looking back on the last 365 days and on a million and one reasons i have to be thankful

2011 has been nothing less than absolutely shimmering and, hands down, one of the best years of my life. I needed this year and I needed it...

New releases of fantasy and science fiction for kids and teens--the second half of December, 2011 edition

The poor new releases of middle grade and YA sci fi/fantasy from the second half of December slipped my mind until now... but since nothing ...

DAME Penelope Lively!

Penelope Lively has just become a Dame of the British Empire (the female equivalent of being knighted). Although she's perhaps best kno...

The Hawk of May, by Ann Lawrence

I'm busily reading my Christmas present books--this year I am determined not to have a sad little pile of them looking reproachfully at ...

Seven Sorcerers, by Caro King

Yay! I'm back to writing reviews, and (surprise!) I have a lovely middle grade fantasy to write about tonight-- Seven Sorcerers , by C...

Greetings from exit 8 of the NJ turnpike

I am writing from the Hampton Inn, off exit 8 of the NJ turnpike. We like this hotel because guests are greated with origami towels--this t...

The dangers of biscuits, with a few etcs

Everyone, please Play it Safe this Christmas. Cookies, aka biscuits, can turn ugly on you, as reported today in the Telegraph : More than h...

Merry Christmas Eve :)

"...he hoped the people saw him in the church because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant for them to remember upon Christmas Da...

Thank you, Blogger Secret Santa!

I arrived at my mother's house yesterday, and found a surprise--my package from my Book Blogger Holiday Swap Secret Santa! It was a sur...

i can tell you what Christmas is all about

i've read this to my family about every other year at Christmas.  every year i do, i think i can handle it, and every time, i have to re...

Witchlanders, by Lena Coakley

Witchlanders , by Lena Coakley , (Atheneum, 2011, YA, 416 pages) is a lovely high fantasy for a cold winter's day, especially for those...

disneyland: in pictures

We licked cotton candy off of our fingers and stuffed our faces with churros and hot dogs and cheeseburgers.  We hopped on ride after ride…s...