Category Archives: books

Remembering Jane Yolen

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Jennie

Children’s book author Jane Yolen has passed away.  She was a gifted author, and her books are well known.  She made a huge difference in the lives of children – and me.  I want to honor Jane with my memories … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Death and dying, Early Education, Eric Carle Museum, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, joy, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 62 Comments

Our Wish Tree at the Library

Posted on June 13, 2026 by Jennie

After reading Wishtree to my library group, I knew I had to do more.  When a really good book sticks with children, and they’re not ready to let go, it’s up to me to make something meaningful happen.  I can’t leave … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, Library, literacy, Teaching young children, wonder, Writing | Tagged , , , | 82 Comments

Happy Easter From the Ducks in Boston Public Garden

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Jennie

This is a favorite post from Easter many years ago. 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, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Community, Inspiration, picture books, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 69 Comments

Storytelling To High Schoolers – Part 2

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Jennie

The work was done.  Well, almost.  High schoolers wrote their stories, turned it into a book, and I returned to listen to them read their stories.  After all, they would be reading the story they wrote about the kindergartner they … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture stories, reading aloud, School, storytelling, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

A Book and a Near Blizzard

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Jennie

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful and my book is so delightful. Since I’ve no no place to go, let it snow, read a book, let it snow.” The weather is awful.  We’re getting 18 to 20+ inches of snow. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, history, Inspiration, Learning About the World, literacy, Mother Nature, Nature, reading | Tagged , , | 82 Comments

Tigers! Tigers!

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Jennie

We are learning about India.  We started with our Big Book Atlas to find India and also where we live.  As always, geography holds a keen interest for children.  Of course we became sidetracked in the best of ways, to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 87 Comments

Books and Magic

Posted on January 4, 2026 by Jennie

‘What an astonishing thing a book is.  It’s a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you’re inside the mind of another person, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, Quotes, reading | Tagged , , , | 92 Comments

Look What Arrived!

Posted on November 15, 2025 by Jennie

Look what arrived today! Darlene Foster’s new Amanda book, Amanda in Ireland, The Body in the Bog. I’m so excited! Jennie

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 57 Comments

Banned Children’s Books

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Jennie

Thank you, Carla, at Carla Loves To Read for posting this.  Read on to see what classic children’s books were banned.  My addition to banned children’s books is Charlotte’s Web. Saturday Morning for Kids: Banned Books Addition This meme was started … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Diversity, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Library, literacy | Tagged , , , , | 67 Comments

Dogs – They Make the Best Books

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Jennie

Dogs really do make the best books, because children love dogs.  Well, most everyone loves dogs.  When the dog in a book is more human than dog, the storyline is like a glistening taffy pull. Katherine Applegate has done her … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, literacy, robots, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 67 Comments