About Me
The moment I began selling children’s books, my entire life changed. I had been collecting children’s books since I was about 16, but I had no idea about the vastness of the world I was entering. At the time, my “collection” consisted of Shel Silverstein, a few Dr. Seuss titles, Old Turtle and a battered copy of Thumbelina that actually belonged to my older sister.
As a child, a few of my favorite books were Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by Wiiliam Steig, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, and The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins by Dr. Seuss, which I vowed to continue renewing at the library until I could say Bartholomew. I also loved the My Book House series. The twelve book set in our house was well loved and continuously being read.
When I first walked into Books of Wonder, which is an amazing independent children’s bookstore in New York City, I’d been living in Manhattan for two weeks and had gotten lost looking for a bank. I remember thinking when I first spotted the store, “no way! A store just for children’s books!” As I entered the store and perused the shelves, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of beautiful books. I was hooked and I immersed myself in children’s books.
I worked at Books Of Wonder for eight years, five of those years as the manager and buyer. In addition to selling new books, the store also specializes in old and rare books. During my time there, I was able to learn the history of children’s literature. I was also gaining knowledge on what was currently in print and being published, as well as multiple aspects of the industry.
I left Books of Wonder to become the assistant to Maurice Sendak, author and illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are, whom I worked with for seven years. I was his assistant through the publication of four books, two opera productions, a documentary and the making of the film, Where the Wild Things Are.
Maurice Sendak is a giant, even among the giants in children’s books. There could have been no better way to continue my education than to work directly with him. I learned about the vast canon of artists he used for inspiration, as well as those he admired, worked with, and collected. I was also afforded the unique opportunity of hearing an idea be turned into a story, witnessing the creation of the art, and observing the myriad steps involved in bringing a book into publication.
I’m passionate about children’s books and I’ve been working in the industry for nearly twenty years. I treasure the opportunity to share my knowledge and that love with my readers.
-Jennifer Lavonier
twinsome said,
February 2, 2013 @ 2:22 am
Within moments of browsing around here I was insatiably giddy, chirping away that I had finally found an enchanting place that cares about children’s literature. Our twins’ library is already well stocked, and your recommendations are sure to be dangerous to our budget. Thank you so much for this resource and your insight, it is truly delightful.
David Halliday said,
January 30, 2013 @ 5:40 am
Many years ago I noticed that some of the best artwork I saw was in children’s books. Maybe its because people don’t take children’s books as seriously as art, but the creators seem less inhibited, more open to taken chances than mainstream writers and artists.
gabbie glick said,
December 24, 2012 @ 6:44 am
My husband and I love books and bookstores of all types. So we are delighted to see you highlight the wonderful offerings that will build a lifetime of reading interest.
Jemma Rainbow said,
December 23, 2012 @ 12:55 pm
I am already in love with your blog and I am two pages in. It is a dream of mine to own a children’s bookstore. As in the one you worked at, solely devoted to the wonderful world that children’s books create. I am about to embark on my first year of teaching in an early childhood classroom and among my many talents, one includes storytelling (not reading a book, this is different and way better). I cannot wait to ‘tell’ a story (be it from a book or our imagination) to my class!
onehappilyeverafter said,
December 23, 2012 @ 12:24 am
The books you mention bring back wonderful memories for me. Thank you!
Helena Fairfax said,
December 19, 2012 @ 1:34 pm
Hi Jennifer, I love your blog! What a fantastic career you have had – working with children’s books, and then for Maurice Sendak! It’s like a dream come true! I also LOVE children’s books, but to list all my childhood favourites would take too long. Have you ever read any Joan Aiken? She’s a great British children’s author – thought I’d mention her as she may not be well known in the States. If you get the chance, definitely try her, I think you’d love her. Oh, and Leon Garfield, too! Thanks for stopping by my blog, it’s been lovely to get to know you. Best wishes.
TurtleAndRobot said,
December 19, 2012 @ 3:07 pm
I love Joan Aiken! Especially the Arabel and Raven stories. And that you for reminding me of Leon Garfield as well. I have so much work to do
candyicet said,
December 17, 2012 @ 11:13 pm
I also love to share children’s literature with kids–my own and any other kid that will listen!
I often read aloud softly to my kids in the public library. Pretty soon and to my delight, there is a small huddle of children intently listening and commenting on the story. Sometimes, stranger’s kids will climb up in my lap and demand that I read more. It gives me great joy to help introduce them to the wonderful world of reading. I used to be the librarian at a school for kids with behavior problems. So, I have seen first-hand what a difference it can make when kids understand the value and pleasure of reading.
lilybee301 said,
December 15, 2012 @ 4:24 am
Thank you.I’m going to tell my niece about your books, she’s seven and loves to read.
