Well, another month of social distancing down. In April, I found my mood lifting a little bit, though there were moments of high anxiety almost every day. Still, the lack of a social life meant I had plenty of time to read books, watch films, and, of course, play Animal Crossing.
So yeah, times are tough, but we’re pulling through – and I’m thankful for that! Let’s see what I read and otherwise did (not much) this past month.
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Books I Read
I’m a children’s librarian, so I read books for kids and for grown-ups. This month, I read 8 picture/early reader books and 10 “big” books, including audiobooks, adult novels, and chapter books for children. (Out of those “big” books, 6 were young readers. I likely won’t write full reviews for them on here, but I read them to prep for virtual books clubs I am running with third to fifth graders. I might end up sharing book club questions for these books at a later date.)
The books I read were:
Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
With Eric Carle’s signature illustrations, this book creates a fun way to help older children and adults calm anxiety, and little ones identify images and emotions.
Pajama Time! by Sandra Boynton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Boynton books are classics for a reason, and this is one great bedtime book that can be fun to read to identify colors, patterns, shapes, and opposite at any time of day.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Easily one of my favorites storybooks. Beautiful illustrations, fun concept, and a lot to talk about with the kids.
My Fake Rake by Eva Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Historical romance is following the suit of the moderns and skewing feminist AF. This one matches Evie Dunmore’s release from the same year for me!
Slow burn. Intersectional feminism. A charming heroine and hero and some side characters I’m excited to read more about. Steamy sex scenes (when we finally get them). There’s some high angst in the last arc, which is not my favorite, but overall this was an excellent read about two nerds who just want the other to be happy. There are some sweet depictions of friendships between women, and OOOOOOOOH BOY the friendships between men shit on toxic masculinity. Oh yeah, and it starts off with a Breakfast Club reference. Can’t beat it.
This is a gender-swapped play on My Fair Lady/Pygmalion. I see a few bad reviews saying this plot has been written before but like… The blurb contains the plot? Why read it if you don’t want to?
I can’t wait for Book 2 and more feminist heroes and heroines in 2020!!
Look out for my full review on May 12.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This silly book is about my favorite things: dragons and tacos. Kids will think it’s hilarious and as a grown up, I also think it’s funny.
I read this one for a virtual storytime for first and second graders.
The Ruin of Evangeline Jones by Julia Bennet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This semi-gothic, quietly feminist, erotic romance exceeded my expectations. Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and HF Virtual Book Tours for hooking me up with such a lovely read. I can’t wait to go back and read Book 1 (though this book functioned well as a “stand alone”) and I look forward to a Book 3. (Do NOT leave me hanging on Ellis!) Look out for my full review on bitchbookshelf.com on 4/30!
You can read my full review here.
Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Honestly, this is one whacky and kind of creepy story, but I love the illustrations. It’s a cute take on the classic Old Lady who swallowed a fly.
I read this one for a virtual storytime for 3K, Pre-K, and kindergarten.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a powerful book with fun wordplay. I’m almost thirty and I think this is the first time I actually read it! It’s moving with a message that is sadly more relevant in 2020 than when Seuss wrote it in 1971.
I read this one for multiple Earth Day-themed virtual read-alouds this month. I adapted it for younger students, and included discussion for older students.
The EARTH Book by Todd Parr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love everything Todd Parr writes! With his classic illustrations and humor, Parr provides ideas and a list of ways kids can work to conserve energy and otherwise make an effort to help the environment.
I read this one to kindergartners and first graders for Earth Day during virtual read-alouds.
The Baroness of New York by Anya Silverthorne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the characters in this one and am looking forward to Book 2 in the series! It ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next. This book wasn’t perfect for me – there were some inconsistencies and inaccuracies, and third person omniscient just doesn’t do it for me in romance. However, the characters are all interesting, from spirited, albeit selfish Adele to sweet and loving Nick to funny and kind Sophie to charming and entitled Theodore. The character development is great. Look for my full review at bitchbookshelf.com on May 5! Thank you to the author, publisher, and HF Virtual Book Tours for giving me a copy in exchange for my review.
Look out for my full review on May 5.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I know some people don’t love this book because the boy takes advantage of the tree, but I think that’s part of the message. Be kind and loving, but know sometimes people will take advantage of that. I think it’s a lovely story with themes of friendship, parenthood, selfishness, and love.
Adventures at Camp Lots-O-Fun by Marilyn Helmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a simple, easy read, neither great nor terrible. The character of DJ will be relatable to most kids, especially the reluctant readers who I am sure may be drawn to this book. His imagination will be the memorable part of this story for me.
