OCTOBER READING ROUNDUP!

Here's a look at what I read in October. There are two great concept books pictured below. Some of These are Snails by Carter Higgins and 10 Cats by Emily Gravett. If you have a toddler or preschooler in your life, these would make great holiday gifts. Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke was my favorite graphic novel this month. It's aimed at a 3rd - 6th grade audience. It's a little spooky but not super scary. And everyone should read There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds. It's amazing. 

The new Bluebonnet list will be announced in a few weeks. I'm working on my predictions. And award season is just around the corner! So look for Caldecott and Newbery hopefuls to appear also. 

What book would you give an award to this year?

 

     

                    

    

 

 

    

 

   

 IT'S FALL, Y'ALL! 

 Not that you can really tell that it is fall here in Texas. Except that the State Fair opened last Friday. But the weather folk say there's a cold front on the way - so fingers crossed we will have cooler weather and much needed rain. For me, September means a trip to Wyoming to celebrate birthdays. The oldest grand is very much into Space Boy by Stephen McCranie.  My grand really wanted me to read the first one so I did - along with the next fourteen. McCranie's stated goal as an artist is to make "Comics that Nourish."I believe he succeeds in that. This is a sci-fi/mystery/adventure/romance graphic novel series. The illustrations are simply amazing and the story fascinating. I highly recommend it. Volume 16 is out; 17 & 18 coming soon. I have no idea how long the series will be, though. So buckle in if you plan to jump on the Space Boy bandwagon. 

Halloween is just around the corner and there are a few Halloween-ish books in my list. I love Higgins' Bruce series and the Legend of Soggy Hollow does not disappoint. For tweens, Remy Lai's Ghost Book was very spooky though it centered on the Asian Feast of the Hungry Ghosts, not Halloween. 

And if you have started your Christmas shopping, I highly recommend Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems. It's hilarious. Also consider How This Book Got Red by Margaret Chiu Greanaise. It's about a Red Panda who is very disappointed when Panda books only focus on Great Pandas and don't include Red Panda's at all. Even though Great Pandas were named after Red Pandas (who knew?). It's a thought provoking book but not in a didactic way. 

In adult reading, if you enjoyed The Maid by Nita Prose you will be delighted to learn that there is a second book about the irrepressible Molly. This one is The Mystery Guest and you will learn a lot about Molly's past. I really enjoyed it. It publishes on November 28th so you can add it to your Christmas list. 

I have never read anything by Charlaine Harris but picked up the first Gunny Rose audio book for our trip. An Easy Death is dystopian supernatural. It was quite good and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. 

What are you reading this fall? Anything spooky or fun?