Yesterday, I posted the results of the Early Reader category for this years Cybils award. Our great group of panelist also worked hard to narrow down a wonderful selection of Early Chapter Books. Our top five are described below. Early Chapter Books Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke Kane/Miller Book Pub Nominated by: Anamaria Anderson Anna Hibiscus, […]

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After spending this fall buried under early readers and early chapters books, my committee of Cybil’s panelists (Anastasia, Terry , Cynthia, Julie, Melissa, and Jeff)  narrowed our lists down to five finalists in each of our two categories. The text below was posted earlier this week on the Cybil’s blog but I wanted to share it with my […]

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This morning Caroline was looking at her report card for the 100th time since it came home. I can’t possibly imagine where she got this academic drive or the perfectionism but instead of focusing on all the great marks and positive comments, she continues to examine those few things did not earn her the highest […]

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I’ve been thinking a lot about my chosen profession these days. I spent the beginning of last year dreaming big. I sat down and imagined my ideal job. I focused on my passion for bringing good books to children and thought about how I could spend my day devoted to this mission. I put together this website […]

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So I guess this is why group things are successful. If I hadn’t vowed, out loud on this blog, to participate in Nonfiction Monday at the end of last year, there  is no way I’d be writing this post right now. Part of me was ready to throw in the towel and say that I just […]

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In addition to this blog, I have kept a family blog for years now. When I started writing over here, I found that there were times when I liked to double dip and make one blog post do the work for two blogs. Initially I did it to introduce my readers to my work. Then […]

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We don’t write this phrase often as adults but…I am so proud of myself! This is my second Nonfiction Monday post. Last week I admitted to my bias against nonfiction. My hope was that Nonfiction Monday would force me out of my comfort zone and so far, so good. In making this realization, I’ve also […]

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I had to run an errand after I picked up our four year old yesterday. For some reason, I thought out loud that maybe I would bring our iPad to help keep her entertained while I did some banking. Fortunately, my husband reminded me that we don’t do that. He said, “Are you doing to […]

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Today I went to local school to learn how I could volunteer. I am friends with their professor in residence and have listened to many stories about the community she serves. I had expected to be shocked and disturbed by what I found but my expectations could not have prepared me for the hours I […]

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Back in the fall I was thrilled to be selected as a panelist for the Cybils awards. I was happy for a number of reasons. I couldn’t wait to read lots of new books. I was excited to engage in conversation with other children’s lit lovers. And I was also hopeful that being a member […]

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