*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
And I mean ballet all day, every day.
I truly don’t think that my daughter is going to be a prima ballerina one day, but the joy that ballet brings to her life right now is indescribable. She pirouettes throughout the house, in the yard, at the store, whenever the mood strikes her and will invariably ask to wear some sort of ballet outfit at some point in the day. We change a lot. We recently found The Ballet Brigade on YouTube and visit my sister just so that she can watch the newest episodes of On Pointe on Disney+. I think our Leap! and The Nutcracker and the Four Realms DVDs are wearing out, though one plus is that she was introduced to Andrea Bocelli, who sings Fall On Me with his son at the end of the movie and now loves dancing to his mellow tenor tones. But what truly tops it all right now are books. Ballet books to be exact.
Until my daughter started asking for more books with ballet themes, I didn’t realize how many were out there. Fiction, non-fiction, sticker, coloring, you name it and they are there and many now reside in our home. Of course, my passion for books fans the flames and I’m a sucker for a well-illustrated rhyming tome such as the Miss Lina’s Ballerinas book series by Grace Maccarone. And what child can embrace ballet and not know of that famous mouse from across the pond, Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird? If you’re a fan of You’ve Got Mail (can’t even count how many times I’ve watched it), you should be aware of Ballet Shoes, one of the shoe books by Noel Streatfeild, which just had a revival reprinting, as a matter of fact.
As an Usborne Books & More Independent Consultant, I am thrilled that they have ballet themed titles because I absolutely adore their books. Not just the quality of the books themselves, but the illustrations and stories as well. UBAM offers ballet stories, a musical book and, of course, a few sticker books (one of UBAM’s specialties). Can’t go wrong with Usborne and Kane Miller books, so if you need to find a consultant, look no further! ? You can see UBAM's selection of ballet themed titles on our new Ballet Books list.
A few other ballet books we think deserve a moment in the spotlight... 
B is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet by John Robert Allman.
Presented by the American Ballet Theatre, this new, slightly oversized picture book provides ballet enthusiasts of all ages with a wealth of information through rhyming text and eye-catching illustrations. While I occasionally find myself stumbling through the rhymes because of certain ballet terms and names (gotta work on my French and Russian pronunciations), the book is still such a joy to read aloud and learn from. Included in the back are lists of terminology, famous ballets, choreographers and dancers. 
Boys Dance! by John Robert Allman
Ballet isn't just about ballerinas in pretty pink tutus and pointe shoes. Ballet is for boys too. After all, what would a ballet be without its men? Can you really have Cinderella without the Prince? Who would awaken Princess Aurora without Prince Désiré?! Thankfully the American Ballet Theatre knows the value of boys who love to dance and have created this delightful story just for them. Through lively, rhyming text, this story highlights the dedication, hard work, and strength it takes to be dancer. At the end, you'll find interviews with male dancers of the American Ballet Theatre that offer a firsthand look at what it's like to be a boy who loves ballet. 
Bunheads by Misty Copeland
Copeland is featured in the movie The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, a favorite film in our household, so when I saw that this book was written by the famous ballerina, I knew we had to read it ourselves. My daughter was captivated by the story, with its detailed descriptions of the ballet, Coppelia, as well as the supportive friendships amongst the young dancers in the story. If you do not have access to a copy of Bunheads, you can actually hear Misty Copeland herself read it on YouTube thanks to PBS. 
Ella Bella Ballerina series by James Mayhew
Young Ella Bella attends Madame Rosa's ballet class at the old theatre, a magical place where anything can happen. When Ella Bella opens Madame Rosa's enchanted music box, she finds herself whisked off into the stories of famous ballets: Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Nutcracker and The Magic Toyshop. Each title in this series more charming than the last, with whimsical illustrations that perfectly capture the beauty of each ballet. 
Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle
A mutual love of dance has the power to inspire and encourage lasting friendships, but even the best friendships take a bit of work. This wordless book from the extremely talented Molly Idle is not specifically about ballet, although the dance that Flora and her new flamingo friend engage in, after some practice, is certainly as graceful and elegant as the best pas de deux. 