Anne said,
December 15, 2012 @ 3:15 am
We are a household full of readers! Thanks for coming over to my Feed Yard Foodie site—a great way for me to find your site. I am always looking for good reads for myself and my three girls (13, 10 and 8). Any suggestions for a 13 year old girl that reads all of the time?
Anne
TurtleAndRobot said,
December 15, 2012 @ 2:01 pm
I’d love to recommend some books! What does your 13 year old enjoy reading?
Anne said,
December 15, 2012 @ 8:53 pm
Her favorite book of all time is Gone With The Wind (she’s read it several times…) but she reads an eclectic variety of things. She loves anything historical and is fascinated with England. Her Grandpa just gave her Lady of the Roses (Sandra Worth) and she loved it. She also reads more contemporary books such as the Twilight Saga books. We got her a kindle a couple of years ago for Christmas because we were running out of book shelf space I the house!
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. She reads so many books that it is becoming hard to find “age appropriate” ones that she has not yet read.
Anne
TurtleAndRobot said,
December 18, 2012 @ 1:46 am
I would recommend anything by Nancy Farmer. She’s a fantastic writer with an authentic voice and rich stories. The Ear, the Eye and the Arm is about a detective agency in Zimbabwe in the year 2194. The House of the Scorpian is a story about a boy who is a clone of a dictator and lives in a country that’s been created between Mexico and America. A Girl Named Disaster is about a young girl who is cast out of her village in Mozambique and spends a year alone on a river traveling to her father’s village.
If these are a miss, I can try again
Ankur Mithal said,
December 13, 2012 @ 8:30 am
Great collection and suggestions. Forwarding this to my wife who is an avid reader and works with a school library. Am sure she will get some ideas from your blog.
cupcakevirgin said,
December 10, 2012 @ 9:35 pm
Thank you for liking one of my posts. Your blog is amazing – I love literature, children’s and adults. My SC is 5 and has a reading age of 9 – desperately trying to find some good books that are challenging for him to read, but also emotionally appropriate given his age – it’s proving difficult. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. x
TurtleAndRobot said,
December 11, 2012 @ 2:34 pm
I’m happy to help! Do you know any titles that he has enjoyed?
Moms Coach for Life said,
December 10, 2012 @ 6:01 pm
Great Post! I love Children’s Literature
Gail of Green Living said,
December 7, 2012 @ 3:51 am
I look forward to reading your well-written blogs regarding children’s books! I have three grown children who caused me to visit the poor house, because of their appetite for good books! And there is a two year old grandson now, who has inherited the boxes of books we bought and saved for him!
Strategies2Cope said,
December 7, 2012 @ 12:37 am
I love the little old lady who was not afraid of anything 😊I bought it for my son last year and during halloween and I read it to him while he is in the bathtub! (He is autistic, its the only way he listens to me read a full book!) Thanks for the passion in writing childrens books keep them coming and I will keep on buying! Have a great Christmas!
poliwogg said,
December 6, 2012 @ 5:29 pm
Great site! When my three children were little, we would recite Sendak’s Pierre together. One would read the preface; one would take the chapter titles; I would read the story; and one would yell out “I don’t care!” (They would switch parts the next time.) The line that would crack us up every time: “Pierre’s in there!” Children’s books aren’t just for the children!
TurtleAndRobot said,
December 6, 2012 @ 6:26 pm
I love this! Thanks for sharing.
miles4moms said,
December 5, 2012 @ 4:16 am
If I haven’t said it before, I love your blog!
Karen Hammonds said,
December 3, 2012 @ 4:35 am
This blog is really wonderful. I have an eight year old who is a voracious reader, and I can’t wait for more recommendations from you!
binvested said,
December 3, 2012 @ 1:26 am
Love kid’s lit…the best. You have a great passion, so please, keep with it. It’s something much needed in our country. Thankyou.
sommerreading said,
December 2, 2012 @ 4:06 pm
I am so happy to find your blog – and to “meet you” via the blogosphere! I love the name of your site….and will definitely be following your posts.
TurtleAndRobot said,
December 2, 2012 @ 6:02 pm
And I was happy to find you too! Jason Chin directed me to you.
WH said,
November 30, 2012 @ 4:36 pm
I am thrilled that you found my blog, because it lead me to yours. As a working mom, I read to my boys at night, but don’t have time to spend learning about all the good things out there. I look forward to learning about great books to share with them. Thank you and please keep writing!
tkbakesalot said,
November 30, 2012 @ 3:53 pm
I LOVE bios. So reading about your history of following in love with books was so interesting to me. Am passing this blog on to my daughter and her husband. They are interested in writing a childrens book so this should give them encouragement! Thanks for sharing. BYW. NY is one of our fav towns. Am a little jealous that you get to live there:) Trudy Cox
Alice said,
November 30, 2012 @ 3:21 pm
How fun to discover your blog! I love children’s books too–good ones of course. I have been out of the loop for a few years, and it looks like I have some catching up to do.
