During my substitute teaching activities, I recently discovered two books that second graders enjoyed.  The teacher had left these for me to read if I had time.
I selected The Scarecrow’s Dance by Jane Yolen and Crow Call by Lois Lowry.
They liked the rhyming in The Scarecrow’s Dance.  Also, the illustrations are lovely. The youngsters liked those, too. Since I write children’s stories and poetry, I’m always inspired  when I find a really good book that appeals to the kids I’m teaching.
The following day, I read Crow Call.  They enjoyed it, especially after they found it related the author’s experience when she was a young …read more

One way to encourage a love for reading in the household is to have a comfortable and conducive reading area. How does one create a place to build that love for reading? Here are some ideas.

The right amount of space. Not too spacey, not too cramped… create a space that allows you to be cozy and comfortable while reading. Consider the different furniture and accessories you’ll be needing as well so your space does not look too cluttered.
Cozy seating. An overstuffed chair, bean bags, a fluffy couch, a seat with an ottoman… what kind of seat makes you not want …read more

My daughter, Sarah, is going into the 6th grade. We have lived in the same neighborhood for all but the first 3 months of her life. She has attended one school throughout this time. She is beautiful, unique, smart, creative, and she really picked up some skills on the basketball court this past Winter. She does, however, sometimes find it hard to get along with kids her own age.
She’s spent entirely too much time on the computer this Summer and not enough outside running around. I try to get her out there, but she’s back soon with “It’s too hot, …read more

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

I received an interesting and informative response to my post, Do You Limit Your Child’s Reading?
My reader, when her children were younger, read books with her children and discussed them.  She tried to be aware of what they were reading.
Also, she didn’t restrict their reading, but tried to get them to understand and learn to make decisions.  I found the following comment very thought provoking:
Even if a book’s theme conflicts with your religious views, why would you think you can just pretend that other views do not exist? If you can’t defend your views in the face of a childrens’ …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

Paul and I have been talking about work too much and felt like that whole ‘getting to know you’ thing had fizzled out a bit. Right, we’ve been together for nearly a decade…so maybe we’re expecting too much by still wanting some surprises and unexpected personality quirks to shine through..?
Maybe. But this discussion around what we have been discussing (work!) and the absence of much in the way of outside interests, prompted us to start our own little two person book club. It’s very exclusive.
The only problem is that I will literally devour a book. Whereas Paul likes to take …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

Recycling or trading books constitutes the “in thing” for Earth Day in one of the schools where I substitute teach.  The youngsters and teachers bring  used books to the school where they are sorted by grade level.
Then each child can select a book or books to take home, the number depending on how many are received in each age group.   This is one way to recycle books and provide great reading for youngsters and teachers.
What other activities are you involved in for Earth Day…as parents,  a family, home schooling parents, or at your school?