Linda Ludke
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lindamludke.bsky.social
Linda Ludke
@lindamludke.bsky.social
940 followers 1.3K following 45 posts
Librarian, book lover, vintage enthusiast and children's book reviewer for Quill & Quire and Booklist
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lindamludke.bsky.social
The One About the Blackbird by Melanie Florence, illus Matt James published by Tundra Books is a tender #picturebook about the power of music to evoke memories. It's my Librarian's Pick #bookreview in the latest @kidsbookcentre.bsky.social newsletter: tinyurl.com/yefcjbmz #KidLit #CanKidLit 📚👍
On the cover of the picture book The One About the Blackbird by Melanie Florence and illustrated by Matt James, a grandfather stands beside his grandson who is holding a guitar.
November 14, 2025 at 2:27 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
In It Began With a Buzz by @shivadelsoozart.bsky.social a girl struggling with tinnitus finds a way to cope. This relatable #picturebook sings with emotional resonance in high fidelity. Here's my ⭐@quillandquire.bsky.social #bookreview: tinyurl.com/464j4yjh #KidLit #CanKitLit @owlkids.bsky.social 📚👍
On the cover of the picture book It Began with a Buzz by Shiva Delsooz, a young girl holds her ears in her hands and has a frown on her face.
November 12, 2025 at 9:00 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
This Land is a Lullaby by Tonya Simpson illus Delreé Dumont won the GG Award!! Hooray! This eloquent picture book honors the enduring relationship between a child, their ancestors and the land. Here’s my ⭐Booklist #bookreview: tinyurl.com/y56dbsh8 #KidLit #CanKidLit 📚👍 @orcabook.bsky.social
The cover of the picture book This Land is a Lullaby by Tonya Simpson, illustrated by Delreé Dumont shows an Indigenous mother holding her newborn child in her arms outside on the Plains.
November 6, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Reposted by Linda Ludke
midgeraymond.bsky.social
I’m so happy to see @drkendracoulter.bsky.social ’s novel THE TORTOISE’S TALE out in the world today! Don’t miss this incredible new novel. #booksky #pubday

ecolitbooks.com/2025/11/04/b...
Book Review: The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter : EcoLit Books
Years ago, when I was in the Galápagos Islands, a fellow traveler asked how long tortoises live. Our guide’s answer was: “We don’t know.” No human has yet lived long ... Read more
ecolitbooks.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:22 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
True Colors by @elisegravel.bsky.social trans. Montana Kane is a totally tubular time capsule of growing up in the early 1990s filled with colourful hobbies, true-blue friends and undiagnosed ADHD. Here’s my ⭐ @quillandquire.bsky.social #bookreview: bit.ly/46biqGm 📚👍 #KidLit @dandq.bsky.social
The cover of True Colors: Growing up Weird in the 90s by Elise Gravel resembles a page from a lined notebook. A dark haired teen is sitting on the floor writing in her journal surrounded by a skateboard, board games, telephone and books.
August 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
In a Head Full of Clouds by Joanne Schwartz illus. Afsaneh Sanei, a girl wakes up from a dream she can't shake. This unique dream of a #picturebook is grounded in solid storytelling with surreal surprises. Here's my ⭐Booklist #bookreview: www.booklistonline.com/products/980... #KidLit #CanKidLit
Cover image of the picture book Head Full of Clouds by Joanne Schwartz and illustrated by Afsaneh Sanei shows a red headed girl's reflection in a sidewalk rain puddle.
August 25, 2025 at 7:26 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
In Amelia Bothe's arresting picture-book debut, a young girl grapples with guilt over surreptitiously taking something that isn't hers. Here's my ⭐ Booklist review: www.booklistonline.com/products/981... #KidLit
The cover image of the picture book Ellie Has a Secret shows a young girl looking up at a huge dragon-like entity with long spiked horn on its nose.
August 15, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Reposted by Linda Ludke
kidsbookcentre.bsky.social
Our appreciation to @quillandquire.bsky.social for covering this important news and sharing our statement.

