by Carolyn | Adventure, Biography, Book Lists, Fantasy, For fun, Imagination, Nonfiction, Parenting, Picture Books, Preschool, Read Alouds, Recommendations
Balloons are happy, right? They just make you smile, especially if you are a kid. So you might be surprised to learn that many of these picture books about balloons deal with hard topics like negative thoughts, Alzheimer’s, or depression. But don’t worry....
by Carolyn | Audiobooks, Book Lists, Education, Imagination, Nonfiction, Older Elementary, Picture Books
If you ask my kids what sports they play, they’re likely to reply, “piano.” If music is important to your family too, you’ll want to nurture your child’s love of music with these picture books. Here are some of my favorites. Fiction...
by Carolyn | Biography, Biography, Book Lists, Education, Historical Fiction, Nonfiction, Older Elementary, Picture Books
Do you have a favorite author you’d love to introduce your kids to, but they aren’t old enough yet? Or maybe they’d love to learn more about the author of their favorite picture books books. Either way, you just might find some of your family’s...
by Carolyn | Adventure, Bible, Biography, Biography, Boys, Character Training, Education, Historical Fiction, Middle-grade, Nonfiction
I’ve been anticipating this illustrated juvenile biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer for over a year! The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix is a work of art. Hendrix challenges readers in their own view of responsibility,...
by Carolyn | Biography, Book Lists, Cultural Diversity, Education, Nonfiction, Older Elementary, Picture Books, Read Alouds
There is a bit of a renaissance going on in children’s literature, and that’s particularly true of non-fiction picture books. The trend is engagingly written, beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture books designed to entice your child into learning...
by Carolyn | Baby, Book Lists, Education, Imagination, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Preschool, Toddler
A few weeks ago, I introduced you to my favorite board books that teach shapes in creative ways. And those are a great place to start, especially for toddlers. But sometimes your preschoolers need more shape practice as well, and they want real picture books, not...
by Carolyn | Biography, Book Lists, Education, Nonfiction, Older Elementary, Picture Books, Recommendations
When I was a kid, I was pretty certain history was the most boring subject ever. All those names and dates to memorize. Who cared. I’m pretty sure today’s historical picture books could have changed my mind and made history interesting. The Right Word:...
by Carolyn | Book Lists, Boys, Education, Imagination, Middle-grade, Nonfiction, Older Elementary, Picture Books, Resources
Last week, we looked at artistic creativity. This week, I want to talk about a different set of books that inspire creativity in kids, specifically, inventive creativity. Ok, maybe I just made up that term, but what I’m talking about is the drive to invent or...
by Carolyn | Animal books, Book Lists, Education, Nonfiction, Older Elementary, Picture Books
A while ago I posted a review of King of the Birds (which I loved). It got me to wondering what other great books about birds I could find. I found some great picture books about birds! My kids and I loved each of these picture books about birds! Read them for fun or...
by Carolyn | 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...
