A couple of months ago, I came across a wonderful series of books titled Something to Say written by Eden Molinex and illustrated by Natalie Beauvois. Eden is a certified speech language pathologist and a children’s book author who is passionate about making a difference with her children’s books. As a speech language pathologist and author myself, I […]
Adagio Tea Review plus KidLit picks!
A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by the company Adagio Teas. During the summer, there is nothing better than a refreshing drink such as an iced tea made at home. Although I do like my sweets, I don’t enjoy beverages with tons of sugar and enjoy a drink with refresh and natural flavors. […]
How to Prepare A Teen with Special Needs for a Part Time Job
With summer upon us, I wanted to share this wonderful guest post by Ron Stefanski, who is the founder of www.JobsForTeensHQ.com and has a passion for helping teenagers find jobs. Preparing a child with special needs for a part time job can be challenging and Ron offers some good advice on this topic. Another great way […]
Teaching a Growth Mindset through Children’s Literature
As a member of the International Literacy Association, I receive the magazine Literacy Today. In this last issue of Literacy Today, I read a wonderful article about the Growth Mindset and Children’s Literature. What is the growth mindset? According to the authors in the article, this is the “belief that one’s intelligence and skills can […]
Lines that Wiggle, review and author interview
When my son came home one day from his visit at the school library, he was so excited to show me the book he chose, lines that wiggle. When we read this book together, I was immediately drawn to the artistic way that the book was written and illustration. The author, Candace Whitman and illustrator, […]
Ways to Help Your Child Develop a Positive Homework Habit
Do you have a healthy homework habits at home with your children? Homework can be so challenging especially after a long day, sports, after school activities, etc. I know that I have my own challenges with homework habits and was looking forward to seeing Annabelle’s article below! I hope you find her tips helpful. Thank […]
The Miscalculations of a Lightning Girl
Are you looking for a book that can help your child embrace their unique qualities? Do you have a child that is starting middle school next year? Check out Stacy McAnulty’s new middle grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl. When I received this middle grade novel, I will often ask my child reviewers to […]
The Pendericks At Last
Part of what I love about reviewing books on my website is matching that passionate reader to the book that they love. When I received The Pendericks At Last, my daughter immediately commented that her friend loved the Penderick series. The Penderwicks At Last is the final book in the Penderick series by Jeanne Birdsall. […]
How to Trick the Tooth Fairy
How to Trick the Tooth Fairy by Erin Danielle Russell and illustrated by Jennifer Hansen Rolli is a perfect bedtime story for children who are waiting for the tooth fairy to come! Kaylee loves to pull pranks on everyone, even the tooth fairy. Her favorite holiday is April Fools Day and she has a twinkle […]
I am Gandhi Blog Tour
“The strength of a warrior is not measured by reference to his weapons but by his firmness of mind.” I am Gandhi (2018) When I was asked to participate in the book blog tour by Penguin Random House for I Am Gandhi, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough! This book, I Am Gandhi was different […]
Chapter Book Picks for Girls with ADHD
Do you have a daughter with ADHD? Having some kidlit picks that you can share with your daughter is important. Reading these recommended books aloud and together is a perfect bonding activity! It’s Just Me and My ADHD, Life Through the Eyes of a 10 year old girl: This book is an interesting story about […]
What Do You Do With A Chance?
“What do chances become? New friendships, exciting opportunities, and daring discoveries.” Kobi Yasada, What Do You Do With A Chance? What Do You Do With a Chance? is another inspirational book by Kobi Yamada, one of my favorite children’s book authors. Kobi Yamada (author) and Mae Besom (illustrator) write and illustrate with beauty and wisdom. […]
Book Blog Tour for My Second Year of Kindergarten
This past week was the blog tour for My Second Year of Kindergarten. This book has been a project that I have been working on with Mascot Books for about 2 years and is close to my heart in many ways. This book is intended to be an educational tool for parents and educators about […]
Friends Stick Together Blog Tour
I am really excited to kick start this wonderful Penguin Blog Tour for the book, Friends Stick Together. I love books that celebrate friendship and embed a valuable lesson and relationships. Friends Stick Together by Hannah E. Harrison is a unique story about an interesting character named Rupert. Rubert loves reading dictionaries, listening to classical […]
My Second Year of Kindergarten
I am really excited to present my newest children’s book, My Second Year of Kindergarten, which released on April 4th, 2018. This book has been a project that I have been working on with Mascot Books for about 2 years and is close to my heart in many ways. This book is intended to be […]
Here Come the Girl Scouts!
