Welcome!
It’s lovely to have you back for another month of the What’s On Your Bookshelf Challenge, #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge, hosted by Sue, Donna, Jo and yours truly.
We are all thrilled with how our challenge is going, thanks to everyone who has joined in. If you’re into reading feel free to join us, even if it’s just to leave a comment with what you’ve been reading lately.
The simple purpose of this challenge is to share our love of reading.
Quote from the Hosts of #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge
We are all different and lead different lives, so it stands to reason all of our posts are different too. I love reading my so-host’s posts and seeing how they have treated the monthly challenge.
I’ve reached my reading challenge target of 105 books for the year!
What’s on my bookshelf?
So far in this monthly challenge, I’ve written about the ‘Most…’ books this year and enjoyed sharing my thoughts and breaking down my favourite reads so far this year.
In my 2nd WOYBS post I talked about reading Vs listening to books and included some of my 5 star ratings.
Last month I talked about library books and having a due date to read them by, which helped me prioritise what to read next.
This month it’s all about Children’s Books – and maybe some Christmas presents are in the bag for some lucky grandchildren – luckily they don’t read my blog (yet).
Children’s Books
I’ve chosen these Children’s Books to share, mainly as I’ve bought them for my grandchildren who range in age from 9mths to 3yrs. They all love being read to and enjoy books immensely already, which makes my heart sing! I’ve included links to these in Goodreads.
I too have written a Children’s Book, just for my family, Dottie and the Wombat, and I’ve done courses in writing picture books – I can assure you it’s not as easy as it seems.
Here are some of my recent purchases when I was in the city and able to go shopping!
Bluey: Sleepytime
Bluey (an Australian TV show based on a family of heeler dogs) is a huge hit with our grandchildren (and the adults too if we’re being honest). I have to say this episode was one of my all time favourites. I think mainly because of the music used, which of course you don’t get in a book, but the sentiment is there. I’ve bought this for Christmas for one of my grandchildren.
Based on the hit ABC KIDS TV show! It’s sleepytime at the Heeler house. Come on a dream-filled adventure with Bingo and Bluey. From Joe Brumm, the creator of the award-winning Bluey TV series.
Source
Somebody’s Land – by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing, illustrated by David Hardy
I saw this being talked about on TV the other day so when I was in a bookshop I asked about it. It’s a great little read about our country’s origins.
An accessible picture book for young children that introduces First Nations history and the term ‘terra nullius’ to a general audience, from Australian of the Year, community leader and anti-racism advocate Adam Goodes and political adviser and former journalist Ellie Laing, with artwork by Barkindji illustrator David Hardy.
Source: Goodreads
Bluey: Christmas Swim – Joe Brumm
You can’t have too many Bluey books, I just have to make sure they don’t already have them! Good thing I had their mother along to help lead me in the right direction.
It’s Christmas Day and it’s the perfect weather for a family swim! Bartlebee is Bluey’s new toy, how will he cope with his first Heeler Christmas?
Goodreads
Cricket I Just Love it – by Alister Nicholson, illustrated by Tom Jellett
The Mathematician heard about this one and while we were in the shops at the big smoke, I was able to buy one for each of the family. It appealed to the Mathematician’s love of cricket and as it’s written by a sports broadcaster, it seems to be spot on!
From classic catches to backyard matches, this is a joyful and heartfelt celebration of all things cricket, written by a much-loved ABC sports broadcaster.
Cricket, I just love it! It really is the best.
Batting, bowling, fielding, Twenty20 or a test.
I watch it or I listen and of course I always play.
Cricket is my favourite part of every single day.
For any kid who’s ever hit a six over the back fence or dreamed of making a century at the MCG, here is a love song to Australia’s most iconic summer sport.
What have I read during November?
We’ve finally finished Charlotte Bronte’s Villette with my online bookclub ladies. Here’s my review on Goodreads:
I don’t know what I think having just finished reading Villette. It was hard to read at times, too wordy, frustrating, annoying and I’ll admit that for most of the book I detested Lucy Snowe, but towards the end I found myself coming around. The ending was like the rest of the book and although it annoyed me not to have a defined ending, it was a perfect ending for Charlotte to write. It summed up the whole story very well. Our book club has read the book in sections, discussing each section before moving on – I don’t think I could have persevered if it had been done any other way.
- The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman – I have since finished this and thoroughly enjoyed it – 5*
- Well Hello by Leigh Sales and Annabel Crab – this is a great one to have on the go, it is easy just to pick it up and read bits and pieces. Always makes me smile.
- The Professor – Charlotte Bronte (our online bookclub has decided to read ALL the Bronte’s works of art, now that we’ve read so many, we figure we may as well continue them – we’ve only got this one and Shirley to go.
