There are many ways that I learn about books. Word of mouth, professional journals, and browsing the bookstore are just a few. Lately, however, I have been turning to the world of online children’s book blogs. There are literally thousands out there, each with a different purpose and tone, and over this year, I would like to share some of these links with you.

This week many bloggers have been writing about “The Brown Bookshelf” This is a site made up of “a group of 5 authors and illustrators (Paula Chase-Hyman, Varian Johnson, Don Tate, Kelly Starling Lyons and Carl Sarratt), brought together for the collective goal of showcasing the best and brightest voices in African-American Children’s Literature with special emphasis on new authors and books that are flying under the radar.”

Diversity (and lack thereof) in children’s literature has always been an issue on the table. I am delighted to be able to visit the Brown Bookshelf to inform my own reading and find new titles for the shelves at LREI!