Father's Day is Coming Soon!

Just a friendly reminder - Father's Day is right around the corner!  Get Dad something great!

Shop Here: http://goo.gl/WdmHTK

Products I Love: Edgar Allen Poe Lunchbox

For those who like to look at the darker side of life. 

Buy It: http://goo.gl/n5yNDY 

Beat The Summer Slide!

Summer is a great time to grow your reader!  Last year, my middle child finished 1st grade reading on a Guided Reading level N (GLE 2.5).  I required her to read at least 20 minutes every day of summer break.  When my daughter started 2nd she clocked in on a level S (GLE 3.3).   She gained almost a full grade level over the summer!  Also, summer reading is more self directed - my kids always choose what they read, be it the back of the cereal box or a book I think will  be way beyond their abilities.  They enjoy it more and usually continue reading far longer than the required 20 minutes.  These factors influence their growth - my daughter only grew four GR levels during the school year because she was reading what was assigned to her and often she couldn't wait to stop.

Read More About How Books Beat The Summer Slide!

Of course this doesn't just apply to MY kids.  EVERY kid will benefit from sumer reading.  Simple access to books has a positive effect on a child's success.  Please visit the First Book site to learn more about why reading is important and what you can do to help children in need gain access to books.  It breaks my heart to know there really are kids - probably right in your neighborhood! - who honestly have NO books in their home.  Talk about deprivation!  Education is the true equalizer in life and reading is the gateway.  Give kids a chance - give them a book!

47 Super Fun Facts About Children's Books

One of my favorite sites - Mental Floss - posted this fabulous video telling 47 really fun facts about famous children's books.  There are a few that I already knew, but most of them were new to me.  Give this one a whirl - it's really fun!