Category Archives: picture books

The True Story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Jennie

As the holiday season of 1938 came to Chicago, Bob May wasn’t feeling much comfort or joy. A 34-year-old ad writer for Montgomery Ward, May was exhausted and nearly broke. His wife, Evelyn, was bedridden, on the losing end of … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, picture books, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

Best Children’s Christmas Books – Annual Post

Posted on December 18, 2022 by Jennie

Christmas books are often more meaningful to read to a child after the holiday, once a child has experienced the joy of Christmas.      Red and Lulu, by Matt Tavares is the story of two cardinals who live in … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Family, Inspiration, joy, picture books, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , | 50 Comments

Veterans Day at School

Posted on November 11, 2022 by Jennie

Today children thanked a veteran.  That in itself is a big deal, because the children are preschoolers.  In order to thank a veteran, I need to give children a context of understanding.  That starts with songs, and my preschoolers love … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, picture books, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 66 Comments

My Summer Books

Posted on September 25, 2022 by Jennie

These are the wonderful book I collected over the summer. Some I have read, some were gifted to me, and some are high on my TBR list. I purchased many in the collection- a tribute to the books, because it … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 63 Comments

When Reading-Aloud Grows a Reader

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Jennie

Reading aloud to children is the most important thing I do in my classroom, every single day.  I tell parents this every year. The fundamental constant that gives children the tools to succeed in school is language. The more words … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Summer at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Jennie

My summer venture at the Eric Carle Museum was nothing short of wonderful.  I have much to tell you! The Very Hungry Caterpillar Mobile The museum is celebrating 20 years.  The main exhibit is Celebrating Collage.  Of course!  Eric Carle’s … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 86 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance, and Much More

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Jennie

Air Force Master Sergeant Michael Kennedy was our guest speaker at school for our Memorial Day Remembrance.  Children sang “God Bless America” and “Red, White, and Blue.”  The Aqua Room held the American flag.  Can preschoolers understand Memorial Day?  You … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Giving thanks, military, patriotism, picture books, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Meeting a Blogger: The Letter, The Book, and the Otter

Posted on May 22, 2022 by Jennie

Do you often think how wonderful it would be to meet a favorite blogger – in person – and spend the day with them?  I certainly do.  And it happened!  Well, in order to tell the wonderful story, I must … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 137 Comments

A Visit to The Eric Carle Museum

Posted on May 1, 2022 by Jennie

Just when I thought I might not discover something new, my recent visit to the Eric Carle Museum proved me very wrong.  Everything I experienced and saw was very new.  Lucky me! The main event was the museum’s annual Barbara … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Author interview, Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, museums, Nature, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 75 Comments

Family

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Jennie

I call my classroom a family.  We are a family.  Children hear me say all the time, “Once an Aqua Roomer, always an Aqua Roomer.”  That means family is always there for you.  Children can take Gloria home long after … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , | 69 Comments