Author Archives: Jennie

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About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

No Captain? Brilliant!

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Jennie

The Boston Bruins hockey team had a major change of players last week.  The team captain was traded, along with three other terrific players.  It was a shock. The ‘front office’ announced there would be no team captain for the … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 59 Comments

Jim Trelease, His Million-Copy Bestseller Book, and Me.

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Jennie

This is a blog repost of Jim Trelease, the (late) author of the million-copy best seller, The Read-Aloud Handbook.  This week I had a  lovely, heartfelt comment on this long-ago post from Jamie Trelease – Jim’s son.  “Thank you, Jennie, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , | 74 Comments

More Amanda Books to our Library

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Jennie

The Groton Public Library has most of Darlene Foster’s wonderful Amanda books, but not all. My last delivery included six books. Now there are ten books in the series. I was excited to gift the rest to the library. So … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Giving, literacy, reading | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

Peter H. Reynold’s Words – ‘Great Children’s Books are Dipped in Words and Art.’

Posted on March 9, 2025 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 20 Comments

Saying Thank You to Charles French was Very Special. Thank You, Sally

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments

A Visit to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Jennie

I have always loved Paddington Bear.  My two books are well worn, including puppy teeth marks.  I’ve read the books a zillion times to our children and to my preschool class. When I learned that R.W. Alley, the current Paddington … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Eric Carle, Eric Carle Museum, Inspiration, literacy, museums, reading, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 63 Comments

Gloria’s Journal Entry

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria’s journal is a treasure.  We’re nearing the end of #3.  Yikes!  Photos and stories are rich in experiences.  While the journal’s written words are always full of stories and adventure to accompany photos, her recent weekend with a child … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, storytelling, Writing | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

John Howell’s Trilogy of Books

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Jennie

Look what arrived today! John Howell’s fabulous trilogy. Hubby has demanded ‘first dibs’. Dear John, Thank you for writing great stories, as books are the result of  stories that need to be told – because your heart and mind told … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading, storytelling, Writing | Tagged , , , | 145 Comments

11 Years – Wow

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Jennie

I never realized back then, 11 years ago, that my fellow bloggers would become my community – true friends. I am forever thankful for all of you.  You are my family. Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 11 … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness | Tagged , | 86 Comments

Jane Yolen – Happy Birthday and The New Book

Posted on February 17, 2025 by Jennie

Jane Yolen is one of the most esteemed authors of children’s books.  Her dinosaur books are extremely popular and familiar to many. She turned 86 this week, and I was invited to her birthday party! In order to tell you … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle Museum, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, museums, picture books, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments