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...]
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...]
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...]
New Favorite Books for Valentine’s Day
I'm so excited to have one of my real life besties here today! Teresa is a former teacher, an amazing mama, and puts out the best posts on instagram on what she's currently reading with her three boys. So much so that I finally broke down and begged her to put together a list for all of us. Here she is with what her and her boys are reading this Valentine season... Admittedly, Valentine's Day isn't the biggest deal around our house. Maybe it has something to do with having three boys, but we … [Read more...]
6 Steps to Starting a Kick-Ass Book Club
My word for this year is "reading". More reading for me, for my kids... I may even drag my husband along for the ride. First, though, me. I decided a few weeks before Christmas that my first step would be to join a book club. The source of numerous benefits for all sorts of people, book clubs can be especially rewarding to moms who struggle with making time for their own pursuits. A scheduled time to socialize that also compels us to pick up a book and force a little "me time" once in a … [Read more...]