Normally, this is not a site about music or a whole lot of personal, but I started thinking maybe I’d throw in a bit from time to time. So, to start off this “A Bit of Me” posting I thought I’d start with me…The1stdaughter…or as some of you know, Danielle.

I’m a music lover, through and through. I’ve played the flute since about the age of eight years old and it took almost 3 months to even get a beginning sound out. Talk about persistence! The other girls in my group were playing by the second lesson. But even with the initial struggle I still managed to make it part of me. Outside of reading, my family and my faith, music is the most important part of who I am as a person. It even influences my reading.

Recently I was asked if there was something unusual or unique about my reading habits. Well, there is…I like to read while listening to music. I will actually read almost twice as fast with music on. Something about it moves my pace. I know, most of you are going…no way! But there are some of you who might agree. I’d love to know!

For the comments: Do you have any funny/quirky reading habits?

As an added bonus I thought I’d post this fantastic new music video from Mindy Gledhill. This song, All About Your Heart, is featured on the new NieNie Dialogues video and I absolutely can’t stop listening to it. Something about it and the story it’s featured in makes my heart soar. Not to mention that the little girl in the video reminds me of myself at that age. Just lovely.

Until next time!
Much Love, The1stdaughter (Danielle)

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Published by Wendy Lamb Books (A division of Random House)

208 Pages

Ages: 9-12



Publishers Summary: Four mysterious letters change Miranda’s world forever.
By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:
I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.
The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

“Words can barely describe how I feel about this book and all it reveals about us as human beings. Miranda is the kind of girl we all are or were. We struggle to find out why things go the way they do and suffer, sometimes in silence, through the changes that happen in our lives. Being about the life of a girl in her early teens it’s easy to assume it’s written only to reveal the paths our lives can take when were young, but it is about much more. Primarily about caring for others and taking an active roll in transforming the lives of those around us. Doing these seemingly small things have the power to transform their lives and ultimately our own character. This is exactly what happens to Miranda. I may be alone in my thinking, but this is the way it touched me.

“Rebecca Stead has beautifully crafted an amazing journey that spans what seems decades when it is only a few months. So many times in my reading of this book I thought I had some part of it completely figured out, only to learn I was just off and the subtle changes made the difference. After reading a bit more about Stead herself I can see where some of the twists come from, because as she says, “The most important thing to know about writing is that there are no rules.” Her imagination takes you places and helps you to feel things you may have not thought about in ages and it’s wonderful.

“My most genuine feeling about the journey of this book was how much I can’t wait to share it with my own children, Littlebug in particular. When things can be so difficult, this book shows a way to make the best of things. It’s truly a book for all ages and very appropriate for a young audience. And although I know it will appeal to younger readers I feel that an adult audience has so much to gain by reading When You Reach Me. As you will find deeper meaning in the relationships you have carried with you through the years.”

“Also, if you have a second, check out Rebecca’s website, it’s so cute and really fun!”

This book was a gift for my birthday to reside in our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

“The masses have spoken (apparently the masses are small in number, but that’s okay) and you have all put in your two cents. So, here it is, the list of awards we’ll explore over the next twelve months by month. This is going to be exciting! I promise to try not to bore you to death over details and will do my best to make it something you’ll remember the next time you’re deciding on your next great book.”

“Without further ado, THE LIST:

1. Newbery Medal
2. Cybils Awards
3. The Schneider Family Book Awards
4. Odyssey Award
5. Golden Kite Award for Illustrators
6. Sid Fleischman Award
7. IRA Children’s and Young Adult Book Awards
8. National Book Foundation Young People’s Literature Award
9. The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
10. Caldecott Medal
11. Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults
12. The William C. Morris YA Debut Award

Here are some of the award labels/seals you’ll see over the next twelve months:

If you are interested in reading along as we go on this journey our first book to be reviewed will be Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary which received a Newbery Honor in 1978.

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

“So I’ve been thinking, I know it’s a terrible thing to do, but I have. Recently the National Book Foundation named their winners for the year 2009. Out of their top 5 in “Young People’s Literature” I’m currently reading Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor and so far I really like it. The book isn’t really what I want to talk about, I’ll do that later, when I’ve finished it.

