Your your eleven-year-old refusing to let go of it says it all. That's the thing about a physical book that really lands, espeically if it's a good book, it becomes theirs in a way nothing on a screen ever quite does. A painting connecting two girls across eighty years feels like exactly the kind of story children need right now. Adding this to the pile.
I saw Mega in the bookstore before the winter holidays and got it for my 5yo as a Christmas gift - it is SO beautiful! And I know he will be able to read it for years
Ditto 🩷 I had a great time. When we got in the car, I asked my girls what they thought and they both said they were so inspired and so glad they came -- you made a big impression!
I'm not sure when you started this (it's been a long winter), but I love the addition of the target audience emojis! 🧒 Preschool–Early Reader (3–6) & 📖 Independent Readers (6–9)
I started it very reluctantly last fall because people have been asking me to include age cues for years. (I've actively resisted it because I think parents and caregivers get way too hung up on the "right" books for the "right" age and then let that restrict the titles they're willing to try -- but I also believe in listening to and serving my subscribers. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I still do not love it, but I am doing it.)
Well thank you for your service :) I can totally see you point especially as kids get older and you want them to have the freedom of a mix of reading levels. I mean, that’s a freedom most adults afford themselves, so kids will probably like reading more if they have it too.
As someone with a toddler entering picture book land, it’s really helpful as those seem to have a wider range of complexity than I was not prepared for!
Mega is phenomenal. I discovered copy in a Christchurch New Zealand bookstore last July. Some of the really great children's books I've found, especially nonfiction are available in other countries before they are here.
Imagine my gasp of surprise, when as I'm catching up on emails in my inbox, I smile opening this latest Substack from Sarah Miller - only to discover she has mentioned my name! And in an equally Wisconsin way, I am happily embarrassed and feel so silly that it was worthy of including in her write up :) It was absolutely lovely to meet you in person. Leave it to Laura Bird to know and connect all the great bookish people. I hope your daughter shares Claire's book with you soon!
I also highly recommend Hail Mariam. The audiobook narration was so sweet, and Mariam is a wonderfully relatable character I think for so many young female readers.
Thank you again for brightening my inbox, and sharing your literacy insights with all of us.
The Midnight Farm: "... is an excellent antidote to fear of the dark, showing some of the things that go on when human eyes can no longer see so well, in a silent, peaceful, reassuring way."
Sounds like just what many kids need.
Thanks as always for your intriguing and delightful reviews.
Your your eleven-year-old refusing to let go of it says it all. That's the thing about a physical book that really lands, espeically if it's a good book, it becomes theirs in a way nothing on a screen ever quite does. A painting connecting two girls across eighty years feels like exactly the kind of story children need right now. Adding this to the pile.
We love The Midnight Farm thanks to your rec in the past—it feels so good to read it aloud! Excited to check out the rest.
It's one of the most soothing -- maybe THE most soothing -- read-alouds I've ever come across. One of my all-time faves.
I saw Mega in the bookstore before the winter holidays and got it for my 5yo as a Christmas gift - it is SO beautiful! And I know he will be able to read it for years
It's a gem, for sure.
It was SO GOOD TO SEE YOU. ❤️ Thank you sooooo much for coming!
Ditto 🩷 I had a great time. When we got in the car, I asked my girls what they thought and they both said they were so inspired and so glad they came -- you made a big impression!
I so wish I could have been at this launch!! Looks like I need to move to Wisconsin!
I love Claire Swinarksi’s writing! I didn’t realize she had a new MG out. I’m looking forward to reading it!
And a new adult book in May! https://bookshop.org/a/18531/9780063426245
I'm not sure when you started this (it's been a long winter), but I love the addition of the target audience emojis! 🧒 Preschool–Early Reader (3–6) & 📖 Independent Readers (6–9)
I started it very reluctantly last fall because people have been asking me to include age cues for years. (I've actively resisted it because I think parents and caregivers get way too hung up on the "right" books for the "right" age and then let that restrict the titles they're willing to try -- but I also believe in listening to and serving my subscribers. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I still do not love it, but I am doing it.)
Well thank you for your service :) I can totally see you point especially as kids get older and you want them to have the freedom of a mix of reading levels. I mean, that’s a freedom most adults afford themselves, so kids will probably like reading more if they have it too.
As someone with a toddler entering picture book land, it’s really helpful as those seem to have a wider range of complexity than I was not prepared for!
I'm glad it's helpful.
Mega is phenomenal. I discovered copy in a Christchurch New Zealand bookstore last July. Some of the really great children's books I've found, especially nonfiction are available in other countries before they are here.
Ahh! Both Blythe and I adore everything Claire Swinarski writes and I can't wait to start this book.
Imagine my gasp of surprise, when as I'm catching up on emails in my inbox, I smile opening this latest Substack from Sarah Miller - only to discover she has mentioned my name! And in an equally Wisconsin way, I am happily embarrassed and feel so silly that it was worthy of including in her write up :) It was absolutely lovely to meet you in person. Leave it to Laura Bird to know and connect all the great bookish people. I hope your daughter shares Claire's book with you soon!
I also highly recommend Hail Mariam. The audiobook narration was so sweet, and Mariam is a wonderfully relatable character I think for so many young female readers.
Thank you again for brightening my inbox, and sharing your literacy insights with all of us.
Love these book recommendations again. Alpha Beta Chowder by Jeanne Steig is so cute💙
The Midnight Farm: "... is an excellent antidote to fear of the dark, showing some of the things that go on when human eyes can no longer see so well, in a silent, peaceful, reassuring way."
Sounds like just what many kids need.
Thanks as always for your intriguing and delightful reviews.