Blog Name: Stiletto Storytime
Blog URL: http://www.stilettostorytime.wordpress.com
Twitter Name: @Stiletostrytime
LibraryThing: Stilettostorytime

When did you start your blog and why? Give us a little info about your blog too.

I started my blog in December of 2007. I was in my first year as a children’s librarian. It was great platform for me to review books, talk about library related subjects and even express opinions on other topics of personal interest. I read so much back then to be acquainted with my collection that it seemed a shame not to review and keep track of what I was doing. And so my blog was born and bred at the children’s reference desk of a public library.

My blog is called Stiletto Storytime, which may seem a little odd but as always there is a story behind it. I graduated from library school at the age of 25, I didn’t exactly fit the profile of what people expected of a “librarian”. I was young and refused to act old before my time. I was innovative and always trying a fresh approach to old school library practices. Instead of clogs, I still dressed in stilettos and heels. I did storytime, dancing and shaking my sillies out dressed to the nines. My colleagues all joked I should have a “Stiletto Storytime” since I was always creating new themes and dressing fashionable. From then on…the name stuck! Stiletto Storytime is a blog devoted to helping readers find that perfect book! I review everything from board books to classic literature. There is also a large amount of Jane Austen related material since I am a devoted Janeite.

Tell us a little about yourself outside of your interest in books.

I am a twenty something wife and mother to a one year old son. Little man and his Daddy are my world. We also have a dog Zoe who is a cocker/westie mix that rounds out our family. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Masters in Library Science. I am now a SAHM and am working on my first book, which is the first in a middle grade series for girls. I am a southerner born and bred. I love to read more than anything and carry a book everywhere I go. Reading is my escape from the busy world around me. When I pick up a book all my stress and worries float away and it is simply the story and I.

Your favorite book from your youth and the story behind it.

One of my favorite books as a child was The Chimney Witches by Victoria Whitehead. It was this magical book about a girl who finds a way into the world of witches through her chimney. In fact it had a lot in common with Harry Potter in some ways now that I think about it. I have no idea where that book came from. The author was British and I remember the cover was solid blue with gold lettering. I so loved that book though and the idea of going to another world. I also loved The Little House on the Prairie series, Anne of Green Gables and oddly enough I was obsessed with R.L. Stine’s Fear Street series. By fifth grade I had every one lined up in perfect order on my bookshelves. I wish I had kept them. I now collect them and am always on the hunt for a new one at yard sales or library book sales. In all honesty as a child I was such a voracious reader, I read anything and everything I could get my  on. I just loved and still love books!

“Courtney is fabulous! I just love her to pieces and her site always has something I’m interested in reading. I’ve been reading her site for some time now, but I think I really caught on during the last Dewey’s Read-a-Thon when she read through an entire stack of Charlaine Harris Sookie books. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a huge fan. Not to mention she also loves Sarah Addison Allen (another favorite), she loves children’s books and she’s a mom!

“Stiletto Storytime absolutely has something for everyone and if you haven’t stopped by yet, what are you waiting for? A must read for book lovers!

“Thank you so much, Courtney, for visiting There’s A Book today!”

Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader

Published by Aladdin (An imprint of Simon & Schuster)

Pages: 272

Ages: 9-13

Goodreads Summary: Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader is a hilarious story about two girls–one nice, one mean– facing off in their middle school video elective.

“In the realm of middle school it means everything to be either the ‘mean’ girl or the ‘nice’ girl. Unfortunately for Sachi she’s definitely a nice girl, one with good grades and all the ambition she’s expected to have according to her parents. Well, in the world of tweens that just doesn’t cut it and it’s no longer enough for Sachi either. But her drive to prove she’s more than just a smart Indian girl may get her into trouble when she’s paired with the school’s leading fashionista and true ‘mean’ girl, Marina, for their elective video project.

