Category Archives: Dogs

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

The Poet’s Dog – Reading it Again

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Jennie

When The Poet’s Dog was hot off the press nearly ten years ago. I was eager to read the book.  I loved Patricia MacLachlan Sarah, Plain and Tall, yet I never expected to be so moved by this book.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, literacy, Particia MacLachlan, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

DogTown

Posted on September 7, 2024 by Jennie

I just finished reading one of the best books, DogTown, by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, and had to share my excitement. It’s friendship, bravery, loss, humor, and heart.  Oh, is it ever heart. “Your heart is a muscle,” I told … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, literacy, Love, reading, robots, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments

The Carle, and More

Posted on August 10, 2024 by Jennie

I never tire of visiting the the Eric Carle Museum, because every visit has something new and exciting.  Yes, every visit. I had no idea his favorite color was yellow. No wonder he has created so many suns. This is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, Dogs, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, museums, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 70 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

Gloria – a New Visit and an Old Visit

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Jennie

Gloria spent the weekend with Lukas.  Lukas adores Gloria.  The two have been bonded at the hip.  When Gloria spends a weekend with an Aqua Roomer, she carries along her journal, and it is always filled with adventures and photos. … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 54 Comments

R.I.P. Patricia MacLachlan

Posted on July 10, 2022 by Jennie

My Patricia MacLachlan books Patricia MacLachlan passed away on March 31st at the age of 84.  She has crossed the Rainbow Bridge to be with her dogs, especially those in her books.  It has taken me some time to write … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, literacy, Particia MacLachlan, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 69 Comments

November

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Jennie

November arrives with glorious color, splendor in the leaves on trees. The colors that began to flame in October are finally brilliant, vibrant when November comes calling. There are days of balmy temperatures and warm breezes. November is saying come … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 80 Comments

Robots! An Unexpected S.T.E.M. Moment in Preschool

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Jennie

S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is ‘on the list’ for educators.  America has been playing catch-up. Preschoolers?  Yes, they love science and exploring.  Yes, they love their devices.  Yes, they love building and figuring it out.  Yes, they love … Continue reading →

Posted in Dogs, Inspiration, Math, music, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 84 Comments

My Summer of Books – Part 3

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Jennie

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