- 0
The Power of Un by Nancy Etchemendy Book Summary and Review
Nancy Etchemendy writes a compelling drama about the power of sibling love that is realized only in the face of deep tragedy. Only Gib is given an amazing gift--the ability to set straight his youthful failure to take...
- 8
Brain Tumor: What to Expect During an Acoustic Neuroma Surgery
After being diagnosed with an unusually large acoustic neuroma, a brain tumor on the auditory nerve, my husband was scheduled for a 14-hour surgery to remove the tumor. This is part three of a series.
- 2
Understanding the Diagnosis: Our Acoustic Neuroma Story (part 2)
While waiting to have a life-changing surgery to remove a benign brain tumor called an acoustic neuroma, we needed answers about my husband's condition. This hub is an account of our personal experience during the...
- 11
Brain Tumor: Diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma (part 1)
Our world was turned upside down when my husband learned that his MRI showed he had a golf-ball sized brain tumor behind his left ear, resting on his brain stem. This brain tumor, commonly known as an acoustic neuroma,...
- 2
Best Picture Books about Fathers for Father's Day
Books about dear old dad are a staple for a Father's Day-themed library storytime or preschool circle time. This selection includes humorous, endearing, and even sentimental titles but they all celebrate fatherhood.
- 6
Preschool Books About Art and Artists
This themed list of children's books includes books that thematically cover appreciation for art and the creative process of making art. A few of the books in this list are examples of fine-art quality illustration.
- 4
Preschool Books: Mothers and Mother's Day Theme
My selection of children's picture books about mothers and Mother's Day. Plenty of hugs and kisses in these selections!
- 5
Children's Books for April Fool's Day for Preschool, Storytime, or Anytime
Are you looking for children's picture books to read to preschoolers on April Fool's Day? This selection features tricksters, practical jokes, and general zaniness for fun and laughter.
- 2
Best Children's Picture Books About Trees for Arbor Day and Earth Day
Arbor Day and Earth Day are two holidays in April with a focus on trees, conservation, and caring for the Earth. This list of recommended fiction and nonfiction children's picture books will help supplement your library...
- 0
Children's Books About Frogs for Preschool, Storytime, or Anytime
Come investigate one of the small wonders of science in this children's picture book list including recommendations with summaries and book cover images. This article includes some delightful fantasy fiction, fairy...
- 4
Children's Picture Books About Baking, Gingerbread and Cookies
During the winter season, a favorite traditional activity is making and eating gingerbread. Why don't you use these gingerbread-themed children's picture books to launch off a special holiday storytime with some cookie...
- 2
Veronica on Petunia's Farm by Roger Duvoisin Children's Book
Veronica on Petunia's Farm is an unusual farmyard tale that features the usual farm animals, and a sweet, friendly hippo named Veronica. Use this book in your bullying prevention curriculum.
- 7
Children's Books About Bullying and Bullies
These featured children's books can be used in a classroom lesson on bullying prevention or to introduce the topic and have a discussion about what to do when you are bullied.
- 7
Fisher Price Imaginext Sky Racers Airplane Toy Review
Fisher Price Imaginext Sky Racers toys are an durable, well-designed, and don't forget imagination-provoking toy that won't bust the budget. In this review I share my experience purchasing this toy.
- 6
Patchwork History Quilt Tells Family Stories
Heirloom family history quilts are part of my family's tradition. Some suggestions for you to get started on a family history quilt and some show and tell from my family's collection.
- 4
Preschool Books: Spider Theme
This collection of spider-themed children's books for preschoolers includes fiction and nonfiction titles to help parents, teachers, or storytime presenters in lesson prep or just to find some enjoyable reading...
- 4
Preschool Books: Monster Theme
During Halloween season or anytime, this list of recommended children's picture books featuring monsters will be fun and maybe just a little bit scary? for the preschool and early-elementary aged-readers in your life.
- 3
Preschool Books About Fire Safety and Prevention
Fire prevention and safety is one of the most important topics you can teach preschool-aged children. These appealing children's picture books can help you prepare a preschool lesson or a storytime presentation for your...
- 0
The Best Halloween Kids Books for Preschool and Early Elementary
Halloween-themed children's picture books can help preschoolers prepare for the spooky side of Halloween with plenty of humor. Books about ghosts, witches, bats, kids in costume, and facing fears make up this reading...
