Reading a book is perfect.
Reading by the pool is more perfect.
Reading Amanda books is most perfect.
I just finished the book!
I don’t get to read as much as I want to. Summer is my window, and I dive into my TBR books, particularly older children’s books. The Amanda series is packed with adventure, sleuthing, geography, and learning about some remarkable places. I finished France, and next I’m off to England. Thank you to Darlene Foster for giving children (and me) the pleasure of a great book. You can find Darlene at darlenefoster.wordpress.com
Jennie
About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about.
I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
I just finished the book!
A Teacher's Reflections 
Good for you, Jennie, and go, go, go Darlene – two very busy and worth-while women. Let’s hear it for books for children!
Thanks so much, Joy. Yes, here’s to children’s books!
Thanks, Joy. May we always enjoy children’s books!
You don’t see reviews for children or YA books very often. Thank you for giving people the chance to learn about new books for their children, by a teacher they can truly trust.
Thank you so much, GP. You’re right, children’s book reviews are not as common. Much appreciated!
A review like this is very encouraging to a writer. Jennie is the best!
Indeed she is!
😍
Darlene’s books are so popular, she seemes to have discovered the real magic for a general audience. The age of the reader makes no difference.
Best wishes, Pete.
I think she has, Pete. I enjoy her books as much as children do, and that speaks volumes.
Thanks, Pete. I am delighted that all ages enjoy my books. Amanda is delighted too.
There is nothing like reading by the pool and sometimes in the pool. So pleased you enjoyed Amanda’s adventures in France. Happy summer reading. xo
You are right, Darlene! Thank you for Amanda and summer reading adventures. 😍
Reblogged this on Darlene Foster's Blog and commented:
Have you ever wondered when teachers get a chance to read? Here is one amazing teacher who catches up on her reading at the pool!
Sounds like Amanda has something for everybody’s taste. Good choice for by the pool reading, Jennie.
Foster’s book of short stories about growing up on a prairie farm looks interesting.
You are right, she has something for all tastes. Yes, the short story collection looks really good. Thank you, Don.
Thanks, Don for your kind words.
I admire your talent and the fact you are using it.
🩵
I’ve read Amanda in France too. Great fun, and I learned a lot. Good review, Jennie!
Thank you, Vera. I have read three Amanda books and learned a lot with each one. Great stories!
Thanks, Vera. I also learn new things as I write these books.
Fabulous!
Thanks, Ritu! 🥰
Thanks, Ritu!
reading by the pool is a wonderful summer pastime, and thanks for sharing darlene’s books with us
You are welcome, Beth. Do you get to read much during the school year?
It’s hard to find time but I do audio books while driving
Ah! If I did audio books, I would motor along on the highway, absorbed in the book, and never reach my destination. 🙂
I know when a book has grabbed me when i can’t wait to get in the car again
😀
Reading by the pool is one of my favourite things to do in the summer. I have only ever dropped one book in the water!
It’s great to read and share your thoughts on a book!
Love the photo 💜💜
Thanks, Willow. I was brave to post the swimming photo. 😀
I love it 💜🤩
💕
I too love that photo. Jennie looks so happy and relaxed.
She looks amazing doesn’t she 💜
Seems like a very fun series!
It is!
Thanks! I had fun writing the books.
You have just described my version of Nirvana.
I’m so glad!
And mine!! I am thankful every day for our shared pool. Not only do I get to read by the pool but we discuss books as well.
Hi Jennie, I have read and enjoyed both books you mentioned. I’m glad you are getting some R&R.
I’m glad you enjoyed to books, too. I’m getting some R&R at last. Best to you, Robbie.
You can tell by the photo that Jennie looks relaxed. xo
That is a glorious review. Kudos to Jennie for sharing it.
Thanks so much, Jacqui!
Thanks, Jacqui!!
Thanks for this book author recommendation and books! I’ll have to check them out!
You’re welcome, Deborah! Think Nancy Drew in a foreign country.
😀
I do hope you enjoy my books, should you read them.
Yay for summer reading by the pool! I’m learning more about The Beatles and Frank Sinatra this summer from various biographies about them…
Yes, a big yay! The Beatles and Sinatra are two of my faves. I hope you will post about them. Happy reading, Will!
I enjoy biographies. It’s so great to learn more about people we admire.
Thanks for featuring Darlene today, Jennie. She is terrific.
Thanks so much, John.
😊
You’re welcome, John. Yes, she is!
OOh… I will meet you at the airport Lol.. Which one are you landing at Jennie 🙂 heee hee.. 🙂 Welcome to England! LOL 😉 Lovely to see you taking time to relax Jennie ❤
Thanks so much, Sue!
❤ xx
It is great to see Jennie so relaxed. A well deserved break.
She works so hard .. and she has great taste in her reading material 😍 💗
I’m just finishing Darlene’s book, “You Can’t Take the Girl From the Prairie. I’ve read two of her Amanda books (they’re great!), but I love her new book.
I definitely need to read this book. England first, then her short stories. Thanks, Pete!
That is awesome to hear, Pete. Thanks.
Five stars, Darlene! I’ll leave a review in the next couple of days.
Sweet! Looks delightful.
😍
Thanks, Cindy. Books are always better by the pool.
Well done, Darlene!
Thanks, Stevie!!
Yes, indeed!
Jennie, this is a lovely post. It’s nice to see Darlene (and Amanda) here. My goodness, that pool looks refreshing. Enjoy and big hugs.
Thanks, Teagan. That pool does look great!
Thank you, Teagan! The pool is our ‘vacation home’, right in the backyard. Small house, big yard. We’re lucky that our yard flows into the neighbor’s, and the next neighbor, and so on. We come and go with each other, true backyard neighbors. Reading Amanda books is a treat, and I’m glad I captured this for Darlene. Hugs!
Love the pool photo and your opening prose on perfect!
This is now my favourite poem.
🙂
and such good poem for end of July
Thanks so much!
🙂
Jennie, thank you for featuring Darlene and for reading!
It was a pleasure! You are welcome, Charles.
Lovely post for Darlene and Amanda! Her books are delightful! Thank you for sharing and Congrats to Darlene! ❤️
Thank you, Lauren. Darlene’s books are delightful, and I was happy to share.
A wonderful photo, Jennie, and an excellent boost for Darlene’s books. They’re delightful. I’m sure you made her day! Happy Reading.
Thanks, Diana! I bet Darlene had a big smile.🙂
You are looking so cool and lovely, Jennie. A great boost to Darlene’s books. Have a great time.
Thank you, Kamal!
Welcome Jennie 😊
As long as you can keep the book and the water separate. LOL
Yes! 😅
If ever this series needed an endorsement, it has a great one here. Way to go, Jennie.
Thanks so much, Dan!
The perfect read for you Jennie! Darlene’s Amanda series is wonderful for all ages. ❤
It really is! Thanks, Debby. 💕
Hugs xx
Hoping to read it soon. 🙏
Jennie, a lovely mention of Darlene’s Amanda series! I love the photo and poem – holiday reading is just the best!
Thanks, Annika!