• Reviews

    Warning: Do Not Open This Book!

    Children’s authors and illustrators, if possible, are becoming more and more creative with new and innovative ideas to create truly interactive books for children.  Warning: Do Not Open This Book! is no different – with a seemingly innocent monkey peeking around the corner, children will not be able to help…

  • Reviews

    C. R. Mudgeon

    With a  title like that, who could resist this book!  C.R. Mudgeon is a hedgehog who knows what he likes and likes what he knows, that is until a new neighbor moves in upstairs and his whole world gets turned around! Paprika the squirrel likes bright colors, spicy food, and…

  • Reviews

    The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp

    If you love classic storytelling and tall tales about creatures that such as The Abominable Snowman, the Yeti, and the Loch Ness Monster, then The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp is the book for you.  Kathi Applet uses a narrator that feels just like he’s talking to the…

  • Activities

    Wacky Wednesday Book Discussion #2 (3rd & 4th graders)

    Our second book discussion for 3rd and 4th graders happened this afternoon.  If you missed out on the first one I did, check out the link here.  I had 15 kids participate with all of them actually reading the book.  For this book discussion, I chose Frankie Pickle and the Closet…

  • Reviews

    The Truth of Me

    I have loved Patricia MacLachlan’s writing since I read Sarah, Plain and Tall.  I couldn’t have been very old when I read it, but I remember it so clearly.  The Truth of Me is MacLachlan’s newest book and still her voice and writing is as strong as ever.  She is…

  • Activities

    Enchanted Library 5.0

    And so it begins (really it has already begun) but today we began set and costume design for our 5th Annual Enchanted Library program.  I’ve posted about Enchanted Library last year, so check it out if you are unfamiliar with the idea. This year’s theme is Mother Goose rhymes which…

  • Reviews

    A Funny Little Bird

    I found a Funny Little Bird to be full of fun, excitement, and even a good lesson on being a friend and a nice person (or bird!).  The little bird in the story is almost invisible and soon becomes upset because he has no friends.  But after an afternoon of…

  • Reviews

    Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building

    Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building by Christy Hale is a wonderful book to use in connection with a building program.  This book combines poetry, children playing, and architectural works that span the globe.  There is no better thing for a child to do than participate in creative and imaginative…

  • Reviews

    White Fur Flying

    White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan was a quick read – perfect for young readers just starting to read chapter books.  This story hit home for me because my aunt rescued a Great Pyrenees/Golden Retriever mix and the story surrounding these loving giants was exactly how her dog, Madison, is…