Interactive Books for Kids Who Like to Move

If you have a child who would rather be moving or talking than sitting and listening to an entire book, you aren't alone. Not all kids love sitting, but most kids love a good story. Below are a few interactive books with great story lines for those kids who might feel more engaged when participating.  

ABC3D by Marion Bataille. This book has been on my shelf for probably ten years and I use it every single year. I taught one particular student who struggled with reading, and getting through our sessions was tiring for him. Looking through this book always served as a fun reward. It's a design lover's dream, and can be given as a gift to either kids or adults. If your child loves this book, they might also enjoy Scanimation picture books, which includ actual moving illustrations. 

Herve Tullet books. The author, illustrator, and artist has a way of fully captivating kids with his fun books and use of bright primary colors. He's even come out with some board games to accompany the books, Press Here Game and ZaZaZoom! A Game of Imagination: Mix. Match. Connect. Play. 

Press Here by Herve Tullet. My kids can't get enough of this book at bedtime. It asks for the reader to interact with each page through a dialogue of fun activities that will have parents and kids laughing. 

Let's Play by Herve Tullet. A game of hide and seek within in a book. What a creative idea! This book does exactly that; it plays with the reader.

Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet This fun book teaches colors and perspectives on art while also engaging readers to participate in the process. 

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novack - "Everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say." Both kids and parents love this one and Novack has recently come out with a new one, The Alphabet Book With No Pictures.

Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda. In this book, the author tells the classic story of the three little pigs with a twist. In this version the reader can huff and puff through a hole in the book, acting as the big bad wolf. The pages have short and sweet sentences which appeal to young readers and learners.  

Shhh! This Book is Sleeping by Cedric Ramadier, Illustrated by Vincent Bourgeau. A funny nighttime book, this creative story asks the reader to help put the book to bed. Make sure the book has finished all of the nighttime duties like brushing its teeth and going to the restroom.  

Please Open This Book by Adam Lehrhaupt. The monkeys in this story are trapped inside, What's happened while the book was shut? This very creative story line is a sequel to Warning, Do Not Open This Book.

Poke-A-Dot books by iKids. Just as fun as playing with bubble wrap, these books contain little raised buttons that kids can push. Designed for younger children, toddlers can explore colors, animals, and transportation all through fun interactive activities.

Touch the Brightest Star by Christie Matheson. This book is charming and sentimental. Your child will touch a firefly and rub an owl's head as they say good night to the world and all its magical creatures. This is a super sweet one for nighttime and a personal favorite. Many are raving about the author's most recent book, Plant the Tiny Seed, which seems perfect for Spring. 

Now I'm Reading! Plays: by Nora Gaydos. These plays are the absolute best for brand new beginning readers and struggling readers. They are leveled and come with fun masks, though a little hard to track down. If you can find them they are worth the hunt. With classics, like Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Jack and the Beanstalk, children are typically familiar with the story line, which helps readers focus on the phonics and words rather than getting confused by the comprehension. 

Just remember, you aren't alone if your child doesn't want to sit down through an entire book, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will dislike books altogether. As always, feel free to email me if you have questions or need more specific suggestions.

How to Teach Your Child Sight Words Effectively

One of my funniest teaching moments was when a kindergarten student who struggled to learn letters and sounds asked me where the letters came from. "Did you make this up?" she asked. "Make what up?" I replied. "Letters?" she said. "No, people did when they wanted another form of communication," I explained. She looked at me puzzled, and before I could correct my mistake of using the general and inclusive term people, she screamed, "Oh no! Not me! I sure did not do make this stuff up." Her frustration was endearing, and we had a good laugh. I explained that I wasn't trying to make things more difficult. 

Genetics, personality, home and learning environments all come into play when a child learns to read. Most children arrive as readers when their brains are ready to begin reading. Despite our best efforts to mold our children, we must also take into account their unique learning styles. 

I'm a fan of less is more when teaching at home. My goal is first to preserve confidence and help you empathize with your child. Secondly, I provide developmentally appropriate material that allows the student to master a skill. In other words, I try to meet them where they are. However, there is one component of literacy in which all children, despite their skill level, can benefit from ample practice, and that is sight words. These words make up almost 65% of all text.  When a child can automatically recognize sight words, reading becomes more enjoyable and fluent. Below are three simple things you can do to help your child practice sight words without losing the fun or the magic of reading at home.

1. Explain that there are two types of high-frequency words

Some sight words follow phonetic rules, and some do not. Many schools teach all high-frequency words under the same umbrella of sight words. This is understandable but can sometimes cause unnecessary confusion. Try explaining that the reason we practice and memorize these words is that we want to recognize them instantly. If you have curious kids that really need to understand, then you can call words that do not adhere to phonetics 'red words' or ‘oddball words’ and the ones that do 'sight words.' 

