5 Books on Love, Family and Friendship

At a dinner party the other night, the topic of the 5 Love Languages came up and it sparked a funny conversation. My friends and I tried to determine our own love language and others’ without reading the book or taking the quiz.

Do you know your love language or your child’s love language? The general idea of the book is that we all interpret and express love differently and we don’t always show our partner that we love him or her in the way that they innately feel loved.

The conversation got me thinking about Valentine’s Day and how our communication with one another is more important than candy hearts and crafts. Please don’t take that as a sign to hold the chocolate. My husband kindly refers to it as “mommy’s medicine." To take things a little deeper with my kids this year, I bought a couple of the following books for gifts. 

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That’s Me Loving You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal – If you loved “I Wish you More,” you will adore this new book from the same author. Don’t feel like a wimp if you cry, I can’t read it without thinking about sending my own children off to kindergarten or college someday. 

What Do You Love About You? By Karen Lechelt - A little girl asks each of her animal friends what they love most about themselves. The anteater loves his nose and the giraffe loves his neck. What a great reminder that we can be our own best friend.

You Belong Here by M.H. Clark – This book has stunning images of animals in their unique habitats. The illustrations are mostly black and white and very moving. While the entire story is about a kid, there are no pictures of humans in the book and it leaves room for the reader to imagine her own unique family. 

“And the trees belong in the wild wood and the deer belong in their shade, and the birds belong so safe and good and arm in the nests that they’ve made. And you belong where you love to be, and after each day is through you will always belong right next to me and I’ll belong next to you.”

The Friend Ship by Kat Yeh – Another tear jerker for me. When what you need is right in front of you, it can be easy to get lost looking for your missing piece in life. A story of gratitude and loyalty, this book is a beautiful tale of true love and can be related to family or friendship.

Be a Friend Salina Yoon – This book is about a boy who enjoys living life differently, as a mime. He feels lonely until he finds a friend who seems to understand him. The story helps kids think about the meaning and qualities that make up a strong friendship.

Picture Books to Inspire Social Change

Photo by Written & Bound of AlliKDesign

"Be the change." Some days I am better at applying this concept to my life than others. Now as a teacher and a mother, I feel a responsibility to help my children and students be self-aware of their role within their communities. So my husband and I are trying out small ways we make a change. Recently, I read about a family that discussed their "highs, lows, and an act of kindness" at the dinner table. Dinner in our home is pretty chaotic, a stepping stone on the way to bath and a dreaded drawn-out bedtime, so we immediately tried it out, and it’s made a huge difference not only in our dinner conversation but also our daily actions. Some days I volunteer my time or donate materials and other days I just try to send a thoughtful email to someone, smile or in general be more patient. Knowing that my family will ask me at the end of the day what I did to change someone else’s day certainly helps me follow through on the commitment. If you are looking for ways to explain social movements or protests to your children you might want to check out some of these picture books about change within America. 

Around America To Win The Vote: Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 Miles by Mara Rockliff. This book provides a unique look of the campaigning required to make change. It tells the story of two women, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, who drive from New York City across the country and back in a yellow car to spread their message of women's suffrage.

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson. This book tells the true story of the youngest child arrested during the civil rights movement. Audrey was nine-years-old when she was arrested, and this story allows children to learn about injustice and activism from a child's perspective. 

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara - Nagara writes, "P Pea-Pea Peace march!" This book is one of the few that highlights several different movements throughout history. 

We March by Shane Evans. Told from the perspective of a family attending the March on Washington in 1963. Its simple words make it relatable and engaging for young readers, "The morning is quiet. The sun rises, and we prepare to march."

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel - Clara Lemlich was a Ukrainian immigrant who led the largest strike for women's labor rights. When no one in her union proposed dramatic action to gain attention, she led the movement herself. "The speakers, mostly men, want everyone to be careful. Two hours pass. No one recommends a general strike….So Clara does." 

I am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer. The I am series is fitting for young children. This book begins by telling a story of Rosa's life as a child. It focuses on her self-respect and determination that led to having the courage to follow through with courageous acts. The author ends with a powerful statement: "I'm Rosa Parks. I'm not a politician, or a president or an actor, or a famous business owner. I'm just an ordinary person. But I'm also proof that there's no such thing as an ordinary person."

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson. This book tells the true story of the youngest child arrested during the civil rights movement. Audrey was nine-years-old when she was arrested, and this story allows children to learn about injustice and activism from a child's perspective. 

