Category Archives: Book Review

My Summer of Books – Part 3

In Part 1 and Part 2, I reviewed the picture books in the photo below.  These books were new and wonderful reads this summer. Part 3: Upper grade books for older children. I had a double-dose of Patricia MacLachlan books.  Lucky me!  After … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, Diversity, Dogs, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, reading | Tagged , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

My Summer of Books – Part 2

In  Part 1 I talked about many of the picture books in this photo, which shows all the children’s books I read this summer. Part 2 continues with the picture books, and bridges to older children’s books. Pigs in the Mud in … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 79 Comments

Reading Aloud to the Rescue

A child’s serious head injury required surgery and plenty of rest at home.  Scary stuff.  How to help Miles relax and take his mind away from his boo-boo?  Reading aloud, of course.  Miles loved ‘Jennie reading’ when he was in … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

My Summer of Books – Part 1

My summer has been filled with reading children’s books, from new picture books to books for older children, and classics.  Every one has been satisfying and thrilling, yet in different ways.  Some books are funny, some are filled with history, … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 78 Comments

More at The Carle, the Art of Maira Kalman, and “Fireboat”

After visiting the Angels exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum, I viewed the art of Maira Kalman. I knew this dog, at least I thought I did.  While there was something familiar here, I had to admit I don’t really … Continue reading

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Thank You to the Eric Carle Museum, and Kate DiCamillo’s New Book.

Just before the pandemic hit, the Eric Carle Museum asked me if they could include in their quarterly newsletter my story, my blog post, about visiting the museum and hearing author Kate DiCamillo speak. Yes!  Of course, yes! They enjoy … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 70 Comments

Underground Library Society

What would you do if a beloved book, rich in meaning and literature, were to be banned, gone forever? Would you vow to memorize the book in order to save it? I would. When Charles French, a professor of English … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Nature, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 89 Comments

Children and “The Star-Spangled Banner” – Including a Video

This is a repost, and I have included a video of me reading aloud this important book, singing the words, and talking about our American flag and National Anthem. Bringing our National Anthem to Life Few books have the power … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, military, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Earth Day – “What a Wonderful World”

Earth Day is the day to give back to our earth, our world. When we take care of our earth, the earth takes care of us, and we have a wonderful world. “What a Wonderful World” I read the book … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, music, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 36 Comments

The Past Two (and more ) Weeks – School Then and Now, Part 4

In Part 3, I jumped right into what children need most and what I do best, reading aloud.  Setting up a YouTube channel gave them stories every day.  It was also a constant.  Then, we challenged children with art, scavenger hunts, … Continue reading

Posted in America, Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 83 Comments