Children's Book Recommendations

This is a Tiny Fragile Snake

Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku children’s book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

Cover for poetry book This is a Tiny Fragile Snae with a small black snake with a yellow line down its back slithering on the ground with a pair of blue and a pair of red tennis shoes in the frame to mean there are people stopping and watching it go past.

This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake 

by Nicholas Ruddock (Author), Ashley Barron (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This poetry collection features informative poems about various animals and insects, highlighting their unique characteristics.

Comments: The illustrations are created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

You Stole My Name Too

You Stole My Name Too children’s book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

The cover of You Stole My Name Too with a tiger and tiger lily face one another.

You Stole My Name Too: A Curious Case of Animals and Plants with Shared Names

by Dennis McGregor (Author), Blue Star Press (Producer)

Brief summary: This is a collection of humorous poems featuring animals and plants with the same names. Sometimes the reasons for the naming are evident, and sometimes not.

Comments: This is the second collection of poetry in the  “You Stole My Name Series.”

The four-line poem is on the left side of the two-page spread, with the animal and plant illustration on the right.

This is an oversized book that really shows the details in his paintings. Prints of the illustrations are sold on his website.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The first of the You Stole My Name Series is You Stole My Name: The Curious Case of Animals with Shared Names.

The cover of poetry book You Stole My Name with a bull and bullfrog looking at each other.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Poetry Picture Book Recommendations for Children

Squirrels eating acorns in a tree

A black bird is looking out of its next made of grass and other natural materials. Cover of Home

A young boy is hiking with backpacks on in South Sister where there are pine trees, mountains, and a lake.

A yellow dog is sitting with a puppy, turtle, cat, and rabbit in front of it with a parrot sitting on a perch behind. Cover of Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends

Cover for poetry book This is a Tiny Fragile Snae with a small black snake with a yellow line down its back slithering on the ground with a pair of blue and a pair of red tennis shoes in the frame to mean there are people stopping and watching it go past.

The cover of You Stole My Name Too with a tiger and tiger lily face one another.

A young Virginia Hamilton lying in the grass with books around her and lilacs. Books's cover

A young girl with an umbrella is walking against the wind with a tree in the background.

Cover of a poetry picture book titled How to Write a Poem done with a girl riding a unicycle over a bunch of wheels

by Kwame Alexander (Author), Deanna Nikaido (Author), Melissa Sweet (Illustrator). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quill Tree Books. 2023. Grades 3-5. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063060906.

Brief summary: Young readers (and future poetry writers) are encouraged to feel and use their imagination as they observe the world around them. They are inspired to write it down as poetry.

For more details or to buy, click on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Cover of a poetry picture book titled Push-Pull Morning with a child hugging a dog

Poetry picture book cover of Where I Live with a child playing in a park in a city with stores and apartment buildings in the background.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Poetry picture book cover of The Dream Train with a girl holding  a megaphone riding on a train with the background of bright colors all swirled together

The Dream Train: Poems for Bedtime 

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Poetry picture book cover of Trees with a child sitting on a branch of a tree looking into a lake

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Lucky Duck

Lucky Duck children’s book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

Lucky Duck cover with Susan, the duck,  sitting in a large pot holding a wooden spoon with vegetables on the table. There is a yellow creature with antennas next to the pot.

Lucky Duck 

by Greg Pizzoli (Author)

Brief summary: Susan the Duck starts her day receiving roller skates two sizes too big and continues with many other unlucky occurrences throughout the day.

Susan answers the door to a wolf, who claims she has won a big pot. She began to feel lucky to win all of the vegetables the wolf kept bringing throughout the day.

Susan soon realizes her bad luck was lucky and her good luck was unlucky.

Comments: This is a humorous story that young readers will enjoy as it unravels and would make for a fun read-aloud. 

The illustrations are drawn with pencil, brush, and Photoshop.

Rating: 4/5 –📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Page when Susan is trying on her two sizes too big roller skates. Her insect friend is underneath the chair. The doorbell rings with the black wolf standing on the other side.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Time to Make Art

Time to Make Art Children’s Book Recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

A young girl has on a beret with a paintbrush in one hand and and a paint tray in the other standing in front of a large easel with various types of artists standing around her. This is the cover of Time to Make Art.

Time to Make Art 

by Jeff Mack (author and illustrator)

Brief summary: A girl wants to know how to make art and asks artists from different decades about their mediums while becoming more inspired to create her own.            

Comments: There is a back section with brief biographical sketches of the artists featured in the story.

What a great book for art teachers to share with students!

Rating:3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

When You Have to Wait

When You Have to Wait Children’s Book Recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

When You Have to Wait cover--A little girl is looking out the window with geese fling in the background while her orange cat is beside her

When You Have to Wait 

by Melanie Conklin (Author), Leah Hong (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A little girl learns that sometimes we must wait even when we want the time to be now. We sometimes have to wait in line, wait for a loved one to return home, and wait to grow enough to ride a bicycle.

