This week's topic is favorite picture books. This could be a VERY long post thanks to my job. But I'll do my best to make it short and sweet. I read lots of picture books as a Children's Librarian and I usually post new favorites on Wednesdays. Here are some that I have recently read and Loved.
It's been 10 years since Taylor Swift had her first song debut on the radio. She's only grown since then.The Good:
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While Vivian teaches a hat making workshop in Paris, Scarlett noses around trying to find her cousins husband. Vivian plans on having her marriage annulled, Scarlett is only too happy to help locate William. When she finds him, she hears his side of the story. Struck by the romance of it all, Scarlett convinces her cousin to have dinner with him.My Thoughts: I adore this series. I loved the setting. I enjoyed learning more about Vivian and William. I'm glad that Scarlett's friends came by to help, especially Harrison. I loved the romance of this one, especially when Scarlett was able to confront her past. I liked the mystery surrounding this book, especially the art aspect. I'm sad this is the last one of the series, I would have read Many More of these.
After the three of them eat, William insists on showing them something work related that Vivian will appreciate. Outside his office, he's kidnapped. Vivian's beside herself. Scarlett vows to uncover the truth about William's kidnapping and the stolen painting.
Library Recommendation: This series is perfect for cozy sections of your library - highly recommended!
Maggie's father is a big shot Hollywood director - and yet he terrorizes her family. This summer the whole family's staying in Scotland while he shoots a movie. Maggie's scared to tell him about her good news. She's been accepted to a fashion design school in England. She isn't going to UCLA to become an entertainment lawyer like he thinks. She knows that she's going to have to tell him the truth about her future and suffer the consequences.My Thoughts: I confess it took me a bit to get into this one. I hated Maggie's father. He was so cruel, but I need to see how Maggie made it through. Once I was invested, I couldn't put this book down.
When she finally shares her news, he reacts the way everyone imagined. But her mother shocks her by leaving him. Now that Maggie's eighteen, there's nothing holding her back. But her father isn't done playing all his cards. He has an ace up his sleeve that's going to wreck havoc on Maggie's romantic life.
Library Recommendation: Both books are fantastic to have in your library! Get them.
Lady Claire's reasons for agreeing to travel to England because of her brother's dukedom have nothing to do with wanting to help him and everything to do with meeting the Duke of Ashbrooke. She wanted to discuss his mathematical papers, especially those concerning the difference engine. She has some ideas on improving it. But her intelligence has caught the eye of another.My Thoughts: I adored Lady Claire. I loved watching her navigate through ballrooms, refusing the dance, and understanding that she was more intelligent that the majority of the people there. I loved watching her play cards and counting them. I love how she didn't hide her intelligence. I love how she went to mathematical meetings and asked a boatload of questions. But I also like how her dealing with Lord Fox made her understand people just a little bit more. I thought Fox was an idiot for the wager, especially the prize. I felt terrible for him for his childhood. I love how he came to admire Lady Claire's intelligence, realizing all the blunders he made along the way. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Two friends decide to make a wager on Lady Claire's future. But the more time Lord Fox spends with her, the more he can't stop thinking about her. Could her brains compliment his beauty perfectly?
Library Recommendation: A perfect series for all public libraries!
Today is the day to take shelfies of all your book shelves or just some of them if in my case you have too many and they need some straightening. I have six major bookshelves. Four in my library/craft room with books I've read, books from my childhood, books to read, and of course signed books. Then I have two in the living room with books to read - mostly ARCs. And I have a small bookshelf on an end table for library books, which never seem to fit (but that's another story.)
This is is also in my library: filled with JK Rowling, Jane AUsten, Sarah J Maas, George RR Martin, Maria V Snyder, Rick Riordan, Julia Quinn, Sarah Maclean, and so many more.
Ada hates Saturdays because she's forced to take a ballet class. She's terrible at Ballet. She hates everything about it from the clothes to the positions. When she attempts a pirouette, disaster strikes. But it could be the best thing that ever happened to her.
This week's Top Ten Tuesday is a freebie week. Since I recently finished Wayfarer, it's inspired me to think of places in time I'd love to glimpse (you know, provided I could come back to my life here).
Vivi has loved her best friend's brother since the day she met him. Over the years, they've developed a special friendship. But lately things are off. David left on a business trip and hasn't kept up with anyone, even his family.My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the layers of family dynamics - how Vivi's family fell apart and how Cat's family took her in. I love that she had a relationship with all the siblings. I felt terrible for David and how learning the secret changed him. I like how he attempted to come back into his siblings' lives and how he kept that awful secret. I loved Vivi gaining more confidence and becoming stronger in her life. I enjoyed the flashbacks to their younger days, especially with Vivi's art. I liked Cat and Jackson, so I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the series to see them gain their happily ever afters.
When Cat invites Vivi to her family's summer home for a week vacation,she has no idea her brother (and his girlfriend) will be there.
