*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 continues in October with National Apple, Caramel, Chili, Cookie, Dessert, Pasta, Pizza, Popcorn Poppin‘, Pork, Pumpkin, Seafood and Tomato month. We in Michigan think of it as the time to head to the farmer‘s market, cider mill and apple orchards as well as the pumpkin patch. Share a non-fiction book about apples, such as Apples for Everyone by Jill Esbaum or Apples by Gail Gibbons, and then consider going apple picking. Search cookbooks for tasty recipes in which to use your apples. Think about making your own applesauce, which you can then use instead of oil in your baked goods. When picking out your pumpkin for Halloween, grab some pie pumpkins as well for baking and share Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie by Jill Esbaum. Now is a great time to also include a book about fall while partaking of one of those delectable desserts that you and your child(ren) have baked or pop some corn out around a bonfire and tell your favorite story.
This is also a great time to use fall and all its natural splendor to enhance home learning through cooking and baking and identification, using the leaves, apples and pumpkins of fall. Cooking and baking utilizes math and reading skills, and you can use the different varieties of apples and leaves for identification. For younger children, count the apples you pick, count the seeds from the pumpkin, measure the circumference of the pumpkin and collect leaves and discuss the different colors and shapes. Search online for craft ideas using leaves, apples, pumpkin seeds etc. Read a fall storybook and then extend the learning with a craft.
Refer back to our previous blogs to find fall book recommendations:
Fall Into Books! Autumn is almost here! Good-bye Summer, Hello Fall!
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October
National Apple, Caramel, Chili, Cookbook, Cookie, Dessert, Pasta, Pizza, Popcorn Poppin‘, Pork, Pumpkin, Seafood & Tomato Month
National Apple Month
Ten Apples Up On Top! by Theo. LeSieg (Dr. Seuss)
Use this book as part of a math lesson: -Count from 1 - 10 by ones -Count by tens -Practice Addition You can also draw, color or cut out apples from red paper and stack them just as the animals do (dot markers would also fun to use). Expand this into a science lesson by attempting to stack real apples, whether on a table top or your head!
National Chili Month
Armadilly Chili by Heather Ketteman
National Cookbook Month
The Bake-A-Cake Book by Marie Meijer
"Come bake a cake with the cake-bakers!" We found this title at a used book sale some time ago and it has been a favorite ever since. Truthfully, we have not actually made the cake that the two bakers in the book make, but we have used this book countless times during imaginative play in my daughter's little kitchen. She gathers all of the utensils, tools and ingredients together and then carefully follows each step as the little bakers create a most scrumptious looking cake. It is a wonderful learning through play experience!
For even more cookbook recommendations, take a look at our list:
Baking, Cooking, Gardening and Food Related Books
National Cookie Month
National Pizza Month
National Popcorn Poppin' Month
National Pumpkin Month
National Tomato Month
1st: National Homemade Cookie Day
Refer to 'National Cookie Month' above.
4th: National Taco Day
4th: National Pumpkin Seed Day
Refer to 'National Pumpkin Month' above.
6th: National Noodle Day
8th: National Pierogi Day
Every Culture Has a Pierogi by Lorraine Krusinski
9th: World Egg Day
10th: National Cake Decorating Day
Decorate Cakes, Cupcakes and Cookies with Kids by Autumn Carpenter
12th: National Farmer's Day
For more information on farmers and farming, refer back to our previous blogs:
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week! How Does Your Garden Grow?
17th: National Pasta Day
18th: National Chocolate Cupcake Day
22nd: National Nut Day
24th: National Food Day
26th: National Pumpkin Day
Refer to 'National Pumpkin Month' above.
27th: National Breadstick Day
28th: National Chocolate Day
29th: National Oatmeal Day
30th: National Candy Corn Day
Julius's Candy Corn by Kevin Henkes
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“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.”
A quote from Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor and philosopher who lived from 121 AD to 180 AD yet the sentiment still applies today. Let’s do our best to keep our thoughts positive as we go through these challenging times and teach our children to favor others with kindness and respect as we are surrounded by the beautiful colors of fall.
Happy fall!
-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.
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
As summer winds down and another school year looms in sight, we parents wonder if we have done all we could for our children to prepare them for the year ahead, especially in this time of uncertainty with the question of in-person vs. virtual schooling at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Not to worry. Real life, hands-on experiences enrich a child’s life and help to shape their future, as well as aid in building background knowledge. So, don’t stress and simply enjoy this last month of summer; fill it with outdoor activities and favorite summertime foods as you celebrate days such as National Watermelon Day, National Root Beer Float Day, National Lemonade Day, National S‘mores Day and National Toasted Marshmallow Day. National Farmers Market Week is also celebrated in August and is a wonderful time to continue to support your local farmers and to teach your children about where their food comes from. Search for recipes that utilize fresh produce from your local farmers (or your own garden) and perhaps include a reading of My Dinosaur is Scared of Vegetables by Lily Lexington.
