Deals at Target, Powell’s Books, Barnes & Noble, and More!

About once a week, I clean out my inbox and let you all know about the random deals that have fallen into it. This results in a “mixed bag” of stuff that is on sale. Powell’s Books has a 30% off sale on children’s books by Mo Willems. He is the creator of the Pigeon series, (with titles like “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”) He is also the creator of “Knuffle Bunny”, and more. Pick up a lovely, and funny, hardcover book by Mo Williams for 30% off. This sale will go on “for a limited time” and … Continue reading

Back to School Books

If your child is starting school there are some great books that will help him to prepare for this big event in his life. You may have a child who is excited or you may have a child who is a little fearful. This may be your child’s first year of school or it could be their third year. For some children every year is difficult for them until they get the hang of the routine. After all, they have had the summer off with a completely different schedule. They have not had homework either. Bedtime did not come with … Continue reading

Children’s Books about Disabilities

We all know that reading to children benefits them in multiple ways. It helps with bonding when they are young. It helps with the bedtime routine and most importantly, it helps prepare children to learn to read for themselves. Reading to a child also opens new worlds to them and helps them to understand life as it is happening around them. If your child has a disability or knows someone who does, reading can help ease any anxiety and answer questions that he may have. One particular series of books Friends with Disabilities by Amanda Doering Tourville explores disabilities and … Continue reading

2006 in Review: Homeschooling Blog at a Glance

As a new homeschooling blogger at Families.com, I wanted to know everything that has been discussed to date. In response to my own curiosity, and in an effort to make perusing our articles easier for you, our readers, I have compiled all of the blogs for the year 2006. Deciding to Homeschool Why homeschool Am I qualified for this? Reasons that Homeschooling Works! My Most Important Advice for Homeschoolers. The Cost of Homeschooling Instead of standing up for their own kids, why not stand up for all kids? Disclaimer: I am hardly an expert in education. Did You Know? ‘Empirical … Continue reading

A Few Good Christmas Books For Kids

If you are still looking for holiday gifts for the kids on your list, may I suggest a few good books? I’m a writer and an avid reader so books are my life and every time I give one I feel like I’m somehow making the world a better place. I love the classic Christmas tales but why not introduce young readers to new writers and new tales. Here are few good books you should check out: (1) Christmas Tails, by Robert Leeds A lovely parable about Santa and a mongrel dog. (2) Merry Un-Christmas, by Mike Weiss and David … Continue reading

Finding Books for Family Storytime

The benefits of reading to and with your child cannot be understated. I literally started reading to Tyler while he was still in the womb. His first words weren’t the usual mama and daddy, it was library and Books a Million. Okay maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but the point is, reading has been an integral part of Tyler’s life from the beginning and it has paid off in big ways. I’m continuously amazed at how well he reads at the tender age of five. If he misbehaves and I tell him he can’t watch TV, no big deal. But … Continue reading

More Treasury Fun

When was the last time you got a whole lotta fancy on a frugalista’s budget? Right now you can gift your favorite young reader with a double dose of Fancy Nancy treasuries without breaking the bank. Best-selling author Jane O’Connor teams up with ultra-talented illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser to once again take youngsters on a resplendent ride to Fancyville. At the helm of the grandiose getaway is the one and only Fancy Nancy.  The girl with the vibrant vocabulary and whimsical wardrobe is back in Fancy Nancy Storybook Treasury.  The sturdy hardcover book features six stupendous stories filled with teachable … Continue reading

Must-Have Travel Accessory for Kids

I’ve spent the last eight years racking up more than 160,000 frequent flyer miles with my daughter during our annual jaunts from Wisconsin to Hawaii.  If all goes according to plan, we can get from our home to my parents’ house in roughly 18 hours. Of course, things rarely go according to plan. Honestly, I’ve lost track of how many hours I’ve spent in various airplanes and airports with a young child who would rather be anywhere other than in an airplane or airport. What I do recall are all of the mistakes I’ve made during those seemingly endless flights. … Continue reading

Picture-Perfect Mother’s Day

What are you asking for this Mother’s Day? A clean basement? Not if your husband’s idea of “cleaning” is tossing out all of your stuff. An expensive vacuum? Not if you have to use it more to justify the price. Breakfast in bed? Not if it means doing damage control in the kitchen until dinner. What about a peaceful day surrounded by the people whose existence affords you membership in the sweetest sorority on earth? This Mother’s Day consider cuddling up with your kiddos and enjoying a quiet moment with these picture-perfect holiday reads: The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our … Continue reading

Great Green Reads

Earth Day’s mission to increase environmental awareness means very little to young children, unless you make it relevant. Fortunately, there are a slew of kid-friendly books available to drive home the importance of preserving our planet.  The following affordable titles prove that you don’t have to spend a ton of green to go green: The Berenstain Bears Go Green “Going green isn’t hard to do. It’s good for the earth and me and you, too!” Who better to show kids how to take care of the earth’s precious natural resources than the Bear family? After all, the cuddly clan not … Continue reading