Book Chat: The Postmistress

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
****
"If you enjoy historical fiction this is a wonderful WWII book of lives that are intertwined due to the war. There are three different 'voices' which tell the story, so if you don't like a book with different changing voices, be warned." -Amy Grelinger

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Pierre is a ten-year-old boy who longs to cook in his parent’s French restaurant, La Bonne Vache. Pierre spends as much time as he can in the kitchen hoping for an opportunity to showcase his cooking skills. Unfortunately, his parents don’t think he is old enough to cook and tell him to go outdoors and play. One day Pierre meets a food critic who is on the way to the restaurant. Read The Boy Who Wanted To Cook by Gloria Whelan and find out what happens when the food critic visits the restaurant and see if Pierre has a chance to prove what a great cook he really is.


Lily loves to read. She loves to read so much people begin to call her Library Lily. Reading from morning to night, she forgets to do much else. One sunny day her mom takes her to the park where Lily meets Milly who doesn’t like to read. Milly loves to play, climb and explore. Read Library Lily by Gillian Shields and find out what happens when two young girls who have nothing in common become friends and discover together the best adventures, whether inside the pages of a book or outside in the park, are shared with a friend.

My Dog Thinks I’m A Genius is an inspiring story of a young boy who loves to paint and his dog, Louie. This young boy loves to paint so much he paints every day. His dog, Louie, loves to watch him paint and sometimes even helps him. One day when the little boy goes to school Louie is especially sad. He decides to show his owner he isn’t the only one who has a special talent. Read Harriet Ziefert’s My Dog Thinks I’m A Genius, and find out what the boy discovers when he returns home from school.

Hannah is a playful, adventuresome Bernese Mountain Dog. Read A Snow Day For Hannah and enjoy the wonderful photographs and accompanying story written by Linda Petrie Bunch of Hannah’s adventures in the snow. The beautiful snow covered mountains Hannah explores will make kids wish for some snow.

Book Chat: Skulduggery Pleasant

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
****
"Fantasy, mystery, and adventure all rolled into one fun read! Another edgy take where the main character finds herself in a world only few are privileged to enter filled with magic and very interesting and unusual characters. A fun summer read! The language might be a little edgy for a read aloud to really young readers but certainly appropriate for families with upper elementary or even adults who just want a fun read all on their own!" -Suzanne Eastman

Book Chat: The Tender Bar

The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer
****1/2
"How does one go from being a poor, fatherless youth to a Pulitzer Prize winning writer and national correspondent for the Los Angeles Times? With the advice and support of some crazy characters at a local bar, of course. This memoir is at times heartbreaking, poignant, and humorous and at all times engaging. Who knew that so many of life's lessons could be learned in a bar!" -Lesa Albin

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Looking for a fun art project? Cool Collage The Art Of Creativity For Kids! by Anders Hanson is the perfect book for you. This easy-to-read, step-by-step book features several fun collage projects kids are sure to love. Material lists, tools, techniques, and accompanying photographs provide an organized, easy-to-follow approach to each art project.

Lots of kids love to cook! Lisa Wagner’s, Cool Pizza To Make And Bake – Easy Recipes For Kids To Cook, introduces kids to cooking in a format that is easy-to-read and follow. A variety of fun pizzas recipes are included with basic cooking techniques explained, and lists of the necessary tools and ingredients. Accompanying photographs make each cooking concept and recipe easy to follow.

Book Chat: She Walks in Beauty: A Woman

She Walks in Beauty: A Woman by Caroline Kennedy
*****
"I have never considered myself a true lover of poetry yet this collection opened my eyes to this unique blend of storytelling. Kennedy has brought together the poets of the ages to share the universal experiences, and to celebrate all that it means to be a woman. I highly recommend this book. After you read it, pass it onto a woman who could use some time to reflect on who she is, and the story she has inside of herself." -Aja Drake

Book Chat: Maybe This Time

Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie
****
"Although I'm generally not fond of books concerning the paranormal, this novel was interesting enough to hold me page by page to see what will happen next. Just when you thought the exciting story is about over, you turn the page to a whole new set of new adventures. It was good. I enjoyed it." -Charlotte Kraft