Book reviews are essential for authors—especially indie authors who rely on visibility, word of mouth, and authentic reader feedback. As a community of readers, parents, and book lovers, we love supporting fellow writers and helping great books find their audience.
We also believe deeply in fostering a love of reading in children and making books accessible to families in our community. This program supports authors while also putting more stories into the hands of young readers.
This Read & Share Book Review Program connects children’s book authors with real readers and provides honest reviews that are shared on the Live Grow Play Austin blog, newsletter, and Facebook page, with many reviewers also choosing to post their honest review on Amazon.
By
Birgit Sund on January 27, 2026
Summer is a time for exploration, creativity, and new experiences—and what better way to embark on an adventure than through books? Whether kids are relaxing by the pool, curled up in a hammock, or on a road trip, reading keeps their minds engaged and their imaginations soaring. Plus, with so many summer reading programs offering exciting rewards, kids can stay motivated while having fun!
By
Birgit Sund on May 29, 2025
Today’s featured book, Stronger Than She Thinks by Nancy Kerrigan, reviewed by our reader and local mom Sabrina, is based on a true story about the Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan.
By
Birgit Sund on November 27, 2023
Today’s featured book The Sun and The Planets by Patricia Geis, reviewed by our reader and local mom Yvette, is a very detailed and informative adventure about earth and outer space, with pop-ups, pull-outs, sliders, and foldouts.
By
Yvette Fischer on October 18, 2023
Today's featured book Adelaide and The Cosmic Rescue Squad by Zoe Twist is about a team of young trick or treaters who have to brave the dark by helping a tiny witchlet Zara create magical light bubbles for all the worlds children.
By
Alyssa Comstock on September 28, 2023
Summer camp registration is open! Austin has a plethora of camps and many of them are filling up fast.
In the coming weeks leading up to summer, we'll be introducing different camps in our Summer Camp Series in order to give you an idea of what's available, and to help you find the right camp for your kiddos.
Today's featured camp is the Badgerdog Camps by the Austin Public Library Friends Foundation.
By
Birgit Sund on April 6, 2018
“Reading is the most influential factor related to summer
learning,” said Ami Uselman, RRISD director of library and media
services. “Our goal is to get books in the hands of our students that
need them most in an effort to prevent any loss of academic skills
during the summer.” Learn more about Round Rock ISD's unique idea.
By
Birgit Sund on June 8, 2016