Category Archives: Book Review

Happy Easter from Boston’s Make Way for Ducklings

Posted on April 20, 2019 by Jennie

Photo courtesy Universal Hub Robert McCloskey’s classic story, Make Way for Ducklings, is immortalized in bronze statues in the Public Garden on Boston Common.  Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings, Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack  are all … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , , , | 77 Comments

Best Job Ever – Story Epilogue

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Jennie

Since that wonderful day last week, when a child asked me to sing “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles, there has been more.  The music exploded in ways I never expected. Well, it was more than the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Art and Music and Italy – Part 3

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 1, children began to learn about Italy through maps and a big atlas. First we ‘travelled’, then we learned fun facts (pretzels were invented in Italy, pasta was not).  We learned that opera is from Italy, and children … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, The Arts, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Children’s Questions and a Serenade

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Jennie

I finished reading aloud the chapter book, The Story of Doctor Dolittle.  This is a favorite book with children, and I discourage watching the movie which makes silliness out of an excellent story. The animals are the characters, each with … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, music, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 80 Comments

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 3

Posted on February 17, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 2, I talked about the dreaded “D” words – death and dying – that teachers and parents fear.  I introduced a gentle and friendly book, City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems, that may be helpful in starting a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Love, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 2

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 1, I opened the doors to talking with young children about death and dying. Finding a dead bunny on the playground was the opportunity I needed.  Children are often angry when a pet or loved one dies.  I shared … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 55 Comments

The Poet’s Dog

Posted on January 20, 2019 by Jennie

As winter is upon us, I am once again drawn to the best book, The Poet’s Dog.  Fall in love with a dog, a poet, and children- magnificently written, through the voice of the dog.  A winter storm has arrived … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, Dogs, Imagination, joy, Kindness, Love, Particia MacLachlan | Tagged , , , , , , | 107 Comments

Library Book Bears… and Bob

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Jennie

Book Bears is my library reading group.  These second and third graders read a book each month, and we have a discussion about the book.  We talk about everything.  Everything! Let me tell you, this group is terrific.  Everyone is … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Ringing in the New Year with a Teacher- My Hero

Posted on January 1, 2019 by Jennie

Many years ago, when our children were little and things were tight, our washing machine broke. When it rains it pours. I spent weekends at the laundromat – a perfect place to read while waiting for the wash to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 92 Comments

Hector Fox and the Giant Quest

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Jennie

Hector Fox and the Giant Quest I have been teaching preschool for thirty-five years.  I’m the guru of picture books at school.  Frankly I’m picky, and I know a good book when I read one.  Hector Fox and the Giant … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, young children | Tagged , , , | 45 Comments