David works hard to insert himself back into his family's lives. But he's holding on to a secret that threatens to destroy him - terrible secret he can't share with his brother or sister.
But the time on the island is making him reevaluate all his relationships - including Vivi. Could he actually have feelings for her?
Library Recommendation: A fun summer romance about relationships that will be a welcome addition in public libraries.
I know it's mid January, but summer will be here before you know. Deadlines are looming for performers and/or community magazines. I've started pulling together ideas on Pinterest. I'm planning to concentrate on building activities and STEAM programs. But Pinterest as so many great ideas that it's hard to choose. So I'm sharing my Pinterest finds. I hope you find them useful.
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Spaghetti and Marshmallow Tower  Marshmallow Bridges |
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| Art Sculpture |
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| Castles |
Casey Carter's spent years in jail for a crime she claims she didn't commit. Upon gaining her freedom, she tracks down Laurie Moran and asks her to take on her cold case for her television show.My Thoughts: I adore this series. I love the television aspect and seeing the back ground research for the show. I love how everything comes together. I was a bit worried about Laurie's new partner, but I think he might work out just fine. I like how Casey stuck to her innocence throughout the book, never wavering. I felt terrible for her that no one believed her, including her parents. I uncovered the truth before the heroine did, but it did not make the book any less enjoyable. I devoured this book in one sitting. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Laurie isn't sure it's the greatest idea, but she feels for the girl who was sleeping while her fiance was murdered. Everyone treats Casey as though she's guilty - even her own parents believe she killed her fiance in a fit of rage. But Casey's not stopping until she uncovers the truth.
Will all the questions about the past force someone to break?
Library Recommendation: This series is a must have for Public Libraries.
Secrets have a way of coming out. Now that Grace knows the truth about her lineage, she's on the run. She's worried about her injured brother. She's worried about her friends. Most of all, she's worried about her future.
And when she's worried, she comes up with a terrible idea for a plan...
Library Recommendation: Highly recommend this series for all YA departments.
The editor of Buzz Magazine hosts a fashion show to showcase the new colors for the Spring season. All the bugs want to know what colors to wear. Miss V. McQueen shares lots of looks but confides that the more important thing of all to be is...yourself!
Library Recommendations; Recommended! A fun fashion book that displays vibrant colors - perfect for concept collections.
This week's topic is - underrated books. I'm choosing books I read last year that I think deserved more attention than I saw...I just picked the first ones in my list that I felt needed more notice - equal amount of YA and Middle Grade books. I look forward to reading about others, so I can add them to my TBR pile.
Devin loves playing soccer, especially with her friends. When she moves across the country to California, she's hoping to make the soccer team. She worried for nothing. Tryouts are a joke. Everyone makes the team. Everyone seems to get equal playing time, no matter how good they are.My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this sports book - both for the fun of sports and the seriousness of playing because you love the game. I liked how Devin made new friends and helped out her teammates. I love the bond they had. I felt a little bad for Mirabelle, because I feel there's more to her story. But I do love how Devin stood up for herself and her teammates against bullies and those who spoke badly about the team. I love how she infected the team with her love for the sport. I love her ideas for her two friends who had trouble playing in front of people. I loved how annoyed Devin was at the soccer conditions for the girls team and how she worked to change it. An entertaining read with great messages.
And Devin is good.
She wants to win.She wants the team to be an actual team. She makes friends with a few girls on the team. Before long, she's co-captain. Can she make a difference and help change the team to become more serious?
Library Recommendation: A great soccer book all about teamwork and friendship - perfect for any school or public library. Recommended.
Emails sent back and forth about the plans for the Alliance, including misgivings, thoughts on personal, and how they might change the mind of people.My Thoughts: A really fun read for Star Wars fans but don't read this if you haven't seen the movie yet. Funny. Smart. Entertaining. Great photos and blueprints. An enjoyable political read.
Library Recommendation: A must have for your Star Wars fans!
Much to the dismay of Miss Cole, Lindsey decides to host an Amnesty Day at the library. People are returning tons of books. When a copy of Catcher in the Rye turns up after twenty years, the staff is pleased with the condition - until Miss Cole realizes who checked out the book.My Thoughts: I loved this book - for the library scenes, for the Nancy Drew mention, for the Cupcake series shout out, for the friendships, and for the romance. I love the characters in this book series, especially the library workers. They complete the series for me. I loved the plot line of a twenty year old book reopening a murder case. I love how Lindsey searched for clues with the help of Robbie. I loved meeting the high school librarian (and her flirtation). I loved the moments between Lindsey and Sully. This series is always entertaining and enjoyable reads. I can't wait for the next one.
It was checked out by a local teacher - on the day of her murder twenty years ago. More than a little curious, Lindsey takes the book the police, wondering if the clue can help solve a cold case. She's not above asking questions and sniffing out answers.
But could twenty years be too late? Or is the returning of the book proof that the murderer is back in town?
Library Recommendation: A must have series for all cozy collections.
