101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up is a fun handbook for book lovers and their families to read, check off, and give their own book reviews.

A blogging, children’s book reviewing mom writes a comprehensive book that lists book recommendations for kids to read – Wait!  Stop! – you can do that?!  Why didn’t I think of that?  I thought the idea was brilliant before I even got to read the book!  But, of course, I got my hands on a copy and can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  No, not because I spend time doing my own children’s book reviews on my blog, although I obviously am interested in the material – it’s because I like the layout of the book, the information it provides for family’s who are looking for reading material that is age-appropriate, and because the reader also becomes a book reviewer if you follow the guide.  It’s a smart concept and while I could definitely swap a few of the suggested titles on the list with some of my own ideas, it’s a pretty great list of children’s book recommendations that is sorted by age groups started at age 4+.  Nice.

“There are so many amazing books to be discovered and read—and far too many to list in one fun book. The 101 awesome books contained in these pages have one collective message: Be kind, be brave, and make good choices. Remember the struggles of those that came before you and those who will come after you. Be true to yourself, and with every page you turn, live your life like an epic adventure.” From 101 Books to Read Before Your Grow Up (A note from the Author)

101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up is an interactive journal with a list of kid-friendly book recommendations for children to read and become their own reviewer of the books they have read.  What an awesome idea!  Each page has the book title, author, and description of the books with adorable illustrations for each and at the bottom of the page includes a section where you and your child can rate each book and say why they like (or didn’t like..) each one.  Not only are the book recommendations divided into age levels, they are also grouped by subject categories such as fairy tales, fantasy, sports, and nonfiction.  The book includes classic books to new releases and it’s a great way to encourage families to become active participants in reading to develop a love of reading with their children.  It’s an easy reference guide that has so many great titles (A Wrinkle in Time, Pippi Longstocking, and Where the Wild Things Are to name a few!) and since it focuses on children’s books, it’s perfect for families with young children, but also great for readers of any age.  Well done, Bianca, you have a new fan!