Tag Archives: Nature

Miss Rumphius: A Classic for Earth Day

Posted on April 22, 2019 by lindseymcd

In honor of Earth Day, I’m sharing Miss Rumphius, a picture book beloved by many—both adults and children. Often called “the lupine lady,” it was written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney who illustrated many books for children.   The long … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews for Ages 3-6, Book Reviews for Ages 6-9 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Nature’s Friend: The story behind the story

Posted on December 16, 2018 by lindseymcd

At the age of 60, after seven years of writing, and at least 20 drafts of the story, my first picture book was published this summer—Nature’s Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story. (Sleeping Bear Press; Ages 5-9.) I find it fitting … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Book Reviews for Ages 6-9, Interviews, Late Bloomers, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Jo MacDonald Hiked in the Woods

Posted on March 22, 2018 by lindseymcd

By Mary Quattlebaum; illustrated by Laura J. Bryant (Dawn Publications 2013;     ages 1-4) Dawn Publications has been “Connecting Children and Nature since 1979” and the Jo MacDonald series of picture books definitely fits that mission. Far fewer children grow … Continue reading →

Posted in Activities and Resources, Book Reviews for Ages 0-3, Book Reviews for Ages 3-6 | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Jo MacDonald Hiked in the Woods

5 Picture Book Biographies Highlight Older Role Models

Posted on May 26, 2017 by lindseymcd

Picture book biographies including the third stage of life offer huge benefits to young readers. Kids absorb adventure, perseverance, creativity and joy shown over the course of an evolving life. Unlike the majority of picture books with an older character, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews for Ages 6-9, Especially For Teachers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on 5 Picture Book Biographies Highlight Older Role Models

The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau: An A is for Aging Book Review

Posted on March 18, 2016 by lindseymcd

The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau Written by Michelle Markel & illustrated by Amanda Hall   (Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers, 2012) For ages—5-9 Themes/Topics—Arts, creativity, non-fiction bio, perseverance, resilience Opening— “Henri Rousseau wants to be an artist. Not a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews for Ages 3-6 | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

North Woods Girl

Posted on November 20, 2015 by lindseymcd

By Aimee Bissonette; illustrated by Claudia McGehee Minnesota Historical Society Press 2015. Fiction, ages 3-7   North Woods Girl opens— “My grandma says she’s not a good-looking woman. I don’t know. She looks pretty good to me. She is not … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews for Ages 3-6 | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Bridging Cultures: Sitti’s Secrets and Grandfather Counts

Posted on January 8, 2015 by lindseymcd

Use your “own experiences in everyday surroundings as a bridge to connect with faraway family members,” says author Alayne Kay Christian. Those words of advice from a long distance grandmother in the trenches also holds true for grandparents when they … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Book Reviews for Ages 3-6, Book Reviews for Ages 6-9 | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

6 Picture Book Bios Show the Joy of Long Lives

Posted on November 23, 2014 by lindseymcd

I’m a big fan of picture book biographies, especially since finding six that showcase the arc of a long life well-lived. And when the subject labors with joy and tenacity at a career that brings them happiness and satisfaction late … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Book Reviews for Ages 3-6, Inspiration and Profiles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa: An A is for Aging Book Review

Posted on October 30, 2014 by lindseymcd

                    When I imagine grandparent-hood, I think of the sweetness of regular interactions with a young child dear to my heart. But in reality, like the granddaughter and grandparents in Butterfly … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Book Reviews for Ages 3-6, Book Reviews for Ages 6-9 | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Older Adults as Elder Activists

Posted on November 1, 2013 by lindseymcd

Occasionally we actually see media coverage of elder activists. I say occasionally, not because older adults so rarely act for the greater good, but because the topics the media seem to prefer are often much less flattering to older people. … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration and Profiles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments