Welcome to The Eclectic Reader’s monthly reading report, where I share a handful of books I read across a variety of genres. In January, I previewed a bunch of wonderful romance novels, which you’ll read about in the February Romance Collection on February 14th. Since I can’t share those titles with you today, I’m sharing all of our favorite picture books from the month instead. Here’s a wrap-up of our most-read library acquisitions, plus my potential favorite book of the year.
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The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. Our winter readalong for
might be my favorite book of the year—I know the year just started, but this lush, incisive, and dramatic classic novel will be difficult to top. Following the life and loves of Undine Spragg, a wealthy young woman with ambitions even she can’t articulate, Wharton’s novel explores greed, success, marriage, American culture, and what it means to be rich. I can’t wait to finish recapping with and our discussion episode coming at the end of February is not to be missed!Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb & Erin Kraan. The buffalo’s transition from big tough fluff to tiny little guy makes Theo giggle with delight.
Crocodile Hungry by Eija Sumner & John Martz. Funny pictures, very few words on the page. Theo loves the way the ending upends expectations, and so do I.
Don’t Eat Bees by Dev Petty & Mike Boldt. Chip the goofy dog tells us what to eat and what not to eat, and he is a very smart dog.
Making a Friend by Tammi Sauer & Alison Friend. SOOO CUTE!!!
Gaston by Kelly Dipucchio & Christian Robinson. I’m considering adding this one to our permanent collection just because of how cute it sounds when Theo says the puppies’ names: “Fifi, Foo-foo, Oo La La, and Gaston.” When he wants to read the book he brings it to me and says, “Fifi Foo-foo?” I die.
What did you read in January?
ICYMI
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Love your Theo recommendations. Wish my ten-year-old grandson was young again!