family – More Bookshelves Please

Apple Cider Days

September 30, 2025 By Maria Have you ever had that feeling when you want to laugh, but are in the middle of drinking? My most memorable apple cider moment from childhood was when my dad made me laugh at breakfast mid sip of a mug of warm apple cider. In spite of the cider comingContinue reading “Apple Cider Days”

Sunshine to Schoolwork

September 8, 2025 By Maria Well, it’s come and found us as we tried to hide in the end of summer fun; back to school time is here. It found us at last. Since school is starting and there is no more escaping it, I decided to read some school themed picture books to myContinue reading “Sunshine to Schoolwork”

Unique and Resilient

August 9, 2025 By Maria This is a piece I wrote a couple of years ago regarding my middle child. He is now nine years old, not seven, but he still enjoyed these stories when we revisited them recently. I was actually about to return the books to the library, when my son asked meContinue reading “Unique and Resilient “

Planting Seeds of Kindness

July 17, 2025 By Maria Now that summer is here, all three kids are home and unfortunately, they are not getting along as well as we would like. We have had many talks about kindness and treating others as you wished to be treated, and so on. Thankfully, we are starting to see a shiftContinue reading “Planting Seeds of Kindness”

Boxes of Adventure

May 26, 2025 By Maria What is the box? Is it a device for carrying something? Is it a way to transport something through the mail? Is it used for storage? Treasure? Trash? Maybe you think it belongs in the recycling bin. But my question is, what do your kids think a box is? Well,Continue reading “Boxes of Adventure”

Is your Mama a Llama?

May 12, 2025 By Maria Mother’s Day was yesterday, so I figured it’s a good time to write about some of our favorite mother themed picture books. I never have high expectations for Mother’s Day. For me it is still more a day for my mom and grandmas (when they were around). The focus isContinue reading “Is your Mama a Llama?”