Picture books can be a visual and fun way to introduce math concepts. I think it makes math less intimidating when it’s part of a story. For those kids who love math, it’s another way to eat it up!
Top 10: Best Beginning Chapter Book Series (ages 6-9)
Dragons and aliens and dinosaurs, oh my! And for girls, there are interesting slightly mischieveous girls to meet as well as cousins who are really sweet. Short chapter book series can often have repetitive plot lines about nothing or language that is neither rich nor interesting. There is something special about each of these book series for the child AND the adult reading along.
Top 100: Truly and Honestly, Best Children’s Picture Books Ever!
This list is from Children’s Book Guide titled Top 100 Children’s Books of all Time. It really is the best list of picture books EVER! It made a little sad as I went through this list. On the one hand, I did manage to read most of these books to my three kids. On the other hand (the sad part), my youngest is almost too old for these books. I think we have another year or so, and then he’s pushing on into chapter books. Another era closed, I suppose, just like diapers to potty training and preschool to elementary school and beyond.
Top 10: Best Summer Coming-of-Age Books with Girl Characters
This is what I was thinking when I came up with this kooky list:
-Summer read, preferably on the beach or on vacation
-Has to be a good read but not too strenuous
-The book is about the summer and/or beach and/or beachy vacation vibe
-A great lead GIRL character
-Counts towards summer homework book assignment but was thoroughly enjoyable
For incoming grades 4-6
Top 10: Kids Books for Florida Beach Vacation (ages 2-18)
In short, we highly recommend North Captiva island as a family vacation. Rent a house or condo on the beach. There are slight complications as island vacations do tend to have such as getting there by water taxi and correctly estimating a week’s worth of groceries but it is well worth it. And if you do, take some of these books with you!
Top 50: Best Multicultural Children’s Books
Every summer I stress out about what books to get for my kids that they will like but are also exposing them — as only books can do — to the wide world all around them both past, present and future. This summer, we are going to take a trip around the world by reading these multi-cultural books. What is great about this list is that it covers all the ages of my kids: from preschool through elementary school. I will be sneaky and check out these books for them and leave them strewn about the house for them to examine when they are bored. I will keep you posted on what books my kids actually liked because that is a whole ‘nother list! See you at the library!
Family Reunion Vacations: Bermuda
Bermuda would make a great family reunion vacation spot. What is not to like about Bermuda? Pink sand beaches. Friendly people. Crystal clear aquamarine blue ocean. Good food. The only downside is that it is a little pricey. Here are our favorite places to stay and eat, fun things that we enjoyed doing, and some recipes to make Bermudian specialties.