“Exploring the topic of learning disabilities can be challenging, especially the social-emotional fallout for children who are struggling, but Thompkins-Bigelow accomplishes the task. Rose’s lively and colorful illustrations are eye-pleasing and showcase diversity. This is an engaging story that not only offers empowerment but also models understanding and acceptance of learning differences.” —The Horn Book Magazine…
Category: Picture Books
11 Ways Parents Can Help Their Children Read
This is an excerpt from an article by Tim Shanahan . Dr. Shanahan is an internationally recognized professor of urban education and reading researcher who has extensive experience with children in inner-city schools and children with special needs. Read his blog Shanahan on Literacy. 1. Teaching reading will only help. Sometimes, parents are told early…
“What’s wonderful about being a ballerina is being able to tell a story without saying a single word.”
From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland comes Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy an illustrated nonfiction collection celebrating dancers of color who have influenced her on and off the stage. As a young girl living in a motel with her mother and her five…
Pumpkins come to life and set off on a raucous adventure
Lonely pumpkin on a stair, glowing in the chilly air.Moonbeam magic lights a spark. Pumpkin rises in the dark!Pumpkin bouncing down the street, looking for a friend to greet.” With a little moonlight magic, these pumpkins come to life and set off on a raucous adventure in this laugh-out-loud rhyming adventure! In Pumpkin Magic, each…
A Lunar New Year Round Up
Ring in the holiday with some ADJECTIVE firecrackers and COLOR envelopes, and celebrate Lunar New Year with your family, friends, and Lunar New Year Mad Libs. Little Miss Neat is having a Chinese New Year party with traditional decorations, a New Year’s Eve feast, and a dragon dance the next day. Explore Chinese New Year: A Mr….
First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
Today’s educators seek to provide an evidence-based, balanced early literacy program that includes a strong foundation in word study strategies, including phonemic awareness and phonics. At the same time, they understand the ultimate goal of early literacy instruction is to provide young children with a solid foundation toward competent readers and writers, capable of comprehending…
An Incredible Picture Book Reminding us it’s Cooler to be Kind
The “too-cool-for-school” third picture book from the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of The Bad Seed and The Good Egg, Jory John and Pete Oswald Everyone knows the cool beans. They’re sooooo cool. And then there’s the uncool has-bean . . . Always on the sidelines, one bean unsuccessfully tries everything he can to fit in with the crowd—until one day the cool…
A powerful picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within
“A thoughtfully layered text and powerful illustrations address this sensitive topic [of colorism] in a uniquely nurturing way.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty. From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving…
Carmen Sandiego and crew are off on a thrilling treasure hunt!
Crack the code with Carmen Sandiego! In this original story, a special clue-decoding wheel built into the front cover allows readers to hunt for long-lost pirate’s treasure alongside the world’s greatest thief. Inspired by the Netflix animated series. Carmen Sandiego and crew are off on a thrilling treasure hunt in this original story inspired by…
How Do You Build a Story? Play Cards! (plus a giveaway)
Originally posted on Writing for Kids (While Raising Them):
Skipping around the interwebs, I stumbled upon a magical discovery. Kate DePalma, Senior Editor at Barefoot Books, tweeted about their new Build-A-Story-Cards, and I gasped at the adorableness. Always on the lookout for tools to create better stories, I immediately seized the opportunity to investigate. I’m…
Young People's Pavilion 