TBT Reviews

Guidelines for Writing Throwback Thursday (TBT) Book Reviews

Throwback Thursday (TBT) has become a popular social media posting theme so I’m adding a TBT column on my Professor Storytime blog! I’m searching for guest bloggers who will share a review of one of their favorite childhood books. Think back to a time from preschool through the elementary grades. What book comes to mind? Favorite books can include picture books that were read aloud to you, chapter books you read in school, or a book from a series. Any genre, such as fantasy, mystery, biography, action, adventure, or humor and any format, such as picture book, chapter book, or comic book will do.

The following guidelines are designed to help guest reviewers write about their own TBT book. 

1. Give basic bibliographic information and I will fill in the rest and put it in the correct format. Just include the title and author of the book.

2.  Describe the book in 2-3 sentences without giving away any surprise ending.

3.  Explain your personal memories about the book and why it is a favorite. You may want to include:

• Who read this book to you or told you about the book.
• Your age/stage of life when you first read the book.
• Particular parts of the book that made it memorable.
• What you remember about specific scenes or illustrations.

4.  Finish up your review by describing the type of reader who may also enjoy this book according to their age, interests, or personality.

5. Please provide a brief bio and link to your blog and other social media along with a current photo. A photo of you at about the age when you read the book will be a real treat for the readers!

I will be editing submissions to fit the format so do not be overly concerned with mechanics.

Here is an example of a TBT book review. 

The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings 

written by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey and illustrated by Dorothy Grider. 

Little Rabbit was not satisfied with being himself so he was always wishing to be someone different. When he gets his wish for red wings, he learns the consequences of trying to be someone other than who you were meant to be.

I remember having this book read to me at about age 5 or 6 and being captivated by the storyline. The little white rabbit was so cute in the illustrations that I could not imagine why he wanted to be different. The scene where his own mother turned him away because she did not recognize him caused me great distress! I would place my fingers over the wings in the illustration and wonder why she wouldn’t recognize all his other rabbit features. (Should I attribute my adult abandonment issues to this story?) I still own that copy of The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings and it is one of my favorite childhood keepsakes.

This is an excellent book for parents to read aloud to young children and reassure them that they are loved for their own unique qualities.

BRIEF BIO, LINKS TO BLOG AND SOCIAL MEDIA, PHOTO(S) HERE