by Carolyn | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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...
