Olga Nesi mentioned the Book Hooks website in her article about helping children talk about their reading (previous post http://libraryzest.blogspot.com/2010/09/talking-about-books-slj-article-by-olga.html )
From the website :
Bookhooks is an online book reporting toolkit for young readers. Bookhooks facilitates the publication of online book reviews. Book reports can be editorial (traditional reports/reviews) or generative (stories, poems, photographs, visual art responses to books) and submissions can be supplemented with illustrations.
http://www.bookhooks.com/index.cfm
Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Shadow by Donna Diamond
There is a new wordless sophisticated picture book in the National Library collection - The Shadow by Donna Diamond, a US author /illustrator.
I haven't seen it yet but read Barbara Murison's review in the latest Around the Bookshops (November 2010 page 10) which ends "It is the most frightening picture book aimed at young readers I have seen. An adult needs to be close by or at least aware the book is being looked at."
Those are strong words from the very knowledgeable Barbara, and I checked out a couple of other reviews and found similar reservations...
School Library Journal says "...In the final spread, the little girl is asleep in bed, and seemingly all is well. That is, until readers turn to the last page, where the menacing shadow is seen, eyes aglow as in a Halloween mask, hiding under the bed. The menace remains present, and readers are left fearing for the girl's safety. The dark intensity of the art and the unresolved ending make this a book for children old enough to understand that this story is not to be taken literally. This is a great example of mood in a picture book, but it is not for storytime..."
and here is a review from The Book Aunt http://bookaunt.blogspot.com/2010/08/review-of-shadow-by-donna-diamond.html who makes a link with the trickle-down effect from Twilight et al... "I've been watching with interest the rise of the paranormal in YA and its trickle down into middle grade fiction and picture books..." I enjoy this blogger's reviews, and she has a great list of children's and YA blogs in her "Blogville" list.
I think this book sounds sinister, and could be unwittingly picked up by younger children who will follow the pictures to their unresolved and disquieting ending...
I haven't seen it yet but read Barbara Murison's review in the latest Around the Bookshops (November 2010 page 10) which ends "It is the most frightening picture book aimed at young readers I have seen. An adult needs to be close by or at least aware the book is being looked at."
Those are strong words from the very knowledgeable Barbara, and I checked out a couple of other reviews and found similar reservations...
School Library Journal says "...In the final spread, the little girl is asleep in bed, and seemingly all is well. That is, until readers turn to the last page, where the menacing shadow is seen, eyes aglow as in a Halloween mask, hiding under the bed. The menace remains present, and readers are left fearing for the girl's safety. The dark intensity of the art and the unresolved ending make this a book for children old enough to understand that this story is not to be taken literally. This is a great example of mood in a picture book, but it is not for storytime..."
and here is a review from The Book Aunt http://bookaunt.blogspot.com/2010/08/review-of-shadow-by-donna-diamond.html who makes a link with the trickle-down effect from Twilight et al... "I've been watching with interest the rise of the paranormal in YA and its trickle down into middle grade fiction and picture books..." I enjoy this blogger's reviews, and she has a great list of children's and YA blogs in her "Blogville" list.
I think this book sounds sinister, and could be unwittingly picked up by younger children who will follow the pictures to their unresolved and disquieting ending...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Roxie Munro and book review blog The Looking Glass Review
Here's a link to an interview with maze book illustrator Roxie Munro on what it is like to start a new book:
http://lookingglassreview.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-it-is-like-to-start-new-book.html
and this book review blog is interesting too, eg the post on Banned books - what you can do... http://lookingglassreview.blogspot.com/2010/09/banned-books-week-what-you-can-do.html
http://lookingglassreview.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-it-is-like-to-start-new-book.html
and this book review blog is interesting too, eg the post on Banned books - what you can do... http://lookingglassreview.blogspot.com/2010/09/banned-books-week-what-you-can-do.html
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Talking about books - SLJ article by Olga Nesi
Here is an interesting article about using "reader advisory" strategies, such as "appeal terms" to help children speak more thoughtfully about the books they read - going beyond "This book is great. I really like it. It is about... "
It’s All About Text Appeal: Want readers’ advisory to make a difference? Teach your kids how to speak intelligently about books.
