Letter Blocks

My toddler is already fascinated by what goes on in the kitchen—all that pouring, stirring, and mixing! When my children are a little older, I’m looking forward to actually cooking with them. Besides being fun, it’s a great way to boost reading and counting skills, not to mention problem-solving and sequential thinking. Plus, kids are more likely to try different foods when they’ve had a hand in making them. Read more...

I'm sure many parents have been there: my daughter has found a few books that she absolutely loves and that means reading them—night after night after night. Groan. Much as I like these books—each are charming and delightful in their own way—I yearn for a little variety. Read more...

I was searching for some pre-packaged mother/daughter book club kits to share here on Letter Blocks, when I discovered something even better: Heather Vogel Frederick's The Mother-Daughter Book Club series. Read more...

Many teens are reluctant readers—even if they weren't as kids. The social scene in middle and high school inevitably takes precedence over books and learning. So how 'bout I suggest some books and mags that will have even the most stubborn teen itching to read? (But shhh...they don't have to know they're also educational!) Read more...

William Steig, acclaimed children's book author and illustrator who wrote Shrek! (the book that inspired the beloved movie) among many others, lived to be 96 years old. Interestingly, he didn't start writing until he was in his 60s—but writing well into his 90s, he certainly made up for his late start. Read more...

One of the most useful tools in the arsenal of family literacy is the family story itself. On one level, this is the story about whether or not the family values reading. Children learn not just by what they are taught, but from observing their peers and parents. In fact, most of the learning that goes on in anyone’s life is what occurs when they are not actually in a classroom setting. Read more...

Unlike many other devotees, I never read the Eloise books as a child; I discovered them as a young adult. Even then, I was completely hooked—or, as Eloise would say: Oooooooooooooo I absolutely loved the books. Read more...

I had no idea that there was such parental controversy with the Wimpy Kid Series. When Anna voiced an interest in the books, I’ll admit I scoffed at them. To me, their childish print and pictures really dumbed down where the kids should be reading-wise. But I was judging a book by its cover (and a quick glance inside)... Read more...

I often turn to the bookshelf in trying situations—especially when the situation involves my children. In this case it was the big-sister blues. Read more...

"No skill is more crucial to the future of a child, or to a democratic and prosperous society, than literacy." - Los Angeles Times Read more...