Sarky T. said,
November 29, 2012 @ 3:34 pm
Loving your blog – I always look forward to your new posts! Thank you!
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 29, 2012 @ 4:28 pm
Thanks so much!
Brian Gottlob said,
November 28, 2012 @ 3:16 am
Nothing I miss more than reading Sendak to my kids (except reading every other kids book they loved). They memorized them before the could read. My favorite is “In the Night Kitchen”. I have an attic full of childrens books and you reminded me of some of my favorites. Time to dust off those crates.
Shelley Wilson Art said,
November 28, 2012 @ 2:51 am
Oh, my! Oh, my! Oh, my! What a wonderful adventure your life is and has been! I’m in awe. It has been my life’s dream to illustrate children’s books. I’ve been heading there with my art – even before I realized it. A couple of weeks ago I was approached by an author (he’s published one book) and he asked me to illustrate a children’s book. I’m impressed with his book and with his organization and planning for illustration ideas. I’ve agreed to do the book, but I’m terrified and excited at the same time. Seeing all the wonderful illustrations on your site has inspired me tremendously. Thank you!!!
Being Jewish in Hawaii said,
November 27, 2012 @ 5:12 pm
I am so happy to have found you. My mother was a children’s librarian and I was an English teacher for 20 years and I remember when one of my students told me that it was the first time he had ever finished a whole book and it was in my class. I was thrilled. I have been a reader all of my life and saved my favorite childhood books for my children some day and they are sitting on our bookshelves: Little House on the Prairie, Anne of Green Gables, The Hobbit, Mandy, Harriet the Spy….
Unfortunately when my daughter tried to read one of them it kind of fell apart and we had to buy new copies for her, but these books are still like old friends hanging out with me in our living room and I am always happy to see them.
Aloha….
fruticagordita said,
November 27, 2012 @ 4:34 pm
Hi there! I LOVE your blog and have nominated your the Liebster Award
http://bigbeautifulbold.wordpress.com/2012/11/27/liebster-award/
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 28, 2012 @ 3:17 pm
Thank you so much!
writingforselfdiscovery said,
November 25, 2012 @ 4:10 pm
One of my daughters received Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree for a birthday one year. It was my initiation into a different kind of children’s literature and I was enthralled. Our bedtime stories changed after that and other brilliant children’s authors came to our house to stay.
Robert-preneur said,
November 21, 2012 @ 11:38 pm
What a wonderful career to celebrate. I loved “Where the Wild Things Are” when I was a kid. My brother has little ones and I’m going to share your site with my sister-in-law and him. Now to browse the rest of your blog.
Warmth and Peace
Bailey M said,
November 21, 2012 @ 5:35 pm
This is an awesome resource to have! I’ll be checking your recommendations out for my Christmas list this year…
Luanne said,
November 19, 2012 @ 2:24 pm
I too love children’s books and used to teach children’s literature. I have a modest book collection, including some late 19th century volumes. I have lot of the older Newbery and Caldecott winners, too. LOVE this stuff. Thanks for your great blog.
kojiandeva said,
November 18, 2012 @ 8:23 pm
Hello,
This is the best “about” I have ever read. How wonderful that you worked with Mr. Sendak, and even more wonderful that he had someone like you to help him.
Best regards,
Eva suzuki
CherryConstructionLLC said,
November 18, 2012 @ 5:46 am
Good reads…
I’m twenty something years old now, and I have to say, I can never stop loving children’s books! I don’t think it’s always just for kids, but sometimes– oftentimes– actually, as adults, we could all learn a thing or two from them.
~Caroline.
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 18, 2012 @ 2:24 pm
I couldn’t agree more!
merrilymarylee said,
November 15, 2012 @ 6:49 pm
What a wonderful resource you are! I have five young grandsons, 6-14. I’d love to find books that are a hit with them.
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 15, 2012 @ 8:12 pm
I’d be happy to recommend some things. You can message me at jennifer@turtleandrobot.com.
Make Mine Meatless said,
November 14, 2012 @ 5:49 pm
What a great blog! This would be my second choice for a blog topic. I too collect children’s books and I am excited to have found this site! Beautiful!
dlkoch said,
November 13, 2012 @ 10:04 pm
I have always loved reading; you are doing a wonderful thing giving reviews and promoting children’s books. I just wish everyone encouraged reading at an early age, people don’t know what they’re missing.
DoowansGardenSupply.com said,
November 13, 2012 @ 3:03 pm
Thanks again, I was thinking, it’s a good start on a children’s book on what’s hot. I would love to offer a book to children about becoming self sustainable and growing their own food. If you write it, they will learn. Doowans would love to offer it on our website. Keep in touch!
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 13, 2012 @ 6:03 pm
I highly recommend Weslandia by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. It’s about a young boy who makes it his summer project to start his own civilization based on a staple crop. It’s incredibly well done with beautiful and vivid illustrations.