- 1
Pumpkin-Themed Preschool Books With Activity Ideas
Pumpkin-themed reading list for your preschool circle time, library storytime, or anytime! Reading lists include pumpkin-themed fantasy fiction and realistic fiction, including a few titles that are also Halloween...
- 2
The Ladybug Game: Preschool Board Game Review
The Ladybug Game by Zobmondo is an excellent choice for preschool girls and boys. The game is easy and fun, and even educational. This is my favorite birthday gift to keep in stock for preschoolers.
- 1
Best Songs and Music for Library Storytime Programs
Looking for the perfect songs to include in a preschool story hour or circle time? These fun, educational songs are readily available and pair well with reading children's books in an educational setting. Read on for...
- 6
Important Accessories You Need for A New Or Used Clarinet
A beginning clarinet student needs the right accessories to have a successful experience. Here's what you'll need to keep your new or gently used clarinet in tip-top shape.
- 10
Employee Benefits in Your Total Compensation Package: What You Need to Know
Benefits and incentives offered by an employer can have a significant impact on an employee's overall earnings and financial goals, including 401K, group health coverage, life insurance, stock awards, moving benefits,...
- 6
Investing and Kids: Kid-Friendly Companies to Study in a Mock Stock Market Portfolio
Teaching kids about the stock market can be enjoyable and relevant when you follow kid-friendly companies that sell well-known consumer goods and products during a stock market simulation experiment.
- 20
31 Funniest White Elephant Gift Ideas Ever
31 humorous, wacky, surprising, and just plain silly gift ideas to bring to your next white elephant gift exchange.
- 18
Car Games for a Family Road Trip: Maps, License Plates, and Greek Pantheon
Tired of singing 99 bottles of milk on the wall? These travel games will help your family pass the time during your next family road trip. And some of these games are actually educational and silly.
- 6
The Greatest Gift: A Christmas Picture Book for All Ages
Jewel-toned illustrations make this children's picture book adaptation of Henry Van Dyke's story a good selection for Christmas reading.
- 18
English Dialects: How They Know You're Not a Local
English usage may seem like a dry topic but it not only identifies the locals from tourists, it sometimes catches criminals!
- 3
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Review
This award-winning work of fiction is written in a haunting free-verse style that will capture your heart. The story of Billy Jo Kelby, a depression-era teen whose tragic experience in the dust bowl gives way to hope...
- 20
Best Children's Picture Books for Christmas: A Comprehensive List With Reviews
Several years ago I wanted to establish some memorable Christmas traditions with my young and growing family. My collection of Christmas-themed children's picture books grew out of a desire to keep the spirit of...
- 4
The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires: Southwest Inspired Gingerbread Man Story
Janet Squires and Holly Berry put a bit of southwest spice into the traditional story of the gingerbread man. Their southwestern take will spice up preschool and story time reading.
- 6
STEM Education for the Very Young: It's Pumpkin Time by Zoe Hall Children's Book Review and Activities
It's Pumpkin Time! and everything that goes with it, from growing in the garden to harvest celebrations, and even a little bit of Halloween. Read this book as part of an October story hour or preschool circle time, then...
- 11
Children's Books About Quilts and Quilting
Children's picture books featuring quilts capture the essence of home, heritage, family, and community. There is nothing quite like the heart-warming story featuring a quilter who lovingly passes the tradition to a...
- 17
13 Money Saving Tips for Buying Baby Clothes and Gear on a Budget
You can find inexpensive newborn baby clothing on a tight budget if you know where to look. Here are thirteen tips and strategies for saving money now on new and used baby stuff, and saving money later when your family...
- 11
An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco Children's Book Review
An Orange For Frankie by Patricia Polacco is a children's Christmas story inspired by Polacco's family history. Read my review and recommended companion stories.
- 14
Job Relocation? House Hunting Ideas for Moving to a New City
The fateful day has finally arrived, and after a search that seemed to take forever, you've got a written, signed, and dated job offer from your new employer. But now you need to plan the move, rent or buy a home, and...
- 6
Ladybug Girl by David Soman and Jacky Davis Children's Book Review
Mimi is Ladybug Girl, and with her favorite ladybug costume and a large dose of curiosity, she explores the world of her back yard when her older brother won't play with her. This book gives us a glimpse of a child on a...
