Pickles in the Library

Simple tips but good to keep in mind.

Have always enjoyed .kelkar ’s books, especially “American as Paneer Pie” and “Strong as Fire, Fierce as a Flame”, so was looking forward to reading her latest. This Middle Grade illustrated novel was written in collaboration with , an unexpected partnership, just like the one that revolves between Roohi and Nate. This book is an ode to librarians, so what’s not to love? It’s about loving books and the power and opportunity books, and book clubs, give to think differently and give a sense of belonging. With themes close to my heart how could I not love and recommend this book? I also LOVE books told in 2 voices, or multiple voices, like “Save me a Seat” or “Because of Mr Terupt” and really enjoyed the different perspectives. I listened to the book on so didn’t get to see all the amazing illustrations, but look forward to rereading the book when it arrives at ASB ES Library in Mumbai.

This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Such a well written, gut wrenching, creative story. So much for me to connect with, from the smallest details of jollof rice and kuli kuli,(reminding me of my time in Nigeria) to the biggest and most important themes of loss and family. Such a powerful book that had me sobbing and sobbing this morning as I just had to finish it. Recommended for book loving adults everywhere, as well as Middle Schoolers upwards. Will definitely be reading more from

A huge thank you to and for their excellent performance of ‘I hate my hat!” by Mary Ann Hoberman for yesterday. I thought the hats were great and the performances even better!

Blessed to have 3 weeks to catch up on my TBR list. Finally got to read the books on the bottom row that had all been collecting dust on my bookshelf for months. I loved ‘Dream Count’ and it took me back to days living in Nigeria and all the Nigerians I have taught and known. I enjoyed reflecting on the myriad of relationships portrayed, and how the four main characters searched to love others & to be loved. Equally, ‘Butter’ took me back in living in Yokohama & I can see I missed out on a lot of fabulous Japanese dishes. Like anyone who reads it I now desperately want to eat rice covered with French butter and soy sauce. As a non cook, much like Rika at the beginning of the book, some of long-winded culinary descriptions I skipped, but I did find the car crash of the relationship between Rika & Manako fascinating and couldn’t put the book down. ‘Anxious Generation’ confirmed everything we know about children, screens and social media and I look forward to sharing some of the research with my students.

‘Teacher of Nomadland’ is a children’s historical fiction novel set in WW2. I loved reading this story of two orphans who run off to follow in their late father’s footsteps, to teach nomads in Iran as the war rages on, & Britain and Russia are in a power struggle to control the oil in Iran (some things in global politics never change it seems!) I really enjoyed the story of the brother and sister and the Polish refugee they meet. It is fascinating to learn more about how countries like Iran (and India) took in Polish Jewish refugees during the war. Living in India I find books on Partition fascinating and loved ‘Lion of the Sky’, the story of Raj who has to leave his best friend, and kite flying partner, Iqbal, and his home in Sind province, which is destined to become part of Pakistan. A beautifully told drama of how Raj finds the courage and strength needed to help his family heal and survive the traumas they have to go through. And finally ‘The Penderwicks’, just a beautifully simple story of four sisters, a boy and a dog and how they try and navigate summer and overbearing adults!

A fabulous holiday of reading.

Special thanks to Tanja for recommending ‘Butter’ and ‘The Teacher of Nomad Land’

Some great titles here, many of which I’m pleased to say I’ve read. I realise though that we don’t have a lot of these in our current library so will defintely be adding some of these to my next order!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hh68NvzVD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Go on a Bookish Adventure! https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/middle-grade-books-set-around-the-world/

Smartphone free childhoods. He makes some great points in this post.

It’s that time of year when kids start asking for phones for Christmas—and plenty of parents feel torn between keeping them happy and losing control. Both my kids know they’re not getting smartphones til they are at least 16- my daughter thought maybe she could get around us by appealing directly to the big lad at the North Pole in a letter we *ahem* accidentally intercepted- nice try, kid!
After everything we’ve read and seen, the harm social media and constant connectivity are doing to kids is undeniable. Smartphones pull children out of the real world, kill outside time, warp their behaviour, speed them into problems they’re not ready for, and expose them to risks they don’t need. So many parents feel this, but we need to keep saying it out loud.
I recently became an ambassador for the UK’s , alongside and , because-although the tide is turning—we need to normalize the conversation about rethinking the role of phones in our kids’ lives.
The best parts of childhood don’t glow, vibrate, or need charging. And the more families who join the smartphone-free bubble, the stronger it gets.
Click the link in my bio to learn more about Smartphone Free Childhood, the damage they cause, alternative suggestions, and how to help your kids grow up slower, safer, and healthier.
This Christmas, let’s protect what’s left of childhood.

“By and large it’s in books that we first hear that call from life that says wonder and pain and love and adventure are out there waiting for us.” A new literary prize for children’s books, The Children’s Booker Prize. A great article on the significance of this new prize and the importance of reading for children.

The Children’s Booker prize will tell kids that they matter As the number of children reading for pleasure hits a record low, the new award highlights its importance for wellbeing, and will give away thousands of books