According to the Highly Sensitive Refuge Website, highly sensitive people (HSP) make up more than thirty percent of the population. These adults and adolescents are more aware of subtleties and process information deeply. This means they tend to be creative and insightful, but it also means they’re more prone than others to stress and overwhelm.   This invaluable website went on to explain that being an HSP isn’t a bad thing. Like any personality trait, it comes with challenges but also many strengths.   As the parent of two highly sensitive and anxious kids, helping them understand ..read more

Join Willie and his friends as they explore the famous Champs-Élysées and the beautiful sights of Paris, France!   Inspired by the whimsical verse of Dr. Seuss and the nostalgic Impressionism of Madeline, Willie The Wheelie will take you on a journey through the famous “City of Light” and all of its wonderful attractions. Stroll the Champs-Élysées with Willie and his friends as he tries to make his way back to the most important destination of all — Home.     Suitable for children of all ages who travel the globe or dream of doing so. Let Willie transport you whereve ..read more

Celebrate Diversity Month reminds us to recognize and appreciate the differences around us.   Although Read Your World’s annual online event may be over, this non-profit is dedicated to bringing some of the best (and unsung) books on the market to the attention of readers of all ages.    Read Your World is a non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness about children’s books that celebrate diversity and to get more of these books into the hands of readers. With the alarming increase in children’s books being challenged and banned, giving kids access to diverse stories is more ..read more

Don’t Be Mean to 13 by Douglas Harris Award-winning children’s book author, Douglas Harris, is known for writing children’s books with his daughters, such as Elle The Humanist and the Stardust Book series. Now he has written a new book that explores why children might have friggatriskaidekaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th) and triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13) in Don’t Be Mean to 13. Parents and kids can explore the ancient historical roots of popular superstitions while encouraging children to use evidence-based, critical thinking with the main character, Thir ..read more

  For families who love to read, there is always a plethora of newly published books to check out. Candlewick Press has been publishing vibrant children’s books for over two decades.   Check out this list of lyrical and beautifully illustrated picture books that are perfect for your 2024 TBR pile!   The Princess and the (Greedy) Pea by Leigh Hodgkinson     There was a green pea that swallowed a sprout. Without a doubt, a brussel sprout. What’s that about?   This little pea is hungry! So hungry it swallows a sprout, slurps up some soup, munches the bread, gobbles ..read more

  Mark your calendars! A total solar eclipse will occur at the Moon’s ascending node on Monday, April 8, 2024, and will be visible across North America!     This eclipse has also been dubbed the Great North American Eclipse by some of the media, and millions have been anxiously waiting to see the path of this epic natural event.   So why is the 2024 eclipse so special? Mainly because the totality will last a little longer this time. The total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, only lasted a few minutes. The 2024 eclipse will last longer because the Moon lies a little close ..read more

Have you ever considered what life would be like if you owned less? If you and your family were no longer anchored to big house payments and 9-5 jobs? This is not a novel idea. Since the epic global event known as COVID-19, many families have discovered the joys of remote working and learning. This new “nimbleness” has led many to downsize, simplify, and a few have even opted to hit the road for adventure in mini homes on wheels.         Today, 17.3 million American workers currently describe themselves as digital nomads. Digital nomads work remotely and are not tied to a ..read more

  March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a time to commemorate, celebrate, and study the vital role of women in American history. So many powerful women in our past have made life what it is today.     Many of these women never set out to be trailblazers but stepped up to face and overcome challenges when called to do so. Just as many were unsung heroes during their lives, but thanks to observances like Women’s History Month and the countless books published about them, we can learn about their lives and triumphs, here are our top book picks for Women’s History Month.   ..read more

{guest post from Becky Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard–authors of Sissy Goes Tiny}   There is so much to be grateful for in life. From health to adventures, every day is a gift.   Sometimes those gifts come in unique and even surprise forms as well. When co-author B.A. Norrgard and I (completely out of the blue) had an idea for a children’s book.    Being the authors of a children’s book wasn’t on the Short List of Goals for either of us.   It was on my “way, way down the road in the future List.” But was not something that was on my immediate radar.   But when ideas ..read more

Our family loves book-inspired adventures that become more than just one special day.   When my kids were younger, they were thrilled when I came up with fun ways to fill the long, chilly days of the winter season.   One of the more memorable things we did back then was something we called The Snowed In Winter Book Festival.   It was an at-home celebration of snow, recipes reading, and FUN.   Here is a look at some of the older classic picture books we selected for Chilly Winter Days.    Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin.   There once was a boy w ..read more