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Book Review: A Year of Nature Poems

A Year of Nature Poems By: Joseph Coelho Reviewed by: Greg Romaneck The power of nature to inspire is a pronounced reality that typifies the work of a wide range of artists. One need only think of the poetry of Robert Frost, Thoreau’s essays, or the beauty of Van Gogh’s paintings to realize the inspirational […]

Award of the Week: Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award

The Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award is an initiative of the Indiana Center for the Book. This state award, which named its first winner in 2015, is administered by the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Committee made up of professionals in Indiana including teachers, librarians, caregivers, and project coordinators; all of whom are involved in early […]

Book Review: Lola Goes to School

Lola Goes to School By: Anna McQuinn Reviewed by Mary Lanni The first day of school is an exciting and intimidating one, but it is a rite of passage most experience on their way to becoming independent children. Lola is preparing for her first day of school: she is selecting her outfit, packing her backpack, […]

Award of the Week: Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award (Illinois)

The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award is an annual award given to the author of the book voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools. The award is named in honor of Rebecca Caudill who lived and wrote in Urbana, Illinois, for nearly 50 years. The award is […]

Author Interview: Dr. Raun Melmed and Caroline Bliss Larsen, authors of Marvin’s Monster Diary 2 (+ Lyssa!)

Do you have the Monster Diary series in your library? If not, put it on your first fall book order, and order extras! The Monster Diary series combines diary-style storytelling with techniques to handle life with behavioral and stress challenges. This 4-book series is a wonderful way to not only help students but families and […]

Thematic Reading List : Protecting Our Waters

Everyone has an important role in protecting our oceans, lakes, and ponds. With ideas on how to help share in the responsibility, these books are sure to be an incredible asset to any STEM-related water lesson. Awesome Ocean Science!: investigating the secrets of the underwater world By: Cindy Littlefield […]

Thematic Reading List : Colors

Colors are some of the first words children learn since they serve to describe almost anything children see. Though not learned in detail until much later, children can observe the way light changes the color and appearance of objects, supporting a STEM curriculum even to the youngest of readers. These books give children between the […]

Featured Article: New Way to Bring Great Books to Kids

For almost a year, the CLCD staff has been energetically exploring exciting new ways to provide our extensive database to school and public librarians. It is a notable time in children’s and YA publishing, and we wanted to provide a product that allows you, the librarian, to make the best, most informed decision about the books that you purchase for […]

Book Review: Dear Professor Whale

Dear Professor Whale By: Megumi Iwasa Illustrated by: Jun Takabatake Reviewed by: David Bove Professor Whale is the only whale left at Whale point. He has the respect of the other animals who live nearby, but all of his friends have moved on, and he feels lonely just reminiscing about the good old days and his […]

Thematic Reading List : Oceans Away!!! A Celebration of the World’s Oceans

This list includes fiction and nonfiction books that focus on the ecosystems of the ocean, for ages 4 through 11. Contributor: Elizabeth Bridges The Big Book of the Blue By: Yuval Zommer This book focuses on biodiversity for elementary age children. Sea creatures’ habitats, ways of […]

Thematic Reading List:Summer

Our teen summer reading list includes essential summer settings. Recommended towards ages 13 and up. Camp So-and-So By: Mary McCoy Twenty-five girls are invited to attend the mysterious Camp So-and-So over the summer where they work with their cabin mates to compete in […]

Thematic Reading List: The World Around Me

The outside world is filled with beauty and wonderful things. The books in this list begin to introduce readers ages 0-3 to the world around them, including different seasons, landscapes, and interesting features. The format and structure of these books are ideally suited to serve as captivating guides to very young children. Contributed by: Mary […]

Thematic Reading List: Contrast and Opposites

This book list includes a collection of titles for children ages 0-3. Some of the books feature high contrast images, which are especially interesting to infants who don’t quite have their full eyesight. Others contrast objects, particularly with regard to opposites, a concept that is important for the older end of this age group to […]

Author Interview: Zack Bush

Debut author Zack Bush fulfilled a lifelong dream of publishing when he published Made for Me in 2018. This father of two and Miami restauranteur took a few minutes out of his super busy schedule to talk with us about the book. Made for Me is available in both picture book and board book format. […]

Award of the Week: Florida Book Award

The Florida Book Award was established in 2006 to celebrate the best Florida literature. Authors must be full-time Florida residents, except in the Florida nonfiction and visual arts categories, where the subject matter must focus on Florida. Younger Children’s Literature Winners Just Right Family: An Adoption Story By: Silvia […]

Book Review: The 5 O’Clock Band

The 5 O’Clock Band By: Troy Andrews Illustrated by: Bryan Collier Reviewer: Mary Lanni Music is the focal point of life in New Orleans; for one boy growing up in the neighborhood of Tremé, it is the heart of his life, as well. Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews guides the reader through the story of a […]

Award of the Week: Blue Hen Book Award

The Blue Hen Book Award is a children’s choice award sponsored by the Children’s Services Division of the Delaware Library Association. Each year teens and children will have the opportunity to vote on selected books published in the last year. 2019 Winners Younger Readers Even Monsters Need to Sleep […]

Book Review: Journey of the Pale Bear

Journey of the Pale Bear By: Susan Fletcher Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami Opening in Bergen, Norway, in the spring of 1252, this shimmering middle grade novel was inspired by the story of a real polar bear, once part of a royal menagerie at the Tower of London. There’s plenty of adventure on the seas and lashings […]

Thematic Reading List:Mysteries in the Mansion

Spooky mansions are the perfect setting for an unsolved mystery. These 13 titles take readers into spooky, secretive halls for hours of engaging storytelling. A list geared towards 8 to 12-year-old readers. Angel of the Battlefield (The Treasure Chest series #1) By: Ann Hood When their parents […]

Book Review: Min Makes a Machine

Min Makes a Machine By: Emily Arnold McCully Reviewer: Eileen Hanning Min is a problem solver. On a hot day, Min and her friends, who all happen to be elephants, want to play outside. Ann and Bess think it’s too hot, but Min gets creative and finds ways to cool down. This guided reading level […]