- 17
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams Children's Book Review
A Chair For My Mother by Vera B. Williams A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams is the story of a young girl named Rosa, her hard-working mother, and their grandmother.
- 8
Tinker Toys Jumbo 200 Piece Set: A Fun, Educational Wooden Toy
The new Tinker Toys come with classic wooden shapes and connectors, but add several fun new pieces as well, including wheels and hinges. Your kids don't have to be future engineers to reap their benefits. Buy these...
- 5
The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy Children's Book Review
The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy and Jerry Pinkney is a children's book worth picking up. A 1986 winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award in the illustrtor category, this book has both a charming, realistic...
- 22
Fun Educational Board Games That Teach Kids Math
Playing board games helps to build strong family memories and helps children learn math concepts like counting, sequencing, adding and subtracting, estimation, prediciton, and spatial awareness. Playing board games can...
- 41
Easy Craft Projects to Make From Duct Tape
Making crafts from duct tape/ duck tape is fun, fast, durable and relatively inexpensive. Duct tape wallets, flowers, and purses make great gifts from scouts, teens, or anyone.
- 15
Stocks 101: What is a Dividend Reinvestment Plan or DRIP?
Dividend Reinvestment Programs (or DRIPS) can turn your stock portfolio into a source of passive income, while saving you money on costly trading transaction fees. Slow and steady, DRIPS use the power of compound...
- 15
Children's Picture Books and Storytime Themes for January
This collection of themed reading lists for preschoolers includes children's picture books about New Year's Day and Chinese New Year, Quilts, Bears, and Soup. Use in story time and preschool lesson planning.
- 6
Kids and Money: Skittles Investment Risk Game to Teach Kids Risks Versus Rewards
Looking for a fun way to teach kids or teens about the concept of investment risk? This game teaches the correlation of risk to return using candies such as Skittles in an easy-to-learn dice game.
- 27
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is the ultimate affordable, hands-on resource for parents who want to teach their preschooler how to read. Using 100 lessons, this book teaches phonics, decoding, and...
- 12
Pros and Cons of Laughing Gas: Sedation Dentistry at Its Finest
My daughter's extreme fear of the dentist led us to a pediatric dentist near Phoenix Arizona, where she was treated using sedation dentistry. Learn more about our experience with sedation dentistry and why it was a...
- 21
Choosing a User Name and Profile on HubPages
Welcome to HubPages! If you are new to this wonderful online community of writers, you may want to read these suggestions before you set up your account. When you set up your account, you will need to choose a permanent...
- 14
Fisher Price Little People Nativity Set
The Fisher Price Nativity combines the long-standing popularity of Fisher Price Little People toys with a Christmas nativity. This durable set is made for little hands to hold.
- 27
Collectible Hasbro Littlest Pet Shop LPS Toys
If you know a little girl age six to eleven, chances are she has not only heard about Hasbro's My Littlest Pet Shop figurines, but she may already even be an avid collector. Called LPS by those in the know, these...
- 10
Tutu Halloween Costume Ideas to Make
Here are several tutu costume ideas for Halloween or any costume ball, including not only princess costumes, fairy costumes, and angel costumes, but also a turkey, swan, and a flying pig!
- 40
Laughing Gas and The Dentist: A Horror Story
Getting her to go to the dentist was like pulling teeth. Our family has a way of finding bizarre ways living through the most mundane daily events, if you consider sedation by dental assistants to be mundane.
- 7
The Red Shoes by Gloria Fowler: Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tale With a Modern Twist
The Red Shoes by Gloria Fowler and Sun Yung Yoo is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's lesser-known fairy tale, with exquisitely detailed black and white artwork, an engaging art book for kids.
- 2
Children's Picture Books for December Storytime Themes
These themes and book selections will make your December story hour planning a snap! Themes include snowmen, mittens, playing in the snow, and gingerbread.
- 17
About Art Textiles and the Weavers Who Make Them
I met her at the Arizona home of a wealthy Navajo "rug" dealer. During our conversation I came face to face with my preconceptions and idealizations, and learned a thing or two about the challenges facing Native...
- 11
Best Clarinets for Beginners: What to Look for When Buying a New Or Used Clarinet
This article offers advice for parents of beginning band students to find a great clarinet at the right price. What distinguishes a quality instrument from a beginner piece? Read on to find out.
