When I get sent nonfiction children's biographies, I read them with a few things in mind. Of course, I want to see good writing. But more than that, I need to know why I should care. Lately, there's a trend in publishing to write nonfiction biographies about someone who overcame an obstacle in their life. Okay. But, so what? Why should I care? And how does this connect to readers? There … [Read more...]
2018 Picture Books About Nature
Nature -- the environment, the animals, the plants -- surrounds us. We can teach our children about nature in many ways -- being outside and observing is always my first preference. But books can support our children's understanding of nature, too. Especially when we're reading about things we can't experience first hand due to our location in the world. (Not too many of us live by coral reefs.) … [Read more...]
9 New Poetry Books
Happy Poetry Month! Do you read poems with your children and students? If you're looking for inspiring poetry books to read with your kids, see what you think about these new releases. Read the poems out loud, savor the word pictures, consider the meanings. Enjoy! “. . . poems hide. In the bottoms of our shoes, they are sleeping. They are the shadows drifting across our ceilings the … [Read more...]
12 Cheerful Children’s Books About Spring
Introduce your children to the wonder of spring! Reading good children's books about spring gives kids knowledge about what to expect in nature. In spring, you'll find new plants and baby animals. And after a long winter, it's a wonderful time to get back outside. There, observe the new life popping up all around you. (One year, I gave my kids digital cameras to make searching for spring extra … [Read more...]
What’s New in Nonfiction Children’s Books Winter 2018
I've got a group of nonfiction picture books and middle grade choices to tell you about today -- new publications you'll want to know about. I have about a kazillion (or 20) nonfiction picture book biographies but I'll write about those in a separate post next week. Nonfiction Picture Books for Ages 4 - 8 Festival of Colors by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Vashti … [Read more...]
Inspiring, Informative Children’s Books About Trees
Have you ever adopted a tree and watched it through the seasons? Kids love watching trees. This is even more meaningful when they learn about trees. Take a peek at these inspiring and informative children's books about trees. Read them with your kids. I hope these give your children new eyes in which to view our natural world. Inspiring and Informative Children's Books About Trees Tree: A … [Read more...]
Start 2018 Out With Incredible Nonfiction Biographies
When kids read a biography written like a narrative story, it's so appealing -- even if the kids aren't nonfiction fans. I love that these picture book biographies inspire and educate children on important, interesting people. All of the books on this list have been added to my big list of all the best picture book biographies for elementary age kids. Start 2018 Out With Incredible Nonfiction … [Read more...]
Best Nonfiction Children’s Books of 2017
I can't tell you how much I love a good nonfiction book. And there were so many incredible titles in 2017. The books below are the best of the year; nonfiction books that engage, teach, and inspire. Don't miss: Best Picture Books of 2017 and Best Chapter Books of 2017. Best Nonfiction Children's Books of 2017 Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History by Vashti … [Read more...]
3 New Products that Help Kids Learn to Code
In honor of the Hour of Code the second week of December, I wanted to share with you 3 new products that will help kids learn to code: Let's Start Coding, Girls Who Code, and A Beginner's Guide to Coding. Products that Help Kids Learn to Code Let's Start Coding Let's Start Coding Kit teaches kids coding using a kit of hardware and components and a computer app with lessons and projects. I … [Read more...]
Check Out the Latest in Nonfiction Books, Fall 2017
Do you remember to read nonfiction to your kids? Or to encourage your kids to read nonfiction? Because I often forget! Nonfiction is not my kids first choice of genres. So I need to be intentional about including this expository text with my kids -- for both shared and independent reading. Here are some great, new nonfiction picture books to choose from . . . Check Out the Latest in … [Read more...]
Don’t Miss These Nonfiction Standouts for Ages 6 – 11
From sports facts to dinosaur poop and historical biographies, these latest nonfiction books give readers (ages 6 - 11) plenty to learn and read. Don't Miss These Nonfiction Standouts for Ages 6 - 12 Book of Bones: 10 Record-Breaking Animals by Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sam Brewster Oversized, dramatic white on black pictures of animals with bones catch your … [Read more...]
Big List of Counting and Number Books for Kids
As kids read books from this big list of counting and number books, they'll begin to develop number sense and numeracy skills that are foundational in math. These books make counting and numbers playful and fun. That's why I like them for children. See for yourself! Big List of Counting and Number Books for Kids The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Timeless because it's one … [Read more...]