Saturday, January 7, 2023

I Can Read Books


We got some new I Can Read books or Junior Readers into the library. 
Here are a few new favorites of mine.

Otter's teddy bear is having a birthday. Otter is making a cake - but what kind of cake would Teddy enjoy? Everyone seems to have a different idea.

A funny story about cake and friends - two wonderful things. 

Otter does not like bath time - but he and Teddy need a bath. He tries so hard to fight it - but actually ends up enjoying it.

Another funny Otter story. I think I have to get all the Otter books for the library! I like the message about trying new things. Otter is a little sneaky in this one!

Biscuit heads to the community garden. He's supposed to stay close by - but he gets distracted by a bird. He has so much fun helping other people in the garden.

A cute garden story with a sweet message about helping others and kindness.

The geese want to do ballet - but they need equipment. Bruce goes to get slippers, leggings, and tutus. But getting them is not easy.

Another funny Bruce book. Poor Bruce! 

Friday, January 6, 2023

2023 Goals


This year, I want to:
Take Horseback Riding Lessons
Work with Resin
Figure out SEO
Continue with Welsh Lessons
Reading Challenge: 250 books (kids, middle grade, YA, and adult)
Hike Mount Rainier
Visit Alaksa
Attend more author events
Create more
Find an Agent
Focus on Friendships
Cook more
Test out new baking recipes


Thursday, January 5, 2023

Wrap of 2022


I had some goals for the year. Some I completed and some I didn't...

Some of them because of this cutie:

Here are some accomplishments/events that happened this year:

Knightley joined our family 
We visited Seattle 
We did some hiking in Olympic National Park
We went to Leavenworth - the Hallmark Christmas type town
We pet and fed reindeer
I kept learning Welsh
I survived a big book challenge at my library that made lots of headlines
I joined TikTok - both professionally and personally 
We went hiking in Colorado
I read 420 picture books/board books and 220 children, middle grade, YA, and adult books
Worked on my watercolors and created some cool pieces

Goals I didn't accomplish (moving them to this year):
Horseback riding lessons
working with resin 

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Picture Book Wednesday: Biographies


Just a few recent to my library picture book biographies.

I really do enjoy a good picture book biography - they can be so interesting and informative. And they can lead to readers doing more research on the person. 

Mabel saw people figure skating and she was determined to try too. Unfortunately, she grew up in the 1930s and it was hard for a black girl to become a figure skater. But she persisted.

This is the 2nd picture book biography I've read of Mabel Fairbanks. I felt terrible for her and her family troubles. I was impressed by her determination - and her skills. I'm glad that she found Uncle Wally to help her out - and to look after her.  He was clever, kind, and smart. I love that she created her own ice shows and then turned to teaching. I love that she influenced so many skaters.  This book was chock full of information and fascinating. 

Ann Lowe was a talented dress maker and this biography is wonderful.

I read this one just after reading a historical fiction novel about Ann Lowe. It was interesting to see the differences between the two books. This book is marvelous - from the information to the illustrations. I loved seeing a picture of Ann Lowe in the Author's Note. Such talent and determination. I'm so happy to read more about her and her work. 

This snapshot is from Dolores Huerta's childhood.  Life isn't fair but Dolores takes matters into her own hands after witnessing an event. 

I love that - "When you see a problem, fix it. Don't pretend it's not there." What a great message. And what kindness. One voice can make a difference. Lovely book.

Library Recommendations: All three books are highly recommended for your school and public libraries. 

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books of 2022

 This week's topic is our favorite reads of 2022. I read a fair amount of books in a year, so I broke these up by categories because I couldn't choose just 10.

Adult Romance


YA Books


Middle Grade and Children's Books


Did you love any of these too?

Monday, January 2, 2023

2023 Goal

 I have a lot of little and big goals, but this is my overarching goal.


While this is a general goal, there are a few people I have in mind for this one...

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Happy New Year!


Cheers!

Here's to a new year filled with great books to read, lots of laughter, yummy food, and all the friendship!