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Illustrator Interview: Marilyn Scott-Waters & Blog Tour

About the Book Title: A Year in the Life of the Secret Garden | Author: Valarie Budayr | Illustrator: Marilyn Scott-Waters | Publication Date: November, 2014 | Publisher: Audrey Press | Pages: 144 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 99 Book Description: Award-winning authors Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters have co-created A Year in the Secret… Read more »

Have a Grand Day: September 7

Enjoy this update of a previously run post ~     Do you know that the first Sunday after Labor Day is National Grandparents Day? This special day is meant to celebrate the important bonds between grandparents and grandchildren. You can mark this day in whichever way suits your family best. Grandparents might give and/or… Read more »

Squishy Press| Healthy Books for Hungry Minds

Anyone who’s taken care of a baby or toddler know that they love to put things into their mouths. And books are certainly no exception. But what are they exactly sucking, chewing and teething on with their board books? Most likely, these books contain laminates, foils and potentially harmful glues—not a great addition to their… Read more »

Picture Book Biographies to Delight Baby Boomers (and Kids!)

Creative nonfiction is the fastest growing genre in children’s publishing. Simply put, it is non-fiction that reads like fiction. Although everything is factual and actual, these books neither look nor read like a textbook. Instead, you’ll find expressive, colorful—even lyrical— language employed. These stories feature a strong protagonist, interesting settings and an exciting narrative arc…. Read more »

Kiddin’ Around in the Kitchen

Other than reading together, what activity can you do with children that creates memories, strengthens bonds and is fun and rewarding? Well…actually, quite a few. But there’s only one that produces a—hopefully—delicious result: cooking! And although any time of year is great for whipping up something delightful in the kitchen—hey, we always gotta eat—winter is… Read more »

Stand Up For Girls

The last few days have been beautiful, fall days—the kind of days that seem like a gift and appear to bolster the mood of almost everyone you encounter. I meant to write a post yesterday in honor of October 11, the International Day of the Girl, but instead I allowed myself to be lured into… Read more »

Have a Grand Day: September 8

Do you know that the first Sunday after Labor Day is National Grandparents Day? This special day is meant to celebrate the important bonds between grandparents and grandchildren. You can mark this day in whichever way suits your family best. Grandparents might give and/or receive presents. You might gather for a festive meal or make cards for… Read more »

Little Free Library Comes to Sunset Park (and t-shirt giveaway winner)

Our Little Free Library was officially welcomed into our community on a summery Sunday afternoon. Balloons, refreshments and storytelling helped make the inaugural day festive. But of course, books were the main focus. We stocked the library with books for children and adults; that same morning, my husband made a trip to the used book… Read more »

Little Free Library—Chapter 2

Celebrate the Power of Stories Yes, I do have exciting news! After months of deliberations, emails, phone calls and a champion for the cause in their midst, the local Park District has approved my gift of a Little Free Library (LFL). I expect it to be installed soon in Sunset Park, a park with many family-friendly amenities… Read more »