Comments: This gentle book explains that we sometimes have no control over making something happen faster. I’d share this at the beginning of the school year and when the class needed a little reminder about patience.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Alphabet Children’s Picture Books: The ABCs in Different Ways

Alphabet children’s book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.*

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

Alphabet Picture Books

Ref in the blue water with a shark swimming in the blue water. There are fish at the top of the pate

A Is for Australian Reefs 

by Frané Lessac (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Everything one would like to know about the Australian Reefs. This picture book has two-page illustrations for each letter that are bright and detailed.

Comments: This could be a group read-aloud sharing the large print, or it can be an individual reading of the more specific facts in small fonts that explain the many details of plants and marine life on each page.

4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A girl with her hand s on her hips at recess standing next to a large letter A with her friends running in the background

A Is for Ambitious (Ambitious Girl, 2) 

by Meena Harris (Author), Marissa Valdez (Illustrator)

Brief summary: ABCs of descriptive words of empowerment. Aimed towards girls. A “stand up and go for what you believe in” type of book. Inspirationally driven.

Sequel to Ambitious Girl, 2021.

Rating 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A banana with a pencil that crossed out bedtime that stood for the B in the alphabet; a star, bear, and crescent book with faces watching the banana

B Is for Bananas 

by Carrie Tillotson (Author), Estrela Lourenço (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Banana does not want to go to bed and makes “B” for banana instead of bedtime. Banana gets tired after going through the alphabet and changing or adding words.

Comments: Cute, humorous bedtime story. 

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Portraits of different boys of various ethnic backgrounds with different names of the alphabet

B My Name Is Boy: A Song of Celebration from Australia to Zimbabwe 

by Dawn Masi (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Twenty-six boys share their name, someone else they know, their country, and a verb, all in alliteration.

Comments: It would be a fun activity for students to copy the book’s style by developing the alliterations with their own names and then sharing them with others.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

If you enjoy this one, there is a companion book titled G My Name is Girl, 2021.

Pink pigs playing on large  alphabet letters

Playful Pigs from A to Z 

by Anita Lobel (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Twenty-six pigs come across a field full of letters. Each pig finds the letter matching its name. In the evening, they all return to their pen.

Comments: Each letter is paired with a pig’s name and a verb. The pages have capital letters across the top, with small case letters on the bottom of each page.

Originally printed in 2015.

Rating 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The letters in the alphabet are talking to one another. z, g, and a.

Alphabuddies: G Is First! 

by Beth Bacon (Author), Karen Kane (Author), Eric Barclay (Illustrator).

Brief summary: “G” wants to be first in the alphabet song, but “A” argues it will mess up reading. The letters experiment to see if this statement is true or not.

Comments: Humorous. Speech bubbles. Individual frames or multi-panels like a graphic novel. Large letters and words.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Alphabet Board Books

A big bear and cub riding bikes with objects of the B in the alphabet

My First Brain Quest ABCs: A Question-and-Answer Book

by Workman Publishing (Author).

Brief summary: Each letter has a noun and a matching alliteration with three questions at the bottom of the page about the page to encourage more conversation. Capital and small letters are featured. Bright colors. One letter per page.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

If you enjoy this book, there are other My First Brain Quest books in the series by Workman Publishing.

Two boys in a small boat on the water with a pirate's flag, monkey, parrot, and seagulls

P Is for Pirate 

by Greg Paprocki (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: This board book ABC book is all about pirates and sea jargon. Unique illustrations in the mid-1900s style.

Comments: I could tell immediately it was a Greg Paprocki ABC book. He has several others in this cool artistic style.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Cartoons of various earth objects like the stars, cloud raining, and a sunflower

Mrs. Peanuckle’s Earth Alphabet (Mrs. Peanuckle’s Alphabet) 

by Mrs. Peanuckle (Author), Jessie Ford (Illustrator)

Brief summary:  Youngers will learn about earth-related topics with explanations.

Bright colors and large graphics. Capital letters.

Comment: This is one of the Mrs. Peanucle’s ABC series.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Six portraits of female musicians

A is for Aretha 

by Leslie Kwan (Author), Rachelle Baker (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Twenty-six black female musicians with a brief explanation of their accomplishments.

Comments: I learned a few I was not aware of too. Illustrated with their portrait and colorful background. I’m unsure how much a baby or toddler could understand, but an excellent source for introducing female musicians and vocabulary.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Photographs of four baby animals

My First ABC Animal Book (Happy Fox Books)

by Editors of Happy Fox Books (Author)

Brief summary: An animal alphabet book illustrated with photographs. Big and small letters. The back has all the animals, and the child is asked if they know them.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

There is another Happy Fox book that came out this year teaching colors called My First Colors: Learn About Our Colorful World. 

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Various cars

C Is for Car: An ABC Car Primer 

by Ashley Marie Mireles (Author), Volha Kaliaha (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A car for each letter.

Comments: I learned some new ones. Good visual introduction to specific cars.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Swimming Children’s Books

Swimming children’s book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

Kids swimming in a blue pool. Our Pool words are in the middle

Our Pool 

by Lucy Ruth Cummins (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: We watch as many wake up and go to the city pool with other families. They change into a bathing suit, get covered with sunblock, and go into the cool blue water. Everyone plays above and below the water until it’s time to eat lunch on spread-out towels on concrete. They do more swimming before heading home with a treat from the ice cream truck.

