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...
A new month around here means only one thing...a new book recommendation roundup! Here are my top recommendations for your middle-grader to read this September. (more…)
Getting your child interested in reading during the summer is the perfect recipe for success—they have months of free time, there are plenty of "summer light" stories for them to get easily invested in, and they can take a book anywhere from the beach to the pool for an afternoon...
August is coming to a close, but if you're anything like me, you might be gripping on to the end of summer before it slips away for good! To help keep the summer feeling alive, here are four books that you can enjoy reading with your little ones: (more…)
I've written in the past about how I'm not much of an e-reader myself. However, when it comes to keeping kids engaged in reading, I'll try just about anything! E-readers have come a long way in the last few years, and for kids who are more comfortable with using technology...
One of my favorite activities to do with my son over the summer is go camping! Whether it's you and your family out in nature, or you're sending your kids away for their first summer camp experiences, the perfect companion will always be a great book. Here are my top...
From Diary of a Wimpy Kid to Harry Potter, have you ever noticed that the most exciting and popular children's books come in a series? A book series is something that can draw you in for long periods of time, and something that can keep you excited to continue reading...
There’s nothing better than the feeling you get as a parent when you walk into your child’s bedroom to see that they've traded their iPad for a book! Wondering how to make that happen for your own children? Here are my tips to help turn your kid into a book...
May is here, and summer is just around the corner. You know what that means...more time for endless reading! If you're a bookworm like me, this bucket list will keep you entertained all summer long. So turn up the AC, grab an ice cold drink, and let's get started. (more…)
It’s a common belief that children’s books are meant for…well…children. The truth is, though, that children's literature is meant to be enjoyed by anyone who reads it. Children's authors often know that parents are reading right alongside their children, which means that a lot of their books are filled with...