The new issue of TTLG is now online.

The  March and April 2012 issue of Through the Looking Glass Children’s Book Reviews. I have really enjoyed reviewing these books, though I am sad to have to say goodbye to Mercy Watson, Alex Rider, and the Ranger's Apprentice. I reviewed the final titles in these series in this issue. 

For this issue I have put together a special feature about Art and Artists. Though I am not much of an artist myself, I love dabbling with paints, colored pencils, ink pens, and other media. It is fascinating to read about the history of art, and to find out what inspired famous artists to create their paintings, drawings,and  sculptures. There are books in the collection that will suit readers of all ages, including adults.

Here in Oregon, spring is making itself felt already, and for many people March and April are the months when they start getting busy in the garden. Spending time in the garden gives children and young people a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, watch things grow, and - of course - get dirty!

In March,  schools and libraries all over the United States observe  Women's History Month. This event celebrates the achievements of women over the years, and I have quite a large collection of books in the TTLG Women's History Month feature. In this feature readers will finds fiction and non-fiction titles that look at the lives and achievements of many great women from around the world.

April is the month when many Americans celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day. For Earth Day you can look at the Earth Day feature and the Saving the Environment feature. For Arbor Day  I have put together a delightful collection of books that are about trees. Some of the books in these features are informative nonfiction titles, while others are stories that will amuse, touch, and delight readers of all ages.

For this month's Editor's Choice title, I have selected Pie, a novel by Sarah Weeks, which combines a mystery with some meaningful life lessons. And pie.

Finally, take a look at the new Bookish Calendar. Here you will find reviews about Michelangelo, St. Patrick's Day, Harry Houdini, the sinking of  the Titanic, and much more. This calendar is a great tool to use at home and in the classroom to help children incorporate books more fully into their lives.

-:Bookish Events for March and April:-

March is Women's History Month (USA)

March 2nd is Read Across America Day (USA)

National March into Literacy Month (USA)

April is National Poetry Month (USA)

April 2nd is International Children's Book Day

National Library Week April 8th - 14th (USA)

Young People's Poetry Week April 14th - 20th (USA)

National Week of the Ocean April 1st - 7th (USA)

I hope you find a way to celebrate some, if not all,  of these bookish events. If I have missed an important bookish event, please drop me a line to tell me about it.