“For those of you who may have forgotten or blurred your memories of the middle school years, let me remind you…they were tough, even for me, a typically white girl from the suburbs. Kids in that in be-’tween’ age group can be ruthless and often times this time becomes the proving grounds for the separating of new and old friends. It’s a place where most of us discovered where we ‘fit’ in the terms of which group; popular, band geek, nerd, jock, and so many more. There are some though, who like to try and blur even those lines. Sachi is one of these people. Too bad for her, Marina was firmly planted in the already ‘popular and mean‘ group.

“What I genuinely loved about Nice and Mean was the contrast between the two leading characters. Sachi and Marina couldn’t have been more different in the beginnings of the story. Sachi, obviously from a completely different country, with different beliefs, values and upbringing is the complete opposite of her counterpart. Marina, a well-to-do girl with hardly anyone telling her to change and providing her with her every whim is in need of a definite reality check. As their story continues and they are forced to work together, it’s their coming together that changes the entire dynamic of the story and brings a greater meaning to their relationship.

“As a debut author, Jessica Leader has done a wonderful job writing a story that will reach and even touch young readers. The struggles we all face during that difficult time of life are illustrated beautifully in not only the two main characters, but also their friends and acquaintances. Sachi’s desire to make a difference and blur those impossible lines that we all draw was definitely something I would love to share with any ‘tween’ girl struggling to make her own way. Nice and Mean is definitely a fun read, but also one that will stay with young readers for weeks after they’ve finished the last page.”

The1stdaughter Recommends:Ages 9 and up. The perfect read for your favorite “Tween”. Especially those struggling to blaze their own trail!

For the Comments: Did you fall into a specific group in middle/high school? Or were you a trail blazer?

This book was provided by Traveling ARC Tours for Review. Thank you!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

This fabulous weekly recap is hosted by Shelia of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. Each week we recap what we’ve read and look at what’s coming up this week. If you’re interested head over to Shelia’s site and get involved! It’s a blast and I may even stop by to see what you’re up to!

Here’s what we’ve been up to this week:

This has been a great week! I’ve been able to read a ton and reviewed quite a bit as well. My sweet Turkeybird made the cover of The Book Chook Cook Book! (Say that ten times fast!) We’ve also been gearing up for the Got Books? Event that’s happening on Friday and Saturday this week! Both Gina and I are tremendously excited for the incredible response we’ve had for it, we’re now at 104 blogs participating! Make sure to stop by because I’ve got a fabulous giveaway planned here (Hunger Games fans especially may want to make a mental note about it!) and stop by the main site to find more great book blogs!

I also have to brag a bit because I was finally able to figure out the coding for a table on my “Links” page! I am so excited about this! In fact I think I could go look at it again!

Last, are you a Harry Potter fan? Take a look at the post from this week, you’ll definitely get a chuckle out of it! Have a fabulous reading week!

Read/Reviewed (Just click on the title to see the Review!):
Bogus by Karla Oceanak and Illustrated by Kendra Spanjer
Good-Bye to All That by Margo Candela (For Chick Lit Reviews)
Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook (For Chick Lit Reviews – Monday)
Toy Boat by Randall DeSeve and Illustrated by Loren Long
If You Give A Pig A Pancake by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond
Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader (Review coming Tuesday!)

Interviewed:
Tina Turbin Author of Danny the Dragon
When I Was Young: SMS Book Reviews

Events & Fun Things:
Coming This Week! – Got Books?
Once Upon A Week.. (Coming Soon!)
Harry Potter – The Gateway Drug
The Turkeybird Makes the Front Page!
A Bit of Me(Me) – Your Favorite Smell

Giveaways:
“Despicable Me” Book Review & Giveaway (Ends 7/30)

What’s up for the week to come:

Reading/Reviewing:
Bubba Goes National by Jennifer Walker
In Mike We Trust by P.E. Ryan
Alligator Bayou by Donna Jo Napoli
Boys Lie: How Not to Get Played by Belisa Vranich, Psy.D. and Holly Eagleson
The Starlet by Mary McNamara (For Chick Lit Reviews)

The Turkeybird and Littlebug are Reading:
Robot Zot by John Sciezska and Illustrated by David Shannon
Every Friday by Dan Yaccarino
Time to Sleep, Sheep the Sheep by Mo Willems
Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach by Melanie Watt
Dr. Seuss’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book! by Dr. Seuss

Giveaways Coming Up:
Got Books? Event…a very special giveaway and event you won’t want to miss! (July 23 & 24) This week!!!

