Imagine trying to teach your child to read without access to books. No library within walking distance. No bookstore in your neighborhood. No books at home except maybe one or two worn paperbacks. For millions of children across America, this isn’t imagination; it’s reality. They live in what researchers call “book deserts.” The term sounds […]
There’s something magical about sharing holiday books with young children. The twinkling lights, the family traditions, the cozy winter evenings—all of it comes alive through stories. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply the wonder of winter, books help children understand the season’s meaning while building their reading skills. But here’s the challenge: Finding age-appropriate […]
Your daughter bounces into the library, makes a beeline for the chapter books, and emerges clutching a 200-page novel about wizards. She’s six. She can read about thirty words. Meanwhile, your son grabs the same Eric Carle board book he’s been reading since he was two, even though he’s now seven and reading at a […]
Open a Jan Brett book, and you enter a world where the story unfolds in multiple places all at once. While the main text tells you what’s happening now, the decorative borders whisper secrets about what’s coming next. A child who learns to read these visual clues develops prediction skills that transform their reading comprehension […]
You’re snuggled up with your little one, reading their favorite picture book for the hundredth time. Instead of just reading the words on the page, you pause and ask, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Can you find something blue on this page?” Suddenly, your child leans in, points excitedly, and chatters about […]
Imagine your child’s excitement when a book arrives in the mail each month with their name on it; a personal gift that says reading is special and they matter. This magical experience has become a reality for millions of children worldwide through celebrity-driven book programs, with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library leading the charge as the […]
Most parents naturally reach for storybooks when reading with their children. There’s something magical about cuddling up with a picture book or an exciting chapter book that sparks imagination. But what about science and social studies books? These content-rich texts often sit neglected on library shelves, yet they offer powerful benefits for young readers—especially those […]
Your Pre-K child curled up beside you, eyes wide with wonder as you turn the pages of a beautifully illustrated book. The artwork captures their imagination while the carefully crafted text builds essential pre-reading skills. This magical combination is exactly what makes Caldecott Medal winners such powerful tools for developing early literacy. Understanding the Caldecott […]
A three-year-old hides behind your legs at a birthday party, overwhelmed by the noise and unfamiliar faces. A kindergartner suddenly refuses to go to school, tears streaming down their face as they cling to you at drop-off. These scenarios are heartbreakingly familiar to many parents because childhood anxiety affects millions of children every day. While […]
Imagine opening a book and discovering that reading can transport you not just to different places, but to different times entirely. This year’s Newbery Medal winner does exactly that, proving once again that the finest children’s literature combines compelling storytelling with profound themes that resonate across generations. The American Library Association’s announcement of the 2025 […]
