My kids aren't reading like the used to. It's not good. But, I have a plan . . . I'm going to entice them with the controversy of banned books. In fact, I think the emotional tug of unfairness and lack of choice will motivate your tweens and teens, too. Because there's nothing more resonating to kids than unfairness. And when books are banned, it's unfair. Kids want choice. Kids want … [Read more...]
7 Tips for Starting a Book Club (For Kids)
written by Deborah Lytton, author of Ruby Starr Book clubs are a wonderful way to combine reading and friends. A book club allows for discovery of new books as well as ideas. Here are 7 tips for starting your own. In my newest release, RUBY STARR (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky), the main character Ruby is a ten year old who absolutely loves books. She is inspired by her mother’s book club to start … [Read more...]
My Miniature Library: Mini Books for DIY Book Enthusiasts
If you like tiny things AND books, you're going to love My Miniature Library. At our house, we are quite partial to cute, tiny things so this is right up our alley! Plus I like that it incorporates books with crafting and playing. Just imagine the possibilities . . . My Miniature Library: Mini Books for DIY Book Enthusiasts The My Miniature Library book is actually not a book but a case to … [Read more...]
What’s New in Halloween Books
Halloween is just around the corner. That means it's time to read books about the holiday. Of course, we all have our favorite stories but you'll also want to check out these NEW titles for 2017! Don't miss this printable Halloween treasure hunt. Find 80 book character costumes ideas here. (See my huge list of Halloween books here!) What's New in Halloween Books Halloween ABC by … [Read more...]
Award-Winning Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game Now a Board Book!
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel game wins awards because it's a genius preschool game kids love to play. Now this educational game has inspired a new lift-the-flap board book with the same title, The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel. Both the game and the book strengthen counting and color recognition for preschoolers. Award-Winning Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game In the Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel … [Read more...]
Noteworthy Fall 2017 Picture Books
Talk about a noteworthy list of fall 2017 picture books for children! Teachers and parents, you'll want to look through these new titles carefully. Many will be useful in the classroom while others are perfect for reading at home. As always, I've picked the best of the bunch to share with you today. Noteworthy Fall 2017 Picture Books Betty's Burgled Bakery An Alliteration Adventure by … [Read more...]
A Book to Help Your Kids Learn Strategies for Friendships
Friendships are so important to kids. As parents, we want to help our children make (and keep) good friends but, it's not always easy. We're not there with our kids. And our kids need to learn the strategies on their own anyway. That's why we need books like Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Christine McLaughlin. This book gives kids … [Read more...]
Don’t Miss These Nonfiction Standouts for Ages 6 – 11
From sports facts to dinosaur poop and historical biographies, these latest nonfiction books give readers (ages 6 - 11) plenty to learn and read. Don't Miss These Nonfiction Standouts for Ages 6 - 12 Book of Bones: 10 Record-Breaking Animals by Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sam Brewster Oversized, dramatic white on black pictures of animals with bones catch your … [Read more...]
7 Beginning Chapter Books, Fall 2017
Calling all readers ages 6 to 9 who are transitioning to chapter books! Here are seven new beginning chapter books you'll want to peruse. See if the descriptions sound like something you'd like. Then off you go. 7 Beginning Chapter Books for Fall 2017 Ada Lace is On the Case by Emily Calandrelli with Tamson Weston, illustrated by Renee Kurilla MYSTERY / STEM Ada moves to a new … [Read more...]
13 New Middle Grade Books to Read in Fall 2017
Discover new, amazing middle grade books for tweens, ages 9 - 12, for fall 2017 reading. *Find more newly published (excellent) fall 2017 middle grade FANTASY books here and HISTORICAL FICTION books here. (I separated the list because it was so long.) 13 New Middle Grade Books to Read in Fall 2017 Wallace the Brave by Will Henry HUMOR / GRAPHIC NOVEL If you like the humor … [Read more...]
5 Historical Fiction Novels for Tweens, Fall 2017
Tweens reading these new 2017 historical fiction novels will find that the stories make the history come to life. All these books are good but I highly, highly recommend Refugee as a stand-out, must-read choice for everyone. Want to read other genres? Find MORE fall 2017 newly published middle grade books for tweens. 5 Historical Fiction Novels for Tweens, Fall 2017 Refugee by Alan … [Read more...]
Apple-icious Recipe and Children’s Books (Perfect for Fall)
written by Lisa Amstutz Kids love apples—fresh, in juice or cider, dried, or best of all—as applesauce! Why not try making fresh, homemade applesauce with your kids this year? This easy crockpot version will fill your home and classroom with apple-icious smells all day long! Don't forget to read children's books like my new book, Applesauce Day, while you feast. Easy Crockpot … [Read more...]