Category Archives: picture books

Dolly Parton – R.I.P.

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Jennie

I grew up in West Virginia, and Dolly Parton grew up not far away in Tennessee.  Country music was big for both of us where we grew up.  Dolly’s songs and voice will forever make me smile. But there is … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Community, Early Education, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

My Summer Books

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Jennie

I delight in discovering new and wonderful picture books every summer.  Many I find at the Eric Carle Museum’s bookstore, as they’re often the one to have the best books.  Some I discovered through a fellow book lover.  We share … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle Museum, Library, literacy, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

Jerry Pinkney – His Art and Fairy Tales

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Jennie

I was fortunate to see the current Jerry Pinkney exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum.  His art is extraordinary both in color and detail. Some years ago Jerry was a presenter at the museum.  I was there!  I got to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 58 Comments

Visiting the Eric Carle Museum – The Best!

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Jennie

Every visit to the Eric Carle Museum is a new and exciting adventure.  I always discover something wonderful.  Yes, it’s that good. When I arrived I headed to the Art Studio.  I wish every elementary school teacher could visit and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle, Eric Carle Museum, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, museums, picture books | Tagged , , , , | 64 Comments

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 , , , | 65 Comments

Not All Days Are Good Days

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Jennie

Today was a tough day.  Nothing seemed to go right.  If you know the classic book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, you know what I mean. It started with drop-offs.  Children who never cry cried.  For … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Mindfulness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 50 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance

Posted on May 24, 2026 by Jennie

Every year at school we have a Memorial Day Remembrance.  It’s important for children, well…for everybody.  Making it meaningful for young children is not easy, but Retired Master Sergeant Michael Kennedy does a remarkable job. He asks children, “Who likes … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Community, Death and dying, history, military, patriotism, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 36 Comments

Madame Katy and Goodnight Moon

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Jennie

Madame Katy is a French teacher, and she visits our kindergarten class every week.  Since we were studying France, we invited her to do “Old MacDonald” in French.  It was wonderful. Then, Madame Katy and I read Goodnight Moon to the children.  … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing | Tagged , , , | 72 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

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Jennie

I was invited to tell stories to our local prep school high schoolers, and help them write stories with a cultural perspective.  They have a winter break, and students sign up for an event.  Many signed up for me, and … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Community, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 47 Comments