Spooky Munchies for Spooky Reads {book list}

I'm a reading snacker; I admit it.  Admitting it is the first step I hear.  While my brain is reading I love to be doing something with my mouth.  Are you a reading snacker?  

I love drinking water while reading non-fiction.  I love salty snacks when things are intense.  I love sweets when the story is sweet 💖.  Depending how the story is going will depend on what snack I want to eat.  Unfortunately, I haven't quite figured out what kind of books causes me to munch on veggies and dip.  Hmmmmm

During the holidays reading snacks must be festive. It's pretty much a holiday reading rule.  ;)  With it so close to Halloween, obviously the snacks are holiday appropriate. 

I figured I might as well attempt to explain my reading snack madness to convert more of you over to the side of snacking by type of book/read. 

Spooky Munchies for Spooky Reads

Something Sweet

For me this means chocolate candy, though for those odd people (like a certain Mr. of mine) I know sweet sugary candy is preferred. 

I think any Halloween picture book fits in this category.

My favorite Halloween picture books this year are the following: 

Creepy Carrots

Creepy Pair of Underwear

Moldilocks and the Three Scares

Big Pumpkin

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything

Something Sour

When I say sour I mean sour candy.  Just sour doesn't do anything for me, but Sour Patch Kids every now and again, that is yum.  

Sour Candy books are a little weird but cool at the same time.  

Coraline is definitely a sour candy book. 

   Something Salty

Salty snacks have to have a crunch for me.  Potato chips are my go to salty reading snack.  

Salty books are intense books that keep me coming back for more intensity... just like salty chips.  

Cirque du Freak  is an intense, every chapter is a cliff hanger, salty chip book.  

Such a fun series, and a great classroom or family read aloud for 5th-8th grade kids. 

Something with Everything

Snacks that are sweet, salty, and crunchy are perfect for the spooky reads with intensity, action, humor, and a little quirkiness.  

Books that have it all deserve a snack that has it all.  

I used to make a candy corn and peanuts snack mix, but then I came across this recipe from Oh Sweet Basil.  It has since won my heart. #yummy

The Last Kids on Earth is a book with thrill and laughs.

Bonus, it is now on Netflix. 

Something Pumpkin

Seasonal reads always entice some seasonally flavored snacks, and ice cream is always a great reading snack.  

The season of pumpkins deserves a book that sweet and seasonal as well as a delicious treat like Pumpkin Ice Cream. 

Pumpkinheads is such a fun and sweet and seasonally festive graphic novel.  It's a book you could read in the time a big bowl of ice cream took you to eat.  

Thank you Penguin Kids for the fun book and an excuse to share some of my favorite Halloween books with the snacks I eat with them.  

Book Characters that Brave the Page and Write {book list}

All the cool kids talk about NaNoWriMo aka the month of November is National Novel Writing Month.  It's a fun way to look at creative writing.  To go along with the new book Brave the Page, I created a book list for you with AMAZING books that the main character writes letters, novels, poetry, or even raps.  These characters and books should definitely inspire any budding writer to give NaNoWriMo a shot, or at least start creating with the power of words now.  

Brave the Page is an awesome resource with tips, tricks, and inspiration from authors on how to start working on that goal of writing a book. 

Stephen King said, "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." 

If you need some writing inspiration, give these books a read.  

Characters/Books that Brave the Page

Becoming Madeleine: A biography of the author of A Wrinkle in Time by her Granddaughters by Charlotte Jones Voiklis

A beautiful and insightful look into Madeleine L'Engle's life never before seen poetry, letters, and even rejections for publications.  A fabulous biography for anyone interested in writing. 

Between the Lines by Nikki Grimes

A group of high school students build friendships and connections as they prepare for a boys vs. girls poetry slam.  This book is written in free verse. 

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

This classic children's literature book is a must read.  Leigh, a 10 year old boy, writes letters to his favorite author. The writing helps him cope with the challenges he is facing. 

