I wanted to share a robust conversation that I had with two middle grade authors recently after posting this video that compared their two characters — both half-Filipino. One author is #OwnVoices and one is not. I have been tracking Filipino-American children’s books because I’m shocked and dismayed how few there are. This is especially…
Today, we explore the mysteries of owls through science and children’s books. In this NPR video, a particular young male owl named Baltimore is tracked from a Maryland beach to his last known location up in Canada. This is in response to a strange phenomenon: “At the end of 2013, snowy owls started showing up…
Thank you to Disney-Hyperion for providing this giveaway! The third book in The Trials of Apollo series: The Burning Maze hits the shelves today, as does a new companion title to the recently re-designed Kane Chronicles trilogy: Brooklyn House Magician’s Manual! These are my son’s DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) books! I confess personally though that the Apollo series is my least…
Great New Early Chapter Books Charlie & Mouse & Grumpy by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Emily Hughes This sequel to Geisel award winning Charlie & Mouse is just as sweet and wonderful as the first one. In this book, Grumpy comes for a visit but he’s not grumpy at all. His love for his grandkids…
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by BLOOM! to spread the word about its Educational Resource Toolkit. All opinions and stories are my own. I’m so happy I partnered with BLOOM! because I’m getting ready to plant my vegetable garden and it’s a great learning opportunity for my kids. Something as simple as planting a garden…
Graphic novels got my son reading independently. I can vouch that they are a great tool for literacy, especially for getting reluctant readers reading. According to Healthy Teen Network, graphic novels: helps students encode information more readily, improving their reading comprehension, because they combine text with graphics help develop vocabulary, especially for those with learning disabilities…
I’m partnering with Sheryl and Carrie Berk to giveaway their newest book and swag in partnership with Little Bee Books! Their newest series, Ask Emma, is about an advice blog for her middle grade that spirals out of control. We are giving away a copy of Ask Emma and a prize pack to one winner….
Today, we are learning about genes in this STEAM science project for kids courtesy of Monsanto who sent me this science kit so I could do it with my son. Supplies: yarn scissors plastic beads to represent each trait gold or silver beads for tying off the end of the bracelet and for using if…
It was great to celebrate Japanese holiday, Girls Day or Hinamatsuri, with Debbi Michiko Florence at Newtonville Books! Debbi and I have been doing a blog series on Japanese culture so I wanted to add in this Japanese holiday that also involves mochi! Hinamatsuri, also called Doll’s Day or Girls’ Day, is a special day in Japan. Celebrated each year…