By Olga Nesi August 1, 2010
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/885803-312/its_all_about_text_appeal.html.csp
It’s All About Text Appeal: Want readers’ advisory to make a difference? Teach your kids how to speak intelligently about books.
By Olga Nesi August 1, 2010
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/885803-312/its_all_about_text_appeal.html.csp
Monday, August 9, 2010
Books for Keeps online and free
The wonderful UK children's literature journal Books for Keeps is now online and freely available.
Go to the website http://www.booksforkeeps.co.uk/ and click on 'View Latest Issue' which will take you to the July issue, including the digital version.
If you then scroll down that page, you will see the BfK Newsletter box where you can 'subscribe' to the free BfK email newsletter which will alert you when the magazine is available and to new material on the site.
From the website :
Books for Keeps is the UK’s leading, independent children’s book magazine. It was launched in 1980 and ever since has been reviewing hundreds of new children’s books each year and publishing articles on every aspect of writing for children. There are over 12,500 reviews on our new website and more than 2,000 articles including interviews with the top children’s authors and illustrators.
“The best scholars, reviewers, authors and critics write for Books for Keeps,” says editor Rosemary Stones, “We hold a mirror up to the children’s book world and reflects back its output, issues and preoccupations with intelligence, scholarship and wit.”
Go to the website http://www.booksforkeeps.co.uk/ and click on 'View Latest Issue' which will take you to the July issue, including the digital version.
If you then scroll down that page, you will see the BfK Newsletter box where you can 'subscribe' to the free BfK email newsletter which will alert you when the magazine is available and to new material on the site.
From the website :
Books for Keeps is the UK’s leading, independent children’s book magazine. It was launched in 1980 and ever since has been reviewing hundreds of new children’s books each year and publishing articles on every aspect of writing for children. There are over 12,500 reviews on our new website and more than 2,000 articles including interviews with the top children’s authors and illustrators.
“The best scholars, reviewers, authors and critics write for Books for Keeps,” says editor Rosemary Stones, “We hold a mirror up to the children’s book world and reflects back its output, issues and preoccupations with intelligence, scholarship and wit.”
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thomas Keneally interview on BookTV.nz
A delightful interview with author - and doting grandfather from the sound of it - Thomas Keneally at the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival - about happiness, worries, standout book from his childhood, choice of author to be stuck in an elevator with ...
http://activitypress.com/2010/05/20/booktv-nz-set-to-bring-video-book-reviews-author-interviews-to-the-web/
BookTV.nz http://www.booktv.co.nz/ is New Zealand's channel for watching and sharing web video book reviews, book trailers, author videos, video book readings, new book news, and anything book-related...
http://activitypress.com/2010/05/20/booktv-nz-set-to-bring-video-book-reviews-author-interviews-to-the-web/
BookTV.nz http://www.booktv.co.nz/ is New Zealand's channel for watching and sharing web video book reviews, book trailers, author videos, video book readings, new book news, and anything book-related...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Book reviews and Unshelved...
I subscribe to Unshelved - a daily librarian comic strip which is sent to me electronically as a weekly digest - good for a smile and for the books they promote as part of their advertising...
http://www.unshelved.com/2010-3-29?utm_source=Overdue+Media&utm_campaign=b08363b827-UA-127250-5&utm_medium=email
Subscribe here :
http://notinventedhe.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ca45a0eb0fec571caf7a1cd7a&id=f17681c1b8
Their format for book reviews is :
Here is an example :
If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Dutton Juvenile, 2009. 9780525421030. Reviewed by Flemtastic
http://www.unshelved.com/2010-3-29?utm_source=Overdue+Media&utm_campaign=b08363b827-UA-127250-5&utm_medium=email
Subscribe here :
http://notinventedhe.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ca45a0eb0fec571caf7a1cd7a&id=f17681c1b8
Their format for book reviews is :
- the book's details and a very short plot summary
- why I picked it up
- why I finished it
- I'd give it to...