Dear Sister by Alison McGhee

This illustrated novel is such a quick sweet read as a brother writes letters to his sister.  Not only is this book comical, but anyone with a sibling may feel the tugs on their heart.  

From Twinkle with Love by Sandhya Menon

 Twinkle, a shy aspiring filmmaker is directing a movie for an upcoming festival.  Her story is told through letters as she learns about love and the challenges of directing a movie. 

House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg

Once upon a time there was a girl named Maud who adored stories.  Years later, she ended up not only owning many books, but she wrote 24 books including the Anne of Green Gables series.  

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Of course I had to include this classic; classics stand the test of time and they are definitely inspiring.  If you don't recall, Jo, the literary sister, loves to read and write.

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani 

Nisha, a 12 year old living in India during the 1947 partition is forced to flee her home.  She tries to make sense of it all by writing to her deceased Muslim mother. 

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

Bri, a high school student, wants to become a rapper and escape the difficult inner city life she and her family currently have.  The book and the writing is absolutely fantastic.  The  audiobook brings the book and the rapping to life; it's a must listen to.  

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Xiomara is constantly writing her frustrations, passions, and everything in between in her leather notebook.  She dreams of participating in a Poetry Slam with her own poems.  This is another must listen to as the author reads it, and she's amazing since she is a Poetry Slam Champion.  

Swing by Kwame Alexander

 A book written in free verse (aka a quick and fast read even reluctant readers will enjoy) about love, friendship, sports, and high school.  Noah decides to stop taking a backseat to his life; he decides to Swing and finally make his voice heard.

To all the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Lara Jean writes letters to all the boys she has loved.  This book will have you cringing for her, and cheering her one as well.  This light romantic-ish contemporary ya lit is fun to read and there's even a Netflix movie out to watch after. 

Twelve awesome books where a main character writes and expresses him or herself.  Any books I should add to the list???

This book list consists of children's chapter books to adult classics with young adult and juvenile non-fiction biographies making strong appearances as well.  Basically, there is bound to be at least one, if not many, of these books you must read or listen too.  They are fantastic, and who knows... they may just inspire you to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. 

 

If you do participate, you must check out Brave the Page; it's an excellent resource that is fun to read.  

Thank you Penguin Random House for the Brave the Page book to read.  All thoughts on any of the books listed above are mine alone.  

Calling All Penguin Fans {book list}

Penguins are a big deal over here.  When my youngest was a newborn I placed a penguin in her crib.  I thought the contrasting colors would be great for her little newborn eyes.  Little did I know that black and white penguin stuffed animal would start an obsession. 

I'm pretty sure we have an entire penguin herd in our home.  She has penguin hats, singing penguins, big penguins, small penguins, medium penguins, tiny penguins, Little People penguins, holiday penguins, penguin necklaces, and penguin clothes.  She loves penguins, and has a deep desire to go see the penguins in their natural habitat.

Since a trip to Antarctica is not possible right now for this little 4 year old we read books.  Lots and lots of penguin books.  Luckily, there are so many great penguin books that she only mentions going to see the penguins (no zoos don't fulfill this little bucket list item for her) about once every other day.

I know there are many people that love penguins, and so you get our favorite aka obviously the BEST PENGUIN BOOKS. These are definitely books to check out, and luckily The Curse of the Werepenguin is a new middle grade fiction.  We got an early read, and my kiddos are all enjoying the story about two awesome kids and a curse of a penguin like monster.  It's definitely a humorous fantasy juvenile/kids chapter book.   

THE BEST PENGUIN BOOKS   

  

Waddle! by Rufus Butler Seder

This scanimation picture book is so fun and full of actions kiddos can do as you read it aloud.  There isn't anything much better than watching your child waddle across the room and then "slip-slide-swoop!"  Teachers will love the fun action words making it a perfect for a Word Choice lesson. 

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

This book is the classic penguin chapter book with lots of fun, adventure, and silliness making it great for a classroom (2nd-4th grade) or family read aloud.  There's a reason it won a Newbery Honor; it's good.      

