May 28, 2012

Book Talk Tuesday Summer 2012

I have gotten several comments, Tweets and emails asking me about Book Talk Tuesday... will it continue? Can I take it over if you don't do it? Why aren't you doing it?
I am no longer a librarian... I am between jobs. Depending on how my job search goes, I may or may not be a librarian in August. If I'm not a librarian and my life goes in a different direction, I probably will not continue Book Talk Tuesday. I might not continue this blog... lots of unknowns right now. I will post a few Book Talk Tuesdays and see what kind of response I get. Hopefully more than 4 people will post... it isn't worth the time and effort to post if people don't share links and visit other blogs. So- spread the word that we will give it a shot for a while. If I choose to not continue, I will offer the "meme" to a blogger I trust will carry on the tradition in my absence. 
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I have been searching the web for a great place to post book reviews for librarians and teachers to use in the classroom. Well, I am going to try hosting my own Book Talk Tuesday! I invite teachers and librarians to link to a recent book talk or book review that can be used by others- to help purchase new books, learn about new books and to help give us book talk ideas.    
My rules?
1. All content must be appropriate for children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. 
2. Please link to your original content, not the content of others. 
3. Websites that you link to must be child friendly since lots of kids visit this site and if they click on your link, I want it to be appropriate for them. 
4. Positive reviews only, please... we only spread love here at The Lemme Library! 
5. Books must be available in The US. (you are welcome to link to ARC reviews)
6. I reserve the right to remove any reviews that don't meet criteria 1-5. 
In the link title field, be sure to include the title of the book you are reviewing and your site name. In the URL field, please link to this specific post that contains the book review (That way people don't have to scour your blog looking for it!)   

1.Colby Sharp 5.Orani (NC Teacher Stuff)9.Zoe Gets Ready (Jen Robinson)
2.Hollywood Nobody6.Seeing Symmetry (ICPL)10.You're next!
3.SWIRL BY SWIRL (Bigfoot Reads)7.The Fourth Stall (Kidsmomo)  
4.Frog and Fly (The Cath in the Hat)8.The Brain Lair

May 21, 2012

Summer in Iowa Bucket List

Only 8 days of school left! YAY! Each summer, I take the girls (and hesitant husband) on "Mommy Adventures"... small day trips or outings.  A year ago, a "Mommy Adventure" resulted in my husband breaking his leg.  Oops!  I decided to make a Summer in Iowa Bucket List to guide us this summer.  It will also be useful on those days when we just stare at each other with nothing to do. Some of these things are free and some will cost money. What did I leave off? What would you add?  I will cross things off as we accomplish them! Wish us luck!

Swinging Bridge in Columbus Junction












Sunset Park in Washington  
Usher's Ferry Fairy Tale Festival in July
American Pizza Company in Davenport
Lagomarcino's in Davenport (I am a sucker for an old fashioned soda counter!)
Circa '21 Dinner Theatre in Davenport
The Button Factory Woodfire Grille in Muscatine
Skyora Bakery in Cedar Rapids
Adventure Land
Crystal Lake Cave in Dubuque
Zombie Burger in Des Moines
See a movie in a drive in theater
Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines
Botanical Garden in Des Moines 
Grand Harbor Resort Water Park in Dubuque
Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque 
Freddie's Popcorn Company in Dubuque
Mississippi River Museum
Star Brewery Building (For husband, not children) in Dubuque
Spook Cave in McGregor
Tanager Place Summer Fest in Cedar Rapids
Chimney Rocks in Creston 
Villisca Axe Murder House
James Kennedy Aquatic Center in Tipton (Hello, Lazy River!) 
Lost Island Waterpark in Waterloo


My 8 year old has asked me to add:
Iowa Children's Museum (we live 2 blocks from it) in Coralville
Coralville Pool








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My friend Carrie (you might know her as Mrs. Gordon), had some ideas for our list!
The Field of Dreams in Decorah
Snake Alley in Burlington (Never heard of this before!)
Hotel Manning in Keosauqua
Lake Lacey in Keosauqua 

May 7, 2012

May 5, 2012

iWanna iPad: Free Apps for All!

Every week- every day- dozens of highly rated, paid apps go free. I spend waaaay too much time online each day looking for the best apps that are up for grabs.  There are some great sites that scour the web to find and share the best apps of the day and the week. I visit these sites every day and end up downloading lots of apps.  These aren't all kid apps- I download lots of apps for photos, games, fun and organization.  Be aware that not all apps on these sites are free- read before you click!
Did I miss any? Where do you go to find your free apps?



iSnoops: Be sure to click on iPhone & iPad Apps gone Free





Famigo: Check out their Best Apps of the week (not all free)


Smar Apps for Kids: (Be sure to click on Free App of the Day)



Common Sense Media: Not all free, but great ratings... (Kids apps)