2. Utilize the senses

When we teach in sensory ways, not only is it more fun for kids, but the information is more likely to transfer into the child's long-term memory. An easy and fun way is to do this is to mix food coloring and salt and trace the words in the salt. Practice the word using sand, washi tape, sandpaper, paint or shaving cream. If you practice on an iPad, try applying this tactile overlay on the screen. One of the best ways to initially teach the word is to have them write the word 'in the sky.' The child uses a straight arm and pretends to trace the words very largely in the sky, picturing an airplane writing words or their arm painting the word in the sky. To make this fun, I always ask the child to tell me what color paint they are going to use to paint the sky.

3. Only teach two words at a time

Instead of drilling with lots of flashcards, spend quality time on two words a week. Keep track of the words that your child has learned by recording them in a notebook or a sight word ring. Read the words in context with picture books during nightly reading. Then try to point out those two words in your child's reading and writing. This will allow your child to feel accomplished and successful when they look back at all they have learned. 

I hope this helps you get started with sight words at home! Please email me with questions or leave comments here. 

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?

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.

Must-Haves To Boost Reading Confidence

One of the things I love most about being a reading specialist is watching a child who is struggling in school start to feel proud and confident in their abilities. This change usually has little to do with me or my teaching and a lot to do with providing the correct materials. Rather than utilize flashcards and reading drills, it's more fun and usually more beneficial to start by helping children see themselves as readers. Adding "reader" to their self-image will spark enthusiasm, much like buying workout clothes before working out. Let them feel a sense of ownership by picking out a library tote or helping to create a reading nook in your home. To make your life easier, below are a few essentials to help you get started.

If you want the short list for your Amazon order, pile these items in your cart: Short Vowel Decodable Books, Golf pencils or crayons,  phonics blocks or CVC letter cubes or Bananagrams, a personal notebook or fill-in journal and a tray for practicing sight words (acts as a simpler version of this teaching material) sand for practicing sight words. If you are curious about the reasoning behind each item and a few choices, please keep reading. 

Bananagrams - Before there was instagram, there were Bananagrams! I recently picked up My First Bananagrams set for my own four-year-old and while she is not reading yet, we love playing with them. My favorite part of the "My First" set is that the vowels are all on yellow tiles. So you can easily help kids start creating and spelling on their own by teaching them about three letter consonant, vowel, consonant words. 

Decodable Short Vowel Books - Giving a beginning reader a book that is too difficult for them is like walking into the advanced Zumba class when it's your first time to the gym. You would leave feeling defeated and overly exhausted. So providing the correct types of books for beginner readers is pretty important. Decodable books are designed for students to learn a single concept at a time. Choose readers that are labeled, "Beginner, set one or short vowels." Once your child has mastered short vowels then they can move on to sight words and long vowels. The most popular series are BOB books or decodables that incorporate popular characters, such as Pinkalicious and Lego Super Heroes.

CVC word rod - These toys help children build three-letter words containing a short vowel. As they learn to decode, your children will have a lot of fun manipulating words. These rods and blocks will help them practice one vowel at a time and change words like mat to hat or top to mop. When your child is ready to build words independently, try these phonics cubes. 

A personal notebook - Any journal or simple notepad will do. Encouraging a child to write however they wish, to make lists or draw pictures, will spark creativity and deepen their understanding of the purpose of writing. This fun fill-in the blank journal provides some structure and fun writing prompts.

Small pencils and crayons - Did you know that when a child is learning how to write they benefit from using small golf-sized pencils? It goes against the popular belief that a child needs a large pencil. Actually, the larger pencils and crayons are designed for infants and babies who grasp with the palm of their hand. When a child is learning to read and write, the formation of the letters and motor skills can have an affect on his or her reading ability as well. By providing small pencils kids more easily practice proper pencil grip. 

Sand or tactile materials - High frequency words make up approximately 65% of all written text, so we want to help children memorize these words to make reading easier. As a child begins learning letter formation and sight words, it's helpful for them to practice spelling through a multi-sensory experience. Plainly said, they need to incorporate their entire body and senses to transfer the information into their long-term memory. The sand box linked above is helpful because the colored bottom makes the letters and formation stand out. It also comes with a lid to keep the sand from spreading throughout your house but any tray will do the trick!

Reading and Speaking Phone – This simple tool allows kids to read or speak into it to hear their own voice. Similar to when an adult records a presentation or an upcoming speech, this phone allows a child to practice reading and receive immediate feedback by listening to their own voice while reading. It improves mispronunciations and comprehension and also can help a child improve fluency.

Highlighting Strips – These fun strips act as a bookmark, highlighting the line a line of text so the child can more easily gain fluency and accuracy. 