Comments: The bright summer colors illustrations are showcased in many two page spreads with details and descriptive words that had me feeling like I was at the pool smelling the chlorine, hearing the shouting and laughter, and the coolness of the water.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A young girl swimming in a pool who stopped and lifted her goggles up to stare at the reader

When You Can Swim 

by Jack Wong (Author, Illustrator).

Brief summary: A young child encourages those to learn how to swim and shares all the aquatic wonders they could experience while swimming in various types of waters.

Comments: The back pages include the author sharing his experience of learning how to swim and going back to some of his favorite swimming spots for inspiration to write and illustrate the book.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A girl is on the edge of a diving board looking into the water with plants and marine animals swimming in it

A Dive Into the Blue 

by Ellie Huynh (Author), Bao Luu (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young girl shares her fear of diving into the public pool while standing at the edge of the diving board and letting her imagination almost overcome her from swimming. Will she be able to dive into the blue water?

Comments: I would share this book with students to help them learn coping skills to navigate their fears.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A girl is ready to go swimming with a large life preserver that has a sleeping sloth on top of it

Waiting on Mr. Sloth 

by Katy Hudson (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Sasha is excited to go swimming with her best friend, Mr. Sloth, but is losing her patience with his slowness every step of the way. They finally walk to the lake and have lunch before entering the water. Sasha’s friend is taking too long, and she goes into the lake without him, only to realize it’s not as much fun. Sasha returns to their picnic to find Mr. Sloth in a tree enjoying his surroundings. Will Sasha and Mr. Sloth go swimming together in the future? Will Sasha learn to be patience?

Comments: In the back of the book, there is a discussion of ways to calm oneself when waiting.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Child with nose plugs and goggle on swimming underneath the water

Facing Your Fear of Water (Facing Your Fears) 

by Heather E. Schwartz (Author). Nonfiction Hardcover.

Brief summary: Young readers get advice on ways to be calm if they are afraid of the water and are encouraged to take small steps to learn to be able to go swimming.

Comments: The back sections are Sink or Float, Glossary, Read More, and Internet Sites.

This is one of the Facing Your Fears series.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Media Literacy Related

Social Media Acronyms and Abbreviations

Social media acronyms and abbreviations were researched and gathered into this “PG-13” list by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.  Learn some of the most common social media acronyms and abbreviations used in the computer culture.

Warning: There is some mild profanity, sexual content, and crudeness.

Symbols and Numbers

  • !–I have a question
  • (U)–Arms around you, hug for you
  • *$–Starbucks
  • ,!!!–Talk to the hand
  • /R/–Requesting
  • 02–My two cents or your two cents
  • 10Q–Thank you
  • 121–One to one
  • 123–I agree
  • 1337–Elite
  • 142n8ly–Unfortunately
  • 143–I love you
  • 1432–I love you too
  • 14AA41–One for all, all for one
  • 182–I hate you
  • 187–Murder/homicide
  • 1daful–wonderful
  • 2–to, too, two
  • 20–location
  • 24/7–Twenty-four seven/ all of the time
  • 2b–To be
  • 2B or not 2B–To be or not to be
  • 2b2–To be at
  • 2BZ4UQT–Too busy for you, Cutey
  • 2d4–To die for
  • 2day–Today
  • 2GTB4G–Too good to be forgotten
  • 2G2BT–Too good to be true
  • 2more–Tomorrow
  • 2QT–Too cute
  • 2U2–To you too
  • 303–Mom
  • 4–For, four
  • 403–Deny access to
  • 404–I haven’t a clue
  • 411–Information
  • 420–Marijuana
  • 459–I love you
  • 4AO–For adults only
  • 4COL–For crying out loud
  • 4e–Forever
  • 4EAE–Forever and ever
  • 4eva–Forever
  • 4ever–Forever
  • 4FS–For F— sake
  • 4NR–Foreigner
  • 4Q–F— You
  • 511–Too much information
  • 5FS–Five Finger salute
  • 747–Let’s fly
  • 775–Kiss me
  • 831–I love you
  • 86–Get rid of
  • 88–Hugs and kisses
  • 8t–It
  • 9–Parent is watching
  • 99–Parent is no longer watching
  • 996–Work 9 am-9pm, 6 days a week
  • ::poof::–I’m gone
  • <3–heart
  • =–Reply
  • ?–I have a question
  • @–At
  • @TEOTD–At the end of the day

