Engaging Young Readers One Book at a Time

Tag: Bookish News

September, School, Bookish News and More at Books by Rose

Welcome September 2025!

We have been waiting for you, weather wise, that is. We had many hot days this summer, and we know it’s not over quite yet.

Back to School

I loved all the “Back to School” photos and news.

Back to School

Things sure have changed since I was in school.

*Laptops and computers are more the norm with less supplies for school.

*School did not begin until after Labor Day weekend. Many states have moved into yearlong school days.

*The subjects taught are much more advanced, along with learner’s tackling more and more information.

When I asked for helpful hints in preparing for “back to school,” viewers suggested getting into a routine early, before school started. Getting up earlier, planning their days ahead, including clothes, meals, and upcoming school events. We always kept a lunch calendar on our refrigerator, which helped a lot.

What changes have you noticed? What ideas would you suggest for a smooth transition to back to school?

The school year seems to make time pass more quickly, so make sure to enjoy each day! 🙂

Bookish News – Gina Rae Mitchell’s Post

A big thanks to Gina Rae Mitchell for her feature and review for my new book, “Magical Fashion Show Contest.”

Click on the title below to read more. 🙂

Goodreads Challenge 2025

Goodreads Challenge Update

These three books received 5 stars from me.

5 Stars
5 Stars

“Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman – (Adult Book)

Review on Goodreads

“Easy Watercolor Flowers: 45 Beautiful Paintings for Beginners” by Blanca Rosen

Bianca Rosen, the creative mind behind @artbybianca. Learn how to paint gorgeous flowers like playful pansies, wildflowers, garden blooms, or tropical vibes. I had fun reading and following the easy tutorial instructions.
There are easy-to-follow illustrated instructions that break each step down into just 3-6 illustrations. Bianca’s simple, single-bloom technique is perfect for watercolor newbies. I recently recommended this book to a friend who is just starting with watercolor painting.

“Draw in Ten Minutes: Botanicals – Learn how to draw in 50 quick sketches” by Emma Tildesley

I read the paperback version of “Draw in 10 Minutes: Botanicals – Learn how to draw in 50 quick sketches” by Emma Tildesley from our library.
It has very simple instructions that were fun to try out.

New Art Page News

My first artist interview with “In The Art Zone With Artist, Author, and Teacher, Rebecca Lyndsey”

Click on the image below to read more!

If you are an artist and would like to be featured on this family-friendly page, please write me a note, and we can arrange a future interview.

In The Art Zone at Books by Rose

If you look at my website page, you’ll noticed I opened a spot for author interviews. I have a new one to add and I can’t wait for you to meet this special author who writes Middle Grade books.

Welcome Yvetta Doll Franklin!

Click on her image below to read my interview with her.

Yvetta Doll Franklin
Yvetta Doll Franklin

Now, on to those busy nights when you are in a rush to get out the door to your next sports event. Hopefully, this meal will save you some time. It sure helped us in the 90s, and it’s why I picked it to include in my latest book.

Recipe Out Of My New Book – 1990s Hot Pocket Sandwiches

If you have read my new book, Magical Fashion Show Contest,” you know I have shared three recipes, among other fun activities to do.

Make these up, set on a cookie sheet, add to a ziplock bag, and freeze. Pop them in the oven or microwave. If you like them crispy on the bottom, just add them to a hot pan that’s been sprayed with cooking spray for a few seconds.

1990s Hot Pocket Sandwiches

They are easy to make and cook in just a few short minutes in your pre-heated oven at 400°.

What you will need:

*1 can of ready made pizza dough or biscuits.

*Any type of sauce you like. (Red or white Alfredo sauce.)

*Your choice of cooked leftover meat(s): Ground Beef, Ground Turkey, Ham, or Pepperoni.

*Shredded or sliced cheese. Your choice of, Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Provolone cheese.

*Parmesan Cheese for sprinkling on top.

*Olive oil.

How to make:

*Break dough into 8 sections. Flatten dough or biscuit into ½ or ¼ inch circle. (This will depend on the dough you choose.)

*Spread two tablespoons of sauce on your circle of dough, stopping at ¼ inch of the edges.

*Add as much meat as you would like.

*Sprinkle with desired amount of cheese.

*Place one of your flattened pieces of dough on top of the one you made with the meat. Crimp with a fork to seal edges.

*Brush olive oil over the top of each sandwich.

*Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

*Score or cut an X on each sandwich for steam to escape.

*Bake on a greased pan sheet at 400° for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.

*Special note: Ovens may vary, so keep an eye on them. Peek inside of the dough for doneness, if needed.

That’s all I have for now. Let us know if you have any comments or questions about this September post.

Please don’t forget to update us on any plans or news you may have. 🙂

Tell Us About You!
Tell Us About You!

Have a wonderful month, and as always,

Happy Reading! 🙂

Rosie

Bookish News and More at Books by Rose

Happy November 2023!

Bookish News at Books by Rose

First, here’s some bookish news from October. Also, I hope to hear about what books you have been reading and what plans you have for November 2023.

Let’s get started…

My Recent Book Launch

If you been following page for some time now, you know I just finished a twenty day book launch for my 15th book. What fun we had! I miss my people already and am so very thankful to all those who showed up. 💗

We had these Amazon Ecard winners! Yay! Congratulations everyone! Happy shopping and I hope you get something for yourself or someone you love.