“But what got me thinking is the National Book Foundation, who are they and what do there awards represent? In my mind this didn’t only apply to the National Book Foundation & their awards, but all of those medallion-ed awards you see on children’s books. Think about it really? How many of us parents/readers out there have been in a book store and seen a shiny silver sticker and thought, ‘Oh, that one must be good, I’ll get it’ ? I’m not ashamed to say I have fallen smack dab into that category before, without even thinking about it.

“Not anymore. My curiosity has gotten the best of me and hopefully to your benefit. For the next twelve months I plan on exploring the “world of awards”, what they mean, where they came from, who’s really behind it and why they should (or shouldn’t) matter to us and our children as readers. My plan is that each month will have a chosen “award”, starting with January 2010. On the first Sunday of each month I’ll give you the history behind the award and the organization promoting it. For the remaining Sundays in the month each will contain a review of a book that has received one of these awards. And the last Sunday of the month I’ll do a wrap up and review everything I’ve learned.

“I do have one problem, I only have eight of the twelve months filled. So, I need your help. Below is my list of awards I’ve gathered in no particular order. All I need is a few recommendations and by next Sunday I’ll have the list finalized. Keep in mind when you are suggesting that I am only interested in Children’s and Young Adult Authors or Illustrators awards of those genres. If there’s one you’ve been dying to learn more about let me know, it may be one I would love to look into also!”

The List:

1. Newbery Medal
2. Caldecott Medal
3. Cybils Awards
4. Odyssey Award
5. Golden Kite Award for Illustrators
6. Sid Fleischman Award
7. IRA Children’s and Young Adult Book Awards
8. National Book Foundation Young People’s Literature Award
9. your choice
10. your choice
11. your choice
12. your choice

“So, what’s it going to be? You tell me, what awards do you want to explore and why?”

Recently, we were able to attend a signing of the new cookbook by the one and only “Pioneer Woman“. And now by “we” I mean, The1stdaughter, Littlebug and of course I dragged The Baker along. More than anything it was a great opportunity to meet a wonderful mom, get a new GREAT cookbook and spend time with two of my favorite people (my own mom and one of my two sisters). We had a blast, despite the heat, and of course Bug was a huge hit!

Because I want to take this opportunity to continue the fun we had and make the best of it I decided, why not get an extra copy signed for one of my lucky readers? So, in honor of the new beginning that is There’s A Book I give you our very first book giveaway! One of you out there will be the new owner of a brand new, never used, SIGNED copy of The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond! The exact one in the image above! Just fill out what you want on the form below and on January 1st 2010 I will announce the winner.

As a note I want to say that so far this cookbook is fabulous! We’ve tried a few of the recipes including the “Egg-in-the-Hole”, “Meatloaf”, “Olive Cheese Bread”, and my personal favorite (so far) “Edna Mae’s Sour Cream Pancakes”. The pancakes quite literally melt in your mouth and I think it is quite possible that I could eat them morning, noon and night without any problem whatsoever. One of the amazing things about this cookbook is that it’s not just a cookbook. It has stories and pictures of her everyday life and every time I’ve picked it up I’ve found something else to look at or try. Normally I don’t think I’d be inclined to review any old cookbook (although The Baker definitely would), but Ree is such a family gal that it shines through in every recipe in the book. It reminds me of home, of being with my dad and his parents on their farm during harvest time. The feeling of comfort, home, family and food so delicious because it was picked just that day is what this book helps me remember. Thank you Ree for that.

I would recommend this cookbook to anyone looking for an all around, every meal, comfort food fest. It’s fabulous and I’ll cook out of it for years to come!

Take a minute to fill out the form and I will let everyone know on the 1st of the New Year 2010 who one. Good luck and thanks for reading!

Here’s the Form Just Click to Fill it Out. Thanks!

*Also, as an update, this contest is open to anyone anywhere in the world that I can ship to.*

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 Amazon.com.

Starting today, every Wednesday I will be doing a feature called “When I Was Young”. This will mainly highlight other book bloggers around the blogosphere, but occasionally we’ll have the pleasure of hearing from some close friends and family. The purpose behind the feature is to first of all get to know the interviewee and second to get to know an old favorite we may have long forgotten in our reading past. I believe that for each of us there was at least one book (maybe more for some) that stood out from the others. It was the one that got us started on our reading journey and opened our minds to the possibilities in our imaginations.