Swine Lake by James Marshall
Swine Lake...get it? A down-on-his-luck, hungry Big Bad Wolf happens to acquire tickets to the Boarshoi Ballet's performance of Swine Lake. Sitting in his private theatre box, the wolf makes plans to dine on the performers, but as he watches the pigs prance across the stage, he finds himself completely captivated with the ballet. The wit and humor in this story are incomparable and appealing to readers of all ages, and the vocabulary is absolutely superb, but what else would you except from such a duo as James Marshall and Maurice Sendak? 
Tallulah's Tutu by Marilyn Singer
Tallulah just knows she will be a great ballerina, if only she had a tutu! She attends her first ballet class and learns the basic positions and does very well. At the end of class she is sure she will finally get a tutu, but sadly, her hopes are dashed when all she receives is praise and a hug from her teacher. This does not go over well with our friend Tallulah. Now, many parents will say they dislike this book because of Tallulah's rather bratty reaction to not receiving the tutu she so longs for, but I find that her reaction, like those of other characters such as Fancy Nancy, provides a teachable moment and, in the end, Tallulah does learn the value of patience and that the rewards are that much sweeter when you put in the hard work to earn them.
For more ballet books, check out our new list and don’t forget to search your local library and bookstore.
**A quick note: many ballet books may seem beyond your little one, what with their unique vocabulary, but remember, a child’s listening comprehension far exceeds their reading comprehension in their early years, so spend some snuggle time with your dancer by reading to them.**
I’m so glad that my daughter’s been able to get back to actual in-person ballet classes and her ballet wardrobe continues to grow as well, thanks to her grandmother who even found ballet underwear! Who knew? Though she’s only five, I feel that it’s important to indulge a child’s passions when you can for every experience not only adds to their wealth of background knowledge, but also adds to the wonderful well-rounded adult that they will eventually become. I’m just glad that she chose quiet ballet and not tap. Sorry tap parents.
“Life without ballet would be pointeless.”
Dance On!
-Kate @ BTBL Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 5) for Kate, and two sons (now 3 and 1) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.
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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
Fall, with its beautiful colors and crisp apples is also known as the time for back to school and packed lunches. This year the back to school season may be looking a little different than we are all used to. Whether attending in-person, virtually or embarking on a homeschool journey, books can help make the experience one to remember and to learn and grow from!
Now, this time of year is also of great significance to the farmers as it signals the beginning of harvest season. National Farm Safety & Health Week this month celebrates the contributions of farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers who work tirelessly to feed our nation. Frequent your local farmers market to include fresh produce in your child‘s lunch, as well as for snacks and meals at home. Celebrate National Johnny Appleseed Day with a visit to an apple orchard. Pick an apple and enjoy it under the tree and read Johnny Appleseed by Jane Yolen, Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh or another title about American John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Make some applesauce with your child(ren) or an apple pie and pair the kitchen adventure with How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman or The Apple Pie that Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson. You might also consider making some blackberry jam in honor of National Blackberry Day.
The uncertainty that plagued us earlier this year still remains strong in our thoughts and these uncertain times often come with unpredictable changes and children are most affected by these changes, especially to the school year. Don’t forget to reassure them and keep things as normal as possible. Keep routines or start new ones such as reading to them each night before bed and spend family time together with game nights, nature walks and time spent in the kitchen using fresh farm fruit and veggies.
September
National Biscuit, Chicken, Food Safety, Hazelnut, Honey, Mushroom, Potato & Rice Month
National Chicken Month
National Hazelnut Month
Who Stole the Hazelnuts? by Marcus Pfister
National Honey Month
National Rice Month
1st Full Week: National Waffle Week
Woodpecker Wants a Waffle by Steve Breen
3rd Week: National Farm Safety & Health Week
Dinosaur Farm by Frann Preston-Gannon
This story follows a farmer as he goes about his daily routine of caring for the animals and plants in his charge, but there is something a little bit different about this particular farm. Instead of the typical barnyard livestock of cows, pigs and chickens, readers will find the illustrations brimming with prehistoric creatures! You won't want to miss any of the laugh-out-loud fun as you read this one, so be sure to take your time looking over the illustrations.
