Category Living Books

Posts and articles about identifying and using good living books that are full of ideas to help your children learn effectively.

Relating and Rambling

Mom took a deep breath and began to read aloud: I wonder how many of my readers have ever sat upon an ottoman. If you have, you know that it . . . “What’s an ottoman, Mom?” six-year-old Stacy interrupted.…

Twaddle (Part 2)

Thanks to everyone who submitted their definitions of “twaddle” on last week’s post! If you haven’t read the definitions yet, we encourage you to do so soon. One of the reasons we wanted to discuss twaddle was to help us…

Using Living Books Effectively

Today is grocery day at our house. And you can be sure that after last time’s post, I’m going to be picky in the produce section. But you know, bringing home that delightful food is just the first step. It’s…

Choosing Books Like a Connoisseur

It’s rather entertaining to watch shoppers in the produce section. Some approach a fruit stand with fear and trepidation. They know they’re supposed to be picky about which mangos they buy, but they haven’t the foggiest idea how to tell…

I Can Relate

Fleece. Dyeing. Carding. Spinning. A year ago I recognized those words and could define them accurately. But in the past several months my oldest daughter has taken up dyeing and spinning as a hobby. Now when I hear someone mention…

The CM Bookfinder Is Here!

“Does anyone know of a living book about beavers?” “Could someone recommend a book for my eighth grader on Johannes Kepler?” “I’m looking for good biographies of composers that would be written for younger children around first or second grade.”…