MightyImagination

Book Review: The Book Tree

The Book Tree by Paul Czajak and Rashin Kheiriyeh

AUTHOR: Paul Czajak

ILLUSTRATOR: Rashin Kheiriyeh

PUBLISHER: Barefoot Books

AGE RANGE: 4-9

EXCERPT:

When young Arlo accidentally drops a book on the Mayor’s head, the Mayor decides books are dangerous and destroys all the books in town! But thanks to Arlo’s imagination and perseverance, the Mayor finds that suppressing stories cannot stop them…

Picture Book 10 for 10~2018

I recently participated in a very disheartening discussion on social media about racism, privilege, and activism. As a kid lit enthusiast and parent, I believe it is vital to share books that celebrate diversity, promote acceptance, foster empathy, and applaud activism. This is my list for Picture Book 10 for 10:

1. Can I Touch Your Hair?: Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship by Charles Waters…

Book Review: My Pillow Keeps Moving!

My Pillow Keeps Moving! by Laura Gehl

AUTHOR: Laura Gehl

ILLUSTRATOR: Christopher Weyant

PUBLISHER: Viking Books for Young Readers

AGE RANGE: 4-8

EXCERPT:

A lonely man tries to buy a pillow . . . and ends up with a new best friend in this silly and sweet doggy tale, perfect for fans of Officer Buckle and Gloria.

Dogs make good pillows, don’t they?

A clever pup ends up in a cozy home, and she’ll…

Book Review: Hedgehog Needs A Hug

Hedgehog Needs a Hug by Jen Betton

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Jen Betton

PUBLISHER: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

AGE RANGE: 4-8

EXCERPT:

Everyone needs hugs, even if they’re prickly.

When Hedgehog wakes up feeling down in the snout and droopy in the prickles, he knows a hug will make him feel much better. But none of his animal friends are eager to wrap their arms around Hedgehog’s…

Book Review: La Frontera: My Journey with Papa

La Frontera: My Journey with Papa

AUTHORS: Deborah Mills & Alfredo Alva

ILLUSTRATOR: Claudia Navarro

PUBLISHER: Barefoot Books

AGE RANGE: 4-10

EXCERPT: Based on a true story! Join a young boy and his father on an arduous journey from Mexico to the United States in the 1980s to find a new life. They’ll need all the courage they can muster to safely cross the border — la frontera — and to make a…

I couldn’t contain my excitement when I was offered a position to work on the Bells for Books bookmobile for the Garden City Public Library.

Two of my favorite things: kids and kid lit. What a dream job!

I started in January of 2017, but we happened to have one of the most extreme Idaho winters in history. My kiddos were excited to have so many snow days, but I was anxious to get out on the bus and start making a difference.

I worked on behind the scenes stuff while I waited for safe driving conditions. This consisted of processing new books and donations, repairing books, and withdrawing books beyond repair. One of my favorite things was reading personal notes on the end pages of donated books. These books were special to the initial reader and would be special once again to young patrons who checked them out.

  The purpose of the bookmobile was to offer children access to books and get them excited about reading. Many of these kids did not own books or were unable to visit a library. We did not issue library cards or require fines for late or damaged books. We just wanted them to read!

We distributed snacks, hats and mittens, and backpacks with school supplies. We also ran a reading incentive program in the winter, facilitated STEM activities in the summer, and participated in fun events like Touch a Truck and Trunk or Treat.

Patrons referred to the bookmobile as THE BUS, but we had a more personal name for him. The kids were thrilled when Thomas received his monster makeover, which would not have been possible without a generous grant from the Greater Boise Area Rotary Foundation.

Working on the bookmobile was a perfect fit for me because I only read kid lit! The kids loved that I was able to honestly recommend a wide range of picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA novels. We also compiled a wishlist. I searched for requested titles in our office. We would try to purchase them with our budget if we didn’t have them, or if we needed more copies of a popular title. Sometimes I would bring personal books from home that my kids had already read a bazillion times.

My kids were able to visit me every week on the bookmobile because one of the stops was near our house. Their friends thought it was pretty cool that their mom drove the big blue bus.

  The most rewarding aspect of this job was getting to know the kids. We were greeted with huge smiles every time we pulled up to a stop. Sometimes the kids would even jump for joy on the sidewalk as soon as they saw Thomas. The kids told me jokes, talked about school, and shared intimate stories about their lives.

One of the most difficult parts of this job was when children moved away. A girl wrote her name on a piece of paper and gave it to me so I would “always remember” her. Kids hugged me, drew me pictures, and even gifted me their favorite stuffed animals.