- Notes from an Exhibition – Patrick Gale (since finished 3*)
- Case Histories – Kate Atkinson (Jackson Brodie #1) finished now, enjoyed it and rated 4*
- One Good Turn– Kate Atkinson (Jackson Brodie #2)
Guidelines for WOYBS:
What: What’s On Your Bookshelf #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge
When: Third Thursday PM (Northern Hemisphere)/ Third Friday AM (Southern Hemisphere).
Why: Share a love of reading.
Where: Blog, Blog Comments, Instagram or other Social Media.
Who: This linkup is open to everyone.
How: You can share in the comments, with a blog post, or on other social media of your choice. Include the special hashtag #Whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge so that we can find you and include your link in our posts.
But Wait, There’s (Even) More!
To show our appreciation to all participants, contributors are welcome to display a contributor’s badge on their blog, website or social media.
Now it’s over to you, will you join in?
Sue, Donna, Jo and I hope that you will join us in this new(ish) series! If you have any questions just ask of us. You can also link to any, or all of our posts, with a pingback, that way we get to see your posts quicker!
Don’t forget to tell me about the book(s) you’re reading at the moment!
You can read more from co-hosts here:
Some other posts for #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge can be found here:
- Thistles and Kiwis
- Jen’s reviews on her blog Next Phase in Fitness and Life
- Natalie the Explorer (also linking to Natalie’s #weekendcoffeeshare)
- Carol Reading Ladies
- Joanne’s Slices of Life
- Travels with Ali
- Lydia’s Where the Wild things Were
- Julie’s Eat Live Play
- Deb The Widow Badass Blog
- Bernie’s post
We’re all in this together, sharing our love of reading 🙂
Deb xx
You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.
Everyone has a story to tell!
Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. You can read more of Deb’s story here
Copyright © 2024 debs-world.com – All rights reserved
What a great post and a lovely challenge. I’m on Goodreads, and I don’t look at my profile much, but I did this week. I noticed that I’m double reading 37 books. Yikes! This past week I finished The Color Purple by Alice Walker. It’s an eye-opening book about race, sexual abuse, and sexual orientation. A walk through the protagonist’s life showed amazing changes in her perspectives on life. It makes you think and keep an open mind, knowing that the whole world doesn’t think like you do because they grew up in much different living conditions.
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Thanks for dropping by Marsha and for such a lovely comment. Double booking 37 books at once is a pretty good effort 🙂 I remember seeing the movie of the Colour Purple years ago and it was quite harrowing.
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It is harrowing in the book, too. I only know about the 37 books because Goodreads keeps track of me. Sometimes I lose interest and never go back to the book. I used to feel obligated, but who has time, if you just can’t get into it? I’m looking forward to starting a new series recommended by a blogger called St. Mary’s Chronicles.
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Hi Deb, I live in a constant state of doublebooking, but I blame Kindle for this.I avoid buying hard cover books anymore because they have already taken over our home and I can’t part with them fast enough to leave more than paths through our home. So I kindle and have both a tablet and mobile phone which both have the Kindle app. Kindle will sync one title between which ever, but it’s not dependable and I don’t mind having one book going on my phone while leaving another on my tablet. I don’t read as much as I used to because I try to get some writing in each day and real life intrudes often that I stay busy anyway.
I’ve decided I like doublebooking and allow a story to meander or gush and keep me up late as it deserves. It’s all good.
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Yes I’m with you Gary, I’m into double-booking and don’t feel guilty at all! I’m still managing to read a lot usually a mix of library books, borrowed books and kindle books, as you say they’re very good at syncing from one device to another – so clever!
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Never thought of myself as cheater……doublebooking! I can’t help myself.
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I’m the same!!
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Hi Debbie
Here’s mine – https://travelswithali.com/2021/11/20/%f0%9f%93%9a-whats-on-your-bookshelf-4-%f0%9f%93%9a/
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Thanks for joining in Ali, I have included your link in my post. Off to read now 🙂
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Thanks Debbie 🙂..maybe more for your pile
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Doublebooking! OMG — I love that. It’s so perfect. I may be totally guilty of that.
Ah children’s books – one of my favourite genres. So so many favourites. Might be hard to find down there but Phoebe Gillman has some stellar books..perhaps the local library? Something from nothing, big Sarah’s little boots, the balloon tree and of course Jillian Jiggs. We will be checking out Bluey to see if he’s available here at our library. We read a LOT of books at Nan’s house.