“The work of to-day is the history of to-morrow, and we are it’s maker.” (Here Come the Girl Scouts, 2012) When my daughter and I discovered at our local library, Here Come the Girl Scouts! The Amazing All True Story of Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low and Her Great Adventure, we were immediately drawn to the story. Lately, […]
Natsumi!
When I first received Natsumi! in the mail from Penguin, I was immediately drawn the personality of the main character, Natsumi. Natsumi! written by Susan Lendroth and illustrated by Priscilla Burris is a story about a young girl named Natsumi who struggles with being different and doing everything in her own “big way”. Natsumi isn’t […]
Teaching Critical Thinking Skills to Young Children: A Guest Post
I am excited to present this guest post by Katie Gilmore in partnership with KinderCare Learning Centers We often try to teach the young children in our lives the importance of practice, patience, and problem-solving. It can feel challenging to adequately arm future generations with these tools as we guide them towards a future of higher […]
Women Who March
What better way to celebrate Women’s International Day but a children’s book that celebrates women? When I saw this book, Women Who March on my Twitter feed, I knew that I wanted to review it. Women Who March is a children’s book about the organized 2017 Women’s March that was held on January 21st, 2017 […]
The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell
Joey Cornell collected everything…anything that sparked his imagination or delighted his eye. ‘If I like it I keep it.’ Joey always said (The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell, 2018). Part of why I love blogging and reviewing children’s books is the learning process of learning about new people. When I received this book in the […]
A Chip Off The Old Block
Are you going on a road trip? Would you like to help introduce your children to different types of rock formations and natural landmarks? Check out A Chip Off the Old Block written by Jody Jensen Shaffer and illustrated by Daniel Miyares. I loved this book, because it combines factual information with a valuable lesson about building character and […]
Rules
Do you have a child with Autism? Do you have a child with complex communication needs? Are you an educator that wants to raise awareness of different types of learners and disabilities? When I was recently teaching a graduate class about AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), one of my students recommended this book, Rules. That […]
I am Harriet Tubman Blog Tour
“I am Harriet Tubman. Follow me. I will lead the way to freedom.” I am Harriet Tubman (2018) I am thrilled to be a part of the I am Harriet Tubman Blog Tour sponsored by Penguin Young Readers. If you have been following this blog tour, you might have already seen the reviews posted by […]
Juma the Giraffe
What makes you special and unique? Baby Juma the Giraffe wonders this when looking at his reflection one day. In the heart warming story of Juma the Giraffe written by Monica Bond and illustrated by Kayla Harren, Juma feels ordinary because he thinks he is like all of the other giraffes. His friend, Upendo likes […]
Exploring Feelings Program: Anxiety Training Manual
Do you have a child or client with Autism and anxiety? Exploring Feelings Training Manual is based on Asperger’s expert Dr. Tony Attwood’s Exploring Feelings: Anxiety book. It is a guide for people who want to use the Exploring Feelings materials in group settings with young people who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and high […]
This is Not The Abby Show
Do you have a child with ADHD? Are you an educator and want to help your students understand different types of learners and disabilities? Is your child an “out of the box” thinker? As an “out of the box” mom, I appreciate and enjoy any books that celebrates children’s differences and empowers them to be […]
The George Before Me
Do you have a loved one that you lost too soon? What is the best way to keep their memory alive? About a month ago I came across the book I am going to review today titled, The George Before Me on my Twitter feed. The George Before Me is a picture book written by […]
Poppy, Buttercup, Bluebell & Dandy
In this crazy winter weather, the book Poppy, Buttercup, Bluebell & Dandy is the perfect book! When the weather outside (at least here in NY) is in the single digits and fluctuating on a daily basis, we dream about the warm weather and walking outside in the spring time. With Spring feeling very far away, […]
How Music Can Help Children with ADHD
I am excited to present this guest post by Charles Carpenter about utilizing music for children with ADHD. As a speech language pathologist, I have seen first hand the benefits of music therapy and how it can change lives. To learn more about music therapy and to learn about how it can benefit many individuals […]
