THE PANDA PROBLEM

As you share this gem of a book, you will instantly realize this is no ordinary children’s picture book.  It is delightfully complex.  Your  children will be introduced to the parts of a story—setting, character, plot, conflict, and resolution—in a most  engaging manner, and the witty dialogue between the narrator and the panda is hilarious. *************************… Read More

SQUARES

These problems are excellent for helping to reinforce the properties of squares and in particular for highlighting the fact that a square is a square no matter the orientation. ****************************** THREE SQUARES Age 5 to 11  What is the greatest number of squares you can make by overlapping three squares of the same size? What do… Read More

SHARING OUR STORIES

Inspired in part by his own childhood, this gorgeous picture book from Jim LaMarche tells the story of one stubborn boy’s unexpectedly wonderful summer on the river.  This is an imagination-sparking story about appreciating the simple, natural joys of the world and the people in it.  It is also about discovering and exploring one’s own talents. … Read More

BIRDSONG

This sensitive story delicately traces filaments of growth and loss through intergenerational friendship, art making, and changing moons and seasons.  Simple and profound, we are reminded that finding a new friend can make a new place feel like home. ************************************** When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and… Read More

APPLE CAKE… a Gratitude

Initially, Apple Cake appears to be a simple picture book, but in fact, its contents are quite sophisticated.  I suspect that rarely do we think of the chain of events that have led to our eating a particular food item at a meal.   With tender illustrations that are filled with emotion, this sweet picture book encourages children… Read More

LIGHTS OUT

For billions of years, all life has relied on Earth’s predictable rhythm of day and night. It’s encoded in the DNA of all plants and animals. Humans have radically disrupted this cycle by lighting up the night.  In a world marred by light pollution, this quest for true darkness is a clarion call to turn out… Read More

POLKA DOTS AND PUMPKINS

What’s the best way to introduce our children to Yayoi Kusama?  Start with dots, of course! That’s what MOMA curator Sarah Suzuki has done in Yayoi Kusama: From Here to Infinity, the children’s book that teaches our young artists about the legendary Japanese artist’s life and work. Yayoi Kusama From Here to Infinity Sarah Suzuki – Author… Read More

FULL OF FALL

Fall is synonymous with the harvest, crisp air, falling leaves, geese flying overhead, pumpkins and apple cider.   It is the season to be thankful and to be surrounded by the people you love. Enjoy your time gathered together. *********************************** Bella’s Fall Coat          Lynn Plourde – Author Susan Gal – Illustrator Bella is… Read More

Through Georgia’s Eyes

The natural world is a giant, open-ended learning laboratory. Our children are innate scientists and love experiencing the sights, scents, sounds, and textures of the outdoors. Nature provides countless opportunities for discovery. “Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven’t time, and to see takes time – like to have a friend takes… Read More

CREATIVE THINKING

Most of us are spending a lot more time indoors these days.  Hopefully, these activities will keep your family engaged in creative pursuits, that will also stretch their minds. ******************************** GEOBOTS CREATING ROBOTS WITH GEOMETRIC SHAPES     Materials can be whatever you’d like.  I used my computer to draw the ones above. Cut out lots… Read More