This is the time of year when a walk around the block has a person (and their dog) coming face to face with skeletons, zombies, and other assorted monsters set up in front yards. I have the perfect book to share with my neighbors! THAT MONSTER ON THE BLOCK by Sue Ganz- Schmitt (author) and […]
picture books
LUNA LOVES ART – A Friendship Field Trip Story for Art lovers
It seems like it has been a long time since I’ve been to an art museum. I drove by the Norton Simon Museum yesterday and was sad to see it closed. Fortunately, I read a new book set in an art gallery and had fun exploring the art within the pages. LUNA LOVES ART By […]
Seasons For Stones – a timely picture book for all seasons
Have you taken up any new hobbies or activities since the pandemic began six months ago? Our household certainly has and, in most cases, it has been books that have started us on new adventures. Our new endeavor is rock painting inspired by A SEASON FOR STONES By Nikki Bergstresser (author) and Kelly O’Neill […]
Are your kids experiencing big feelings? It’s time to read Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers
This has been a year of big emotions for everyone. Confusion, sadness, and anger come to mind but there have also been joyful, playful, and even silly times. Children need to understand that experiencing different emotions is okay. We all need FRED’S BIG FEELINGS: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers By Laura Renauld […]
The Very Oldest Pear Tree
In these days of quarantine, the best way to travel is through books. While I read, I make a list of places to go when it is safe to travel again. I am sharing a book today that has definitely piqued my curiosity and I’m already planning a future trip to Massachusetts. THE VERY […]
Tulip and Doug Friends for (almost) ever – A Spud-tacular Friendship Story
TULIP AND DOUG: A Spud-tacular Friendship Story By Emma Wood (author) and Carla Martell (illustrator) Scholastic New Zealand 2020 Picture book for ages 3-8 Themes: friendship, imagination, loss Setting: home and the great outdoors The story begins- Tulip was famous in her neighborhood, for two reasons: She was a fearless adventurer. […]
LONE WOLF – a picture book for those who love dogs
I love dogs and for me, the next best thing to spending time with a dog is reading picture books about them. I am always excited to add a new book to our collection and I have found a new favorite: LONE WOLF By Sarah Kurpiel (author and illustrator) Greenwillow Books 2020 Picture book: ages […]
My Language During Mealtime Podcast Interview
Hi Friends, I hope you are all well and finding ways to enjoy your summer while staying safe. I began blogging a number of years ago because I wanted to share kid lit books, places, and books that take you places. We certainly need to travel by book these days! Over the years I […]
HELLO, LITTLE ONE, A Monarch Butterfly Story
One of my favorite times of year is when the monarch butterflies flutter across our deck. Their migration is one of the most magical events to witness and you can’t watch without a sense of wonder and awe. I am so happy to introduce a lovely picture book that captures the beauty of these incredible […]
Bedtime Daddy! – a new book to add to your bedtime routine
In our house bedtime was a marathon. What should have been an easy, calm routine became, shall we say, wild. It’s a challenge getting four kids to bed but, my husband was really the instigator. He took his role as the official bedtime reader seriously and liked to dramatize every story in the pile. Finally, […]
Chit Chat with Rosie J. Pova
Hello Field Trip Life Friends, Many people have asked me about my writing journey. I was recently interviewed by children’s book author, Rosie J. Pova, who has been kind enough to let me share her post with my readers. Chitchat with Author Claire Annette Noland Hello, amazing readers! Welcome back at the Oasis ― […]
TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE – A counting adventure!
TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE Written by Gabi Snyder (author) and Robin Rosenthal (illustrator) Abrams Appleseed May 2020 Picture book ages 2-6 Themes: dogs, transportation, counting Settings: land, air, water, and space The story begins: One dog stands alone. With this simple sentence the reader is invited into the pages where they can join […]
5 Tips and Ideas for an Inclusive At Home Field Day
Every year, students and teachers look forward to Field Day when they can celebrate the end of the school year. As with everything else this year, the all-school Field Days have been cancelled. But I have good news. In this anything-but-normal year, many families are creating their own At Home Field Day. Unfortunately, Field Day […]
THE FORT
If you are like me you are finding yourself in a zoom meeting or two. Our family has started weekly meetings during this time of sheltering at home and someone came up with the great idea of building forts. We planned, constructed, and decorated our forts which had to be large enough to hold two […]
Down Under the Pier – let’s explore!
Isn’t it wonderful when you find a book that you feel personally connected to? I was born in Santa Monica, near the ocean and the famous pier. I was so excited to open DOWN UNDER THE PIER and return to my childhood days filled with sand and salt air breezes. DOWN UNDER THE PIER […]