Every year, I like to share which picture books made the biggest impression on me. Picture books I think families, teachers, and librarians should consider buying. These are my 2018 recommendations. NOTE: I'm writing a different blog post for my nonfiction picture book recommendations. I'll link to that next week. Don't Miss: Best 2018 Middle-Grade Books 2018 Gift Guides … [Read more...]
Best Middle Grade Chapter Books of 2018
What are the best middle-grade books of 2018? I've picked my favorite books of the year. Books that transported me to other worlds, made me feel deeply, and inspired me to think about big issues. And these books are so well written, I couldn't put them down. Comment if you've read any of these or you want to share other favorites! If you're curious about other 2018 books, you read the … [Read more...]
2018 Christmas Books
What new Christmas books should you be reading this year? 2018 offers some choices that are sweet, some that are funny, and some that are cute. See for yourself. BEST Christmas Books for Kids (Secular) BEST Christmas Books for Kids (Christian) 2018 Christmas Books Christmas ABC by Jannie Ho A for angel to Z for zzzz, this is a cheerful Christmas alphabet board book for young … [Read more...]
Simple Christmas Zentangle for Kids
Coloring books are relaxing and fun but we highly recommend making Zentangles for a fun art project instead! Here's a simple Christmas Zentangle that you can do with your kids. All the ideas in this project use lines or circles making it easy for a child to do. Simple Christmas Zentangle for Kids 1. Start by drawing a triangular Christmas tree like the one below-- a big triangle for the tree and … [Read more...]
40+ Hot 2018 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids (All Ages)
Find new, engaging stocking stuffer ideas for kids -- both boys and girls -- that they will love. Imagine finding these delightful gifts in your stockings on Christmas morning! Find all of my 2018 gift recommendations for kids: Games Gift Guide STEM Gift Guide Pretend Play Gift Guide Creative Gift Guide 40+ Hot 2018 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids (All Ages) Monster Trucks ages 2+ 6 … [Read more...]
Free Printable Christmas Mad Libs
Do you love fun and silly family activities? My kids were cracking up last week as I reminisced about the footy pajamas I got every year for Christmas . . . with butt flaps. Remember those? (Super classy!) That's why I decided to include the jammies idea in a Christmas mad libs type letter. It's a free printable and should be silly enough for some good laughs. Printable Christmas Mad … [Read more...]
2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Pretend Play
Encourage dramatic role play and imagination in kids with recommended toys like these new gift choices for the 2018 holidays. When children pretend play, they're developing important social and emotional skills. Don't you love that? Other Gift Guides: STEM Gifts Creative (Arts & Crafts, Literacy) Gifts Game Gifts 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Pretend Play Radio Flyer Busy Buggy Ages … [Read more...]
Zonderkidz Nurturing Steps Book & Sleep Soother Giveaway
Zonderkidz is partnering with me for a giveaway. Do you know Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith and Veggie Tales co-creator Mike Nawrocki? These two have teamed up to write a new picture book series called Nurturing Steps™ for ages 0 - 4 published by Zonderkidz. The goal of the books and accompanying music is to enliven a young child’s journey with hope and faith through song and … [Read more...]
Itzi: Easy-to-Play Word Game for Families
Itzi is a new fast-paced word game from the creators of Tenzi. (Which is a favorite game we LOVE!! My review of Tenzi is here.) You know when you want to get off screen time or take a break from homework but don't have a lot of time? Itzi is the answer -- at least for us! Itzi is for 2 to 8 players, ages 8 and up. The benefit of more players is it takes a bit longer. However, my … [Read more...]
Favorite Hanukkah Books for Kids
With the publication of several excellent, new Hanukkah books, I thought I'd share these and other favorite picture books to read with kids during this holiday season. I don't just recommend these books for Jewish families who celebrate the holiday either. We all can learn about the history and holiday of Hanukkah even if we aren't Jewish because it builds bridges of understanding with our Jewish … [Read more...]
Graduation and the Digital Literacy Gap
Disclosure: This post is written and sponsored by The Boys and Girls Club of America GRADUATION & THE DIGITAL LITERACY GAP Not everyone who graduates will have the digital skills to succeed Students are well into the new school year – but how many of them will actually finish it? Here’s the good news – in 2016, the most recent year that statistics are available, the national high school … [Read more...]
2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Creative Gifts for Kids
I love buying and recommending literacy and arts & crafts Christmas and holiday gifts for kids. It's always fun to have creative inspiration as well as gifts that encourage reading and writing. Here's my 2018 gift guide for literacy, arts, and crafts. ALL 2018 Gift Guides STEM Gifts Creative (Arts & Crafts, Literacy) Gifts Game Gifts Pretend Play Gifts 2018 Holiday … [Read more...]