The Painted Porch Bookshop

 Bastrop, Texas

While out and about exploring new places, I happened upon a lovely, little bookshop. It looked very unassuming from the outside, but I was pleasantly surprised by the inside. 

The shop has a cute "Southern" feel that is charming and insightful. 

It turned out to be a nice place to take the whole family. There is a small reading nook for the kids and a play area.  

The tractors are a nice touch! The kids in the store loved them. 

It opens up into another area with lots of records. (A blast from the past!)

A fireplace made from books! (Worth seeing!)

 And a cute tree to round things out nicely!

If you have a little time to kill, love books, and are somewhere in the area, this might 

be a fun adventure! 

If you aren't in the area, you can always find them online at 

The Painted Porch Bookshop

Book Review #94

 I Want To Be Spaghetti!

 

Author: Kiera Wright-Ruiz

Illustrator: Claudia Lam

Publisher:‎ Kokila, 2023

ISBN: 978-0593529874

Reading Level: 4 to 8 years

Main Character: A package of Ramin noodles.

Plot: Ramin wants to be Spaghetti. Why does Ramin want to be like Spaghetti? Because Spaghetti is everywhere.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Children’s Books, Self-Esteem, Cooking.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 5 Roars? My Ramin wants to be spaghetti?! NO WAY, I say! I love my Ramin! 

A great, subtle message for kids about self-esteem. Kids love it, and it goes great with a big bowl of...you guessed it - Ramin!

Critical Analysis: The ideas are clever and the story has a great message for kids about learning to be yourself. The story revolves around Ramin, who aspires to be Spaghetti, an unconventional desire that sparks kid's curiosity. 

The illustrations are a nice touch. They add to the charm of this book. They enhance its uniqueness and appeal, adding an extra layer of visual engagement that complements the written content.

Connections: This is a great story to read on a Ramin night! Making Ramin with the kids after reading this cute book, makes eating Ramin so much more fun! Making Ramin noodles with kids.

4th of July

 Happy Independance Day!

Celebrating Fathers!

Father's Day Blessings!

  “My father didn’t do anything unusual. He only did what dads are supposed to do—be there.” ~Max Lucado 

“Sometimes I think my papa is an accordion. When he looks at me and smiles and breathes, I hear the notes.”

~ Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

Happy Father's Day!

Wishing You A Happy Father's Day!

Fun Facts:

1. Father's Day is celebrated on different dates around the world. In the United States and many other countries, it is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. However, some countries celebrate it on different dates, such as Australia and New Zealand, where it is celebrated in September.

2. The word "dad" dates back to the 16th century and is believed to be derived from the Welsh word "tad" or the German word "vater." In many languages, variations of "dad" or "father" are used to refer to one's male parent.

3. The most popular gift for Father's Day is a necktie. It has become a traditional and somewhat clichéd gift choice, but it remains a classic symbol of Father's Day.

However, if Dad is a book lover, check out these great finds:

Book Review #93

 I Will Be There

Author: Diana Aleksandrova
Editor: Robin Katz

Illustrator: Victoria Marble

Publisher:‎ Dedoni, 2022

ISBN: 978-1953118226

Reading Level: Kindergarten and up

Main Character: A new father 

Plot: A journey that explores fatherhood.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Fatherhood, Parents, Family, & New Baby.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? It is a simple but sweet book about new fathers. It is great for a new Dad with a son. It would make a cute Father's Day gift.

Critical Analysis: The illustrations capture emotions and subtle details. The book speaks not only to fathers but to anyone interested in celebrating parenthood. It reminds readers that fatherhood is an evolving, forever journey.

Connections: Crafts For Father's Day

Book Review #92

Silly Sally

Author: Audrey Wood
Illustrator: Audrey Wood
Publisher: Red Wagon Books, 1999
ISBN: 978-0152010765 

Reading Level: Preschool to Kindergarten

Main Character: Silly Sally

Plot: Silly Sally follows the adventures of Sally, as she encounters various animal friends along her way. Sally engages in activities such as skipping, dancing, and tumbling, spreading joy as she goes to town.

Settings: The settings in Silly Sally vary as Sally embarks on her journey to town.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Book, Board Book, Playfulness, Friendship, Fun, and Rhyming.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? The story is filled with playful antics, laughter, and delightful silliness. This is a book that children want to read over and over again. A classic that never goes out of style.

Critical Analysis: A rhythmic, rhyming text full of fun. The repetitive nature of the book allows children to anticipate and participate in the story, making it an interactive and engaging reading experience...over and over again!

"Exploding with whimsy, humor, and zest . . . Be prepared to read this one a

thousand times!"

~Booklist

Connections: Silly Sally Read-a-loud