November Parent/Child Book Club Books

For November we have two great choices for the Parent/Child Book Club Books. For Girls Read we are going to discuss the Newbery Award winner The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. At the monthly Guys Read we will discover the adventures of a sailing cat in The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs by Gerald Kelley.

I have to confess: The Witch of Blackbird Pond has been one of my all-time favorite books for decades (since I was the age of the Girls Read girls). I loved the history, the romance, the suspense, and the friendship that comes with this book. Though mostly as a twelve-year-old it was the romance that really got me hooked. I love Kit. I love how she tries to find a place with her family (even though she had never met them before). She is spunky and just wants to love and be loved—and do what is right (which is the part that tends to get her in trouble in a world of suspicion and witch trials). This is one of those books that changed my life. And I am excited to talk about it at Girls Read!

In The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs Jacob is a cat born to a famous ship cat. His mother was known for keeping ships and sailors safe. So when Jacob becomes a ship cat, he has to learn how to best take care of the ship and crew (such as providing comfort, keeping vermin off the ship, and trying to discern odd weather patterns). Only, he isn’t quite sure how to accomplish all that. This book is full of great adventures and a lot of Jacob’s struggles, worries, and coming into his own.

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Review: Umami

Umami By Jacob Grant New York: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2024. Picture Book. Umami is a little penguin who is sick of eating the same thing everyday, cold fish --ugh! She becomes determined to find new foods and flavors, so Umami begins a journey across the sea in search of something different to eat. She reaches a place with a plethora of delicious options, and tries bitter, sweet, sour, and foods with umami (just like her name!) among others. Umami decides to bring all these delicious new flavors back for the other penguins to try in a feast. But, will the other penguins enjoy this new experience? Filled with charm and humor, Umami is a diverse romp through a universal experience --am I willing to try something new? What will it be like? The idea of trying new foods and flavors make it especially relatable, and the appealing illustrations will have many readers ready to hop out on a culinary adventure. A humorous and sweet ending, caps off this delig...

Review: Faker

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Five Faves: Picture Books with Festive Treats

In my family, December marks the beginning of the holiday season, where we get to spend time together and do all of our favorite traditions. And, of course, eat lots of yummy food. I love that holidays look different for different families, but so many families have special foods they eat during the holidays. These are some of my favorite picture books about families making (and eating!) special holiday treats. These books might even give you new ideas of festive treats to try! The Last Tamale Written by Mendiola Orlando Illustrated by Teresa Martinez New York: Harper, 2024. Picture Book. Once a year, Luis' whole family gets together for their annual tamalada -- a party where they make tamales using a super-secret recipe. It's all love, family, and tradition until there is only one tamale left. Who will get it? It's an all-out family battle to decide who gets the last tamale. Colorful and humorous, this story is perfect for the holidays or whenever your family likes to enjo...

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