One of my virtual elementary book clubs chose this one for our read.
Ben the Inventor by Robin Stevenson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an okay early chapter book. I loved the ending, but didn’t feel there was a lot of room for things to discuss with a young reader throughout. It’s a straightforward story that kids will find relatable.
Cheetah by Wendy A. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has a good message that young readers will enjoy. There’s a lot to talk about, and the main character, Mia, is fun.
Flood Warning by Jacqueline Pearce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great historical fiction story with a lot of talking points for young readers. I was engaged the entire time. Tom’s character was relatable and interesting and I loved his dog. I do wish the book addressed some of the treatment towards women in it – not that they are poorly treated, but Tom’s friend Peggy evacuates instead of helping, etc. Perhaps this made sense for the time period, but this could have been addressed better. (This is a talking point I’ll bring up with the kids, though. Why didn’t Peggy stay and help? Which is the evacuation train for women and children? Would this happen today?)
Mystery of the Missing Luck by Jacqueline Pearce
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fun read with memorable characters. I really enjoyed it.
One of my virtual elementary book clubs chose this one for our read.
The Earl Not Taken by A.S. Fenichel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was surprised how much I loved this one. While it didn’t keep me rooted to the spot, forced to turn the pages, the characters won me over. Poppy’s group of friends is vibrant and full of personality. And her romance with Rhys is on point. The main love scene in this book is one of the most feminist sex scenes I’ve read with an excellent discussion about consent. Thank you to the publisher, author, NetGalley, and Pump Up Your Book for sending me a copy! Read my full review at bitchbookshelf.com on May 7!
Look out for my full review on May 7.
Casey Little, Yo Yo Queen by Nancy Belgue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was definitely an entertaining read with rich characters and a fun storyline! A lot to talk about. Kids will enjoy.
A Peek Into My Planner
I’ve been trying to fill out my planner each day to keep myself organized and to use the plethora of planner supplies and stickers I possess. (I use The Happy Planner.) Here are my weekly spreads for April. (The last photo is a gallery of two weeks.)
View this post on Instagram
I’ve been keeping track of my moods to keep an eye on my depression and anxiety. I was shocked how many positive days I recorded this month. I felt anxiety in some form every day, but my mood was apparently the best it’s been all year. I think it’s because I’ve been so busy, working from home for the library and helping out at my old pharmacy job. I feel fulfilled and happy when my schedule is full as long as there is a routine to it. In April, I felt:
- Happy – 9 days
- Okay – 5 days
- Great – 4 days
- Anxious – 3 days
- Frustrated – 2 days
- Moody – 2 days
- Tired – 2 days
- Depressed – 1 day
More Stuff I Did
I watched more films than I have been lately. This is because I’m staying at home with my parents, and they love movies. (I do too – they passed that on to me.) I watched The Lion King (the newer one), Doolittle, Love Story, Moana, and Onward.
Looking Ahead: May
Well… More of the same! Last month, I shared excellent reads that you distract yourself with here and on Twitter. I’ve fallen behind on that, but I may continue. We’ll see.
I am nervous about things reopening, though I do miss NYC and want to be back at the library. However, I am worried we will act too quickly and the curve won’t look so flat any longer.
I hope May leads to a healthier world!
And oh yeah, I’m publishing this post on a very special day, so…
Nadene
You read a lot in April. I am glad to her that your mood as lifted a little bit. I hope it continues lifting.
Kate
Thank you 💓
The Coloring Book Nook
I read quite a bit in April but spent a lot of time working in my Planners and watching planner videos for Cocoa Daisy.
Kate
That’s awesome! Planning and decorating is so fun.
Ashleigh Mordew
Hope your feeling better, my anxiety is really bad atm so know how your feeling, great post
Kate
Hope things get better soon 💜
Vidya
I have read many of those children’s books as well.. and loved The Giving Tree.. and The Earl Not Taken looks interesting..
Whispering Stories
Awe The Very Hungry Caterpillar, not seen that book in years. Looks like you have had a fab month (reading wise). Here’s to a great May too.
On my Book Shelf
The very hungry caterpillar is ome of my sons favorite books.
Gayathri Lakshminarayanan
Very detailed round up. I love your over used planner! Perfect!
Kate
Thank you! 💜
Robin Loves Reading
April was my best month ever at 75 books.
Kate
Wow! You’re a champion!