a special collection of chapter books that little kids* can manage
/Every so often, one of my prep (4 to 5-year-old) students brings me the dictionary, a huge encyclopaedia, or a chapter book akin to Lord of the Rings and requests that I read it to them. The mystery of a chapter book is so enticing: the wonder of what a story with so many words might tell is magical. It is so wonderful to read a chapter book to a child, but to start with Lord of the Rings can often lead to frustration.
However, there are many chapter books that are great for younger listeners! Here's what I look for:
Read MoreAnna Quindlen on bookshelves—home to an infinite number of worlds
/"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves."
Love that quote from The New York Times Opinion by author and journalist Anna Quindlen—maybe you’ve seen it? Two things though:
1. Is there really such a thing as ‘enough’ bookshelves?
2. The line that follows the quote is even better, I think. Here it is:
a lift-the-flap Easter surprise + fun activities
/ages 0 to 6 years
All my brain space has been taken up by our coming-up-fast big move (to Tasmania), so this year's Easter activities have been on the back burner. Thankfully, Ivy found this cute book at the library—it’s managed to kick-start us into our usual Easter fun mode. We’re Going on an Egg Hunt is the story of 4 bunny friends that set out on an egg-hunting adventure (think We’re Going On A Bear Hunt):
Neil Gaiman on reading, imagination, literacy and libraries
/Fabulous, entertaining and thought provoking watch+listen, everything you could want in a lecture.
Read More3 go-to went-to Sydney bookshops + 3 TBR books that came home with us
/Gleebooks, Hill of Content and Kinokuniya—we visited all three earlier this week. And, in a monumental display of self control, bought only three (fabulous!) books....
Read Morea graphic, cheerful and modern book with a neat twist on diversity
/ages 2 to 8 years
Sometimes a book with joyful pictures that takes just a few minutes to read can take on extra meaning when read in light of world events. The Fantastic Recipe Machine is like that. It’s about little robots in a factory, turning out unexpected results from funny mixes of ingredients....