Chris VanAllsburg, Polar Express, Herpolsheimers' Grand Rapids Connections

I have a lot of hobbies and interests. One is incunabula, particularly collecting children's literature. I'm not au currant in modern adult fiction, but juvenilia I speak fluently. A favorite author/illustrator is Chris VanAllsburg--of Jumanji, The Polar Express (books, then movies) fame. When I was in college and a new teacher, VanAllsburg was writing and illustrating some of his best works. My favorite is a little-remembered volume of M.C. Escher-ish pictures with intriguing captions "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick." I used that extensively in creative writing with my Montessori students in the 80s. And I just discovered a neat connection. VanAllsburg is from my hometown Grand Rapids. I think the train he used for the Polar Express was modeled on Herpolsheimer's Santa Express--a little train that went around the top of the store, that all us kids rode years ago.  Oh, and here's a free printable Polar Express party kit perfect for children's Christmas festivities or birthday parties. Read more. Chris VanAllsburg is from My Hometown

A Very Merry Tomie DePaola Christmas--Holiday Children's Literature Party Planner

Looking for ideas for an around the world Christmas party? How about multicultural Christmas lesson plans? Why not use this holiday planner from Tomie DePaola books. Tomie is one of the world's best loved artists and children's authors. Mr. DePaola admits that he loves Christmas and it shows in the holiday magic he imbues in his stories and art. We were fortunate to meet him in person. He's funny, warm and articulate. Here's Tomie DePaola's Christmas collection. I've included DePaola books on saints whose feast days fall in Advent and Christmas season. Read more

Best Book Gifts from Scholastic Top 100 Children's Literature Picks

Children's literature mogul Scholastic came out with a "bucket list" of must-read kids' books in its most recent issue of Parent & Child Magazine, says the Sun Times. Here's a look at the recommendations listed in their "100 Greatest Books for Kids."

* According to Scholastic Parent, they created the list to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the National Education Association's "Read Across America Day" on March 2. That day also commemorates the birthday of beloved children's author and illustrator Dr. Seuss (a.k.a. Theodore "Ted" Giesel). Read more

Free Printable Winter Season Lessons, Activities

The winter season is a popular theme in preschool and early elementary. In science, the winter season makes an ideal focus for chemistry, physics, earth and life science topics. In social studies, students might explore winter-specific holidays and religious celebrations, like Yule, Saturnalia and the December solstice. Concepts are adaptable across different curricula: writing, math, reading, literature, art and crafts. Here are free printable winter season activities. Most are interactive, hands-on project-type activities. Perfect for many ages and grade levels. Great for special needs learners, too. Read more

Best Christmas Gifts for Babies, Infant Gift Recommended Reading List

Best Books to Read to Infants and Babies- Great Baby Shower and Christmas Gifts Read to an infant? Yes, you read that title correctly. Want to raise children to love books? Don't wait. Here is a list of books I highly recommend to read to an infant or baby. Oh and, ahem, these make excellent Christmas and baby shower gifts, too. read more

Tomie DePaola Christmas Activities

Christmas Children's Literature: Have a Tomie DePaola Holiday Tomie DePaola is a one of the world's best loved artists and children's authors. This blogger mom and her kids got to meet Tomie in 1996 in Muskegon, Mich. He showed the children how to draw one of his sheep and talked to them about pursuing dreams. It was one of my best holiday memories. Our kids have not forgotten. Even as a tiny girl, my oldest daughter could not hear "The Clown of God" without sobbing. Now living on her own, she is building a library, and Tomie DePaola tops her list (she's getting "The Clown of God" for Christmas, but shhh--don't tell!:) Tomie DePaola admits that he loves Christmas and it shows in the holiday magic he imbues in his stories and art. Here's Tomie DePaola's Christmas collection. Read More

Best Boy Books for Holiday Giving

Great Books for Middle-School Age Boys Some boys love to read; other boys put up a real stink about having to read. Want to entice a middle school boy to read? Use this list of top pick book picks for boys. Great books of adventure and coming of age. read more

Free Printable Christmas Preschool Crafts

Free, Printable Preschool Learning Crafts When older siblings go back to school all day, preschoolers get bored. When the weather is too wet or cold to play for outside play, preschoolers need activities. Preschool teachers need supplemental practice pages for holiday, letters, numbers, shapes and other concepts. read on

Christmas Holiday Countdown with Books

Christmas Countdown Books Count down to Christmas a with a book a day! 25 Books to read and share the joy of Christmas! Holiday and Christmas stories from around the world! Perfect for school, home, home-school or day care. View more »

Advent and Christmas Traditions

Creative Christmas Traditions Christmas in our Catholic home-schooling family is truly a season. We live advent and Christmas from the first Sunday to Epiphany. Our lessons dwelt entirely on advent and Christmas: literature, history, math, sciences, social studies, art. We spent advent making gifts, doing service projects and immersing our family in Christmas. I'll share some of our happiest holiday and Christmas traditions...View more »