A

  • A/N–Author’s note
  • A2D–Agree to disagree
  • A3–Anytime, anyplace, anywhere
  • AAAAA–American Association Against Acronym Abuse
  • AAF–As a friend or always and forever
  • AAK–Asleep at keyboard
  • AAMOF–As a matter of fact
  • AAMOI–As a matter of interest
  • AAP–Always a pleasure(as in you’re welcome)
  • AAR–At any rate
  • AAR8–At any rate
  • AAS–Alive and smiling
  • AATK–Always at the keyboard
  • AAYF–As always, your friend
  • AB–A** Backwards
  • ab/abt–About
  • ABH–Anywhere but here
  • ABITHAD–Another blithering idiot thinks he’s a doctor
  • ABT2–About to
  • ACC–Actually
  • ACD–Alt Control Delete
  • ACK–Acknowledgement
  • ACORN–A completely obsessive really nutty person
  • ADAD–Another day; another dollar
  • ADBB–All done bye bye
  • ADIH–Another day in h—
  • ADIP–Another day in paradise
  • AEAP–As early as possible
  • AF–As f*ck
  • AFAGAY–A friend as good as you
  • AFAIC–As far as I’m concerned
  • AFAICT–As far as I can tell
  • AFAIK – As far as I know
  • AFAIR–As far as I remember
  • AFC–Away from computer
  • AFK–Away from keyboard
  • AFPOE–A fresh pair of eyes
  • AIMB–As I mentioned before
  • AIMP–Always in my prayers
  • AISI–As I see it
  • AITR–Adult in the room
  • AKA–Also known as
  • ALAP–As late as possible
  • ALCON–all concerned
  • ALOL–Actually laughing out loud
  • ALOTBSOL–Always look on the bright side of life
  • ALW–Ain’t life wonderful
  • AMA – Ask me anything
  • AMAP–As many(or much) as possible
  • AMBW–All my best wishes
  • AML–All my love
  • API – Application programming interface.
  • ASAP–As soon as possible
  • AWC–After while, crocodile
  • AWHFY–Are we having fun yet?
  • AWOL–Absent without leave
  • ax–Across
  • AYMM–Are you my mother? (sarcastically)
  • AYOR–At your own risk
  • AYSOS–Are you stupid or something?
  • AYTMTB–And you’re telling me this because

B

  • b/c, bc–Because
  • B@U–Back at you
  • B2B–Business-to-business
  • B2C–Business-to-consumer
  • B4–Before
  • B4N–Bye for now
  • BAE–Before anyone else
  • BAK–Back at keyboard
  • BAU–Business as usual
  • BBBG–Bye bye be good
  • BBIAS–Be back in a sec
  • BFF–Best Friends Forever
  • BG–Be good
  • BGBC–Be glad be cheerful
  • BGF–Best girlfriend
  • BI5–Back in five
  • BIBI–Bye bye
  • BIO–Bring it on
  • BION–Believe it or not
  • BIZ–Business
  • BKA–Better known as
  • BL–Belly laughing
  • BON–Believe it or not
  • BR–Bathroom
  • BRB – Be right back
  • BRO–Be right over
  • BSOD–Blue screen of death
  • BTAIM— Be that as it may
  • BTD–Bored to death
  • BTDT–Been there done that
  • BTFLDY–Beautiful day
  • BTN–Better than nothing
  • BTS–Behind the scenes
  • BTTE–Brothers to the end
  • BTW— By the way
  • BUMP–Bring up my post
  • BW–Best wishes
  • BWL–Bursting with Laughter
  • BWTM–But wait, there’s more
  • BYAM–Between you and me
  • BYOB–Bring your own bottle(or beer)
  • BYOD–Bring your own device
  • BYTME–Better you than me
  • BZ–busy

C

  • CAAC–Cool as a cucumber
  • CAS–Crack a smile
  • CBB–Can’t be bothered
  • CBM–Covered by Medicare
  • CBT–Computer based training or cognitive behavioral therapy
  • CC–Carbon Copy
  • CD–Compact disc
  • CM–Call me
  • CMB–Call me back
  • CMIW–Correct me if I’m wrong
  • CS–Career suicide
  • CSL–Can’t Stop Laughing
  • CMGR–Community Manager
  • CMS–Content Management System
  • CMV–Change My View
  • CPC–Cost Per Click
  • CSL–Can’t stop laughing
  • CT–Can’t talk or text
  • CTA–Call-To-Action
  • CTO–Check this out
  • CU–See you
  • CUL–See you later
  • CUZ–Because
  • CWOT–Complete waste of time
  • CX – Customer experience
  • CY–Calm yourself
  • CYE–Check your email
  • CYT–See you tomorrow

D

  • D8–Date
  • DAE–Does anyone else…?
  • DBMIB–Don’t bother me; I’m busy
  • DDAS–Don’t do anything stupid
  • DDG–Drop dead gorgeous
  • def–Definitely
  • dem–Them
  • DFTBA–Don’t forget to be awesome
  • DHYB–Don’t hold your breath
  • DIET–Do I eat today
  • DIKU–Do I know you?
  • ditto–Same here
  • DIY–Do it yourself
  • DJM–Don’t judge me
  • DK–Don’t know
  • DKDC–Don’t know don’t care
  • DLTM–Don’t lie to me
  • DM–Direct message
  • DNBL8–Do not be late
  • DNF–Did not find
  • DOS–Dad over shoulder
  • DP–Domestic partner
  • DPUP–Don’t poop your pants
  • DQMOT–Don’t quote me on this
  • DTRT–Do the right thing
  • dunno–I don’t know
  • DUR–Do you remember
  • DWH–During work hours
  • DYHAB–Do you have a boyfriend?
  • DYHAG–Do you have a girlfriend?
  • DYK – Did you know…?

