independent reader Archives - Page 2 of 3

Time Traveling Siblings Make History in The Magic Treehouse Series

November 30, 2020

Today’s selection seems like an obvious choice and it might seem odd that it didn’t make the list sooner. The Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne often shows up on top ten lists for young readers and i...

Alvin Ho Series Does Childhood Anxiety and Inclusivity Right

Bambi

November 16, 2020

Children's, Fiction

It’s rare that you encounter a character in a children’s book who struggles with anxiety. It’s even more rare to see that child’s challenges presented in such a matter-of-fact way that you can see yourself or ...

A Sweet Little Tractor Proves His Mettle in the Otis Collection

Bambi

November 9, 2020

Children's, Fiction

Every now and then, you come across a picture book character that is almost too cute. One that your child will still indulge when they’re feeling especially nostalgic. One whose books you only pull out on spec...

Criminals Cower From the Prowess of the Platypus Police Squad

Bambi

November 2, 2020

Children's, Fiction

Welcome to November! It’s hard to believe that with the passing of Halloween, we’re now officially entering the holiday season but here we are. Today’s entry was introduced to us by my son’s book buddy, a chil...

Creepy Kid Lit – Enter Coraline’s Haunting World… If You Dare!

Bambi

October 12, 2020

Children's, Fiction

It’s hard to believe that it’s October! The endless stretch that is 2020 makes it difficult to keep the days, weeks and months straight sometimes. But alas, it’s the tenth month of the year and for most of us,...

A Brave Heart Triumphs Over Small Stature in The Tale of Despereaux

Bambi

October 8, 2020

Children's, Fiction

In my continuing coverage of spirited rodents who capture the hearts of humans, today we have Newberry Medal Award winner, The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. Set primarily in a medieval castle, the roya...

Rascally Rodent Seeks the Open Road in Ralph S. Mouse

Bambi

October 5, 2020

Children's, Fiction

A couple of months ago, we added a new pet to our family. We’d made a deal with our son that if he was able to keep a small garden alive for the summer, then he would be allowed to get his first ‘solo pet’, a ...

Nature Is Our History Teacher in As An Oak Tree Grows

Bambi

September 18, 2020

Children's, Fiction

I’ve easily read today’s book 100 times but to my son, it just never seems to get old! It’s a picture book that he received when he was 3 or 4, through an excellent program I’ve cheered before, Dolly Parton’s ...

Schoolboy Antics of The Terrible Two Bring End to Story Drought

Bambi

September 7, 2020

Children's, Fiction

You would think that with an endless supply of books in the world, the pool of inspiration would never run dry. But 30 reviews in, I have to say that not being able to visit the library on a moment’s notice ca...

Can 50¢ Buy a Face Full of Freckles? Find Out in Freckle Juice!

Bambi

September 3, 2020

Children's, Fiction

I always get a little parenting thrill when I share a book from my childhood with my 8 year old son and he loves it just as much as I did when I was his age. Today’s book was an absolute hit with both of us, t...