How to find a gem

We all love a goods awards night, right? - the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards or Golden Globes - but are the awarded movies the only gems that are worth watching? How many times do we see a movie (either on the big screen or small) that's not made a mention on any award list but has blown us away? And how often do we see the highly acclaimed movie and find that it hasn't hit the spot for us? What makes us think that it's any different for books?

SO - how to find the book that's perfect for you?
Here's where the internet can help - there are some exceptional review sites for children's books if you know where to look! Most people know about the major book sites like Goodreads, Amazon etc where readers can post their thoughts, but if you want a trusted, unbiased review by people who specialize in children's books, there are some fabulous sites to uncover -  Here are a few of my favourites... (click on the name for the link)

I review for:

CBCA (Children's Book Council of Aust)
Reading Time Online
(You can enter my name in the search engine and find my reviews + a gorgeous review of 'When I See grandma')

Creative Kids Tales

Other good sites:

My Little Story Corner

Kids Book Review (KBR)

Buzz Words Books

ABC Jenny
(has a strong educational focus)

Many  of these sites also have bonus material such as author interviews, articles and news.

If you want to take it a bit further with the kids -  some of these sites also offer fun learning activities to go with the book of your choice! See ABC Jenny and My Little Story Corner.

And don't forget, your local bookseller (especially if you are fortunate to have a specialized children's bookshop) is always willing to give expert advice!

So best wishes in your adventures in children's book land!!