I remember when a writing teacher asked us to raise our hand if we've made more than $5 from our writing. Three of us did. We were told that's enough to put us in the top 1% of most successful writers through history. A little hyperbole, but not far off. I still think about it.

This has made me indescribably sad all week. Randy was smart, dedicated, kind, and funny. I am lucky to have known him, and the world is better off for him having been in it.

Momentum around cell phone restrictions in schools is definitely growing and now that many schools have had them in place for at least a year information about their effects is starting to accumulate. Librarians, you're going to like this! #EduSky #TLSky www.edweek.org/technology/t...

Current listen (and it’s fascinating)

Current read (and my choice for our library book club, comprised of 13 older women, who I adore, but who mostly enjoy historical and women’s fiction, who are just going to *love* me for this choice 😂) Terrific read so far- I love it!

#Caturday with my favorite (only) grand-cat (he’s my only grand-anything so give me this!)

Use your library!

And they're often the writers that get published, btw. I always tell new writers, if you love what you're writing, your reader's going to feel that. It's the special sauce. Write something you want to read yourself. You'd be amazed at how many people still don't.

I read 232 books across all ages in 2025 and can I pick ONE favorite from all of those books? Why yes, yes, I can! My favorite book of 2025 is this perfect delight: Cabin Head and Tree Head by Scott Campbell. ❤️ 💯 📕

Current read (a light, funny read is exactly what I needed!)

Current read (I adore her writing, her messy, fierce characters, and her joyous, heartbreaking stories.)

I received this Edward Gorey Eclectic Christmas Decor as a gift, which I assembled, and I am in love with it. I think I shall festoon it with tiny lights next year. Gorey makes my heart happy ❤️

My #fridayfive this week is my five favorite middle-grade books of 2025!

Current read. So far it’s even better than the first one! As someone who has written/published sequels, I can appreciate the hell out of that.

Got to watch my favorite holiday movie tonight with one child (meaning a child of mine, not a person of child age, because she is a grownup now, as they all are) and said child’s new boyfriend and it was a 10/10 experience. Merry Christmas all!

Current read (I get an unwieldy number of recommendations from patrons, but this was near the top this year and I have #2 to dive into next)

Current read

Not to brag, but I am VERY good at getting covid for Christmas. 🤧

Do kittens qualify for #caturday? Asking for Dexter here.

I forgot to post my #fridayfive yesterday but if you work in schools, you had the same kind of day (last day before Christmas break 😳) Here are my Top 5 YA books of 2025! My honorable mention would be Falling Like Leaves, but it’s always checked out (teens LOVE it) so no pic

Current read (and if you can put this book down after reading the first 25 pages, there’s something wrong with you. This is a read-in-one-sitting thriller!)

The Patriot Games?!?!?! WTAF.

Current read (if you like mob stories, Chicago, or James McBride, this is a great book for you- I like all three, so enjoying it very much!)

There was too much this weekend. Too much.

Or Be Like Australia. 🥹

Our new slogan should be Be Like Norway 🥹

Current read, which was so hyped up I avoided it, but damn, it’s really good. This one deserves the hype. So much going on here. Terrific execution. Great voice. Wow.

This is my grand-cat, Percy, and I think he’s doing about as well as your average child sitting on Santa’s lap. #caturday

My #fridayfive year-end favorites, adult category (plus one honorable mention).

My favorite end-of-year children’s book summary never disappoints! 100scopenotes.com/2025/12/08/2...

The people who ask me “Have you ever considered writing a book for adults?” always seem to expect me to say yes. When I say “No.” it becomes so awkward. We just stare at each other, like they expect an explanation or apology for why not.

Current read (I have high expectations!)

I’m going to do a December Friday Five- my 2025 top five reads per age category. I’m going to start with picture books (the most important books) and also I kind of lied because I’m doing one honorable mention too. Delightful books, all.

If you are looking for middle-grade manga (I always am), check out this list! It has multiple options, plus several good ones for high-schoolers too. I added 8 new titles to my next order from this list ✅

Current read (and so far a genuinely unique and wacky book)

This is always one of my favorites of the 31 lists! Readaloudability is the key to a great picture book. (I haven’t read the list yet, but @fuse8.bsky.social better have put her own Pop Goes the Weasel! on it…) (off now to read the list!)

No, I don’t consider sniffing new books part of cataloging. That would just be weird. Right?

Excellent book! When people come in looking for a “Thanksgiving book” I hand them this one 😏

I love it when references to picture books make it into books for adults! Picture books are the roots of literature and don’t get enough credit for it.

Current read (because I need a good, short, emotionally-nutty-family book just before the holiday 😅) Jumping back into the family from Sandwich and it’s like I never left ❤️

I too detest leafblowers, but Chuck Wendig explains it so much better than I could ever

Went to a local show yesterday. Support the arts where they start!

Current read and I am loving it so far!

Current listen, incredibly well-written. She has a mesmerizing voice and a heartbreaking story. Should be required reading for all humans. I’m so glad she survived this traumatic experience and shares her talent with the world (Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All was a DELIGHTFUL chapter book!)

Current read, recommended by some high school students at lunch (“Oh my god it’s so good you have to read it!!”)

Just finished this last night and @annbraden.bsky.social how in the hell did you pack so much character and plot and action into 165 pages?? It’s terrific!! So kid-friendly. We need more middle-grades like this.

Current read- and she just called out The Giving Tree and I’m here for it 😅

Three DELIGHTFUL picture books in my order today ❤️❤️❤️

Current read