The Creative Advantage of Dyslexia

How our brains are wired (our genetics) determines our temperament and what career path we choose — scientist, doctor, artist, writer, athlete, computer programmer… luckily, we are all very different. There is no normal, but a lovely kaleidoscope of affinities. Creativity is useful in any field, but not all of us are wired to think out of the box. Some … Read More

Live the Stories You Read!

How can you make a book jump right off the pages and come alive for your child? Live it up! Connect the story and the characters in the book to real life and imagination and you’ll be living the stories you read! Here are some activity ideas and book suggestions. DO IT: When you read a book about raking leaves, … Read More

Favorite Lists of Favorite Children’s Books

Your child’s favorite and not so favorite can books change constantly as he or she is learning and exploring life. As children mature, their attention spans get longer and new interests start to develop. What stories does he sit and listen to with anticipation? What books draw her in and make her beg for more reading time? When you need … Read More

The Future of Children’s Books

Last weekend I spent 3 solid days immersed in the children’s book world at the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators winter conference in New York City. I listened to how illustrators, art directors, and editors collaborate–some cautionary tales and some stories of success. I saw examples of the artwork of so many accomplished (and legendary!) illustrators–Tomie dePaola, Peter Brown, Bryan Collier, … Read More

Welcome to Katrina’s Creative Musings!

Hello lovers of children’s books and reading aloud! This is the first of many posts to come that will give you suggestions of books to read to young children, strategies for reading aloud, and activities to extend stories. I will also sprinkle in some resources for teachers and parents and some thoughtful discussion about child development and children’s books.