It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 2/12/18

#IMWAYR

The weekly post where I recap all the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.
                                         

The Cybils round 2 judging has been taking up a lot of my book-reading attention lately--and I'm loving it. I am so excited for the winners to be announced on Wednesday. . Seriously, all the picture book and board book finalists were fantastic! It was hard to just choose one!

Dear Girl, A Celebration of Wonderful, Smart, Beautiful you!
written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal
illustrated by Holly Hatam

A few weeks ago, I read Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. It was the first book of hers that I have ever read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So I decided to read a few more of her books. This one came out just this past December and was brand new at the library. It did not disappoint. 

I think that this is the type of picture book that is appropriate for the entire age spectrum. I could have seen myself reading this to my squirming toddler to begin instilling a positive image early. I fell it is spot on for my daughter, who just turned 8, as she enters these pre-teen years and will soon be dealing with all sorts of inner and outer changes. I can see getting this book for a daughter who is graduating high school and getting ready to head off on her own.

The illustrations are just as beautiful as the text. The black and white characters with the splashes of color are fantastic. It is fun and cute and wonderful.  I would highly recommend this book. 

2017 Cybils Finalists Are Here!

January 1st is finally here and with it comes the shortlist for the 2017 Cybils Awards. Over 1400 books were nominated across 12 categories and the Round One panelists have chosen the finalists for each group.

I am especially excited to be a Round Two judge in the Fiction Picture Books and Board Books categories. It is a fantastic group of books and I cannot wait to dive in. I won't be posting anything on these finalists until after the winners are announced on February 14th, so be sure to follow the Cybils page for updates and information.

Congratulations to all the finalists.  Here's to the start of some great reading in 2018!

October Writing Goals + Exciting News!

So, before I get into my goals recap, I have a bit of news. I have been selected to be a judge for the Cybils Awards! I will be helping judge in the Fiction Picture Book and Board Book category.

For those who don't know, the Cybils Awards are given each year by bloggers for the year's best children's and young adult titles. You can learn a bit more at www.cybils.com. I am so incredibly honored and excited to participate.

September was a bit discombobulated with Irma passing through and all that entailed. John and Sammy both were out of school for over a week, which threw my groove off a bit. Don't get me wrong--I loved having them home, but it also meant a little less writing time. Overall, I am pleased with my writing progress.

September Goals

• Read 4 books
• Continue weekly book reviews
• Continue weekly poetry reviews
• Submit to poetry anthology
• Submit freaking Madam Fang already (it's edited and so close! I have until the 15th of October)
• Finish Zine 
• Hold Book Giveaway
• Pick and start outlining my NaNoWriMo book

October Goals

• Write 5 poems for anthology
• Outline 5 chapter books
• Finish RIP reading challenge
• Inktober Poetry (post forthcoming)
• Continue doing Poetry Friday
• Submit Madam Fang