So, what are you reading this week? Have any suggestions I should add to my reading pile?

Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.

I know, some of you are skeptical about putting yourself out there on the internet and I completely respect that. That’s the entire reason I have no desire to ever reveal the “real” names of The Turkeybird and Littlebug. In time, once they’re old enough, if they chose to do that on their own I will respect their decision. So, if ever during the time I’m doing this meme do you feel the question is just too personal for your liking, feel free to post something else, I never want anyone to feel uncomfortable with what they share and I promise it will always be “kid-friendly”. I mean, this is a primarily children’s and young adult site, you know?

So, let’s get started!

This Weeks Question: What is your favorite smell and why? Does it bring back memories?

The Ocean

(Photo taken by my mom. You can find her Flickr Stream here and her site Earthbound Chronicles here.)

All growing up if my dad was ever to say, “let’s go for a drive!”, you could almost always count on a drive to the beach. Not every time did we bring all of our “gear” and head out to sea, but we always rolled the windows down just to take a deep breathe of the wonderful ocean air.

As an adult, who now lives within minutes of the beach, I still remember these “drives”. Often it included a stop at a 7-Eleven for a treat and it always included a little bit of mood music in the form of Van Halen, Winger, The Beatles or any number of rock bands my dad was in love with at the time.

Even now, I often hear of my parents jumping in the car to take a “drive-by” to the beach and stop in at their favorite local eatery (currently Con Pane, but often El Indio both in San Diego).

It’s definitely one of my favorite memories from my childhood and one I hope I will be able to pass on to my own children.

Now, your turn! Link up below and tell everyone “A Bit of You!”

Next Week’s Question: Tell everyone a bit about your very best quality or talent!
Have a question to add? I’d love some suggestions! Just leave them in the comments and I’ll see about adding them in as we go!

Also, feel free to grab either of the buttons for your own “A Bit of Me(Me)” post (or create your own), but make sure to link back to There’s A Book. (You can also resize these down to a smaller size if you’d like.)

Toy Boat by Randall De Seve and Illustrated by Loren Long

Published by Philomel Books (An imprint of Penguin)

Pages: 40

Ages: 2 and up

Publishers Summary: A little boy has a toy boat. He made it out of a can, a cork, a yellow pencil, and some white cloth. The boy and his boat are inseparable, until one day when the wind pushes the toy boat out into the wide lake. Alone now, the little boat must face fierce waves, a grumpy ferry, a sassy schooner, and a growling speed boat. How the little boat misses the boy! But if he is going to survive, he must figure a way to do it on his own.

Loren Long has a timeless and magical touch. As he did with The Little Engine That Could, he creates a world of toys and children that go right to the soul. Toy Boat will sail into young hearts and stay there.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “This is an amazing book! The boat in here steals the show for sure. Not to mention all of the other big boats he runs into! It’s incredible! He gets taken out into the ocean and thrown around in a storm, then almost run over by a huge boat! Whoa!

“The only part I don’t like is when the boat gets sad because he’s not with his little boy anymore. It’s just so sad. I know if he were my boat I would be sad and would want him to come back home. But it gets better! The boat makes it home and the little boy is so so happy to see him! I could read this book over and over again, thank goodness my mom likes it so much!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “Not too long ago I wrote a post titled, Parents vs. Children: When We Love Books Our Kids Don’t. It was all about me venting that my tastes and the tastes of Turkeybird and Littlebug were sometimes very very different. Toy Boat made the list of books I loved that Turkeybird did not. Well, the day has finally come that he is loving this wonderful book and I couldn’t be happier! Not that I don’t enjoy reading pretty much anything to him, but it’s so nice when you both love a book.

