Blog Name: Playing by the book
Blog URL: http://www.playingbythebook.net/
Twitter Name: @playbythebook
Goodreads: Playing by the book

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

I started Playing by the book in July 2009. I wanted to find a way to both read and play more with my children, and to be in contact with more adults who were also interested in creativity and children’s literature. It seemed like a blog might give me the structure I needed to achieve these goals. I don’t keep a diary but I did want to find a way to treasure the good times – I’ve a terrible memory and didn’t want to forget all the funny moments or sparks of imagination that fill my kids’ days – and my blog has also helped with this. Playing by the book is now a place where I review the kids’ books we’re reading as a family and share the crazy, fun stuff those books inspire us to get up to!

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

My favourite space in our house is my spice cupboard – I love to cook and opening the spice cupboard doors is always an invitation to travel the world!

If I could live anywhere at any time I would love to travel back to the very early 1900s in Budapest – I happen to speak Hungarian and Budapest is a beautiful city, full of amazing architecture and coffee houses to linger in. If I couldn’t make it to Hungary, then I’d accept time traveling to Skara Brae 5000 years ago instead.

I was once offered a job which would have involved traveling the world and learning how to shoot to kill (if only I were making this up…). On days when being stuck at home with two poorly children in a rather uninspiring part of the world I ponder how differently my life could have turned out. But in the end I always know I made the right choice.

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

I was born in Zambia and we didn’t have access to many books at all until we moved to the UK. However, one of my favourite books from my early childhood there was Tiger Flower by Robert Vavra with wonderful paintings of tigers and butterflies by Fleur Cowles. I have vivid memories of losing track of time reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder books in the playground at primary school – and when my second daughter was born I kept myself awake during night feeds by re-reading her books – it was such a treat! Later I couldn’t get enough of The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper and now I can’t wait to read these with my own daughters.

“I adore Zoe’s site! She is always involved in sharing her love of reading with her own children in such creative ways and in that way, getting them ‘hooked’ on books. It’s hard not to find something in every post she writes to use in your own home, from activities to new books, it’s wonderful!

“She’s also hosting a great giveaway right now for a signed copy of Wake Up! by Katie Cleminson! It’s also an international giveaway, so there’s no reason to miss out on this fabulous book. The giveaway closes at 6am UK time on the 3rd of August, so don’t miss out! And make sure to subscribe to her blog while you’re there, you won’t want to miss a post for sure!

“Thank you again to Zoe and her site Playing by the Book for participating in When I Was Young!”

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 Amazon.com.

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 week was good, busy for more reasons than you can probably believe, but in the end it was a pretty good week. Unfortunately, early in the week we learned of the death of a close family friend and were able to travel to the funeral over the weekend. Because the family friend was on my husband’s side of the family and a long funeral service is not conducive to two small toddlers, I stayed home and sent my husband to the funeral with his family. The service was nice and I’m glad we live close enough to have been able to attend.

What traveling over the weekend meant for me, besides seeing family and taking care of the kiddos (normal), was that I had to host the Got Books? Event via lap top at my in-laws home. Whoa. A little bit of a challenge, but all in all I feel it went really well. We had around 100 sites participating and a very successful Twitter Party on Friday. It’s definitely an event I can’t wait to do again!

So, how was your week?

Read/Reviewed (Just click on the title to see the Review!):
The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader
Boys Lie: How Not to Get Played by Belisa Vranich, Psy.D. and Holly Eagleson
The Starlet by Mary McNamara (For Chick Lit Reviews – Review Coming Soon!)
In Mike We Trust by P.E. Ryan (Review Coming Tuesday for Nerds Heart YA Decision!)
Alligator Bayou by Donna Jo Napoli (Review Coming Tuesday for Nerds Heart YA Decision!)

Interviewed:
When I Was Young: Stiletto Storytime

Events:
Got Books? Event – Our Favorite Bookish Things Giveaway

A Bit of Me(Me) – My Very Best Talent

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

What’s up for the week to come:

Reviewing/Reading:
Bubba Goes National by Jennifer Walker
Arson by Estevan Vega
Lit by Mary Karr (For Chick Lit Reviews)
Waxed by Robert Rave (For Chick Lit Reviews)
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Events:
Once Upon A Week.. (Coming Soon!)

