You’re sitting in a waiting room singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” with your toddler for what feels like the hundredth time this week. Or perhaps you’re making exaggerated animal sounds during a diaper change while your baby giggles. These moments might feel repetitive or even silly, but here’s what you might not realize: you’re building […]
Your kindergartener is confidently sounding out words, blending individual letter sounds like a champion. Then they encounter the word “shop” and carefully pronounce it as “s-h-o-p,” creating a sound that’s definitely not a real word. You gently correct them: “It’s ‘shop,’ with the /sh/ sound at the beginning.” They look confused. “But there are two […]
Distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection. Grandparents across the country are discovering that video call reading sessions create powerful bonds with grandchildren they can’t see in person every day. The right books turn screen time into story time, building literacy skills while strengthening family relationships. Reading together over video requires books with specific qualities. Repetitive […]
The moment a child picks up their first chapter book marks a significant milestone. They’re leaving behind the safety of picture books and entering the world of longer narratives, fewer illustrations, and sustained reading. This transition deserves celebration, and the right book makes all the difference. First chapter books bridge the gap between picture books […]
The holiday season brings families together around traditions, warmth, and celebration. For many families, these traditions focus on winter wonder, acts of kindness, and quality time together rather than specific religious observances. Finding books that capture the magic of December without religious content can feel challenging, but it shouldn’t be. These books celebrate everything excellent […]
Your child sits down to read, and within minutes, they’re fidgeting, losing their place, and complaining that the words are “moving around.” You might think they’re just not focusing, but what if their eyes literally can’t follow the text the way they should? Visual tracking problems are real, measurable conditions that affect how children learn […]
Your toddler is glued to the screen watching Ms. Rachel for the third time today, and you’re wondering if you’re failing as a parent. Meanwhile, your kindergartener can recite entire episodes of Bluey verbatim but still struggles to decode simple three-letter words. Before the guilt spiral begins, let’s talk about something that might surprise you: […]
There’s something universally captivating about food for young children. Whether they’re picky eaters who inspect every bite or adventurous tasters eager to try anything, kids connect with food on a profoundly personal level. Food books tap into this natural interest, using familiar and exotic foods alike to build vocabulary, introduce cultural diversity, and create opportunities […]
Many parents want to give books for the holidays. But here’s what they might not realize: the wrong book at the wrong time can frustrate a beginning reader. A book that’s too hard becomes shelf decoration. A book that’s too easy doesn’t challenge growing skills. The sweet spot? Books that match exactly where your child […]
Imagine your child racing to the calendar each December evening, eager to discover which book they’ll unwrap and read together. Not just any book. A carefully chosen story that teaches exactly the phonics skill they need next. For beginning readers ages 5-6 who are learning to decode their first words, this becomes a magical bridge […]
