I've been reading new middle grade books, as I do. :) Here are my favorite choices from the new release bookshelf for spring 2018. What's Good in New Middle Grade Books Elementals: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman FANTASY If you like adventurous fantasy stories with unique plots, this book is for you. Homeless, orphaned 12-year old twins, Anders and Rayna, unexpectedly discover that they … [Read more...]
Children’s Books About Aging, Memory Loss, and Alzheimer’s
As grandparents grow older, we must often help our children understand about aging, memory loss, and even, Alzheimer's. These picture books and chapter books tell stories that will help you learn more about and discuss old age and the changes that may go with it. It can be a confusing time for children. (And us!) I hope these books help. Children's Picture Books About Aging, Memory Loss, … [Read more...]
Cubetto Now Launching a New Kit on Kickstarter
I recently wrote how much my kids and I LOVED Cubetto, a Montessori-inspired wooden coding toy for preschooler kids ages 3 and up. Now, I'm excited to share with you that Cubetto is expanding -- and you can be part of it! GO HERE TO SEE CUBETTO ON KICKSTARTER. For a short time, Cubetto is offering an African Savannah limited-edition collectible Adventure Pack to expand Cubetto’s learning and … [Read more...]
2018 Picture Books About Nature
Nature -- the environment, the animals, the plants -- surrounds us. We can teach our children about nature in many ways -- being outside and observing is always my first preference. But books can support our children's understanding of nature, too. Especially when we're reading about things we can't experience first hand due to our location in the world. (Not too many of us live by coral reefs.) … [Read more...]
Poisoned: Our Mold Story
Mold destroyed my health. It destroyed my kids’ health. The crazy thing? We all experienced symptoms that took 9 years (for JJ,) 6 years (for AJ and me,) and 14 doctors to figure out. What’s worse -- the recommended mold tester I hired 5 years ago MISSED finding it and the more recent testers last year missed finding it all, too. (I’ll explain this more in a minute.) When we moved … [Read more...]
What’s New in Beginning Chapter Books
Here's what's new in beginning chapter books for spring 2018 -- or at least, what's new that I've read and liked. :) What's New in Beginning Chapter Books Our Principal is a Frog by Stephanie Calmenson, illustration Aaron Blecha (ages 5 - 8)I'm very excited about this new, SHORT, easy chapter book series called QUIX from Aladdin / Simon and Schuster. This an engaging story about a … [Read more...]
9 Historical Fiction Chapter Books About The American Civil War
Kids studying the American Civil War benefit from reading historical fiction chapter books because the details, the ambience, and the significant events become more real through the lens of a memorable story. Here you'll find my picks for chapter books set in the Civil War time period for readers ages 6 - 13. For some reason, this time period doesn't have a wealth of historical … [Read more...]
Historical Fiction Chapter Books About The (American) Revolutionary War
Homeschoolers, teachers, and parents, I've made a list of historical fiction chapter books about The American Revolutionary War that will help set the stage for your learners. Often, reading a fictional story is the best way to build background knowledge as the story sticks in your mind so clearly. The setting and historical facts stay there too, building knowledge and a foundation for more … [Read more...]
Meet Botley, An Adorable Coding Robot for Children 5+
"This is cool!" my daughter exclaimed after trying Botley, the new, adorable blue and green coding robot from Learning Resources. And she's right! Botley is a cool {engaging & fun} way for children five and up to learn hands-on coding. Even better, Botley does not require any other devices-- NO smartphone or tablet required. What's more, I love the growth mindset opportunities like failure and … [Read more...]
8 New & Exciting Easy Reader Books
Because beginning readers need plenty of good books, I'm always looking for what's new and good. Book that kids will love to read. I adore Jan Thomas' new books and am totally excited to share with you Baby Monkey, Private Eye. Your kids are going to LOVE them. Find these and more excellent easy reader books separated by phonics, level 1 and levels 2+ on the Best Easy Readers for 5- and 6- Year … [Read more...]
What’s in the Dark? 13 Books About Nocturnal Animals
Do your kids know about nocturnal animals? Animals who sleep during the day and are active during the night? Learn more about nocturnal animals like bats, owls, foxes, and raccoons in these illuminating books about the world of the dark. "To all of you who crawl and creep, who buzz and chirp and hoot and peep, who wake at dusk and throw off sleep: Welcome to the night." - Joyce Sidman, … [Read more...]
New Board Book Reviews, Spring 2018
What board books are your child's favorite? Or maybe they have a cloth book that they love? If you're looking to add to your collection, from board books with flaps to books about animal feet, there is plenty to choose from this season. I personally preferred to buy most of our board books because well, of the chewing. And germs. Yuck. Because that's what kids do at this baby and … [Read more...]