Today the Newbery and Caldecott Awards for 2019 were awarded by The Association for Library Service to Children today with the Newbery going to Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina and the Caldecott going to Hello Lighthouse written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. My expectations for the Newbery winning book is that it should be amazing, life-changing, and so well-written you can't put … [Read more...]
Read Aloud Books for Second Grade
If you're a 2nd-grade teacher, librarian, or parent, this list of read aloud books will give you teacher and kid recommended titles plus a printable list. (For non-U.S. readers, second graders are 7-year-olds here.) As you consider which books to read, you also must consider the instructional purpose and potential curriculum tie-in. That's why I'm including themes, topics, and skills for each … [Read more...]
Word Play Kids Love
Get kids loving and learning words with these 6 fun word play activities -- guaranteed to entertain and delight! Once kids see the fun in words, there's no telling how much that will positively affect them as readers and writers... 1. Tongue Twisters My daughter’s drama teacher uses tongue twisters as a warm up. And we love practicing them at the dinner table. These are SO easy to mess up! Try … [Read more...]
Martial Arts Picture Book + Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2019
Welcome to our 6th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day! I can't wait to tell you about a beautiful multicultural picture book I'm reading and a Twitter party we're having tonight. A Morning with Grandpa by Sylvia Liu, illustrated by Christina Forshay is an absolutely lovely picture book from Lee and Low! What strikes me immediately about this picture book is the warm-hearted, loving … [Read more...]
The Best Read Aloud Books for First Grade
Teachers, parents, and homeschoolers, are you looking for a good list of books to read aloud to your first graders? Here a list of favorite books recommended by first-grade teachers, kids, and me -- a mixture of newer titles and classic favorites. You are going to love these books! But first, here are some important considerations when picking a read-aloud book. Higher Reading … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Socratic Classroom Guide for Teachers
Disclosure: Chuck Fischer taught both my daughters in the 5th grade and I think he's an incredible teacher. When he asked me to take a look at his book, I was happy to read it. That being said, this is my honest review... The Ultimate Socratic Classroom Guide for Teachers Classroom teachers, I'm so excited to tell you about The Power of the Socratic Classroom by Charles Ames Fischer. It is a … [Read more...]
New Picture Books that Develop Emotional Literacy
Did you know that in order to feel empathy and have intuition, we need to feel our emotions? And that while these books are really helpful, this stuff is mostly "caught not taught" meaning that as parents and caregivers, we need to be our children's role models for feeling our feelings. (And not judge the uncomfortable ones as bad.) You probably also already know that emotional intelligence is a … [Read more...]
Similar Books for Kids Who Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid
If your kids like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, you'll want to find read-alike books to keep your children engaged in reading. This book list contains books that are just as hilarious and appealing to kids. Happy reading! Books for Kids Who Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe's Wiener Getaway by Max Brallier, illustrated by Rachel Maguire and Nichole Kelley Kids LOVE this … [Read more...]
New Middle Grade Books (Ages 8 – 12)
Ready to see what I've been reading? Here's what's new in middle-grade books from realistic to sci-fi to historical fiction. But before I get to the reviews, I did want to address what we talked about a few months back...whether or not I include book reviews of books that aren't positive. So many of you emailed me that it would be helpful for you to know about books that I didn't love. … [Read more...]
Children’s Picture Books About Love
Do you talk about love with your kids? Do you say 'I love you' and encourage them to say it back? Of course, you do! Perhaps these sweet picture books add to your meaningful conversations about what love is--what it means to you, your children, the world, and in your faith tradition. Children's Picture Books About Love The I Love You Book by Todd Parr Read about unconditional love shown in … [Read more...]
Yummy Chapter Books for Foodie Kids (Who Like to Cook and Bake)
Do you have a foodie kid who loves to cook or bake? Or maybe you have a child who isn't interested in foodie topics yet. No matter what, these fictional chapter books are sure to delight and inspire more time in the kitchen. Yummy Chapter Books for Foodie Kids (Who Love to Cook and Bake) Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider (ages 5 - 7) A picky eater's dad presents the options for … [Read more...]
Brand- New Brain Boosting Board Books
Want to stimulate your baby's and toddler's brain? Read to them! Any high-quality board book is brain boosting. These brand-new choices will give you plenty of options. I predict many will be new favorites. I'm adding many of these to my big list of the BEST board books for babies and toddlers. (Which make great gifts as you know!) Brand-New Brain Boosting Board Books Hello, Love! by Taro … [Read more...]