Here is an example :
If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Dutton Juvenile, 2009. 9780525421030. Reviewed by Flemtastic Mia has a great family, a burgeoning music career and a sensitive boyfriend. Then her family dies in a car accident that leaves her severely injured. In the ICU, she has an extended out-of-body experience. Mia must decide whether to stay on earth, in pain and uncertainty, or to follow her family into the unknown of death.
Why I picked it up: It was nominated for the 2010 Best Books for Young Adults and I serve on the committee.
Why I finished it: This is a memoir told through flashbacks. It is told so gracefully that its genuine sweetness really stands out. It is not a morbid, torture-porn book. Mia's ability to observe her community's response to her accident is never explained, but it doesn't matter, because we are so involved with the characters. The reader is left to wonder right up until the end what decision Mia will make. Tissue Alert - this one is a tearjerker!
I'd give it to: Girls who are in band/orchestra will love the musical angle--Mia is a cellist and her boyfriend, Adam, is in a punk band. Kim, who is rebounding from a bad relationship and needs to know that good guys exist.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
NZ children's books - review blog
You may be interested having a look at this blog which promotes children's books written by New Zealand authors, mainly reviewed by Maria Gill, author of many great NZ non-fiction titles including Rangitoto and Save our seas
http://kidsbooksnz.blogspot.com/
From the introduction :
Each week we will select the latest top quality children's books written by New Zealand authors and review them. We'll categorise them under these headings:
* Picture Books
* Chapter Books 6-8 year olds
* Chapter Books 8-12 year olds
* Young Adult Books 13 years+
* Non Fiction Books
You'll find out what makes them so good, whether they're age appropriate and how they fit into the school curriculum (if appropriate). I hope it inspires you to buy or borrow them!
http://kidsbooksnz.blogspot.com/
From the introduction :
Each week we will select the latest top quality children's books written by New Zealand authors and review them. We'll categorise them under these headings:
* Picture Books
* Chapter Books 6-8 year olds
* Chapter Books 8-12 year olds
* Young Adult Books 13 years+
* Non Fiction Books
You'll find out what makes them so good, whether they're age appropriate and how they fit into the school curriculum (if appropriate). I hope it inspires you to buy or borrow them!
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Women's Bookshop newsletter
The Women's Bookshop in Ponsonby, Auckland, offers a free bimonthly printed newsletter - well worth signing up for... Email books@womensbookshop.co.nz
The website is http://www.womensbookshop.co.nz/ with snippet reviews of the books which Carole Beu reviews on the radio as well as a list of "The TOP 50 WOMEN WRITERS OF THE LAST 50 YEARS! (1955 - 2005)" as voted by thousands of NZ readers nationwide.
The website is http://www.womensbookshop.co.nz/ with snippet reviews of the books which Carole Beu reviews on the radio as well as a list of "The TOP 50 WOMEN WRITERS OF THE LAST 50 YEARS! (1955 - 2005)" as voted by thousands of NZ readers nationwide.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Book Reviews
I have found a vast selection of book reviews on the New Zealand Book Council website, http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Education/Whats%20New/School%20Library .
These reviews have been useful when considering books to buy, and I also use a few lines, which I include in the library catalogue, so that students can view the notes to help them make informed decisions when choosing their library books.
Cheers, Jenny
Cheers, Jenny
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
NZ Book Council
Sarah Maxey, mentioned in the previous post, has also designed the NZ Book Council's new newsletter for schools, called The School Library at this link... http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Education/Whats%20New/School%20Library
The Book Council's redesigned website has an Education zone... "Teachers and school librarians can use our Schools channel to learn all about our Writers in Schools programme, book an author, give us their feedback and find additional resources to use alongside the programme. Pop into the Kids' Zone for fun with reading, with competitions, word and reading games, and news about great new books. Head over to the Parents channel if you are looking for New Zealand book recommendations for children of all ages and other useful material for supporting your children’s reading."
