In keeping with our theme this week…exploring your local area, investigate what your library is offering.  You and your children may be delighted at what you discover.
Summer reading programs at local libraries offer youngsters fun and reading encouragement.  Our library, the Pease Public Library in Plymouth, NH, has excited young readers for many years.  I’m always impressed by what is planned for youngsters and the community.  Also, the children receive prizes, donated by local businesses,  for the number of books they read during the summer.
Even, though my grandchildren are too old (high school and college age when the programs are geared for …read more

When I posted a reading list, 13 Kids’ Mystery Books, Michelle mentioned, in her comment, that Nancy Drew was her favorite as a kid.  She wondered why I hadn’t included this series on my list.
Perhaps I should have added Nancy Drew as a bonus mystery.  This was one of my favorites as a teen, too.  It’s good to see Nancy is remembered and even a favorite.
My daughter enjoyed Nancy Drew and collected the books for a time.  I don’t have any of my original books (have no idea where they went), but I’ve acquired one older copy among my children’s …read more

When discussing books with a children’s school librarian, I mentioned Twilight and the fact that so many youngsters are fascinated by Stephenie Meyer’s books.  The librarian said that the series becomes a little more risqué in the subsequent books.  So at that school, they limited the reading to Twilight, unless the student had written permission from the parents.
This was considered an appropriate policy, especially since students as young as fourth grade wanted to check out these books.  This gave the parents input into their children’s reading selections.
This raises some interesting questions:
Do you think a school should limit a student’s reading material unless he/she …read more

“Lizzie’s mom wouldn’t let her read certain books, so she kept them in her locker at school and read them anyway,” my daughter shared with me about her friend years later. 
 ”These weren’t ‘bad’ books,” Beth continued, “only books Lizzie’s mom thought didn’t go along with their religion.”
We had always read to and with Beth when she was younger and encouraged her love of books.
 I didn’t restrict the books Beth read.  Instead, when she was in high school, she shared with me, and we discussed why or why I didn’t think they were appropriate.  I thought I needed to teach her …read more

Recently, there was a discussion on one of my online children’s author groups  (I’m a children’s author, as well as blogger) about children’s chapter books dealing with death.  Most of them are slated for young readers,  6-9 years old.
I thought I’d pass this information along in case parents, grandparents and others would find this list of interest for reference.  Some books deal with death of a family member or friend; others are about the death of a pet.

Remembering Mrs. Rossi by Amy Hest
Love You, Soldier by Amy Hest
Because of Winn Dixie
Each Little Bird That Sings
Sarah Plain and Tall
The Higher Power …read more

It’s Arbor Day (and my birthday!) today. It’s a gorgeous spring day, and it’s Friday. I can’t think of a nicer day.
The Arbor Day Foundation website has a terrific list of ideas on how to celebrate Arbor Day. If you are looking for a gift (like, for example, a birthday gift…) for someone who’s hard to shop for, consider giving an Arbor Day Foundation membership as a gift, or send an Arbor Day e-card. Not only do e-cards save trees, every Arbor Day Foundation e-card plants a tree.
Looking for some books to share with the green kids in your life? …read more