The Curse of the Werepenguin by Allan Woodrow

This newly published middle grade fiction is fun, and it is such a unique story.  Who would've thought to combine a penguin and a werewolf?!?  A fun and funny read aloud about friendship and a werepenguin, that kids in the classroom (3rd-6th grade) or your own kids will enjoy.   Fair warning, this book has monsters, aka a werepenguin or a penguin/werewolf, but it's a not-super-scary monster.  It's more like a funny monster.   

One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo

Elliot, a very proper, tuxedo wearing, young man, politely asks his distracted dad if he can bring a penguin home from the aquarium.  The adventures that go along with caring for a penguin makes for some good laughs, and the ending is surprisingly fun. Not only is the story superb, but this Caledcott Honor book has the best pictures. Such a fun read aloud young kids and older elementary kids will enjoy it equally well. 

Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester

Tacky, is an "odd bird but a very nice bird to have around."  This picture book series is the best!  It is loved by the young, but kiddos in 2nd grade through 5th grade will find themselves enjoying the silliness and fun of Tacky.  

Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups and Little Penguin and the Lollipop by Tadgh Bentley

Bentley has a few"Little Penguin" books, and they all are creative and fun.  It truly is hard not to love this fun little penguin that always gets in the silliest of predicaments.

Penguin Problems by Jory John

Being a penguin isn't all it's cracked up to be.  You may not know, but penguins have problems too. You'll enjoy their "problems" and will LOVE the walrus.  This book is not only fun, but it has a good message.  

365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental

This math nerd loves the combination of math fun and penguin silliness/craziness.  With this book you'll enjoy the craziness that comes when a penguin shows up on the same front porch every single day of the year.   It must be an Amazon Prime subscription thing. 😉 

Do you have any favorite penguin books we should add to the list? 

Thank you Penguin Random House for The Curse of the Werepenguin.  All thoughts on this book, and all of the books, are mine alone.  

National Pet Day aka Pet Book List {book list}

It's National Pet Day, and I'm so excited to share some fun "pet" books.  These books are hilarious, funny, and make awesome read alouds.  Some have won awards.  Some are great for beginning readers, and some are entertaining and better than I thought they'd be.  Definitely give them a check-out. 

Pet Books

Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

This novel with illustrations is hilarious, but I know about an alien cat warlord that becomes a pet sounds awfully weird.  However, it's hilarious and fun and definitely worth a check-out.  I found myself laughing and enjoying it far more than I thought I would.  It'd make a great classroom read aloud, or nightly read.  The reading level is a little higher, but I think the interest is lower.  Therefore, a class read aloud in 2nd or 3rd would be awesome.    

Best for 3rd-5th grade.  

Flubby by J.E. Morris

Flubby is a pet cat.  He is your typical, lay around the house cat.  Tho, the endings of Flubby books have a surprise. The text is simple and short and perfect for the beginning reader, the pictures are fantastic, and the book series is all around fun!

Best for Preschool through 1st grade. 

One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo

This picture book won a Caldecott Honor b/c the pictures are fantastic.  However, the text and story is super fun as well.  These pets are not your normal pets, and the ending will make you smile.  

Best for Preschool through 4th grade. 

Arnie, the Doughnut by Laurie Keller

I love Arnie; this book has been a favorite of mine for years.  Arnie is a doughnut, but he is also a pet.  This picture book is a must read, but it is a longer read.

Best for 3rd through 6th grade. 

Charlotte and the Rock by Stephen W. Martin

Charlotte, like many children, just wants a pet to take care of.  However, her parents give her an unusual pet that becomes even more unusual.  Charlotte is fun, and finds the good in all things.  This would be a great picture book for a teacher to read aloud and complete a Venn Diagram to compare Charlotte's pet to the student's pet.  

Best for 1st through 3rd grade. 

This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne

This interactive picture book is less about her pet dog and more about what happens to her dog, but it is funny.  Definitely a fun read for a classroom or with your child. 

Best for preschool through 1st grade. 

Too Many Moose by Lisa Bakos

If one moose is a good pet then many moose would be even better, right?! This picture book will answer that question in a fun way. 