“We would load up the yellow Cutlass Supreme station wagon and pick blackberries during blackberry season or spring onions during spring onion season.
For us, food was a part of the fabric of our day.” Mario Batali
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August
National Peach & Sandwich Month
National Peach Month
National Sandwich Month
1st Full Week: National Farmers Market Week
1st Saturday: National Mustard Day
Nobody Loves Mustard by Jeremy Ross
2nd: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
3rd: National Watermelon Day
4th: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
6th: National Root Beer Float Day
How Is Root Beer Made? by Grace Hansen
8th: National Zucchini Day
Zora's Zucchini by Katherine Pryor
10th: National S'mores Day
18th: National Fajitas Day
While there isn't a book about fajitas specifically (at least that we know of), Jorge Argueta has a delicious series of bilingual books that highlight various Latino foods.
19th: National Honey Bee Day
Bee Books From Usborne Books & More
20th: National Lemonade Day
Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins This title deserves a moment in the spotlight for the way author Emily Jenkins seamlessly weaves a lesson in money values and counting into this story of a brother and sister setting up a lemonade stand in the middle of winter. A fantastic choice for a fun read aloud, as well as a simple math lesson.
24th: National Waffle Day
Woodpecker Wants a Waffle by Steve Breen
30th: National Toasted Marshmallow Day
31st: National Trail Mix Day
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“Summer is leaving silently.
Much like a traveler approaching the end of an amazing journey.” Darnell Lamont Walker
Happy reading and cooking!
-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 4) for Kate, and two sons (now 2 and 8 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. 
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
The start of summer is the time to think about planting your garden and with June being National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable month, why not try out some new fruits and vegetables offered in your area? Before planting your garden, read The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss and for the little ones consider reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle or Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert. National Dairy Month has been celebrated since 1939 and with all the health benefits of consuming dairy, be sure to include it in your baking and cooking. Support your local dairy farm during these trying times with a visit and for a fun read, include The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson. Spend the day outdoors with dad on Father‘s Day complete with cheeseburgers, grilled vegetables, strawberry shortcake and a book.
June is also generally the month when children are released from school to begin enjoying the pleasures of summer but unfortunately, June 2020 has been thrown into a bit of turmoil. Not to worry. Summer is an excellent time for natural learning from gardening, to exploring on nature walks to visiting farms, zoos and aquariums to canning, cooking and baking. All of these activities incorporate reading, math and science naturally and the experiences build background knowledge. Be sure to include plenty of fiction and nonfiction books for children to explore on their own and for read alouds
June
National Candy, Dairy, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Iced Tea & Mango Month
National Dairy Month
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month
National Mango Month
National Iced Tea Month
Sit back on a blanket out in nature, sip a glass of iced tea and share your favorite storybook.
2nd: National Donut Day
First Full Week: National Garden Week
For additional titles, take a look at our previous blog: Why get kids in the garden?.
11th: National Corn on the Cob Day
Bob & Rob & Corn on the Cob by Todd McQueen
13th: National Weed Your Garden Day
Weeds Find a Way by Cindy Jenson-Elliott
14th: National Strawberry Shortcake Day
Cook-A-Doodle-Doo! by Janet Stevens
21st: Father's Day
Research shows that boys are increasingly viewing reading as something for girls, which tends to result in lower reading scores. The best way to combat this attitude is for children to see the males in their life read. This Father’s Day, have dad or grandpa share their favorite story from childhood.
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 4) for Kate, and two sons (now 1 and a newborn) 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.
We have found that often it’s easier to choose an author and take a trip through their characters, books and/or series. Educators call this an author study and if you Google the author’s name and “author study” you will get a plethora of activities to engage your child in from Scholastic to teachers to individual blogs. With this in mind, we have chosen to browse through the books of Mo Willems.
You may not recognize the name Mo Willems, but if you have kids, you’ve most likely heard of Elephant and Piggie and their adventures as well as Knuffle Bunny and Pigeon, who you shouldn’t let drive the bus. Willems’ books are fun, offer lessons and lend themselves well to discussions and extended activities.
If you don’t have any of Willems’s books, many are available to be heard as a read aloud on YouTube. Book activities can be found on Pigeon Presents as well as information and ideas for parents on the books, the characters and how best to utilize the activities. You can also have your child join Willems on his Lunch Doodles for more fun and creative activities.
Introduce your child to Willems’s characters through:
In addition to Mo Willems’s books, author/illustrators have teamed up with Willems to offer the ELEPHANT & PIGGIE LIKE READING! early-reader series, where Elephant & Piggie introduce kids to the books they like to read. These books feature original stories and all new characters along with Elephant & Piggie story bumpers from Willems. Though recommended for grades 1-3, my four-year-old daughter enjoys these books, especially The Cookie Fiasco.
Happy reading and crafting!
-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 4) for Kate, and two sons (now 1 and a newborn) 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. |
AuthorWe 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. Archives
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