3 Top Books to Read Aloud to an Older Child (that are also movies!)
Happy New Year to my readers! I wanted to start off the new year with some recommendations of wonderful books to read aloud to your older child. All of the books that I am reviewing below are also movies so the experience of reading the book together and watching the movie can be a multi […]
Terrific
Terrific by Jon Agee is a funny and entertaining book about the main character Eugene and his new friend, Lenny. This book opens up the topic of what sarcasm is and how an unlikely friendship gets established. It’s also a wonderful book about treating others with respect, whether they are a human or an animal. […]
IMAGINE
“Everybody wants to feel and to feel safe. And we can all help make the world a better place in our own way. We should always keep love in our hearts, and look after one another. We should always share what we have, and we should stand up for people who are not treated fairly.” […]
Who Is? Who Was? Series
The Who Is? Who Was? and What was? Where is? Series by Penguin Random House is a series of books that can help teach your child about important people and events in history. The series includes both hundreds of titles to entice any child’s interest. Do you have a child that interested in music? Check […]
Special People, Special Ways
“Some see with a touch or shape fingers to talk. Others sit silent and many can’t walk” Arlene Maguire, 2000. I am thrilled to review this book, Special People, Special Ways for today’s review. During a recent staff training that I was conducting at a public school, a fellow speech language pathologist suggested this book […]
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
A couple of months ago, my daughter received this book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli as a gift. It has been such a wonderful experience reading this book with my daughter because both of us are learning about some rebellious and extraordinary women in history. Good Night Stories […]
The Technology Tail
Do you have an older child that is curious about social media? When you child reaches their tween years or even earlier, curiosity about social media begins. Being exposed to social media is inevitable as a child enters tween and teen years and teaching your child appropriate internet etiquette can be challenging. Where do you […]
5 Things you need to know about Social Skills Coaching
“In a world that is ever changing, there is one constant. As human beings, we need to communicate with each other. We need to be around others for many many reasons, including support, learning and most importantly a sense of belonging” (Ostovar, R & DiVittore, K. 2017). 5 things you need to know about Social […]
There’s Nothing To Do!
Does your child have tons of toys and activities but still complains there’s nothing to do? Check out this book written by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt, There’s Nothing To Do! This engaging and interactive picture book is about a frog who gets bored despite his toys and creative ideas from his friends. In […]
Animated Language Learning
Do you have a child that loves Disney? Do you have a child with Autism or a language and learning disability? About this time last year, I became very interested in learning how Disney can encourage language and communication with children and adults with Autism. After reading the book, Life Animated I decided to try […]
The Bear Report
The Bear Report written and illustrated by Thyra Heder is a magical story about a young girl and her quest with a polar bear. The story begins with a young girl named Sophie who is working on a book report about polar bears. On her assignment, she writes polar bears are “big”, “eat things” and […]
I’m Scared
I’m Scared by Jennifer L Holm and Matthew Holm is the newest book in the inventive series My First Comics. Chilly is a scared and fearful snowflake. He is scared of many things including the dark and sometimes he is scared for no reason at all! One day he sees Tizzy Tornado and Grumpy Cloud […]
Shark Lady
Shark Lady by Jess Keating is an inspirational picture book about the life and accomplishments of Eugenie Clark. The author takes you through Eugenie’s childhood and her early passion for sharks. As she grew older, many people discouraged her from being a scientist because she was a woman. She often got pressure to be a […]
Five Inspirational Picture Books
As a speech language pathologist and parent, I love to use storytelling as an opportunity to initiate meaningful conversations and encourage children to follow their dreams regardless of their disabilities and delays. Children with special needs face many challenges in their lives, and reading inspirational children’s literature can help improve their self-esteem and make them more […]
We’re All Wonders
We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio is a powerful picture book about the beloved character, Auggie from the chapter book, Wonder. Wonder was one of my favorite books because of it’s powerful and valuable lesson for all children to learn. To check out my review of Wonder, click here. When I saw We’re All Wonders […]
Happy Dreamer
Do you have a child that is a dreamer? Are you a dreamer yourself? I recently attended an event with Peter Reynolds at the Jacob Burns Center. He read some of his children’s books including The Dot, Ish and then read his most recent book, Happy Dreamer. Happy Dreamer brought me to tears because it describes a […]
Inside Out and Back Again
Are you looking for an inspirational and educational book to read with your elementary school child ages 8 and up? Inside Out and Back Again is an excellent book to read together with your child. I got the recommendation to read this book through the Girls Leadership Parent and Daughter Book Club, which celebrates and shares […]
Reducing Stress with Contimusic
A couple of months ago, I was contacted by Tom and Christine Conti, the founders of Emotion Transitional Music Therapy. As a speech language pathologist who works with children and adults with varying disabilities, I have seen first hand the positive and calming effect of music on my clients, specifically those with Autism. Although Contimusic is […]
How Does Technology Affect Face to Face Communication?
