books – The Next Kid Thing

Read Across America Day: Tips for Reading with Kids

March 2, 2016March 2, 2016 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Happy Read Across America Day and Dr. Suess Day! Today marks what would have been Dr. Suess’ 112th birthday.

In honor of his birthday, many families, schools and libraries across the nation are celebrating by reading, and doing lots of it. In fact, in a few, I’m off to the kids’ school to read to the kids’ class.

There’s so many wonderful ways to engage with kids to help them develop a love for reading, books and literature. Here are just a few helpful tips that have help me and my guys along the way.

1. Let them see you read

Kids model behavior, whether it’s good or bad. If they see you reading, even if it’s a few minutes a day, this model behavior will undoubtedly provide a foundation for a love of reading. Because I have a print background, I still love magazines and newspapers. Admittedly, I don’t read the physical paper as much as I’d like, but I read the New York Times daily and various magazines. We’ve become a society that thrives on fragmented, viral news. Why not help the kids embrace a well-crafted story in kids’ magazine of their choice. J’s learning the basics of writing and we’re big on pointing out descriptive words in feature stories. Ranger Rick and Sports Illustrated for Kids are popular picks for my guys.

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2. Read together

I know a lot of families who love reading together. After a long day of school and work, it’s often the only way that some kids get to bond with parents on weekdays, before starting the cycle again. Our board books are tattered from all the love they’ve received, but man, are those always the best books! If your kids are older, pick a few chapter series that get them excited and take turns reading aloud every night. The Magic Tree House series is my older guy’s favorite series right now. Next up is the Harry Potter series!

3. Enjoy the Library

One of our absolute favorite weekly dates is our trip to the library. I feel as though we’re on a first name basis with librarians these days, not just because of our hyperlocal site, but also because the library is our happy place.

With Little’s significant speech delay, he’s in therapy 5 days a week. He gets to play a lot at school, but there’s still so much structure in his rigorous special ed preschool schedule. Weekly story time at the library is a way for us to engage with other young readers. Our librarians are so enthusiastic and encourage imagination with their varied stories and fun crafts.

4. There’s an app for that!

If you know me, then you must know that I love technology and the way it helps make our lives as parents easier. While I will always choose a physical book or magazine first, apps for reading are an excellent way to encourage reading. With intuitive reading apps such as ABC Mouse, Speakaboos and MeeGenius, my preschooler is able to enjoy books at his pace, and in a fun kid-friendly format. For my 8 year old, we’ve been using the Kids’ Kindle Fire and enjoying books on the Amazon platform. With the Kindle Fire, it’s helpful when my son needs to look up words or wants to search for a new title. His classroom uses an app called Raz-Kids, which is an interesting app that tracks activity and encourages comprehension and reading aloud.

However you choose to read with your kids, make it fun!

Summer Reading Fun with PBS Kids

August 5, 2015 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Like so many of you, our summer has been an endless list of outdoor fun. Between summer sports and fun at the lake, we’ve rarely had time to sit in and veg in front of the tv. Before we start our day, however, I tend to do some work and let Biggie enjoy some unstructured play and reading time. Before any screen time, he has to read or create something for at least 30 minutes. So far, we’ve read a Ronald Dahl book and worked on the latest Wimpy Kid book.

Our friends at PBS Kids are always encouraging educational fun. In fact, for this summer’s reading initiative, they sent us a kit to have a little reading party with friends. Since we’re all about integrating reading in our day, we happily obliged, and had some friends over for a dessert reading party!

In addition to our desserts, we all hung out and shared our love of books. The older kids had fun reading to the younger kids and the younger kids loved telling fun stories to the older kids. We chatted about what makes reading so fun, and also what kinds of books catch our eyes.

In honor of the reading party, PBS Kids sent us fun goodies to share with our guests. We loved sharing bookmarks, reading charts, badges, booklets, and yes, even books! Harper Collins sent over a selection of I Can Read books, which were perfect for my soon-to-be 2nd grader and our young reading friends. I loved that so many favorite books were included, such as Fancy Nancy and Amelia Bedelia!

Beyond the party, our friends have been loving keeping track of their reading time and sharing what books they’ve loved. We’re well on our way to finishing our new I Can Read favorites and reading aloud to little bro!

A big thank you to PBS Kids for sending us supplies to host our Summer Reading Party. We loved sharing the reading fun with our friends! For more information about PBS Reading programs, be sure to check them out online.

Full disclosure: As a PBS Kids VIP, I was sent supplies to host a summer reading party. As always, all opinions on NKT are our own.

Review: Disney Boys’ Book of Fun and Boy Stuff-Paper Planes

August 15, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

In between road trips and time at the beach, we’ve been reading quite a bit this summer. My soon-to-be first grader absolutely enjoys reading everything in sight, so it’s been quite fitting to be a part of Parragon’s Book Buddies program.

