The Magic of “A Bad Case of Stripes” as a Fun Read-Aloud

Few children’s books capture the imagination and teach valuable lessons, quite like David Shannon’s “A Bad Case of Stripes.” This colorful tale about Camilla Cream, a girl who breaks out in rainbow stripes because she’s worried about what others think, offers more than just entertainment. It’s a powerful tool for teaching essential reading concepts while […]

Learning to Read with Beverly Cleary: Beloved Books for Early Readers

Have you ever watched a child’s eyes light up when they meet Ramona Quimby for the first time? Beverly Cleary, one of America’s most cherished children’s authors, created characters that generations of young readers have befriended during their journey to reading fluency.  What makes Cleary’s works so special isn’t just their humor and relatability—it’s how […]

New Books for Kids in 2025

As we step into 2025, a whole bunch of captivating children’s books are set to hit the shelves, offering young readers a diverse range of adventures, lessons, and inspirations. Below is a curated list of recent or upcoming releases, complete with reading levels, summaries, and who they’re best for. Gracie’s Corner: Today Is Gonna Be […]

Picture Books and Emotional Literacy

When you share a picture book with your child, you’re doing more than just reading a story—you’re actively shaping their emotional development. Regular exposure to picture books plays a crucial role in developing emotional literacy, the ability to understand, express, and manage emotions effectively. Story-Based Learning Recent neuroscience studies have uncovered fascinating insights into how […]

What We Can Learn About Reading from Dog Man

With DreamWorks’ new “Dog Man” movie delighting audiences in theaters, there’s never been a better time to explore why these beloved books by Dav Pilkey have such a powerful impact on young readers. Beyond their entertaining stories of a crime-fighting half-dog, half-police officer, these books actually align with many principles from the Science of reading. […]