The Turkeybird and Littlebug are Reading: (Yep, you read this list right, same books for the kiddos! They truly are still stuck on these, it’s great!)
Bob Books Sight Words: Kindergarten
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:
Bob Books Sight Words: Kindergarten and Bob Books Sight Words: First Grade (Coming Aug.10th!)

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.

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!”

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.

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.

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:

It wouldn’t be a typical week around There’s A Book without some excitement and craziness. We’ve been reading non-stop, all of us. The Turkeybird and Littlebug are hooked on a few of the same books and I can’t get them to read anything else. It’s really fun! Well, maybe up until about the 30th time each day, but I’m still just happy they love to read so much.

As for me, luckily, I have a fabulous hubby who took the kiddos so I could get somethings done this weekend! I was able to schedule and clean off my desk that was overflowing. It’s great and now I feel like I can conquer just about anything that comes my way. How about you? Anything fabulous happen this week?

Read/Reviewed (Just click on the title to see the Review!):
Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala
Free to a Good Home by Eve Marie Mont (Review for Chick Lit Reviews)
Hodge Podge: Restful Sundays with Busy Bodies and Books
Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader (Review coming soon!)
Bogus by Karla Oceanak and Illustrated by Kendra Spanjer (Review coming soon!)

Interviewed:
Amanda Howells author of The Summer of Skinny Dipping (For Chick Lit Reviews) – Don’t miss this interview!!!
When I Was Young – The Lost Entwife

Events/Features:
A Bit of Me(Me) – One Thing You’re No Good At
Special Feature: Ten Thousand {{Hugs}} to You Tuesday
Once Upon A Week.. (Coming Soon!)
Coming Very Soon: Got Books? (Have you signed up yet?)

Giveaways:
“Despicable Me” Book Review & Giveaway (Ends 7/30)
Simple Steps Activity Book by Molly Smith and Illustrated by Tad Carpenter & Giveaway (Ends 7/16)

What’s up for the week to come:

Reviewing/Reading:
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (For Chick Lit Reviews – Still reading)
Good-Bye to All That by Margo Candela (Still reading)
Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook (For Chick Lit Reviews)
Bubba Goes National by Jennifer Walker

The Turkeybird and Littlebug are Reading: (Yes, many are the same as last week, but as you know with kiddos, it’s all about repetition.)
Toy Boat by Randall DeSeve and Illustrated by Loren Long (Reviewing this week!)
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)

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.

Blog Name: The Lost Entwife
Blog URL: http://thelostentwife.net
Twitter Name: @lrpresley
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/50581

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

I technically started my blog in November of 2006. When I started the blog I intended to just write about my day-to-day life.. but as time progressed my life started to change and I never had time to write. Then I started up on GoodReads and discovered that I loved reviewing books – it helped cement the books in my memory (I have a horrible time remembering names!), and it gave me something to send my friends and family to when they were looking for a good book to read.

Then one day last December I thought.. why aren’t I posting these to my blog? I considered starting up a new blog but couldn’t come up with any names that were unique and fit me as much as The Lost Entwife did. And.. being as an Entwife is a literary character written about by the great J.R.R. Tolkien.. I decided to stay put and I’ve been blogging since.

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

I’m a family girl. I’m the eldest of nine children, all from the same two parents. I’ve been playing piano since I was four years old and even went to college in pursuit of a piano performance degree. I also game quite a bit and have love exploring the lore behind some of my favorite games. Right now I get plenty of time to read because I am a full-time caregiver to my 7 year old nephew, Cole and my 5 year old niece, Grace. Since I’ve been living with them I’ve watched them grow from pre-schoolers to Grace now entering Kindergarten and Cole 2nd grade. My love of reading has always been apparent to them and I am having a blast introducing them to some of my favorite literature.

