February 14, 2021

Four books, two reviews: Must-get reads for grands

February 14, 2021/ Lisa Carpenter

I recently shared reviews of some super story books on Instagram and Facebook that I’d be remiss if I didn’t share on my blog as well. These books are that good (I thought my reviews turned out fairly well, too, the first in large part due to adorable Benjamin).

Take a look:

December 03, 2020

Holiday gift ideas for grandkids: Books, books, books!

December 03, 2020/ Lisa Carpenter

I received a pile of books that Benjamin and I reviewed for you. We loved them, you will love them, your grandkids will love them as holiday gifts. Or any day gifts.

Take a look (and don’t miss the map book, my favorite of all).

September 08, 2017

Books, Brightly, and Grandparents of Children's Literature

September 08, 2017/ Lisa Carpenter

In celebration of Grandparents Day — which is this Sunday, Sept. 10 — I'd like to share with you a grand resource for grandparents that I just recently learned of.

Brightly is a resource for parents, grandparents, and other folks dedicated to raising lifelong readers. The award-winning website, a partnership with Penguin Random House, launched in 2014 and features, as the Brightly site states, "book recommendations from all publishers for every age and stage, reading tips and insights, seasonal inspirations, author essays, contests, gift guides, and more."

Brightly has some pretty great content specifically for grandparents, including the following piece, which I've received permission to share with you in part. Enjoy! And be sure to click for the complete article as well as others, all celebrating grandparents. For Grandparents Day and every day!

AREN'T THEY GRAND? OUR FAVORITE GRANDPARENTS FROM CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
By Tom Burns

Grandparents aren’t just solid sources of extra dollars, hearty hugs, and embarrassing...

August 26, 2015

Kids and cameras: 9 tips for beginner photogs, from National Geographic Kids

August 26, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

kids and cameras

As long as my grandsons have known me, I've had a camera in my hand more often than not. I may not be a pro, but taking photos is one of my favorite activities.

I like to think it's my penchant for taking pictures that encouraged my grandsons to enjoy using various cameras—from their kid camera to smartphones to my DSLR—for shooting shots around their place now and then.

I'm pretty good about explaining to my grandsons the basics of using a camera, but as a true and untrained amateur photographer myself, I'm not the greatest at sharing with them sure-shot techniques for composition and more, in easy-to-understand snippets they'll understand and remember.

Enter National Geographic Kids book Guide To Photography by Nancy Honovich and National Geographic Photographer Annie Griffiths (which I...

April 24, 2014

Nature-nurturing books for young readers

April 24, 2014/ Lisa Carpenter

Though Earth Day 2014 has come and gone, every day is a great day for sharing with children books on nature and the environment. Especially picture books the kids will not only enjoy but possibly — no, probably — learn a little from.

E-I-E-I-O