middle names for girls: Ocak 2013

3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe

Good names for "Irish" cats to be adopted on St. Patrick's Day?

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Hi,

Our local animal shelter is having a St. Patrick's Day adoption celebration for cats. Do you have any good Irish names for cats? I know for people they say "Patty O'Furniture, etc. Thank you.|||Erin, Shannon, Siobhan, Fergus, Aislinn

O'Shea, Shaunessy, Killian, McDonough, and for any cat with whte feet: McMittens|||It you want the names to be really Irish, it's Paddy (not Patty) and Seamus (not Shamis)

Most Irish first names are crazy weird. Irish surnames are better. Here a list: http://www.namenerds.com/irish/last.html

I like Guinness.|||http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Drinkéˆ¥?/a>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Cat_Boéˆ¥?/a>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_Laughs|||Claude O'Furniture might be more fitting lol. Some Irish names are: Murray, Seamus, Sean, Erin, Colleen and Tara.|||Lucky, Clover, Patrick|||Shamis|||a great name for an irish cat is paddy or shammy...............

Secrets & Sharing Soda's Books of the Year (2012)

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It's the last day of 2012, so it's time to tally up the books I've read and choose my favorites.

First, the stats:

I read 1516 books this year (16 more than my goal, and 500 more than last year). They break down as follows:

23 books for adults (increase of 10 since last year)
79 board books, 14 of which I read at story time and class visits (increase of 39 since last year)
768 picture books, 300 of which I read at story time and class visits, and 256 of which I read for the Caldecott Challenge (increase of 228 since last year)
295 easy readers, 17 of which I read at story times and class visits, and 29 of which I read in my role as a Cybils panelist (increase of 168 since last year)
120 chapter books, 45 of which I read in my role as a Cybils panelist (increase of 13 since last year)
192 middle grade books (increase of 51 since last year)
39 young adult books (decrease of 9 since last year)

From these books, I have selected my favorites in the categories and genres that I regularly review. My criteria for selecting these books were: literary quality, kid appeal, personal enjoyment of the book, and potential use in story time/library programs. Titles link to my reviews.

Favorite Young Adult Contemporary Novel

Since You Left Me
by Allen Zadoff (Egmont USA)
Honorable Mention:
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Dutton Books - Penguin Group)
Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo (Knopf Books for Young Readers - Random House)
Nothing Special by Geoff Herbach (Sourcebooks Fire)

Favorite Middle Grade Novel

Flying the Dragonby Natalie Dias Lorenzi(Charlesbridge)
Honorable Mention: The Boy on Cinnamon Street by Phoebe Stone (Arthur A. Levine Books- Scholastic)
Ruby Redfort: Look into My Eyes by Lauren Child ( HarperCollins Children's Books)
About Average by Andrew Clements (Atheneum Books for Young Readers- Simon & Schuster)

Favorite Chapter Book

Stella Batts: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
by Courtney Sheinmel, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
(Sleeping Bear Press)
Honorable Mention: Hooey Higgins and the Shark by Steve Voake (Candlewick Press)
Ivy and Bean Make the Rules by Annie Barrows (Chronicle Books)
Calvin Coconut: Rocket Ride by Graham Salisbury (Wendy Lamb Books - Random House)

Favorite Easy Reader

Frog and Flyby Jeff Mack
(Philomel Books - Penguin Group)
Honorable Mention: Bink and Gollie: Two for One by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile (Candlewick Press)
Penny and her Doll by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow Books - Harper Collins)

Favorite Picture Book

Otto the Book Bearby Katie Cleminson (Disney-Hyperion)
Honorable Mention:
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen (Balzer + Bray- Harper Collins)
Faster! Faster! by Leslie Patricelli (Candlewick Press)
Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Schwartz & Wade - Random House)

Favorite Book in Graphic Format

Secret Diary
by Julien Neel(Lerner Publishing Group)Honorable Mention:
Her Permanent Record by Jimmy Gownley (Atheneum Books for Young Readers- Simon & Schuster)

What were your favorite books of 2012? Did you nominate them for Cybils? Tomorrow, find out the names of the finalists in each category over on the Cybils blog.

Top Alternative Spellings Of USA Boys' Names 2012

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Since January 1st 2012 I have collected 3, 500 + examples of baby boy names given in the USA. Based on that here are the fastest rising alternative spellings there so far this year. I hope you enjoy reading them.

1.) Alan instead of Allen or Allan
2.) Jaxson rather than Jackson or Jaxon
3.) Landen rather than Landon
4.) Lukas instead of Lucas
5.) Blaze instead of Blaise
6.) Alexzander instead of Alexander
7.) Rowen instead of Rowan
8.) Sylas instead of Silas
9.) Graysen instead of Grayson
10.) Kylar instead of Kyler

2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba

Good names for "Irish" cats to be adopted on St. Patrick's Day?

