I'm a big believer in bibliotherapy. Why? Because books can show kids possibilities. They show characters facing fears. Picture books give young readers a glimpse into how others feel, react, and behave. These life lessons can be translated to our kids' lives. This includes facing fears and having courage even though you feel afraid... As you read aloud the stories, discuss what you and … [Read more...]
10 Favorite Cumulative Stories for Kids
Cumulative stories are rhythmic stories with a narration that builds upon itself, adding on and repeating previous information. This repetition makes this story predictable, something that is invaluable to growing readers. As the plot builds, readers will be able to accurately predict and read (even fake read) the repetitive text because they'll know it's coming. Even for younger children who … [Read more...]
Amazing Pop Up Books (Your Kids Won’t Want to Put Down)
With the new release of Robert Sabuda's new pop-up book, Ten Horse Farm, I wanted to share all my favorite pop-up books that kids won't want to put down. You'll notice that Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda both dominate this list --both creators have contributed many, many books to this style of art. Amazing Pop Up Books (Your Kids Won't Want to Put Down) Ten Horse Farm by Robert … [Read more...]
More Must-Read Spring 2018 Picture Books
I have so many new picture books to tell you about today. You'll find picture books about adventure, courage, coding, bedtime, a parent in prison, and more. My preference is to organize my book lists into something a bit more cohesive but this is a little bit of everything -- wonderful stories new for spring 2018. Other Spring 2018 picture book lists you won't want to miss: Spring … [Read more...]
What Learning Benefits Happens When Kids Listen to Lunii Storyteller?
Disclosure: I worked in partnership with Lunii to bring you this information. Lunii, My Fabulous Storyteller, is SO much fun for kids -- it's an interactive, screenless storytelling toy that narrates audio stories which kids have created themselves. Not only does this develop a child's imagination, it builds their vocabulary and builds important pre-reading strategies as well. Use this … [Read more...]
4 New Emotional Intelligence Picture Books
If you're like me, you're searching for great ways to build your child's emotional intelligence. Of course, we're our children's first role models but picture books can also be helpful as you intentionally build your kids' EQ. The conversations that occur before, during, and after reading these books will be rich. 4 New Emotional Intelligence Picture Books The Rabbit Listened by Cory … [Read more...]
Get Excited About the World of Construction with Jobsite Juniors Magazine
Disclosure: I worked in partnership with Jobsite Juniors to bring you this information. If your kids are like mine and LOVE everything construction, or if you want to get them more interested, you must check out Jobsite Juniors. It's a bi-monthly magazine all about the world of construction perfect for children ages 4 to 8. The World of Construction with Jobsite Juniors Magazine When my … [Read more...]
7 New Dog Picture Books
From a homeless dog looking for a home to the passing of a beloved pet, spring 2018 brings seven special picture books about dogs. See my BIG list of children's favorite books about dogs. New Dog Picture Books Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings Arfy wants a forever home. So he sends letters to "The People at Yellow House" and "Butcher Lady" and "Fire Station No. 5" and many others … [Read more...]
Toys That Develop Early Learning Skills
Educational Insights sent me several products from their brand new line for younger kids (ages 2 - 4) called Bright Basics. The toys help kids develop essential early learning skills through playful toys. Visual Discrimination, Early Math Skills, & Fine Motor Skills The Nest and Stack Cubes are 10 beautiful cubes the blue star design of which is based on the nursery rhyme "Twinkle, Twinkle, … [Read more...]
Spring 2018 Picture Books That Will Make You Laugh
Next time you're at the library or bookstore, see if you can find these new picture books -- they are hilarious! Spring 2018 Picture Books That Will Make You Laugh Big Bunny by Rowboat Watkins RUN out to get this book -- it's totally hilarious. The reader keeps interrupting the narrator who is trying to tell the story of a big bunny who no, doesn't live on a ginormous floating … [Read more...]
Spring 2018 Picture Books About Identity, Inclusion, & Diverse Cultures
I'm so happy to see books about different cultures and stories with non-white faces! Little by little, children's picture books are starting to more accurately represent the world we live in! The books I'm sharing today are all spring 2018 titles about the themes of identity and inclusion or from a specific culture. Spring 2018 Picture Books About Identity, Inclusion, & Diverse … [Read more...]
Picture Books About China and the Chinese Language (Mandarin)
To celebrate recently published books about Chinese culture and the Chinese language, I wanted to share a list of all my favorite children's picture books related to China. Please let me know if you have any favorite books that aren't on this list! I'd love to know those, too. Picture Books About China and the Chinese Language (Mandarin) Bring In the New Year by Grace Lin The family … [Read more...]