Category Archives: Learning

Summer Bridge Activities

My ten-year-old daughter Amanda and I had the chance to preview a Summer Bridge Activities workbook. I knew that Amanda would be thrilled (Can you imagine the sarcasm dripping from my typed words?). As I anticipated, she rolled her eyes when she saw it, and asked, “Do I have to do that this summer?” I…

Mind Your Manners!

Some books just tickle my funny bone while at the same time teach me what a buffoon I am. The following two books did exactly that! On the one hand, I feel a strong urge to purchase these two books and give them as gifts to several people that I know. On the other hand,…

Big and Busy Body

I’m a Roger Priddy fan and I make no apologies. I love Priddy’s use of real photographs to explain and help young people explore the world around them. When my son was born, we used Roger Priddy’s Happy Baby series. That was successful. Now we’re learning about the body so, naturally, I was delighted to…

Usborne Phonics Readers

We’re not quite at the Learning to Read Stage at our house yet but we’re getting close. My little bookworm has finally noticed that there are letters on the page and they make mommy say something. Occasionally he’ll point to a word and asks what it says. I figure at 2 1/2 that’s about as…

Exploring Space

Space. Not the kind between the ears, but what’s beyond the earth’s hemisphere. There is a beauty in this vast, relatively unknown universe! It fascinates us, sometimes frightens us, and best of all – delights our imagination. I know of few children who aren’t captivated by the subject of space exploration at some point in…

The Scrambled States of America

As a parent, bibliophile, and former teacher, I love for my kids to learn from books. When they are learning and enjoying it, I am even happier. If I find a book that is a perfect blend of education and entertainment, I want to share it. Laurie Keller’s The Scrambled States of America is one…

The Complete Book of Rhymes, Songs, Poems, Fingerplays and Chants

The Complete Book of Rhymes, Songs, Poems, Fingerplays, and Chants is certainly a heft title and I assure you it is an equally hefty — and amazing! – book. As a mother of a two year old, I can’t say enough nice things about this book. It is a delight. Although I dearly love stories…

My Secret War Diary

My Secret War Diary, by Flossie Albright: My History of the Second World War 1939-1945 is published by Candlewick Press, the same publisher of Spyology, which I previously reviewed. And just like Spyology, this book is interactive and just plain fun. This (secret) diary belongs to Flossie Albright and details her life in England during…