Librarian and Bookworm Love

The only problem I see with reading is that there is NEVER enough time to do as much as I'd like.  So thank goodness for the community of readers out there who work and volunteer in libraries -- and who share all of their recommendations online!  When I'm not green with envy that they've knocked down handfuls of books each week AND written about them, I find myself super thankful that I can open up a browser for an insider's view on what is new or up and coming in the world of children's literature.

Three of my go to experts are John Schu, Jen Robinson, and MaryAnn Scheuer.  Mr. Schu is a passionate K-5 librarian in Illinois, Jen Robinson is a San Jose gal who harkens from an interesting background in Industrial Engineering, and MaryAnn Scheuer is a K-5 librarian just through the tunnel in Berkeley.

 If you're looking for a little reading inspiration for your readers this summer, stop by Mr. Schu's blog, sign up for Robinson's newsletter or pop in to Scheuer's Great Kid Books Site.  Mr. Schu's site is a great place to visit with your children.  They can even watch book trailers in preparation for creating their own trailers to submit to the LP Reads blog -- hint, hint!  (Don't forget, kids earn extra entries in to the Kindle drawing for every book review/trailer etc. they submit to dustie @ spiffychicks.com). Scheuer has just finished a nice series of book recommendations by grade level and has posted recommended reading lists for each grade level as well.  If you have tiny tots in your house, Robinson's adventures include her Kindergarten through Young Adult recommendations as well as her running list of books she is reading with her Baby Bookworm. Perfect for the tiny tots in your house - because it is never too early to get the reading bug!

Celebrate School Library Month

The month of April is School Library Month -- a chance to celebrate not just the books in those revered spaces, but the dedicated and inspired folks who staff our school libraries across the country.  Over at The Library Girl's Blog, Jennifer LaGarde (aka, Library Girl) has posted an interactive 30-day calendar as an official crowd-sourced ode to librarians everywhere.  It is fun to see how librarians (who are some of the most likely readers of the Library Girl's Blog) celebrate and recognize the work they do.   From being a school's secret weapon when it comes to implementing the Common Core to being one of the most influential mentors a child will have in becoming a lifelong reader, teacher-librarians play critical and essential roles at the very heart of every school.   A happy and well deserved applause to you all from LP Reads the April!