Author: Sharon Tyler

Goodreads Best Book Award Winners Announced!

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Every year Goodreads allows its registered members to vote on the best books of the year in a variety of genres and categories. The votes are done in three rounds, each round lasting about a week. This years voting for the final round ended on November 24th. The winners in each category are:

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Fiction: Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Mystery & Thriller: Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
Historical Fiction: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Fantasy: The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
Romance: Written Down in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
Science Fiction: The Martian by Andy Weir
Horror: Prince Lestat by Anne Rice
Humor: Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Nonfiction: The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan
Memoir & Autobiography: This Star Won’t Go Out by Esther Earl
History & Biography: The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport
Business Books:#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso
Food & Cookbooks: Make it Ahead by Ina Garten
Graphic Novels & Comics: Serenity: Leaves on the Wind by Zack Whedon
Poetry: Lullabies by Lang Leav
Debut Goodreads Author: Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Young Adult Fiction: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Young Adult Fantasy: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
Middle Grade & Children’s: The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan
Picturebooks: The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems

Parenting Books for New and Experienced Families

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About to become a parent, or just looking to read what all the experts and fellow parents have to say on the subject? Here are some useful collection or books to consider for reassurance, advice, and inspiration. Parenthood is not easy, no matter what ‘they’ say. Every child and every family is different, but it always helps to learn about the theories and recommendations that just might help you in the coming years. I have given three small lists here, one for parents to share, one that is particularly helpful to my fellow moms, and a list fabulous resources for fathers.

Parenting Books for All:
1. All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood by Jennifer Senior

2. Good Kids, Tough Choices: How Parents Can Help Their Children Do the Right Thing by Rushworth M. Kidder

3. You Might as Well Laugh: Surviving the Joys of Parenthood by Sandi Kahn Shelton

4. Nurture the Nature: Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Unique Core Personality by Michael Gurian

5. Parenting Experts: Their Advice, the Research, and Getting it Right by Jane L. Rankin

6. The Business of Baby: What Doctors Don’t Tell You by Jennifer Margulis

7. Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids by Bryan Caplan

8. Babyproofing your Marriage by Stacie Cockrell, Cathy O’Neill, and Julia Stone ; illustrated by Larry Martin

Especially for Mothers:
1. Why Have Kids?: a New Mom Explores the Truth about Parenting and Happiness by Jessica Valenti

2. The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood:
Coping with Stress, Depression, and Burnout by Kathleen A. Kendall-Tackett

3. The Girlfriends’ Guide to Toddlers by Vicki Iovine

4. I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile

5. Because I’m the Mother, That’s Why by Stephanie Pierson ; illustrations by Mary Lynn Blasutta

6. The 7 Stages of Motherhood by Ann Pleshette Murphy

Especially for Fathers:
1. The Book of Fathers’ Wisdom: Paternal Advice from Moses to Bob Dylan by Edward Hoffman

2. The Playskool Guide for Expectant Fathers by Brian Lipps

3. Father Knows Less, or, Can I Cook my Sister? by Wendell Jamieson

4. The Expectant Father by Armin Brott

5. Rookie Dad Tackles the Toddler by Susan Fox

6. Dad Handbook by Peter Baylies

This is of course far from a comprehensive list, and we would be more than happy to help you find a book that best fits your needs. We do have a Parent’s section in the children’s room full of helpful books as well as a variety of books in the nonfiction section. If you are look for specific information please stop by the Children’s Desk or Reference Desk and we will gladly help.

December 16th is Chocolate Covered Anything Day!

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Did you know that there is a day to celebrate covering foods with chocolate? This year December 16th is chocolatetopChocolate Covered Anything Day! Now, with whispers of a chocolate shortage have been present in the news lately it is even more important to celebrate this day with some fantastic treats. Chocolate covered fruit such as strawberries, banana, and pineapple are well known and loves and less obvious treats like chocolate covered pretzels and more savory treats have become more popular in recent years, a day like today is just the inspiration you might need to explore other less obvious pairings, like chocolate and bacon.

chocolate1So, in honor of today cover your food in chocolate or simply make something tasty with it. Like all good things chocolate is better when shared so, in spirit of the holiday season, share some of your chocolate treats with your friends and family. Here are some books to give you chocolate related inspiration:

1. Chocolate: From Simple Cookies to Extravagant Showstoppers by Nick Malgieri

2. Chocolate: 90 Sinful and Sumptuous Indulgences by Elisabeth Johansson

3. The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweets, Candy & Chocolates by Claire Ptak

4. The Essence of Chocolate: Recipes for Baking and Cooking with Fine Chocolate by John Scharffenberger and Robert Steinberg with Ann Krueger Spivack and Susie Heller

5. Chocolate and the Art of Low-Fat Desserts by Alice Medrichchocolate3

6. Maida Heatter’s Book of Great Chocolate desserts by Maida Heatter

7. The Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookbook: Recipes and History from America’s Premier Chocolate Maker photography by Leigh Beisch

8. Chocolate Lover’s: From Hot Fudge Soufflé to Chilled Biscuit Cake by Chris and James Tannerchocolate4

9. Bittersweet: Recipes and Tales from a Life in Chocolate by Alice Medrich

10. Seriously Bitter Sweet: The Ultimate Dessert Maker’s Guide to Chocolate by Alice Medrich

For even more chocolatey goodness and inspiration check out: Chocolate from the Cake Mix Doctor by Anne Byrn, chocolate5Chocolate: A Sweet History by Sandra Markle, Chocolate: a Love Story: 65 Chocolate Dessert Recipes from Max Brenner’s Private Collection by Max Brenner, Pure Chocolate: Divine Desserts and Sweets from the Creator of Fran’s Chocolates by Fran Bigelow with Helene Siegel, Chocolate & Zucchini: Daily adventures in a Parisian Kitchen by Clotilde Dusoulier, 1000 Chocolate Baking & Dessert Recipes produced by theChocolate6 Bridgewater Book Company, Ltd, or Sweet Christmas: Homemade Peppermints, Sugar Cake, Chocolate-Almond Toffee, Eggnog Fudge, and other Sweet Treats and Decorations by Sharon Bowers.

