Author: Caryn

Let’s Read Three: Children’s Picture Books for Bedtime

Welcome to Friday! And welcome to an exciting new series that I’m going to start until I run out of ideas. Being very fond of lists, especially for books, I think it high time that I make some short lists for reading books together. “Together” as in with someone else if you feel so inclined, but more especially “together” as in books that fit well when read in combination.

So let’s begin combo number one: three picture books to read aloud for bedtime, most especially for babies and toddlers.

Continue reading “Let’s Read Three: Children’s Picture Books for Bedtime” →

Caryn1 Comment

Book Review: The Swing By Stevenson & Morstad

Today I am feeling short and sweet. And summery too, of course. So although I have mentioned this book here many, many times; I feel the need to devote a review post just to its precious pages. If you are a faithful reader of this blog and you are tired of hearing about this gem, move along for today (but come back Friday for a new post!). If however, you long to dote a little more on this favorite, then stick around for a small but beautiful book. Combining a delightful old poem with sweet, painted illustrations – this book is what childhood summer should feel like. Here is The Swing by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Julie Morstad, 2012.

Continue reading “Book Review: The Swing By Stevenson & Morstad” →

Caryn5 Comments

Book Review: Little Red Writing By Joan Holub & Melissa Sweet

Confession: I have a very slight obsession with the story of “Little Red Riding Hood.” I know I am not alone in this as I continually find book after book that reillustrates, adapts, or references this famous tale. My collection of said adaptations is slowly growing and I hope to feature more of them now that my penchant toward collecting them is out in the open. I would not have planned my first “little red” review to be what I’m about to share, but I am extra super excited to start off the reviews for the “little red riding hood” tag here with an extremely clever, bizarrely concocted version such as this beauty coming out this fall. That’s right, I’ve got a sneak preview for you! Thanks to some new friends at Chronicle Books, I received this lovely book in the mail last week with hopes that I would like it and want to show it off. Yes and yes! Now it would not have been hard for someone to do their research and see that I am a fan of anything Melissa Sweet creates; but how they knew about my soft spot for this particular tale, I can only wonder. Well played Chronicle.

Without further ado, allow me to present this marvelous adaptation of a much beloved fairytale. Here is Little Red Writing by Joan Holub, pictures by Melissa Sweet, coming October 2013.

Continue reading “Book Review: Little Red Writing By Joan Holub & Melissa Sweet” →

Caryn7 Comments

Book Review: A Couple Of Boys Have The Best Week Ever By Marla Frazee

One of the most memorable parts of childhood summers would have to be going to camp. Whether it be band camp, or church camp, or scout camp or Grandparent camp, the mere act of going away for a whole week and experiencing something different is epic as a child. The plans and adventures don’t have to be major and most likely the smallest parts of the week are what is going to stick and be recounted for years to come. And that’s what this book really captures. This is a humorous glimpse of the minor details surrounding a week of camp and featuring two boys, some dear grandparents, and some profoundly honest and perfectly placed speech bubbles. Here is A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee, 2008.

Continue reading “Book Review: A Couple Of Boys Have The Best Week Ever By Marla Frazee” →

Caryn2 Comments