A Day at the Beach
Lately, I find myself beguiled by short story collections. I have always been someone who enjoys a long book. What’s happening?
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Bicycles, Bloomers, and Books about Invention
Since 1900, most of kids' riding and rolling has happened on bicycles. It’s no wonder that children love these clever machines. As kids learn to ride, their worlds widen; their independence grows.
Coöperation
You'll find these books about cooperation, from picture books to novels, to be good discussion starters.
Draw the World: Pictures and Stories (Part I)
She has never forgotten that evening in which she saw her name written for the first time. The moment when she drew wobbly letters slanting down the paper. Writing her name made her realize she truly existed.
Springtime Reads
Spring is here. With the daffodils and the bloodroot, the tulips and Dutchmen’s britches come thoughts of favorite children’s books.
Don’t Stop … Believing
Learning about writing for children is never over. Like teaching, as you work at it, you will learn more. In fact, that aspect of constant learning is one of the best things about the job.
The AI Incident
What does it mean to be human? Not every middle grade novel tackles that question. The AI Incident doesn’t shy away from examining AI, robotics, learning, and being human. It does so with laughter, caring, and intrigue.
The Global Ocean
Picture books can foster a deeper appreciation for the “Earth’s beating heart,” our global ocean. From ocean shores to the depths of the sea, these five Caldecott award books transport readers to this extraordinary environment.
Fixing It
In the past six months, we’ve talked about the business of book publishing and the basics of drafting story. Now it’s time for more information on the all-important work of fixing that story, also known as revision.
I Love Blueberries!
Celebrating a terrific book for young people that will get them excited about growing their own food. Hydroponics, yummy blueberries … you’ll want to share this one.
The Yellow Bus
There is a boy in my storytime who is learning English alongside at least one, if not more, languages. He is a serious two-year-old. He never talks. He does not sing along. He is loathe to “participate” in any way ...
Nikki Grimes
We're always excited when Nikki Grimes shares one of her new books with us. This one is especially lovely, A Cup of Quiet, which celebrates the grandparent and grandchild relationship as well as all the sounds we hear when we're quiet and we pay attention.
Writing Story
Hello again, Educators! For those of you who want to publish a children’s book, it’s time to talk about story (otherwise known as narrative).
The Legacy of Jean Craighead George
Jean Craighead George ... To me, she led an amazingly rich life. She gave me a book I truly loved and set me on the path to learn about nature.
Community in Action
Our communities in action: suddenly, many books that felt like distant history have become topical once again. Reading about the desperate challenges our forebears have faced, especially in well-researched novels and nonfiction, give us all hope that we can find a bridge to the better side.
Flight
Four Caldecott Award books celebrate the exhilaration of flight, with two journeys inspired by history and two by imagination.
Community Building: Picture Books
a booklist featuring picture books that relate stories of peace through community building
Community Building: Novels
In this booklist, we recommend novels for ages 9 to adult that tell stories of characters who build a caring community around them.
Mental Health in Children’s Literature
Authors Dr. Nancy Bo Flood and Ann Jacobus have been curating a list of traditionally published, exceptional children’s literature that tackles mental illness for over a decade.
Let’s Offer Readers a History Buffet
There are, of course, a myriad of possibilities for your history buffet: mix and match middle grade fiction, long form nonfiction, picture books, both nonfiction and informational fiction, artwork, film, and museum websites.