My Favorite Graphic Novel of 2017 So Far Is 5 Worlds You're going to LOVE 5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior by Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel, Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun. Gorgeous artwork sets the tone for an epic otherworldly story in this first mesmerizing book in the series. The Five World's are overheating and under attack. Three kids must find their inner strength and save … [Read more...]
The Memory Palace: Collaborative Storytelling Game
The Memory Palace is a collaborative storytelling game from Peaceable Kingdom for ages 5+ that builds memory and imagination. It encourages communication, creativity, storytelling, and memory. The Memory Palace: Collaborative Storytelling Game First players set out the picture cards in any position. Randomly put three of the monster tokens face down in three rooms. Then players take … [Read more...]
Easy Chapter Books for Summer Reading 2017 (ages 6 – 8)
What's new for beginning readers this summer 2017? Well, I'm so glad you asked . . . because there are so many good easy chapter book choices. As an aside, I've been really frustrated lately to still see so many new books WITHOUT DIVERSITY. Publishers, you can do better. :( Onward to the books! Easy Chapter Books for Summer Reading 2017 Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snyder, illustrated … [Read more...]
Spark Creative Writing with Storybird
Storybird provides artwork and templates for children to write picture books, longform books, and poetry. It's a cool community site with lots of opportunities to spark creative writing. Teachers can use the site with students. Or parents and children can use it on their own at home. Spark Creative Writing with Storybird Click on CREATE to get started. The artwork is provided. Scroll … [Read more...]
4 Inspiring Nonfiction Books for Teen Readers
Real life stories, biographies and memoirs, are more inspiring than most other books, don't you think? Because you're reading about people who really did amazing things. Usually despite great odds. There's hope-giving power in these nonfiction true life stories. For teens, and for us not-teens, too. These four books are so excellent, I suspect you'll read them and then want to share them with … [Read more...]
Why You Should Encourage Kids to Start a Writing Journal (and How to Start)
Summer gives you the perfect opportunity to encourage your kids to start writing a journal. The benefits of journal writing include improved writing fluency, improved communication skills, and increased confidence. Among other things. Why You Should Encourage Kids to Start Writing a Journal Once kids can pick up a pencil or crayon, they can start writing a journal. It doesn't have to … [Read more...]
Journal Prompts for Kids
Kids sometimes need journal prompts to get started writing. Not all kids do. And not all kids need a prompt every time they write. It's important to be flexible. However, your child is struggling with what to write, try a prompt or a book like Journal Sparks. You can always, always, always suggest that your child write about his or her feelings at the moment or events that happened during … [Read more...]
Delightful New Picture Books for Summer
If you're looking for newly published picture books, summer 2017, keep these delightful choices in mind. Maybe even put some on hold at the library. Because there are lots of great books to read with kids. Delightful New Picture Books for Summer (2017) I'm Silly (My First Comics) by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm EMOTIONS Tizzy Tornado is feeling silly. But Tizzy's acted too silly and … [Read more...]
Lovely Fairy Tales and Myths to Enjoy With Children
Some of these newly published fairy tales and myth books are familiar while others are totally new. Read these stories with your children. Then see what wonderful discussions you might have as you explore the richness and meaning of the stories together. Fairy tales began as allegories to explain abstract concepts with themes of birth, death, love, jealousy, growing up, and … [Read more...]
New Chapter Books for Summer Reading 2017 (Ages 10 – 12)
If your kids are ages 10, 11, and 12 year olds, check out the best new chapter books for your 2017 summer reading choices! There are so many good ones. If you want more ideas, from other years, you'll want to see my favorite choices on these lists: Summer Book List for Age 10 Summer Book List for Age 11 Summer book List for Age 12 New Chapter Books for Summer … [Read more...]
If Your Kids Like Graphic Novels, Check Out These Spring 2017 Titles
If your kids like to read graphic novels, they'll want to check out this selection of spring 2017 titles. Of course, if you want even book ideas more, visit my best graphic novels for kids page. Check Out These Spring 2017 Graphic Novels Real Friends by Shannon Hale (ages 8 - 12) Kids will relate to the ups and downs of Shannon's friendship in elementary and … [Read more...]
Folktales for Kids
Do your kids know about folktales? These are stories from a culture's oral traditions meant to share values and / or explain something in the natural world or about human nature, often are about ordinary people, and can including talking animals like fables. Sometimes folktales contain a wise life lesson at the end just like a fable does. When researching about folktales, it is clear that there … [Read more...]