Which books have you found most helpful in inspiring children to stand for equality?

Five Easy Hacks to Prevent Reading Regression Over Winter Break

Photo by Mallory Shelton

There's a reason the old song, "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas," includes the line: "And Mom and Dad can't wait for school to start again." If you're exhausted, you aren't alone. Schools here aren't back in session for another week!

For Christmas, I received Jenny Rosenstach's lovely and sentimental book, "How to Celebrate Everything." In it she discusses rituals and routines within families saying, "It was rarely a straight line from one dot to the next, and it rarely resulted in a pretty picture, but the dots were our guides, our goals. Without them, without the routine, there was nothing preventing us from descending into a state of chaos." 

As a disclaimer to my list of "hacks," I'm a huge fan of less is more and I'm also trying to be kinder to myself in 2017. If you are looking for ways to help your child become the next Steve Jobs then I might not be able to provide the help you need. If you enjoy patting yourself on the back for things that you already do and finding ways to recognize how these tie into your children's learning then please proceed. With one week remaining, try the below ideas to get back into the groove of reading without making the kids feel they are in "school."

1.   Keep writing - Many parents complain that their children just don't enjoy writing. If you think about it, writing is one of the most difficult things a child can do because there are so many various steps.  First, they must come up with the idea, then think of the sentence, then recall how to spell the first word. At this point many children have forgotten their idea all together. Save a folder on your phone of only three or four photos of recent events. Let them pick one and write about that particular experience. If handwriting is difficult, write the story for them and let them feel accomplished by seeing their ideas on paper. Another funny way to write a story is to take turns creating a new line in the story. It usually creates a funny tale.

2. Dive deep into a new subject or topic - During the holiday downtime you might learn what your child is really into lately. Whatever they find super interesting, whether it be reindeer, snow, or something totally unseasonal like beetles, pilots, or castles stockpile lots of books on this single topic and let them browse. If you don't have time to search, the librarian will collect the titles for you and put them on hold.

3. Play with shaving cream, sand, and washi tape - I'm always a fan of less is more. On that note I'm a huge fan of eliminating homework for younger kids but I'll step off the soapbox (for now). Practicing sight words is my one exception to the rule. A fun way to do this is to use shaving cream, sand, washi tape or simply writing words on the tub with bubbles during bath time. 

4. Protect bedtime stories - Schedules get thrown to the wind with family and travels and rightfully so. Rather than trying to maintain all of your routines, simply focus on consistently reading a book or telling a story at bedtime. If your child is struggling to learn to read then make sure at the end of the day you are only reading to them, cuddling up, and not asking them to do any work. And if all else fails, take some advice from these kids. They have some interesting ideas on bedtime. 

5. Find the right books - If you are able to reach the teacher, ask him or her the exact sounds or reading concepts that your child is currently learning. Having the appropriate "on level," books is one of the most effective ways to create progress. If your child hasn't yet mastered short vowel sounds or rhyming then you will want to have lots of rhyming books around or several decodable books with short vowel sounds in your home. If your child is already reading proficiently ask the teacher their exact reading level. 

Hang in there and enjoy the days!

Picture Books for Little Adventurers

Our family recently took a road trip to Austin from Dallas and my four-year-old, who feels that one hundred is definitely the biggest number imaginable, said, "Mom, I guess there are probably one hundred places in the whole world." It makes me smile when I stop and realize how small their world is at this age. 

If you are traveling soon, planning a staycation, or have a geography buff on your hands, check out the following books to help them keep exploring and learning. I also received some great suggestions for traveling with kids over on Instagram!

If you are staying close to home, one fun gift idea might be to speak their love language through maps by giving them a coupon for a special adventure: "Good For One Date: Let's find a spot within a five mile radius of home," and then spend some time choosing a location together on the map. You might pair these cookies with this book for an "after school" snack and if I were the crafty type I would want to make a message in a bottle after reading the most beautiful new book, The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles. 

Happy exploring! 

Atlas of Adventures by Rachel Williams. Full of activities, maps, and facts from all over the world, this book can be revisited and explored over and over again. 

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas, Illustrated by Erin E. Stead. The pastel illustrations in this book are moving and create a melancholy tone. The book is the story of a man who lives all alone on a hill and opens ocean bottle messages. He sets out to find the recipient of a message and in-turn receives a delightful surprise.

