This week’s theme has been about making the best of winter by jumping into outdoor fun. I have such fond memories of bundling my little ones into their enormous snowsuits, wrapping their faces in soft scarves, tucking their hands into waterproof mittens, helping them pull on knee-high boots. But what about kids whose families don’t […]
New and Fabulous Toys Meet Snow is a new story from Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Caldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky. Three toys venture out into the snow one afternoon while their owner is away. This is the toys’ first time outside on a wintry day and they each muse about their own unique take on […]
One resolution perennially on my New Year’s list is helping the homeless. This year, I am keeping a quarters jar where I will collect stray change that I accumulate. I will then transfer amounts from there to a change box in my car so that I can always have a little something for men and […]
I have not found many books for children on this topic. However, here are a few that will give fertile ground for discussing resolutions with your children. Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller, illustrated by Kathi Ember tells the story of a squirrel who is trying to figure out exactly what a resolution is […]
The Christmas tree is still up for a few days more and there’s candy lingering in bowls on practically every surface around the house. But other than that, the festivities have wound down. Adults are thinking about going back to work. Children are getting ready to go back to school. The old year has ended. […]
New and Fabulous First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg and illustrated by Judy Love is one I can identify with – the first day of school arrives and the heroine of the story just wants to stay under the covers! Even kids who don’t find hiding in bed the best way to procrastinate will recognize […]
Christmas is two days past. The holiday season is winding down. I hope yours has been full of love and joy and some silliness. Mine has been all that and rich with family and friends. Today I am in recovery mode from all the hustle and bustle. Mostly a balm of peace and quiet. The […]
Today I share a poem for the spirit of Christmas. Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou. Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses. Flood waters await us in our avenues. Snow falls upon snow, falls upon snow to avalanche Over unprotected villages. The sky slips […]
New and Fabulous The Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen looks at winter from the perspective of animals: small mammals, snakes and, yes, winter bees, among others. The language is luscious. Lines such as “Ambling through the hoary crystals, thinking of how I love this powdery […]
We’re in the holiday prep home stretch. As much as I advocate using the season of preparation to be contemplative, I, like most of us, am in a bit of a frenzy. I’ll bet lots of you have little time to read right now. And I have little time to write. So the next two […]