By Guest Blogger Ellen Lloyd

“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.”   –  John Boswell

Between the new beginnings of January and the anticipation of springtime in March is the month of February, marked with the lingering season of winter. Even with notable days and important celebrations, including Valentine’s Day, Groundhog Day, Black History Month and Mardi Gras, it is still a month that seems to call for living life with a slower pace and time for introspection.

Try to take advantage of the quieter, less hectic times that February offers. Consider digging into that stack of reading material you haven’t had time for over the last few months and even explore the book recommendations for this month. However you choose to spend these days, take John Boswell’s words to heart and remember to “enjoy every idle hour.”

Special Announcement:  MEET AUTHOR JOHN HART!!! 
Bestselling author John Hart’s highly anticipated new book, The Hush, will be released on February 27, 2018! John, a former Greensboro resident, will be back home on this big day to greet fans and present a talk and book signing with his new title. Make plans to attend this exciting, not to be missed event  — Tuesday, February 27th, 7:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, Friendly Shopping Center, Greensboro.

Preschool — Love from Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Simple words in this book convey the powerful sentiment of LOVE and how it looks every day. With original illustrations by Potter, this sweet book is perfect for reminding our little ones how very much they are loved.  

Early Elementary — Words and Your Heart by Kate Jane Neal

This wonderful, beautiful book reminds us all about the power of words, both positive and negative, and how we use them. Thoughtful without being preachy, this is great book to enjoy at home or in the classroom.

Elementary — What Was the Underground Railroad by Yona Zeldis McDonough

Introduce children to the Underground Railroad and help them understand this important part of history. This is a story of real  “conductors” and “passengers” and the struggles and sacrifice experienced as slaves pursued a life of freedom.

Middle School — Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Brown Girl Dreaming is Woodson’s inspiring story of growing up as an African American in the 60s and 70s. Her story is shared through vivid poems that are carefully crafted with eloquence and emotion, each offering an inside perspective as she finds her place in the world.

High School — Fragments of the Lost by Megan Miranda

Miranda’s latest thriller will surely be a hit among YA fans. In Fragments of the Lost, Jessa Whitworth is challenged to uncover the truth behind her ex-boyfriend’s death. As she explores the pieces of his life, she soon realizes their relationship may not have been what she thought. Many twists and turns take readers on a breathtaking journey to solving this mystery.

Moms —The Hush by John Hart

New York Times bestselling author John Hart is a North Carolina native and former Greensboro resident who has a new book, The Hush. Building on the world found in Hart’s novel, The Last Child, The Hush revisits Johnny Merrimon and his life that remains of interest to many, even though he has tried to maintain his privacy after the notable events ten years earlier. One reviewer wrote, “John Hart is a master storyteller and in The Hush, he stretches his talent into the supernatural realm. A complex read with shades from our dark past.” The Hush is sure to be another bestseller, so don’t miss the opportunity to meet Hart and purchase his new book — February 27th at 7:00 p.m. at Greensboro’s Barnes & Noble.

Win a book of your choice from today’s blog! 
Remember to share your thoughts and comments, and you could be selected to win a copy of one of the books, compliments of Barnes & Noble, Friendly Shopping Center, Greensboro. The staff of Triad Moms on Main will choose a random winner one week after the blog runs. (Please be sure to enter your email address when you fill out your comment so they have a way to contact you.)

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Ellen Bryant Lloyd is the author of FRECKLES and FRECKLES and The Great Beach Rescue. Please visit www.funwithfreckles.com and www.facebook.com/funwithfreckles to learn more about Freckles. Ellen writes a blog about her perspectives on life and parenting at www.mindfulmom.wordpress.com and tweets at @EllenBLloyd. She lives in Greensboro with her husband and two children.