While visiting the Book Council website, secondary school teachers and librarians should check out Wordspace http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Education/Writer%20Interviews/Wordspaces
"WordSpace is a series of video conference discussions between secondary school students and leading New Zealand writers. It provides a forum for inspiration, education and the exchange of ideas, and is offered as part of the New Zealand Book Council's Writers in Schools programme."
There are DVDs available for purchase http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Products/DVD
with a range of authors discussing creative writing, journalism, script writing, poetry, reviewing, playwriting, YA fiction, fantasy writing etc according to their speciality...
The Book Council's redesigned website has an Education zone... "Teachers and school librarians can use our Schools channel to learn all about our Writers in Schools programme, book an author, give us their feedback and find additional resources to use alongside the programme. Pop into the Kids' Zone for fun with reading, with competitions, word and reading games, and news about great new books. Head over to the Parents channel if you are looking for New Zealand book recommendations for children of all ages and other useful material for supporting your children’s reading."
While visiting the Book Council website, secondary school teachers and librarians should check out Wordspace http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Education/Writer%20Interviews/Wordspaces
"WordSpace is a series of video conference discussions between secondary school students and leading New Zealand writers. It provides a forum for inspiration, education and the exchange of ideas, and is offered as part of the New Zealand Book Council's Writers in Schools programme."
There are DVDs available for purchase http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Products/DVD
with a range of authors discussing creative writing, journalism, script writing, poetry, reviewing, playwriting, YA fiction, fantasy writing etc according to their speciality...
Word art and book design
This is a wonderful UK blog/website I came across which is about the art and design and look of words - check out the messages/words made in clouds, concrete, coins, on tree trunks, in signs, buildings, pavements.… It is worth waiting for the pictures to download http://www.ministryoftype.co.uk/words/category/C12/
"The Ministry of Type is a weblog by me, Aegir Hallmundur, about type, typography, lettering, calligraphy and other related things that inspire me."
While on the subject of word as art, NZ artist / calligrapher / book designer Sarah Maxey has a website with a scrolling parade of her art work http://www.sarahmaxey.co.nz/
Kate De Goldi chose Sarah to design the cover for her brilliant, award-winning book The 10 PM Question.
"The Ministry of Type is a weblog by me, Aegir Hallmundur, about type, typography, lettering, calligraphy and other related things that inspire me."
While on the subject of word as art, NZ artist / calligrapher / book designer Sarah Maxey has a website with a scrolling parade of her art work http://www.sarahmaxey.co.nz/
Kate De Goldi chose Sarah to design the cover for her brilliant, award-winning book The 10 PM Question.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Library professional reading journals
Do you subscribe to library professional reading journals at your school library ?
These valuable resources keep you up to date with new authors, titles, series, award winners... inspire you with interviews and articles... provide booklists, reports on events, and suggest ways to promote reading etc. They are a valuable tool for helping teachers increase their knowledge of children's literature, as well as obviously informing your book buying / collection development for the school library.
I'd recommend Magpies and Around the Bookshops especially, and also The Literature Base for for suggested classroom activities based on themes / genres / individual titles...
Magpies and The Literature Base http://www.magpies.net.au/magpies/public/?MIval=m_pages&pagename=SAOI
Around the Bookshops http://www.marigold.co.nz/subscription.html
These valuable resources keep you up to date with new authors, titles, series, award winners... inspire you with interviews and articles... provide booklists, reports on events, and suggest ways to promote reading etc. They are a valuable tool for helping teachers increase their knowledge of children's literature, as well as obviously informing your book buying / collection development for the school library.
I'd recommend Magpies and Around the Bookshops especially, and also The Literature Base for for suggested classroom activities based on themes / genres / individual titles...
Magpies and The Literature Base http://www.magpies.net.au/magpies/public/?MIval=m_pages&pagename=SAOI
Around the Bookshops http://www.marigold.co.nz/subscription.html
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