- 14
Abilene Cooper Texas High School Marching Band Memories
I was one of 460 kids in my West Texas high school marching band. Yep, you read that correctly. 460 kids. At Cooper High School in Abilene Texas, being a band nerd was not only acceptable, but popular.
- 23
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, a Children's Book About Verbal Bullying
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes is a timeless children's picture book about bullying. Chrysanthemum is a cute little mouse with a very big name and an even bigger problem: relentless teasing by the other kindergarten...
- 11
The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell, Christmas Story
The Littlest Angel ISBN 0824955757, by Author Charles Tazewell has been in publication continuously for over 60 years, making it one of the most well-known Christmas stories ever published. First published in 1946, it...
- 7
Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe Using Compact Bosch Mixer
My family has been making homemade pizza for dinner about once a week for about 5 years using our stand mixer. This article details my pizza making technique with tips and tricks and recipes for pizza results even your...
- 6
Christian Children's Books for Christmas: The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
The Crippled Lamb by popular by Max Lucado and Liz Bonham is one children's Christian book about the nativity. This story about a little lamb who feels sad because his birth defect prevents him from joining the flock is...
- 0
Children's Books: Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel Cultural Stereotyping Controversy
Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel is a classic children's book that lends itself to reading aloud in a story time setting. The story about a boy with a very long name is the subject of some controversy. This article...
- 2
Souperchicken by Mary Jane and Herm Auch: A Children's Book that Promotes Reading
Reading saves the day for some unwitting farm animals in this tale about a plucky chicken named Henrietta. Henrietta loved to read, and her reading abilities really do save the day when the chickens' vacation turns into...
- 21
What is a Cowboy? Types of Cowboys
Cowboys come in many different varieties. The working cowboy and the urban cowboy are worlds apart, with many other flavors in between.
- 8
15 Quick Ways To Enjoy The Christmas Season Without Going All Out
This year Christmas just hasn't felt Christmas-sy. Now with just a few days to go, you're feeling a day late and a dollar short. What's a person to do? Read on for 15 quick ways to add some last-minute holiday cheer...
- 13
An Introduction to Collecting Antique Saloon Tokens
An introduction to a fascinating hobby for American Western history enthusiasts or for specialty coin collectors. Saloon tokens, also known as good fors and trade tokens are popularly traded in token collecting and...
- 22
How Much Is a Terabyte?
How much is a terabyte? This article simply explains just how much data you can store on a one-terabyte space including photos, DVDs and Blu-ray movies.
- 7
Arizona Vacations: Montezuma's Well and Verde Valley Petroglyph Site
Montezuma's Well is a Sinagua Indian water source in Arizona's beautiful Verde Valley and is part of the Montezuma's Castle National Monument. You'll want to see the beautiful architectural ruins in this off-the-beaten...
- 18
Jerome Arizona Ruins: Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument is one of several ruins of the Sinaguan Indian culture in North Central Arizona south of the Grand Canyon.
- 19
How to Make Medieval Chain Mail at Home
My husband's hobby is inspired by his love of medieval arms and armor: his quest? To make a hauberk, or chain mail suit, entirely from coat hangers. It is the ultimate in extreme knitting, and a great use for all of...
- 17
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
In The Awakening, author Kate Chopin accomplishes a complex characterization, page-turning plot, and a rich sense of place in just a few hundred pages. Each of these three elements contribute to this delicate portrayal...
- 5
Construction Toys and Building Blocks for Toddlers and Preschoolers
If play is the work of children, construction toys are unparalleled for their play value. You might call them the ultimate educational toy. Construction toys are available for just about every age level too. Read on to...
- 6
Additional Costs When Buying a Bank-Owned Home
Are you about to buy a bank-owned foreclosure property? Learn from our personal experience buying a bank-owned REO home. Here are some additional expenses that can bust your budget or even break the deal.
- 0
Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney Children's Book Review
Author Anna Dewdney injects humor and understanding when Llama Llama throws a giant temper tantrum at the big box store. Read on to find out why I recommend this great children's book.
- 3
The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone Children's Book Review
This traditional telling of the classic gingerbread man fairy tale is a great place to start a themed unit for story time or preschool.
- 5
ImagiNext Spike the UltraDinosaur Toy Review
The designers of the Fisher Price ImagiNext line of toys has pulled out all the stops with Spike the Ultradinosaur, a unique robotic toy designed for preschoolers and their jealous older siblings.
