October 2012

Monster Stew by Stephanie Greene

Stephanie Greene has done it again. In Monster Stew, through the actions of her charming protagonist, Posey, the precarious space between excitement and fear is dramatized – a space that is very real to every tender child during the Halloween season. In the spirit of this scary season, beloved Miss Lee, the first grade teacher, has… Read more »

Librarian’s Corner: Families in Change, Part 2

Families can go through all kinds of transformations, like separation, remarriage, or the death of a family member. There are a number of “bibliotherapy” books designed to help children talk about their feelings, but what my own kids found most helpful are well-written stories showing characters dealing with the sorts of issues they are facing…. Read more »

Librarian’s Corner: Families in Change

Families go through all kinds of transformations, but one of the hardest family changes for kids is divorce. There are a number of “bibliotherapy” books designed to help children talk about their feelings, but what my own kids found (and still find) most helpful are the well-written stories showing characters dealing with the sorts of… Read more »

Parvana’s Journey by Deborah Ellis

PARVANA’S JOURNEY by Deborah Ellis (Groundwood Books 2003) (Winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award – Canada). After 11-year-old Parvana  and her father are separated from their family during war in Afghanistan, her father dies, leaving her an orphan. Disguised as a boy so as not to incur the wrath of the Taliban, Parvana sets… Read more »

And Still They Bloom by Amy Rovere

And Still They Bloom: A Family’s Journey of Loss and Healing by Amy Rovere Cancer is a powerful word. Depending on your personal experience, it can be the word that changed everything. The word that turned your own world and the world of those closest to you, upside-down. For those grieving the loss of a… Read more »

MOOSHKA, A QUILT STORY

MOOSHKA, A QUILT STORY  written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis, Peachtree Publishers,  2012, ages 4 – 8. A quilt can be many things besides a cozy coverlet. In this picture book, MOOSHKA, A QUILT STORY,  for Karla, her very special quilt that was sewn by her grandmother, is a friend, a companion and a story-teller.   … Read more »

What’s Your Story, Joan Bauer?

Hello, Joan Bauer. Welcome to ReaderKidZ! Would you mind telling us a little about your childhood? My mom was a high school English teacher and my grandmother was a storyteller, so stories always seemed to be bouncing off the walls of our house.  I always felt that stories helped explain the world.  I always wanted to… Read more »