So, as an introduction I thought I would take a minute to complete the feature myself. Here goes:

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

The main theme of this blog is: Because sometimes there’s a book that can transform your life from ordinary to extraordinary. Helping to find the best in children’s literature and encourage reading from the beginning.

I started this blog because I love reading and now that I have two children I want to share my love of reading with them. Reading has changed the way I view life and having children has done the same, but in completely different ways. Books can help you see the possibilities in life, all the avenues available and give you the courage to conquer your challenges. My children have taught me love and have opened my eyes to a different me than I ever thought possible. So, I say, why not merge these two?

After Turkeybird was born, it was clear, I needed to read to him. He loved it from a very young age, but I had a hard time deciding on the right books and a very limited budget. My husband had just started law school and our local library was in need of expansion. So, my options were limited, but I was determined. I found some great books that he still loves. And now I want to share them with others in hopes that they can avoid my struggle or at least navigate it a little more easily. I also wanted to share my feelings about the books I hope my kiddos will like when they are a little older (teenagers or so) and when I think they will be ready for them.

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

My main life revolves around the two kiddos and my husband (The Baker, as he has now been nicknamed, he’s hoping this isn’t going to be like Pioneer Woman’s ‘Marlboro Man’…I just snicker). Outside of them and reading you can possibly find me busy with my church, music (I’m a classically trained flutist for about 25 years), or quilting. I also dabble a bit in photography, but by no means am I any good.

3. 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.

When I was little there was a book by Beverly Cleary called Socks that I can still remember bringing on car rides. Mentally I can see myself looking over the top of the book looking at my mom and sisters hoping I can just get in one more page. It’s about a cat, and I loved cats when I was little (still do, but we can’t have any so yeah), that has white paws and a devoted family. Until a new baby arrives. I loved the story and it has stuck with me to this day. It was the story that got me to start my imagination going and realize I could picture things I read just like the movies on TV, but I could come up with the way it all looked. And I can’t wait to give a copy to The Turkeybird and Littlebug, although I think Bug may like it a little more, but we’ll see.

Interested in participating in “When I Was Young”? Let me know!

The1stdaughter’s favorite books currently:

In keeping with the introductions on our site, we’d like you to meet Littlebug. Keep in mind, she doesn’t talk much, but has a heck of a personality. Here she is:

Sweet Littlebug Says:

“As was said, I’m a girl of few words now, but soon that will all change…and then watch out world! In just two short months I will finally be a year old! No more of this baby stuff, although I do like to use that to my advantage when it comes to mom and getting what I want. Just about one month ago I started to really crawl and that about did it for my poor mom, she’s chasing me everywhere I go now just to make sure I don’t get into something I shouldn’t.

There’s no doubt you can tell when I like or dislike something and you will always know where you stand when you are with me. I’m easily swayed and sometimes all it takes is the right toy or food and I’m a happy girl. My mom is far and above the one who knows me best and can always manage to get me calmed down whatever the situation. Usually it comes with a song, because I’m absolutely mesmerized by any music my mom sings or plays for me.

Things I like most…Well, I’ll put this simply, if I can put it in my mouth and chew, it’s the best thing ever. My big brother , the Turkeybird himself, is my absolute favorite person in the world (besides my dad of course) and everything he does is just amazing.  My favorite foods are bananas, teething biscuits, veggie puffs and pretty much anything I can have that everyone else is eating. I love bright colors, my little bunny/dog (mom can’t decide what it is, but my auntie gave it to my big brother and I inherited it), anything with a tag and the burp clothes my mom sewed for me. I love to learn and know one day I will love reading just as much as everyone in my family.”

Mom’s Two Cents:

“This Littlebug is very special, as are most little girls to their moms. She has quickly become the life of the party. Anytime anyone in the family is feeling down you can count on her to bring a smile to your face and a giggle to the room. We are so grateful she’s a member of the family and can’t wait to see where she goes!”

Littlebug’s favorite books currently:

Due to the fact that the site is so new we thought we’d take a little time out over the next few days to introduce the reviewers on board. As you know there’s The1stdaughter, The Turkeybird and Littlebug. We thought it would give you, our great readers a chance to understand why a certain book interests and stays with us long after some have fallen by the wayside. So, without further ado we give you The Turkeybird (or just Turkey for short, as his mom often refers to him)!