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

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. I have so many fond memories of this book. I’ve read it more than two dozen times in my lifetime and the first time the story was told to me was by my Dad. He said, and I believe this as well, that The Hobbit is a book to be read out loud and just this past year I read it to my nephew, Cole. More than once I found myself moved to tears watching his expression. To this day, he still talks about the story and talks about how he can’t wait to be able to read and understand it by himself.

“Lydia is one of my favorite book bloggers and just a fabulous person to chat with as well. Her reviews are awesome! I only wish I could read as much as she does in a week. One of the other fantastic things about Lydia is her obsession with Tolkien. Definitely a favorite in our home. His books were also my late Uncle’s absolute favorite.

“Also, at the end of this month, Lydia is starting a new feature called ‘Cross-Bloggination’. Each month a few of us book bloggers will be guest posting on other sites just to share something a little bit different than what we normally review to our audience. This month I will be posting on Lydia’s site and I can’t wait!

“If you’re a fiction fan of almost any variety you will definitely want to take a look at The Lost Entwife! There’s no doubt in my mind that you will find something fabulous to add to your growing list of books to read as well as a wonderful blog to subscribe to. Thank you so much to Lydia for stopping by and sharing her favorite childhood book!”

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.

The amazing Mary Elizabeth at Ten Thousand Hugs has generously highlighted my site today! I’m so excited! Mary Elizabeth has two sites (Ten Thousand Hugs and A Novel Idea) and both of them are fantastic. Make sure to stop by, take a look around and get to know a little bit more about little old me.

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:

Read/Reviewed (Just click on the title to see the Review!):
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolf (Review for Chick Lit Reviews) – I absolutely adored this book! Definitely make sure to check out the review if you have a minute.
Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala (Review coming this week!)
First Words:Bright Baby by Roger Priddy
The Adventures of Precious the dog by Precious



Giveaways:
Go to Sleep, Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton & Giveaway
Simple Steps Activity Book by Molly Smith and Illustrated by Tad Carpenter & Giveaway

Events/Features:
Board Book, Hardback or Paperback?
A Bit of Me(Me) – Five People for Lunch
Wish List: How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills
Coming Very Soon: Got Books? (Have you signed up yet?)

What’s up for the week to come:

Reading/Reviewing:
Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader (Review coming soon!)
Good-Bye to All That by Margo Candela (Still reading)
Free to a Good Home by Eve Marie Mont (Still reading)
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (For Chick Lit Reviews)

The Turkeybird and Littlebug are Reading/Reviewing:
Toy Boat by Randall DeSeve and Illustrated by Loren Long
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!

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.

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 CRAZY week! I read so much that my eyes about had it and now we are out of town for a fun family reunion. Hopefully the coming weeks will bring some more fabulous books, and a little bit of rest, because boy do I need it!

Read/Reviewed (Just click on the title to see the Review!):
A Place for Delta by Melissa Walker and Illustrated by Richard Walker
The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain (Review for Chick Lit Reviews)
The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews (Review for Chick Lit Reviews) – LOVED this book!
Karma Bites by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas (Review coming soon!)
Bogus by Karla Oceanak and Illustrated by Kendra Spanjer (Review coming soon!)
Go to Sleep, Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton & Giveaway
Simple Steps Activity Book by Molly Smith and Illustrated by Tad Carpenter & Giveaway

Interviewed:
When I Was Young – Amused by Books

Giveaways:
Go to Sleep, Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton
Simple Steps Activity Book by Molly Smith and Illustrated by Tad Carpenter
Pookster and the Unloose Tooth & Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle by Rhonda Funk (Ends June 30, 2010)

Events:
A Bit of Me(Me) – Your Favorite Word
Special Feature: Imagination in Focus
Coming Very Soon: Got Books? (Have you signed up yet?)

What’s up for the week to come:

Reading/Reviewing:
Good-Bye to All That by Margo Candela
Free to a Good Home by Eve Marie Mont
Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala

The Turkeybird and Littlebug are Reading:
First Words:Bright Baby by Roger Priddy (Review coming Thursday)
The Adventures of Precious the dog by Precious (Review coming Friday)
Toy Boat by Randall DeSeve and Illustrated by Loren Long

Giveaways Coming Up:
Stay tuned! We have something special planned for the Got Books? Event!

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.