The Littlest Family's Big Day By Emily Winfield Martin. The perfect story to accompany a family adventure or even a move to a different home.  A bear family explores their new neighborhood and creates a magical experience during the excursion.

If You Lived Here: Houses of the World by Giles Laroche. Examining different types of homes around the world, this book provides interesting facts about regions and homes. It would make a nice addition to a classroom lesson or could be included in a nonfiction unit.

Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinska. This beautiful title will provide hours of exploring and daydreaming. It also acts as a nice coffee table book for your home.  

The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski. This book proves that not all adventures require physical traveling. A little girl discovers how one can get lost in their own mind when they are allowed to create and imagine a story by reading a good book. Perfect for book lovers and big dreamers.

The 50 States paired with Dick and Jane state capital cookies.

 City Atlas: Travel the World with 30 City Maps by Georgia Cherry, Illustrated by Martin Haake. Taking a closer look at particular cities, the atlas examines thirty locations, their landmarks and fun facts about each.

At The Same Moment, Around The World by Clotilde Perrin. A beautifully told story of diversity from the perspective of time, children will think about their own day and their activities while learning about traditions and customs from across the world. "At the same moment in Paris, France, it is seven o'clock in the morning, and Benedict drinks hot chocolate before school."

I am Amelia Earhart by Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. The I Am Ordinary People Change the World series examines extraordinary individuals who accomplished their childhood dreams. This is a good title to start with since the mystery and courage of Amelia Earhart seem to be captivating for both adults and kids. 

Wherever You Go by Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. A sweet alternative to the commonly gifted, "Oh, The Places You Will Go!" This book is the tale of leaving for far-off ventures and returning home when the time is right. It gives parents perspective, knowing the day is coming and reminds us that they are leaving to better themselves and not only to break our hearts.

5 Fall and Thanksgiving Picture Books That Provide Family Activities

If you're anything like me, Thanksgiving snuck up on you. As of Friday I thought we had at least one more week before the holiday. If you need some last minute Amazon Prime options for your road trips, plane rides, or to fill the days at home I've compiled some beautiful titles that come along with hassle-free activities and ideas. We are also still enjoying these earphones for iPad games and audio books.

A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins - This book tells the story of four families throughout four different centuries who serve the same dessert for Thanksgiving. The book does not gloss over what Thanksgiving looked like during our more sad and difficult times in U.S. history and allows for quality conversations with young children. At the end of the book the author shares the recipe of the fine dessert, which could make a fun activity for families to do together.

Sharing The Bread: An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Story by Pat Zietlow Miller - This story is told in the early 19th century with rhyming words and old-fashioned illustrations. It shows the work and effort taken by a family to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal.  The book creates a wistful and simple tone. Reading this story each year could make a sentimental Thanksgiving tradition. Or if you're feeling industrious you might consider making paper pilgrim hats or baking bread. 

Giving Thanks: Poems, Prayers, and Praise Songs of Thanksgiving by Katherine Paterson - Paterson beautifully curated a book of verses of gratitude. The pages of thanks include poems and songs from various authors and cultures and are accompanied by intricate paper-cut illustrations. Families could share a poem or verse together each day at mealtime or possibly even through the Advent season.

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade by Melissa Sweet - An interesting true story, this book takes a unique perspective on one of the most celebrated Thanksgiving traditions. The colors and collage images are vibrant and engaging. Families could create their own collages with simple construction paper cut-outs or even torn paper. 

In November by Cynthia Rylant - You can't go wrong by reading Rylant's poetry for any situation. This book in particular is cozy and heartwarming. "In November, at winter's gate, the stars are brittle. The sun is a sometime friend. And the World has tucked her children in, with a kiss on their heads, till spring." Families might want to collect leaves or paint leaves as an activity for the holiday.

And if you need a few more to throw in your cart we also enjoyed the following: Thankful by Eileen Spinelli, Thanksgiving With Me by Margaret Wiley, Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende Devlin, The Apple Pie that Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson and Milly and the Macy's Parade Shana Corey.

Not-So-Spooky Halloween Picture Books

I'll admit that Halloween was my least favorite holiday before I had children. But now it's safe to say that it's one of my favorite days of the entire year.

I love how Halloween brings neighborhoods together. The children truly feel magical pretending to be someone or something different even for a short while. Here are a few favorite titles to start sparking the magical experience as you gear up for the festivities:

Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace - I wish I could take credit for finding this book but my daughter spotted it in the bookstore in all of two seconds and needed to sit down immediately to read the entire thing. It's safe to say it's very kid friendly. 'Vampirina Ballerina' is a humorous and fun-loving story of a vampire attempting to fit in with human ballerinas. 

