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Reading with Pride: I'm unapologetically proud of this LGBTQ+ inclusive children's book list
Let's talk equality! Having LGBTQ+ conversations as adults can be fairly easy. But how do you approach conversations about gender equality with your children? Firstly, if you are asking that question, you're doing something right! Good parenting means teaching about equity, tolerance and love- and leading by example, even if you grew up influenced by biases or have a lack of understanding of the current gender spectrum. It's important that you remember that discussing sexuality is not discussing sex. Additionally, discussing gender identity and same-sex attraction will not change your child's identity. We are born this way! Guess what else won't change your child's identity? READING about gender identity and same-sex attraction!
Earth Day children's book list: Picture books about climate change for the next generation of environmental activists
Books are one of the most reused items in existence. We buy used books, borrow books from friends, and donate old books we've read already. E-books and audiobooks are sustainable and waste-free. Literature is important, but it can also be eco-friendly- especially when the book you are reading is all about caring for the planet. Getting people engaged with environmental action at a young age is the best way to ensure a sustainable future. Why not engage children during storytime?
Tell a Fairy Tale Day: My childhood favourite spooky and fantasy books for fairy tale lovers
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People connect with stories, the real and the fantastical. Fairy tales submerge us in a fantasy world and teach us about life and morality. I've always been an avid reader. I remember how exciting it was to graduate from picture books to the young adult genre. When I was growing up I was drawn to fantasy stories. I loved books that create a magical world and stories that scare me. Fantasy stories are an exciting escape from reality and for National Tell a Fairy Tale Day I'm going to share a few of my favourite fantasy books I read growing up. Maybe your kids will enjoy these stories as much as I did.
Book review: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires is the vampire book you didn't know you needed
I kicked off my spooky Fall reading list with a bang- or a bite I should say. The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix is so unexpected. In most cases, I'm able to predict the twists and turns in the books I read, but this book is truly unpredictable.
New Year, new you: Non-fiction books that inspired me to feel better and be better PLUS Level up with my 2023 resolution reading list!
The past few years have been 'work on me' years. I suffered from depression and chronic pain for a long time. My healing journey included moving cities, taking a years-long break from dating, adjusting my medications, and letting go of people and things in my life that weren't healthy- or allowing them to walk away on their own. Extreme measures, but it's what I needed to heal. I couldn't pour into anything or anyone if I wasn't filling my own cup. But 2022 was different. I began seeing the effects of my work. I made a new life in a new city. I started dating again and was able to set healthy boundaries and stop myself from falling into old patterns- all while maintaining compassion and empathy. I reduced my medications. I learned to invest in people with all my heart, and at the same time, walk away if needed. 2022 was a personal growth year. The next step in healing. Obviously, I struggled at times. I made it through the devastating experiences easier than in the past. For the most part, 2022 was exciting, educational, successful, passionate, and blissful. Accepting. And calming. I found my peace.
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| Photo by Professor Bop |
Readers beware: 13 spooky children's books to read this Halloween
Fall is my favourite time of year! I absolutely love changing leaves, warm sweaters and most of all Halloween! Halloween is my favourite holiday- mostly because I love scaring people! Growing up I liked to scare people, it was a lot of fun, especially scaring my little sister. I would hide in her closet and jump out when she least expected it. To this day she is still afraid that I might be in there, lurking and waiting for my next scare. What I love even more than scaring people is scary movies, TV shows, and above all scary books. To get in the spirit for this frightful holiday I am sharing this list of 13 scary kids' books to read on Halloween- with quick links to purchase for a great price at Target! Some of them may be too scary for younger children, but most kids will really enjoy these spooky picture books. Read them to your kids right before bed to turn their sweet dreams into nightmares... MUHAHAHAHAHA!
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Pages of poetry: Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is like a long summer that you never want to end
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Like a book, all good things must come to an end, and there is no better way to end my Summer Reading List than by reviewing Where The Crawdads Sing, the mesmerizing debut novel by Delia Owens. Not only is it the best book on my list, but it's the best book I've read in years. Like the summer, I never wanted it to end.
Book review: A Southern supernatural thriller about a seedy swamp and all its creatures
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Andy Davidson's The Boatman's Daughter paints a dark and bloody tale of the painful lives of outsiders. While Davidson's book was wildly creative, it failed to draw me in. I kept reading, hoping it would be a slow burn, however it never caught fire for me. I did enjoy the Russian folklore in the book and the mysticism, but being a huge fan of witches, I was hoping for a more interesting witch. I will give the author this: the prose is beautiful at times and I LOVE the cover!
My 7 favorite Goosebumps books to read on Halloween
Reader beware, RL Stine will give you a scare!
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the master of horror; RL Stine. I am a collector of his works and I still enjoy re-reading his books. I have a tradition; every time the power goes out we break out some candles, a flashlight, and read from a Goosebumps book out loud. Goosebumps was my favorite childhood book series until I was old enough to graduate to the scarier Fear Street novels. My huge Goosebumps collection was then passed down to my younger sister when she was old enough, almost like an heirloom or a cherished family treasure. I remember the day I found out my mom had sold all of my Goosebumps books at a yard sale. I thought I’d never forgive her! What I loved the most about a Goosebumps book was the unexpected plot twist at the end. These incredible and imaginative stories helped shape my taste in literature for the rest of my life. Goosebumps allowed my imagination to flourish and taught me that there is nothing wrong with being a little weird.
It is very hard to pick my favourite RL Stine books, but some of them just scream Halloween. This is a list of my 5 favourite Goosebumps books to read on Halloween. These are some of the most spine-chilling, scariest stories in the series to revisit. Do you want to get into the Halloween spirit? Pick up one of these at your local used book store or on Amazon.
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Limited edition Goosebumps Collector Tin at the end of this list- get it while supplies last!
Black History Month: 12 books about diversity and inclusivity for children
February is Black History Month. Canada's theme for Black History Month 2021 is The Future is Now. Educating the future generation about the achievements of Black Canadians and the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our community is a fundamental part of a child's learning experience. Setting a good example for the youth and teaching them when they are young is the best way to ensure children are more tolerant in the future. Literature can help shape future generations and is a useful tool in achieving this. Check out these 12 inspiring children's books about diversity and inclusivity. If you are interested in purchasing one of these books for your children, just click the links in the post!
Fall Reading List: And Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is a tearful and terrifying tale
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I rarely cry read a book that makes me cry, despite being someone who reads books almost exclusively about murder. I teared up a few times when I was reading And Then She Was Gone. As I read the Epilogue I started bawling, squinting at the last words on the page through watered-down eyes. As difficult as it is to conclusively determine this, I think I can confidently say this is my favourite Lisa Jewell book I've read.
Book review: Ruth Ware's books keep climbing up the bestseller list, One By One
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Ruth Ware has done it again! She keeps crafting creative mysteries and plots that propel the reader forward, and One By One is no exception. This is the ultimate Fall Reading List book. Set on a snowy mountain in France, the story is as chilling as the white powder that swallows the characters whole.
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