“Everything about this book is delightful. Initially I picked up Toy Boat because I’m a bit of an illustration snob and Loren Long is one of my absolute favorites. If you don’t agree, I’d hope to persuade you to take a look at her website. Everything she illustrates is gorgeous. Besides the illustrations, I was drawn to the little boy, so much like my own. So often in his own little world with just a few favorite toys and books keeping him constantly thinking.

“Toy Boat though is not so much about the little boy, but the boat itself. His adventure away from the boy and into the unknown is so similar to the life we all experience at some point. He travels, at first excited at the wonderment before him, but soon longs for the boy he left behind. With sudden hopelessness engulfing him the boat is met by another friendly, but bigger boat who gently guides him back to the boy he loves. And the boy…is there on the beach eagerly awaiting the toy boat’s return.

“This is a story I hope to share with both Turkeybird and Littlebug for some time. It’s exciting to be able to share a story that means so much to me with Turkeybird now and see his excitement as we read along together. Toy Boat has so much meaning to be gained and I know as they both grow, the meaning will change for each of them. But for now, I’m happy to share the excitement of the little boy as his boat returns from his big adventure across the sea!”

Please take a look at the illustrator’s website, Loren Long children’s book gallery, for some amazing sketch to finished image comparisons. You will be astounded at how beautiful they are!

Some other Randall and Peter DeSeve books you might enjoy!
(There’s at least one of these I think a certain Whimsical blogger might just adore!)

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 and up. Wonderful illustrations, a fantastic adventure and a touching meaning make this a perfect book for kiddos to “grow” into.

For the Comments: How do illustrations affect your buying decisions when it comes to children’s books? Make or break?

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Not too long ago I  had the opportunity to review Tina Turbin’s most recent release, Danny the Dragon “Meets Jimmy” and when I heard about the opportunity to have her guest post I jumped at it. Outside of her work with children’s books Tina is an inspiration and help to so many others. I hope you will enjoy getting to a little more about how Tina developed a love for reading and helping others as much as I did. Take it away Tina!

How did I become a children’s author or what inspires me? Since those seem to be the most popular questions I thought I’d just dive right in and share a bit about me as well as what does inspire me, where I get my ideas and what keeps this incredible drive in me, being an author.

First of all, my favorite stuffed animal was Pooh Bear and I adored many books about Winnie-the Pooh, created originally by author, A.A Milnie. I felt so bad that Pooh Bear ate so much honey and could not get out of the Rabbit’s front door. I loved the interaction of all the characters and involvement with a little boy, Christopher Robin. I read these books over and over and later even to my three children.

I was about 6-7 and 8 when I read Swedish Author Astrid Lindgren’s, “Pippi Longstocking”, and Beverly Cleary’s adorable Ramona books. I adored the characters and would climb inside the book and feel what it was like to “be” one or more of the characters. It was then that I realized what it was like to create character’s on paper, and realized “this is the role of an author!” I recognized the power and influence the author really had over the reader.

I was about 9 when I read the fabulous book, “Charlotte’s Web” by one of my favorite children’s author’s, E.B White. I can not tell you how many times I read this book. Of course I knew the ending after the first reading, but each time I read it, it had this power over me and I’d be sad it was over with tears in my eyes about Charlotte. Again, through this book I fell in love with the idea of animals talking; have emotions, interacting with humans. This is how I felt the real world was anyhow! I had my own horse, hamsters and rats and I talked to then and they talked to me.

I was an extremely independent child until my brother was born when I was 18, but by then at age 16 I wrote my first children’s story which was well accepted by a school I had submitted it to, not letting them know my age. Whether they liked it or not, it was at its final draft that I knew I had a love for writing. I did not have all the tools and knowledge of what to do with a story once written. They loved it though!

I knew that life all around me was always presenting ideas. I knew that any and all events, people in my environment, movies I saw, books I read, children – everything inspired me to creatively come up with my very own ideas to convey my own stores. I knew I wanted people to read what I wrote and change little or great, but for the better, to be entertained and feel “something” through my written concepts. I felt alive and in love with this passion.