Best for Kindergarten through 4th grade. 

Molly Mischief: My Perfect Pet by Adam Hargreaves

Molly is definitely silly, and it's quite obvious when she is trying to find the perfect pet.  

Best for Kindergarten through 3rd grade. 

Fairy Tale Pets  by Tracey Corderoy

What happens when a kid wants to earn a little extra money by pet-sitting?  It becomes quite the adventure for Bob when he pet-sits for fairy tale characters. 

Best for Kindergarten through 3rd grade. 

Hopefully today you give your pet some extra love and then enjoy snuggling in with some of these fun books. 

Happy reading!

Some of the books were given to me for my honest review.  All books, thoughts, and opinions are my own.  

Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King gets 4 Stars {fantasy, middle grade fiction, series}

I have a few main goals on my blog.  First, I aim to be honest.  Second, I aim for quality. Third, I aim to have fun and try and make it fun and doable whether it's baking or reading.  

Today, I am being completely honest with you.  I've never wrote this on the blog, but a handful of friends who know me know, that I wasn't the biggest fan of Fablehaven.   Maybe you're shocked.  Maybe your disappointed.  Maybe you never thought about it.  However, if you check the reviews on Amazon or Goodreads you will see I am in the minority.  Either way, if you look at the top of this book, Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King, you will see it is a Fablehaven Adventure book, and many of the characters in Fablehaven make an appearance. 

I've read both Dragonwatch books, and I will say I enjoyed them. {Gasps from the crowd.} Hence, the reason for the review today.  I have enjoyed Dragonwatch more than Fablehaven. 😮    

I, honestly, enjoyed Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull.  This book honestly earned 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it. I really did.  I thought the storyline was unexpected.  I thought Kendra and Seth's character development was good.  I enjoyed aspects like the Barrel that transports you to the other location/barrel b/c it reminded me of the Vanishing Cabinet in Harry Potter.  

The pace of the story is a little slow in the beginning.  It takes awhile to get moving; however, once you hit Stormguard Castle the pace definitely quickens.  I also felt the secondary characters were not developed fully even though they were introduced.  Sure, we may get more development of their cousins, Knox and Tess, as the series progresses (b/c this series is definitely set up to continue), but I felt their development was more than lacking.  In my opinion if you are going to introduce them and have them involved enough to have their own chapter(s) you need to develop them a bit more.  

Basically, Wrath of the Dragon King is a great book, but it is necessary to read the first Dragonwatch book.  Boys, and girls that enjoy fantasy, in 5th grade or up will enjoy this series. 

Happy Fablehaven Juvenile/Middle Grade Fiction Fantasy Reading! Feel free to email me or DM me on Instagram/Facebook if you have any other questions. 

Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 11+, 5th grade and up
# of Pages:  406
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.  If you love fantasy books, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, or Fablehaven, and you have read the first Dragonwatch.
Buy It or Not: Yes.  Especially, if you bought the Fablehaven books. 
Read Aloud: Yes, this could be a read aloud with a parent, but  it's rare for a teacher to read aloud a series.   
Lesson Ideas: Courage. Siblings. Dragons. Fantasy. Fablehaven. Cousins. Discover or Be Told. Good vs. Bad.  

Are you a Fablehaven or Dragonwatch fan?  I'd love to know what you think of the series. 


A few quotes from Dragonwatch: Wrath of the Dragon King that I had to share with you: 

"I'd rather not hold hands the whole night," Seth said. (pg 31)

"You don't become a champion by relaxing." (pg 139)

"Tough week," Seth said. "Lots of running for my life." (pg 229)


Thank you for Smith Publicity for the book to review.  All thoughts and comments are my own. 

Matylda, Bright and Tender gets 5 stars {middle grade fiction, coming of age}

A co-worker and fellow-librarian was on a mission to get this book checked out more so it doesn't get weeded.  It just doesn't seem to get the love it deserves.  She loved the book, and I'm all about reading great books.  I will say I'm so glad I checked this book out.  

