Syd Hoff (1912-2004) the author and illustrator of a long list of classic children’s books, was born on this day in 1912.  On his birthday, it seems appropriate to celebrate the work of this prolific children’s book author. Syd Hoff’s books are timeless classics with a place on almost every child’s bookshelf.  I remember [...]

    Earlier this week, my daughter and I embarked on a trip around the world (and back in time) with Jack and his sister Annie from Mary Pope Osborne’s book series The Magic Tree House.  This is one of the best book series for kids who are just starting to read chapter books. In The [...]

        Kids who like science will love The Magic School Bus, a series that follows the adventures of Ms. Frizzle, a fearless science teacher who takes her students on amazing field trips aboard her incredible bus.  The Magic School Bus changes form and moves across time to bring Ms. Frizzle and her class to outer space, inside the human body and on other [...]

        The following list includes Newbery Award-winning books that are favorites among boys: The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt (2008 Newbery Honor)  7th grade boy and his teacher meet after school in the 1960s. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko (2005 Newbery Honor)  12 year old Moose Flanagan and family live on [...]

        Girls will love these recent and classic Newbery Award-winning books: Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson (2007 Newbery Honor)  16 year old orphan becomes Montana homesteader in 1918. Rules by Cynthia Lord (2007 Newbery Honor)  12 year old big sister creates rules to deal with brother’s autism. A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck (2001 Newbery [...]