wanna view some reviews?

Just in case anyone wants to indulge me in some more cross-promotion over here for some of my book reviews, here's the latest list, and I'm saving the best one for last! (How manipulative of me, huh??)

* My love for children's literature and reading to children are such an integral part of who I am, that I felt it appropriate to write up a little essay: On Reading: The Joys of Reading Aloud. Prepare for much sentimentality.

* The beauty of an Irish seaside village and a cast of characters who support the protagonists' quest for escape make up the novel The Lace Makers of Glenmara.

* If I was more organized, I would have linked to this review when the giveaway contest was still open, but alas, I'm a day late. But if you've got an adventure-loving child like mine, you would be well-served in checking out Why Not Knot for Fun?!

* A large and interconnected set of characters pull together an intoxicating story in The Disappearance of Irene Dos Santos.

* Now for this one, I'm still on time! If you're interested in information about the chemicals that are ever present in our products and environment, Smart Mama's Green Guide is just the book for you. Leave a comment to enter the giveaway, and we'll announce the randomly drawn winner on 7/8.

And now, the one that I'm the most pleased about:

* Jennifer and I did a dual review on a fantastic book that encourages parents to think about how independence is truly fostered in children. This is a book that I'm wholeheartedly recommending to every parent I know, Free-Range Kids. If you're really interested in the topic after reading the review, you can listen to a podcast of a conversation Jennifer and I had with the author. If you want to get in on the action, you can even join us for a conversation with the author on Twitter on 7/15-- details are on the post. Yay!


As always-- happy reading,