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Yes it seems there are a few of us who tend to doublebook Bernie! I loved the Big Sarah’s Little Boots, as one of my daughters is Sarah and she loved having a book made just for her! I once wrote a post based on that book and changed it to Big Debbie’s boots – good fun! Great to hear you read a lot of books at nan’s house 🙂
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Well you know for sure I am going to go read that post! Yes Nan’s house is full of books and then we also download library books. Reading is something I shared with my children (who both still read lots) and my grandchildren. It’s the best part of having a back issue — reading time equals rest and ice time. Bernie
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I think I said it last month too but the Osmanbook is everywhere! It might be a sign for me to check it out. I’m reading the Graphic Novel version of The Giver which I’m really enjoying so will get the next ones too. And just finishing Wilkie Collins No Name which I found great fun…but soooo long! Almost at the end. #Whatsonmybookshelfchallenge https://pandoraandmax.blogspot.com/2014/01/embodiment-of-dreams.html (I also did a kids book, but written by a kid who is now all grown up)
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I loved The Giver but haven’t seen it in a graphic novel version, sounds great! Thanks for your linkup I’ver added the link into my post 🙂
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I just adore children’s books! Having homeschooled all my boys we have read so many of them and the ones that really pull me in are the ones with beautiful illustrations and moving stories. Of course they always liked anything silly that made them laugh. We used to leave our library with boxes of books at a time.
https://www.myslicesoflife.com/2021/10/books-i-read-in-october.html
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Thanks for joining in with us Joanne. Yes the sillier the better I find! I’ve included your link in my post.
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Congrats Deb on reaching your reading target of the year! It’s great that your grandchildren are early readers. I bet they love to read with you when you’re together. Here’s my contribution:
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Thanks Natalie, most of my family are big readers in one way or another so we’ve done something right along the way! Thanks for joining in with us and I’ve added your link into my post.
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Thank you Debbie for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare. Have a great week!
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Hey Debbie, another great post about books. Thanks for the Bluey recommendations I will put them on the Christmas List. So glad to hear you have started the Jackson Brodie series. I loved all of them.
How clever you’ve written a book I will check it out. Hopefully I will get my post written this weekend
I’m definitely a doublebooker ..even a triple Booker!
My dear husband’s middle name is Villette.
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Thanks Ali, the Jackson Brodie series is going well, although there are times when I want to shake him!! How interesting that your husband’s middle name is Villette, I’ve never heard of that before!
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It was his grandmother’s surname ..the Jackson Brodie series was made into a tv series as well
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I’m off to look up Netflix to watch them!!
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My post…. https://readingladies.com/2021/11/19/my-newbery-project-whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge-newberybooks/
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Thanks Carol, we’re on a similar theme this month!
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Hi Deb I haven’t read any of your book this month. However I’m a fan of Kate Atkinson so have put her books on my list. I was in a book store last week and looking at the children’s. So many beautiful books that I wished I could read to someone’s child. Here’s my #whatsonyourbookshelf post: https://nextphaseinfitness.com.au/november-book-corner/
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Thanks for joining in Jen, your post was great!! I also love the illustrated Children’s Books, some people are so very clever!
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Hi Deb, I love Bluey and so does Elliot! Great stories for children in your list and isn’t it wonderful seeing your grandchildren develop a love for books and reading? I’ve read some of the same books as you over the last month most based on your recommendations!
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It really is wonderful seeing the grandkids enjoying becoming readers for life Sue. I love seeing what we’ve all been reading and getting inspiration from everyone who joins in. Our #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge rocks!!
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The Man Who Died Twice was my fave read last month too. I just love introducing kids to books – firing their imagination and watching their faces with the stories.
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Yes seeing the joy in their faces and firing up their imaginations is wonderful! I’m enjoying my 3 year old’s wild imagination!
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Hi Deb – I’ve been reading some of my old Golden Books to my grandgirls – “My Dolly and Me” is a great favourite. I’ve been wondering what age they need to be to start enjoying stories like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty etc – they seem a bit too long (and a bit scary in places) atm.
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Hi Leanne, that’s a blast from the past with your Golden Books, I’m sure the girls love reading with you. Yes some of those fairy tales can be quite scary so maybe wait until you think they’re ready for that sort of thing.
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I am definitely guilty of double booking. Recenlty we have been enjoying Splat the Cat books in the I Can Read series. My grandson reads them to me or his sister. I bought them at the school booksale, so am glad he is enjoying them now.
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It seems many of us are guilty of doublebooking Carla! Lovely to hear you’re enjoying the I can read series with your grandson, it’s a lovely bond we have with our grandchildren isn’t it?
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It sure is, memories for them and me. 💖
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The Man Who Died Twice is in my pile for the holidays.
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I hope you enjoy it!
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Hi, Debbie – I absolutely love this post. What could possibly be better than a parent and child (or grandparent and child) snuggled up together reading? Your book selections for your grandchildren sound perfect. As our grandchildren are of similar ages, I just may borrow a few of them!
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Thank you co-host Donna. I agree there’s nothing better than seeing children develop a love of reading through parents/grandparents.
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I’m putting the finishing touches on my post and it’s about children’s lit too!
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Great post Carol and I added your link into my post!
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Thanks! 🙌
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