The Dark by Lemony Snicket - Is it just me or could this entire story be told in an Brene Brown book or very insightful self-help book for adults? I'm sure I got more out of this than my children but I hope that the feeling and lesson stays with them. Laszlo learns how to overcome his fear of the dark even when the dark continues to show up every day.

Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds - 'Creepy Carrots!' is a cleverly written Caldecott winner. It's an absolute favorite in my house and I'll be honest that I personally would not have picked this one out at first glance. Though, we were gifted this book and it's now a permanent on our nightly shelf.  My kids now crack up every time we ask if they want carrots and attempt to make spooky faces. Hey, whatever helps get vegetables on their plate, right? What I appreciate about it most is that it requires younger children to dig deeper and think about how the carrots tricked Jasper Rabbit.

Little Blue Truck's Halloween by Alice Schertle - The Little Blue truck series can truly appeal to wide age-range, infants through young elementary aged children. It's rhyme and moral themes appeal to the masses. The Halloween addition is a cute one where the characters attend a costume party.

At the Old Haunted House by Helen Ketteman - 'At the Old Haunted House' is another rhyming and counting book. The illustrations are captivating and will have your kids studying each page. It's a suspenseful book that has a happy and fun ending, perfect for a Halloween party.

Boris and Bella by Carolyn Crimi  - 'Boris and Bella' could quite possibly be written about my husband and me. Bella is very messy and Boris carries around a bleach can. Their habits annoy one another until a party brings them together. The alliteration and storyline makes this a fun read for everyone. 

Boo! Haiku by Deanna Caswell - This book is full of interactive haikus and bold, captivating images. It's perfect for 4- 7 year olds who want to play games and have fun while reading. It could be a lot of fun in a Kindergarten or first grade classroom as a read-aloud and writing prompt.

Six Informative (But Not Boring) Election Books

Heather Patterson's Passing the Bone

With only one more debate to go and 26 days until election day, it's time to brush up on our presidential history. The election can be confusing for kids and adults too! Who remembers all of the ins and outs of the Electoral College? Luckily we can focus on the excitement and the joy of casting votes in mock elections and ways that small people can make big changes in the world.

These election books are light-hearted, humorous and empowering. Happy reading or should I say, happy voting! How will you be teaching your children and students about the voting process? Voting for dinners, class pets, jobs and chores? I'd love to hear your ideas below!

**To enter the giveaway of Heather Patterson's Passing the Bone, make sure you are following Heather and Written & Bound on instagram. Thanks so very much for reading and following along!**

Passing the Bone: America’s Next POTUS by Heather Patterson. POTUS means President of the United States, right? Well maybe there’s someone even more important around here. Passing the Bone is a delightful and endearing book about the first pup, and his many roles. While it is written for upper elementary students, my four-year-old loves it. The story line provides a cute spin on a serious topic and appeals to a wide range of age groups.

Election party ideas? It would be fun to vote for a class or family pet with these cute cookies! Photo by Heather Patterson

Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio. While teaching in an all girls’ school, our staff was searching for books that represented the diversity within our classrooms and this book was a great fit. It is written for upper elementary students and does a great job of explaining the Electoral College.

When Penny Met POTUS by Rachel Ruiz. 'When Penny Met POTUS' is an empowering and funny story about a girl who goes to work with her mom for the day. Penny knows that her mother works for POTUS but isn’t sure who or what POTUS is so she sets out to find it, or him or maybe…her.

Madam President by Lane Smith. This is a fun read and a highly-relatable story for any child. The book tells the story of a child who dreams of how she would execute such power by extending recess and eliminating gross meals. It’s so much fun that it sparked some interesting conversation about how I would use my powers as president. Without question, I would request unlimited iced coffee on tap.

This Little President by Joan Holub. 'This Little President' is a rhyming board book perfect for tiny hands and chock-full of historical lessons. The book plays on 'This Little Piggie,' and provides short biographies about ten of our nation’s strongest leaders. While a board book, the information within appeals to both older and younger students.

Vote For Me! By Ben Clanton. 'Vote for me!' Is a light-hearted way to explain the “mud slinging” involved in politics, particularly to younger children. This book is particularly funny for adults during such an interesting political year.

