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Give me Smore: a science magazine for girls (and boys)

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Magazine subscriptions are a great way to engage reluctant readers. Magazines provide content in bite-sized chunks; almost always contain wonderful photographs, graphics, and comics; and include ideas for hands-on activities. There’s also nothing quite like the feeling of getting something fun in the mail every month with your name on it.

I recently came across a children’s magazine, a newbie on the scene, that I wanted to share with you: Smore Magazine. Read more…Give me Smore: a science magazine for girls (and boys)

Book and audiobook review: The One and Only Ivan

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Title: The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Format: Single book, audiobook
Audiobook narrator: Adam Grupper
Audiobook length: 3hrs 46min
Age Group: 10+

There once was a 400lb western lowland gorilla named Ivan, who lived in a concrete cell in the middle of a shopping mall. For 27 years, he entertained shoppers and gawkers, but had no contact with others of his kind.

It is from these dire, real-life circumstances, that author Katherine Applegate spins a soaring and unforgettable tale. Read more…Book and audiobook review: The One and Only Ivan

Nonfiction friction

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“How do I get my child to read nonfiction?” This is a common (often despairing) question I get when mentioning the blog. If you face a similar tussle, here’s one idea for ending the friction: Try a magazine subscription. Take a break from force-feeding dry tomes for now, and attempt a more digestible format. And as we get into gift-giving season, keep in mind: Subscriptions are the some of the best “gifts-that-keep-on-giving.” For the top recommendations from Read, Kids, Read!,  Read more…Nonfiction friction

Saved by Science Friday

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I’ve been tardy in recommending gift ideas for the holidays. But here’s a superb list of science-related books from Team Educate at Science Friday for the 0-12 set. They’ve even included STEM activities to accompany the books.  Read more…Saved by Science Friday

The boy who waited for winter

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Winter this year started with a whimper, but seems to be determined to go out with a bang. Falling temperatures, snowstorms and snow days in March – I, for one, am ready for spring to get here quick.

But, I imagine there was one boy who loved long-tapered winters, and waited for the return of snow each year. This is his story. Read more…The boy who waited for winter

Book review: Pax

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Title: Pax
Author: Sarah Pennypacker (author of acclaimed Clementine series)
Illustrator: Jon Klaassen (award-winning picture book author/illustrator of I Want My Hat Back)
Format: Single book
Age group: 9+

A mesmerizing book about the profound bond between a fox and a boy.

Peter is 7 years old when he finds an abandoned and starving fox kit in the woods nears home. Peter adopts the fox and names him Pax. The two form a deep connection, “two, but not two”. But the disease of war encroaches, and Peter’s angry and restless father has caught the bug. When he decides to enlist in the army, Pax and Peter are forcibly separated after more than 5 years at each other’s side. Read more…Book review: Pax

The Harvard Museum of Fantastic Beasts

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Well, actually, it is the Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH). But this gem of a museum may well claim the above title, with the amazing specimens in its permanent displays.

And this winter, through January 8, 2017, HMNH is going a step further, celebrating the latest Harry Potter movie with a Fantastic Beasts Scavenger Hunt. Read more…The Harvard Museum of Fantastic Beasts