My sister is a stylist. Her teen years were a revolving door of trying on different styles and personas as she figured out what she wanted to wear - and some of these phases were shockingly bad, given her current profession! If only she'd had this book... Learn To Speak Fashionby Laura deCarufelOwlKidsISBN: 978 1 92697 342 5Starting from the premise that fashion is a means of expression, and can be seen as art meeting clothing, the author goes on to talk about fashion at length. What are people saying with different looks? Where does "fashion" come from? How do... More »

There are kid books, and then there are teen books, and also there are adult books - but some books are anyone books. This is one of those. Oddly compelling, it's a blend of fascinating and amusing, and it's perfect for dog lovers. Maddie On ThingsTheron HumphreyChronicle BooksISBN: 978 1 4521 1556 6This book is subtitled "A Super Serious Project About Dog and Physics" - but it's also a collection of photos and reminiscences about traveling with a buddy. Having a foot each in different areas is perfect, since it's also about balance - specifically about a dog with phenomenal... More »

There have been a few big series of kids books about dragons in the last few years - Inheritance and Ice Fire come to mind right away. Honestly, I haven't read them. Fantasy isn't really my area, so I read selectively, and the kids who wanted those were already into them. I had heard, though, though this new one was something a little different, and a lovely book, at that, so I dove in - and am glad I did. Seraphinaby Rachel HartmanDoubleday CanadaISBN: 978 0 385 66839 2Seraphina has a secret, and she and her father think it might... More »

I really enjoy cozying up with a blanket, a hot cup of coffee (and a bag of popcorn) at my front window and catch up on some reading --  especially on a rainy day. Since Mother's Day is coming up I've got a reading wish list....someone tell my kids..er...hubby, please?Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl SandbergThe One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller, Jay PapasanThe Cold Hard Truth On Men, Women and Money by Kevin O'LearyThe Painted Girls by Cathy Marie BuchananLove Poems by Pablo NerudaAnd then this YouTube clip just came into my attention. It's beautiful.What... More »

It's MAY!!! At last! And the weather has suddenly turned nice like it just realized it's supposed to now that April is officially done. Shall we celebrate with some good books to enjoy outside? Elf Mouses's First Summer - I like these mouse books for the toddler age - they are simple, cover their themes nicely, and have just enough softness and sweetness, but not enough to make your teeth ache. Good introductions, aimed at just the right level. One Love - I like this adaptation of Bob Marley's classic song to have a message about community spirit. I've got... More »