A few years ago, when my youngest was in kindergarten, author and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld visited my son's school and talked to the students. Since then, he has always looked for and enjoyed Lichtenheld's books. One of his favorite books is What are YOU so Grumpy About?. This book is definitely a book to read... Continue Reading →
I Pledge Allegiance
If the children in your life are anything like mine, they ask a lot of questions. So many questions, that our first year of homeschooling consisted of me writing down my children's questions, going to the library to check out books which would answer those questions, and reading them to my children. I wish I... Continue Reading →
One
I recently received the best gift in the mail. It is a special edition of the books One and Zero by Kathryn Otoshi. I immediately sat down and read both books, and enjoyed them immensely. Then I left the book out for my kids to pick up. My nine-year-old did, read both books and immediately... Continue Reading →
Robert McCloskey
Make Way for Ducklings is Robert McCloskey's most famous children's book. If you've never read it, you and your children will love it. The story is sweet - about a mother duck shepherding her ducklings through Boston to reach a pond. But what really makes Make Way for Ducklings stand out are the beautiful illustrations. ... Continue Reading →
The Penderwicks
Our family's new favorite books are about the Penderwick family, written by Jeanne Birdsall. We love each of the four girls, who don't have a mother, but do have a doting and somewhat distracted father. The first book The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy introduces readers... Continue Reading →
Angus and Sadie
Angus and Sadie by Cynthia Voigt is a sweet story of Mister and Missus and their new dogs, Angus and Sadie. Mister and Missus intended to get only one dog, but at the animal shelter they each found the perfect dog. Neither can imagine giving up a dog, so they go home with two. The... Continue Reading →
Shel Silverstein
I have never been a person who adores poetry. In fact, I spent most of my childhood avoiding it - except for one author. Shel Silverstein. Now that I'm older, perhaps wiser, I have read more poetry to my children than I have read in my entire life. Poetry is beginning to grow on me.... Continue Reading →
Sarah, Plain and Tall
In Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan, Anna tells the story of her family. Her mother died shortly after her little brother, Caleb, was born and Anna can't help feeling sad and somewhat resentful towards him. But her father's surprising announcement quickly diverts her attention. He has placed an ad in the newspaper for... Continue Reading →
Winnie-the-Pooh
Winnie-the-Pooh is a beloved character, but I'm afraid most children these days only know the Disney-fied Pooh Bear. If that's the only Pooh your children know, please, please please! pick up A.A. Milne's original books and read them with your children. Milne first published the original books in 1928, and the fact they are still... Continue Reading →
Science Activities
I'll admit, I am not a science mom. I wish I were, because my boys are science whizzes and love it. I, however, struggle to understand their junior-high-level science experiments. (Honestly, I've given up.) However, my children have all - even my non-sciency girls - really enjoyed The Usborne Book of Science Activities, all three... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 