Bookish Ambition: Shar Mohr

Showing posts with label Shar Mohr. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Reading Recap: Overdue

Most Deserving of the Hype
Aaron Becker's Journey

Every successful writer is also a reader. But I am a reader by addiction, not because of duty.

In addition to my annual 50-book goal, I attempted to read 300 picture books as part of the 300 Picture Book Challenge. I missed my goals last year, but not by much. I totaled 225 picture books and 48 Chapter and above. You can see the entire list of picture books on my Pinterest board.

Every year there are books which live up to my expectations, some which disappoint, a few fabulous random finds from the library shelves, and each year there are books which astonish me in their perfection.

I'd like to share some of my favorites:

Favorite Book , 2013
Uma Krishnaswami's
The Grand Plan
to Fix Everything

Best Series
Marie Rutkoski's
The Cabinet of Wonders
Kronos Chronicles: Book 1

Best Random Pick
Rebecca Stead's
Liar & Spy

Best Bargain Table Find
Michelle Ivy Davis's
Evangeline Brown
and the Cadillac Motel

Best Illustrations
Lenore Look's
Alvin Ho
is Allergic to Camping
and other Natural Disasters,
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Longest Overdue
Dodie Smith's
I Capture the Castle

This year's goals are 250 picture books, 50 chapter and above, reread the Prydain Chronicles, and 2 books on the crafts of writing or illustration from beginning to end.

Thus far in 2014, I've read 6 novels, 2 books on writing, and 22 picture books.

So what were some of the fabulous books you read in 2013? What goals have you set for this year? How are you keeping on track?

Friday, February 1, 2013

PB 300 Update

Sponsored by Shar Mohr

Just a quick list of picture books I read in the last two weeks for Shar Mohr's challenge. I hope some of these are on your to-read list. If you have suggestions for books you'd like to see reviewed here or recommendations for picture books you can't live without, please contact me. I'll be sure to fit them in and link to your site.

Some of these books are old favorites. Some were chosen for the illustrator. Some were chosen because they have an unusual concept or layout. I'll be pointing out some great characteristics in the writing of these and other books during my PB Dummy Challenge spotlights, so stay tuned.

Shoe-La-La!
By Karen Beaumont and
LeUyen Pham

The Little Daragon
By Heather Amery
and Stephen Cartwright

The Boss Baby
By Marla Frazee

Obadiah the Bold
by Brinton Turkle

Sailing Off To Sleep
By Linda Ashman
and Susan Winter

Bunk Beds
By Elizabeth Winthrop
and Ron Himler

The Tournament
By Heather Amery
and Stephen Cartwright

The Royal Broomstick
By Heather Amery
and Stephen Cartwright

I Can Fly
By Ruth Krauss
and Mary Blair

Genie's ABC
By Eric and Susan Goldberg

Friday, January 4, 2013

300-Picture Book Challenge

Shar Mohr's 2013 Challenge

During PiBoIdMo, I was introduced to an inspiring fellow writer. Her name is Shar Mohr, and she blogs at My Picture Book Writing Journey.

Shar has decided to challenge herself (and any of us who'd like to journey with her) by reading 300 picture books this year. I hope you will join us as we immerse ourselves in this endearing art form.

Her idea dovetails with my annual reading list. I don't usually keep track of the picture books I read, so this challenge appeals to the list-maker as well as the book-lover in me.

Here are the picture books I've read since January first. I'll post an update at least once a week, including any particular recommendations.