Loveofxena
@loveofxena.bsky.social
Dog lover, Labrador retrievers, mom to Soot, Cinder, Xena and Mulan, certified school librarian for 34 years, back in my previous position as Library Specialist in a K-6 building, avid blogger at Librarian's Quest for 13 years, kidlit lover/book collector
"When I started drawing the pictures for Lily-May’s Joyful Day, I let myself slow down and listen. The characters were already part of my world from Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea, so it felt like meeting old friends again." —Holly Hatam 100scopenotes.com/2025/12/10/c...
While spending time with Chase and Finnegan, words like friendship, family, connection, love, light, and joy kept racing through my mind. Most of all, the story filled me with HOPE! mrschureads.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-...
Happy book birthday to @jyotigopal.bsky.social and @zandramims.bsky.social's Arctic Adventure: A Tundra Tale! mrschureads.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-...
Happy book birthday to @lisayee.bsky.social's A Sea Monster Conundrum (The Misfits)! Illustrations by @dansantat.bsky.social.
#Bookaday I added Newbery Medalist @kaaauthor.bsky.social's Wombat Waiting to my 2026 Books I Love presentation: www.pinterest.com/mrschureads/...
If you have not registered for a @bookelicious.bsky.social virtual author/illustrator event yet, do so ASAP. #LorenLong today was amazing. He focused on the memorable The Yellow Bus. We have registered for the November and December presentations already.
Happiest day @mrschureads.bsky.social ! You deserve a wonderful day, week, month, year, Universe! One of my favorite folks in this world of books! And, fellow writers, if you’ve never had the pleasure, take some time with The Gift of Story. It has been a friend when I needed it.
Happiest of birthdays to the one and only @mrschureads.bsky.social Your books, your presentations, and your joyful, capacious heart are enriching lives every single day. You are so loved by so many. mrschureads.blogspot.com
Expect the unexpected in this masterful story by masterful teller of tales, Corey R. Tabor. His artwork engages readers with every page turn. I cannot wait to read this aloud to my students. We will be laughing and gasping together. @harpercollins.bsky.social
Step into the day of July 4th or any summer celebration, anywhere, through the wonderful words of @matthewburgessj.bsky.social as we partake in the joy of children's appreciation of the simple things. Artwork by #CatiaChien is resplendent. @harpercollins.bsky.social @harperkids.bsky.social
Every time I read this book, the silliness reaches out and grabs me and I laugh out loud. My students will laugh out loud, too. They will be eager for additional books in this new series. @amedyckman.bsky.social and #TimMiller are a great team. #OrchardBooks/Scholastic
Powerful text chronicling human civilization is carefully placed within hand-painted, vibrant and moving images. Back matter and an author's note conclude this beautiful book. @4nikkolas.bsky.social @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
Turns out that what Coco can do is something humans need the most in the hardest situations. In between learning about her gift, we meet 7 other dogs with equally important jobs. I love this book and my students will, too. Grateful to the creators for this book. @candlewickpress.bsky.social
Calm falls upon readers and listeners alike when this book is shared. It's a day spent in the natural world surrounding a farm. Poetic text with rhyming and repetition are elevated through stellar scratchboard and watercolor art. @kateywrites.bsky.social #BethKrommes @simonkids.bsky.social
Prepare to be dazzled by informative but poetic text enhanced by memorable, stunning artwork in this NF picture book about the Saharan dust which journeys to the Americas nourishing our planet. A must read aloud! @marthabee.bsky.social @juanamartinezn.bsky.social @aaknopf.bsky.social
Place this NF picture book in your "who knew?" category but so glad you now know. Splendid research and text by @janekurtz.bsky.social with fabulous linoleum block art by Claire Messer make for a read aloud joy and a title you'll want on your shelves. @ssedlib.bsky.social @simonkids.bsky.social
This final title penned by the late Tomie dePaola is one of the best books about the loss of a beloved dog. Carefully chosen words and pacing are perfect. The art of Barbara McClintock extends/enhances that text while also being a tribute to its author. @ssedlib.bsky.social @simonkids.bsky.social
This first MG novel by Beth Ferry images by The Fan Brothers is pure enchantment. A quirky cast of characters at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive lead believably magical lives, and yet, they could be your neighbors next door. Expect laugh out loud moments and a craving for cheese puffs @ssedlib.bsky.social
This girl embarks on a perilous journey to find her grandfather who is forgetting more than usual. In this graphic novel she discovers a more complete portrait of her beloved storyteller and singer of songs. @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social @deanstuart.bsky.social
Read this title aloud to all your younger students! The language invites participation and welcomes readers into the events of a single day as three children search for fairies in nature but find unexpected beauty. There are sure to be discussions later. @candlewickpress.bsky.social
A wondrous and beautiful exploration of a child's life through seasons and a change in their home. Native American traditions and celebrations are honored and enjoyed by the child, her family, and new friend. @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social @kategardinerillus.bsky.social @harperkids.bsky.social
Are you looking for a new early reader series? Look no further than this title of an unlikely duo as they form a fast friendship. Expect loads of laughter from readers and a wait list for checking it out. In three short chapters, you will fall in love with this title. @gregpizzoli.bsky.social
In reading Spark by @baronchrisbaron.bsky.social , I wanted to highlight sentences/entire passages. In this novel in verse as Finn narrates, we are taken into an intense and moving journey of teens navigating the results of wildfires. Who and what survives? Outstanding title/begs to be read aloud
"Confidently, she shares her idea with her trusted teachers and friends so she can implement it. You’ll wonder throughout the story what her idea is. Will you guess?" — @imaginationsoup.bsky.social imaginationsoup.net/picture-book...
