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So many books, so little time! What I hope to capture here -  through my posts and your comments - are the true gems. Not always gems in terms of content to be sure - but in terms of their ability to captivate, and to get more kids of all ages to turn to books as a reliable source of entertainment and eventually, enrichment. Join the conversation!

“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.” Maya Angelou

Give me Smore: a science magazine for girls (and boys)

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Magazine subscriptions are a great way to engage reluctant readers. Magazines provide content in bite-sized chunks; almost always contain wonderful photographs, graphics, and comics; and include ideas for hands-on activities. There’s also nothing quite like the feeling of getting something fun in the mail every month with your name on it.

I recently came across a children’s magazine, a newbie on the scene, that I wanted to share with you: Smore Magazine. Read more…Give me Smore: a science magazine for girls (and boys)

2018 National Book Awards

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The National Book Awards were announced yesterday, November 14, 2018. Among the four categories is the award for Young People’s Literature. Lists of award winners and finalists are always fun to browse. Well, if you haven’t heard already, the 2018 Winner of the NBA Young People’s Literature Award is… Read more…2018 National Book Awards

Try this Treehouse

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I had a Eureka! moment at Lightroom, one of my favorite bookstores in Bangalore, this summer. You see, I have been searching long and hard for an engaging, illustrated series for the 7-11 set that isn’t saturated with middle-grade cynicism, loser-cool, or gross-out potty humor (Books, I love you guys, but you know who you are!). And when my eyes alighted on The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffin and Terry Denton, I knew I had found what I was looking for. Read more…Try this Treehouse

How to prepare when Hamilton mania comes to town!

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Hamilton: The Musical has finally come to Boston! And after a long wait for a birthday present given years ago, my lucky family and I got to see the show last night. And people, the show did not disappoint! In fact, it was 2 hours and 55 minutes of incredible.

Unlike my kids who know most of the lyrics inside-out, upside-down, and back-to-front like many kids across the country, I’ve been a bit of a Hamilton ignoramus. But these two resources helped me get quickly up to speed, and were great companion-pieces for my kids as well. Read more…How to prepare when Hamilton mania comes to town!

Museum finds: 10 great board books on art

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A confession: When I visit a museum of any kind, I LOVE visiting the gift shop, sometimes even more than the museum itself. Stocked with unusual finds and carefully curated books, there is always the thrill of discovering something new that you can take home with you.

On a recent trip to the St. Louis Art Museum I first came across Mini Masters, a wonderful series of board books that I am excited to highlight. Read more…Museum finds: 10 great board books on art

Book and audiobook review: The One and Only Ivan

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Title: The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Format: Single book, audiobook
Audiobook narrator: Adam Grupper
Audiobook length: 3hrs 46min
Age Group: 10+

There once was a 400lb western lowland gorilla named Ivan, who lived in a concrete cell in the middle of a shopping mall. For 27 years, he entertained shoppers and gawkers, but had no contact with others of his kind.

It is from these dire, real-life circumstances, that author Katherine Applegate spins a soaring and unforgettable tale. Read more…Book and audiobook review: The One and Only Ivan