Books make the best presents and I have found a perfect one to give teachers and young children as they celebrate the end of the school year and think about what’s next. Written by one of my Cardinal Rule Press Publishing siblings, this joyful and positive book explores all the possibilities that the future holds. […]
Celebrate
The Tree In Me (and you)
Happy Arbor Day, Friends! I certainly believe that trees are worth celebrating. My yard is full of them. We have redwoods, pines, dogwoods, olives, figs, and a palm tree! Quite and assortment, don’t you think? So, when I saw this book at my local Indie, I knew it needed to come home with me. Let […]
Not So Fast, Max – A Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma
The only thing I like better than visiting an apple orchard is reading a book that takes me there. And, when recipes are included, I know it’s a book for me. NOT SO FAST, MAX – A Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma By Annette Schottenfeld (author) and Jennifer Kirkham (illustrator) Kalaniot Books Picture book for […]
The Case for Loving – a review
The Case for Loving – the Fight for Interracial Marriage written by Selina Alko. Illustrated by Selina Alko and her husband Sean Qualls Arthur A. Levine Books 2015. June 12th is officially Loving Day but do you know why? In 1958, Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter fell in love. Of course they wanted to be married […]
Pick a Pumpkin (and visit a pumpkin patch)
October is Pumpkin Patch Month and every year I help my friends at Bettencourt Family Farms welcome children who come to pick out a special pumpkin for a class project. And, every year I treat myself to a new pumpkin-themed book. I’m happy to share my new seasonal favorite on Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture […]
New Book to help celebrate National Adoption Day
Today I’d like to share a special book for those of us who have chosen international adoption as a way to build our families: Babies Come From Airports by Erin Dealy (author) and Luciana Navarra Powell (illustrator) “Some babies come from the hospital, Some babies come from airports, but all babies come from love.” This […]
Kindness Counts
Today is officially Kindness Day but don’t you think that people should be kind everyday?? It is never to early to encourage children to be kind and a perfect place to begin is with this retelling of the classic Aesop’s fable: The Lion and the Mouse Written and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney […]
Hispanic Heritage Month – Rebozo Revival
September 15th to October 15th has been designated National Hispanic Heritage Month. Here, in Central California, there is much to celebrate. The Rebozo Revival is one of the exciting events being held this week. This five-day celebration was founded by rebozo expert Lourdes Sevilla. She has brought four master weavers from Mexico to exhibit their […]
Celebrate National Sisters Day with Books!
When I was nearly ten years old, my mother was pregnant with her fifth child. She went into labor when my father was out of town so his secretary whisked her to the hospital. My older brother, Bob, was left in charge. His way of caring for us was to lock us in our […]
If You’re Happy and You Know It…
Today happens to be International Happiness Day as well as the First Day of Spring which means there’s two reasons to celebrate! What makes you happy? Time with Thomas makes me happy (I love his spaghetti face): Spring make me happy – I love long days when I can take long […]
Field Trip – Feeling Fallish
It doesn’t seem possible that October is over. I have been traveling most of the month and I am happy to announce that I experienced my first real fall. Fall in Southern California is marked by high temperatures and hot winds known as the Santa Anas. This increases the risk of fire so we pray […]
Ten Important Lessons I Learned from Roald Dahl
Reading James and the Giant Peach was one of the highlights of my childhood. I was hooked from page one. Many of the most important lessons I learned in life came from books written by the brilliant Roald Dahl. And, in honor of his 100th birthday, I’m sharing some of his wise words. […]
Beatrix Potter is 150 – It’s Time for a Party!
When people see my collection of Beatrix Potter’s little books beginning with The Tale of Peter Rabbit, they say “I remember these books,” “These were my favorite childhood books,” or “I loved ____________.” (fill in with Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddleduck, or another favorite character.) This year marks the 150th birthday of this beloved […]
Best Books for Little Beach Babes
Did you know that it is World Ocean Day? It is a day set aside to celebrate the ocean and to encourage people to take care of the sea. This year’s theme is Healthy Ocean, Healthy Planet. Take a look at their website to find how you can become involved. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t […]
It’s Girl Scout Cookie Season!
Oh, Happy Day! Girl Scout Cookies have arrived! Roxanne and I stopped by Starbucks and met up with these darling business girls. They were well prepared, organized and ready to meet our every cookie wish. We cleaned them out of Thin Mints and purchased several boxes of the other varieties. I have wonderful Girl Scout […]