E

  • E123–Easy as one, two, three
  • EE–Employee
  • ELI5 – Explain like I’m five
  • EM–Excuse me
  • EMA–Email address
  • EMBM–Early morning business meeting
  • EMI–Excuse my ignorance
  • EML–Email me later
  • ESP-– Email service provider
  • EVRE1–Every one
  • EYD–Enjoy your day
  • EZ–Easy

F

  • F–Friend
  • F/U–Follow up
  • F2F–Face to Face
  • FAQ–Frequently asked questions
  • FAV–Favorite
  • FAWC–For anyone who cares
  • FB –- Facebook
  • FBF  Flashback Friday
  • FBO –Facebook official
  • FCOL–For crying out loud
  • FF –Follow Friday; also frequent flyer
  • FFA–Free for all
  • FIL–Father-in-law
  • FIMH–Forever in My Heart
  • Fit–outfit
  • FITYMI–Fake it til you make it
  • FLOTUS–First Lady of the United States
  • FMOT–Follow me on Twitter
  • FOMO –Fear of missing out
  • FR–For real
  • FS–For sale
  • FSBO–for sale by owner
  • FTBL–Football
  • FTBOMH–From the bottom of my heart
  • FTE–Full time employee
  • FTFY-Fixed that for you
  • FTTB–For the time being
  • FUTAB–Feet up, take a break
  • FTL–for the loss
  • FTW-For the win
  • FWD–Forward
  • FWIW–For what it’s worth
  • FYC–For your consideration
  • FYEO–For your eyes only
  • FYI –- For your information

G

  • G2G or GTG-Got to go
  • G4I–Go for it
  • G8–Great
  • G9–Genius
  • GA-Google Analytics
  • GAHOY–Get a hold of yourself
  • GF–Girlfriend
  • GFN–Gone for now
  • GG -Good game
  • GJ–Good job
  • GL–Good luck
  • GMTA–Great minds think alike
  • GN–Good night
  • GOAT–Greatest of all time
  • GOI–Get over it
  • GRAS–Generally recognized as safe
  • GRATZ–Congratulations
  • GRWM–Get ready with me
  • GTG–Got to go
  • GTR –Got to run

H

  • H&K–Hugs and kisses
  • hahaha–Laughing
  • HAND–Have a nice day
  • HBD – Happy birthday
  • Hi 5–High five
  • HIFW – How I feel when…
  • HMB – Hit me back
  • HMU – Hit me up
  • Howru–How are you?
  • HR–Human resources
  • HT or H/T-Hat tip. Used for acknowledging, appreciating or thanking other users.
  • HTH — Here to help or happy to help
  • HTML–Hyper text markup language

I

  • i h8 it-I hate it
  • IAM–In a meeting
  • IANAD–I am not a doctor
  • IANAL–I am not a lawyer
  • IBTD–I beg to differ
  • ICBW–I could be wrong
  • ICO-911–In case of emergency
  • ICW–I can’t wait
  • ICWUM–I see what you mean
  • ICYMI — In case you missed it
  • IDC — I don’t care
  • IDGI–I don’t get it
  • IDK– I don’t know
  • IDST–I didn’t say that
  • IDTS–I don’t think so
  • IFYP–I feel your pain
  • IG –Instagram
  • IFYP–I feel your pain
  • IHNC–I have no clue
  • IHU–I hear you
  • IIRC–If I remember correctly
  • IJ–Inside joke
  • IKR — I know, right?
  • ILU–I love you
  • ILY –- I love you
  • IM–Instant message
  • IMHO — In my humble opinion
  • IMI–I mean it
  • IMO — In my opinion
  • IMS–I am sorry
  • IMU–I miss you
  • IRL — In real life
  • ISO–In search of
  • ISP–Internet service provider
  • IT–Information technology
  • IYKWIM–If you know what I mean
  • IYKYK–If you know, you know

J

  • J4F–Just for fun
  • JIC–Just in case
  • JK — Just kidding
  • JOMO–Joy of missing out
  • JS–Just saying
  • JTM– Just the messenger
  • JSYK–Just so you know

K

  • KBD–Keyboard
  • KCCO–Keep calm & carry on
  • kewl–cool
  • KIA–Killed in action
  • KISS–Keep it simple, stupid
  • KIT–Keep in touch
  • KITY–Keep it to yourself
  • KK–Okay or kiss kiss
  • KPC–Keeping parents clueless

L

  • L8–Late
  • L@U–Laughing at you
  • LG–Life’s good
  • LGBTQ–Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+
  • LGGBDTTTIQQAAPP–Lesbian, gay, genderqueer, bisexual, demisexual, transgender, transsexual, twospirit, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, allies, pansexual, polyamorous
  • LHK–Love hugs kisses
  • LHM–Lord have mercy
  • LI–LinkedIn
  • LIG–Life is good or let it go
  • LMAO — Laughing my a** off
  • LMK— Let me know
  • LMS— Like my status
  • LOK–Lots of kisses
  • LOL— Laughing out loud
  • LOLz–Laughing out loud sarcastically
  • LOML–Love of my life
  • LUMU–Love you miss you
  • LYLAB–Love you like a brother
  • LYLAS–Love you like a sister

