As grandparents grow older, we must often help our children understand about aging, memory loss, and even, Alzheimer's. These picture books and chapter books tell stories that will help you learn more about and discuss old age and the changes that may go with it. It can be a confusing time for children. (And us!) I hope these books help. Children's Picture Books About Aging, Memory Loss, … [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...]
What’s in the Dark? 13 Books About Nocturnal Animals
Do your kids know about nocturnal animals? Animals who sleep during the day and are active during the night? Learn more about nocturnal animals like bats, owls, foxes, and raccoons in these illuminating books about the world of the dark. "To all of you who crawl and creep, who buzz and chirp and hoot and peep, who wake at dusk and throw off sleep: Welcome to the night." - Joyce Sidman, … [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...]
Children’s Books About India, Indian Culture, and Indian Mythology
I'm so excited about the beautiful picture books and interesting chapter books about India, Indian culture, and Indian mythology that have arrived in the children's literature world recently. Standouts include the gorgeous The Festival of Colors picture book and the historical chapter book Ahimsa. But they're all amazing. These books will help kids learn and appreciate what makes India … [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...]
11 Picture Books About Kids with Glasses
Kids aren't always enthusiastic about getting (and wearing) glasses. But they NEED them! So, how can you encourage kids to wear their glasses? Look to BOOKS about kids with glasses to make glasses cool. Of course, help your children notice the difference the glasses make with and without. Practice growth mindset. And maybe use a rewards charting system. I once taught a boy in fifth grade who … [Read more...]
Recommended Books for Kids About Families with Divorced Parents
Are you looking for recommended books that show families with divorced parents? Children's books with divorced parents (picture and chapter books) help kids know that other kids experience similar family situations as them. Bibliotherapy! This is a good thing. And I have lots of books to recommend... Recommended Picture Books About Divorce Thee picture books show your children what it can be … [Read more...]
12 Best Mystery Picture Books (That Develop Thinking Skills)
Did you know that mystery picture books help children develop thinking skills? It's almost impossible to read these mysteries without thinking deeply about the clues, making (and refining) predictions, and using deductive reasoning. Plus, reading the mystery genre in a picture book sets the stage for loving mysteries later on with chapter books. These picture book choices will make great … [Read more...]
What’s New in Picture Books, Winter 2018
Do you love finding new picture books your kids will love? Here's the best of what you'll see on the new shelf at your library or bookstore. (Winter 2018) What's New in Picture Books, Winter 2018 A Bear Sat on My Porch Today by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Rilla Alexander FUNNY Jane Yolen has created a delightful book must-be-read-aloud -- it's so fantastic. Kids will … [Read more...]
Best Children’s Books About Bugs (Insects)
Kids LOVE bugs, right? Help them learn more by reading these best children's books about insects, as well as other non-insects bugs like worms and arachnids. If your kids don't love bugs yet, maybe these books will get them interested. Also, it's always good to get hands-on. Observe insects in nature. Make a worm garden. (Those are fun!) Use a microscope to investigate safe bugs close up. … [Read more...]