Title: Skunk and Badger Author: Amy Timberlake Illustrator: Jon Klassen Summary: Badger's aunt allowed him to stay at her apartment, …

Middle Grade Book Review: A Game of Foxes and Squirrels

Hey everyone, it's Sarah! I am completely having trouble with the awards this year, nothing has struck me as a winner, yet. I have started to grab any and all books that have any buzz around them. This novel has showed up on a few lists, so I gave it a try. Title: A Game of …

Tween Book Review: Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Hey everyone, it's Sarah! I am feverishly working my way through books getting buzz for the ALA Youth Media Awards. This novel keeps appearing across many different Newbery buzz lists and I have finally gotten to it. Title: Efrén Divided Author: Ernesto Cisneros  Summary: Efrén is a super big brother to his twin siblings, Max and Mía. …

TBR Thursday: Eva’s Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott

Hi All! It's Becky. I spend most of my workday in the Children's Department, and Rebecca Elliott's Owl Diaries is one of our most popular series. These books have been on my TBR list for quite a while, and I finally got a chance to read one of these super cute books. Title: Eva's Treetop …

Middle Grade Book Review: One Time by Sharon Creech

Hey everyone, it's Sarah! Sharon Creech was my all-time favorite writer growing up. I read her books over and over again. As an adult, I am going back to read the novels I missed and the new ones coming out. When I saw this novel on Edelweiss, I immediately downloaded it. Summary: Gina has an …

Graphic Novel Review: Bear by Ben Queen

Hey all, I am always on the hunt for a new standalone graphic novel...well really any graphic novel. Becky knows this about me and when she came across this novel on NetGalley, she shared its existence with me. Summary: Bear, like his siblings, has a special job to do, but unlike his siblings, he works …

Mock Mondays: Caldecott Award

Hello party people, it's Sarah! Here is this month's suggestion for Caldecott. If you are unfamiliar with the award it is given by the American Library Association to the illustrator that gave the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature. I love peanuts, peanut butter (with chocolate), and the many other products we derive from peanuts. …

Middle Grade Book Review: Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

Hi everyone, it's Sarah! Wolk's Wolf Hollow was a runaway Newbery winner from the first time I read it, I just knew it would be awarded something. While this book was challenging both in content and in reading level, it felt like literature. I couldn't wait to read more by this same author, so when …