Category Archives: children’s books

Book Bears, Library Reading, and a Pleading Letter

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Jennie

My public library Book Bears group and Read Aloud group have finished for the school year.  Book Bears read a book each month, and we discuss the book the following month.  The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes and Stella … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 45 Comments

Chapter Reading Throughout the School Year

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Jennie

Here is my annual end of school year letter to parents: Chapter Reading June 9, 2023 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  We bring to life the imagination, the world, and the past.  The anticipation … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 58 Comments

How “Goodnight Moon” Evolves Each School Year

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Jennie

Language is #1 for children, and literacy is the road to developing their language.  I read picture books to children all the time, and chapter read at rest time.  Books are always available to children.  They become ‘good friends’ and … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments

Amanda Books at the Public Library!

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Jennie

Thursday is my Read-Aloud day at the Groton Public Library.  When I arrived, the head children’s librarian was beside herself. “Jennie!  Jennie!  The Amanda books are here!” And then she showed me all the books.  Wow!  Nine books. Of course … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, geography, Giving thanks, literacy, reading | Tagged , , | 77 Comments

Make Way For Ducklings – Happy Easter

Posted on April 9, 2023 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, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 57 Comments

Just Another Day in the Classroom… Oh, Boy!

Posted on April 6, 2023 by Jennie

photo from Pixabay  I often write about the great moments in the classroom, when a spark ignites and learning explodes, or when goodness, laughter, and discovery happen. Every day is not like that.  Today was was one of those ‘not … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 64 Comments

The Art of Disguise, “Swimmy” and Snow Geese

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Jennie

Cindy Knoke’s photography cindyknoke.com is nothing short of stunning.  From birds to wildlife to nature, she captures it all in breathtaking detail.  When I saw her recent photo of snow geese flying from a predator, I nearly jumped out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Leo Lionni, literacy, Nature, picture stories, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , | 53 Comments

Early Childhood Literacy & Purple Prose

Posted on March 26, 2023 by Jennie

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

Posted on March 10, 2023 by Jennie

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 , , | 51 Comments

Hector Fox at the Eric Carle Museum, and More

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Jennie

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