I want kids to read and love poetry. I really do. Why? Because while poems may seem easy to read because the words are concise and the text is short, the imagery, symbolism, and meaning generally pack a big punch. Which kids will appreciate later in life even more. Through the years, I’ve reviewed and […]
Picture Books
Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids (2019)
Want to keep your kids reading over the summer? How about joining a free summer reading program or two!? My kids loved the free books so we used to do more than one program. I especially recommend programs that reward with BOOKS not food. But first, you might want to know about these Imagination Soup […]
The Big List of Easter Books for Kids (Christian and Secular)
What should you read around Easter time? How about one of these recommended board and picture books? Find both Christian and secular Easter books below, starting with the Christian books first. Please comment below and tell me which books are your favorites. Or if I’ve missed any good titles. . . Christian Easter Books Ready, […]
Picture Books to Teach Similes and Metaphors
Read aloud picture books to exemplify how writers use smilies and metaphors to convey meaning. Use these mentor texts to teach similes and metaphors in your writing workshop. Picture Books to Teach Similes and Metaphors Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr Lyrical, evocative language captures a quiet winter evening when the little […]
New Picture Books for Young Naturalists (2019)
I love discovering more nature-themed picture books I can use with my kids or in the classroom. Plus, these are just in time for spring Earth Day celebrations. Introduce your young naturalists to bees, animal sounds, seashells, worms, and more! New Picture Books for Young Naturalists (2019) Who Is Sleeping? A Lift-the-Flap Book by Petr […]
Daily Poetry Activities for Kids
For National Poetry Month or any time of the year, read poetry daily to your kids. It doesn’t have to be poetry specifically written for kids either. Unfortunately, my kids weren’t excited about the whole poem a day idea of mine. At all. So first, I found poems they would like and second, found poems they […]
New Picture Books (March 2019)
My office is filled with piles of new picture books — it’s gotten a little out of control. Today, I’ll share with you some of my favorites from those piles. Or at least the piles I’ve read so far… I did pull out the nature books which I’ll share closer to Earth Day and the […]