Leah Price

Monthly Archives: April 2015

Fantastic Series & Where to Find Them

There’s nothing better than collecting a series of books. Especially kids books. They take you back to your youth and remind you of days spent reading under a tree and nights hidden under a blanket with a book and a flashlight. You eagerly devour each one, sure of the next waiting patiently for your perusal.

Sometimes it’s enough to simply have your favorite book, but it’s so much better to have all of them, ready and waiting for re-reads on your sick days, rainy days, and bored days. Here’s my list of several Fantastic Series & Where to Find Them.

1. Little House on the Prairie

2. A Series of Unfortunate Events

3. Anne of Avonlea

4. Redwall

 

So if you are in search of the perfect birthday present, Christmas present, or just present in general, be sure to check out these series. They are perfect for the kids who loves to read! Which series do you wish had just one more book?

10 Must Reads for 10 & Unders

One of my favorite conversational topics is books. And every time I find a fellow book lover and we begin to chat, our conversation inevitably comes back to the same question. What was your favorite book to read when you were little? Something I’ve noticed is that many younger children are missing out on some of the great classics. So I’ve listed the top 10 Must Reads for 10 & Unders below.

1. Little House on the Prairie.

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve read the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. They were my absolute favorites growing up and I still think of Mary, Laura, Carrie, Grace as well as Pa and Ma as people I know. The great thing about these books is that they are educational and can lead to great family projects and learning opportunities. Perfect for both boys and girls (though the boys may have to skip the descriptions of Laura and her sister’s dresses!).

2. Anne of Green Gables.

Maybe it’s because I come from a small town in the South, but the Anne of Green Gables series was one of the most relatable to me. I recognized myself and my town in L. M. Montgomery’s characters. Family legends, gossip, and disagreements pepper these books and leave the reader feeling as if they’ve just returned from PEI every time they turn that final page. These books also hold a special place in my heart because Anne of Green Gables is the first book that made me cry, at least as far as I can remember. And for that, I will always hold their memory dear.

3. The Wind in the Willows.

A perfect bedtime story. The Wind in the Willows is a comforting, magical book with just enough adventure and danger to excite young readers. Its whimsical nature and lovable characters are entertaining and memorable.

4. The Hobbit.

A must-read on my list at a young age. Full of danger, excitement, and magic, this prequel to The Lord of the Rings series is a perfect read for a child interested in heroic quests and exploring the world. The Hobbit features so many good lessons for youngsters, I would highly recommend it.

5. A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Parents, I can guarantee you that you will enjoy reading these books with your children. Lemony Snickets descriptions of situations and explanation of both word meanings and philosophy will entertain both young and old alike. And don’t forget, this book is part of a series. Also, please add Lemony’s autobiography to your to-read list.

6. Summer of the Monkeys.

By the author of Where the Red Fern Grows. Summer of the Monkeys is a great story of love and family in the Ozark Mountains. It’s hilarious in parts with just a touch of seriousness to help bring the lesson across.

7. Little Women.

Who can forget Meg, Jo, Beth, & Amy? Their story is both educational and an entertaining read. A great way to introduce young readers to the importance of sisterhood and the idea of growing up.

8. Black Beauty.

Young readers who love horses will not be able to put this book down. Many of Black Beauty’s struggles struck a chord with me when I first read it.

9. An Old-Fashioned Girl.

This is a great read for kids who are being picked on for being too quiet and/or boring. This is something that bookish kids are frequently accused of and this book, while featuring a character that may be deemed “too perfect”, does a great job of showing what’s really important and the danger of excess in anyone’s life.

10. The Phantom Tollbooth.

Filled with life lessons, parables, and wordplay. The main character is hilarious and his adventures are even better!

There are so many more books that are must-reads for kids, but I’ve listed my top ten here. I’ll follow up soon with another list! I already have four on it! What would you add to this list? What is your favorite must-read for kids?

Spring Cleaning and your Books

It’s been a long, cold, WINTERY winter for most of us in the United States this year. But slowly (very slowly!) winter has lost its icy grip and spring is on the way. Spring marks new beginnings, perhaps even more so than New Year’s.I love the freeing feeling of warmth, sunshine, and a fresh start. Which makes my love of spring cleaning no surprise. Below I’ve listed seven new ways to spring clean your supply of books.

1. Sell them. There are several online retailers out there. I always check amazon.com, ebay, hastings, and half-price books for the best price, but they are just a few sites out of many. Shop around, but remember not to shop! This can distract you and lead to no sales & several buys!

2. Donate them. Check with your local library, school, hospital, homeless shelter, and nursing home. There is always a need for good books, especially among the impoverished. Don’t forget local reading programs.

3. Increase their value. Have a few favorites you can’t bear to part with? Find the author on the internet and check for upcoming events. Signed copies can justify your inability to part with them. Oh, this book? I can’t part with it. It’s a collectors item! and don’t worry about its condition. There’s nothing I love more than seeing a reader’s dog-eared copy of my book. It means that book is loved!

4. Create your own lending library. Find a venue and create your own library. But be forewarned! Only use books you aren’t attached to and let go. It may not come back to you, after all.

5. Organize your personal library. Get those stacks of books off the floor! You can make your obsession pretty. Nothing looks better than book-lined shelves.

6. Read your to-read pile. Don’t just them by your bed! Take the with you. I always keep one or two copies in my car, purse, and parents’ house. Force yourself to finish your to-reads before buying any more books. What better motivation is there than that?

7. Get crafty. Now, I don’t advocate the destruction of books. However, old or damaged copies that can’t be salvaged can sometimes be reused. Check out pinterest and etsy to find some great ideas.

So go ahead, clean out those closets. Shed the old and begin with the new. It’s spring!

What copy can you not bear to part with and why?