Reviews & Recommendations

Dreaming Big

Thursday, May 28th, 2020

Yesterday's scrubbed Spacex launch has my kids asking a lot of questions about space and space travel. What a great time to work some fun learning into our day, with so much to explore and ponder. From rocket science to planets, there's something fun to focus on for all those curious minds out there.

We are excitedly looking forward to the launch rescheduled for Saturday, but in the meantime, here are some great books for those young people in your life curious about what's out there.

See More

 

Trees For Kids and Their Grown Ups

Monday, May 18th, 2020

Spring has been cold and slow coming here in Northern Michigan. We've had little bits of warm weather, but as I wandered the woods this week, the trillium is just starting to open, and the trees were just starting to leaf out. Skunk cabbage is popping up with lovely chartreuse leaves and trout lilies are opening. 

I can't wait until those trees leaf out though with their perfect little leaves, in a rainbow of green. The kids and I will definitely be spending more time outside, taking it in. So in celebration of leaves, here's a collection of book all about trees!

Read More

 

Kendall's Staff Picks

Thursday, May 14th, 2020

Our new Staff Favorites list is in the works, but we thought we'd do something a little different this time. Instead of releasing them all at once, we're going to feature the picks of each bookseller indivually, starting with Kendall!

See More

 

 

For Your Littlest Graduates

With the abrupt end to in school learning a lot of kids are preparing to go on to a new grade or a new school and won't have the opportunity to celebrate or make those transitions as they normally would. There are so many creative things happening as we learn new ways to celebrate, with virtual gatherings, yard signs, and car parades. One thing that has stayed the same though, is the gift of a book!

Books That Toe the Line

When it comes to cartegorizing books, it's not always black and white. Some books are clearly aimed at younger readers, some are clearly aimed at adults. But what happens when that distinction isn't quite so clear? Whether you're an adult looking for something a bit quicker to get through or a teenager looking to branch out into some adult titles, here are some of my favorite crossover titles to check out.

Myths for Kids

Thursday, May 7th, 2020

When my son Henry was five, we picked up a copy of D'Ullaires Book of Greek Myths, and he was hooked! Obsessed! He was particularly fond of Hermes, and spent the better part of that year sporting a stocking cap with some glued on wings that we threw together. At his very awesome school (which we miss much at the moment!) they have an end of year talent show that the kindergarteners through third graders participate in. Henry decided he was going to tell a greek myth story, and stood in front of the entire school and told the story of Hermes! It was amazing! 

Read More

 

Keeping Kids Creative

Thursday, April 130th, 2020

Like many other parents out there, I am finding it tricky to get my kids motivated to do their daily schoolwork. I know a lot of kids are finding it hard to adjust to these new ways of learning, and without the motivation of their peers and structure of the classroom, my kids tend to wander off course. As a parent working remotely through all of this, keeping them engaged while trying to be productive is so hard!

See More

 

New In for the Littlest Readers

Monday, April 27th, 2020

This spring has been a great season for new board books! We have been so excited about all of these new and lovely books coming in. Since you can't come in and browse, let us bring them to you! There have especially been a lot of nature themed books, great options as I'm sure many are spending more time than usual outdoors and in the woods.

Read More

 

Jodie Recommends: Noir

Monday, April 27th, 2020

Many people know me as the curator of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comics, and Games for the store. But what many probably don't know about me is that I have another, somewhat lesser, passion for all things Noir. To me Noir stories are those that are gritty, dark and full of uncertainties. The protagonists walk a fine line between hero and villain, and shades of grey touch everything in the tale. 

Below I discuss several of my favorites, ranging in style from classic crime, to spy thrillers, and even so far as cyberpunk. It is my hope that you find some of these as enjoyable as I have. 

See More

 

Reviews by Hazel

Thursday, April 23rd, 2020

My daughter, Hazel, has been busy reading and has a couple of recent favorites to share.

 

A little more about Hazel - she's a fierce sweet seven year old that loves horses, unicorns and princesses. She loves to explore outdoors and tells a really good story. Her favorite foods are noodles and most any kind of fruit. 

 

She really loves a story that's a good adventure, but doesn't like too much peril. As a parent, I love these choices for her, with she reads independently and sometimes with help. The main characters are strong and adventurous, and fun for her to relate to. 

See More

 

Pages