Arohanui Vegan Love said,
November 13, 2012 @ 1:20 am
Awesome idea
I started buying good books when I came across them even before I was pregnant. Zaedyn has loved books since birth, and I look forward to reading your recommendations.
the lotus seed journals said,
November 11, 2012 @ 3:51 am
I thought I was the only one who loved Sylvester and the Magic Pebble! Lol. I’m still looking for that pebble
Namaste and many blessings***
kiwiskan said,
November 10, 2012 @ 11:32 pm
Great to find another person who is hooked on children’s books! I am a sucker for children’s picture books and have a box full at present. One of my favourite authors is John Burningham, who does his illustrations as well. I am currently self-publishing a picture book which is due out next March. How lucky you have been, working with Maurice Sendak.
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 11, 2012 @ 2:01 pm
I am also a big fan of John Burningham! I’m sure some of his books will make an appearance on my site.
sharann said,
November 10, 2012 @ 8:23 pm
Loved reading your story! To me, there’s nothing greater than finding people that do what they love for a living. For too long, I was indoctrinated that such a thing was not possible. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Angie De Angelis said,
November 10, 2012 @ 3:35 pm
Wow! What a great story! I was read to even before I could speak so I too have a long-time love for children’s books. When I went away to college and my mom mentioned she was going to get rid of all of my old children’s books, I told her I’d never come visit if she did anything of the sort. Until I get a Manhattan apartment big enough for all of them, they’re still in boxes in Miami, waiting for me.
pixilated2 said,
November 10, 2012 @ 12:30 pm
One click led to another and suddenly this retired teacher was right back in her element. I find it strange and serendipitous this world we call Blogosphere. You can search for many days and find a whole lot of nothing, and then one day, when you aren’t looking for anything, you find exactly what you needed. Thank you! ~Lynda
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 10, 2012 @ 3:52 pm
That’s so nice to say! So happy you found me.
uberdish said,
November 9, 2012 @ 8:29 pm
I just nominated you for The Sunshine Award!
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 9, 2012 @ 8:40 pm
That’s so kind! Thank you so much.
uberdish said,
November 9, 2012 @ 8:44 pm
You are very welcome!
elle said,
November 9, 2012 @ 1:59 am
fantastic, fantastic blog! I love it =)
owonderful said,
November 9, 2012 @ 1:38 am
A fellow lover of children’s books! And I love Books of Wonder! Three of my favorites: Lauren Child’s Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Book, Ross MacDonald’s Bad Baby, Emma Carlow and Trevor Dickinson’s Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress.
ashropshirelard said,
November 8, 2012 @ 3:24 pm
Your blog is lovely and I find it very interesting particularly as I am writing and illustrating my own children’s stories. I have been finding it difficult to buy beautiful books for my baby – along the lines of Beatrix Potter – with beautiful illustrations and lovely stories. Your blog is a great help!
jmslesin said,
November 8, 2012 @ 12:17 pm
Awesome Blog, and I LOVE the name!
kz said,
November 8, 2012 @ 10:03 am
ahhh books… my first love…ever since i can read. cool blog you have here
shoes said,
November 7, 2012 @ 9:16 pm
What great opportunities you have had and a fun blog you have created!
I too am a great lover of children’s books and tend to gravitate towards the ones I grew up with and loved. I am slowly collecting all the Sweet Pickles books, I love Harold and his purple crayon and Chicken Soup with Rice. I especially enjoy sharing theses great books and memories with my children.
notnyet said,
November 7, 2012 @ 5:13 pm
Thanks for being so generous with your insights and recommendations. A treasure!
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 7, 2012 @ 7:23 pm
Thank you for your kind words.
Natalie said,
October 3, 2012 @ 2:17 am
Jen – Your picks are always on point and just lovely. There are no other blogs like yours and I’m so glad you’re doing this. There are so many poorly produced books out there that…it’s SCARY. Thanks for guiding us.
Maris said,
September 24, 2012 @ 6:50 pm
My daughter grew up reading based on your recommendations, and is now a successful Skidmore sophomore. Now parents everywhere can get the benefit of your vast knowledge and strong values. Great site!
Jennifer Larson Hoenig said,
September 19, 2012 @ 4:35 pm
You said it sister, that is you to a tee. You are my go to lady for enhancing my kids life with books.
Carla said,
September 15, 2012 @ 12:36 pm
Thanks so much for creating this site. Those of us who haven’t bought children’s books recently (as in my children are grown and I know have a granddaughter) may have a hard time knowing where to start.
Your site and expertise will help give me direction when choosing good books.
gary said,
September 13, 2012 @ 8:40 pm
you sound like a truly knowledgable and passionate person, which is just what i need in terms of finding good books for my kids amid all the vampire and werewolf stuff. thanks for providing this service!