Last month’s Book Buddy titles included Disney Boys’ Book of Fun and Boy Stuff- Paper Planes. Both books were perfect for my six year old to bring along on our road trip to Va to my high school reunion. The books kept him entertained for most of the seven hour trip. He loved flipping through the different planes and learning how to perfect his craft.

Disney Boys’ Book of Fun is a beautiful hardcover book filled with colorful pages of beloved boy-centric characters. From Mickey and pals to Lightning McQueen to Buzz, this deluxe activity book is geared to boys who appreciate reading, doing mazes, drawing and doing puzzles.

Each page is a different activity that keeps kids engaged and unplugged. My son, who has recently discovered the joy of comic books, loves the different comic-style pages included in the book. I love how comics teach kids the importance of story sequence, something that’s of importance for young, eager readers. Another feature that I absolutely loved is the different games that can be played just like a board game. Again, so perfect for traveling or simply unplugging at home.

Boy Stuff-Paper Planes is yet another relevant title for my young reader. This book helps kids to make cool paper airplanes with simplified templates. This kit includes a book with instructions on how to fold 25 different airplanes, a pad of pre-printed templates and a variety of stickers to decorate the planes. The planes range from standard rockets to Birds of Prey to Robots—you name it, this book covers it. My son loved how practically everything is included for handcrafting a fleet of super cool paper planes. The only thing we were missing were scissors for several of the templates. This kit is absolutely perfect for any kit who appreciates the art of making and flying paper planes.

Full disclosure: These books were provided to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own. Affiliate links are included above.

Parragon Books Makes Summer Reading Fun

July 22, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It’s an exciting time in our house these days. Not only are we having fun being outdoors all day, but we’re enjoying our downtime with reading. My older son is reading fluently now, in time for First Grade in a few weeks. He’s at that cool/funny phase where he’s spelling everything—his answers to questions, all the signs he reads and even the things he’s thinking about out loud. It’s both hilarious and borderline a-n-n-o-y-i-n-g.

Just in time for this special time of further cultivating my book lovers, we were asked to join a fun program with Parragon Books. Parragon Books has a cool Book Buddies program where a select group of bloggers read and review their titles.

For June, we had a great time checking out Stickersaurus and Discovery Kids 1000 Strange but True Animal Facts.

Stickersaurus is a quirky novelty book that has hundreds of dinosaur stickers and pullout pages. With the stickers and word bubbles, it has a comic book feel. I especially love the thick pages, which makes the application and re-application of stickers easy and fun. Stickersaurus not only encourages imagination and creativity, but it reinforces story creation and story sequence. It’s ideal for ages five and up.

Discovery Kids 1000 Strange but True Animal Facts is perfect for curious animal lovers. As a kid, I loved books with lists and fragmented thoughts, so books like these would keep me occupied for hours. I love how the book is full of education and eye-catching lists. Most of the facts are weird facts that I never knew, but ones the big kid and I enjoyed poring over on a rainy day.

We loved checking out these great books and can’t wait to read even more fun titles from Parragon!

Oscar Buzz: The Wizard of Oz Tribute + First Look at Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return

March 2, 2014March 2, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

At the Oscars tonight, The Wizard of Oz will be honored by Judy Garland’s three children: Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft and Joey Luft. It’s been 75 years since the classic made its debut, and it’s time for a new generation to be introduced to Dorothy’s picturesque adventure down the yellow brick road.

Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz trailer

Perfect timing for new movie buzz, as the trailer for Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return is set to debut during the Oscars. The all-star cast to this classic story with the twist includes Lea Michele, Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Kelsey Grammar, Patrick Stewart, Bernadette Peters, Martin Short, Oliver Platt, Hugh Dancy and Megan Hilty.

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In addition to planned Oz themed TV shows, films and Oscar tribute, Roger Stanton Baum’s (L. Frank Baum’s great-grandson) books are the inspiration for this new 3D-animated musical Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return, which is set to release on May 9, 2014.

The trailer can be viewed here.

And with a new movie, that must mean new toys!

While at Toy Fair, I actually first heard about Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return while touring the Bandai booth. The pr rep breezed through this part of the tour; however, it was truly one of the most interesting toys they were showcasing. From the toys, especially the dolls, you can really get a feel for Dorothy’s Return. Dorothy’s crew looks more modern, more vibrant and will, no doubt, be more commercial. As much as I love Wizard of Oz, the thought of this new animated feature is starting to growing on me.

Christmas books and instilling family traditions

December 24, 2013 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Christmas brings with it a myriad of traditions and nostalgia. Perhaps my favorite traditions are reading Christmas-themed stories with my brothers and fully divulging into the Christmas spirit through festive stories.

I’ve tried to instill this fabulous tradition with my boys by reading stories with them throughout the season. I recently received two new books that are worthy of adding to our library and Christmas tradition. The Magic Christmas Key and My Snowman and Me, both from Pine Tree Publishing embody the beauty of the season and all that I hope to share with my kids.

