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Debbie’s Reading Journal

Posts about books I’m reading, book recommendations, illustrated book posts. Also see my Bookstagram!


STEALING HOME by J. Torres and David Namisato (Kids Can Press)

Just finished STEALING HOME by J. Torres and David Naimsato, now available from Kids Can Press; I bought my copy from Mabel’s Fables. LOVED. Geared toward middle grade, this graphic novel focuses on Sandy Saito, a young baseball fan whose family is forced to move away from their home in . . .



BIG DREAMS, SMALL FISH by Paula Cohen (Levine Querido)

BIG DREAMS, SMALL FISH by Paula Cohen was Paula’s debut as a picture book author/illustrator. Sadly, she passed away just before the book launched but (as you can see from Paula’s video on Instagram) she was able to see her author copies. I ordered my copy from Mabel’s Fables. What . . .





SOUP DAY by Melissa Iwai: A Soul-Satisfying, Delicious Comfort Read

I’ve been gradually adding new and older BookADay posts to my new Bookstagram. One of the most recent: SOUP DAY by Melissa Iwai (Henry Holt): Celebrates the importance of making a nutritious meal and sharing in the process as a famly. Also be sure to check out Melissa’s newest book, DUMPLINGS FOR LILI (Norton . . .



Donalyn Miller’s 13th Annual #BookADay Challenge!

Hurray, it’s time for Donalyn Miller’s #BookADay challenge! The rules are forgiving and flexible. For more information, see Donalyn’s post in the Nerdy Book Club. I will be keeping track of my #BookADay posts in my BookADay and Book Recommendation page.



Donalyn Miller’s Social Distancing #BookADay Challenge!

Donalyn Miller’s #BookADay Challenge is usually in the summer. After talking with people on Twitter and Facebook, Donalyn (happily) decided to hold a Coronavirus social distancing #BookADay challenge, so that readers who miss talking with other readers can gather and share. You can see the “official” #bookaday guidelines on the . . .



Happy I Read Canadian Day!

Happy I Read Canadian Day! You don’t have to be Canadian to celebrate. One suggestion: Read a book by a children’s book creator for 15 minutes, then share your experience your experience with others. You can see what others are posting by browsing the #IReadCanadianDay hashtag on Twitter and other social media. Looking . . .



Humor in children’s books, animated GIFs for you to use, Happy Holidays!

(Note: feel free to use my GIPHY animations in your blog posts, too!) I find that I always hesitate a bit whenever I hear the phrase, “How are you doing?” There’s part of me that feels like answering, “Pandemic-fine.” Because like many others out there, I have behind-the-scenes stresses going . . .