Children today do not often read the classics. Not in the same way they were encouraged and assigned when I was younger. But some classics and some authors have always held an important place in the discussion of literature. The works of Jane Austen are some of those works. There are two beautiful picture books... Continue Reading →
Any reader of this blog knows that we have a fascination with fairy tales. We also really love fractured fairy tales or the notion of taking a look at classic stories and re-imagining them. My 11 year old actually is planning on writing one of her own. So when the #KidLitExchange posted My Rotten Stepbrother... Continue Reading →
One of my favorite books when I was younger was Little Women. I still have my beloved copy for my daughters to be able to read. J has read an abridged version, but hasn't yet delved into the meaty version of the classic yet. So finding a beautiful biography of Louisa May Alcott was like... Continue Reading →
We have recently started encouraging our daughters to get into the "old fashioned" concept of writing letters to pen-pals. J has started writing to a cousin and some of E's closest friends will be moving away this summer. With that in mind, finding Josh Funk's new book, dear Dragon, has been an absolute delight. The... Continue Reading →
One of the most wonderful things you can do for a child is to teach them a love of books and writing. For some, one comes easier than the other. Sometimes it is a matter of age - you can tell a story before you can actually read or write the words. Sometimes it is... Continue Reading →
It is wonderful when a book can encourage a child to see outside of their personal bubble. In the charming series, All Four Stars, by Tara Dairman, J's eyes were opened to a variety of foods and ingredients that she had never come across. At 9, she has started to be more willing to expand... Continue Reading →
These days, schools focus so much on reading that it seems like they are not paying as much attention to the importance of creative writing. That kind of makes me sad. I remember being allowed to just draw pictures and then write the stories or dictate them to a teacher when I was younger. It... Continue Reading →
One of J's latest ideas for a career is to be an author. She definitely loves books enough. I've enjoyed watching some of her creations come to life and see her develop her stories and her illustrations. Last year for her birthday, she received a set from Illustory. I held off letting her use it because,... Continue Reading →