quillandquire.com/omni/ccbc-ca...
CCBC calls on Alberta government to rescind ministerial order - Quill and Quire
“While a certain book might not be a good fit for one student, it can be life-affirming for another. This sweeping and vague ministerial order risks the removal of many diverse and inclusive books and...
quillandquire.com
July 29, 2025 at 8:25 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
I Would Give You My Tail by @tanyatagaq.bsky.social illus Qavavau Manumie is an exquisite mediation on gratitude, kindness and kinship. Here's my ⭐Booklist #bookreview: www.booklistonline.com/products/980... #CanKidLit #KidLit
Cover image of the picture book I Would Give You My Tail written by Tanya Tagaq, illustrated by Qavavau Manumie, shows a young Inuk boy holding his baby sibling.
August 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
Rest in peace, dear Nick. Legendary music promoter Nick Panaseiko's profound impact on the music scene will not be forgotten. Read about Nick's storied life and career in Promo Man: Backstage Tales from the Vinyl Jungle by Bob Klanac.
Nick Panaseiko, legendary music producer, stands on the left. Bob Klanac stands on the right with his arm around Nick's shoulders. Record album cover art adorns the wall behind them.
August 1, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Reposted by Linda Ludke
jasonschneidermedia.com
RIP Bill Exley, vocalist for the Nihilist Spasm Band, a proud Canadian institution founded in 1965 that was weirder then than anyone else would ever be.
Here's a scanned page from an article I did for Shindig in 2010 talking about them and other Canadian musical innovators and iconoclasts.
July 18, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Reposted by Linda Ludke
liamweikart.bsky.social
RIP/P, Bill Exley #NihilistSpasmBand
What about Me? :The Rise of the Nihilist Spasm Band (HD)
YouTube video by Mark Favro
www.youtube.com
July 18, 2025 at 3:16 AM
lindamludke.bsky.social
I wear my love for Odder by @kaaauthor.bsky.social illus @charlessantoso.bsky.social on my sleeve. This lyrical, heartfelt #picturebook is inspired by the real-life Monterey Bay Aquarium rehabilitation program that pairs orphaned otter pups. #kidlit @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
A woman wearing a sweater with pictures of sea otters is holding a copy of the picture book Odder: An Otter's Story by Katerine Applegate and illustrated by Charles Santoso.
June 17, 2025 at 12:07 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
Museum London's exhibition Fashion: Grit, Glamour and Guts, on until Nov 2, explores fashion as storytelling. I'm tickled pink to be a contributor. My love of vintage clothing is matched by my love of children's books; both are well-crafted and artfully designed. #KidLit #CanKidLit
A museum display showing a bird patterned 1940's vintage dress on a dress form. In a display box beside the dress is the picture book Once, A Bird by Rina Singh. On the wall behind the display, a photograph by Larry Towell showing a woman and a young child in a pick up truck.
June 9, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Reposted by Linda Ludke
lpl.ca
Some gifts last a lifetime. Others last even longer. Long-time Library patron and artist Rudy Sparkuhl spent countless happy hours immersed in books and ideas. Now, his extraordinary $500,000 gift will help shape the Library’s future for generations to come.
📖 Read Rudy’s story: buff.ly/trr3V0g
Rudy Sparkuhl works on a painting in his studio, surrounded by art supplies. A vintage film strip showing a photo of young Rudy and his family standing beside their car.showing, and images of Rudy Sparkuhl in his studio painting. Rudy Sparkuhl and his parents sit outside at a patio table, squinting in the sun. Film strips show images of Rudy Sparkuhl painting in his studio.
March 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Reposted by Linda Ludke
quillandquire.bsky.social
“Equal parts comedy and conservation lesson, this high-seas adventure is propelled forward by multiple Eisner Award–winning cartoonist Kate Beaton’s signature satiric wit.” Beaton's new picture book Shark Girl -Q&Q feature review @lindamludke.bsky.social this week. #kidlit #CANkidlit bit.ly/3F6oogO
March 7, 2025 at 6:08 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
Shark Girl by @katebeaton.bsky.social is a Little Mermaid-esque tale turned on its fin and delivers a biting commentary on exploitation of workers and the environment. Here's my ⭐ @quillandquire.bsky.social #bookreview: quillandquire.com/review/shark... #kidlit #CANkidlit
March 6, 2025 at 3:07 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
Pick up Rock by Laurel Croza, illustrated by Matt James. It's a moving, meaningful, rock-solid #picturebook to embrace.
Here's my ⭐Booklist #bookreview: www.booklistonline.com/products/980... @groundwoodbooks.bsky.social #kidlit #CANkidlit
Cover of the picture book Rock, written by Laurel Croza and illustrated by Matt James, shows a big rock on a sandy beach. A child is in the distance and a seagull is flying nearby.
March 6, 2025 at 2:52 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
When I'm feeling Squirrel-ish, I pick up this delightful #picturebook by Bambi Edlund. Rats! Is the grass greener on the other side of the park? @owlkids.bsky.social #kidlit #CANkidlit
A woman wearing a knitted sweater with a squirrel pattern is holding the picture book Squirrel-ish by Bambi Edlund.
March 3, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Reposted by Linda Ludke
gallerynucleus.bsky.social
🏝️For all who won't be able to make it to the Reception & signing, we've opened signed pre-orders for any Jon Klassen art prints & the Your Places series (until 02.16)

