Dragonwings by Laurence Yep I did not want to read this book when it was assigned by my 4th grade teacher. Historical fiction? No thanks! Not only that, but this is the touching story of a boy leaving behind his family and moving to America. Eww. I was sure I only liked fantasy adventure books [...]
Read (v) definition I– “to consider, interpret, discern.” Reading (n) definition I– “the action of perusing written or printed matter; the practice of occupying oneself in this way.” ~Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed. Dec 2008 What does it mean to read? As a librarian, I’ve become increasingly interested in the changing (and challenging) definitions of [...]
Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White One of the things I looked forward to when I became a parent was sharing with my kids the books that I had loved as a child. In particular, I wanted to read Charlotte’s Web to them, as my mother had done for me. I remember fiercely loving the book, the [...]
Mr. Gumpy’s Outing by John Burningham Can two children go for a trip down a river without squabbling? Can a rabbit make the journey without hopping? Or a pig without mucking about? When Mr. Gumpy takes his boat for an outing, two children and a small herd of animals all ask to go along. In each [...]
Herbert the Lion (1931) by Clare Turlay Newberry Herbert the Lion was one of the first books we were given when my daughter was born. It was a little long for a baby, but after we had got through the Goodnight Moon stage, I dug it out again. It’s a completely charming story about a [...]
Audiobook Review—Still Life by Louise Penny. Narrated by Ralph Cosham. As far as audiobook performances go, Still Life is quite memorable. Still Life introduces us to the kind yet firm and very likeable Quebecois Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. This is the first book in the Inspector Gamache series, and you’ll quickly be able to tell [...]
On April 1, the second half of the “Early Days of Mill Valley” exhibit opened to the public. While the first exhibit (you can view the archived exhibit here) presented archival photos of Mill Valley from 1834 up to incorporation in 1900, this one covers the 20th Century. The last century was a tumultuous and [...]
The Magic School Bus: At the Waterworks (1986) By Joanna Cole At first glance, the Magic School Bus franchise, with several different book series, television shows, CD-ROM games, and other merch, might seem a little bit hokey. Ironically, I guess all of its commercial success kind of turned me off. I’m always wary of books [...]
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