I Need Your Input
Hi EDIWTB readers. I have an important question to ask you.
This book predominantly covers contemporary fiction. That's what I like to read, so that's what I write about. And since you're reading this post, I assume that's at least part of what you like to read too.
However, I have, in the past, featured a few children's books on this blog as well. I have twin four year-olds, so I read a fair number of books aimed at that age group as well.
My question is this: do you like the children's book reviews, do you simply ignore them, or do they bug you to the point that you'd stop reading this blog if I kept it up? I like writing them, because when a kids' book inspires me, I want to tell the world about it. But I certainly don't want to do it at the expense of my regular readers. It would be fun to launch a separate blog just for children's books, but I just don't have time.
So let me know what you think via the comments below. Be honest. If enough people tell me they hate having the kids' stuff on here, I will happily cease and desist. I must also disclaim - I will probably only review kids' books aimed at whatever age my girls are at the time - I can't see myself reading books for older kids or YA until I have to.
Thank you for taking the time to voice your opinion.
Gayle: I love kids' books and I don't mind the reviews at all. I have two 5-year old nieces (as well as several older nieces and nephews), so I can relate to your choices. I like a good kids' book whether I'm with a kid or not! Please continue to post your reviews. If I am not interested, I will skip over it, but I'm not giving up on reading your blog! Keep up the great work!
Posted by: LillyAndLola | July 11, 2008 at 10:31 AM
I have a young one myself so I enjoy the reviews.. however I would imagine that most people would just skip a particular post if it is not their cup of tea. I'm sure they do the same with any book that does not catch their eye.
Posted by: Ti | July 11, 2008 at 11:10 AM
I love kid books review and my son and I have done a few ourselves (I interview him for his thoughts and then add my 2 cents). They've been fun and I hope my readership has enjoyed them too. I say go for it!
Posted by: Robin | July 11, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I don't mind the kids books. I have nieces and a nephew, plus I'm a librarian, so more knowledge of kids books doesn't hurt me.
Posted by: Melanie | July 11, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Keep the kids' book reviews coming! I've got two little ones and delve into YA books occasionally so I like keeping up with what's out there.
Posted by: Heidi | July 11, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Even though my 3 are in their 20s I love reading reviews of children's books. Especially picture books. Review away!!!
Posted by: Mary | July 11, 2008 at 01:01 PM
I just recently stumbled upon your blog and have really enjoyed reading it, including the reviews of children's books. As the mother of a 2 year-old who loves to read, I am always looking for book suggestions.
Posted by: Robin | July 11, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Oh, I'm so glad to see that everyone is saying "keep the kids' reviews!" ... I was wondering the same thing about my blog (mostly contemporary fiction/memoir, but just last week I added a "children's book reviews" tab).
I agree with the poster who said that the readers who aren't interested in kids' book reviews will just skip that post; you're not changing the focus of your entire blog, just adding a bit of variety.
(my two cents!)
Posted by: Dawn | July 11, 2008 at 03:24 PM
I love the kids' book reviews -- I have purchased "Knuffle Bunny" for many little ones thanks to your review of it. And now that I'm about to become a mom myself, I'll be in the market for good stories, so please keep them coming.
Posted by: Stacy | July 11, 2008 at 04:03 PM
I haven't got kids, just a puppy but I love reading the kid's book reviews. Don't stop with them. As someone else had said, people can skip them if they don't want to read them.
Posted by: Dar | July 11, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Keep 'em coming! With SSOOO many kid's books it's hard to filter through them to find the ones that are worthwhile!! Thanks for the ones you've already reviewed. Bought the last one for my nephew based on your review!!
Posted by: Jenn | July 11, 2008 at 05:10 PM
My two girls are now 16 and 19 - and no grandkids yet! Keep them in and I can always skip over them until I need them.
Posted by: Michelle | July 11, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Wow - thanks for all the kind and encouraging comments! Glad to hear that you all enjoy the kids' book reviews. I will definitely keep doing them. I am not as good at keeping up with kids' books, but this certainly gives me an incentive. Thank you again for the great response!
Posted by: gweiswasser | July 11, 2008 at 06:01 PM
I love the kids' books reviews - don't stop!
Posted by: TLB | July 12, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Despite having two small children, I'm not nearly as interested in your kids' book posts as your other ones. I certainly don't dislike the kids' book reviews, but I am much more interested in your adult fiction ones. I would be disappointed if the kids' posts were in place of the adult ones, but as long as that's not the case, I don't mind them.
Posted by: Sarah | July 12, 2008 at 09:27 AM
We have been reading Why are you so Grumpy every day. Love it! Keep 'em coming.
As a TOTAL aside, I just finished Girls Like us, a biography of Carole King, Carly Simon and Joni Mithell and it might be one of the best books I've read. Had to tell someone!
Posted by: Amy | July 12, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Hi Gayle - Except for the occasional notion that I might write one, I don't have a use for children's books, so I'd suggest clearly flagging those posts so those of us who aren't interested can move on to the next blog. Thanks! -Evelyn
Posted by: Evelyn | July 12, 2008 at 10:42 AM
I enjoy your reviews of the childrens books. I ordered the two you gave the other day for my grandchildren. Keep them coming along with everything else.
I am enjoying your blog.
rissa wimkelman
Posted by: rissa | July 12, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I don't have any children myself, but I still enjoy reading book reviews about children's books. I feel out of the loop when it comes to this category of books and sometimes I even pick up the books if I love the artistry in them. I love, love, love children's books with beautiful artwork to go along with the story. So, no, I wouldn't stop reading your blog if you posted them along with your other reviews.
Posted by: Rebecca Adler | July 13, 2008 at 03:49 PM
I enjoy some reviews of kids books, so I definitely think you should continue on with them. :)
Posted by: Heather | July 13, 2008 at 06:50 PM
For me there's no added value in picture-book reviews, but it certainly doesn't bother me when you do them. Count me in the "Go right ahead; if I don't want to read it, I'll skip it" column.
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy West | July 13, 2008 at 08:35 PM
I don't have kids yet so I mostly skip over the kids books posts, but in no way do they bother me or dissuade me from reading your other posts which I really enjoy.
I imagine when I do have kids I'll probably go through the archives and read them =).
Posted by: Jessi | July 13, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Hi, my name is Susan. I am a fellow book blogger. I started a month ago. I stumbled on yours about 6 months ago. I have a book club blog, which I will do reviews and book news as well. I also have become one of your book club online members" Everyday I write The Book". Which I love reading your posts. I am reading September of Shiraz, and I am not going to talk about it. But, I am enjoying this one. My book club is suppose to read this in October too. So, I will be ahead of the game.
I want to thank you for your blog because I get alot of enjoyment and it helps me decide what to read next. Beside bookclubgirl, which I try to go to as often as possible. Yours is another I visit often so keep up the good work.
Please check out my blog, and if you think it is good enough would you add it to your blog links.
Susan from Myrtle Beach,
38thavedivareaders.blogspot.com
Posted by: susan | July 13, 2008 at 10:14 PM
I love reading children's books and could use some suggestions of books to buy for my nieces.
Posted by: Jonas | July 16, 2008 at 11:43 AM