by Carolyn | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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...
by Carolyn | Adventure, Dystopian Future, Juvenile Fiction, Middle School, Older Elementary, Read Alouds, Sci-fi
Dystopian future novels have been very popular the last several years with the Hunger Games and Divergent among the front runners (read my review of Divergent). These types of novels hold an immense appeal. They feel more realistic than straight out fantasy. They also...
by Carolyn | Adventure, Discussion Guide, Dystopian Future, Girls, Highschool, Movies, Young Adult
The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth is a thrilling narrative of a 16 year-old girl and her battle for self-identity. Told in a first-person present-tense voice, the character Beatrice Prior is reminiscent of Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. However, unlike...
by Carolyn | Book Lists, Picture Books, Read Alouds, Recommendations
I’ve been thinking a lot about Dr. Seuss recently since the announcement that a new manuscript, What Pet Should I Get?, has been found and will be published posthumously. I’ve found that parents either love or hate Dr. Seuss’s books for their kids....
by Carolyn | Adventure, Book Lists, Character Training, Imagination, Older Elementary, Read Alouds
I believe reading aloud is so important! It is special family bonding time. Sharing a story together gives us shared experience, shared characters, shared adventure, shared emotion. We are able to walk through a story and wonder together at the same things, empathize...
by Carolyn | Board Books, Book Lists, For fun, Recommendations
I learned something new this year. February 14 is International Book Giving Day! How perfect! What better way to show love to your child than by giving them a book (and reading it with them!). In addition, the founders of International Book Giving Day encourage you to...
by Carolyn | Audiobooks, Book Deals
I LOVE audiobooks! I love listening to children’s stories in the car with my kids. I love being able to put on an audiobook when I don’t have time to read to them. I love putting in an earbud and listening to a book while I wash the dishes, cook dinner, or...
