Before becoming the mother of four brilliant, adorable, marvelous children — Eloise, 9; Charlotte, 8; Flora, 3; and Margot, 16 months— I received a world-class education in journalism at the University of Missouri and had a short-lived career as a small-town newspaper reporter. Once my youngest was up and walking, I started this blog in an attempt to dust off my rusty writing skills and to share my immense passion for children’s literature.
Like my mother before me, there’s nothing I enjoy doing more with my girls than sitting together in a chair and reading a stack of books. It’s the physical closeness of snuggling up and the satisfaction of holding their attention, not to mention the pat on the back I can give myself for bolstering their intellectual development. More than anything, though, it’s planting the seed of my greatest passion, a love for reading and learning, and watching it grow right before my eyes.
My oldest, Eloise, is now 9, but my collection of books intended for her began long before her existence was even imagined. I’d head to the bookstore looking for a new piece of fiction but I’d almost always end up in the children’s section. While finding an interesting and original piece of adult literature can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, finding a good picture book is more like sampling flavors at a gelateria: nearly every book will be enjoyable but a few you’ll want to read time and time again. Those are the books I’m hunting for and, once found, want to share with you.
Going on a Book Hunt 
Amanda you are amazing!
Hi Amanda,
I just stumbled on this blog, thanks to a linkedin link, only to discover that it seems to be already over! Please don’t stop. Your reviews are great – really insightful and well-written! (Of course it doesn’t hurt that I feel the same way you do about reading to my children, or that many of the books you reviewed are also tried-and-true favorites in our house – we went through 2 copies of Each Peach Pear Plum before we found the board book version which held up a little better!) Another of our favorites (maybe a little less well-known then some) is Officer Buckle and Gloria. If you haven’t read it, it’s worth your time. There are so many wonderful books out there, but it’s amazing how many parents aren’t sure where to start. Your blog would be a great resource.
Hoping you’ll continue,
Susanna
Susanna,
Thanks so much for your encouragement! No plans of discontinuing my blog; my previous post was simply my last in a series at my friend’s design blog. She invited me to write about using picture books as design inspiration for children’s rooms. I’ll likely have similar posts on my own blog in the future. But for today, I’m back to reviews, which I love to do! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my blog and hope you will share it with others!
With gratitude, Amanda
Oh, great! I’ll look forward to future posts and definitely spread the word! Still here on goingonabookhunt or is your regular blog somewhere else? Susanna
Yep, right here at Going on a Book Hunt!
Hello, I stumbled accross this blog looking for an older book. I cannot remeber the name of the book, nor could my mother when I asked her. However I saw that you had some older books and perhapes you may know.
This book is origanally a hardcover, with bright big pictures. its about alligators from the sewers that come up and pass them selves off as people. its at least 30yrs old and isn’t very long. its cute. they wear hats, and clothes and even have jobs. If this rings any bells I would love to know what the title is. if not of well and thank you for your time
Kasha,
Sadly, the title of your book is not one with which I am familiar. But definitely try Stump the Bookseller. This website is entirely devoted to finding forgotten book titles like the one you’ve described. I used it when I was searching for a long-lost favorite, but I actually ended up getting the sought-after answer from a librarian in Washington D.C. That’s another excellent resource; while your local librarian might not know they answer, ask him or her if they’re part of a librarian listserv of some sort. My hero librarian put out my description on a listserv and we had an answer within a couple of days. Good luck and please let me know if you find your answer!
Best,
Amanda
Hi Amanda,
I just found your blog and I can’t wait to read all your posts!
I’m an Aspiring Picture Book Author and my blog is called Books for Little Hands http://booksforlittlehands.blogspot.com/
I look forward to joining your book hunt. I’m always on the look out for ‘that,’ wonderful picture book buried in a pile.
Renee
“Potty Train” looks like a great book for my grandson, he will be two years old soon. I am so glad I stumbled onto your post. Thanks for sharing!
Hugs
Anna Church
Anna, thanks so much for your positive feedback. I hope your grandson enjoys “The Potty Train” as much as my daughter did. Charlotte got on the “potty train” in January and we’re loving our diaper-free house! Enjoy, and thanks for visiting! Amanda
Just tweeted your lovely piece about my sister and coming away with the signed copy of #thecaslteinthemist but don’t know your twitter tag so thanking you in a comment! #believeinmagic and in #booksofwonder.
Wow! Thanks! I am so honored by your comment! I am so behind the times — just Facebook, Instagram (barely) and WordPress for me — so no Twitter tag (I swear, I’m only 34!). So grateful for writers and books that feed our children’s minds with magic, so thanks are all to you!
And, dear God, if I’d only done my research better and read your Wikipedia entry (I usually steer clear of Wikipedia), I would have made the further connection that you and Nora are sisters! (Along with Delia and Hallie) I’m one of four sisters, too! And I have four daughters! How lucky we all are!