Category Archives: Inspiration

A Children’s Book in the Sky – Swimmy

And there it was, flying high like a quiet beauty. “Swimmy” My beloved picture book. The first book I read aloud to my preschoolers, forty years ago. Jennie

Posted in children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, picture books, wonder | Tagged , , | 56 Comments

READ

My two favorite READ posters from Literary Hub @ lithub.com Dolly Parton has done more for putting books into the hands of children than anyone. Bless you, Dolly. Look at the books she is reading! Every Very Hungry Caterpillar Day is … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 64 Comments

Winged Victory

The plants and flowers are thriving, all but the little guy in the back, spreading his ‘wings’ and trying to grow. Winged Victory is growing a baby flower. Winged Victory is the end of summer and summer camp, watching children … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, Nature, picture books, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

The Carle, and More

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

40 Year Bookends

All in a day, I bumped into ‘bookends’, parents of a student in my first class forty years ago, and parents of a child this past year. Michelle was one of my first students.  The local newspaper came to take … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 71 Comments

The Former Student – On Teaching

Noah was my student, over twenty years ago. He loved music. It was my autoharp and singing that helped him adjust to school. We have stayed in touch. When he was in high school he came to play the keyboard, … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, School, teaching | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

Penelope Rex, Classic Books, and Eric Carle

As always, a trip to the Eric Carle Museum is full of the unexpected, with moments that linger long after my visit.  First, I met Penelope in the hallway. Penelope Rex is the character in Ryan Higgins’ new book.  It … Continue reading

Posted in art, children's books, David Wiesner, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

Ghosts, Angels, and Spirits

Yes, I am a believer.  Perhaps because I have the heart of a child, I can openly see and feel.  All it takes is an encounter with a ghost or a spirit, and one cannot deny their existence.  I have … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Peace, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 80 Comments

Roots & Wings, and Big Thunderstorms

The thunder is booming, and the lightning is flashing so much that I jump as I type this post.  I love every minute of the excitement.  I’m on the porch; I wouldn’t be any place else.  So much about thunderstorms … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 55 Comments