Five Picture Books About the Nobel Peace Prize

The recent announcement of this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner and the simultaneous sadness of war and destruction in Aleppo made me think about what messages of hope and peace we are sending to our children. It's very easy to appear stressed and overwhelmed, particularly while keeping up with the news and the election. I know I am guilty of responding to the news too often in front of my kids. Yet we also have the opportunity as teachers and parents to display the role as one of a change agent. I'm doing my best to focus on my own impact but it doesn't feel easy and I can get bogged down in the age of overwhelming social media.

As one way to remind myself of the good in the world, I complied a list of picture books on the topic of the peace and the Nobel Peace Prize.  I hope that you are able to share some of these stories and glimmers of hope with your children and students. What are some of your favorite books that share a message of peace?

Alfred Nobel: The Man Behind the Peace Prize Stories by Kathy-jo Wargin is an absolutely fascinating book about how the Nobel Peace Prize was founded. Like most truly moving life stories, it begins with heartbreak and how Alfred chose to turn tragedy and loss into inspiration.

The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams by Tanya Lee Stone - This book is the biography of Jane Addams, a true hero in the social work world. As a wealthy woman, Addams chose to live with the poor and founded the Hull House in Chicago. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. The book is beautifully illustrated and a great addition to any aspiring activist's bookshelf. 

Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli - Wangari Maathai won the Peace Prize in 2004 for her environmental and political work in Africa. The book has bright, bold images that are capitivating and tells Maathai's story through poetic verse.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter To My Daughters by Barack H. Obama - Obama won the peace prize in 2009 for his work to strengthen international diplomacy. The picture book is written in the form of a letter to his daughters and tells the story of many American leaders who have shown strength and perseverance.

Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words by Karen Abouraya tells Malala's ever-inspring story of bravery and strength. After suffering an attack from the Taliban, Yousafzai continues her work to advocate for girls and children's right to education.

Mother Teresa by Demi tells the story of the nun through intricate paint and gold-plated illustrations. The author of The Empty Pot shares Mother Teresa's story and biography including prayers and quotes from the nun. 

Picture Book Gifts for Dads

Here are a few titles on the beauty of fatherhood and also a few that acknowledge women aren't the only ones who struggle with balancing their new and old identities. 

My Dad is Amazing by Hello!Luckyby Hello!Lucky A favorite in our household, this board book is sweet and simple. “My Dad is sweeter than a pile of pancakes! Funnier that a bunch of underpants!”Young kids will memorize it and be able to “read” it back to you.

My Dad Used to Be So Cool by Keith Negley. For the dad who was in a rock and roll band and now spends more time folding laundry. It's important to let him know that he's still your own personal rockstar. 

Made for Me by Zack Bush and Gregorio De Lauretis – It seems that every book on the shelves for new parents is a story about mothers and their new baby. This story shows the intense and strong bond between a father and his child. It’s emotional and will have you cry tears of joy, remembering your first days with your child. “Of all the children that ever could be, You are the one made just for me.”

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie. Thunder Boy is named after his father and wants to feel unique. His thoughtful father comes up with the perfect name for Junior. 

Tell Me a Tattoo Story by Alison McGhee. A sweet book telling the stories behind each of a father's tattoos. 

It’s Great Being A Dad Dan Bar-el, Illustrated by Gina Perry. Everyone wants to be a unicorn, a robot, or a queen, right? Magical characters have lots of special jobs, but everyone needs help now and then, and Dad has the unique role of helping. Dad can fix things even unicorns and robots, which makes him irreplaceable.

Things to Do with Dad by Sam Zuppardi. This new book shows a realistic picture of a father who has a long to-do list and also loves hanging with his son. His son starts strategizing about how they can get out of the to–do list and on to more fun ways to spend some time with dad. 

Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA by Jimmy Fallon. Because every mom is secretly a little annoyed that the -D sound comes naturally to babies. It's best to laugh.

Daddy Hugs by Karen Katz. The large illustrations in this counting book are captivating for little minds. Plus it's a super sweet one for dads and babies at bedtime.   

The Daddy Book by Todd Parr. Parr books do the best job of representing the diversity in the world and normalizing it for young minds. 

Monster and Son by David LaRochelle. For the dad who enjoys playing rough and roaring with his littles, this book tells the story of a day in the life of a dad having fun. 

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. This award winning classic shows the beauty in the few and far between peaceful moments. The father takes his child owling and they march through the calm snow, taking in the sights and sounds.  

