Ready for a spook-tacularly good time this Halloween? Host a Monster Mash with Babymouse’s Halloween cupcake recipe or enjoy a family game of Rocket’s Fall Bingo — either way, your little monsters, witches, ghosts, and goblins will go crazy for these fun printables and activities. For even more Halloween fun, visit our Pinterest board of Halloween Books and Frighteningly Fun Activities.   list_with_images no 4384 4384 Thomas-Tank-Halloween-Coloring-Page Thomas-Tank-Halloween-Coloring-Page.jpg https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Thomas-Tank-Halloween-Coloring-Page.jpg ..read more

We live in a weird, wild, and fascinating world. The challenge, however, is getting our kids to read about it. It’s a strange dilemma. While I completely understand why a young person might prefer to read about a rogue tween wizard as opposed to James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. President, there are just so many non-fiction stories out there that will make their developing jaws drop in awe. As the adults in their lives, it’s up to us to share with them the best works of non-fiction we can find and show them how a real story will blow their minds. If your tween is only fond of fiction, here are nine ..read more

You can’t please everyone. Every book will have its fans and its foes. But restricting reading for another person or group of people? That goes too far. Those who ban books believe that not only are banned books not appropriate for their own kids, they’re not appropriate for anyone else’s kids. Their biggest complaints usually center on the following issues: homosexuality witchcraft sex profanity alcohol use violence anti-God / religion But, I’ll give them one thing. Ideas are powerful. Ideas in books can ignite discovery, encourage empathy, and offer solace. (Among other things.) With that in ..read more

As a parent, it can be hard to quantify “scary.” One day, your child is begging you to stop reading The Berenstain Bears in the Dark, and the next, they’re asking you if they’re old enough to watch “The Walking Dead.” Scary gets particularly hard to define in middle school, when kids are perched on that narrow threshold between innocent youth and teenaged indifference. Is there an appropriate level of scary for middle school? As always, it varies from kid to kid, but there are some writers who seem to have truly tapped into what makes a middle-schooler squirm. Case in point: R.L. Stine, the ma ..read more

The month of October offers some very obvious reading inspiration: fall is in full swing and Halloween summons readers of all stripes to pick up books that lean toward the spooky side. These seasonal and perennial challenge ideas will have young readers haunting their bookshelves all month long. Read a book that features a character who wears a fun costume or disguise. Choose several of your favorite books and set up a small display for them at home, just like you would see at a bookstore or library. Pick a story from your collection of favorites the next time you’re stumped on what to read. A ..read more

Something they want. Something they need. Something to wear. Something to read. When I first heard the “Four Gift Rule” a few years ago, it was such a relief — a structure to believe in, instead of a mountain of things under the Christmas tree. It’s hard to know where and how to stop with the gifts, especially with younger kids. This rule limited my holiday shopping to four presents each (from parents, mind you. We all know grandparents can’t be trusted). But now that my children are well out of diapers, less in tune with toys and more in tune with devices, and I’m much more interested in givi ..read more

Welcome to the latest installment of Brightly’s Book Club for Kids, where we provide you with engaging books and book-inspired activities young readers can enjoy together. This month’s pick, The Creature of the Pines by Adam Gidwitz, appeals to readers who love fantasy and mythical creatures. New friends, Elliot and Uchenna, unexpectedly rescue a Jersey Devil, which propels them into an exciting adventure protecting this special mythical creature from danger. About the Book no no 9780735231726 The Unicorn Rescue Society: The Creature of the Pines https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/5 ..read more

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated between September 15 and October 15 of each year. What better way to honor Hispanic culture and history with kids than with picture books? We’ve rounded up informative and inspiring books to recognize the wide range of voices and stories within Hispanic and Latino culture — from biographies to folktales, there’s something great for every young reader amongst these fiction and nonfiction reads. no no 9780525553410 My Papi Has a Motorcycle https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/588648/my-papi-has-a-motorcycle-by-isabel-quintero-illustrated-by-zeke-pena ..read more

We parents remember it like a vivid nightmare. Our children, though, were not yet born. How can they comprehend? What will we say to them? And, perhaps most importantly, how can understanding the events of September 11, 2001 help them understand the scary things they may see on the news today? As always, books are here to help. no no 9780142403624 Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/289984/fireboat-by-maira-kalman-illustrated-by-maira-kalman/ by Maira Kalman When it’s time to talk about the September 11 attacks, and begin the next ..read more

With over 150 titles, the Who Was? books tell the incredible stories of trailblazers, legends, innovators, and creators, making this series a phenomenal source for learning history. Featuring unique bobblehead illustrations and fascinating facts, these bestselling books are a must-read for curious kids. Want to dive into these fun and fact-filled reads? We’re giving one lucky winner a set of 50 books from the series! Enter below for your chance to win. Not seeing the form below? You can also enter here. Please enable JavaScript to view this sweepstakes. The post Enter to Win a Collection of ..read more