It was even more difficult when it was my turn to move. My husband accepted an excellent job opportunity in Seattle, so I had to say goodbye to Thomas and the kids. I cried on my last day. Several times.

The library staff threw me a little going away party.

Lucky for me some of my co-workers used to live in the Seattle area. They recommended places to explore with my family. I already couldn’t wait to visit the Seattle Public Library.

At the end of the party, our library director told me that I changed these kids’ lives and they would remember me.

I hope she’s right.

Did you visit a bookmobile when you were a child? Do you have a bookmobile in your community? I’d love to hear about it!

Learn more about the Bells for Books mobile literacy program!

Check out this blog post by Chronicle Books: A Brief History of Bookmobiles in America!

How to Explain Your Writing Journey to Friends and Family

It has come to my attention that those closest to me do not understand my writing journey. They wonder why I spend so much time with my nose in books (you have to read what you write!) and my eyes glued to my computer screen. They wonder why I don’t write a different genre. They wonder what webinars and podcasts are. They wonder what SCBWI, 12×12, Storystorm, ReFoReMo etc. etc. etc. are. But most…

2017 Children’s Choice Book Awards

It’s that time of year again! Be sure to encourage your kiddos to vote for their favorite books in 2017 Children’s Choice Book Awards. Launched in 2008 by the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader, the awards provide young readers with an opportunity to voice their opinions about new books being written for them. How were these finalists chosen? Each year, over 36,000 children from…

1000 Picture Books in 2016~December

I just learned that my husband and sister thought I was reading 1000 picture books per month this year. Wow! If that were the case there would be zero time for anything else! But…I did meet my goal for the 1000 Picture Books in 2016 Reading Challenge. Kid lit reading stats for 2016: Picture books: 1005 Middle Grade: 7 Young Adult: 1 I’m looking forward to reading more MG and YA in 2017. I’d…

1000 Picture Books in 2016~November

November is Picture Book Month, and we definitely celebrated at our house! My kiddos fell in love with Not Your Typical Dragon and Nerdy Birdy. We will be adding these two hilarious books to our home library. The Tree Lady is a must-read nonfiction picture book. I also highly recommend A Hat for Mrs. Goldman for its wonderful message, and Shy for its gorgeous art. Visit my January-October posts…

1000 Picture Books in 2016~October

I have 161 picture books to go to complete the 1000 Picture Books in 2016 Reading Challenge! I discovered a new favorite wordless picture book this month (Hank Finds an Egg) as well as a new favorite interactive book (Tap the Magic Tree). I am a huge fan of Oliver Jeffers. His new book (A Child of Books) has an incredible message with mind-blowing art. Jane Yolen’s newest book (What to Do With a…

1000 Picture Books in 2016~September

I read 155 picture books in September. This month I decided to focus on titles from the last three years. I discovered several of these books during a 12 x 12 webinar with children’s librarian and All the Wonders podcast creator, Matthew Winner. Visit my January-August posts for Goodreads links to the picture books I’ve read in 2016. January post February post March post April post May post June…

1000 Picture Books in 2016~August

I read 139 picture books this month! I had a difficult time deciding which ones to include in my top picks list, but I feel there is a nice mix of fiction, nonfiction, humor, as well as books celebrating diversity. Visit my January-July posts for Goodreads links to the picture books I’ve read in 2016. January post February post March post April post May post June post July post Top 27 picks for…

1000 Picture Books in 2016~July

I am posting this a few days early because I’m going camping with friends and family in Cascade, Idaho. Here’s a photo of my friend Scott from our last lake adventure :). Flyboarding! This month I discovered a nice mixture of sweet, inspiring, and hilarious picture books. Visit my January-June posts for Goodreads links to the picture books I’ve read in 2016. January post February post March post…

1000 Picture Books in 2016~June

I have read 400 picture books so far this year. I discovered some gems this month that I am excited to share with you. Happy reading! Visit my January-May posts for Goodreads links to the picture books I’ve read in 2016. January post February post March post April post May post Top 17 picks for June! 1. No Monkeys, No Chocolate by Melissa Stewart 2. Hana Hashimoto Sixth Violin by Chieri Uegaki…

1000 Picture Books in 2016~May

The 1000 Picture Books in 2016 Reading Challenge has encouraged me to read a greater variety of picture books. I hadn’t read many wordless picture books or nonfiction picture books until I participated in this challenge. Hooray for reading challenges! Visit my January-April posts for Goodreads links to the picture books I’ve read so far this year. Here’s my top 15 picks from my May reading list.…