What’s better than one story? Two? Three? Four!Garth Nix‘ One Beastly Beast is a great compilation of four distinct stories for kids ages 7-11.
Nix’ intro says that he wrote his stories for himself because he has always loved stories about pirates, inventors and aliens. No matter the inspiration, the collection works really well.Let’s face it. It takes some effort to compete with kids these days. There are PlayStations, Wiis and other things I can’t quite figure out. Books sometimes get left by the wayside. But a good book? It’s way better …read more

Creeped out yet? If so, chances are that you’re not in the targeted age demographic (ages 5-9).
Spiders, by Seymour Simon, is one of a number of terrific books published with the assistance of the Smithsonian Institute. While the cover gave me the heeby-jeebies, my five year old was immediate drawn to it. “SPIDERS!” she shrieked with more than just a hint of excitement. “SPOOKY!” she added. Her eyes got really big and she pretended to be scared, all while bouncing up and down waiting to see the book.
She was not disappointed – and neither was …read more

I am sooo excited that the Philadelphia Phillies have made it into the play-offs!  It is the culmination of a terrific summer.
Summer is also a good time to catch up on reading…  I hope that you did!  To celebrate summer, reading and baseball, I have a giveaway.  It’s super easy.
In the comments below, let me know the name of a book that you read this summer (or that you read to your child) that you loved.  Each comment equals an entry in a drawing.  I’ll draw two entries at random.  Each winner will receive an autographed Orlando Cabrera baseball card.
Here …read more

I’ve already mentioned one of the Halloween favorites in our family, Mouse’s First Halloween.  But what are your favorites?
All during the month of October, I’ll be featuring my favorite Halloween children’s classics – as well as some new books featured to become staples on the bookcase.
Care to get me started?