Dear Cinderella by Marian Moore & Mary Jane Kensington illustrated by Julie...
I have been waiting for this book to hit the shelves since last summer when I heard about it at the WIFYR writer’s conference in Utah. Julie Olson, the illustrator, came and spoke to the students in...
View ArticleWhen Blue Met Egg by Lindsay Ward
A fun little story about a bird that finds a lost egg and devotes her days to finding a home for the precious egg. When no distraught parents show up to claim the egg, and she has searched high and...
View ArticleThe Voyage of Turtle Rex by Kurt Cyrus
I love the soothing rhythm of this prehistoric tale. The life cycle of a turtle has changed little from ancient days to present. This is a fun read- especially for lovers of dinosaur lore. I felt like...
View ArticleThe Humming Room by Ellen Potter
I just had to check out this book that has been hyped as the modern Secret Garden. That was my favorite book in 5th grade, thanks to my teacher Mrs. Haneke. I spent hours on the cover of my big Secret...
View ArticleHolly and Cari go to Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers a.k.a. WIFYR
One of the reasons that I (Cari) have not ben so active here, although it’s not one of Holly’s reasons (she somehow manages four busy boys, artwork, writing and posting book reviews and I am pretty...
View ArticleGreat Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day, WIFYR, and other literary gifts…
Mother’s day is fast approaching. Don’t have a gift yet? No problem. Here are a few quick ideas to get you going. Yes, they are all literary. If your Mother likes to read- or likes being a Mom...
View ArticleCold Case by Julia Platt Leonard
For the fast-approaching month of October, I have a creepy mystery for all those who want to get ready for Halloween. Of course, this is not a tale exclusive to the Halloween season. It just fits in...
View ArticleAnnouncement! Holly’s new Author/Illustrator Site
As many of you know, we (Cari and Holly) are both aspiring to be genuine published authors. Tack on illustrator to Holly’s goals and you have the whole picture. As part of the journey to publication,...
View ArticleAfter Hello by Lisa Mangum Review by Holly Papa
After Hello by Lisa Mangum So, I met Lisa Mangum and she is awesome. Which explains how her books became the same way. I was excited to meet Lisa when I realized she would be at the writer’s...
View ArticleBook ideas for Boys for Christmas Gifts
This post is a copy of an email I sent to a friend in response to her request for help to find good books for her Nephew this Christmas. It is by no means comprehensive, but hopefully there is...
View ArticleHome Front Girl- A Diary of Love, Literature, and Growing up in Wartime...
I feel like I have a new friend after reading Home Front Girl. Joan Wehlen was so palpable on the pages of this book, that I wish I had in fact met her and could call her my friend. Full of...
View ArticleWe Go Together! A Curious Selection of Affectionate verse by Calef Brown
This is the perfect universal valentine gift! It is so quirky and unusual that it has something for everyone. We Go Together A Curious Selection of Affectionate Verse leaves lots of room for wondering...
View ArticleJ. Scott Savage is in Boise!
I just thought I’d give you all a head’s up that your first night of spring break could be spent doing something awesome! If you are going out of town, then the night before spring break could be spent...
View ArticlePenelope Crumb & Penelope Crumb Never Forgets by Shawn K. Stout
Penelope is a recent discovery for me- she can be your newest discovery too! I’ve read books 1 & 2 in this brand new series that promises lots of fun and adventure. Penelope’s spunky and annoying...
View ArticleUngifted by Gordon Korman
Donovan Curtis is a magnet for trouble. He can’t seem to avoid it no matter where he goes. So when he destroys his middle school gym, he needs a place to hide. When some paperwork gets mixed up in the...
View ArticleBooks for Kids Who Lose Someone by Holly Papa
Many of you know this already, but my Grandpa passed away at the end of January. We expected him to go, and were glad that he no longer suffered the effects of age and illness. However, it was still...
View ArticlePrincess April Morning Glory by Letitia Fairbanks
I love fairy tales, and old things, so what could be better than an old fairy tale brought to life once again? Princess April Morning-Glory by Letitia Fairbanks is full of beautiful hand calligraphy...
View ArticleA Dress for Me! Shoes for Me! by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Mike Laughead
Shoes for Me! and A Dress for Me! by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Mike Laughead, immediately bring to mind my many adorable nieces. One such niece, age 5, was recently being put to bed by my brother....
View ArticleThe Vine Basket by Josanne La Valley
The unique things about The Vine Basket is that it reads like historical fiction, and yet is realistic and also, I believe, contemporary fiction. The author, Josanne La Valley based The Vine Basket on...
View ArticleWhy Public Libraries Matters?
Despite the importance of public libraries to the society, these facilities are constantly attacked like never before. Aside from the spending matters, many critics are questioning the very existence...
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