About this Site
There are a lot of bad children’s books in the world. And thousands more being published every year. It’s astonishing, really. As the buyer for Books of Wonder, I would sometimes mourn the trees that died to become The Wiggles Story Book Extravaganza with Bonus 3-D Glasses and Talking Micro-Chip that Synchronizes with Your Child’s Very Own IPad! I don’t know if that exists but, sadly, it wouldn’t surprise me.
I love children’s books, so this site is all about the children’s books I love. I don’t want to write about the books I don’t like.* I’d much rather take the time to introduce you to, or remind you of, books you and your children will love. Some of the books will be brand new, others will be long out of print, and the rest will fall somewhere in between.
I’ll review books for all ages, from birth to 16 years old. All reviews will be accompanied by the age range that is most appropriate for that title, and books will be listed under one of the following categories.
Board Books: Ages birth to 3 years old. Though this will mainly consist of actual board books (books with hard pages) it will also include other books for babies and toddlers, such as bath books (with waterproof pages), cloth books, or any other durable format.
Picture Books: Ages 2 to 8 years old. Heavily illustrated books.
Early Readers: Ages 4 to 8 years old. Beginning chapter books for children who are just learning to read.
Middle Readers: Ages 7 to 13 years old. Longer chapter books for children who read comfortably on their own.
Young Adult: Ages 12 to 16 years old. Books for older children reading longer chapter books with more sophisticated subject matter.
There will be one more category, Miscellany. This is where I’ll write about anything related to children’s books that doesn’t fall into the other categories.
* I do, though, want to tell you about the books I hate, so if you speak to me in person, I know I’ll have a lot to say.
davisjoseph said,
January 21, 2013 @ 4:07 pm
It is always refreshing to see someone take their passion to such well-organized levels and share with others in such palatable format. I am privileged for the introduction, acknowledgement and the exposure to your blog…
Taissa said,
December 19, 2012 @ 1:43 pm
I have worked in publishing and a couple of bookshops and used to feel quite well-informed on children’s books and what would make a good present for which second cousin or niece. But lately I have been losing my touch… Looking forward to picking up some tips from you!
Stephen C. James said,
December 14, 2012 @ 6:29 pm
I know my wife will enjoy reading your blog as a fan of children’s books. I’ll forward your blog along. Thanks!
graceandmystery said,
December 7, 2012 @ 7:30 pm
I am enjoying your blog and will be using your reviews to find some awesome books for my grandchildren! Thank you
Kenny said,
December 6, 2012 @ 6:10 pm
Really cool idea for a blog. My wife and I are expecting our first, and I’ll definitely refer to this as we’re looking to get him excited about storytime. Best of luck!
twinzees said,
November 28, 2012 @ 3:11 am
I love this! This is wonderful! I want my kids to be excited about books new and old. You’ve got me hooked. I am going to keep coming back and see what you have in store
Francesca said,
November 21, 2012 @ 5:44 am
I was so relieved when I read this section. I though I was a weird person thinking that some of the children books are really bad books. I love children books and when I buy one for my daughter I spend a lot of time selecting the right one. I look forward to reading your posts.
barbtaub said,
November 18, 2012 @ 8:11 pm
What an entertaining blog! The hardest part about moving to England was getting rid of over 1200 books. But NOT ONE of them was a childrens book. Those were all packed carefully and put into storage. All 23 boxes of them… Some friends are forever.
jelowder said,
November 17, 2012 @ 9:48 pm
Loved your blog. I wish you were more passionate about books!
Beyond the Masquerade said,
November 15, 2012 @ 6:55 pm
After reading your ‘about’ pages, the first thing I thought of, was that you’re a Kathleen Kelly from You’ve Got Mail. Love, drive and passion for children’s books/literature and trying to keep the enthusiasm alive for so many who get lost in the vastly changing world we live in today. I like that
petthespacefishies said,
November 22, 2012 @ 8:20 pm
Exactly my thought
There need to be champions for these books, as kids only realise they need them once they’ve grown up. Keep up the good work 
Tracy Buckner said,
November 14, 2012 @ 9:43 pm
I work at a library and will refer patrons to your sight when asked to suggest books. I love that you have them categorized. Very nice blog!
Me said,
November 14, 2012 @ 8:07 pm
What an awesome blog site Jennifer! I will be sure to peek around periodically so I can find cool/fun reads for my kiddos!
crazeyb said,
November 14, 2012 @ 5:57 pm
What a wonderful site – Will definitely be checking it out! So useful and so nicely done, thank you!
John Rogers said,
November 13, 2012 @ 5:58 pm
Wonderful site … will pass on.
gwynridenhour said,
November 12, 2012 @ 7:38 pm
So happy to discover your blog (thanks for the like on my post that lead me to you!). I’m a big Sendak fan, and particularly loved the interview he gave with Stephen Colbert shortly before his death. That man must have been astonishing to work with.
My husband and I (he’s a literature professor at a local university) have for years discussed the possibility of running a bookstore. And I’m a children’s librarian, so I share your love for kids’ books especially. I look forward to following you and sharing in your good book vibes.
Catherine said,
November 12, 2012 @ 5:16 pm
Absolutely agree with you on the quality of children’s books. I’m constantly searching for books for my grandson. Where can I find yours?
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 12, 2012 @ 6:52 pm
I do not write books, I only review the ones I love but I’ll keep the reviews coming and hopefully you’ll find some wonderful things for your grandson.
