Since my latest book GROUP HUG hit bookstore and library shelves, I’ve had so much fun reading and talking about hugs. But as we all know, and especially now, hugs aren’t appropriate or possible in every situation. But there are so many ways to show kindness. We can offer a kind word. Help with a… Read more »
home schooling
Low-tech Learning: Sound Surfing
Nearing the end of my book, Pup 681: A Sea Otter Rescue Story, our little pup draws comfort from the rhythmic rocking provided by her caregiver. Why? Because the rocking reminded her of the rhythm of the ocean waves. Young readers can easily learn the relationship between rhythms and patterns by exploring ocean rhythms and… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Seeing the World Through Tortoise Glasses
When you change your point of view, your world grows. And that’s a beautiful thing. The following activity shows young readers what it might mean to walk in someone else’s shoes – or see from their glasses if you will – changing their perspective or point of view. It’s based on my book, Truman. And… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Your Traveler’s License and Postcards
In my book Light Up the Night, a child ventures all through his universe – all the way from his galaxy to his bedroom. And his beloved red and white blanket becomes his rocket, his spaceship, his truck, his train, his plane, etc. as he travels. What a wonderful dream for any child. Well, let’s… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Sea Otter School
When sea otter Pup 681, Luna, was found, she was so young and so tiny, the Shedd Aquarium staff had to teach her how to act like an otter – it was almost like going to school. During my launch parties and book festivals for Pup 681: A Sea Otter Rescue Story, I invited young… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: TRUMAN Finger-Play
Don’t we all love the amazing, free and fun programming offered by bookstores and public libraries? What a gift. But I know that with these community mainstays closed, families with little ones are missing their storytimes. Well, here’s a fun, storytime, finger-play activity (below) to practice with your young readers and listeners. It’s based on… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: A Pup By Any Other Name
Luna, the sea otter pup at the center of my story Pup 681 became a true celebrity when the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago teamed up with Good Morning America to hold a contest for her naming. But until she was named, she was referred to as “Pup 681” – the 681st otter to enter the otter… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Yukky and Yummy Plates!
When we think of at-home learning, we can’t forget the younger set. Here’s a simple activity I did with kindergartners who were cracking up over my book TOO PICKLEY! You don’t need to have the book in front of you to do the activity, but it’s obviously more fun if you do. And you can… Read more »
My Books
