Reader Roundup: April 2026
April is a fickle month with on and off again weather. There were enough inclement days to rack up some serious reading time. April is also Poetry month, Shakespeare’s birthday, and an emphasis on libraries and librarians.
James Herriot’s Treasury for Children by James Herriot
A lovely way to introduce young readers to the delightful stories of the world’s favorite Yorkshire veterinarian.
The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris, illustrated by Brad Sneed
A fun addition to books emphasizing how impacting libraries and librarians can be on a young reader.
Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench and Brenden O’Hea
For those who only know Judi Dench from film roles such as “M” from James Bond have missed out on her first career as a stage actress, primarily with the Royal Shakespeare Company. From Ophelia to Cleopatra she played most of Shakespeare’s roles for women.
In this audiobook memoir Dame Judi reveals her thoughts and experiences about her career with Shakespeare. Presented as a conversational podcast between Brendan O’Hea and Dench listeners are treated to frank, thoughtful, even randy recollections about the power of Shakespeare’s words. As a bonus treat listeners hear anecdotes about actors Dench has worked with: Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Branagh, Laurence Oliver, as well as backstage shenanigans like the time she almost went on stage without her skirt.
Accomplished actress, Barbara Flynn, reads for Judi Dench and emulates her phrasing, impish wit, and randy interjections amazingly well. At the end is a conversation with O’Hea and Dench that is a delightful addition.
Wild About Books by Judy Sierra illustrated by Marc Brown
What happens when the bookmobile ends up at the zoo? A picture book filled with lively images and a rhyming text that entertains young readers with how animals learned to love reading. Very fun and a good pick for Library Week.
Ordinary Grace by William Krueger
From the first sentence the reader is informed that death will define the story. The author then hands the story over to thirteen year old Frank, who is on the cusp of launching out of childhood, trying to grasp on to the nebulous world of adults. Frank, though a pastor’s kid, swears, flirts with adventurous undertakings, but is loyal to his family, especially his older sister Ariel and Jake, his shadow and little brother.
The title reflects the calm and wisdom of patriarch Nathan, who exudes Atticus Finch in how he handles tragedies that come his way as pastor, father, friend, and husband.
A richly told coming-of-age story that is reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird and Grisham’s A Painted House in that the narrator relates events beyond childhood, providing events with the eyes of innocence yet with the perspective of an adult.
With the good weather coming this means hammock reading which is always a good time.
Pam Webb 