Do you have an art loving kid? These books celebrate many aspects of art whether you're an artist or just like to know about art, your kids will love these inspiring picture books and chapter books about trips to the museum, famous artists, and making your own art. Inspiring Children's Books for Art Lovers PICTURE BOOKS The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds Vashti is discouraged -- she is no artist. … [Read more...]
New Thomas & Friends Videos Teach Preschoolers Important Concepts
Disclosure: This is a post sponsored by Mattel. Use the new Thomas & Friends videos to teach preschoolers about Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in order to make the world a better place by becoming global citizens. This means teaching young children about caring for others and the world. More precisely, it is 17 learning objectives related to health, education, environment, poverty, and … [Read more...]
Picture Books About Present Day Indigenous Families
Children often learn about indigenous cultures from history but it's just as important to know that indigenous cultures are still alive and strong in the modern day, too. Picture books like these show Native American and Native Canadian cultures incorporating tradition, culture, and language in the present day. As I find more books, I'll add to this list. Please comment if you have … [Read more...]
More Recommended NEW Chapter Books, Fall 2018
Ready for more new books? I just love so many of these and hope you check them out to see if your kids and students will, too. Recommended New Chapter Books, Fall 2018 Blended by Sharon Draper REALISTIC / COMING OF AGE / DIVORCE Isabella spends one week with her dad and his girlfriend, the next week with her mom and her boyfriend. She hates it. She really hates exchange day when she … [Read more...]
10 Favorite Spooky Chapter Books for Middle Grade Readers
written by Kathie MacIsaac, librarian and middle-grade book lover (full bio below) Do you like to read a book that makes you pull the covers a little tighter around you? Do you enjoy a story that gives you goosebumps, or requires you to sleep with the light on? Many kids love scary stories with ghosts and supernatural forces, but I also like a dark and emotional tale that tugs at my … [Read more...]
Free Resources to Teach Fire Prevention (Including a Free App)
This is a post sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association and SparkySchoolhouse.org. Fire Prevention Week, October 7 - 13, 2018, is the perfect time to teach kids about fire prevention. Use the free parent and educator resources from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for preschool and elementary school (ages 4 - 10.) You'll find free apps printables, activities for kids, … [Read more...]
Hands-On Early Learning LEGO Coding Express
Want to introduce your youngest learners to coding? LEGO Education Coding Express introduces children ages 2 - 5 to coding concepts by combing with the playful learning fun of LEGO Duplo bricks with the beginning coding concepts. My four testers LOVED this early technology and science train set-- and didn't want to stop playing with it when it was time to pick up. Early Learning LEGO Coding … [Read more...]
The Best Dystopian Chapter Books for Middle Grade Readers (Ages 9 – 12)
You've probably read a dystopian novel or two in high school. (Remember 1984 and Farenheight 451?) This genre gets kids reading a LOT. Although there are more young adult (YA) dystopian novels than middle-grade, don't worry-- there are many great middle grade choices, too. These are my favorite books to introduce your tween kids (ages 9 - 12) to this addictive genre. The Oxford … [Read more...]
Important Slice-of-Life Picture Books
The best books give us a glimpse into other people's lives. Books like these. Richly illustrated and told with simplicity, these picture books will transport readers. When we expose children to a wide variety of experiences in a story they can see themselves in books, travel the world, talk with strangers, and develop deeper empathy. Talk about what you notice. Talk about what might be similar or … [Read more...]
New Mayan Mythology Adventure Chapter Book Giveaway
Disclosure: Disney Book Group is partnering with me for a giveaway! Do you know about Mayan mythology? You will after reading The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes published by Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint of Disney Book Group. Learn more about this new fictional book infused with Mayan mythology at ReadRiordan.com. Then, buy The Storm Runner on Amazon AND/OR enter to win a copy (and $100 Visa … [Read more...]
Skill-Building Easy Readers with Excellent Stories
Are your kids learning to read? Then you need good easy readers to get them excited to practice their burgeoning skills. I have a big list of easy reader recommendations HERE which will also include today's list of newly published books. What will you find on the list today? Well, Mo Willems has a new book filled with squirrel humor, Jan Thomas has two new silly stories with surprise endings, and … [Read more...]
Brain Connect is a Fun, Fast-Thinking Puzzle Game
Disclosure: Blue Orange Games sent me a complimentary copy of this game. All opinions are my own. Does your family enjoy puzzles? How about games? If so, keep reading because Blue Orange Games combines the two in their new game, Brain Connect. It's the perfect fit for my own kids -- competitive puzzle playing! You have to think fast and use fine motor skills to solve this sliding puzzle … [Read more...]