Winners

Missed My Book Launch?

If you missed my book launch, we were celebrating these two new books.

(Click on the image below for a closer look on Amazon. Feel free to look around for some of my other titles while you are there, too.)

Rosie Russell's Book on Amazon

More Bookish News

Have you heard of the award winning and lovingchildren’s author, Mrs. D? She’s amazing and I was given the opportunity to read three of her latest books. Here they are with my reviews.

5 Stars
"Kitten in the Window"

 On Amazon – ► A heartwarming story young and independent readers will love!

I wish I would have had a story like, “Kitten in the Window (Kitten’s Stories Book 1,)” by Mrs. D and illustrated by Saima Malik when I was growing up with all the litters of kitten we had over the years.

We all have our own distinctiveness, whether it be in size, appearance, ability, communication style, or even coloration.
When the sweet calico kitten in this story stood out from her large litter, appearing completely different from her siblings, she had many questions. Feeling disheartened, her mama cat taught her a valuable lesson: every living being on Earth possesses their own distinctiveness that is worthy of celebration.

With its vibrant illustrations and empowering message, this charming children’s book encourages love, acceptance, and the celebration of individuality.

I highly recommend this story for read a louds at home and in the classrooms.

5 Stars
"The Day Before Thanksgiving"

 On Amazon ► Based on a true story young readers will love.

“The Day Before Thanksgiving (Kitten’s Stories Book 2,)” written by Mrs. D and illustrated Saima Malik is another adorable tale about an old outside cat and it’s pre-Thanksgiving adventure.

The day before Thanksgiving, a curious little kitten observes the autumn leaves gracefully floating among the autumn skies outside. The day is filled with anticipation and joy, until he witnesses the old outside cat from his window, who unfortunately finds himself a challenging situation. Caught with the surprise of a wild turkey, the old cat’s hunting endeavors take a turn for the worse. Will he survive this great predicament?

I highly recommend this holiday Thanksgiving story for readers at home or in the classrooms.

5 Stars
"Forgotten Christmas Tree"

 On Amazon ► Christmas themed story for young and independent readers.

An adorable little kitten couldn’t contain her excitement as she meets a beautiful real Christmas tree waiting to be adorned with decorations in the corner of their garage. She spots an old Christmas tree neglected, abandoned and forgotten in a mass of past years decorations. Which one will be picked?
The illustrations are stunning and are absolutely breathtaking.
“Forgotten Christmas Tree (Kitten’s Stories Book 3,)” written by Mrs. D. and illustrated by Saima Malik has done it again in this cute Kitten series.

Goodreads Challenge Books

Since October, I’ve read the following books for the Goodreads Challenge. (The above children’s books did not count towards the challenge since they were not at least 100 pages.)

I have 14 more books to read before December 31, 2023. Do you think I’ll make it? I sure hope so.

5 Stars
"The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (The Penderwicks, #1,") by Jeanne Birdsall

Even though, “The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (The Penderwicks, #1,”) by Jeanne Birdsall’s is for ages 8 to 12, I really enjoyed this book. I’m looking forward to reading the second one, now.
It’s a magical tale of a fun summer vacation of four sisters and the characters they meet.
I highly recommend these books for home and classroom read a louds.

5 Stars
When You Care Enough: The Story of Hallmark Cards and Its Founder by Joyce C. Hall, Curtiss Anderson, Dr. Franklin D. Murphy (Foreword)

When You Care Enough: The Story of Hallmark Cards and Its Founder by Joyce C. Hall, Curtiss Anderson, Dr. Franklin D. Murphy (Foreword)

This book was originally published in 1979. It’s a large, 260 page hardcover book, which would make a great coffee table book.

Since I live in Kansas City, MO, I have known about this greeting card business, Hallmark cards, since their home office is here along with “Halls,” “The Hallmark Channel,” and the shopping center, “Crown Center” became so famous.

If you’d like to learn how Joyce C. Hall started his business and enjoy learning about a “rags to riches” story, you will want to read this one. This was an interesting book and I learned so much from this iconic salesman and his team. He was a man of integrity and ran his company just the same. He valued his employees and his family the most.

Another Barbie Book…

After reading the Ruth Handler’s story about how she invented Barbie, I found this great book to add to my reading list. “Dressing Barbie: A Celebration of the Clothes That Made America’s Favorite Doll and the Incredible Woman Behind Them,” by designer and author Carol Spencer.
This is a large hardcover book with beautiful designs by Spencer. The stories, which spanned over many decades, tells how each outfit inspired the changing times. I found it interesting and fun to read. If you are a Barbie fan, here’s another must read.

I’ve always loved everything Barbie but I still haven’t seen the 2023 movie.

If you have watched it, what were your thoughts? Yay or nah?

Currently Reading…

Hello Beautiful, by Ann Napolitano – (Adult book)

Now, Let’s Hear From You!

What books have you’ve been reading that you’d like to share?

If you celebrate Thanksgiving here in the USA, what plans do you have?

November

I wish you all a happy holiday. Stay safe and happy travels!

As always,

Happy Reading,

~Rosie

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