Category Archives: Uncategorized

“Yes Virginia, there is…World Peace”

Posted on December 22, 2013 by stephanielowden

(This essay originally appeared in the December 1990 issue of Friends Journal, a Quaker publication. Always the editor, I have made a few minor changes.) Last Christmas, I read an article headlined, “Is Nothing Sacred? Holiday Symbols under Fire.” It … Continue reading →

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Good Night, Little Sea Otter: the perfect bedtime book

Posted on December 12, 2013 by stephanielowden

Good Night, Little Sea Otter by Janet Halfmann, illustrated by Wish Williams. Star Bright Books, New York, NY, 2010.  “As the setting sun kissed the kelp forest, Little Sea Otter snuggled on Mama’s chest. Mama fluffed his fur until he … Continue reading →

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Three Scoops and a Fig as Delicious as a Cup of Gelato

Posted on December 2, 2013 by stephanielowden

Three Scoops and a Fig by Sara Laux Akin, illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung. Peachtree, Atlanta Georgia, 2010.  Poor Sophia.  When her Nonno and Nonna are expected to visit her family’s Italian Restaurant, The Fig Tree, Sophia wants to help get ready for their … Continue reading →

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Picture Books for Holiday Giving

Posted on November 22, 2013 by stephanielowden

I’ll be posting more reviews every couple of days in order to give my readers ideas for Holiday gift giving. I’m starting out with two lovely picture books that encapsulate that delightful time in the life of our children between … Continue reading →

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Nineteenth Century Mystery Entertains

Posted on November 12, 2013 by stephanielowden

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake. Alfred A. Knopf, 2013. New   York, NY.  “So it comes to this, I remember thinking on Wednesday, June 7, 1871. The date sticks in my mind because it was the day of my … Continue reading →

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I recently interviewed Sheri Sinykin, author of Zayde Comes to Live.  SGL: You will be accepting the Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award from the Wisconsin Library Association on October 23. This award is given to writers of the most distinguished children’s book … Continue reading →

Posted on October 23, 2013 by stephanielowden | 1 Comment

Two More YA Books Not to be Missed

Posted on September 21, 2013 by stephanielowden

I’m posting this review of two more excellent books I’ve recently read.  Both are suitable for older teens and any adult looking for a really good story. In the publishing world these would be called “crossover” books—stories that appeal to … Continue reading →

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A Greyhound of a Girl & The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano

Posted on September 6, 2013 by stephanielowden

  A Greyhound of a Girl by Roddy Doyle. U.S. edition Amulet/Abrams, 2012, New York, NY. This story, about a great-grandmother ghost and her very much alive great-granddaughter, is typically Irish. I say that with some hesitation, because I am … Continue reading →

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Boom! Boom! Boom! By Jamie A. Swenson, pictures by David Walker. Farrar Straus Giroux, New York, NY, 2013.  When this book came out, I knew I had to have it. No, not for my grandchild, although I’m sure I will … Continue reading →

Posted on July 6, 2013 by stephanielowden | Leave a comment

Leave the Yard Work and Head to the Beach!

Posted on June 11, 2013 by stephanielowden

Flip, Float, Fly seeds on the Move by JoAnn Early Macken, illustrated by Pam Paparone. Holiday House, NY, New York, 2008. Be prepared to appreciate those maple seeds inhabiting your planters and dandelion seeds floating through the air when you read … Continue reading →

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