We are so grateful to the many children’s authors who are offering virtual book readings and activities on social media. Here are some of our favorite online author book readings and activities. Mo Willems  Join Mo Willems in his studio for lunch doodles! All you need to bring is some paper, pencils, pens or crayons and your imagination. Willems explores different ways of writing, drawing and creating together using some of his most beloved book characters. Dan Gutman  Join Dan […]

Categories: Book Lists, Read

We love a good mystery book around here. Mysteries are a great choice, especially for young children, because kids can use their deductive reasoning skills, search for clues and pretend to be sleuths, all while strengthening reading skills. Here is our ultimate list of mystery books for kids, from picture books to chapter books, there is something for every young reader. Mystery Picture Books What the Ladybug Heard, by Julia-Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks. When two thieves plot to […]

Categories: Book Lists, Read

Parents often ask me for chapter book recommendations for their young children. Here is a list of our favorite early reader chapter books. These books are ideal for your newly independent readers. They are simple enough to give them a boost of confidence when reading on their own, yet still have interesting and engaging illustrations and story lines. Whatever your child’s reading level, I encourage parents to continue to read to children – yes, even to older children – because of the […]

Categories: Book Lists, Read

Got a little mover and shaker at home? Don’t miss our roundup of children’s books about cars, trucks, trains, planes and all things that go! Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, by Virginia Lee Burton. This book is a classic and the sweet tale about Mike and his dear steam shovel is sure to appeal to readers of all ages. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Mighty, Mighty Construction Site, by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld. We can’t resist these […]

Categories: Book Lists, Read

We love black and white books for newborns! Research shows that babies’ vision and brain growth are both most stimulated by black and white or light and dark contrasting colors for the first six months. Here are our top picks. Hello, Bugs!, by Smriti Prasadam and illustrated by Emily Bolam. We love all of Smriti Prasadam’s beautiful black and white books. This one introduces ten vibrant, colorful and sparkly bugs, that are especially eye-catching on black and white backgrounds. Spots […]

Categories: Book Lists, Read

We read books about the earth and environment every day and we take our job of protecting the planet very seriously. Since Earth Day is around the corner (April 22), here are some of our favorites. The Curious Garden, by Peter Brown. We love this story of a little boy named Liam who discovers a withering garden and makes it his responsibility to care for it. We see how the city slowly transforms into a beautiful lush garden. Bonus points because this […]

Categories: Book Lists, Read