Category Archives: reading

Pocket Bear

Posted on September 28, 2026 by Jennie

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate  Katherine Applegate has written another winner.  Big time!  If you think this looks like a cosy little book, think again.  Her stories are always nail biters, adventurous, and have an underlying message of doing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, history, Inspiration, Kindness, Learning About the World, military, museums, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

Loosing Hubby To a Great Book

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Jennie

Hubby is a huge fan of Dan Antion’s books. Huge is an understatement. As soon as Dan’s new book arrived, he snarfed it up, like a happy dog. The Museum Murders Doesn’t the title alone make you want to to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, literacy, museums, reading | Tagged , | 42 Comments

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 , , , , , , | 44 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 , , , , , , , , | 53 Comments

My Christmas in July

Posted on July 8, 2026 by Jennie

The past two weeks have been busy with doctor’s appointments and surgery for Hubby. That means a lot of waiting, and for me reading D.L. Finn’s Miracles and Ghosts: A Christmas Collection.  This is the best Christmas in July, ever! … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Death and dying, Imagination, Inspiration, reading | 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

Wishtree, by Kathrine Applegate – Then and Now

Posted on May 9, 2026 by Jennie

When I visit with the grandchildren, a beloved ritual is reading a story before bedtime. The musicality of words floating into the ear and going into the mind becomes an arrow that pierces the heart.  It always happens that way. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 85 Comments

Goodnight Moon Keeps Growing

Posted on March 5, 2026 by Jennie

Yes, Gloria is off to England, clutching her favorite book, Goodnight Moon.  Pierre was the one who told her to take her favorite book on the journey, and of course Gloria’s favorite book is Goodnight Moon, because she hears it read … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

A Book and a Near Blizzard

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Jennie

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful and my book is so delightful. Since I’ve no no place to go, let it snow, read a book, let it snow.” The weather is awful.  We’re getting 18 to 20+ inches of snow. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, history, Inspiration, Learning About the World, literacy, Mother Nature, Nature, reading | Tagged , , | 82 Comments

Tigers! Tigers!

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Jennie

We are learning about India.  We started with our Big Book Atlas to find India and also where we live.  As always, geography holds a keen interest for children.  Of course we became sidetracked in the best of ways, to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 87 Comments