M

  • M02–My two cents
  • meh–whatever, who cares
  • MEJR–My eyes just rolled
  • MFC–Meet for coffee
  • MFW– My face when…
  • MIA–Missing in action
  • MIL–Mother-in-law
  • MIRL–Meet in real life
  • MOV–My own views
  • MRW–My reaction when
  • MSG–Message
  • MT–Modified tweet
  • MU–Miss you
  • MTFBWY— May the Force be with you
  • MYOB–Mind your own business

N

  • NAGI–Not a good idea
  • NATO–No action, talk only
  • NAVY–Never gain volunteer yourself
  • NB–Not bad
  • NBD— No big deal
  • ne1–Anyone
  • Ne2H–Need to have
  • NIMBY–Not in my back yard
  • NIMJD–Not in my job description
  • NM— Not much
  • NME–Enemy
  • NMP–Not my problem
  • NMU–Not much, you?
  • NMY–Nice meeting you
  • NP–No problem
  • NSFL–Not safe for life
  • NSFWNot safe for work
  • NTH–Nice to have
  • NVM— Never mind
  • NW–No way
  • NWR–Not work related
  • NWT–New with tags
  • NYT–Name your trade

O

  • OAN–On another note
  • OAO–Over and out
  • OBO–Or best offer
  • Obvs–Obviously
  • OC–Original content
  • OH– Overheard
  • OK–Okay
  • OMDB–Over my dead body
  • OMG–Oh, my God!
  • OMW— On my way
  • ONNA–Oh no, not again
  • ONUD–Oh no you didn’t
  • OOAK–One of a kind
  • OOO–Out of the office
  • OOS–Out of stock
  • OOTD— Outfit of the day
  • OP– Original post
  • OST–On second thought
  • OTC–Over the counter
  • OTL–Out to lunch
  • ORLY–Oh, really?!

P

  • P2P–Person to person, or peer to peer
  • P911–Parent alert
  • PA–Parent alert
  • PAH–Parent at home
  • PAW–parents are watching
  • PC–Personal computer or politically correct
  • PD–Public domain
  • PDQ–Pretty darn quick
  • PBB–Parent behind back
  • PIF–Paid in full
  • PIN–Pinterest
  • PITR–Parent in the room
  • Pls–Please
  • PM–Private message
  • POA–Plan of action
  • POMS–Parent over my shoulder
  • POTD–Photo of the day
  • POV–Point of view
  • POW–Prisoner of war
  • PPC–Pay per click
  • PPL – People
  • PR–Public relations or PageRank
  • PRT–Please retweet
  • PS–Post script
  • PSA–Public service announcement
  • PTB–Please text back
  • PU–That stinks
  • PV— Page views

Q

  • Q&A–Question and answer
  • Q4u–Question for you
  • QOTD–Quote of the day
  • QQ–Crying or quick question
  • QYB–Quit your bitching

R

  • R&R–Rest and relaxation
  • RBTL–Read between the lines
  • RC–Remote control
  • RDV–Reader’s Digest version
  • RIP–Rest in peace
  • RL–Real life
  • RLRT–Real life retweet
  • RN–Right now
  • RNN–Reply not necessary
  • ROFL— Rolling on the floor laughing
  • ROFLMAO— Rolling on the floor laughing my a** off
  • ROI–Return on investment
  • RSS–Really simple syndication or rich site summary
  • RSVP–Respondez S’il Vous Plait
  • RT–Retweet or real time
  • RTD–Real-time data
  • RUOK–Are you OK?
  • RUS–Are you serious?

S

  • S/N–Serial number
  • S2U–Same to you
  • SaaS–software as a service
  • SALT–Same as last time
  • SANM–Starting a new message
  • SB–Stand by
  • SC–Snapchat or stay cool
  • SCOTUS–Supreme court of the United States
  • sec–Wait a second
  • SEM–Search engine marketing
  • SEO–search engine optimization
  • SERP–search engine results page
  • SETE–Smiling ear to ear
  • SFW— Safe for work
  • SGTM–Sounds good to me
  • SH–Sh** happens
  • shhh-Quiet
  • SHID–Slap head in disgust
  • SIL–Sister-in-law
  • SIN–Stop it now
  • SIT–Stay in touch
  • SM–Social media
  • SMART–specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely
  • SMB–Small and medium-sized business
  • SMH— Shaking my head
  • SMM–Social media marketing
  • SMO–Social media optimization
  • SMP–Social media platform
  • SO–Significant other
  • SOB–Son of a b*tch
  • SOH–Sense of humor
  • SOHO–Small office home office
  • SoLoMo–Social, Local, Mobile
  • SOML–Story of my life
  • SOV–Share of voice
  • Squad–group of friends
  • SRSLY–Seriously
  • SSDD–Same stuff, different day
  • SU–Shut up
  • sub–What’s up
  • Sus–Suspicious or sketchy
  • SWAK–Sealed with a kiss