Don't forget about the grandfathers and grandfathers-to-be with this cute title How to Babysit a Grandpa. 

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12 ABC Books That Won't Make You Lose Your Mind

I’ll never forget watching my daughters learn how to walk. In classic form, they each took their own very different approaches to the task. One practiced diligently, holding our hands without letting go until she was certain that she could complete the job, and then off she went on a mission. The other took longer to try, but when she did try, she fell often until she got it right and refused to hold our hands. One of the most magical parts of parenthood is watching our children learn how to do something new. We cry tears of joy when we watch our children walk and laugh for the first time. 

The same sort of magic can be a part of reading if we forgo our anxiety about when a child should begin and look at reading as a skill that we are always perfecting throughout the years. I’m not suggesting that you ignore something concerning about your child’s learning, because we know that early intervention is the highly effective. Yet, it’s a gross understatement to say that schools’ and parents’ desires have taken a life of their own, and to expect all children to be reading at age five simply isn’t developmentally appropriate.  

So, where to start? Well, suggesting ABC books is pretty obvious. But if you are like me and want to lose your mind reading the same flip ABC book a million times over while constantly singing the LeapFrog “Every letter makes a sound” song that’s been stuck in your head for months, then it’s time to cut yourself some slack and find books that you will actually enjoy reading to your children. 

Here are a few that I know you will appreciate. 

Work: An Occupational ABC by Kellen Hatanaka.

This creative book takes kids through the alphabet by introducing a fun career for each letter. “N is for naval architect, O is for oceanographer, and P is for postal worker.” It will have adults dreaming of a midlife career move and little ones thinking of the many possibilities, like flying a plane or climbing a mountain. Not to mention every image looks like a print that could be hung in your living room.

ABCs on Wheels by Ramon Olivera. Ok, I know I said that ABC flip books get old, but this one provides a fresh perspective. For all transportation lovers out there (meaning basically all children), this book identifies the parts of moving objects or unusual vehicles. A is for Axle and D is for Double-decker.

ABC3D by Marion Bataille

I purchased this book when I started my very first Reading Specialist job, as a celebratory buy of sorts. That year it became particularly special to one Kindergarten student who was overly exhausted by the idea of learning letters and sounds. At the end of each session, we would look at this book as his special treat to help him get excited about learning together. It always worked. 

LMNO Peas by Keith Baker. Told from the perspective of several little peas, this very cute rhyming book explores the many hobbies and careers in life. 

Rad American Women A-Z by Kate Schatz. While not necessarily tailored for beginning readers, this book is an incredibly interesting read for adults! It can be read aloud to kids by reading the names as, “A is for Angela Davis, B is for Billie Jean King and C is for Carol Burnett…”

An Excessive Alphabet: Avalanches of As to Zillions of Zs by Judi Barrett. From the author of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," this book has lots of teaching points. Beyond the letters of the alphabet, it works as a fun "Where’s Waldo" search and acts as a great tool for vocabulary words. (Sidenote: My own four-year-old thought it was absolutely hilarious.)

Ah-Ha to Zig-Zag: 31 Objects from Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum by Skira Rizzoli. Illustrated by the fascinating artist, Maira Kalman (I dare you not to fall down a rabbit hole while looking through her work), this book features objects from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. It also makes a great gift for both children and adults. 

What Pete Ate From A to Z by Maira Kalman

Pete is hungry. He’ll eat anything in sight including the "...bouncing ball that belongs to Uncle Bennie’s dog Buster." A cleverly written and humorous take on the alphabet. 

Alphablock by Harry N. Abrams

This book’s pages are cut into the shape of each letter. The colors and the thickness of the book appeal to a wide range of ages from babies to preschoolers and even elementary aged children. 

AB See by Elizabeth Doyle

Each page contains a large letter of the alphabet and inside it several small, hidden illustrations. C contains objects like camel, crown and clarinet. It also help kids think deeper with objects like cube and clover which they might first identify as square or shamrock. 

A is for Andy by Mudpuppy. This wordless book is great for art lovers. Each page contains an Andy Warhol piece and interestingly, Warhol’s mother, Julia Warhola, illustrated the letters on each page. 

ThinkTouchLearn: ABC by Xavier Deneux

I'm typically a fan of all Chronicle Books and this one naturally does not disappoint. The colors are vibrant and the letters and shapes are die-cuts so that children can interact with them and trace them with their finger. 

f you are looking for something local, B is for Brooklyn, Texas Alphabet, S is for Salmon and San Francisco ABCs are just a few hometown favorites.