The Turkeybird Speaks:

“Well, I’ll start out with the basics. In March I will finally be 3 years old and officially way bigger than my little sister Bug. I’m a native Virginian that has been transplanted into the sandy beach state of California (and no girls, I don’t like long walks on the beach, besides my mom would kill me if I started dating anytime soon). Everything but my nose likes it here, which has been getting some crazy bloody noses recently, but that’s a story for another day. I love having my Grandma’s and Papa’s so close now and being able to play with my cousins sometimes is fun too.

My days usually consist of reading and learning out of my activity books with my mom, but sometimes she wants to read so it can only last so long. When that happens I spend my down-time doing typical boy things. I love my train set, legos, tools, and of course anything with wheels (cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, etc.). I’m also an avid baker and I love making anything with chocolate when my dad (the Baker) will help me. Besides chocolate I love cheese, yogurt and crackers. My favorite TV shows and movies (yep my mom lets me watch TV, occasionally) are Little Einsteins, Olivia, The Incredibles and Cars. Other than that, I’m a normal boy who loves running, the outdoors and just being crazy.”

Mom’s Two Cents:

“Everything about The Turkeybird is a hundred miles a minute and it’s been that way since he was born. Even when he occasionally gets sick he still gets up and goes! When he was very little he didn’t like to sleep too much and has always been a “thinker”. Up until his sister came along he never really talked too much except to read, that was one of the only exceptions. The Turkeybird began reading around 16 to 18 months old and I mean READ. He could pick up a book you’d read a couple of times at most and recite it cover to cover.

Later we came to understand that he’s mildly Hyperlexic, but has grown out of most of the socialization problems typical Hyperlexic children have. Basically, what it means is that at a very young age he could read and comprehend words on a page. By the time his sister arrived at 23 months old he could recite his ABC’s and count to 10. I’m not saying this to brag, but to help you understand where he’s coming from when he or I say he’s ‘grown out’ of a certain book. It’s actually made things a little complicated, because finding the right balance of entertainment and education has been difficult at times. But I think a lot of parents have these difficulties and that’s why I share it with you.

I hope this helps in understanding a little more about The Turkeybird. His love of reading is truly something that began from the time he could barely sit up on his own and I know it will continue throughout his life.”

The Turkeybird’s favorite books currently:

Merry Christmas, Mouse! By Laura Numeroff Illustrated by Felicia Bond

Originally Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books in 2007
24 Pages
Ages: 1 to 4 years

Publishers Summary: Join Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as he decorates his Christmas tree in a holiday counting adventure.

The Turkeybird Speaks:

“Soldiers! Rockets! 5…6…7. Counting and the Mouse from some of my favorites like The Best Mouse Cookie makes this so much fun. I’m really just more impressed that Mouse thought to make sure to put Rockets on his Christmas tree. Great minds think alike. Although, I think I would have also added some tractors as well.”

Mom’s Two Cents:

“I love this series of books, not just the Mouse but all of the animals. When I was young my own mother actually went to one of the first book signings I can remember and it was for the original If You Give A Mouse A Cookie book. Out of all the books though, this is not my favorite. It seemed a little basic, but if your little one is just learning to count this could make it very fun. The Turkeybird really does get into all of the fun items Mouse adds to the tree. I’m not so sure that this would be a great book for a four year old, as I expect the Turkeybird to grow out of this after this Christmas season. All in all a fun book for little counters to have some fun learning to incorporate numbers into everyday activities.”

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 Amazon.com.

This weekend the Book Blog Social Club is hosting the “Thankfully Reading Weekend” and we are taking this opportunity to participate. I truly am so thankful for the chance we have to read and the blessing it is to be able to teach others (especially my own children) the joy that books can bring to your life.

During our Thanksgiving festivities we had the chance to talk about some of our favorite books with relatives including our recently reviewed I’ve Seen Santa by David Bedford. One of the books that was the topic of conversation throughout many of the conversations was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It’s a favorite and there was no way to get around sharing it with everyone.

For now though, it’s off to finish reading Hummingbirds by Joshua Gaylord for The1stdaughter and Merry Christmas Mouse! by Laura Numeroff for The Turkeybird.