Tag Archives: book blog

Cozy Fantasies with Cats: Literary Escapes

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Katy K.

Here are two cozy fantasies – both with cats – to comfort and inspire: The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner and The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

2024 in Review – My Favorite Books

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Katy K.

Here’s my annual look back at the books I rated 9 – the ones I’d be mostly likely to go back to in the future – and the two I actually did reread. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Cybils 2024: 15 Middle Grade Spec Fic Books that Got Away

Posted on January 11, 2025 by Katy K.

Here are 15 books that didn’t quite make the cut for the 7 finalists chosen by the Cybils Round 1 panel that I still loved. They all have strong characters and range from classic fantasy to science fiction, time travel to cryptids. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

MG Epic Fantasy Book Reviews: Splinter and Ash & Nox Winters

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are two epic fantasy stories, one with a classic medieval European-like setting, and one contemporary, both hard to put down. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst: A Cozy Fantasy Starring a Librarian with Unexpected Adventures

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Katy K.

As soon as I heard about this book, I was hooked. I’ve enjoyed lots of books by Sarah Beth Durst in the past, but a cozy fantasy starring a librarian – with jam and a sentient plant friend – was … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Books, Fantasy, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

2023 Cybils Young Adult Speculative Fiction Finalists

Posted on June 30, 2024 by Katy K.

I always like to see what my counterparts on the Cybils young adult speculative fiction panel have chosen as finalists! I started listening to these first thing in January, and only realized when I went to start writing reviews that … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Interview with Illustrator Bea Jackson: Creating Joyful Art for SUMMER IS HERE

Posted on June 22, 2024 by Katy K.

Read on for an interview with Bea Jackson, the illustrator of the gorgeous new book SUMMER IS HERE by Renée Watson (of Piecing Me Together and Ways to Make Sunshine), as well as the best-selling PARKER LOOKS UP! As you all … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, picture books, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Don’t Hate the Player by Alexis Nedd

Posted on August 25, 2021 by Katy K.

Here’s a sweet-tart teen romance between players on rival video game teams that doesn’t gloss over the barriers that face female players. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Print, Realistic, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blog Tour! STOWAWAY by John David Anderson with GIVEAWAY

Posted on August 23, 2021 by Katy K.

Join the blog tour for beloved author John David Anderson’s latest book, STOWAWAY, an exciting space adventure with a whole lot of heart. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Much Ado about Baseball and Ophie’s Ghosts

Posted on August 13, 2021 by Katy K.

Two of my most-anticipated summer books: Much Ado about Baseball by Rajani LaRocca and Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments