One of the most motivational ways to show children the importance of saving our planet is through pictures and stories. This reading list tackles stories of recycling, water conservation, how to help keep our planet clean and how to participate in Earth Day. When Rivers Burned: the Earth Day story […]
Picture Books
Featured Article – For the Love of Nonfiction: Children’s Nonfiction Author Gail Gibbons
Finally! America is finally thawing out. After four Nor’easters and snowfall in spring, the reality of spring is finally here. And with it, come many books to teach children about nature, planting, gardens, and growth. What author comes to mind when I think about these types of books? None other than Gail Gibbons. Gail Gibbons’ work is found in […]
Thematic List- The Luck of the Irish
We’ve all heard about the luck of the Irish. This week’s list includes many characters who desire a touch of luck. Books listed cover a variety of ages, from six to sixteen. A Big Dose of Lucky By: Marthe Jocelyn Sixteen-year-old Malou decides to uncover the circumstances […]
Award of The Week-The Maxwell Medallion
The Maxwell Medallion is given by the Dog Writers Association of America. This award, named after Maxwell Riddle who wrote a syndicated dog column for 30 years and was a past president of DWAA, is given to many forms of professional writing devoted to dogs. Nominees are announced in the winter edition of the newsletter, […]
Thematic Reading List: Dogs- 15 Books About Dogs
Dog characters are no stranger to children’s literature- Biscuit, Clifford, Hank the Cowdog just to name a few. We have chosen a variety of books, suitable for ages 5 to 12, that show dogs in many distinct roles and situations. Many of the titles will provoke meaningful conversations about responsibility, loyalty, acceptance, and much more. […]
Thematic Reading List: Black History Month- 25 best books
Martin’s Big Words: the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. By: Doreen Rappaport A picture book biography that introduces the ideas and accomplishments of a gifted and influential speaker by using some of his own words to tell the story. Langston Hughes By: Milton Meltzer Tells […]
Thematic Reading List: Nancy Drew and Other Sleuths
The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew may have started the detective mystery for children’s reading, but many notable detectives have held their own throughout the years. The list of sleuths that follows is divided by the age of the sleuth, not by reading level. We were disappointed to find little diversity in modern publications, a […]
Thematic Reading List: Series books for Non-book Lover
According to several media outlets, the best-selling books for children in 2017 were books with funny themes, characters, or situations. You will find several series books that meet these criteria while other books present mysteries to be solved or situations that need to be resolved. If you find that the child is a non-book lover […]
Award of the Week: Children’s Choice Book Awards
The Children’s and Teen Choice Book Awards are the only national book awards chosen only by kids and teens. It is sponsored by the Children’s Book Council (CBC) which is the nonprofit trade association of children’s book publishers in North America, dedicated to supporting the industry and promoting children’s books and reading. 2017 Winners by […]
Award of the Week-Christian Book Award
Christian Book Award The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards program in the religious publishing industry. Finalists and winners are selected in eleven categories: Bibles Bible Reference works Bible Study Ministry Resources Biography & […]
Thematic Reading List: December Celebrations Around the World
In this issue, we will introduce you to books that represent the many holiday stories, customs and celebrations that are held around the world during December. As you read these books with your children, place a special emphasis on traditions that we share with other countries. The Eight Nights of […]
Intriguing Book Covers- Begging you to pick up and read
Ever judge a book by its cover? What book covers tell us and what they tell about us. Mr. Tiger Goes Wild By: Peter Brown Bored with city life and the proper behavior it requires, Mr. Tiger has a wild idea that leads him to discover his true nature. […]
The Top Ten Most Challenged Books
When I was younger and before I went to college to become a librarian, I was always confused by Banned Book Week. I never understood why all these “banned” books were put on display in my public or school library. I mean if they are banned doesn’t that mean they are not allowed, and don’t […]
Celebrate Banned Books
In a past position as a high school librarian, I entered my office one day to find an art history book on my desk opened to a photograph of a nude statue. Confused, I simply put the book back on its appropriate shelf only to have it reappear on my desk later in the week. […]
Reading List – Challenged Books I’ve Read and Loved
When I was younger and before I went to college to become a librarian, I was always confused by Banned Book Week. I never understood why all these “banned” books were put on display in my public or school library. I mean if they are banned doesn’t that mean they are not allowed, and don’t […]
Supporting History Units – Connecting Historical Fiction with Primary Sources
The Library of Congress Primary Sources : The Dust Bowl Out of the Dust By: Karen HesseIn a series of poems, fifteen-year-old Billie Jo relates the hardships of living in Oklahoma during the dust bowl years of depression. Ages 10-14 The Dust Bowl By: David BoothConditions are dry on Matthew’s grandfather’s farm, and when Matthew […]
Buddhism in Fiction
In honor of CLCD’s CEO’s philanthropic trip to Nepal to work with Buddhist monks, check out these works of fiction that feature Buddhism in some way or another. Hiroshima Dreams By: Kelly Easton Lin O’Neil, a talented but shy girl growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, develops a […]
R. Gregory Christie’s Award-Winning Titles
A simple search of illustrator R. Gregory Christie produced 41 results. While trying to narrow the search to only award winners to minimize this reading list, I was pleasantly disappointed to see that “narrowing” it down to simply award winners still left me with 24 results. Here they are… Sugar […]
Award of the Week – The New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2016
The NYT Best Illustrated Children’s Books are named annually since the 1952. The NYT Book Review has selected a panel of judges who select each year’s winners based solely on artistic merit. Below are the 2016 winners, including a title illustrated by R. Gregory Christie The White Cat and the […]
On Our Night Stand – What Gertrude and I are Reading Before Bed
Bedtime with a toddler, at least in my house, is hit or miss. She may go to bed unbathed, teeth unbrushed, without pajamas but I can always count on a story. Check out our current favorites. Lenny & Lucy By: Philip Stead A picture book about moving to a new […]
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