My dad and grandfathers built the house I grew up in, from running the electricity to doing the brick work. Maybe that’s why Around the Table That Grandad Built (Candlewick Press) jumped out at me. This perfect-for-Thanksgiving book celebrates everyone’s unique contribution to a festive family meal. And you can win the book! To enter…
November 25th is P.D. Eastman’s birthday! He would be 110 years old if he were still with us. When I think of P.D. Eastman, the first thing that comes to mind is his book, Go, Dog. Go! He illustrated and frequently authored 18 picture books for children that are easy to read and often giggle-inducing….
Drumroll, please. Okay, that was a little weak. Let’s do a second one. Much better!! Today is the unveiling of a Dream Team of Picture Books. During the last two weeks Kim and I have been drafting books for the team. Because there are soooooo many wonderful picture books available, we needed to narrow the…
Since Thanksgiving is coming up in a few weeks, I started thinking about fun books with foods in the titles. If this were a cooking blog, I’d ask you what delectable recipe you could whip up with the foods named in the books—in this case, marshmallows, a cookie, and a baked potato. But don’t worry; …
I’m not a sports fan. It’s just not my thing. Whenever people have a conversation that involves sportzing, I get this glazed look on my face and begin to plan my method of escape. But when co-bloggers Karen and Diane discussed creating a “Best Picture Books Draft,” series of blogs, I decided I could get…
In our office we have a mix of sports fans. Some are extreme, some are so-so, and others are totally oblivious. Those who love sports talk enthusiastically about wins, losses, points, conversions, punt returns, etc. Those of us who fall into the so-so and oblivious groups nod politely, try our best to look engaged, and…
Once Upon a Goat (Knopf) is a book that has it all—a cluess king and queen, a flaky fairy godmother, a misplaced royal baby, a goat with a goatee, and, ultimately a nontraditional but very happy family. And here’s the best part: you can win the book! One thing that the goat in the story…
What’s a well-known hallway transition that has been around since the beginning of time? Have students pretend there are bubbles in their mouths as they walk quietly down the hall. Has this idea been around forever? Yes. Are there more unique and creative ways to encourage quiet behavior when walking in the hallway? Yes. Is…
Happy gobble November y’all! gobble-gobble Can you believe it’s already time for another First Friday Giveaway? gobble-gobble (It is that time of year when turkeys like to go into hiding. Could one have slipped into our giveaway?) To enter for a chance to win this month’s prize pack gobble-gobble which includes an assortment of classroom supplies (pencils, highlighters, sticky…
When it comes to mysterious and slightly spooky creatures, owls top the list. From their huge, all-seeing eyes and swiveling heads to their ability to swoop in silently on their prey, owls exude a sense of mystery. Owling: Enter the World of the Mysterious Birds of the Night (Storey Publishing) is packed with stunning facts…