T

  • T&C–Terms and conditions
  • t+–Think positive
  • t2go–Time to go
  • T2UL–Talk to you later
  • T4P–Thanks for posting
  • TA–Thanks again
  • TAM–Thanks a million
  • TBA–To be announced
  • TBC–To be continued
  • TBD–To be decided or determined
  • TBH– To be honest
  • TBBH— To be brutally honest
  • TBT— Throwback Thursday
  • TBYB–Try before you buy
  • TC–Take care
  • TCOB–Taking care of business
  • TCOY–Take care of yourself
  • TEAM–Together everyone achieves more
  • TFTF–Thanks for the follow
  • TFW– That feeling when…
  • TGIF— Thank God it’s Friday
  • Thx–Thanks
  • TIA–Thanks in advance
  • TIL— Today I learned…
  • TIME–Tears in my eyes
  • TL;DR– Too long; didn’t read
  • TMB–Tweet me back
  • TMI— Too much information
  • TNO–Tell no one
  • TOM–Tomorrow
  • TNTL–Trying not to laugh
  • TOON–Cartoon
  • TOY–Thinking of you
  • TOS–Terms of service
  • TT–TikTok
  • TTKU–Try to keep up
  • TTTT–To tell the truth
  • TTUL–Talk to you later
  • TTYL–Talk to you later
  • TTYN–Talk to you never
  • TTYS–Talk to you soon
  • TW–Twitter
  • Txt–Text
  • TY–Thank you
  • TYVM–Thank you very much

U

  • UFN–Until further notice
  • UGC–User generated content
  • UI–user interface
  • UR2K–You are too kind
  • URL–Uniform resource locator
  • UV–Unique visitor
  • UX–User experience

V

  • VBD–Very big deal
  • VFM–Value for money
  • VGN–Vegan or vegetarian
  • VIM–Very important member
  • VIP–Very important person
  • VM–Voice mail
  • VOD–Video on demand
  • VWD–Very well done

W

  • w/–With
  • WAD–Without a doubt
  • WADR–With all due respect
  • WAI–What an idiot
  • WAY–Where are you?
  • WAYD–What are you doing?
  • WBU– What about you?
  • WDYM–What do you mean?
  • WE–Whatever
  • WFH— Working from home
  • WIP–Work in progress
  • WKYP–Will keep you posted
  • WOM–Word of mouth
  • WOTD–Word of the day
  • WTF–What the f—?
  • WTH–What the hay?, What the heck?, or What the h*ll?
  • WTPA–Where’s the party at?
  • WUWH–Wish you were here
  • WUZUP–What’s up?
  • WYA–Where you at?
  • WYP–What’s your problem?
  • WYRN–What your real name?
  • WYWH–Wish you were here

X

  • X–Times
  • X-I-10–Exciting
  • XAXA–Ha Ha
  • XOXO–Hugs and kisses
  • XX–Kiss kiss

Y

  • Y–Why? or yes
  • YA–Yet another
  • Yas or Yaaas–yes; overly excited
  • YATI–You’re a total idiot
  • YB–You b*itch
  • YDKM–You don’t know me
  • YGBK–You gotta be kidding
  • YGM–You got ma
  • YGTBK–You’ve got to be kidding
  • YGTR–You got that right
  • YIU–Yes, I understand
  • YNK–You never know
  • YKWIM–You know what I mean
  • YOLO— You only live once
  • YOYO–You’re on your own
  • YSK–You should know
  • YT–YouTube
  • YW–You’re welcome

Z

  • Z–Said
  • zerg–To gang up on someone
  • ZZZ–sleeping, tired, bored
Children's Book Recommendations

How I Evaluate and Recommend Picture Books

How I Evaluate and Recommend Picture Books is written by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

Picture book recommendations first photo of children reading while sitting on giant books

I have many questions as I evaluate children’s books to make the best picture book recommendations. I’ve read and shared thousands of books as an elementary school librarian. Contrarily though, I may only chose one from a stack of thirty books I can recommend.

Enjoy the Book

I taught my students to read the book, feel the emotion, and hear the words. Above all, get the aesthetic experience. (I still do that when I first pick up a book). Undoubtedly, I never asked questions while reading a picture book aloud for the first time during story time. It was afterward that I examined the book more closely…or not. Sometimes, it’s enough to enjoy a picture book. With this in mind, my main goal was to teach the joy of reading.

Having a mock Caldecott Read-In with my students was one of the best ways I taught how to evaluate books and give picture book recommendations to others. I borrowed about a hundred picture books that were stand-outs. However, I also threw in(without telling them) those that were…(well)…not ones I would recommend.


I allowed the students to grade with a 😁😐☹️ face. They then voted for the one they thought would win the Caldecott Medal Award (a medal given annually to an American illustrator). Next, we had thoughtful conversations about how they evaluated picture books. Lastly, they would use persuasive thinking to get others to vote for the same book they nominated.

An important issue I emphasized was that when the award was announced and their book was not chosen, it did not mean it was unworthy. Subsequently, we would talk about famous books from the past everyone loved that have not won any medals.

The Questions

I still use these questions when I recommend a book, but ONLY AFTER I first read the book on its own. Undoubtedly, I love the beauty of picture books and want to feel their “soul. ” Analyzing them is secondary.

