“Finding the ‘Hook’: Montessori Strategies to Support Concentration”, Columbia, MD… Read More
Maybe Something Beautiful How Art Transformed a Neighborhood By F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell Illustrated by Rafael López This truly beautiful picture book is a triumphant celebration of collaboration and the transformative power of art. It is based on the true story of Rafael and Candice López and the birth of San Diego’s Urban… Read More
My search for picture books that portray the power of fathers to foster empathy with nature. I recall from my childhood that the sight of a fly in the kitchen would put my city-raised mother into “Rambo” mode. She would take command, wielding the fly swatter with precision, offering no forgiveness to any insect that… Read More
Wordless picture books are a treasure trove of quality illustrations that engage both younger and older students. Without the support of words, these richly illustrated books offer a visual landscape of intriguing details that invite the “reader” to interpret. Wordless picture books have wide appeal. Non-readers, English language learners, emergent readers, early readers . .… Read More
Water is Water – A Book About the Water Cycle By Miranda Paul; Illustrations by Jason Chin A biracial brother and sister and a diverse group of friends play and explore outdoors through the four seasons in this poetic look at the many forms water takes on its trip through its cycle. From rain to… Read More
Storytelling is an important part of children’s play in nature. It is at the core of how they come to understand their outdoor experiences. Listening closely to the stories can reveal much about the child’s awareness, understanding and connection to nature. My favorite picturebook depiction of the child in nature is the classic Wild, Wild… Read More
“One World, Many Voices: Living Montessori’s Legacy” , Edison, New Jersey… Read More
“The read aloud is an absolutely magical and profound tool for inspiring, motivating and engaging readers of all ages.” – Pam Allyn, Founder, Lit World Wednesday, February 24, is World Read Aloud Day – an annual awareness day for literacy that brings global attention to the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories. It is… Read More
The lists of read-aloud suggestions found on this website include many nature titles that can be described best as creative nonfiction. What is it? In a nutshell, creative nonfiction employs the literary techniques of fiction; creative structure, art and design; and the facts. The facts are “dressed” in an engaging writing style and/or creative visuals… Read More
I’ve always found a certain therapy in reading to children – just break open a good book, read aloud and watch the world’s ugliness melt away – at least for a few minutes. So I thought I might begin the new year with a book recommendation to counter the ugly intolerance that is so much… Read More