• Lists

    Pairing Classics with Contemporary Titles

    classics to contemporary

    About five years ago I created a book list of classic middle grade titles and included a contemporary option that had a similar theme or feel. I loved the idea so much, I thought I’d expand the list by adding eight more classics paired with their own contemporary titles. Classic…

  • Activities

    Storytime Theme: Painting

    Painting storytime header

    While I’ve done an art themed storytime lesson plan, I haven’t expanded beyond just the general theme. So, for today, I’m focusing solely on painting. Obviously, the activities are all paint-based. And there are a number of different directions you can go in – different types of paint, paintbrushes, and…

  • Activities

    Storytime Theme: Letter I

    letter i storytime header

    This is the first letter that I’ve come across in the alphabet that actually took a little bit of time to find enough different types of books that use words that start with the letter I. I’d also say that I had to stretch a little with books like Bear…

  • Lists

    September Read Alouds

    September Read Alouds

    It’s time for another month’s read alouds to celebrate wacky, silly, important, and historical holidays! This list combines not only great fictional read alouds, but some nonfiction and biographies as well to teach kids about fun and interesting facts and people. I’m not taking all the credit, as the blog…

  • Activities

    Storytime Theme: Mother Goose

    mother goose storytime header

    This storytime lesson plan focuses on simple rhymes from the past and while I’m the first to admit these are very American/Euro-centric (I’m not familiar with rhymes like this from other cultures) they can provide kids with early literacy skills that are important stepping stones for the future. Nursery rhymes…

  • Activities

    Storytime Theme: Letter H

    letter h storytime

    It’s Letter H’s day to shine! We’ve got all things starting with the letter H like hippos, hands, hats, horses, and heart. This was another letter that was easy to find a lot of books about things that start with the letter h. And there are some great nonfiction titles…

  • Lists

    Historical Fiction for Middle Grade Readers

    historical fiction for middle grade readers

    Today I’m sharing a list of books that are probably one of my favorite genres. And this has been a favorite genre since I was little. I grew up in the era of the original American Girls – Felicity, Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly. And I even remember when the company…

  • Activities

    Storytime Theme: Messy & Clean

    messy and clean storytime

    Kids love to make a mess and they love it even more when they’re encouraged to be messy! Today’s storytime lesson plan is all about making a mess (and cleaning it up), but also experiencing new, fun textures by encouraging sensory play with a lot of really cool homemade recipes.…

  • Activities

    Storytime Theme: Letter G

    Letter G storytime header

    We’re continuing to plug away with the alphabet, one letter at a time, and today it’s all about the letter G! With letters that correlate to a lot of animals and a color, there are endless options for a Letter G lesson plan. Don’t hesitate to reach beyond the typical…

  • Lists

    15 Audiobooks for Teens

    Audiobooks for Teens

    If you have a teen who used to be an avid reader and has fallen out of the habit of reading because they are super busy with school, extracurriculars, a job, and more – have them try audiobooks! Audiobooks are a great way to read while also doing something else…