Play Ball! 3 Books @ Women in Baseball

baseball history books

 “There’s no crying in baseball!” Did you say that in your head (or outloud voice) when you saw the post title? That line from A League of Their Own has to be one of the most quoted sports movie references around.  [If we’re off base, let us know!] So what does that famous line have to do with this trio …

Once Upon a Time: #CYBILS2024 Fairy Tales Book List

Fractured, remixed, and retold.  Familiar and new. Contemporary. These books tell lots of different stories – some familiar, some new. Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood.  Whether it’s a picture book or a YA fantasy, what they all have in common is that “once upon a time” feel. For more stories that feature family, food, community, and …

Yuck Yuck Yuck: Books with Rot and Humor

gross book set

… and we mean “yuck” in all it’s glorious forms. Sure, these books have an “oh, gross” factor, but they also have some humorous, LOL moments, too. Nonfiction and STEM? Check. Career ideas? Check. Slime-a-geddon? Yes indeed. [With recipe!] Any body farms? Uh huh. What about zombies? Them, too. Poetry? What?! Yep. Poems, too. Sadly we didn’t find any books …

Thanks, Gratitude, and Kindness

gratitude books

What would Thanksgiving weekend would be without a post-feast turkey sandwich (or two)? It’s tradition. Why not re-feast on the seasonal togetherness vibes, too?  Now serving: a platter of #CYBILS2024 books that focus on family, lost and found; connections and relationships; cultural and seasonal traditions; and thankfulness, kindness, and gratitude.  For more stories that feature family, food, community, and tradition, …

These Books Breathe Fire: 6 Books for Dragon Fans

dragon book gifts

This list breathes fire. Ha! Friendly monsters, fearsome beasts, dragon quests, and of course some fire-breathing creatures! Sure, there are fantasy stories, but were you expecting a re-imagining of the evacuation of Dunkirk? planning a visit to the post office of the dragon tamer? Finding dragons hiding in a group home? Dragoncraft by Dorothy A Winsor Young Adult Speculative Fiction …

1

Comfort Food: The Book List #CYBILS2024

family community food stories

Today we’re whipping up some book deliciousness. Shall we keep going with our metaphors? Okay! Read on to taste stories where characters stir the pots; wanna-be chefs mix it up in cooking competitions; where ingredient “mishaps” create new family recipes; secret ingredients are shared; and food feeds our souls! From passing down family recipes to saving the family business to …

Secrets & Lies, Codes & Spies: a Book Pairing Set

spy books kids nonfiction fiction

Espionage. Spy craft. Secret messages. Spies real and imagined. Readers have it all in this quad of books that offer true stories, fictional tales, and even a bit of magic. Read aloud or independently, these books offer timeless stories of inspiration and courage, even as they immerse young readers in a world before their time.

GOAL! A Trio of Women in Soccer Books

womens soccer books

If ever there was a “year in women’s sports,” 2024 would certainly rank among them. From the Summer Olympic games to the WNBA – and beyond – there is a surge of interest in female athletes. And not just among girls. Sports fans love their sports and the athletes who play the game. Introduce young readers with the women who …

Name that Food: A #CYBILS2024 Foodie’s Booklist

books food names title books

Apparently, we love reading about food as much as we enjoy eating it. This year there are nearly 50 books that dish out a food-ish element.  Books with a food in the title. Books with characters with food-y names. Books about cooks and chefs. Books about growing, eating, and making food. Books that celebrate sharing food. All of the above.  …

The 2024 #CYBILS Awards Gift Guide

book pair gifts

Holiday shopping time is here. You want to give books. You want them to love it. We can help. Books make the best gifts, don’t they? Keeping it fresh, though, isn’t always easy. We love a crafting book pairs (as you know from this post and this one). We’re back again with a new take on book pairings: micro themes. …