Category Archives: children’s books

Early Childhood Literacy & Purple Prose

Originally posted on Elizabeth Gauffreau:
Image: greenmountainwriting.com *Shaggy Dog Story Alert* A Confession I must confess that I have a fondness for purple prose–although not, of course, in contemporary writing. Perish the thought! Writing of the florid persuasion must stay…

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

From Little House in the Big Woods to Little House on the Prairie

My book is ‘well loved’ and completely falling apart. That shows children how important it is. I finished reading aloud Little House in the Big Woods to my preschoolers, and have just started the next book, Little House on the … Continue reading

Posted in America, chapter reading, children's books, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 49 Comments

Hector Fox at the Eric Carle Museum, and More

Few museums give patrons an up-close, personal experience.  The Eric Carle Museum in Massachusetts is a master at doing just that.  Their three rotating exhibits are grounded in the best art of illustrators, and patrons can be inches away from … Continue reading

Posted in art, Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Dogs, literacy, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 70 Comments

Goodnight Moon – It’s a ‘Rap’

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 48 Comments

Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything

My favorite ‘reading aloud movie’ is “The Princess Bride.”  Yes, it’s a wonderful movie about a fairy tale…but more importantly it’s a grandfather reading aloud the book to his sick grandson, a reluctant listener.  Eventually the grandson is fully engrossed … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 72 Comments

Kelly the Reader – Her Story

Kelly has learned to read.  She is so proud!  Most children are happy to just keep reading, once they have crossed that threshold.  Not Kelly.  She wanted to show her skills to the world, to read aloud on YouTube, but … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , | 76 Comments

E.B. White

E.B. White’s thoughts always go through me like a Fourth of July sparkler.  He has a way with words, and he ‘knows’.  His wisdom is as remarkable as his writing.  He was the observer, the one who paid attention and … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 74 Comments

Still Getting Cards From Students

As I go through my holiday cards today, my greatest joy is reading, touching, and re-reading the collection of cards from former students: Amanda, age 16, now in California Sophie, age 15, still in town Mac, age 8, now in … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 73 Comments

Best Children’s Christmas Books – Annual Post

Christmas books are often more meaningful to read to a child after the holiday, once a child has experienced the joy of Christmas.      Red and Lulu, by Matt Tavares is the story of two cardinals who live in … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Family, Inspiration, joy, picture books, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , | 50 Comments

“Charlotte’s Web” and a Parent Conversation.

Dad (Michael) picked up his son (Bradley) from school this week.  We had a brief but powerful conversation, one I will long remember: Dad:  “You know, Bradley talks a lot about chapter reading at school.  He talks about Charlotte’s Web.” … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 74 Comments