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The Magic Christmas Key by Leeann Smith is about Andy’s adventures with a magic key, which his grandfather gave to him for safekeeping. With this key, Andy learns about Christmas and Santa and the magic of believe firsthand. In the story, the key finds its way into the wrong hands, but with his bravery and courage, Andy’s adventures lead him to the big guy in red himself.

This is a beautiful and well-written book that keeps kids engaged in the Christmas spirit. For younger kids, it’s a special book that can be read over a course of a few days. And for older kids and families, it’s well worth sitting and reading together. The beautiful metal key that comes in the book set is a fun tactile extension of the book that kept my kids intrigued. There’s so much beauty and mystery with a beautiful Christmas key, and one worth sharing.

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My Snowman and Me by Leeann Smith also comes in a fun gift set, complete with a stuffed and detachable snowman. This story is an easy read, and totally appropriate for that first snowfall, or if you’re lucky, a white Christmas. This is such a cute, fun read that teaches kids the magic of building a snowman, and that despite him going away because of warmer weather, the snowman will always be back when it snows. The end of the book has a great way to engage kids even further and to capture memories for days to come.

Quick Review: Vordak the Incomprehensible

April 4, 2011April 4, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

One new book that I’m currently loving is Vordak the Incomprehensible: How to Grow Up and Rule the World. Geared to tween-aged boys, Vordak hilariously highlights the most important How-Tos on becoming a supreme Supervillain.

In this 197-page tongue-and-cheek manual, Vordak speaks to his minions on important topics like perfecting the supervillain laugh (MUHAHAHA!), choosing the lair that’s right for you and how to spot your arch-nemesis. Vordak is a funny read with brilliant graphics that channel the same sort of hijinx that one would find in a Phineas and Ferb episode.

Books That Make a Difference

April 4, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

In line for School Librarian Day today, I read a fantastic post over on one of my favorite sites, GeekMom.com. The post features several books that inspired the authors when they were kids.

To understand what our kids are going through as they grow up, it helps to look back at the pivotal books that made a difference during our own formative years.

That post got me thinking: books, the actual physical hard copies, will forever remain an integral part of my life. My personal love for books and everything about the library—my school librarians, included—most definitely made me the person I am today. My appetite to research, read, learn and write all stem back to my life-long love affair with books. It was my grade school librarian who introduced me to the biography and non-fiction stacks in the library; and perhaps, the path that led me to journalism all together.

The Robot Book Reveals What Matters Most

February 9, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Even though I’m in the “Valentine’s Day is everyday” camp, I can’t help but share some favorite goodies that celebrate all things heart-y. While chocolates and candy are yummy treats, I can think of so many other ways to spread the love.

Books, even in the era of iPads, will always remain one of my favorite gift-giving ideas. With a love for robots, gear and gadgets, I think this book is a fun gift idea for our fellow robot fans.

The Robot Book by Heather Brown, a thoughtful and multi-faceted book about a robot, gets into the nuts and bolts of what matters most. From page to page, the interactive book features working and moving gears, cogs, nuts, and bolts throughout the creative illustrations, leading to what makes robots tick.

All of the interactive components of the book, paired with a straightforward storyline, make The Robot Book a fun read for babies to big kids and robot enthusiasts alike.

Because of the kid’s love for robots, The Robot Book always finds its way into our bedtime storytime list. We love turning the knobs and talking about how each part works together, which usually leads to more silly stories and laughs. It’s a story that engages imagination, thoughtfulness and conveys a message that everyone should take to heart.

Check out the cool trailer after the jump.
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It’s Election Day: Lead by Example

November 2, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It’s Election Day, and the world around us is abuzz about how important it is to vote in the Midterm Elections. Politics and elections can be a trivial time for some adults, nevermind explaining the significance of it all to smaller kids. But, perhaps, the best way to teach kids about the importance of voting and being heard is by leading by example.

Judging by all the activity on Facebook and Foursquare, it sounds like many of you have already done your civic duty. Hooray!

Looking for a learning resource to engage the kids in the election? Scholastic has a variety of non-fiction books that overview the voting process. Skimming over the content, I think Let’s Vote on It! by Janice Behrens is a great primer for preschoolers and younger grade schoolers to learn more about the voting process.

The book introduces terms that are relevant to elections and voting within the classroom. It also touches up on the topic of how adults vote, which is timely for Election Day.

Regardless of when and how you do it, go vote and lead by example!

Check it

I love the way social networks have created a dialogue for civic participation. There’s no ignoring this election if you’re on Twitter, Facebook or read any sort of website. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to show off that you voted on Facebook, grab your I Voted Badge on Foursquare (check in at your polling location and shout #Ivoted) or tweet #Ivoted.