Hilltown Families 
With over 140 children’s books published to her name, here are 12 books by Demi to celebrate Chinese New Year!
Books for Young Bards
April is National Poetry Month! Time to indulge in poetic forms of all kinds and kids’ books...
‘Tis the season for stories. And what better way to share a story than snuggling up with your favorite kids and turning the pages of a beloved holiday book. Here are...
Thanksgiving is a national holiday that ties us back nearly 400 years to a time when the Wampanoag Indians were vital in helping the Pilgrims survive their new world. This year...
A Bushel of Books about Apples ‘Tis the season when orchards bear autumn fruit, and cider is poured into eager cups, and the smell of pie beckons from the oven. ‘Tis...
In this month's Open Sesame, Cheli presents Raymie Nightingale, the must-read novel of the summer.
In this month's Open Sesame, Cheli shares two new middle grade novels which weave powerful stories of children and foxes.
April is National Poetry Month! Time to indulge in poetic forms of all kinds, and kids’ books serve up odes of opportunities. Picture books are notorious for reveling in rhyme and...
In this month's "Open Sesame," Cheli presents five new picture books which honor women who made a difference in art, photography, science, sports media, and education.
In celebration of Black History, this month's Open Sesame shines a spotlight on Jerry Pinkney and his illustrious career.
In this month's "Open Sesame," Cheli shares ten more notable books of 2015, including picture books, novels, and one of the best works of narrative nonfiction she has ever read!
In this month's Open Sesame, Cheli shares ten new picture books that ring in holiday cheer.
In this month's "Open Sesame," Cheli reviews a pair of irresistible new picture books by two masters of the craft, Eric Carle and Kevin Henkes!
Do you know a young child who dreams of diggers and dozers? Who is a fan of firetrucks and a believer in buses and bikes? In this month's "Open Sesame: Kid...
In this month's Open Sesame, Cheli shares two new novels - a middle grader and a young adult - which use multiple perspectives to show there's more than one side to...
Cheli presents four new picture books teeming with night animals in this month's Open Sesame. Great summer bedtime stories celebrating animals and literacy!
In this month's Open Sesame, find four new books that revel in summer delights - think ice cream and swimming, circus and stars!
April is National Poetry Month, and Cheli has a treat in store for kids with a Spring-ful selection of recommended book- very appropriate for budding young bards!
This month in "Open Sesame: Kid Lit Musings & Reviews," Cheli featured three new picture books for Women in History month!
In celebration of Black History, Hilltown Families contributing writer, Cheli Mennella has 10 wondering recommendations on books that celebrate this month in "Open Sesame: Kid Lit Musings & Reviews," featuring stories...
This month in "Open Sesame: Kid Lit Musings & Reviews," Cheli shares seven picture books that celebrate winter's whimsy, featuring stories with snowmen in the leading role!
The winter months are a great opportunity for kids to cozy up on the couch and read on a wintery day. This month in "Open Sesame: Kid Lit Musings & Reviews,"...
Eight picture books capture the adventures of some canny turkeys plotting to avoid the center of the Thanksgiving table! This diverse collection brings your children into the zany world of crazy...
Some books flourish, aided by a strong main character- and they don't come stronger than the eccentric and smooth Skink in Carl Hiaasen's new teen novel "Skink - No Surrender."...
"Just look to the trees, the lure of leaves, where autumn’s paintbox hangs on every deciduous limb." It sounds beautiful and that is fall in Western Mass. Such visual exquisiteness is...
The first day of school is a huge leap for many young children. The world of school is different than the world of home. Excitement, anxiety, curiosity, fear, and uncertainty are...
Summer is a great time for leisurely reading for mom and dad on the beach or in the hammock, but don't forget about the kids! Picture books communicate so many themes...
Summer reading starts here for young adults. There is nothing as enriching as a well crafted graphic novel with its well paced storyboarding, illustrations and storytelling. They are a fantastic source...
In a nod to National Poetry Month and to kids that love things that go go go, Cheli features a new book filled with humorous rhymes and fantastically bizarre cars. Read...
This month in "Open Sesame: Kid Lit Musings and Review," Cheli shares seven new children's picture books that feature birds... a perfect theme of titles to usher in spring!