Using picture books is a fun way to teach children about cause and effect. Understanding cause and effect helps kids develop critical thinking, literacy, and science skills. Here are my favorite picture books that use cause and effect in an engaging way. These books also provide a great model so kids can create their own […]
Category Archives: Top Ten Lists
January
20
Books That Make A Difference by Lorraine Radice, PhD
posted by donalynm
When the two big “new year” markers come around – a new school year in September and a new calendar year in January – I like to pause and reflect on the books that have made a difference in my heart and mind over the course of the year. Much like special people or meaningful […]
September
08
Books About Preparing and Eating Produce Together by Mélina Mangal
posted by CBethM
It isn’t just back-to-school time. It’s also harvest time, when farmers and gardeners gather and share their fresh produce. Reading books about young people cooking together with others is a great way to introduce healthy foods, showcase students’ cultures, and encourage student agency. Sharing such books helps teach young readers about where their food comes from, […]
June
09
Ten Books That Inspire Wonder by Jilanne Hoffmann
posted by CBethM
While we often think of wonder as an innate human characteristic, especially in childhood, it can be buried or lost in the rush and crush of day-to-day scheduling and barrage of tragic news events. But wonder is an important emotion that inspires, uplifts, and motivates us all to learn more and respond to our world […]
June
02
Ten Funny Informational Picture Books by Abi Cushman
posted by CBethM
Picture books that educate young readers have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of dry, snooze-inducing text. In fact, there are many children’s books out now that creatively engage audiences while instilling loads of information. One fantastic way to capture kids’ (and adults’) attention is through humor. But don’t think […]
May
26
Resilient Readers: 10 books for Teaching Persistence by Megan Fink Brevard
posted by CBethM
Resilience is a quality of the human condition that is essential for growth. Adults and children need this ability to rise above adverse conditions and to persevere despite obstacles. Angela Duckworth writes in her book GRIT, “growth mindset leads to optimistic self-talk…which leads to perseverance over adversity.” As a librarian, I admire books for kids […]
April
07
Ten Children’s Books about Growth Mindset by Helen H. Wu
posted by CBethM
Introducing children to the concept of growth mindset is essential for their personal and academic growth. A growth mindset helps children understand that they can develop their abilities and skills through hard work and perseverance, and that failure is an opportunity to learn and improve. One of the best ways to teach children about growth […]
March
10
Ten Books That Inspire Kids (and adults!) to Play with Words by Kimberly Behre Kenna
posted by CBethM
I love wordplay. And it comes in so many packages! I’m not talking about Scrabble or Wordle, which I enjoy, but books that engage us with their snappy dialogue or their spare poetry. Books with text that inspires kids to think deeply, and may persuade them to want to write something themselves. Take picture books, […]
October
28
Ten Adorable Board Board with Photographs of Real Kids by Jane Whittingham
posted by CBethM
It’s no secret that children’s literature remains sorely lacking when it comes to representation and diversity. Surveys repeatedly show that children are more likely to encounter a talking animal protagonist in a picture book than a child of color. Representation of physical differences and disabilities remains limited as well. One format that continues to shine, […]
September
30
Ten Books To Encourage Your Reluctant Reader by Laurel Solorzano
posted by CBethM
A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee Shayla faces the typical struggles any middle schooler faces today, but most of all, she’s eager to stay out of trouble. Black Lives Matter seems like a dangerous movement for her to join as it seems to divide everyone at school, but she must decide if […]
Nerdy Book Club 