Now that we all agree there is nothing wrong with dreading the thought of reading the same ABC book time and time again, let’s look for more ways to take the pressure off of parents. Do you have any ABC suggestions or any board books you love?

5 Reasons to Read Wordless Picture Books to Any Age (Plus a Few Great Titles)

As a reading teacher, I most often get the question, "What's it say?" So when I help a child pick out a wordless picture book I can turn the tables and ask, "What do you see?" These books are typically given to young children but they can be utilized in creative ways for almost any age, even teenagers. 

Here are some reasons to pick one up: 

1. To teach a love of books to any child, even reluctant readers. 

Sometimes parents say their child just doesn't like books and often teachers say they just haven't found the right ones yet. There are lots of reasons that parents and teachers struggle to help children love reading but most kids are easily captivated by beautiful images. For struggling and new readers, wordless picture books take the pressure off and help them gain confidence when they learn that reading the pictures is too a form of reading. Wordless picture books engage emerging readers who can tell a detailed story about the images. And for developed readers, picture books make them feel young again. Allowing older children to read wordless picture books can evoke a cozy and nostalgic feeling or a sense that they are "getting away" with something by studying a kid's book. 

2. To teach story structure.

Through wordless picture books, children are gaining an appreciation for story structure (the beginning, middle, and ending of a story). When they go to school these skills are formalized into concepts like the story mountain, or plot, sequence, conflict, and resolution. These skills are carried into high school and even college. When children understand structure just by enjoying read-alouds at a young age they are way ahead of the game. 

3. To encourage writing and story-telling. 

Developed readers are able to tell a detailed story using descriptive language and enhanced vocabulary. Older students can have fun with wordless picture books by comparing their version of a story to that of a classmate's or writing a detailed text to go with the book. 

4. To engage children who speak multiple languages

Maybe storytelling is so meaningful to all age groups because it's universal. Recent research also shows that wordless books are great for bilingual students. By allowing teachers and tutors to use wordless picture books, children may speak their native language to tell a story, which in turn teaches universal pre-reading skills while protecting the students' language. 

5. Simply…to have fun. 

Marilyn Jager Adams is a goddess to nerdy reading teachers like myself. In her book, Beginning To Read, she explains that,

“It is not just reading to children that makes the difference, it is enjoying the books with them and reflecting on their form and content. It is developing and supporting the children’s curiosity about text and the meaning it conveys...And it is showing the children that we value and enjoy reading and that we hope they will too.”

Here are some of great titles to get your search started:

Flora and the Flamingo By Molly Idle. Flora and the Flamingo play together as they attempt to mimic each other's moves. The interactive flaps in this book make their dance and sequence, even more, fun for the reader. 

Wave by Suzy Lee. A fun story of a little girl's day at the beach. She dances and plays with the ocean as its waves crash and recede. The colors and images create a calming and nostalgic feel. 

The Girl and The Bicycle by Mark Pett. An incredibly endearing story about a girl who wants a new shiny bicycle she spots in a store window. She must earn the money for the bike. To do so, she befriends an older woman who gives her odd jobs. The story teaches kindness and hard work while giving the reader a surprise ending. 

Pancakes for Breakfast by Tomie dePaola. A classic. This humorous book tells the story of an old woman who is determined to enjoy a pancake breakfast.

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd. The images and artistic cutouts in this book are outstanding. The story is of a boy's walk to his tent in the dark during a camping trip. 

Where's Walrus? by Stephen Savage. This silly story shows a clever walrus who escapes from the zoo. The zookeeper is looking for him and follows him on his adventures throughout the city. 

David Wiesner books. Tuesday, Flotsam and Sector 7 are all highly creative and unique stories of adventure and imagination. Each has very bold, detailed images which capture mature readers and would make create writing prompts. 

Five Books to Teach the Civil Rights Movement

If you ever have the privilege of sitting in a Preschool or Kindergarten classroom, you might see that some of the strongest advocates for equal rights are small children. Kids can spot unfairness a mile away. I dare you to pass out ice cream at a birthday party and leave someone out (speaking from experience)!

While I have no clear explanation for my children and students about injustices, I can at least start by telling the stories. Below are five beautiful and honest books about the Civil Rights Movement. 

 Child of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton, Illustrated by Raul Colon. Beautifully illustrated, this book is told from a child's perspective. The book tells the story of the march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. 

