Tag Archives: children’s books

A Wink and a Book: Promoting Early Childhood Literacy

  By Donna DeForbes | September 22, 2015 - 5:00 am | ,
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Benefits of Early Childhood Literacy | Eco-Mothering.com

I started reading to Sofie in the first few months of her life. It didn’t matter to me that she probably couldn’t understand a word of it, nor that the pictures were likely blurry to her still developing vision. I love books and I wanted her to love them too. Besides, reading gave me another way to entertain a newborn. (There’s only so much peek-a-boo a mom can take!) My character voices piqued her interest. Brightly colored illustrations drew her in. We started a children’s library early and read to Sofie every day. Now, at eight years old, she reads to herself every day. Books are always on her wish list for birthdays and holidays. She’s begun her own library. She loves a good story. And she has a love of language that I feel came from her early exposure to books. A Wink of Encouragement Research shows that the … Continue reading →

An Award-Winning, Eco-Friendly Children’s Book: “Earth Remembers When”

  By Donna DeForbes | October 7, 2014 - 5:00 am | ,
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Review of the eco-themed children's book, Earth Remember When by Dawn Wynne | Eco-Mothering.com

I am so pleased when I see another eco-themed book on the market, especially in children’s literature. Making the environment a regular part of our children’s vernacular is an important step in them becoming stewards of the earth. My latest discovery, Earth Remembers When by Dawn Wynne, is an absolutely stunning picture book with many layers to enjoy. Layer 1: Reading the rhymed story in which the narrator reminisces about a clean, abundant earth when forests covered the world and foods came from the ground instead of a box. Even though my seven-year-old reads on her own, she wanted me to read this book to her, and we cuddled on the sofa together. Layer 2: Studying Gloria Piñeiro’s beautiful illustrations of oceanscapes, sunlit forests and wildlife families. Her work is vibrant and nostalgic, rich with lush detail. Layer 3: The pages fold out to reveal a very different scene of … Continue reading →

5 Children’s Books to Teach Kids About Nature

  By Donna DeForbes | January 16, 2014 - 5:00 am |
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Children's Books About Nature | Eco-Mothering.com

This is a guest post by Liz Nelson. When my children were little they had a great love for the outdoors. I made sure to point out the elements of nature around them. We looked at fallen leaves, talked about the different types of trees and flowers, and, of course, discussed animals and the funny sounds they made. As my children have grown older, they still have an abiding love for nature and are mindful of their impact on the environment. I believe much of that is due to the kind of things we talked about and the books we read when they were young. Here are a few of my family’s favorites that opened their eyes to the wonders of nature. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon This is my daughter’s very favorite book, even to this day. The beautiful illustrations bring the world of bats to a new light. As … Continue reading →

“The Magical World of Sebella” Children’s Book

  By Donna DeForbes | November 26, 2013 - 5:00 am | , ,
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The Magical World of Sebella | Eco-Mothering.com

This fall I started reading the Harry Potter books to my seven-year-old daughter. Like me, she quickly fell in love with the wizarding world of Hogwarts. Unfortunately, we had to stop after book three because I feel book four’s child death is too heavy for her to handle. The reading has not stopped, however. Sofie is now getting her magic fix with a chapter book called “The Magical World of Sebella: The Magic Castle” by Thea Berg. Geared for children ages 7-11, the book is about a young witch named Sebella who lives in a house once owned by an infamous magician. Naturally, strange things happen in the house: a statue comes to life; secret portals are revealed; and an All-Powerful Magician requests their services. Will Sebella and her friends save the Magic Castle? I love magical books for children. They usually maintain the belief that anything is possible, that … Continue reading →

Reading Fun on International Children’s Book Day

  By Donna DeForbes | April 2, 2013 - 6:00 am | ,
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Children's Picture Books | Eco-Mothering

My sisters and I grew up with a love of books, and I seem to have instilled the same in Sofie. We’ve been reading together since she was three months old, and just this past year, she began to read on her own. That makes me a little sad, because I know pretty soon she might hole up in her room with a book for hours. And not need me at all. Apron strings aside, this is a wonderful thing. That she is so easily transported into another world through an author’s words and her imagination. I see years of reading joy ahead of Sofie. And that’s what International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is about. Recognized on April 2 since 1967 (the approximate birthday of Hans Christian Andersen), ICBD is meant to call attention to children’s books. Each year, a different country chooses the theme, the message and poster. For … Continue reading →