by Carolyn Leiloglou | Biography, Imagination, Juvenile Fiction, Movies, Older Elementary, Read Alouds
Several years ago, when my older kids were four and six, I decided to read The Invention of Hugo Cabret to them. My husband and I had just seen the movie, so I was pretty excited about the book. I put it on hold at the library and waited patiently. I was expecting a...
by Carolyn Leiloglou | Audiobooks, Bible, Character Training, Free, Older Elementary, Preschool
*When my older kids were probably 3 and 5, I came across these extraordinary audio Bible stories. They are told by a lady named Joelee Chamberlain. She speaks with a gentle, grandmotherly voice. She talks right to her listeners, and I found my kids responding out loud...
by Carolyn Leiloglou | Animal books, Board Books, Book Lists
We love the zoo. In fact, my husband and I had a zoo pass before we even had kids. I remember going to look at the animals and noticing that we were the only non-parents present. Now I can use my kids as an excuse to go look at the animals. 😉 Not only do we love...
by Carolyn Leiloglou | Adventure, For fun, Imagination, Juvenile Fiction, Middle School, Older Elementary, Steampunk
Is All the Wrong Questions by Lemony Snicket a good series? Yes. But that’s the wrong question. What you should be asking is, “Does my child like mysterious books that don’t take themselves too seriously?” I’ve read the first two books in...
by Carolyn Leiloglou | Audiobooks, Book Deals, Book Lists
I’m a huge fan of sites like Librivox, because, let’s face it, audio books are expensive, right? Wrong! I recently heard about deals on kid’s audio books within Amazon’s Audible bookstore, and I was amazed at what I found. I think you will be...
by Carolyn Leiloglou | Book Lists, Boys, Girls, Imagination, Older Elementary, Poetry, Read Alouds
It’s easy to neglect reading our kids poetry. But poetry can give our children an appreciation for words, rhythms, sounds and meaning like nothing else. Poems show you the world with a new view. They can be endearing, funny, or breathtaking; the best poems...
by Carolyn Leiloglou | Adventure, Character Training, Imagination, Older Elementary
I was recently asked this question: “What one book most inspired you as a child?” I thought back to all my favorite childhood books. The Trumpet of the Swan was the first book I remember falling in love with. It was the first book to make me realize I...
by Carolyn Leiloglou | For fun, Poetry
Did you know April is National Poetry Month? I didn’t! But I’m so excited about it. I’m always meaning to incorporate more poetry into our days, and this is just the push I need. I’ve always loved poetry. I’ve been trying to write poems...
by Carolyn Leiloglou | Board Books, Character Training, Imagination, Picture Books, Read Alouds
When I first discovered the Little Books by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, I thought they were a hoot (pun intended). Little Hoot, Little Oink, and Little Pea offer a hilariously different perspective on the “problems” of childhood such as having to go to bed,...
by Carolyn Leiloglou | Book Lists, Boys, Education, Older Elementary, Picture Books
Do you have a child who can’t get enough facts about animals or nature? That’s my son. Getting him interested in reading a chapter book can be tricky, but he has a magnetic ability to find books with animal facts and pictures. These aren’t always my...
