#IMWAYR – Sept 5, 2016

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date, and adapted by Kellee at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts with a children’s/YA focus. The Sunday Post is hosted by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer. These weekly roundups are a great way to discover new blogs and bloggers, share titles, and add to your ever-growing to-read list.

HAPPY LABOUR DAY LONG WEEKEND AND WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER!

I love September. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer, but there’s something so refreshing and invigorating about the coming of fall. The crisp air, the changing colours (the endless, endless rain….) that makes me think of fresh starts and new beginnings.

This week I shared a few books, as well as some other (hopefully) interesting bits and pieces.

I wrote about one of my favourite local bookstores, the fantastic Russell Books in Victoria, B.C. This institution is the largest new and used bookstore in Canada, and its beautiful, well-organized shelves are what book blogger dreams are made of.

I shared the exciting news that the #diversekidslit book sharing meme is now on Pinterest! Be sure to check out our Pinterest board for exciting and inspiring books and information.

I participated in another edition of Nonfiction Wednesday with a beautifully-photographed title that introduces children to food production, and helps develop a generation of informed, healthy consumers.

Over on The Book Wars I wrapped up Australia month with the charming rhyming picture book Edward the Emu. It’s a “the grass is always greener” story with a twist, and how often do you get to read about an emu, anyway?

Finally, I continued my Reading Staycation series with a Audrey (cow), the charming story of a plucky cow’s bid for freedom.

All in all, a pretty good reading week! 🙂

I hope everyone is having a safe and happy long weekend!

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Russell Books – A Reading Staycation

How better to continue my British Columbia book celebration than to share one of my favourite B.C.-based independent book stores?

Victoria-based Russell Books is Canada’s largest new and used book store, and it’s every bit as magical as you might imagine. The store recently celebrated it’s 25th anniversary in its current home on Fort Street in Victoria, and its 55th year as a business. Offering a fantastic mix of new and second-hand books, Russell Books also offers antiquarian and out-of-print books, as well as collectibles, journals, calendars and other lovely items.

The antiquarian/special edition children’s book section is a place of special wonder for any children’s librarian or literature lover. So many beautiful old (and not so old – hello Hugo!) children’s books, so little time (and money)….sigh…..Can’t I just take them all home with me, please?

Still family-owned, Russell Books prides itself on being active in the local arts community, hosting book launches, author readings, musical performances and other events.

And wow, the store is a bookstagrammer’s dream come true. Just look at those shelves! Definitely my dream #shelfie….

Now, it’s often cheaper to buy books online, I definitely understand that. But local, independent bookstores like Russell Books create jobs in our communities, support local authors and publishers, host community-building events, and provide personalised, knowledgeable service. The next time you’re looking for a new book, consider checking out your local independent bookstore!