It was also named as a book of the year by a comprehensive list put out by Bank Street College of Education. 

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Bryan Collier. A biography that incorporates quotes from MLK's speeches. This unforgettable story is accompanied with striking and bold pictures. 

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. At the age of nine, Audrey became the youngest child to be arrested during a protest in 1963. She confidently and bravely stood up for civil rights. 

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and George Ford. Ruby was the first African American girl to desegregate an elementary school in New Orleans. I read this book several years in a row when teaching at an all-girls' school and it always sparked deep and moving conversations.

Separate is Never Equal by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney. The story is one of perseverance and determination, painting a true image of slow progress and social change. The book is about how one family ended school segregation in California, ten years after the passing of Brown vs. the Board of Education. This book is great for any age to enjoy with engaging illustrations and is the recipient of several awards such as the Robert F. Silbert Honor Book.

Updating this post (2020) I’ve added some newer titles:

What Can A Citizen Do? By Dave Eggers

Let The Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson  

Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights by Rob Sanders

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

Beautiful Shades of Brown by Nancy Churnin

Books That Teach Gratitude

Gretchen Rubin writes in her book The Happiness Project, "When I find myself focusing overmuch on the anticipated future happiness of arriving at a certain goal, I remind myself to 'Enjoy now'. If I can enjoy the present, I don't need to count on the happiness that is (or isn't) waiting for me in the future."

Gratitude Journal is an app I've been using for several months now. If my baby is crying a lot or I feel anxious about a big life decision, I will stop and quickly jot down a few moments or just attach a picture that brings me joy and I instantly start to feel calmer. 

 A friend gave us the book, I'm Thankful Each Day as a baby gift. When my daughter was about 18 months old it was her favorite book of all. I've just recently taken it back out of storage and she has so many sweet things to say. "I'm thankful for my teachers and my sissy." So I went on a hunt to find some other good ones that spark conversation.

Here are a few keepers:

I'm Thankful Book - Todd Parr books are so intriguing to both babies and preschoolers. I imagine the bold primary colors and large faces are attention-grabbers. Parr has a way of explaining very complex issues in a simple and straightforward way. He takes the pressure off of parents by starting the conversation.  

Little Elliot, Big Family - Elliot and Little Mouse established a sweet friendship in Mike Curato's first book by using their strengths to help one another. (Little Elliot, Big City is one of my family's all-time favorites). In Little Elliot, Big Family, the tiny elephant is grateful for an unlikely family of friends. This is a sweet book for kids and adults alike.

Good People Everywhere - This book is as moving for adults as it is for children. Watching the news can make anyone feel hopeless. It's important to remember that there are nice and kind people all over the globe and that acts of kindness help the world go around. The book has beautiful images of people helping one another. For example, the author writes, "Today carpenters are building fences and houses, and repairing homes that have been damaged by storms."

A Chair for My Mother - This book is a classic. In a world consumed with materialism the story generally makes even the youngest readers stop and think about the importance of love and relationships. The family in the story endures a house fire and then take pride in saving money for a new chair. Each member in the family is grateful, happy and appreciative of their new chair and find their own unique ways to enjoy it.

What are you reading this Thanksgiving season? Do you have any favorite books to teach gratitude?

Transportation Books

The Taxi That Hurried

I've worked in six different schools with grades PreK-Sixth and I've never experienced a group of children that didn't love a good unit on transportation. Anytime that I've allowed the students to choose the unit, it somehow lead to 'modes of transportation.' Here are a few of my favorites. Subway by Anastasia Suen and Karen Katz has wonderful repetition for younger children. The Taxi That Hurried is a classic Golden Book. The rhyming words and onomatopoeias are fun for elementary-aged students. It's also useful when teaching how to use language in their own creative writing. Some other favorites:

Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go I remember owning this book as a child and now my own children love it. Timeless.

Little Blue Truck series by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry I love that this book incorporates transportation but also wonderful life lessons about being kind and taking turns for little ones.

Little Tug by Stephen Savage Little Tug is the smallest boat in the harbor but manages to save the day.

Chugga-Chugga Choo Choo by Kevin Lewis This book is simple but very engaging for 2, 3 and even 4 year olds. It's a nice bedtime story also.

Byron Barton board books, especially Planes. I haven't found a storybook about a plane yet but love Byron Barton's board books for little travelers.

What are some of your favorites? I'm searching for transportation picture books for older children, like Goodnight Construction Site. Any recommendations?