Most parents know the multiple benefits of reading regularly to their kids, one of which is to begin school ahead of the game. According to the landmark 1985 report Becoming …more
Why and How to Master Reading Aloud
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Enrichment Activities With Children’s Books
You can extend the value of reading with creative enrichment activities using your children’s favorite books. Regardless of your child’s age, choose a couple of enrichment activities, projects, discussion guides …more
Valentine’s Day Books and Activities
Children look forward to and enjoy Valentines Day. They love giving and receiving valentines and the chance to share affection with those we care about. It’s a time for making paper …more
Does Re-reading Favorite Books Help Toddlers?
Toddlers often have favorite books. And if we are re-read those favorite books again and again, they begin to remember some of the words. You can use this natural enjoyment …more
The Ladybug Pajama Party
There is a little guy in our house who has developed a serious fascination with ladybugs. I’m not sure where it started but oh my, ladybugs are part of his …more
Great Christmas Books
Books stir our thinking, open our eyes to the world and bring connection. The glory of crafted language coupled with creative illustrations spark the imagination in ways that can last …more
Classic Christmas Books
The holidays are a perfect time to share Christmas stories. These classic holiday books make great gifts because they can be enjoyed every year and appeal to all. Share these …more
Some of Our Favorite Thanksgiving Books
Books can help settle a rambunctious Thanksgiving crowd and provide a way to bring folks together before or after a delicious meal. Sharing a story can be entertaining and informative. …more
Making Connections with An Author and His Art
My little ones are fascinated with paint. They love playing with paint, mixing colors and generally making a mess! So, when San Francisco Public Library held a children’s painting party …more
Shining the Light on Reading
Although bedtime seems like the ideal time for a story, it doesn’t always work for many families for many reasons. Instead of skipping reading entirely, a few creative alternatives can …more
Why Picture Books Matter
A while back, the New York Times published a story called Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children. It broke my heart to read about the boy who was …more
Finding Time for Reading
I was reading a story to a kindergarten class last week about a chicken that repeatedly interrupts her papa during a bedtime story. In preparation for the sharing the book, …more
Reading With Siblings
You want to read to your children. You’ve been to the library and have a stack of books. Unfortunately, your younger child can’t seem to sit still and the older …more
Wall Street Journal Article and a Response
An article called How to Raise Boys that Read in The Wall Street Journal inspired my response below:
For the past fourteen years, I have worked as a librarian in an all-boys …more