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One Star Review Guess Who? (#225)

January 16, 2026 by Travis Jonker

Can you guess the children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads?

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Recent Posts

March Book Madness 2026 is Coming . . .

The annual single-elimination book tournament is back!

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Which Publisher Has Won the Most Caldecott Medals This Century?

Breaking down the Caldecott data . . .

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Recent Comments

Jan 13, 2026

Travis Jonker on Which Publisher Has Won the Most Caldecott Medals This Century?

"Ha! Yeah I agree ..."

Jan 13, 2026

Dana on Which Publisher Has Won the Most Caldecott Medals This Century?

"What jumps out to me is how can there already be that many medals in this century?! ..."

Jan 7, 2026

Travis Jonker on 2026 Caldecott Medal Predictions

"Hey Chris! Thank you! ..."

Jan 6, 2026

Chris Gustafson on 2026 Caldecott Medal Predictions

"Loved your masterful analysis of Every Monday Mabel. It was so well done! ..."

Jan 5, 2026

Esther Frazee on 2026 Caldecott Medal Predictions

"Agree with all. I did have one more honor-Broken. ..."

Dec 31, 2025

Travis Jonker on 2025 Children’s Lit: The Year in Miscellanea

"Thanks for the heads up! I'll remove it from the post. ..."

Dec 21, 2025

Lauren Hoffmann on 2025 Children’s Lit: The Year in Miscellanea

"This was SO entertaining to read! One note though: I was intrigued by that library cardigan too. Then I started looki ..."

Dec 16, 2025

Rachel on 2025 Children’s Lit: The Year in Miscellanea

"So fun! I want the Amos pompom hats. ..."

Dec 9, 2025

Tally Klinefelter on 2025 Children’s Lit: The Year in Miscellanea

"I look forward to this list every year, and it never disappoints. I had the pleasure of seeing the R Michelson Galle ..."

Dec 9, 2025

Travis Jonker on 2025 Children’s Lit: The Year in Miscellanea

"Hey Roger! Thank you! ..."

Dec 9, 2025

Roger Sutton on 2025 Children’s Lit: The Year in Miscellanea

"I’m honored, Travis. And I’m also exhausted just imagining the work you put into this post! ..."

Dec 8, 2025

Travis Jonker on 2025 Children’s Lit: The Year in Miscellanea

"Thanks, Erica! I always have fun making this ..."

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Book Reviews

Review: Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler

When you read an early graphic novel as excellent as Gnome and Rat, so many other books look boring in comparison.

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I didn't review them, but I love them.

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An assistant principal was fired for reading I NEED A NEW BUTT! to students

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More Recent Posts

Which Publisher Has Won the Most Newbery Medals This Century?

January 12, 2026 by Travis Jonker

Breaking down the Newbery data . . .

Name That LEGO Book Cover! (#70)

January 9, 2026 by Travis Jonker

Can you name these 3 books by their LEGO-fied covers?

READ! What’s New in the READ Poster World in 2026?

January 8, 2026 by Travis Jonker

The latest and greatest READ posters.

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Now on The Yarn: Our Annual 2026 Preview Episode!

January 6, 2026 by Travis Jonker

Every year, Colby Sharp and I like to record an episode of The Yarn podcast looking ahead to the upcoming year in children’s books. In our 2026 preview, we talk about books we’re excited to read, books we’ve already read and loved, and make some predictions for the year. You can listen here: Subscribe below […]

2026 Caldecott Medal Predictions

January 5, 2026 by Travis Jonker

My predictions for 2026 Caldecott glory

Top 10 Posts of 2025: #1

January 2, 2026 by Travis Jonker

Counting down the Top 10 posts of the year.

Top 10 Posts of 2025: #2

January 1, 2026 by Travis Jonker

Counting down the Top 10 posts of the year.

Read More Posts »

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