- 4
Using Music Effectively in Your Toddler or Preschool Story Hour
Music is a useful component when working with toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarten students, with proven benefits. This article offers some tips and advice for integrating music and simple preschool-friendly musical...
- 0
Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Preschool Music and Movement Story
Making sound effects during a story hour presentation having children join in to make these sound effects is a wonderful way to get children participating. Here is a sample participatory story you can tell that explains...
- 8
Christmas Inspiration: White Felt Stockings for Everyone
My grandmother has spent over 60 years making personalized, hand-appliqued felt Christmas stockings for others. This is her story, I hope you will find it as inspiring as I do.
- 2
Preschool Lesson Plan for Ezra Jack Keats's The Snowy Day
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a children's picture book about a child's day playing in the snow. This book won the Caldecott Medal in 1963 with its groundbreaking illustrations of Peter's explorations of the snow....
- 8
Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White Summary and Preschool Lesson Ideas
Many Pumpkins by Linda White is a delightful children's picture book that deals with realistic themes in a fairy-tale like fashion. Rebecca Estelle doesn't like pumpkins but some are growing in her garden against her...
- 5
Bosch 400-Watt Compact Mixer Product Review
The Bosch Compact Kitchen Mixer MUM 4420 is a powerful, compact, and versatile stand mixer for small kitchens. I feel it is the best little stand mixer on the market, and it does a lot more than whip and mix.
- 0
The Legacy of Susan B. Anthony and the Women Who Fought for The Right to Vote
Have you voted today? It's Election Day! If you think your vote doesn't matter, read this non-partisan hub and then just do it!
- 9
Friends in the Garden: How an English Gardener Touched My Life
Our English neighbors shared their beautiful garden with us and created a lasting childhood memory. In the summer of 1981, I was nine years old and my world began and ended on Mildenhall Road...
- 11
Planning a Fabulous, Fun, and Inexpensive Birthday Party for Your 2-4 Year Old
The key to a successful birthday party at any child's age is to remember that the goal is to make that child feel special while helping guests to have a good time, too. As simple as this assertion is, making it happen...
- 15
22 Ways to Enjoy Animals When You Can't Keep a Pet
Not everyone can have a pet in their home, but that doesn't mean that you can't spend quality time with animals. Here are 22 fun ways to enjoy pets.
- 19
How to Protect Dogs and Small Pets In the Arizona Desert from Coyotes and Other Predators
Most homeowners who allow their pets to become prey in the Sonoran desert do so unwittingly. The sunbelt states often draw retirees from other areas of the country who are unaware of the predators who prey on small...
- 0
I'd Choose You by John Trent Christian Children's Book Review
I'd Choose You by John Trent, PhD. (Word Publishing, 1994) is a book every parent needs to have for their home library. Its message of love and unconditional acceptance of children is an encouraging reminder to parents...
- 4
Stroller Buying Guide for New Parents
Some common-sense advice for purchasing a baby stroller, either as a gift, or for yourself.
- 0
So Much by Trish Cooke and Helen Oxenbury Children's Book Review
Baby and his favorite family members join him for a day of fun and games as they wait for Daddy's surprise birthday party. This story is an excellent choice for reading aloud.
- 11
Technology Change is Inevitable, Resistance is Futile
Are we headed into a Star Trek-like future? How would you like to be a cyborg? Turns out I am married to one after all.
- 0
Where You Once Belonged by Kent Haruf Review
Where You Once Belonged is the story of a small town prodigal son, whose return to small town Colorado creates an angry furor. Told in a simple prose style, Haruf's narrator reflects on key events that turn a small town...
- 21
Getting Labor Started, Naturally (Kids, Don't Try This At Home)
You may find yourself trying some unconventional methods to help labor along out of a state of desperation. Eating rye bread? Not too scary. Chased by a rottweiler? Maybe you should pass on that one.
- 41
Why We Should Stand When the American Flag Passes By
Standing up and placing a hand on one's heart when Old Glory passes is a tradition that respects America and her possibilities, and honors service men and women. A reflective essay...
- 13
Censorship: A Parent's Thoughts on The Golden Compass and Other Banned Books
What is the balance between censorship and family standards? Should we encourage children to read books that don't agree with our views on religion, politics, ethics, or public policy? Where does a parent's role begin...