Getting Crafty With Children For the Holidays

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Now that the holiday season is more than well underway, parents are being barraged with want lists from their children, buried in catalogs and flyers, and hounded by television and radio ads for the next big thing. My favorite way to combat all the commercial craziness is to set the kids to crafting. No matter what holidays you celebrate this season, or none at all, it is a great time to channel that energy and excitement into making gifts or doing good things for others. Here are some books to help channel the creative energy into gifts, decorations, or charitable donations from children and adults of all ages.

1. Crafts to Make in the Winter by Kathy Ross

2. Jewish Holiday Crafts for Little Hands by Ruth Esrig Brinn with Judyth Groner and Madeline Wikler

3. Crafts for Kwanzaa by Kathy Ross

4. The Greatest Cookies Ever: Dozens of Delicious, Chewy, Chunky, Fun & Foolproof Recipes by Rose Dunnington

9. The Grolier Kidscrafts Craft Book by Cheryl Owen, Anna Murray

10. Swedish Christmas Crafts by Helene S. Lundberg

Looking for more inspiration and ideas to keep everyone busy? Here are some more books to create a spark of creativity, but if you are looking for a specific craft or type of activity do not be afraid to come on in and ask. We can find a book to help you out!
Find more inspiration here; Christmas Presents Kids Can Make by Kathy Ross, The Merry Christmas Activity Book by Jane Bull, Kids Knit!: Simple Steps to Nifty Projects by Sarah Bradberry, Fairy World Crafts by Kathy Ross, Kids Crochet: Projects for Kids of All Ages by Kelli Ronci, Holiday Crafts Kids Can Make edited by Gerald M. Knox, The Kids’ Winter Fun Book: Homespun Adventures for Family Fun by Claire Gillman & Sam Martin, Christmas Crafts: Things to Make the 24 Days Before Christmas by Carolyn Meyer, The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa: a Guide to Celebrating the Holiday by Dolores Johnson, Kids Knittingby Melanie Falick, EcoArt! : Earth-Friendly Art & Craft Experiences for 3- to 9-year-olds by Laurie Carlson, Festival Decorationsby Anne Civardi & Penny King, and Step-by-Step Crafts for Winter by Kathy Ross.

Historic Women in Math and Science

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Is there a young woman in your life that is excited by science or math, or perhaps obsessed with a particular field? Well my six year old daughter is currently planning on being a scientist that studies and cares for wild animals. Meanwhile my eight year old son is loving a special science class that lets him try a number of science experiments each week. To encourage both in all their interests I offer books, movies, and stories about people in those fields. Like many parents I find it frustrating that I have to search a little harder to find women pursuing the Sciences.

Here are a selection of children’s books about female pioneers and contributors to the fields of math and science. Hopefully they will help keep interested girls and young women interested in the fields, and perhaps get a few new interested parties.

A fascinating collection celebrates the clever and creative inventions of women from candles, helmets, and baby carriers to cancer-fighting drugs and details their fierce determination to overcome many hurdles to make their dreams come true.

Women Astronomers: Reaching for the Stars by Mabel Armstrong
Presents information about the achievements of women in the field of astronomy throughout history, from women astronomers in the ancient and medieval world to prominent women in the profession today.
 

A picture book biography tells the story of Sylvia Earle’s growing passion for the wonders of the sea and how her ocean exploration and advocacy have made her known around the world.
An authorized portrait about Grandin’s life with autism and her groundbreaking work as a scientist and designer of cruelty-free livestock facilities describes how she overcame key disabilities through education and the support of her mother.
Profiles the extraordinary lives of twenty-six women who, through their acts and deeds, helped shape and change the world during their lifetime, including pilot Amelia Earhart and anthropologist Zora Neal Hurston.
More great resources about women in math, science, and technology include: Super Women in Science by Kelly Di Domenico, Dian Fossey: Primatologist by Lois P. Nicholson, The Triumph of Discovery: Women Scientists Who Won the Nobel Prize by Joan Dash, Jane Goodall by Lisa Kozleski, Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor by Emily Arnold McCully, The Elephant Scientist by CaitlinO’Connell and Donna M. Jackson, Sally Ride: Life on a Mission by Sue Macy, Mae Jemison: the First African American Woman in Space by Magdalena Alagna, Marie Curie by Kathleen Krull, Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer by Robert Burleigh, Margaret Mead: Coming of Age in America by Joan Mark, Women Mathematicians by Padma Venkatraman, Women in Space: 23 Stories of First Flights, Scientific Missions, and Gravity-breaking Adventures by Karen Bush Gibson, Rachel Carson: Extraordinary Environmentalist by Jill C. Wheeler, and Women and Numbers: Lives of Women Mathematicians Plus Discovery Activities by Teri Perl.