When measured before the pandemic, Americans' average one-way commute time was just more than 27 minutes.* As we inch back toward 'normal,' we once again find ourselves spending more time in the car. So let's explore some creative ways to use that almost one hour in the car with our...
Have you discovered WORDLE? The online word game gives you six chances to guess a five-letter word. It gives you clues by showing if you've guessed a letter in the word and if it's in the correct position. There is a new WORDLE to solve every day. It's a great...
Night Buddies is celebrating the the10th anniversary of John, Crosley, and the rest of the Night Buddies crew. Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare was published on June 12, 2012. Later this year, the fourth adventure, Night Buddies and the Evil School Bus, will be released. Today, we revisit...
Night Buddies John and Crosley have a special language filled with words that not all parents understand. Fortunately, each Night Buddies adventure contains a glossary. Here is a sampling so you can start the year by brushing up on Crosley speak: Snerk!, Snk-Snork!, Wuff!, Fup!: Waking up noises Snog!, Gnf!,...
We wrap up 2021 with the final four books that made the School Library Journal's list of best books for middle-grade readers. This list can help you discover new authors and new books. Books are presented in alphabetical order by author’s last name. Descriptions from Amazon. See specific grade recommendations...
Need book suggestions for your middle-grade readers? We went right to the librarians for their list of the best books of 2021. Here's part four of the list. Keep it handy for your next trip to the library or your local bookstore . Books are presented in alphabetical order by...
It’s part three of our list of the best books of 2021 for mid-grade readers. Librarians, editors, and reviewers compiled the list for the School Library Journal. The list will come in handy when you’re perusing the shelves of your local bookstore or library. Books are presented in alphabetical order...
We continue with our list of the best books of 2021 for mid-grade readers. Librarians, editors, and reviewers compiled the list for the School Library Journal. Use this list to find outstanding gifts or good reads on your next trip to the library. Book descriptions from Amazon. See specific grade...
Parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles, we know that feeling of wondering the shelves in the bookstore looking for a great book for your middle-grade reader. That’s why we’ve turned to a great source for book recommendations: school librarians. The School Library Journal has released its list of top books for...
Many of our readers know that Night Buddies adventures grew out of bedtime stories Sands created with his son. They dreamed up Crosley, the red crocodile, then thought about all the adventures a boy could have when he couldn't go to sleep. Next time your kids say, "tell me a...
In an era where time and money are often in short supply for families, public libraries are an often overlooked resource for entertainment, education, bonding, and just plain fun. Introduce your child to your public early, and they will reap a lifetime of benefits. I Love Libraries, an initiative of...
Make Thanksgiving a season of practicing gratitude. These books help elementary-age children recognize and begin to develop gratitude as a life-long habit. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edward Written by Julie Andrews (yes, that Julie Andrews of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music), this...
When you think about books for the holidays, think beyond gifts (though books do make great gifts for every age). To get you started, here are five creative ways to incorporate books into your holiday celebration. Book Advent Calendar. Wrap 24 small books and open one each day to read with...
One thing young readers notice right away about the Night Buddies Adventures is that Crosley loves pineapple cheesecake. One way to enhance the Night Buddies reading experience is to make a pineapple cheesecake with your child. Cooking together is not only fun and yummy but can also build reading skills....
We were late to the Harry Potter series. Three or four books were already out when we got the first one. We decided to read it aloud together as a family. That began a years-long journey together through the world of Hogwarts. When the final book of the series, Harry...
Many well-known people use their platforms to inspire and educate children through writing books. One of the latest to do so is U. S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Sotomayor is releasing her third book for young readers in January 2022. Just Help! How to Build a Better World...