- 12
Painters of the American West: O'Keeffe, Dixon, Couse, Fechin, and Farney
5 Western Artists, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Maynard Dixon, Nicholai Fechin, Henry Farny, and Eanger Couse are featured in this hub which includes sample artwork and a short bio of each artist. Come browse the...
- 31
Famous American Western Artists: Remington, Russell, Catlin, Bierstadt, and Moran
Art of the American West has become an increasingly popular genre during the last century. Here I discuss a selection of some of the most well-known artists of the 19th century American frontier.
- 29
Wickenburg Arizona Vacation: Cowboys, Cactus, Gold Mines and Western Art
Come spend part of your Arizona vacation in Wickenburg, Arizona, showplace of the American West. This town has so much to offer. Cowboys, gold and silver miners, ranchers, Indians, dude ranchers, and normal people like...
- 48
Turn a Breech Baby Naturally (Moms, Don't Try This at Home)
What does a heated cigar, a bag of freezer-burned vegetables, and diving in a pool of water have in common? Turning a breech baby naturally, without medical intervention. This is a humor piece, not medical advice.
- 38
Till We Have Faces a Myth Retold by C.S. Lewis Review and Summary
To those familiar with the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis' novel Till We Have Faces A Myth Retold may come as a pleasant or even shocking surprise. This novel written for adults explores the dark side of love and...
- 20
A Day in the Life - Sonoran Desert Small Town Living
Life in the Sonoran Desert is ruled by the weather. See what a day is like for a young mom in the hot summer temperatures of Arizona.
- 15
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle Children's Book Review and Preschool Lesson Plan
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle first published in 1977 is a children's book classic. It's visual appeal and themes of telling time, bullying, and comparing sizes will entertain preschool and elementary age audiences....
- 14
Where the Wild Things Are Review and Preschool Lesson Ideas
Where the Wild Things Are, starring Max, the most wild thing of all, won the Caldecott medal in 1964 and is one of the best-loved children's picture books of all time. My in-depth review includes a sample lesson for...
- 2
Gregory the Terrible Eater Book Review
Gregory the Terrible Eater, by Mitchell Sharmat, teaches principles of good nutrition in a humorous way. This article contains a review of the book and related activities for kids.
- 8
Snowballs by Lois Ehlert: A Children's Book Review With Preschool Lesson Plan
Snowballs by Lois Ehlert is a whimsical children's picture book containing a family of collage-art snowmen. Use the ideas in this article to augment your preschool curriculum.
- 10
The King With Six Friends by Jay Williams Children's Book Review
The King With Six Friends, By Jay Williams 1968, Parents Magazine Press, an engaging fairy tale adventure of the out-of-work King Zar and the six friends he meets along the way, who help Zar find work as a king once...
- 6
Devil's Elbow and Heceta Head Lighthouse: Oregon Coast PCH Vacation Destination
Devil's Elbow is a public beach north of Florence, Oregon on the Pacific Coast Highway. This a MUST stop on any Pacific Coast Highway vacation with a stay over in Newport, Florence or Yachats. With scenery, tranquility,...
- 6
Best Northern California Beach Campgrounds: Patrick's Point State Park Review
Nestled amid the temperate rain forest of Northern California on a triangular-shaped peninsula that juts into the ocean is Patrick's Point. This gorgeous California state park is a frugal, fun vacation destination.
- 3
California Road Trip: Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood National Park
Ladybird Johnson Grove is a great-one stop destination on your family's road trip through the old growth redwood region of northern Califonia. Near Orick, Lady Bird Johnson Grove showcases massive three hundred-foot...
- 12
Investing and Kids: What Do Stock Simulations Teach Kids About the Stock Market?
Teaching children about the stock market is an effective way to put math, logic, analytical, and reasoning skills to use. However, many kids aren't introduced to the concepts that help people make smart investment...
- 15
How to Play Canasta: Rules of the Game, Scoring, and Terminology
You'll learn how to play canasta, a fun, fast-paced tournament-style card game with easy-to-master rules. Use the photos and tables in this article to quickly understand the differences between clean and dirty canastas,...
- 10
Is it a Good Idea to Refinance to a 15-Year Mortgage?
Is a 15-year mortgage ever a good idea? This article explains how this financial move can help you build equity faster and pay off your home early.
- 6
How to Get a Rattlesnake Out of Your Car's Engine
Real live encounters with snakes--slithering vertebrates of the herpetological sort.
