Join the Reading Dahlathon!

In honor of Roald Dahl's birthday, which is on September 13th, and to celebrate the release of a new book by Dahl, Penguin Books is launching the Roald Dahl Reading Dahlathon. This is a reading challenge for kids ages seven to thirteen. Kicking off in September and running through December, the program encourages kids to read three of the author’s books during this time frame. Participants can track their reading progress in the Dahlathon Official Reading Journal, available at bookstores and libraries or online.

September 13th is Roald Dahl Day

Every September 13th people all over the world celebrate the birth of Roald Dahl, one of the world's most beloved children's book authors. I myself grew up reading and re-reading his books. I remember clearly the first time I read about Henry Sugar in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. I was so captivated that my father had to practically forceably remove the book from my hands so that I could eat.

Because Roald Dahl's books made such a deep impression on me I have created a profile for him on Through the Lookingglass Book Review. I have also reviewedmost of his books. In addition, I have reviewed several books about Roald Dahl's life and his work. You can view these on the Roald Dahl feature page. Roald Dahl fans will particularly enjoy D is for Dahl: A Gloriumptious A-Z guide to the world of Roald Dahl compiled by Wendy Cooling and illustrated by Quentin Blake.

If you want some ideas on what you can do for Roald Dahl Day take a look at the Roald Dahl Day website, and if you want to find out more about Roald Dahl and his work do visit his website. Both sites have some wonderful downloads to print out and activities to try.

The New Issue Of Through the Looking Glass Book Review

The new issue of Through the Looking Glass Book Review is now online. I hope you take a moment to look at some of the individual reviews, the features, the author profiles, and the spotlights that I have put together for you.


In this month's issue the special feature takes a look at titles that are about books and libraries. Books give children all kinds of opportunities, taking them on journeys around the world and into the depths of their own imagination. For many of us, libraries are not only a wonderful resource, but they are also a refuge where we can connect with others, talk about books, use a computer, and so much more. My own town recently came to really appreciate how precious a library can be when ours closed due to a lack of basic funding. Thankfully, after many months without a library, the town found a way to reopen the library doors once again.


The editor's choice for this month is The Book Book by Sophie Benini Pietromarchi. This splendid non-fiction title shows readers (including adults who are interested in such things) how to create a book of their own. Beautifully and creatively illustrated throughout, this title encourages would-be writers to explore their world so that they can find what they need to create a unique book that they will treasure for years to come.


The Bookish Calendar takes a look at the month of September, providing links to reviews of books that are suited to the events, celebrations, and anniversaries that fall during this month. For example September 13th is the anniversary of Roald Dahl's birth. The Bookish Calendar will take you to a wide selection of reviews about books by and about this splendid author. The Bookish Calendar also provides a link to the Titanic Page, because and on this month in 1985 the wreck of the Titanic as discovered off the coast of Newfoundland lying at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.


During our visit to the website don't forget to check out the Book Giveaway Page. Three titles are up for grabs this month.