Secrets & Sharing Soda's Books of the Year (2012)

23 books for adults (increase of 10 since last year)
79 board books, 14 of which I read at story time and class visits (increase of 39 since last year)
768 picture books, 300 of which I read at story time and class visits, and 256 of which I read for the Caldecott Challenge (increase of 228 since last year)
295 easy readers, 17 of which I read at story times and class visits, and 29 of which I read in my role as a Cybils panelist (increase of 168 since last year)
120 chapter books, 45 of which I read in my role as a Cybils panelist (increase of 13 since last year)
192 middle grade books (increase of 51 since last year)
39 young adult books (decrease of 9 since last year)

Favorite Young Adult Contemporary Novel

Favorite Middle Grade Novel

Favorite Chapter Book

Favorite Easy Reader

Favorite Picture Book

Favorite Book in Graphic Format

Secret Diary
by Julien Neel(Lerner Publishing Group)Honorable Mention:
Her Permanent Record by Jimmy Gownley (Atheneum Books for Young Readers- Simon & Schuster)

What were your favorite books of 2012? Did you nominate them for Cybils? Tomorrow, find out the names of the finalists in each category over on the Cybils blog.

Personal Cybils Favorites 2012

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I've shared my favorite books of 2012, and the finalists for my category of the Cybils, but there are still a few more books to mention. Listed below are Cybils nominees across several categories that I have not already recognized. These are books I love that didn't make it to their respective short lists, but which are worth reading and sharing with kids nonetheless. (The ones I've posted about, however briefly, have links.)

Ballet Stars by Joan Holub (Easy Reader)
This easy reader might look like just another ballet book, but it's tightly written, brightly illustrated and promotes gender equality as well as hard work.

Following Grandfather by Rosemary Wells (Early Chapter Book)
A quiet book about loss, this story is ideal for kids who have lost a grandparent, and for others of the chapter book age group who like to read tearjerkers.
I Don't Believe It, Archie by Andrew Norriss (Early Chapter Book)
This zany story of a boy whose life contains no dull moments is a great one for boys who like to laugh but want to avoid toilet humor.
The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng (Early Chapter Book)
I don't know that this book will appeal to every reader, but there are surely some special bookworms out there who will see themselves in it and be changed by reading it.
Jinxed by Kurtis Scaletta (Early Chapter Book)
Another great one for boys, Jinxed is everything kids want in a sports book - humanized heroes, a close-up view of home plate, and good sportsmanship.
Audition and Subtraction by Amy Fellner Dominy (Middle Grade Fiction)
This book is obviously going to appeal to tween girls more than anyone else, but it was so true to the middle school experience, it made me cry just a little bit at the end.
The Encyclopedia of Me by Karen Rivers (Middle Grade Fiction)
This book is another tween title likely to appeal to fans of "chick lit" but despite its fluffy, contemporary tone, it's got some good emotional experiences and life lessons.
Same Sun Here by Silas House and Neela Vaswani (Middle Grade Fiction)
I understand some of the problems in this book, but the strengths far outweight the weaknesses. Kids will learn about two cultures and begin to understand what it means that we all live under the same sun.
Chopsticks by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Fiction Picture Book)
This is the perfect preschool book for kids who need to learn independence, and it's laugh out loud punny, too!
French Ducks in Venice by Garret Freymann-Weyr, illustrated by Erin McGuire (Fiction Picture Book)
I love this book because it reminds everyone that picture books are not just for kids under five. This is a great one for older readers with an unexpectedly positive moral.