- 3
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes Children's Book Review
Lilly adores her teacher, Mr. Slinger, but when her new purple purse becomes a distraction in class, drama ensues. A wonderful addition to the Kevin Henkes collection of situational fiction stories.
- 12
How to Start A Home School Preschool Co-op
Starting a cooperative-style preschool for kids by parents is easy if you start with a plan. Here are some suggestions based on my experience participating in a Joy School-type preschool.
- 1
Monster in the Basement Book: Harry and The Terrible Whatzit
In this classic tale by Dick Gackenbach, Harry finds a two-headed monster who feeds on fear down in the basement. But is this book about standing up to a bully a good choice for story hour?
- 9
Children's Book Review and Lesson Plan for Ian Falconer's Olivia
She is a fashion designer, dancer, architect, artist, and big sister, and she's quite precocious. Olivia by Ian Falconer is a must-have for your children's book collection.
- 3
Hilda Must Be Dancing by Karma Wilson Children's Book Review and Preschool Lesson Plan
Hilda Must Be Dancing, by Karma Wilson and Suzanne Watts combines pleasing rhyming text full of onomatopoeia, an interesting problem-solution storyline, and gorgeous eye-popping illustrations. The friendly characters...
- 7
No, David! by David Shannon Review and Preschool Lesson Plan
No, David! is the first in a series of children's picture books starring the author's delightfully naughty alter ego. Included with the article is a sample preschool lesson for an informal preschool or library story...
- 7
Children's Literature: 32 Best Read Aloud Picture Books That Keep Children's Interest
I used this list of engaging read-aloud children's picture books as a story time presenter at my local library. The recommended children's picture books are selected because they will keep most children's attention.
- 2
How to Find Topical Children's Books for Homeschool Lessons and Preschool Story Time
Are you looking for children's books to read aloud at home, in the home school or preschool classroom, or at a library story hour? Here is a comprehensive list of "old school" and online resources for finding just the...
- 3
Preschool Library Storytime Ideas for Presenters
Here is the basic formula I use for our library's story hour. I use books, music, movement, and transitions to create the sense of routine that young children crave.
- 22
Practical Tips for Starting a Preschool Story Time Program at Your Library
Some practical tips for organizing a children's story time program including finding a host organization, planning a calendar, and other common-sense logistical considerations.
- 3
The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza by Philemon Sturges Children's Book Review
The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza by Philemon Sturges and Amy Walrod is a modernized retelling of the classic Little Red Hen folktale. This children's picture book takes Little Red Hen off the farm and into the city with...
- 4
Estate Planning: 8 Reasons You Need To Stop Putting Off Doing Your Will Or Living Trust
Over half of American adults don't have a will or living trust. Other sources list this number as high as 70%. This article lists eight reasons why you need to stop procrastinating the estate planning process, and get a...
91
When I was in college, I told a friend that I dreamed of living in the Sonoran Desert. This dream was realized from 2001-2010 when my husband and I moved to Wickenburg, Arizona, known as the Dude Ranch Capital of the World. Read about some of our adventures in my travel and lifestyle articles about the Desert Southwest. When children came along, the adventures included a good measure of comedy. I've shared these as well.
Home is always where you are planted, and we are now blooming in Eastern Iowa. I've fallen in love with the good people of the Land of Tractors and the stunning views of the mighty Mississippi River are powerful in winter and summer. There's something rich and inviting about the turned black earth that used to be prairie, and in spite of family challenges that include a brain tumor, life is still beautiful.
I hope you will enjoy sharing my passion for the American West and children's literature. When I lived in Arizona I volunteered as a library storytime presenter and my over 50 hubs about children's books include reviews, lesson plans, and themed lists. I hope you will enjoy exploring children's lit and love reading as much as my family and I do.
My western hubs are eclectic, and range from collecting antique saloon tokens, types of cowboys, western art, literature of the American West, and a Day in the Life Sonoran Desert. If you are thinking of retiring to the desert Southwest, you may want to read about protecting your small pets from the wildlife that abounds there. If you are headed out to Arizona, please view some of my travel recommendations.
Finally, when life throws you lemons, you learn to make lemonade. I've learned a lot over the years about personal finance and have several articles to share with my internet friends who are trying to squeeze blood from the proverbial turnip. Check out my articles on investing, paying off a home mortgage early, throwing a fun and frugal birthday party, buying baby clothes on the cheap, and looking for the best benefits from your new job.