Happy new year!
I usually start posting books for the new year around this time, but I’ve decided to extend my hiatus this year. In December I found myself feeling burned out by this blog as I have never felt before, and it took some serious will power to get through the end of the year.
After nine years and over 3,000 posts, I’m feeling like it’s time for a change. A couple of weeks ago, I was ready to shut the whole operation down, but as I’ve started to see new books being released in 2024, I’m experiencing some new energy.
I have a few ideas about what I think will come next, and right now I’m guessing that it won’t be a daily review with a summary, pros, and cons. But I want to take a little more time for consideration, so I hope you will bear with me and watch this space for further developments.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to leave a comment or email me at jkdawson115@gmail.com.
A Kids Book A Day 
Thank you for all you share. You deserve a hiatus for sure! Looking forward to what will come. I will share some suggestions later. Relax!
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Thank you, Roxanne, I appreciate the support!
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I love your blog but I understand the work, too. Just know that I do appreciate your effort. Whatever you come up with will be great.
Mrs. Sparkle, elementary school librarian
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Thanks, Mrs. Sparkle, I appreciate the appreciation!
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Thanks for the note. I really enjoy all your work and know it’s a lot. I hope that you continue in some format. Maybe a weekly or even a monthly blog…or get submissions from fellow libraryland folks (although that might be a lot to manage too). Just know it’s been nice seeing all your reviews. I always got a kick out of some of your cons! Thanks for all your work. And I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
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I appreciate that, Joan. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
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I look forward to your daily reviews, Janet, but it’s a ton of work! It’s always a delight when one of mine ends up being featured :). You definitely deserve a break! I would love to have you return with posts that are more sustainable for you–perhaps once a week, with highlights from your favorite titles?
Thanks for all you do to share books with the world 🙂
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I really enjoy your blog. You’ve introduced me to a lot of new books and creators. Thank you! I hope that taking a well-deserved break provides you with new energy and excitement.
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Thanks, Janet! Now that the holidays are over, I feel like a little of my creative energy is returning. Stay tuned!
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I enjoy your blog very much! Thank you so much for your efforts!
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Thanks, Nika, I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
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Take all the time you need! I enjoy your blog, but often wonder how you get them all done. Take care of yourself!
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Thanks, Janelle, I’m enjoying my break, but feeling a bit of the excitement returning as I see new books coming out!
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I just wanted to say that getting one book at a time reviewed as you do is such a do-able chunk for me and I really have been relying on this blog to keep me abreast of new books. I find looking at pages and pages of reviews as in most publications is overwhelming.
I like your sense of humor too.
I totally understand if you need to do other things, just wanted to say that this blog has been very meaningful and helpful to me as a librarian/school librarian. Thank you! If you do stop and can recommend anyone else that is doing something similar that would be helpful.
All the best to you!
Alison
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Thank you, Alison, I really appreciate your thoughtful comment. I never know who is reading what I’ve written once I hit the “Publish” button, so it’s been great to hear some feedback!
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Hi Janet, I totally understand the need for a hiatus and reassessment of the blog. I also like the idea of a less frequent blog, and perhaps adding some guest appearances from colleagues.
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Thank you for taking the time to post a comment! I appreciate your feedback.
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Janet ~ Just a word of appreciation for all that you have been doing and best of luck deciding your next step. I have truly enjoyed reading your daily posts. Compared to longer book lists that I skim or set aside (but never have time to come back to), I always took the time to read your review and usually ended up adding it to my TBR list (or putting on hold right away). I have shared your blog with my library co-workers and we’ve found so many good reads and had many great discussions about the titles you’ve picked. Thank you for being one of my go-to’s these last few years.
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Thank you, Sydney. It’s great for me to hear that the reviews have been helpful to you and your colleagues!
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Thank you Janet for all you have done for the KidLit community! I cannot imagine the work. I have always enjoyed your focused tidbits of info but totally understand a break. Health and well-being comes first. You will know what next steps to take when it is the right time. Your format of pros cons and a description works great for this writer. Perhaps a quarterly review. It would be like a welcome bag of potatoes chips to nibble on 🙂 Best of luck whatever you do! Enjoy the break.
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Thanks for the encouragement and positive feedback. Much appreciated!
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I have always really enjoyed reading your daily posts, but as a fellow school librarian, I understand the burn out factor. Take all the time you need and know how much you have helped many of us with collection development!
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Thank you, Steph, I appreciate that!
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