The Words

  • Are these words appropriate for an elementary-aged child? Are they using these words in a child’s everyday life?
  •  Do the words flow in a legato style when they should? Are they short and choppy when they are supposed to be?
  •  How do they sound when read aloud? Does it sound like a tongue twister but not supposed to sound like one?
  •  Are there patterns? Rhyming? Rhythms? How do the words sound to the ears? Do they sound awkward? Are they forced?
  •  Do the words convey the correct emotions and mood of the book? Do the word choices match the emotion? Is it supposed to be funny? Sad? Silly?
  •  Do the page turns of the book interrupt the idea?
  •  Is the story unique, or has it been done several times already?
  •  Is the font a good fit for the book? Is it large enough for a child to read?
  •  Where do the words appear on the page? Are they all over and difficult to follow?
  •  How is the story being told? Are there too many characters? Is it confusing to follow? Predictions? Surprises?
  •  Is the topic of the story something children can relate to currently in their lives? Is it too complicated? Should it be a board book instead? Babyish?
  •  Dialogic reading? Is this story something they talk about with others? Or is it more of a listening book that someone reads aloud? Or is this one better read alone?
  •  What is the perspective of the story? Who’s telling the story?
  •  Are the words talking down to a child? Are they morally heavy?

Illustrations

  • What is the medium(s)? Was it digitally rendered? Was it a hybrid?
  • What is the level of technique? Does it stand out? Is it unique? Is there a style?
  • What are the visual elements? Line, shape, color, value, form, texture, space. How is the white of the page being used?
  • What colors are being used? Are the colors symbolic? Is color therapy being used? Complimentary colors? Bright? Dark? Contrasting?
  • Do the text and illustrations go well with one another?
  • Are there details in the illustrations not told in the text?
  • Would I know the book’s story if I took the text away?

The Cover

  • Is the title prominent? Or is the author’s?
  • Are the colors matching with the tone/mood of the book?
  • Is the font style easy to read?
  • Is there a blurb on the back?
  • Do the front and back covers correlate?
  • Does the cover represent the story inside?
  • Does it grab your attention?

Flaps

  • Does the front flap give a summary of the book?
  • Does the back flap tell about the author/illustrator?

End Pages

  • Are the pasted-down end pages white? Are they illustrated? Does the story begin or end on them?

End of the Book

  • Is there an author’s note? An illustrator’s?
  • If a nonfiction–is there a timeline, biographical notes, bibliography, index, suggestion reading, or photos? More information?

Misc.

  • Who is the author? Is this their first book? If a nonfiction picture book, is this person an expert on the subject? Is this a celebrity? What country are they from? And does that matter?
  • Is this a well-known author? Is it just like the others they have already written? Is there a repeated formula?
  • Is this book being translated? Was something lost in the translation?
  • Who is the illustrator? Is this their first book? Are they an artist well-known in other mediums?
  • Is this book political? Have an agenda? Age appropriate for elementary students? Developmentally appropriate? Is this a topic a child would care about in elementary school?

Star Rating Explained

Another key point of my evaluations is that I do not share picture book recommendations that deserve a half to two and a half stars. I’m not going to be that person. As shown below, the lowest star I give is a three, while the highest is a five.

If I’m on a site that does not allow half stars, I round up.

Picture Book Recommendation star rating of three to five

In Conclusion

 While I read these books, I always remember that the person or persons creating this book in my very hands is someone’s dream, someone’s “baby,” that they worked really hard on and are willing to share with the world. This is why I don’t share bad reviews. I simply put it back in my tote bag to return to the library. In addition, it may be a child’s favorite book, and I don’t want them to read online that I did not recommend that piece of literature and with the reasons why it was not up to par.

Even after retiring, I still read children’s books, especially picture ones. I was lucky to have found my passion and was paid for sharing it. I still enjoy my love and can now share it online with a broader audience of book lovers and book worms. The picture book recommendations are ninety-nine percent ones I check out of the public library. I appreciate the Central Library Consortium and am thankful for being in an area in the USA with such outstanding library systems.

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Book Lover Gifts–Jigsaw Puzzles

Book lover gifts–puzzles recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Cat Jigsaw Puzzles

Beachcombers with cats and kittens sunning and reading on a beach

Beachcombers–300 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Frederick the Literate of a tabby cat sleeping on a bookshelf

Frederick the Literate— 750 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Dog Jigsaw Puzzles

Collection of dog book covers

Dog stories–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Children’s Books Jigsaw Puzzle

Collection of picture book covers

Story Time –1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

I have this one on my wall:

Classic Novels Jigsaw Puzzles

1980s Novels-1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

covers of Jane Austen book covers

Jane Austen–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

collection of American novels

Great American novels–1,000 Jigsaw Puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

collection of British novels

British Classics–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces.

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Mystery and Horror Jigsaw Puzzles

Collection of murder mystery book covers

Murder Mystery Books–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Collection of mystery book covers

Mystery Books–1,000 jigsaw puzzle books

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Collection of Edgar Allan Poe book covers

Edgar Allan Poe’s— 1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Bookstore Jigsaw Puzzles

instide a bookstore

Bizarre Bookshop 2–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces. I own this own but have not put it together.

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Inside a book palace with a second floor of bookshelves and an orage cat sitting on a table

The Book Palace–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Very detailed bookstore with many floors and different book sections

In the Bookstore–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Miscellaneous

Abstract world of humans and books

Book World–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

Person reading with a cup of coffee inside a cozy room

Cozy Retreat–500 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.

First lines of literature all over the box

First Lines of Literature–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces

For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.