Did you know that a child’s vocabulary at age 3 predicts their reading development achievement in 3rd grade?

Similarly, when children struggle to read in 4th grade, they are four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Rebecca Gardyn Levington is a children’s book author, poet and journalist with a particular penchant for penning both playful and poignant picture books and poems – primarily in rhyme. Rebecca’s award-winning poems and articles have appeared in numerous anthologies, newspapers and magazines. Her new picture book, Whatever Comes Tomorrow is about learning how to deal with worries, no matter what tomorrow brings, and is based on her own struggle with anxiety.

Celebrate kindness in all its forms!

These top ten titles inspire children to be kind to themselves, to others and to our planet.

This empathy-building activity is from the Global Kids activity deck, written by Homa Sabet Tavangar and illustrated by Sophie Fatus.

Ubuntu is an important idea in South Africa. The word comes from the Zulu language and refers to the bond that connects all people.

It is often translated as, “I am because we are.” The practice of Ubuntu means caring about the needs of others by being kind, helpful and generous. Ubuntu reminds us that we are all connected!

Sheetal Sheth is an award-winning actress, author, producer and activist. She focuses on traditionally marginalized communities in all of her work and is a fierce advocate for thoughtful representation. Her picture book Making Happy is based on her experience battling cancer as the parent of young children. We asked her to share the true story behind this hopeful and heartwarming book.

After two long years, we were finally able to gather with our Community Booksellers for the 2022 Barefoot Retreat!

We had a lot of fun, and we were so grateful to connect with this community in-person again. The weekend was full of engaging activities and sessions, meaningful discussions and lots of community connection. Keep reading to see some of the highlights!

Below is a blog post created from a submission sent in by Stephanie Conrad, a Montessori Teacher and Summer Program Director from Pennsylvania who created a book festival at her school based on The Book Tree, written by Paul Czajak and illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh.