Earth Day Read-Alouds

This Thursday, April 22nd is Earth Day. How about some great children's books to help you celebrate our beautiful Earth! Not only can you read these books on Earth Day, but they can help you to build awareness with your children all year round!

We Planted a Tree

This book is written with engaging, almost musical text which makes it great for read-alouds. The illustrations are cartoon-like which makes them fun and different for kids to explore. While reading this book you will go on a trip around the world while learning about why trees are so important!

10 Things I Can Do to Help My World

This book is written on 100% recycled paper (naturally!) and gives kids ideas of practical things they can do to help the world (saving energy by turning appliances off, using both sides of the paper when writing, etc.). This book helps to jump start conversations with your kids and gets them thinking about what they use. 

Compost Stew

As if the title isn't creative enough?!  This book is written with rhyming text which is fun for children to listen to, and the best part- they'll learn a little about composting while listening! If you or your children are interested in composting this book is a fun way to get started on the project together.

My Garden

The author, Kevin Henkes (Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Chrysanthemum) writes great children's books! Here is a book about the garden a little girl imagines...one with jelly bean bushes and chocolate rabbits. Read this book and while you are gardening together, you can also imagine together!

Wiggling Worms at Work

The 'Let's Read and Find Out Science' books are great non-fiction resources. This book is all about Earthworms and their job of keeping our soil healthy. Earthworms are hard workers! The illustrations are great, although I would pair this book with one that contains actual photographs. 

Such as...Earthworms

This is another great non-fiction book, however this one includes actual photographs of Earthworms! Boys will especially LOVE this book! Watch out, because soon you will have your little one digging for worms-and proudly bringing them to you for a closer look!

Happy Reading, and Happy Earth Day!

**Check out these Websites for more information about Earth Day: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/
                                                                                                     http://pbskids.org/games/earthday.html

Jan Brett

In my previous post I mentioned my favorite children's book author/illustrator Jan Brett. One of the reasons I love her so much is that she has an amazing website FULL of resources. She has even posted videos of how she illustrates and creates her books. My students loved to watch these videos! Not only is she very talented, she just seems like a genuinely nice person!

So, check out Jan Brett's website!

Books for your little love bug!

 Well, it seems as though we are going to be snowed in again today! We have been busy making Valentines for family members which has left Miss G with bright pink fingers. So much for washable ink!
I wanted to share a couple of my favorite Valentine's Day books. There are tons-but for the sake of having somewhere to start and not becoming totally engrossed with blogging when I should be momming, I am going to share just a few!

The Valentine Bears
(Ages 4-8) This book is a classic! So classic in fact that it was one of my husband's favorites when he was younger. This book is a great read-aloud. (And, the illustrator- Jan Brett- is one of my favorite children's book author/illustrators of all time!)



How Do I Love You?
(Ages 4-8) This book has rhyming text, which G seems to prefer. This was the book I bought her for her first Valentine's day last year. This book is a great read-aloud and I really enjoy the illustrations.This book is simple enough for young children to be able to memorize and 'read' on their own.



I Love You Through and Through
(Ages 4-8) This book is very similar to How Do I Love You?, but the main character is a little boy. This book is written with rhyming text as well, which makes it a great read-aloud and predictable for little listeners.





Fancy Nancy Heart to Heart
(Ages 4-8) I absolutely love anything Fancy Nancy! Usually I am not a fan of books that also have stickers or other extraneous (that's another word for 'extra') things- but Fancy Nancy is too fabulous to pass up! This is one in a series of books about an adorable, authentic little girl. They are all great read-alouds with 'fancy' words and bright illustrations.




Valentine's Day Is...
(Ages 4-8) Gail Gibbons writes mostly non-fiction books on a variety of topics. This one in particular goes into the history of Valentine's Day. It is a bit wordy for a read-aloud with young children, but is engaging for school-aged kids. When I need a non-fiction book that is written in story form  Gail Gibbons is my go-to author.




Where is Baby's Valentine?
(Baby-Preschool) Karen Katz writes great books for infants and toddlers. Most of her books are interactive- this one is a lift the flap book. The illustrations are interesting for little ones, but not over-stimulating. If you have a toddler, build a library of Karen Katz books!


How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
(Ages 4-8) Miss G absolutely loves the 'How do Dinosaurs...' books! They are written with rhyming text and Mark Teague's illustrations are simple and engaging- even for little ones. These books also usually teach a lesson on good manners, too. Bonus!!




**Have you noticed that most of these books are recommended ages 4-8? That is pretty much the standard for all paperback picture books. Most paperbacks are appropriate for read-alouds, just check the amount of text on each page. If there is too much, it won't hold your young child's interest. (Looking at the font size is a good, quick indicator!)

So, it is virtually impossible for me to stop there- but I am going to have to. I could go on and on!! I hope you enjoy these ideas for your little valentine. Consider buying a book (preferably from a small independent bookstore) for your child this year to show how much you love them!!!

Tips for reading aloud to your children

Children are never too young (or old for that matter) to be read to. Reading aloud to your children helps them to develop the language and literacy skills that they will use throughout life. Reading aloud is more than just reading the book. Make it an experience! Here are some tips to help you 'jazz up' your reading time-

• Read with expression. Don't be afraid to sound silly, it's for the kids after all!
• Talk with your child about the book. Point out the illustrations, talk about what the character looks like, etc. You don't have to do it on EVERY page, but share some of the things you see and think when reading the story.
• Young children are learning the difference between the text and the illustrations. Run your finger under the words as you read them. (This will also help them learn to track the print from left to right...an important pre-reading skill!)
• Take your time. Your little one may have a lot of questions, or a lot to say about the book. Remember that it is more about the reading experience than just sticking to the words on the page.
• For older children, act out the book. Ask them to be a part of the reading by guessing what is next, describing the illustrations, reading part of the text, or finding words in the story. Make it a conversation.
• Read a variety of books. Mix it up by reading old favorites and new ones. You can really read anything, because language is all around us. Some 'unconventional' ideas: magazines, menus, cereal boxes, catalogs, newspapers. Help your child realize that print is everywhere!
• Be flexible. Children need time to get used to and appreciate reading aloud together, especially if it is a new routine. If they don't like the book you are reading, or aren't attending to it, switch it up and try a new one.
• Don't force them to sit and listen. Make reading a positive experience. Try it again at another time, try another book, or another day. Maybe your child would prefer to sit on the floor and read together, or would rather be cuddled with you in a chair. Give them ownership of the experience by asking their opinion. This way it is really something you do together.

Spark a love of books by reading aloud to your children. Making time to read together will give you memories that can truly be treasured for years to come.