The Polar Express is more than a book for some people. It's a holiday family tradition that has become an eagerly-anticipated December event! The following guest post is written by Karen Blake in 2013, but it's one of my most popular holiday posts. Karen is a teacher, mom of three, and aunt of many. She's a lover of traditions and is quite honestly one of the most creative and crafty friends I have. —————————— Traditions are my favorite. And Christmas traditions are the absolute BEST! My … [Read more...]
5 books for the middle school gamers in your life
I've found five books for the middle school gamers in your life. Have a middle schooler (or high schooler) who just can't seem to tear himself (or herself) away from the screen? I get it. Believe me, I get it. But I am willing to bet big Pokédollars that at least one of these books will catch your gamer's fancy. Here's the skinny. . . 5 Books for the Middle School Gamers in Your Life First and foremost, my suggestion to you is that you read these books before or along … [Read more...]
raise a reader gift idea
This is the must-have gift for anyone who wants to raise a reader. THE gift for new parents who want to raise a reader. THE gift for grandparents who want to raise a reader. THE gift for aunts, uncles, and Godparents who want to raise a reader. THE gift for caregivers who want to raise a reader. THE gift for early childhood educators who want to help their students' families raise readers. It's super-simple, and it's surprisingly affordable. This raise a reader gift … [Read more...]
top 5 must-read books for kids: babies through teens
Over the years, many readers and friends have asked me the about the must-read books for kids. Every few weeks, I get asked the million dollar questions: What books should my kids read? What are the best books for 5-year-olds? Which books will my 12-year-old love to read? Please tell me how to spend my book money--which are the must-have books for kids? We're heading to the library. Which books should I pick up? I've had the conversation over and over and over again. So … [Read more...]
where to find inexpensive books for your kids
I'm so thankful that my mom is always looking for inexpensive books for my kids. From the time my kids were born, she's been on the hunt for great, new reads for Maddy, Owen, and Cora. She searches for their favorite authors at her local library's book sale each time it's held. She keeps an eye out for books at yard sales. And when she finds them, she sets them aside to bring to Maryland, or she keeps them at her house for when we come to visit. It makes a difference. It really, … [Read more...]
5 ways to get your kids psyched for summer reading
Believe it—summer is around the corner. Woo-hoo! Around the corner! As in like just a few weeks away! It’s May! Pools open in May. Weather warms in May. Swim team registration starts in May. We buy bathing suits in May. Wait. How can we even talk about ways to get your kids psyched for summer reading when school isn’t even out yet? Many of us still have assessments to think about, big projects coming though, and a whole lot that has to happen between now and the time those … [Read more...]
quick and easy flower wish boxes
It's amazing how easily you can create sweet and easy gifts sometimes when you have a bit of inspiration. Sometimes it's a walk in the craft store. Sometimes it's a stroll through the park. Sometimes it's a glance through a photo album. Sometimes it's a movie, tv program, or book. These quick and easy flower wish boxes were inspired by a book series that we've recently discovered. It's a book series that Maddy and Cora have devoured, and it's a series that I love as … [Read more...]
black history month: resources for kids and families
We often talk about race in our home, but lately my kids have become more and more curious about the struggles that many so many groups have faced--African-Americans in particular--throughout our history. Yes, we have great books here, rich with information and ideas and stories, but I wanted a little more. We need a little more. So rather than fumble through their questions about race, history, and segregation, I wanted to give Maddy, Owen, and Cora some clarity--as much of the … [Read more...]
Wonder the movie discussion guide for families #wonderthemovie
We had the amazing opportunity to catch a screening of Wonder the movie last week, and it totally lived up to all of our expectations. Maddy, Owen, Cora and I loved it. We talked about it for days after we saw it, and all three kids declared that it's one movie "we must buy when it comes out on DVD". At this point in time, friends, there aren't many movies that we want to watch over and over and over, but this is indeed one of them. I thought, since it is a movie--and book--rich … [Read more...]
rick riordan: 5 fun facts about the author we love
We have long been fans of Rick Riordan, ever since we fell hard for Percy Jackson way back when. So when my friends from Disney books asked if we wanted to join the #ShipoftheDead Book Tour, you better believe we jumped at the chance. The Ship of the Dead is the latest book--and the last book--in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. The coolest thing about this event, though, was that Maddy, Owen, and I had 10 minutes with Mr. Riordan--10 minutes to talk to him, chat with … [Read more...]
must-have books for easter baskets
Easter means egg hunts, candy, and plastic grass in bright baskets, right? Well what if you want to use this holiday as a time to sneak in a little reading for your kids? What books are must-have's for Easter baskets? I have done all the hard work for you, friends, and I have your answer here. First, I'll tell you which books you should have for the little guys, and then I'll tell you which books you should grab for the bigger guys. Ready? Here's the skinny. . . Must-Have … [Read more...]
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