Starting with these items will help you create excitement around reading. It also will help you, as a parent, feel more informed and confident in assisting your child. Consider wrapping the items in a fun package or gifting them for a special event. As always, feel free to email me with questions or thoughts on ways to help your little reader at writtenandbound@gmail.com. 

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5 ways Book Lovers Can Support Small Business Saturday

Ideal BookShelf 488: Kids By Jane Mount

Perhaps you've always dreamed of opening an Etsy shop or owning a little boutique and coffee shop. For me, some of my dreams include all of the above. With today's everyday conflicts and negativity in the world, I've been thinking more about how I spend my time and my money. I'm trying to create more memories over clutter and plan ahead for family adventures. Yet underneath these ideas, I still have a genuine love for giving and receiving modest gifts. If you're looking for ways to spend your money and give thoughtfully this season, why not combine your love of literature, family time and gifts by supporting small businesses that share your same values? Give books to those you love, indulge in story times together as a family and support stores that donate books to those in need.

Here are a few ways to do so:

1. Call your local bookstore or sign up for their newsletter! Many will be offering special events, story times (more shopping time for you) and author events. Wild Detectives in Dallas will buy you a drink when you order a book from them. So if you learned of a great new title over Thanksgiving dinner call them up and when you pick up the book they will offer you a drink on the house!

2. Order online or visit any of the following independent bookstores. They provide a wide range of options and great book recommendations on their website! Book People, Blue Willow, BookCourt, Books of Wonder and Octavia Books.

3. Donate books! Several independent bookstores will give you a little spending cash or also support schools and libraries in need. Spread the love by decluttering your shelves this holiday season and adding new titles. Have you heard of The Last Bookstore? They have an inspiring story!

4.  You don't have to limit yourself to bookstores. Outfit yourself or your house with all the bookish essentials from wall art to totes to enamel pins on Ideal Bookshelf.

5. Beyond keeping track of Caldecott Winners, also follow Bank Street Bookstore. They are affiliated to the renowned school of education and each year they publish a thorough list of the best children's books of the year. Their intent is to provide quality literature to both educators and parents.

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.

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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The Best Independent Bookstores For Kids

Photo by Jill Weber/Julie Salamon  of Cat In the City

It's Independent Bookstore Day! To help you celebrate, I've compiled a short list of some bookstores that are particularly fun for kids.

Many of the stores on my list provide online shopping, so if you find yourself at home check out their most recent book suggestions for your littles!

Texas

The Wild Detectives

With a backyard for kids and a full drink and coffee menu for adults, this bookstore is a fun spot for everyone. It also offers lots of events to help you get involved in your community, so check out their calendar. 

kids in the cliff at wild detectives in dallas

Book People

Their name says it all as everything this bookstore does seems to bring people together. Book talks, book clubs, and literary camps are just a few activities that Book People offers for kids. They are very well connected in the community and across Texas, so if you are looking for an event that suits your child’s unique interests, I’m sure they can help.

Blue Willow Bookshop

Blue Willow’s storytimes include songs and crafts making them fun for everyone! The store has games and lots of resources for kids. Plus, they often bring in big name authors for adults and kids. Check out their thoughtfully designed Saturday club for middle school girls, Another Shade of Blue.

New York City and Brooklyn

Bank Street Books

Whether you are a parent, teacher, speech therapist, curriculum director, or a reading specialist, you will want to give this shop a look. As a teacher, I would often go straight to this shop if I were preparing an important lesson, and without fail, I would walk away with a great one. If you are looking for comprehensive information on new books, check out their yearly report The Best Children’s Books of the Year, which is thoughtfully written by a selected committee who reviews 6,000 books a year and selects 600 considering the quality and emotional impact on a child.

photo of books are magic featured in domino magazine

Books of Wonder

You’ll feel as if you are stepping straight into a picture book when you visit this store. If you are looking for some cozy, quality time with your child this is the place to go. With the busy streets of Manhattan outside its windows, the shop provides a quaint and charming feel that helps parents, caregivers and children slow down to enjoy the beauty of a book. If you are lucky enough to visit NYC with kids, this bookstore should be at the top of your list of activities. You can also shop their wide selection and rare and unique books online.

Stories

I've been stalking Stories on Instagram from their first day in business. Their workshops, parents nights and baby classes look like so much fun. Everyone in the family can find something special. 

Books Are Magic

After the closing of BookCourt this year, it seems Emma Straub is doing her part to bring its charm back to the Brooklyn neighborhood, and, in a way, carry on its legacy. Books Are Magic opens today! Check out the cozy reading nook and big couch where you can get lost in a book with your child!