How does technology affect our face to face communication? As a speech language pathologist, communication is a great interest of mine. With the dramatic increase in technology in the past five to ten years, how is this affecting our conversations and ability to communicate face to face? The technology I am referring to in this […]
A Tale of The Monkey Balloon is available!
Have you ever lost a balloon? In 2014, special educator Mindy Winebrenner, illustrator Yuki Osada and I teamed up to make our life long dream of becoming authors a reality -we published our first book, The Monkey Balloon. This book was a unique story about Mimi and her adventures in finding her lost balloon. With the […]
Picture A Conversation
With the increase in technology, our face to face communication has decreased over time. We are communicating more and more via text messages, email and through social media than we are with face to face communication. As a result, our ability to converse with others and stay attentive to specific topics is becoming more challenging. At […]
Today I Feel..An Alphabet of Feelings
Today I Feel by Madalena Moniz is a beautifully illustrated alphabet book about a range of feelings. Each page is a piece of artwork and describes feelings that are more complex in nature which can naturally elicit conversation. Although this book was intended for preschoolers, I find that it can be even more appropriate for older […]
Jack’s Worry
Jack’s Worry by Sam Zuppardi is an exceptional picture book about overcoming short-term anxiety and worry. A couple of weeks ago, I was in a waiting room and saw this book lying on the table. I immediately picked it up and read it to my son and instantly loved it. It was a simple story […]
What’s The Big Deal About First Ladies?
In honor of Women’s History Month, I am proud to review the book, What’s The Big Deal About First Ladies? written by Ruby Shamir and illustrated by Matt Faulkner. This book is packed with facts about the first ladies of our nation dating all the way back to our first lady, Martha Washington. What’s The Big Deal […]
Ed Roberts Father of Disability Rights
Ed Roberts: Father of Disability Rights written by Diana Pastora Carson and illustrated by Patrick Wm. Connally tells the inspirational story of Ed Roberts, the man who changed the life of people with disabilities. As a young child, Ed was a typical child that could run and play with all of the other children. He loved organizing […]
Life on Mars
Life on Mars by author and illustrator Jon Agee is an silly and engaging story about a daring boy’s quest to find life on Mars. The book begins with the character stating, “Everybody thinks I’m crazy. Nobody believes there is life on Mars. But I do. And I just know that I’m going to find it.” I […]
Tips on Encouraging your Child to Enjoy Reading
I am excited to present this guest post by Danny Nguyen from My Parenting Journal . Danny’s informative website, My Parenting Journal is an excellent resource for parents that includes information about stages and ages, child’s education, child’s health, family relationships, and parenting issues. Education has become an integral aspect of the modern-day society. In the […]
How to Supplement Your Child’s Museum Trip
I am excited to present this guest post written by Joyce Wilson. Joyce is a retired teacher with decades of experience. Today, she is a proud grandmom and mentor to teachers in her local public school system. She and a fellow retired teacher created TeacherSpark.org to share creative ideas and practical resources for the classroom. […]
I am Jim Henson
I am Jen Henson is another wonderful book in the series of Ordinary People Change the World. This series celebrates how ordinary people achieve extraordinary achievements. Other books in this series that I have reviewed are I am Helen Keller, I am Lucille Ball, I am Martin Luther King Jr., I am Albert Einstein and I […]
The Benefits of Reading Aloud with Older Children
Is reading aloud and joint reading only for young children? No! Many parents have the misconception that once your child can read independently, it’s time to stop reading aloud. This cannot be further from the truth. I found an interesting article by Connie Matthiessen discussing the benefits of reading aloud written by Jim Trelease, the […]
The Water Princess
The Water Princess written by Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel and illustrated by Peter H Reynolds is a thoughtful, poetic and beautiful book about the efforts of a young girl named Princess Gie Gie. This book is written and illustrated based on the childhood experience of Georgie Badiel. As a young girl, Georgie Badiel would have […]
