How do you prioritize between outside needs and internal inspiration? Well, to start with, you need to get back to the basics of the word need. For instance for the past three years, on top of my monetary and motherly contributions to my family, I felt I needed to blog 2-3 times a week, all … More How Do You Prioritize?
This baby is officially due Wednesday—if I haven’t had it already. You see, you’re reading this today, but I’m writing it a week early… just in case. I wanted to let you to know that I’m going away for a little while, at least digitally. You’ll still see the occasional updates from me on Facebook, … More Maternity Leave
One of the most magical things about books is their ability to transport us into other places, lives, and experiences. This is especially important for kids, giving them a larger context of the world beyond their backyards—thus paving the way for creativity and acceptance. Here are some our family’s favorite multicultural children’s books. I would love … More Multicultural Children’s Books
Remember those 87 kids’ books I recommended back in the spring? Well I have 48 more kids’ books for you! I also keep track of mom- and 3-year-old-approved books over on my Pinterest board: Shelf-Worthy Kids’ Books. Feel free to follow it if you’d like to come along on our bookshelf adventures. Happy Reading!
Lately, many people have asked me: So… what about that kids’ book you were going to write? Well, it’s already written. In fact, several are in the works, but two are in the final polishing stages:
I’ll never forget the first time I realized my toddler has actually drawn a… thing. Since then, I’ve been tracking down fun ways to help her get creative and practice her hand-eye coordination. It’s never too early to prep her for epic video game nights, right? Here are a few of our favorites drawing games. … More Drawing Games
For my daughter’s first Halloween, Sue set the bar very high with Amelia Earhart. Once the torch was handed to me, I continued the theme of Inspiring Women in History costumes. In 2011 there was Marie Curie, and the next year we finished the trio with Elizabeth Cady Stanton. (Appropriately enough, it was an election year. … More Strong Females in Literature Costumes: Carmen
I grew up with a mom who was a children’s storytime librarian. So I can’t really pick up a kids’ book without brainstorming ways to make it interactive. The first idea below is my mom’s all-time favorite, and the others I whipped up for two of my 3 year old’s (and my) favorite kids’ books.
I first heard about Ed Emberley at a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference. Ed has been making kids’ books since 1961, when his first book was declared an ALA winner. Since then, he’s illustrated more than 50 (!) children’s books, including Caldecott winners. But that wasn’t what caught my attention about Ed.
“Why don’t you blog about it?” That was a common joke between my husband and me, long before my friend Geraldine (a.k.a. The Everywhereist) encouraged me to embark on this endeavor. I thought back then (and often still do), that many blogs take themselves too seriously. Let’s face it: blogging is not exemplary journalism, literary excellence, … More Why Blog?
My Castle Heart Publications 