Category Archives: picture books

When Children Drive the Boat at Storytime

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Jennie

I’ve often said that the best learning and most meaningful experiences with children happen unexpectedly.  And, it happens all the time, especially with picture books.  You just have to seize the moment and be ready to let go of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Ten Authors and Artists Share Their Inspiration

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Jennie

There I was, listening to the best children’s book authors and illustrators at the Eric Carle Museum of picture Book Art, talking about what inspired them.  I couldn’t write fast enough (yes, I took a flurry of notes) or listen … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Always Go With The Flow- Books and Singing

Posted on October 4, 2017 by Jennie

From books, to mending, to singing… I have so many books in my classroom for children to access all the time.  Books are the doorway to learning.  If they’re available for children at all times, reading becomes exciting.  It certainly … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, music, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Rekindling American Pride

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Jennie

The perfect book.  Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus captures the heart of America.  The stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson make the simple text explode with meaning.  It is history: White Rows.  White Rows When I turned to this page, … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, geography, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

No Words Needed

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Jennie

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited.  Imagination encircles the world.” – Albert Einstein- And, a picture really is worth a thousand words~that light the fire of imagination.  What if there were books that could do just that? … Continue reading →

Posted in David Wiesner, Early Education, Einstein, Eric Carle, Imagination, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 78 Comments

Meeting Yet Another Author

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Jennie

Mount Holyoke College in Western Massachusetts hosts children’s book authors, and recently Patricia MacLachlan was a speaker.  Remember Sarah, Plain and Tall?  It was the first book that made me cry as an adult.  Mandatory reading for my children when … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Patricia MacLachlan, picture books, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Meeting an Author

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Jennie

Last week I met Eric Carle. Let me say it a little louder, “Last week I met Eric Carle!”  The man, a world renowned children’s author and illustrator, is 88 years old.  His history is fascinating.  So is he. My author … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, Early Education, Eric Carle, Leo Lionni, museums, picture books, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 73 Comments

Being A Late Bloomer

Posted on July 16, 2017 by Jennie

I was a late bloomer.  It’s a term that is mostly used for flowers today.  Way back when, children who didn’t seem to grow as quickly as their peers were often called “late bloomers”.  I struggled to read.  I sucked … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

Making “The Star-Spangled Banner” Come Alive

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Jennie

Every year I make our country’s National Anthem ‘come alive’ for my preschoolers.  This is a hard song to sing, especially for children.  They know the tune, and thanks to baseball on television and sporting events, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Learning About the World, military, patriotism, Peace, picture books, reading, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

1-800-Viola Swamp

Posted on June 3, 2017 by Jennie

Kate brought her mother’s beloved old book in to school this week.  Miss Nelson is Missing is a classic.  I love that book!  My children loved it.  Over the years I must have read it hundreds of times. The story is … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 53 Comments