The following is an article sent to the Aitkin, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce office by a Chamber member back in 2011. Please feel free to repost to your blog or newsletter and please forward on to your customers, employees, friends, neighbors, family members as a reminder to buy Buy American….
The Awesomeness of Dorktales Storytime Podcast
Y’all know how much I adore projects that inspire readers and shine the spotlight on extraordinary talent, yes? Well, I’m seriously having a “pinch me” moment that I’m lucky enough to be helping to spread the word about a unique (and free) podcast that targets educators, parents of elementary school…
Cool Kidlit from Emerging Authors: October
In this wild and crazy year known as 2020, I’ve found safe refuge in my many Facebook Groups time and time again. When my FB Feed is filled with politics, mask debates, and general yuckyness, I know I can always find happy humans and exceptional info in a handful of…
I Love Minnesota: What to do when Visiting Grand Marais
{Guest post from Carolyn Wilhelm} Grand Marais, MN… …one of the many exceptional places to visit in the great state of Minnesota. In the past two weeks, we have sighted one Great Gray Owl, 4 Eagles, two hairy woodpeckers, two downy woodpeckers, many black-capped chickadees, several Pileated Woodpeckers, and heard…
3 Picture Books about Grief and Loss that will Comfort
I wish we lived in a world where grandpas and grandmas, moms and dads, brothers and sisters, BFFs and beloved pets DIDN’T die. But we do. Having gentle conversations is a must when it comes to explaining loss to kids. Encouraging them to draw out their feelings is a great…
4 Books for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time to shine the light on the realities of childhood cancer, emphasizing the importance of life-saving research, and join together to make a difference for children diagnosed. The situation is urgent – incidence rates are rising, and cancer remains the leading cause of…
Self-Publishing from The Very, Very Beginning
{Guest post from author and teacher, Carolyn Wilhelm} My name is Carolyn Wilhelm. I am a blogger, curriculum writer, and have self-published my own books. My long-time friend, Becky (also known as Franticmommy) invited me to share my thoughts and info on her site because she gets asks A LOT…
Kidlit Picture Books about Germs, Viruses, and Social Distancing
It seems like yesterday that my kids were little and we were facing the Back-to-School jitters. Now they are big, noisy, teenage eating machines who are enjoying the final years of their schooling journey. I also recall when my mind was filled with sharing picture books with them that calmed…
A Helpful Guide: Teaching Table Manners to Your Young Kids
I distinctly remember all the times (as a child) that my poor mom had to remind me of things like “chew with your mouth shut” or “keep your elbows off the table” during mealtimes. I also distinctly remember thinking that she must have some sort of weird compulsion that made…
Kidlit Picture Books with Messages of PEACE
Classic tales and favorite books are a big part of everyone’s childhood history. We can all pinpoint one or two books from our youth that were perennial favorites and often the ones we requested mom or dad read to us over and over. But I also know that history is…
Nature’s Classroom: Sneaking Science into Your Backyard Adventure
Let’s Get Science-y! It probably comes as no surprise that today’s average child spends far more time indoors than you did as a child. For many kids, screentime, whether it’s on a gaming system, Netflix and Hulu, tablet or smartphone app, might win out over spending time outside. But we…
Nature’s Classroom: Dirt, Critter and Water Activities for Kids
The summer season is upon us, and this fleeting time of year needs to be filled with adventures and sunny fun. After a crazy year of Distance Learning, Homeschooling, and Shelter in Place orders, its time to get outside and dive into Nature’s Classroom. Currently, I live in a neighborhood…
