My 16-year-old daughter's therapist recently had yet another come-to-Jesus talk with my husband and me. Don't get me wrong, it was awesome. They are always awesome. But there's always some regret and a little shame that I feel getting told I need to make changes. Like, why didn't I do things differently in the first place? Why aren't I a better parent? Which is why I'm proud of my husband and me. … [Read more...]
Free Summer Reading Printable Packet for Kids Ages 6 – 13
Summer is just around the corner! Download this free summer reading packet for your kids ages 6 to 13. I hope this reading printable will help you support your children with intentional, daily reading and reflecting over the summer. What's in the Summer Reading Printable Packet? Goal Setting Page Before you start, sit down with your children to set some goals and intentions. Start with how … [Read more...]
The Itchy Book From Elephant & Piggie Like Reading (+ Giveaway)
Disclosure: Disney Hyperion sent me The Itchy Book and is partnering with me for a giveaway! Do you have a 6- to 8-year-old? Your growing readers will love THE ITCHY BOOK by LeUyen Pham. It's the latest beginning reader in the Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! series from Mo Willems, available in stores May 15, 2018. And you're going to love LeUyen Pham's colorful, comic-style illustrations … [Read more...]
Chapter Books Set in Asian Countries (Japan, China, Mongolia, Korea, and More)
Are your kids looking for a good chapter book set in an Asian country? My daughter wanted to read a book set in a different country so I'm making new book middle grade lists. This first one is books that take place in Asian countries including China, Mongolia, Nepal, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Not all Asian countries are represented here. I'll continue to add to this list as I learn … [Read more...]
The Best Historical Fiction Chapter Books About Westward Expansion
When learning this part of U.S. History, it's beneficial to have kids immerse themselves in stories about western expansion and life in the (wild) west. Historical fiction chapter books like these help cement learning about this time period. These books will give children an more three-dimensional understanding of life traveling west or as a settler in the west. Unfortunately, there aren't many … [Read more...]
Toys That Develop Early Learning Skills
Educational Insights sent me several products from their brand new line for younger kids (ages 2 - 4) called Bright Basics. The toys help kids develop essential early learning skills through playful toys. Visual Discrimination, Early Math Skills, & Fine Motor Skills The Nest and Stack Cubes are 10 beautiful cubes the blue star design of which is based on the nursery rhyme "Twinkle, Twinkle, … [Read more...]
Seventeen College Goals Interactive Journal + $100 Gift Card
Disclosure: Bluestreak Books sent me a copy of Seventeen: College Goals & is providing a prize pack for one of my lucky readers! You guys, my oldest daughter is sixteen! And every day I'm totally aware that I get only about two more years with her before she leaves for college... My husband and I are trying not to panic. But the whole college thing -- that's new to us since she's the oldest. … [Read more...]
Spring 2018 Picture Books That Will Make You Laugh
Next time you're at the library or bookstore, see if you can find these new picture books -- they are hilarious! Spring 2018 Picture Books That Will Make You Laugh Big Bunny by Rowboat Watkins RUN out to get this book -- it's totally hilarious. The reader keeps interrupting the narrator who is trying to tell the story of a big bunny who no, doesn't live on a ginormous floating … [Read more...]
Spring 2018 Picture Books About Identity, Inclusion, & Diverse Cultures
I'm so happy to see books about different cultures and stories with non-white faces! Little by little, children's picture books are starting to more accurately represent the world we live in! The books I'm sharing today are all spring 2018 titles about the themes of identity and inclusion or from a specific culture. Spring 2018 Picture Books About Identity, Inclusion, & Diverse … [Read more...]
Latest Graphic Novels, Spring 2018
Many of you have kids that LOVE, maybe even prefer, graphic novels. These 2018 titles recently hit bookstores and libraries. Maybe you'll find what to read next. (My favorite on this list is Star Scouts.) Latest Graphic Novels Spring 2018 Scarlett Hart Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgwick and Thomas TaylorScarlett is determined to follow her deceased monster-hunter parent's path-- even … [Read more...]
If You Love The Magic Tree House, Try These Read Alike Books Next
If your beginning reader loves The Magic Tree House books and they've finished the entire series, they're probably wondering what books to read next. Not to worry. I've made a list of suggestions for your Magic Tree House fans. Try these read alike books -- books with mystery, adventure, and fantasy that will keep your growing reader reading and reading... (Good for ages 6 - 9.) If You Love The … [Read more...]
Read Alike Books for Kids Who Love The Princess in Black
Princess in Black is a delightful fiction adventure about a spunky princess who secretly fights monsters. It's a hugely popular easy chapter book. And if you love The Princess in Black books, here are book ideas of what to read next, books that you'll love just as much. The tricky thing for me when recommending read alike books is to give you titles that are more or less at the same reading … [Read more...]