☀️ gallerynucleus.com/artists/jon_...

#jonklassen #picturebook #kidsbooks #kidlit #booklover #yourplaces #childrenslit
February 13, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Reposted by Linda Ludke
crystalsmithart.bsky.social
Yay! Great news today - Mother Aspen (w/b Annette Lebox, pics by me) is nominated for a Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award. 🥰 💜 This is an award for the illustrations specifically, so I'm doubly honoured!

#kidlit #kidlitart #illustration
@groundwoodbooks.bsky.social @jemiscoe.bsky.social
February 18, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Reposted by Linda Ludke
groundwoodbooks.bsky.social
📚ROCK by Laurel Croza and illustrated by Matt James publishes next week! Learn more about the book: https://houseofanansi.com/products/rock?_pos=1&_sid=3b70db2cc&_ss=r
A photo of the book Rock propped open on a stool. The book is open to a spread showing a seagull poking at a rock with its beak. A real rock is in front of the rock illustration.
February 25, 2025 at 4:49 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
The Eidi Bag by Shazia Afzal, illus @shivadelsoozart.bsky.social offers many gifts to readers. It's my Librarian's Pick #bookreview in @kidsbookcentre.bsky.social's latest newsletter: bookcentre.ca/blogs/newsle... @owlkids.bsky.social #kidlit #CANkidlit #picturebook
Cover of the picture book The Eidi Bag by Shazia Afzal and illustrated by Shiva Delsooz shows a young girl smiling and looking at her embroidered Eidi bag.
February 23, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Reposted by Linda Ludke
hannahchung.com
Yay picture books! #kidlit @npr.org

"if we are to really respect the taste and intelligence of kids, we should also be venerating their art as highly as any other literature." - Mac Barnett
Are picture books undervalued? This new ambassador of children's literature thinks so
The Library of Congress has given Mac Barnett the job of promoting books and reading to kids across the country. His plan is to focus on picture books.
www.npr.org
February 10, 2025 at 9:40 PM
lindamludke.bsky.social
There's more beneath the surface than meets the eye. Being unique is cause for celebration. Mushrooms Know by Kallie George illus Sara Gillingham has fungi facts and wisdom galore. #kidlit #CANkidlit #picturebook
A woman wearing a shirt with mushroom print is holding the picture book Mushrooms Know by Kallie George and illustrated by Sara Gillingham.
February 13, 2025 at 12:22 PM