Books are magic. image by max touhey featured in domino magazine

California

Petunia’s Place

Petunia’s Place is entirely dedicated to children’s and young adult books! Each person on staff either holds a degree in education or was an educator before joining the team. The entire store is a children’s store so all of the events include children’s book authors making it easy to attend since they have so many on their calendar.

The Reading Bug

Designed to look like an enchanted forest, this bookstore offers a unique, storybook experience for families. The family owned business offers lots of story and craft times, as well as subscription boxes delivered to your door. 

Photo by the Reading B. via yelp and Redtri.com

Utah

The Children’s Hour

The Children’s Hour is perfect for the busy parent because we all love combining errands. This bookstore has clothes, games, and the sweetest gifts along with lots of children’s books. Perfect for a Saturday morning storytime while parents run around picking up birthday gifts for the afternoon party (or a dress for themselves).

What are some of your favorites and where have you found the best storytimes, resources or activities for students and kids?

Ten picture books for an epic childhood

How many times have you said, “When I was young, I just roamed outside. I could play all alone!" We are all learning together to do our best as parents and teachers in a very busy world. Regardless of whether you live in the country or the city, life can be busy.

We might not all have time to go to the bookstore for hours on end or let our kids roam but we can certainly take advantage of small moments. We can create a magical story time at bedtime or take a fun title along for the ride. The children's author, Emilie Buchwald, once said, "Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." It seems there is so much pressure today around the age at which a child begins to read that we forget the most important piece of reading is comprehension and enjoyment. All of the work we do on teaching skills will be lost in the long term if children aren’t having fun.

Below are ten books that are sure to create a childlike spirit in any adult, remind us to slow down and help our children do the same.

Corduroy by Don Freeman - Few of us remember dressing up nicely to go shopping but this story will make you long for that time period. It will bring to mind your favorite childhood lovey or stuffed animal. It's impossible to read this story without feeling cozy and warm.

Blueberries for Sal By Robert Mccloskey – This book is a breath of fresh air for busy families. The black and white images, old car and illustrations of the countryside will make you dream of simpler times. (Anyone else addicted to ‘We Bought the Farm’ on HGTV?) I love the fact that Sal isn’t dressed in tutus but simply in play clothes, enjoying the outdoors. The sounds of “kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk,” as the blueberries drop into the pail is fun to read. Not to mention it reminds us to feel less guilty about all the work that comes along with parenting, as Sal plays and wanders while her mom works. 

All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant and Nikki McClure – McClure's illustrations are uniquely created and Rylant's words teach simplicity and gratitude. This book allows a fresh perspective to slow down. Rylant writes, "A day brings hope, and kindness, too/ A day is all its own/ You can make a wish, and start again,/  you can find your way back home."

Tell me the Day Backwards by Albert Lamb - This is simply the sweetest book in our house. Timmy Bear and his mother recount the day before falling asleep. My daughter and I loved the idea so much that we started trying the same activity at bedtime. While we aren’t recounting a hike in the country or watching each sunset, I am still able to experience my child’s days through her eyes by listening. This activity usually reminds me how small she is and how big and magical the world seems through her eyes.

Home by Caron Ellis - It doesn’t matter where our home is found or what it looks like. Having a home is special and truly a gift. This book's illustrations appeal to both adults and kids and also help children imagine a life different than their own.

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper - Because after reading it several times your children will be chanting, “I think I can, I think I can,” when doing something new for the first time. The book is one of our first lessons in “mind over matter” and the power of “positive thinking.” But it's also a classic! Kids love the blue engine with a wide smile (perhaps the original Thomas?).

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton - Almost every Virginia Lee Burton book looks as if it should be in an Anthropologie. They are quaint, charming and sentimental. The Little House tells the story of how the big city was built around a tiny home and how the house finds its way back to the country. It shows kids how times change but something’s will always be the same. No doubt this book will have some adults remembering a special family home. My kids and I have read it more times than I could count. 

Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats - What a magical feeling to wake up to freshly fallen snow outside of your window! This book captures that feeling and the collage images are so engaging for young kids. Ezra Jack Keats is considered revolutionary in the teaching and library (and also nerdy reading specialist) world because he created diverse characters. Considering recent research on the lack of diversity in picture books, it gives us all the more reason to add this one to our children’s library.

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey - This book will make any child “awe” at the baby ducks trying to keep up with their mama duck. The story of how a duck family finally decides on the perfect home and then must figure out how to navigate their way there will probably resonate deeply with most young parents.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn - We each have memories of missing our family at school or maybe at our first sleep over. This sweet, sweet book helps parents come up with new ideas to comfort your child during these times. In the book Mrs. Racoon makes up a family secret called the Kissing Hand when Chester Racoon is nervous to go to school. 

What are the books that defined your childhood? What are your favorite titles to read to your children or students?

Happy Reading!

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?