YABookNerd

Friday, January 23, 2026

Board Books: Literacy Development

I recently bought these books for my library. And they are FANTASTIC! I couldn't recommend them more. Every library should have them.

This one is about different sounds and their meanings.

All about moments of mealtimes - trying new foods, needing help, and eating.

Meal time tips are included at the back of this book

So much vocabulary here with the names of the transportation vehicles and what they do.

This book is all about things your can do with your Dad. I love that they encourage readers to post of photo of themselves with their dad in this book.

Over All Thoughts:

* Each book in the series contains back matter for parents about how talking with your kid is SUPER important for their development.

** This series is written by an early speech expert

*** In my professional opinion, these are the best books I've read about literacy development for kids.

**** The pictures of babies are delightful. There are some illustrations combined with the pictures, but the babies and caregivers are photos that showcase our diverse world

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Review: Crimson Throne

Summary from publisher:

Samson Calthorpe’s curse has isolated him from everyone he has ever cared about. So, when the opportunity arises to break the curse, he grabs it. All he has to do for his freedom is risk his life and become a royal spy, using every bit of the skills and resolve he’s picked up on the streets of London to infiltrate the court of the Scottish Queen and uncover a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth.

For years, Alyth Graham has been protecting Mary Queen of Scots from threats both physical and magical, including the Queen’s own husband, Lord Darnley. Alyth is more than meets the eye though, the child of a fae prince and a human mother, she is among the most powerful protectors in Scotland: guardians sworn to defend against the Red Caps, a bloodthirsty fae clan . . . that Lord Darnley is in league with to overtake Scotland.

As Alyth and Samson circle each other in the volatile and glamorous Scottish court, both seek to uncover threats to their own countries. They have one unifying link: their shared hatred and suspicion of Lord Darnley…and their undeniable pull towards each other. Using secret codes, hidden messages, and a little bit of magic, Alyth and Samson unravel a plot centuries in the making. Lord Darnley is only a pawn, and in this game, the queen takes all.

My Thoughts: Be warned - this is the start of a story that ends just at the climax of the book. I'm already looking forward to the next installment because there was a twist at the end that I did NOT see coming. I really enjoyed the historical figures in this story. I loved the setting, the wilds of Scotland. One day, I hope to travel there. I like the power struggles between Alyth and Queen Mary; they had an interesting relationship. I enjoyed the banter between Alyth and Samson. I'm curious to see where the next book will take readers.

If you haven't read this yet, it has the same vibe:

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Picture Book Wednesday: Don't Disturb the Pirate

Patch the puppy has run away. HIs boy must find him without waking the pirate. What sorts of surprises are on the island?

I loved all the pirate moments and the sneaking about the island. And that ending hints at a sequel. The illustrations are delightful.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Goals

This week's topic is bookish goals for the year

Reading:

Monday, January 19, 2026

Middle Grade Monday: 2026 Middle Grade Books

Here are a few middle grade books I'm looking forward to reading this year:

Always interested heist/theft books

book 3 in the series

Really like this author/illustrator

I LOVE survival books (never want to live in one)

All the drama in this graphic novel

Very interested in this graphic adaptation

Can't wait to book 2

A reverse parent trap

Finding friends (And yourself)

Historical fiction

A mystery at a B&B

A growing up story

Dual timelines - one WWII and one present day - but something united them

Survival after a hurricane

7th book in the city spies series

First in a new series about codes and puzzles

Summer on Prince Edwards Island (I hope there's an Anne reference or two)

Saving the family cafe

Friendship break-up

retelling of Little Red Riding Hood

Discovering you're a Princess and the key to saving the world

Fake rumors, a hot list, and friendship drama. Always here for a Barbara Dee book.

Have you read any of these? Excited about any of these?

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Picture Book Review: Old Blue is my Home

One little girl has a love/hate relationship with her family's blue van. The van is also their home. Not everyone at school understands how it feels to be homeless.

This is a great book to teach empathy and to share that not everyone is fortunate to have a home. It is hopeful.