Red Sled by Lita Judge (Fiction Picture Book)
This is on my list for an upcoming story time, and I just can't wait to share it! The onomatopoeia really drives home the crunching sound of the beautifully illustrated snow.
Tell Me About Colors, Shapes, and Opposites by Delphine Badreddine and AurÃ©lie Guillerey (Fiction Picture Book)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but have to review it. Like Seasons by Blexbolex, it's a great one for little guys who don't read yet who have short attention spans. It's informative for kids, but entertaining for adults as well. (I said "Awww" a lot while reading it.)
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Young Adult Fiction)
I am truly stunned that this didn't make the cut, which is why I'm recognizing it a second time. Even though it's not my absolute favorite YA title of the year, it's hard to imagine one that's better written. I will need to read the finalists, though, so I can understand what I missed!
Guy Langman, Crime Scene Procrastinator by Josh Berk (Young Adult Fiction)
This is a laugh-out-loud funny guy-friendly book with real heart and a loveable protagonist. Librarians who do story time will especially love the reference to The Wheels on the Bus that occurs in a wonderful exchange between Guy and his mom.
Unbreak My Heart by Melissa Walker (Young Adult Fiction)
This book is a personal favorite because it captures exactly how I felt after my break-up with my high school boyfriend. I think it will speak to lots of other girls, too.
Bill the Boy Wonder by Marc Tyler Nobleman (Non-Ficton Picture Book)
I've had great responses from elementary school classes with whom I have shared this book. The author's presentation at my library this summer was one of the highlights of our summer reading program!
Here Come the Girl Scouts! by Shana Corey (Non-Ficton Picture Book)
I was a Girl Scout and not too crazy about it, but this book does a wonderful job of bringing Juliet Lowe to life. This book might not appeal to everyone, but it would be just perfect for a Girl Scout Troop.
Fake Mustache by Tom Angleberger (Middle Grade Fantasy)
This is probably my favorite Angleberger book of them all. It's wacky, funny, and equally appealing to boys and girls. I can imagine it makes a fun read-aloud as well.
Losers in Space by John Barnes (Young Adult Science Fiction)
I nominated this book before I even finished it, so drawn was I to the premise and characters. I know the text is a bit dense for some, but I enjoyed slowly reading through it all.

I would also like to express my joy about seeing BookSpeak and Unbeelievables on the Poetry list. Both are just brilliant and perfect contenders for the Cybils. I can't wait to find out if one of them comes out the winner!

Top Alternative Spellings Of USA Boys' Names 2012

1 Ocak 2013 Salı

Top Alternative Spellings Of USA Boys' Names 2012

Good names for "Irish" cats to be adopted on St. Patrick's Day?

Secrets & Sharing Soda's Books of the Year (2012)

23 books for adults (increase of 10 since last year)
79 board books, 14 of which I read at story time and class visits (increase of 39 since last year)
768 picture books, 300 of which I read at story time and class visits, and 256 of which I read for the Caldecott Challenge (increase of 228 since last year)
295 easy readers, 17 of which I read at story times and class visits, and 29 of which I read in my role as a Cybils panelist (increase of 168 since last year)
120 chapter books, 45 of which I read in my role as a Cybils panelist (increase of 13 since last year)
192 middle grade books (increase of 51 since last year)
39 young adult books (decrease of 9 since last year)

Favorite Young Adult Contemporary Novel

Favorite Middle Grade Novel

Favorite Chapter Book

Favorite Easy Reader

Favorite Picture Book

Favorite Book in Graphic Format

Secret Diary
by Julien Neel(Lerner Publishing Group)Honorable Mention:
Her Permanent Record by Jimmy Gownley (Atheneum Books for Young Readers- Simon & Schuster)

What were your favorite books of 2012? Did you nominate them for Cybils? Tomorrow, find out the names of the finalists in each category over on the Cybils blog.

Cybils Finalists: Easy Readers / Early Chapter Books

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Happy New Year! Today is not only my two-year blogging anniversary, it's also the day Cybils finalists are announced. I had a great time serving on the easy reader / early chapter book panel again this year, and I'm very pleased to share the list that Jeff, Mandy, Teri, Colby, Amanda, Katherine, and I selected as the best of our list of nominees.

Easy Readers Two pairs of best friends, a trip to the Antarctic, and a small mouse so nice we chose her twice - these are the easy reader finalists!

	*Bink and Gollie, Two for One* by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee illustrated by Tony Fucile (Candlewick Press) Read my review.
	*A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse* by Frank Viva (Toon Books - Candlewick Press) Read my review.
	*Penny and Her Song* by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow Books- Harper Collins)
	*Penny and Her Doll* by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow Books- Harper Collins)
	*Pinch and Dash Make Soup* by Michael J. Daley illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski (Charlesbridge)

Early Chapter Books
Taking charge, sleeping over, getting angry, brilliantly plotting, and saving the earth - meet the busy heroes and heroines of the early chapter book finalists!

	Ivy and Bean Make the Rules by Annie Barrows illustrated by Sophie Blackall (Chronicle Books) Read my review.
	Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell (Candlewick Press)
	Sadie and Ratz by Sonya Hartnett (Candlewick Press) Read my review.
	Violet Mackerel's Brilliant Plot by Anna Branford illustrated by Elanna Allen (Atheneum - Simon & Schuster)
	Marty McGuire Digs Worms! by Kate Messner illustrated by Brian Floca (Scholastic) Read my review.

This list , complete with our blurbs, can be found on the Cybils site, along with the full list of Cybils finalists in all categories. Winners will be announced on Valentine's Day. Congratulations, all!

Opinions expressed in the reviews linked above are my own, and do not necessarily reflect those of my fellow panelists, or of the panel as a whole.