In a world full of parenting books for "typical" kids and books about understanding specific disorders, there aren't many books that guide us on how to embrace and parent an atypical, neurodiverse child. Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World is a judgment-free breath of fresh air; it shows parents like me how to see, parent, and celebrate the kids we've been … [Read more...]
Read With Me Kids App Lets Parents Personalize a Printed Book
written by Christa Jimenez of Pura Vida Moms Disclosure: I had the opportunity to test the app Read With Me Kids in partnership with Imagination Soup and sponsored by Read With Me Kids. As usual, all opinions are my own. I'm always looking for ways to encourage my kids to read-- we have an independent reader and an emerging reader-- and this personalized book app from Read With Me Kids is … [Read more...]
Riveting Robot Books for Kids
Robots rock, right? (See what I did there? rrr ...) Get your STEM-loving kids jazzed about robots with these books all about robots! From picture books to nonfiction tomes, these books will get your kids excited about robotics. Riveting Robot Books for Kids The Robot Book by Heather Brown This robot has two eyes, two arms, and two legs, but what really makes him tick? Inside The Robot Book, … [Read more...]
The Best Ninja Picture Books for Kids
So many kids go through a loving everything ninja phase. I know my youngest daughter did. She even had a ninja-themed birthday party! These are our favorite ninja picture books. We hope you like them, too. The Best Ninja Picture Books for Kids Hello Ninja by N.D. Wilson, illustrated by Forrest Dickison Kids love this rhyming board book all about what ninjas do -- including go to … [Read more...]
Have You Seen These New Beginning Chapter Books? 2018
Beginning readers (ages 6 - 9) need engaging chapter books with interesting plots and memorable characters. That's why I like to bring you the latest new releases so you have even more reading options. Find ALL my book recommendations for new readers: Easiest Chapter Books for 6- and 7-Years-Old Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds Have You Seen These New … [Read more...]
Travel the World: Books for Kids About Japan and Japanese Culture
Travel to Japan by reading picture books and chapter books that are set in Japan and show Japanese culture and traditions. Books help kids learn about different countries and their cultures. For me, the book Shogun first got me interested in Japanese culture. I wonder what it will be for your kids? Happy travels! Picture Books About Japanese Culture My First Book of Japanese Words: An … [Read more...]
Historical Fiction Books About The Civil Rights Movement
Whether in the classroom or at home, kids ages 9 - 12 (middle-grade readers) need quality historical fiction chapter books that illuminate our history. In this case, the Civil Rights Movement. These novels contain memorable characters and plots. Although they're fiction, this often helps bring the history to life in a way that kids won't soon forget. Historical Fiction Books About The Civil … [Read more...]
Best Summer Beach Reads For Moms!
written by Christa Jimenez of Pura Vida Moms Hi, I'm Christa- writer, photographer, world traveler, foodie, voracious reader and bilingual mom. I love all things Costa Rica- including my soccer-loving husband and two bicultural daughters. You can find me at www.puravidamoms.com. Summer is here and many of us have a bit more time to read-- especially on vacation. There is nothing that I love … [Read more...]
10 New Middle-Grade Books, June 2018
I absolutely loved Front Desk -- it's my favorite book on this list -- don't miss it. The others are mostly a mix of adventure and coming-of-age. 10 New Middle-Grade Books, June 2018 Front Desk by Kelly Yang COMING-OF-AGE / INCLUSION This is a must-read 2018 middle-grade book!! Mia and her parents have struggled ever since moving to America from China. When her parents take a new live-in job … [Read more...]
Bibliotherapy! 12 Picture Books About Facing Fears and Having Courage
I'm a big believer in bibliotherapy. Why? Because books can show kids possibilities. They show characters facing fears. Picture books give young readers a glimpse into how others feel, react, and behave. These life lessons can be translated to our kids' lives. This includes facing fears and having courage even though you feel afraid... As you read aloud the stories, discuss what you and … [Read more...]
Warm-Hearted Picture Books About Siblings
From bickering to sharing to cuddling and compromise, these sibling stories are all warm-hearted and playful picture books about the many facets that happen in these relationships. Read with your kids. See what they recognize in themselves. See if any stories inspire something more... Warm-Hearted Picture Books About Siblings The New Small Person by Lauren Child Elmore loves his life as an … [Read more...]
10 Favorite Cumulative Stories for Kids
Cumulative stories are rhythmic stories with a narration that builds upon itself, adding on and repeating previous information. This repetition makes this story predictable, something that is invaluable to growing readers. As the plot builds, readers will be able to accurately predict and read (even fake read) the repetitive text because they'll know it's coming. Even for younger children who … [Read more...]