One in an occasional set of interviews with the reviewers who provide critical insights about new books from our client publishers.
Olivia Gorecke has been on our list of reviewers for about three years now and started her bookstagram account in 2020 as a way to introduce new titles to her patrons who weren’t able to browse the shelves as normal.
Olivia, let’s start with your introduction.
I am the Head of Children’s Services at the Cape May (NJ) County Library. I began volunteering at my local library when I was 12, and never left!
How did you get started reviewing titles?
Collection development has always been one of my favorite parts of my job, particularly picture book and board book collections. During the pandemic lockdown of 2020, my library was closed to the public, but still available for curbside pickups. There were so many amazing titles arriving regularly, but people were not able to browse the shelves. I created my bookstagram around that time to share my love of picture books and spread the word about some of the great new releases.
“Ziefert’s text welcomes audience involvement and responses, while Gali’s illustrations utilize minimal backgrounds and multimedia images to highlight the limitless possibilities” IS A BOOK A BOX FOR WORDS? (Red Comet Press)
What is your favorite genre to review?
Wordless picture books are my absolute favorite! I gave a presentation at the New Jersey Library Association a few years ago about nontraditional forms of literacy, with an emphasis on wordless picture books. Their benefits for readers are infinite and the artwork and storytelling are always spellbinding.
How do the children in your life influence your choices?
I had my first child in November, and am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to share so many amazing stories with him. I also have the most wonderful nieces and nephews who absolutely love to read and learn! Their interests and passions are delightfully diverse, with my nephew loving any and all nonfiction while my nieces adore a good fairy tale. In addition to my incredible family, I always keep library patrons and community members in mind while reviewing and purchasing titles for the collection; I order picture books, early readers, board books, and holiday titles. Hearing the library community’s feedback and suggestions allows me to provide readers advisory and craft a collection that has something for everyone.
“Welsh’s rhyming narrative is endlessly comforting and cheerful, making this a phenomenal choice for bedtime sharing or group read alouds” I LOVE YOU MORE (Nosy Crow)
Do you have a favorite library or bookstore memory to share?
I was fortunate enough to grow up only two blocks away from my local library, which had the absolute most wonderful and amazing staff. One day, I must have visited three or four times total, checking out a book or film each time. Every time I returned, the staff greeted me with a warm welcome and asked my thoughts on my last checkout. It was around this time that they asked me if I was interested in volunteering, and my endless love of libraries began!
What other book reviewers influence your reading choices?
The Bookstagram community has so many incredible reviewers! I am a huge fan of Charlotte Offsay (@picturebookrecommendations), Jamie Bills (jmebills), and @librarymombooks, to name only a handful. Their insights and feedback are invaluable – I always discover a new series or author from their reviews.
“The emphasis on different methods of reading and storytelling is commendable, as is the depiction of the pair’s quarrel and eventual reunion” JUST ONE MORE STORY (Tiger Tales)
We hope you have enjoyed this look into the life of a librarian and bookstagram reviewer! We know our publishers appreciate the insights she provides.
Want to find out more about the benefits and artistic range wordless picture books can deliver, which Olivia mentions in our interview? You can discover more on the topic here.