Moms Inspire Learning

Take 2 Books: Carrot Tops and Bottoms

And so, today, we go from bread back to vegetables. Why don't we munch on some carrots?

The Giant Carrot, by Jan Peck (author) and Barry Root (illustrator), is adapted from the Russian folktale, The Turnip, and starts out with the planting of a single carrot seed. Papa is hoping to make carrot juice with it, Mama wants to make carrot stew, Brother Abel thinks about carrot relish, and Little Isabelle would like some "sweet carrot puddin'." That's a lot of pressure for a single carrot seed!

Take 2 Books: From Seeds to Bread

Today I'm starting my new "Take 2 Books" series because so much can learned by comparing, contrasting, and making all kinds of real world connections with, two or more children's books.

A Time for Magical Eating

I'm literally surrounded by picture books relating to food, but it occurred to me a couple of days ago that some of the family favorites I've mentioned previously would have fit in with this theme perfectly! I really don't need any more books, but it is all about the weaving, isn't it?

With Dr. Seuss' birthday and Sandra Foyt's post about The Unknown Seuss waking me up from my dreamy world of picture books, I realized that I couldn't possibly continue this series without mentioning Green Eggs and Ham! Both of my children were obsessed with this book when they were learning to read.

Exciting Literacy News

The Share a Story, Shape a Future blog tour is coming up next week! The theme this year is "Unwrapping the Gift of Literacy." I hope you'll join us all week for our celebration of literacy.

Weaving a Web of Fruit and Culture

What I love most about fiction is that culture and geography can be subtly woven into the substance of the story. When it comes to picture books, the illustrations add to the power and mystery of that web.

Planting the Seeds of Healthy Eating

The simple act of eating every day can open up many different conversations. Sometimes, children will be delighted with what's on their plate, but there will also be times when food is different and unaccepted.

Just as we need to help children understand that people may look different on the outside, but are very much alike on the inside, we can help them discover the magic, mystery, and gift of having a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to eat. By unlocking the grocery store of understanding, a whole new rainbow of eating comes into view.