Willy Wonka Chocolate River Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Tutorial   Inspired by the book Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, check out this fun video for Chocolate-Covered Pretzels.     Sun Bread by Elisa Kleven and Happy Sun Bread Recipe     Inspired by Elisa Kleven’s Book Sun Bread, check out this bright and sunny recipe HERE. (click the picture about to access the recipe).   Chocolate Chip Pie   In the mood for some “Pi?” Here’s a Chocolate Chip Recipe created just for National Pi Day! (But you can eat it anytime!)   Click the image ..read more

What have you done lately to nurture your brain? If you’re feeling stressed and anxious by modern life going by at the speed of light, you might want to seek out some green space and take a slow walk or sit for a while and observe nature. Your brain will thank you.   Being in the presence of nature is good for your mental, physical, and well-being. You’ll experience benefits from nature, whether it’s in the woods, in a mountain setting, at a beach, or even in an urban green space. The Japanese have a word for the practice of walking mindfully through a wooded or green area. It’s known as ..read more

Followers of this blog may remember a time a few years ago when I wrote a book called The Fox Diaries: The Year The Foxes Came To Our Garden. Those days seem like yesterday, but they are not.     When the foxes first arrived in my yard back in 2010, I was just enamored with this special connection I felt with these beautiful animals and the interactions I had with them. It’s as if time stopped, the veil between being human and animal was lifted, and for the first time, I viewed both the foxes and myself as sharing the same home, the same world.     When I initially share ..read more

  Graphic Novels are an excellent option for middle grade reluctant readers. But some adults and caregivers feel that this comic book-like reading option aren’t “real book.”   However, teachers and literacy experts disagree with this. Graphic novels will improve your child’s reading skills like any other book, and they are fantastic choices for reading outside class.   Packed with rich plots, complex storylines, and captivating visual elements, graphic novels uniquely appeal to readers — and when kids find books they are interested in, they are more likely to read.~ Excerpt fro ..read more

Not everyone is a fan of reading books that are filled with pain, suffering, challenge, and triumph. But you also cannot deny that, by pointing out the limitations of human effort, tragedy can make us feel humble and grateful for the good things we have in our lives.   Experts also suggest that these sad stories help us appreciate what makes our lives meaningful.     Here are Three Books that will Ignite Your Passion with their Tragedy into Triumph Stories.   Good Morning, Hope: A True Story of Refugee Twin Sisters and Their Triumph over War, Poverty, and Heartbreak by Arg ..read more

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