Plant a Seed: Summer Reading Kids (4)

 

We've talked CRAFTS, STEAM Programs, and Books

This is the last week for Kids Summer Reading Program ideas before we move to Teen ideas. So this week we're talking about Food Programs as they can overlap. 

More on Foodie Fun programs. All the Foodie Fun programs are up on the library's YouTube page.

Again, all the ideas are from Pinterest:

Gumdrop flowers

Butterflies (I would use a cookie or cracker for the bottom)

Marshmallow Flowers

Hungry Caterpillar 

Pretzel ladybugs

Frogs

Pretzel Flowers

Pretzel Dragonflies

Snail (I would save this for in person)

Movie Review: The Running Man

The Running Man on Paramount+:

First off, I've never seen the original movie. And I never read the short story from Stephen King.

Therefore, I went in with no expectations.

And I really enjoyed the film.

Lots of action, danger, and plot twists

A few sentimental moments and some moments of kindness. 

There were some moments that reminded me of the Hunger Games. And some moments that were scarily possible. 

Recommended! 

Mood Board: Mirror Mirror

It's the last book in the series for Abby and her brother Jonah.

I don't want to say too much about it because SPOILERS.

However, I love how it ended.

 

Picture Book Review: Seasons on the Farm

 

A farm goes through the seasons of the year, starting and ending with winter.

This is a great way to teach kids about seasons and change in the weather. The illustrations are warm. This is a fun book to pour over.

Top Ten Tuesday: 2025 bookish discoveries

 This week's topic is bookish discoveries from 2025.

I read my first (but not last) Lynn Painter book:

I really loved this romance - written by a guy 

I read this book on a recommendation and loved it.

And then I decided to read more epistolary novels because I love them

I read my first advent book (I confess I read it in one sitting instead of waiting)

Read a historical fiction set at the Grand Canyon

Been wanting to read this book for year, I loved the first half where they talked about Tiffanys. And it inspired me to seek out some Tiffany glass.

Read my first paranormal fantasy in years - remember why I love the genre. 

What discoveries did you make?

Middle Grade Review: Confessions from a Group Chat

Virginia has three best friends, but she doesn't always feel that they're friends. Virginia hasn't found her niche yet. Her friends pigeonhole her, making it hard for her to grow. In reality, Virginia hides her hobbies from her friends because she knows they won't "approve" because her hobbies are not cool. After a terrible fight, her friends leak her mean texts from the group chat on a school social media account run by students.

Viriginia knows it was wrong to make those comments. And most of them she didn't even mean. She felt pressured by her friends to be someone she doesn't want to be. Luckily, she has the help of her older sister and a new friend to guide her through this friendship crisis. 

My Thoughts: This one has ALL the friendship drama. I just wanted to give Virginia a hug. She had terrible friends (who were really bullies/mean girls). I loved her relationship with her new friend whom she texts when things go sideways.  They have great chemistry. I love the public librarian and how she tried to steer Virginia in different directions. I love how Virginia started playing around with photography and had conversations with her former friend about pictures. I loved the text messages in this one. This book was hard to read at times, but I also didn't want to put it down. Can't wait to see what Jodi Meadows writes next.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Why I Read This: I adored Bye, Forever I Guess by the same author

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public library collections

Picture Book Review: A Books of Maps for You

A map of the town filled with secrets.

I loved this book - it's clever and fun. Who doesn't love pouring over maps. I loved the twist at the end. This might be one of my favorite picture books of the year.