I like giving kids hands-on (non-electronic) game options that they can play by themselves like this one, Squirrels Go Nuts, meant for ages six and up. My kids think this is adorable and a fun brain challenge puzzle game. Other bonuses: it's portable and develops problem solving and spatial skills. Also on: 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Games for Kids Squirrels Go Nuts The game's goal is to … [Read more...]
14 New Picture Books, Late Fall 2018
I'm happy to share with you 14 more newly published picture books. Also, don't miss my other recent picture book lists that I grouped into the categories of friendship and bedtime. Some really good read aloud choices!! By the way, did you see when I shared P is for Pterodactyl on Instagram and Facebook? It's gone crazy viral on FB. It's on this list, too! :) New Picture Books A Parade … [Read more...]
4 Meaningful Picture Books About Friendships
I can't wait to tell you about these picture books! They'll spark important conversations -- and I hope be helpful in teaching about communication, prejudice, and self-worth. 5 New Picture Books About Friendships Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing on Earth by Josh Crute, illustrated by John Taesoo Kim BELONGING, TOGETHERNESS, SELF-WORTH / Best of 2018 My daughter and I LOVE this book so … [Read more...]
2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Best Games for Kids
When you're buying Christmas or holiday gifts for your kids, give them a fun game that you all can play together! 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Best Games for Kids Pack Your Bags ages 4 - 8 $24.99 Isn't this game adorable? It's also a learning game! Kids must pack the right clothes for where they're traveling. What will they wear to the beach? Don't forget to pack a bathing suit! Animal … [Read more...]
Maki Stack Dexterity and Visual Discrimination Game
Ready for Maki Stack, a new Blue Orange game with totally cute wooden sushi pieces? Be the quickest to build your stack to win the round. My daughter and I have been playing this game before bedtime and love it. ALL 2018 GIFT GAMES FOR KIDS Maki Stack Dexterity and Visual Discrimination Game This game sneaks in the valuable skills of dexterity and visual discrimination. Play with 2 or … [Read more...]
16 Thanksgiving Books for Kids
Thanksgiving books for kids share the early history of the United States, gratitude, and thankfulness. Do you know that thankfulness is a habit - something to practice and make a regular part of your day? (Kind of like exercise!) We practice thankfulness each night in our family prayers. For other people, they might share gratitude at a family meal. The good news is that gratitude directly … [Read more...]
Picture Books That Teach Kids About Prejudice, Inclusion, and Tolerance
My heart is heavy with the recent surge of antisemitism, institutionalized bullying, and wide-spread intolerance like the hate speech we see on social media. Teachers and parents have asked me to share picture books you can use with children to teach about prejudice, acceptance, inclusion, and tolerance. Here are some good options... Reading these books will bring up both questions and topics … [Read more...]
Gift Books for the Holidays: Puzzle and Activity Books
Do your kids like puzzle and activity books? One of these new 2018 activity books would make a great gift for any upcoming travel plans that you have. You'll appreciate how these activity books encourage playful thinking and learning, too. Be sure you check out the sample pages so you can get a sense of the level of difficulty. Unfortunately, most of these books didn't list a specific age … [Read more...]
Children’s Books about Elections and Voting
I firmly believe it's our responsibility as citizens to educate kids about the democratic process of elections and voting. (Even though you might dislike election time and the drama that comes with it!) Election season gives us an opportunity to teach children about elections by reading kid-appropriate children's books like these... Children's Books about Elections and Voting This Little … [Read more...]
More Notable Nonfiction Books From 2018
Some researchers have theorized that the reading decline after 3rd grade is because children are not able to comprehend nonfiction as well as they comprehend fiction. True or not, we know that kids are expected to read informational texts much more in the upper grades, middle school, and high school so we must be intentional about asking them to practice reading nonfiction. Providing children with … [Read more...]
Informative Biographies for Children Ages 7 – 17 (New in 2018)
Many kids need encouragement to read biographies but do it -- it's a valuable thing to do. Why? Because biographies show that ordinary people can have extraordinary lives. It helps children be self-reflective, particularly if parents and teachers use biographies for discussion and reflection. Not to mention, reading nonfiction is an important part of developing a well-rounded skill … [Read more...]
80 Favorite Book Character Costumes
Dress up as your favorite book character and have a Happy Bookish Halloween! How about one of these book character costume ideas from the favorite children's picture and chapter books? I've linked to many costumes you can buy and some you can make. Hopefully, this list will inspire you to find a fun book costume that works for you! Favorite Book Character Costumes Alice in … [Read more...]