I recently wrote how much my kids and I LOVED Cubetto, a Montessori-inspired wooden coding toy for preschooler kids ages 3 and up. Now, I'm excited to share with you that Cubetto is expanding -- and you can be part of it! GO HERE TO SEE CUBETTO ON KICKSTARTER. For a short time, Cubetto is offering an African Savannah limited-edition collectible Adventure Pack to expand Cubetto’s learning and … [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...]
8 New & Exciting Easy Reader Books
Because beginning readers need plenty of good books, I'm always looking for what's new and good. Book that kids will love to read. I adore Jan Thomas' new books and am totally excited to share with you Baby Monkey, Private Eye. Your kids are going to LOVE them. Find these and more excellent easy reader books separated by phonics, level 1 and levels 2+ on the Best Easy Readers for 5- and 6- Year … [Read more...]
New Board Book Reviews, Spring 2018
What board books are your child's favorite? Or maybe they have a cloth book that they love? If you're looking to add to your collection, from board books with flaps to books about animal feet, there is plenty to choose from this season. I personally preferred to buy most of our board books because well, of the chewing. And germs. Yuck. Because that's what kids do at this baby and … [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...]
Reading and Writing Activities for Wordless Picture Books
Have you read wordless picture books with your children or students? Believe it or not, there are many activities you can do to develop your child's thinking, reading, writing, and emotional intelligence skills using these wordless picture books. In celebration of the new books, I Got It! by David Weisner and Aquarium by Cynthia Alonso, I thought I'd share ways for you to use wordless picture … [Read more...]
Best Picture Books Celebrating Word Play and Words
Word play helps kids love language, it inspires writing and helps kids learn new vocabulary. Celebrate the love of words in these best, playful picture books all about words. Download Printable List of Word Play Books Best Picture Books Celebrating Word Play and Words Lexie the Word WranglerThe Boy Who Loved WordsThe Great Dictionary CaperThe Word CollectorBetty's Burgled Bakery: An … [Read more...]
12 Standout STEM Engineering and Invention Picture Books
Want to find picture books that inspire engineering, tinkering, and invention in kids? Read one or all of these engaging-themed books. You'll love how they show the STEM concepts in such a positive light. And, I bet they'll put some new ideas in your child's mind. Ideas like inventing their own wonderful something... 12 Standout STEM Engineering and Invention Picture Books Magnolia … [Read more...]
2018 Newbery and Caldecott Awards
The ALA (American Library Association) announced the 2018 John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott awards today. Honestly, I'm disappointed with the Newbery winner. The Newbery winner and honors books are meant to be the most outstanding contributions to children's literature. Of the whole year. This year's choice did not resonate with me. I love the Caldecott winner though. The Caldecott medal … [Read more...]
Quick, Mess-Free Valentine’s Day Craft Frame with Kwik Stix
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Kwik Stix Make a quick, cute and mess free craft for Valentine’s Day with Kwik Stix and Michael’s! Scroll down to win a 12-pack for yourself!! Kwik Stix are the mess free alternative to traditional paints. These tempera paint sticks are gluten, egg, nut, soy, and dairy free and need no prep nor cleanup. Kwik Stix applies wet and dries in 90 seconds or … [Read more...]