Quimper Hitty said,
November 12, 2012 @ 4:20 pm
I’ve enjoyed reading your reviews. My grandma was a children’s librarian and taught me the value of a good book, and also how to read older books that have a different rhythm. Thanks for liking my blog too,
that is encouraging!
lilly the cat said,
November 10, 2012 @ 8:42 pm
a like on my blog..i am humbled beyond imagination..will be reading your posts..thanks lilly
NuveaSantosCobb said,
November 10, 2012 @ 5:49 pm
I am so flattered that you liked my post! One of my all-time favorite children’s books is Where the Wild Things Are, and I even have a signed autographed copy from when I was a little girl and met Mr. Sendak at a book signing. (This was back in the 70s……)
I also teach strategic reading intervention to emerging readers and will definitely be following your blog for reading suggestions!
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 10, 2012 @ 7:34 pm
That’s so fantastic! Thank you for sharing that story, and for following the blog.
MEOWhearthis said,
November 9, 2012 @ 10:36 pm
Fab site! I have to ask, how did you find mine? My mom has a used bookstore specializing in kids’ books and it would be far too much of a coincidence if you happened to find my blog randomly.
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 10, 2012 @ 1:33 am
That’s amazing! It actually was randomly. I was searching for something else and your blog came up, so I started reading. Where is your mother’s store?
MEOWhearthis said,
November 10, 2012 @ 1:47 am
Oldsmar Flea Market in Florida. http://www.facebook.com/samsbooks
You seem to share he same passion she does…I have a great deal of admiration for that passion, particularly seeing the way education is going these days. Some days I feel hopelessly old fashioned for even reading books at all, so reading your blog is very refreshing. I’ll definitely pass on a link to mi madre!
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 10, 2012 @ 4:36 am
I’ll check it out. Thanks so much!
PJ McGhee said,
November 9, 2012 @ 1:23 pm
Hi, Thanks for checking out my food blog! i looked around here. neat site! i sent a recommendation out from my FB account. I have two children – young adult girls – myself and most of my FB friends have kids too. Thanks for the encouragement and keep up the good writing!
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 9, 2012 @ 5:02 pm
Thanks so much for sharing with your FB crowd!
liveblissful said,
November 9, 2012 @ 12:10 am
This is such a great idea, love your blog!
kelloggs77 said,
November 8, 2012 @ 7:36 pm
THANK YOU for stopping by my blog today, if only for the fact that I could come across your blog. I love, love, love children’s literature. The combination of being a mom of young children and a former English teacher makes for a dangerously high consumption of children’s books at my house. I am also in the process of writing my own children’s book, and I really think your blog will be a great resource and source of inspiration for me along my journey. I really look forward to reading more of your posts.
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 8, 2012 @ 10:45 pm
Thank you! I’m glad you found me too
dbpigtail said,
November 8, 2012 @ 5:01 pm
I’m glad to have found your blog… I too find so many children’s books out there that aren’t worth the paper on which they are printed. My son’s Scholastic book club from school is full of them unfortunately. Can’t wait to discover some gems in your blog!
nothingbythebook said,
November 7, 2012 @ 11:03 pm
Thrilled to have stumbled upon your blog! I’m always scouring for sources and reliable reviews of new books, look forward to future posts!
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 8, 2012 @ 12:23 am
Wonderful! Thank you.
windhound said,
November 7, 2012 @ 4:57 am
Thank you for visiting and introducing me to your fascinating Blog. Great reviews.
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 7, 2012 @ 1:58 pm
Thank you so much for your kind comment.
shesactuallyprettysmart said,
November 7, 2012 @ 3:51 am
I am so happy to have found your blog
..we may just be on the same page when it comes to our love of children’s books and the belief..or disbelief, in the incredible number of poor books being published these days. I too plan on reviewing children and young adults books (periodically) on my blog. Hopefully we can compare notes and make suggestions at some point. Looking forward to future thoughts from you.
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 7, 2012 @ 1:56 pm
I’m always happy to find like minded readers! I look forward to seeing your reviews as well. Congratulations on your new blog!
veronicacay said,
November 6, 2012 @ 4:28 am
Hi Thanks for liking one of my drawings and I am very pleased I stopped by your site – what an amazing journey you have taken – I worked in a academic bookstore for many years in Brisbane Aust. and certainly share your passion for books – I look forward to enjoying many good reads from your site – thanks veronica
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 6, 2012 @ 3:25 pm
And thank you for stopping by my site!
nmartin said,
November 5, 2012 @ 8:00 pm
First I have to admit, I am very curious to know what books in particular you hate out there. Please email me directly if you care to share. I would love to hear your opinions and get a few examples of your dislikes. Secondly, would you or have you done reviews on children’s poetry books under your Miscellany category?
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 5, 2012 @ 8:38 pm
I have not, but most certainly plan to, review poetry books. Thank you for asking!
reneekurilla said,
November 5, 2012 @ 1:52 am
I’m so happy to have found your website
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 5, 2012 @ 4:30 pm
Me too! Thank you!
barrentoblessed said,
November 4, 2012 @ 10:33 pm
This may seem like a silly question, but does the book have to be published? Do you ever review “works in progress” or books that are hanging out on one’s computer?
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 4, 2012 @ 11:13 pm
Thanks for asking! I only review published books. Best of luck to you on those works in progress!