2nd: International Bacon Day
Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly DiPucchio
7th: National Acorn Squash Day
11th: National Hot Cross Buns Day
Hot Cross Buns and Other Old Street Cries by John Langstaff
12th: National Blackberry Day
13th: National Chocolate Day
Chocolate: The Consuming Passion by Sandra Boynton While this title is actually intended for adults, it is filled with the kind of witty text and comical illustrations expected of the incomparable Sandra Boynton and is sure to bring delight to chocolate enthusiasts of every age!
13th: National Peanut Day
18th: National Cheeseburger Day
Spiders Don't Eat Cheeseburgers by Kat Brancato
22nd: National White Chocolate Day
23rd: National Pot Pie Day
26th: National Johnny Appleseed Day
*Additional titles referenced toward the beginning of this post. 
Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend by Will Moses
26th: National Dumpling Day
26th: National Pancake Day
27th: National Chocolate Milk Day
One last thing...September is also Library Card Sign-up Month, so visit your local library (if they are open), get a card and check out some of the titles we have mentioned in this post!
Happy reading! -Kate @ BTBL Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 5) for Kate, and two sons (now 2 and 10 months) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children. Sometimes when life changes, we find inspiration.
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
As we work to grow our business, we look for inspiration and ideas to lead us. Quotes such as Alexander Graham Bell’s “when one door closes, another opens” and the saying “when opportunity knocks on your door, always be willing to take a chance, because you never know how perfect something could turn out to be” keep us moving forward, always open to new ideas and looking at the opportunities that are presented to us.
Recently, this got us to thinking, especially with another year of school having begun. Just what do children do with ideas and opportunities and do they recognize them as such? Many successful people say that they received their inspiration, ideas or passion in childhood and still many others lost theirs along the way. So how do we help children to find their passion and recognize the opportunities and not give up? Inspiration from a book! We love the What You Do Matters series of books from Kobi Yamada:
What You Do Matters boxed gift set
Telling a child not to give up and to take a chance may not take hold but reading about someone else having the same qualms, just might resonate and that epiphany that struck, if nurtured, could in fact be BIG. We think these books are also wonderful because they can inspire all of us, both young and old to be true to ourselves and overcome obstacles in order to follow our passions.
So, bring inspiration into your child’s life through a book. Perhaps even get a journal where they can either write down their thoughts or draw an idea. Just remember to empower both boys AND girls to help them see the possibilities that life has to offer.
Read what others have to say about Kobi Yamada's series in this article from Brightly:
Kobi Yamada on Embracing Our Ideas and the Chances That Come Our Way. 
Find even more inspiration with Usborne Books & More!
The Inspiration Collection (Paint Me a Picture, Build me a Home, Play Me Some Music)
Read, create and be inspired!
-Kate @ BTBL Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 3) for Kate, a son (now 1) and another little boy expected this year for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children. 
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
Life is a series of changes but with the advent of fall comes the change that we at BTBL love most of all. The visual changes as the bloom of flowers leave us and the trees display their magnificent colors before dropping their leaves. This time also offers great outdoor experiences for children. A wonderful way to experience the changes of fall might be to read the story My Autumn Book by Wong Herbert Yee and then enjoy the wonders of nature with your child and collect the treasures the season has to offer and create your own Autumn Book.
Change at this time of year can also involve starting school or moving to a new grade. A wonderful story about the challenge of accepting change and letting go in order to grow up is Little Tree by Loren Long. With so many changes that occur in a young child’s life, it is vitally important that some routines and traditions remain, such as snuggling and sharing a story. Children are often confronted with daily changes and most of these changes are beyond a child’s control, which can lead to stress and anxiety. It is the established routines that can give a child a sense of control for they know what to expect. Routines give children a sense of consistency and security in an ever changing, unpredictable world. A routine of reading with your child will make them feel safe and secure and create an everlasting bond. Choose stories that help your child see that though life presents challenges, not all is lost such as Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst.
Do you have a library card? If not, it's time to get one!
