This is one in our Double Scoop Sundae series featuring a pair of thematically-related books and ideas for teachers and library program developers seeking ways to extend storytime with them. Owls have long fascinated children with their wide eyes, quiet flight, and mysterious nocturnal habits. Their presence in stories sparks imagination and invites questions about […]
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August is a time to celebrate the women authors who can be read in more than the language in which they write. Thanks to their recognition by publishers, and the skillful work of professional translators, we want to call attention this year to the following women during the Women In Translation month of August. The
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Mystical, mythical, and fantastical creatures seem to be taking the forefront of literature! Everyone, adult and kid alike, wants to read about these creatures and escape into a different world. One particular such being that is perhaps the most popular and powerful is the dragon. While adults are finding dragoncentric romantasy like Fourth Wing, children’s
Just as two eyes provide depth missing when we look ahead with just one eye, a pair of complementary books provide a deeper experience of their shared—and complementary—theme. The pairs suggested here each fit together, rather than presenting oppositional or dichotomous views. Like a pair of friends rowing a boat across new waters with greater
It’s the end of another publishing year and the best lists are snowing upon us! What we love about the plethora of these lists from children’s literature experts, review publications, and national press resources is how so many perspectives pop into focus: diverse list makers see “best” in so many different—and complementary—ways. Some of the
Celebrating Titles Featured on 2024’s Best Books for Kids Lists Read More »
Introducing children to participating in and observing the natural world holds well-acknowledged merit—as well as rich offerings in current children’s books. No matter how urban a child’s environment may be, there are almost always snatches of nature available: the sky and weather; a vendor selling fruit that was planted and grown to be eaten and
If you’ve never met a rescue animal—and a rescue dog in particular—then you might not know that they are the four-legged definitions of gratitude and resilience. Some rescue dogs may come from previous loving homes where life circumstances forced their humans to re-home them. But just as many—and, sadly, probably many, many more—come from pasts
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The newly released list from Bank Street College of Education reflects their Children’s Book Committee’s choices from 2023’s publications. Bank Street’s seal of “best” is recognized by librarians, teachers, teacher training programs, and parents as a gold standard guide to children’s books. The selection committee is composed of more than two dozen members who are
Bank Street Books Announces Newest Best Children’s Books of the Year Read More »
But wait, there’s a difference?! OF COURSE I would know they’re all different, right? I’m a whole adult human, a teacher, a mother, a writer. I’ve read thousands of fairy tales and folktales. Surely SURELY I know the difference! Well, when faced with trying to articulate which is which and what is why off the
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