Matylda, Bright and Tender by Holly M. McGhee is a beautiful, well written character driven story about loss/death, healing, and love.  

Sussy (short for Susquehanna) Reed and her best friend Guy Hose have a beautiful friendship, and do many things a child can relate to.  When they are in 4th grade they are able to convince Sussy's parents that they need a pet to "love all their own."  That's when Matylda makes her appearance, and she has a valuable roll in this coming of age story.   

Holly McGhee's debut novel is fantastic.  The writing and feel of the story reminded me of Sharon Creech's books, or Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl.  

Matylda, Bright and Tender gets 5 out of 5 stars. This book is a gentle moving story, but at 200 pages it's a quick read as well.  I loved the writing.  McGhee wrote the tough parts, like death, quite well.  She wrote the emotions Sussy was feeling well.  The only part I didn't love is the stealing part, and I wish there was more explanation in that connection and Sussy's healing and growth.  

This would be a fabulous book for anyone that wants to heal from loss and relate to someone.  This would be a great classroom read aloud, or nightly read with your kids.  All in all, Matylda, Bright and Tender is a fabulous book that deserves more attention.  

Happy Middle Grade Fiction Heartwarming Coming of Age Reading! 


Matylda, Bright and Tender by Holly M. McGhee
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: 8 -14 yrs old, 3rd grade- 8th grade
# of Pages:  210
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.  Similar feel to Sharon Creech novels.
Buy It or Not: Yes.  Especially, if you know a child or teen that lost a loved one.  This would be a great book for bibliotherapy reasons regarding death and healing.   
Read Aloud: Yes this would make a great classroom read aloud for 3rd-5th grade class room, or with a parent at night.  
Lesson Ideas: Death. Pets. Pet Care. Love. Guilt. Forgiveness. Stealing. Friendship. Family Relationships. Character Driven Story. 

Have you read Matylda, Bright and Tender? What did you think of it?



A few quotes from Matylda, Bright and Tender that I had to share with you: 

"That's when I knew I loved him- not in a fairy-tale way with a princess or prince or anything like that.  I just loved him, the way you love the people closest to you." pg 2

"Don't look down, forget you can fall, fool yourself that way." pg 51

"I know it sounds silly, but sometimes a simple change on the outside can make you feel new." pg 131

Banned Books Week {book lists}

Happy Banned Books Week!  

It's a week where we celebrate the freedom to read.  It's a week to be aware that books are challenged and asked to removed from the shelf. 

"Yes, books are dangerous. They should be dangerous - they contain ideas." Pete Hautman 

 All of the books on these lists have been challenged or banned from school or public libraries.  Their reasons vary, but are usually as a result of the author's personal actions or beliefs or the content in the book.

"If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed." Benjamin Franklin 

Librarians across the world strive to keep books on the shelves.  Librarians strive to avoid censoring books; we believe parents and the individual can make the choice for himself, herself, or for one's own children. 

"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there." Clare Booth Luce

Banning books inhibits free speech.  Books have power to teach, inspire, unite, and honestly change the world.  Books have power.  Let's not limit that power by censoring books for everyone. 

"Banning books is just another form of bullying.  It's all about fear and an assumption of power.  The key is to address the fear and deny the power." James Howe

I'm a banned book reader. Are you?  Join the Rebellion, and support the freedom of speech; the freedom to read.  

"To forbid us anything is to make us have a mind for it." Michel de Montaigne

Hopefully, some of these book lists will entice you to pick up a book. 

You must check out the most Ridiculous Reasons Books are Banned in this list.  

These books were all Banned For Being Too Religious or offending a certain religious group. 

Books that are powerful, impactful, or have Too Much aka Too Good are Banned. 

Books for the young and old are banned for all types of reasons. 

The Kid's Banned Books List always surprises everyone.  I'm assuming b/c the list is full of books they read and loved. 

The YA and Adult Banned Book list is full of classics.  A lot of the classics are banned... interesting huh?

Let's see how much of a rebel you are.  How many banned books have you read?

Join the Rebellion. Read a Banned Book!