What is happening in September?
2nd: Labor Day - To honor the contributions workers have made to this country help your child explore careers. Some books to consider are When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic, Lola Dutch When I Grow Up by Kenneth Wright and the The Berenstain Bears Jobs Around Town by Stan and Jan Berenstain.
8th: Poet Jack Prelutsky’s Birthday - With his innovative word play, Prelutsky’s poems are a must read for every child. Consider Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young and The New Kid on the Block.
Author Jon Scieszka’s Birthday - Nationally recognized reading advocate and the founder of the literacy program for boys GUYS READ. Share one of his picture books with your young one or for the older set a title from his Time Warp Trio chapter book series.
International Literacy Day - Helps to raise awareness for those who cannot read or write. Help your child understand how important reading is to life by reading Oh, How I wished I Could Read! by John Gile.
11th: 9/11 Remembrance Day - Honor those who were taken from us in your own special way.
13th: Author Roald Dahl’s Birthday - Who didn’t grow up with Dahl’s classics such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or James and the Giant Peach? Share one of his timeless stories with your child.
14th: Curiosity Day – Each year, around the birthday of H.A. Rey, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) hosts an event called Curiosity Day. This is a day set aside to celebrate the magic of learning and discovery through reading, particularly the stories of everyone’s favorite curious monkey, George. You can find more information about this day and ways to celebrate on HMH’s official Curious George web page.
16th: Author H.A. Rey’s Birthday - Rey, with wife Margret, brought the delightful exploits of a mischievous and beloved little monkey to life, Curious George. Read about their remarkable journey to escape the Nazi invasion of Paris in The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margaret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden.
17th: Constitution Day – A day to celebrate our Nation’s Constitution. Consider reading We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States by David Catrow.
25th: Poet Shel Silverstein’s Birthday - Silverstein has delighted children with his poems and drawings for years. Among his notable works are The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends.
The Last Week is Banned Books Week – Celebrate the freedom to read by choosing your favorite book. For a list of frequently challenged/banned books, visit the American Library Association's website.
"No two persons ever read the same book."
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The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing
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The 12 Days of Preschool by Jenna Lettice
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Preschool, Here I Come! by David J. Steinberg
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Pete the Kitty's First Day of Preschool by Kimberly & James Dean
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The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
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The 12 Days of Kindergarten by Jenna Lettice
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Kindergarten, Here I Come! by David J. Steinberg
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Curious George's First Day of School by H. A. Rey
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The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
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We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
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If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
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Refer back to our previous blog September: Back to School & Library Card Sign-up Month for a list of additional picture books with a back to school theme!
Because children will need to read throughout their educational careers and beyond, it is important to create a positive association with books and reading. With the beginning of school and its focus on testing, we like to see children get excited about filling their lives with new knowledge from books and learning to read. Reading a variety of books will help build background knowledge and the act of sitting and listening to a story will increase focus and attention which will assist them as they prepare for the classroom. If you don’t have a large library in your home, visit your public library, local bookstore or used book sales for your child to find what interests them. Let them continue to explore because what appealed last year may not appeal any longer or they may be looking to branch out to something new. There is no finite number of interests. Don’t hold them back or try to lead them to what you, your spouse or their siblings have an interest in. Remember that each child is their own person with a unique personality and interests. Also know that the best learning sometimes comes from just talking. Take the time to discuss your child’s day, what they learned, what they are reading etc. Ask open-ended questions and allow your child to run with it, even if it heads off on a totally different tangent. Sometimes the best discussions and learning opportunities come from just such moments and creates a lasting bond and memories.
Happy reading as you get back to school!
-Kate @ BTBL
-Kate @ BTBL
Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 3) for Kate, a son (now 1) and another little boy expected this year for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.
Author
We are mom Sandra and daughters Amanda and Kate, all with backgrounds in literacy and education, who want to share our philosophy of taking the basics of life; books, simple toys that encourage play, imagination and creativity, and using cooking and baking to teach math and real life skills to raise happy, inquisitive children. Join us in exploring the old and the new and sifting through the myriad of research to consider what is best for our children.
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