Category Archives: wonder

More Nan Stories, Thanks to Sally at Smorgasbord

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Jennie

When Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine began her series on ‘Who Has Influenced You The Most In Your Life,’ I knew for me it was my grandmother Nan.  I realized my story, the one she published, was but a part of … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, geography, history, Inspiration, storytelling, trains, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 29 Comments

Gloria Touring London

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Jennie

Gloria spent a full day in London and saw all the sights.  Need I say more?  Thank you, Willow, and thank you, Earl (Gloria’s new buddy.)  This is by far the biggest adventure Gloria has had, and it’s important that … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Learning About the World, wonder | Tagged | 42 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

Mr. Willowby’s Book, Then and Now

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Jennie

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, by Robert Barry is a delightfully predictable tale of a tree that is too tall.  Each time the top is snipped off, it goes to someone else who has the same problem, and so on.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, wonder | Tagged , , , | 60 Comments

Gloria’s Halloween… and More

Posted on November 5, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria went trick-or-treating!  She was Spiderman. She was so excited!  She went with Miles, who was Optimus Prime, and his granddad who was Superman. Gloria got a piece of candy.  Mom was a little worried, but she told me, “Gloria … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 65 Comments

My Eric Carle Museum Visit

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Jennie

I love this picture! I visited the Eric Carle Museum, and as always, was surprised and delighted by what I saw and what I learned. Author and illustrator Astrid Sheckels read aloud her new book, Flora and the Jazzers, to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle, Eric Carle Museum, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

A Magical Evening at School

Posted on October 16, 2025 by Jennie

Tonight was a magical evening.  Pizza dinner at school is pretty cool; yet carving a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern with your family is a memory builder.  We so enjoyed all the activity and excitement with each family.  As the sun … Continue reading →

Posted in Halloween, Imagination, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, Nature, Singing, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 66 Comments

Gloria’s Wonderful Debut

Posted on October 12, 2025 by Jennie

Welcome, Gloria!  Children loved her from Day One.  After all these years, I often think about the wonder of her magic, connecting with children.  They want to be her friend.  They want to take care of her.  Here she is … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments

The Last Hurrah, and Blooming

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Jennie

Summer is over. Flowers have finished blooming, yet one brave, red, bloom burst forth with grandeur that rivaled nature. Flowers are like children, my children at school. They bloom at different times. Some are quiet, some are vibrant. Yet, when … Continue reading →

Posted in Heart, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 48 Comments

Charlotte’s Web – The Backstory and My E.B. White Connection

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Jennie

This is a repost from 2018, and tells an important story.  Can you believe I have typed on E.B. White’s Underwood typewriter?  Read on!  You will discover who is really Wilbur and Charlotte.  That’s something I will never forget.  Never. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 76 Comments