Half Birthdays
Literary trivia and a look back at six months on Substack
Six months ago, I jumped on Substack and shared my first book list, a look at my favorite picture books that carry us through the year. As I shared then, I love this type of book because truly, the days are long but the years are short. Seeing a year at a glance reminds me just how short the years are—and how much each day matters.
A half a year in seems a good time to look back, look forward, and recalibrate. So I’m sharing a few updates, a request for input, and some literary trivia…birthday-themed, naturally.
A reader survey
I’ve loved writing book lists, profiling authors, putting together editions guides (well, only one so far), and sharing literary trivia. And I’ve got a bunch of new ideas for book lists and profiles as well. In draft form I’ve got author profiles of Patricia Polacco, Cheryl Harness, and Jean Fritz; some thoughts on how to organize a home library; more chapter books for boys; and more.
But I’d like to know what you think. What topics would you most like to see in the next six months?
And perhaps you have more ideas you’d like to share. I’ve just started including a feedback form at the bottom of every post as a way to collect reader suggestions. I’ll link it here as well. As always, you can message or reply with comments as well.
Thank you to my paid subscribers!
I’m so grateful for those paid subscribers who support me every month. It is incredible to me that several dozen of you—including people I have never met—have chosen to upgrade to paid subscriptions. Thank you! You make a meaningful difference to my family and you encourage me greatly.
Affiliate links – adding Bookshop.org
Many of you support me in another way—purchasing books through my affiliate links. Thank you! I earn a small commission on any purchase made through my link, at no extra cost to you. We are a single-income family living on a classical high school teacher’s salary, and your support registers in the family budget.
Most of my affiliate links have been to Amazon, and I will continue to provide these. I’ve also begun to set up a page at Bookshop.org—take a look here. Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that shares profits with local bookstores, and you can choose which bookstore benefits from your purchase. You can browse some of my booklists at Bookshop.org, and watch for future lists to include an option to purchase there. I’m still exploring this option. Let me know if you have thoughts!
Literary trivia
On to the trivia questions. All books today are about birthdays. Some are picture books, some chapter books.
Easy
Seven children each trying to share their favorite food. That’ll mix up into a delicious birthday cake, no problem, right?
(After you check the answer, take a look here for more book-themed fun.)
Medium
If you shared a birthday with the moon, of course you’d want to buy the moon a gift as well. The hard part is delivering it…or maybe not.
Hard
It’s Ma’s birthday, so her daughter wants to make a cake. Like another literary redhead, she mistakes the liniment for vanilla.
Bonus
Wouldn’t it be a dream to pull off a birthday surprise like this one?
“I think the knives are in your basket. If you get them out, we can cut the pies.”
And there’s a birthday cake inside the picnic hamper that the birthday boy had just toiled to carry, and the entire town is there for his surprise party.
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Happy Half Birthday to you! Although I haven't read any of these, it's really fun to see what's all there.