It's rapidly approaching: that season so many of us call our favorite.The one where pumpkin spice lattes, candles, and gourds prevail. I often feel like this time of year is more of a 'fresh start' time than the New Year.The older kids are back to school and I find myself making lists, attempting new habits, and setting goals as if it were January 1st. Even with all those things to look forward to in the fall, the season's best picture books are still my favorite thing to anticipate. Our … [Read more...]
The 8 Best Parenting Books for Willful and Spirited Kids
Is there anything better than those moments where you snuggle your baby in a rocking chair before softly putting them to bed? Or cuddling with a chatty toddler on the couch on a snowy afternoon?But some parenting moments are much less pleasant and can have you tearing out your hair, wondering when the real parent is going to show up and deal with these difficult scenarios.One reason I love books to help me in my parenting is that the book isn't biased toward my child (either positively … [Read more...]
The Best Book Series for Kindergartners
My middle son is just finishing kindergarten and the fire for reading has been lit!He's an eager reader and growing in his abilities at a rapid pace, but there are still many, many books that are out of reach for him, which can be especially hard given that he has an older brother who is reading so many fascinating books.It's a tricky time for finding books that are engaging, but readable. We sat down together and made a list of books that he wants to read this summer.Most fall in … [Read more...]
7 Books Perfect for the Beach or the Backyard
Spring Break season is here, and alongside choosing the right swimsuit, my top packing priority is always finding the best books to bring along to read poolside. Or, if you're not traveling, a great read can still offer a fun escape even if you're sitting on your couch.And the good news is that if you don't get to some of these during Spring Break, summer vacation is just around the corner!Here are seven books perfect for the beach or the backyard... One True Loves by Taylor … [Read more...]
Reading Roundup: Books for Welcoming Spring
Winter has its own appeal - the chance of snow, the hibernation - but I don't know a single soul (save for my ski-crazy nephews) that longs for it to stick around after a few months. Once we get a hint of spring, people are all in. I bought primroses that then got covered in a few inches of snow, I'm eyeing my daffodil shoots daily, and I'm even getting an itch to start planning my garden...all signs that spring is near!We have a few wonderful picture books we like to mark … [Read more...]
Top 10 Parenting Books for Raising Boys
I have a confession to make. Since discovering the absolute genius that is audiobooks (see here for a primer on how to get started if you've never read with your ears before), I'm rapidly reverting back to the bookworm I was a child.It's glorious.I've even had a mini book club with my mom friends about the book Little Girls Can Be Mean. Having started exploring the topic of parenting girls, I now want delve into the subject of sons (appropriate since I have two of them).So, of … [Read more...]
Read Across America Day in Honor of Dr. Seuss
*photo via love Taza.No one believed in this message more than the magical Dr. Seuss.In his honor, the National Education Association is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Read Across America Day, a reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading. Visit the NEA website for details and resources.And for more great ideas on how to celebrate, check out the following sites:The official Dr. Seuss website.A round up of … [Read more...]
14 Books to Read to Your Kids Before Winter is Over
I know we might all be a little over winter by now, but hang with me here. My friend and former teacher, Teresa, is back with her favorite winter reads and it's SUCH a good list. Other than Christmas books, children's books about the seasons are my favorite. It's such a great way to explore concepts and changes that occur with our children. While we may have just seen our few fleeting days of snow here in the Seattle area come and go, it's still fun to read about it! A few favorites … [Read more...]
7 Books for Making Real Change This Year
As a former librarian, when I'm looking at my goals for the year and making changes to my life, a book is the first place I go.It's so helpful to have an in-depth look at the topic I'm focusing on and a spot to refer back to when you're having trouble sticking to your goals or when you need some expert advice about how to make those changes.These seven books are some of my very favorites, whether you're trying to establish new habits, save money, lose weight, or be a better … [Read more...]