I married early and with the birth of my son I fell in love again- with motherhood. I set my goals aside knowing that I’d pick this up again, when I had more time, more uninterrupted time and much better sleep. I had three children; a thriving business working in the Entertainment Business helping children in Hollywood with their careers and over the many years took notes for the coming days- my days to be a writer.

My first book was the Show Biz Kids East Coast Guidebook. Then I started researching children’s book writing and released Danny the Dragon, then the audio-book Danny DREAMS and then the DVD. Now it will be available as apps through iStory (the same company with exclusive rights to Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks) and will be out in August.

I have not stopped since. I love what I do and I am constantly inspired by the wonderful world and people around me, my past, my ideas, communication of others and of course – all the children everywhere.

Tina Turbin

Thank you again Tina for stopping by There’s A Book and sharing a bit about your journey!

Make sure to take a look at my review of Tina’s book, Danny the Dragon and for more information about Tina and her work with Celiac Disease take a look at these sites:
Tina Turbin’s Site
Gluten Free Help
Danny the Dragon

Blog Name: SMS Book Reviews
Blog URL: http://smsbookreviews.blogspot.com
Twitter Name: callista83
Goodreads (and/or others): callista83

When did you start your blog and why?
It all started with book reviews on my geocities webpage, and then moved to amazon.com so more people would see them. Them amazon made the rule that you couldn’t submit reviews unless you had purchased from them so I need somewhere else for my reviews. I found blogger and created a blog in 2003 and added my reviews back to 2001. From 2003 to 2007 I added reviews when I found the time, which wasn’t very often. In 2007 I discovered a few book blogs and realized I could post more reviews and talk about books more regularly and actually get a following of people who would read my blog. I also found blog challenges. Now it focus on non-fiction for all ages and children’s books.

Tell us a little about yourself outside of your interest in books.
I’m a mom of two girls and I’m a Girl Guide Leader. I also run another blog that is for parents and women in Canada and is about typical SAHM type topics.

Your favorite book from your youth and the story behind it. Also, you can include a short review of the book if you have time.
My absolute favourite book from childhood is The Giver by Lois Lowry. I know a lot of people have read it but if you haven’t, I highly recommend it. It’s Dystopian for older kids. There are two more books that come after it but I haven’t gotten around to read them yet. I’ve read The Giver at least 3 times which is a lot for me as I don’t normally reread books. You can read my review of The Giver here: http://smsbookreviews.blogspot.com/2007/10/giver-by-lois-lowry.html

“I’m so happy to have Callista on today!The Giver was my very first attempt at Dystopian fiction and I’d have to agree with her on this, I highly recommend it!

“Callista’s site is packed full of great books for kids and adults alike, especially if you’re a fan of non-fiction. She’s also extremely active in the book blogging community, which is a huge plus in my eyes. Make sure to stop by and say hello, you may just find the next great read!”

Interested in participating in the When I Was Young feature? Read about it here.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

I found this over at Katie’s site, Book Love and could NOT resist sharing it. I love her site and then putting this up put me over the edge! Isn’t it just perfect?!

Bogus by Karla Oceanak and Illustrated by Kendra Spanjer

Published by Baliwick Press

Pages: 160

Ages: 8-13

Publishers Summary: Ten-year-old Aldo Zelnick had decided it’s OK to be a little artsy-fartsy. So when his grandma Goosy gives Aldo a second sketchbook, he fills it with more hand-drawn comics, fun B words, and accounts of his everyday adventures.

In Bogus, Aldo and his best friend, Jack, find a ring in the storm grate on their street. Convinced it’s a fake, Aldo goofs around with the ring and loses it—only to find out it was a real diamond with a $1,000 reward. Will Aldo, Jack, and Bee find the ring again and reap the reward…or will their archenemy, Tommy Geller?

