Abridged Books, April Activities, Book Review, Creative Writing, English Language Arts, May Activities, Picture Books, Picture Books for Middle School, Writing

The Secret Garden Picture Book Activities & Lesson Ideas for Elementary Classrooms

I first fell in love with the magic and whimsy of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett when I was in middle school. I was a voracious reader (still am!), and a frequent visitor to my school’s library. The beautiful classic cover beckoned me to open it.  Once I began reading, I stepped into… Continue reading The Secret Garden Picture Book Activities & Lesson Ideas for Elementary Classrooms

Book Review, Children's Book Reviews, Classroom Library, Middle School Reads, Picture Books, Picture Books for Middle School, Picture Books in Middle School

Why Fairy Tales Still Matter: A Librarian’s Review of Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett

In this librarian book review, I explore the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett and share why this captivating retelling makes an excellent read-aloud for upper elementary and middle school students. The Magic of Books in the Library As a librarian, one of my true passions is to guide a student into the magical world… Continue reading Why Fairy Tales Still Matter: A Librarian’s Review of Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett

Christmas Activities, Classroom Library, December Activities, English Language Arts, Figurative Language, Picture Books, Picture Books for Middle School, Picture Books in Middle School, STEM

5 Engaging Night Tree Activities for Winter Literacy & STEM

Night Tree by Eve Bunting is a charming and unique Christmas picture book. Published in 1994, it evokes the nostalgia of Christmases past and the classic comfort of a wondrous holiday story. The main character, along with his mother, father, and sister, has a remarkable tradition of going into the forest every winter. They do… Continue reading 5 Engaging Night Tree Activities for Winter Literacy & STEM