Don't know what to read or where to direct your tween in the library? Then, revisit these classic middle-grade books. These books have enchanted children for decades and are great to read aloud together. Make it a summer goal to read one or more of the books, then watch the...
Later this year, the fourth Night Buddies Adventure will be released! Night Buddies and the Evil School Bus takes young readers and their imaginations on another wild Night Buddies quest. This time, John, Crosley, and their Night Buddies cohorts must defeat a gang of iguanas intent on disrupting the pineapple cheesecake...
Again. We have no words. Our hearts are with the community of Uvalde, Texas, and with all kiddos who are worried, scared, and confused. We are not experts in helping children navigate tragedy, so we looked to a teacher. Andrea Burns taught fourth grade in Kansas City for eight years...
When my kids were in later elementary and middle school, we'd mark the start of summer vacation with water balloons. I'd spend the last day of school filling and tying (my fingers were so sore!) water balloons so they'd be ready when the kids got home. I stationed laundry baskets...
Today, we go into the Night Buddies archives to find Crosley's favorite snack recipe. In May 2014, we originally published the recipe for Crusted Creme Fro-Madge. Here it is again. It's the perfect treat to celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer. Enjoy! Share pictures of your...
Parent's often want to know if their children are reading at or above their grade level. Another critical question is how interested my child is in reading. Young middle-grade readers (ages eight to ten) should be transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn and be reading independently. They...
With ubiquitous tablets and phones, a child's first introduction to reading may be audiobooks. But does this help or hurt kids in the long run? While audiobooks are no substitute for reading aloud with your children, they can supplement that time. Audiobooks can help build imagination and reading skills. When...
Three major holidays will be observed in communities around the world during April. An excellent way to explore a celebration you might not be familiar with is to read a children's book together. These books can help introduce you to some of the traditions. Ramadan - For our Islamic friends,...
Don't tell, but we've found some wonderful mid-grade fiction books that teach a little science along the way. Young readers will learn along with the characters and it most likely won't even feel like an assignment. Bees on the Roof by Robbie Shell Sam needs to find a seventh-grade science...
Today we go way to one of our favorite blogs. This blog originally appeared in June 2014. Enjoy! Crosley’s brother Crenwinkle is not only a genius who runs the Night Buddies Headquarters, but he’s also a top-notch juggler! Crenwinkle draws huge crowds for his juggling performances, and he can juggle...
Have you ever wondered where the ideas for characters and stories originate? The Night Buddies Adventures series started with author Sands Hetherington and his son John dreaming up Crosley the crocodile during months of bedtime story give-and-take. They collaborated many nights on escapades starring John and Crosley until it occurred to...
Since this week is both the Ides of March and St. Patrick's Day, we're taking a break from books and reading to have a fun look at lucky superstitions. Superstitions are light-hearted or trivial beliefs that we hold regardless of evidence. Examples of lucky superstitions include four-leaf clovers, knocking on...
March 1987 was the first designated Women's History Month in the United States. President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8, 1980, as the first Women's History Week. This was followed by additional Women's History Week observances that eventually became the month-long celebration recognizing the achievements and contributions of...
With the war between Russia and Ukraine dominating the news cycle, your children may be asking questions. Why are they fighting? Why don't they stop? Are we safe? Let your children guide the discussion. If the topic comes up, start by asking, "What do you know about the war?" We've...
If you have young readers in your home, you may have encountered terms like mid-grade, juvenile, young adult, or new adult to classify books, but what do they mean? The classifications are intended to help guide readers (and their parents) to age-appropriate books. None of the designations are carved in...
It’s hard to believe, but COVID is still with us almost two years later. It’s still impacting how we live and work, and it’s affecting children’s daily routines. We’ve found three books to read with your children to help process the effects of life during a pandemic. When the World...