“Back in March I had the wonderful opportunity of reviewing Artsy-Fartsy, the first in the Aldo Zelnick series, as well as feature both Karla Oceanak and Kendra Spanjer in a guest post. All of this because I absolutely adore this new series of books! So, when my review copy of Bogus arrived a few weeks ago I couldn’t wait to read it and promptly finished it the next day.

“In this next chapter of Aldo’s life he’s made a huge discovery, but doesn’t realize it until it’s almost too late. As the story begins you’re taken on a journey through the mind of a typical ten year old. You meet his new comic book character ‘Bacon Boy’ along with his trustee side kick ‘Tormado’. Get extremely paranoid about the neighborhood bully, Tommy Geller. And make some amazing new discoveries by way of all things that start with the letter ‘B’. Just another day in the life of Aldo.

“As the story starts off Aldo is flashing back:

“Unfortunately, for Aldo, he didn’t get the message. He ends up losing a very valuable diamond ring that he and his best friend Jack found in the sewer drain. From that point on it’s nothing but comical as Aldo goes from throwing the ring in with his new fish to losing it with no trace left behind. As you can see from some of the illustrations below, it’s nothing if not absolutely hilarious.

“In an effort to make ‘a lot of money‘ Aldo decides to try his hand at comic strip writing. His first attempts revolve all around his number one love, food:

“Overall, the latest installment of the Aldo Zelnick series is just as good, if not better than the first. A perfect blend of entertainment and education. Karla Oceanak and Kendra Spanjer have shown again that they know exactly how to reach kids in that often, awkward time of life between being a ‘kid’ and a teenager. Aldo is hilarious, but absolutely real, a kid you could almost imagine walking through your front door at any minute. His struggle to be active is something that almost every kid who reads this will be able to relate to.  Aldo is not a character you quickly forget and you’ll definitely be left wanting more when you’re done with this latest installment.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 8 and up. Get kids up and moving as well as learning about some fun new words through the eyes of someone very much like them. Perfect for boys looking for something a little more stimulating than comics.

For the Comments: What’s your favorite letter of the alphabet and why?

Make sure to take a look at my review of Artsy-Fartsy as well, you won’t want to miss this series! And look for the next installment, Cahoots due out at the end of the year.

This book was provided by the publisher, Baliwick Press, for review. Thank you!
Interior artwork provided and copyright protected by Kendra Spanjer. Thank you!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Not too long ago two of my favorite book bloggers and Children’s Literacy advocates, Susan from The Book Chook and Tif from Tif Talks Books, sent out a call for submissions to contribute to a “Literacy Cook Book“. When I heard about it I knew I had to submit something. Obviously The Baker (my hubby) loves to bake pretty much anything and The Turkeybird can’t help but want to help out in the kitchen. They always have a blast and I thought, what better than to include one of his favorite books with the recipe?

If You Give A Pig A Pancake by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond is a Turkeybird favorite and not just because the story is so cute. It’s all about a pig and his desire to have more pancakes, one of the Turkeybird’s favorite meals to make and to eat. Based on the favorite books, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, except this time it’s all about a Pig who starts off with a pancake, then syrup, then a bath, then a duck…and I think you get the picture. Eventually he ends up right back at the pancake, which my sweet Turkeybird just loves!

Because of the Turkeybird’s love of “The Pig pancake” book, his love of actual pancakes and The Baker’s love of making them from scratch I thought this was the perfect combo for The Book Chook Cook Book. So, one afternoon while getting ready for dinner we took some very fun pictures, compiled the recipe and sent it all off that evening. Yesterday, The Book Chook Cook Book was revealed and much to our surprise, The Turkeybird made the cover!

We truly are so excited to even be included in the final book! The entire concept is brilliant and both Susan & Tif did an amazing job putting everything together. Make sure to take a look! The Cook Book is free to anyone who like it and there are some fantastic recipes that I know we will be trying out very very soon. Thank you again to both Susan and Tif for a fabulous idea and for putting it together for everyone!

Didn’t make this issue or do you already have a post you’d like to mention, run over to Tif’s site Tif Talks Books for a link-up and more information!

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.