Family Theme Night Blog

Get your kids ready for the big game by checking out a few of these easy readers with a football theme!

Hooray for Fly Guy! by Arnold, Tedd.

Cori Plays Football by Florie, Christine

Football Fright (Scooby-Doo Reader, No. 14) by Herman, Gail

My kids love "castle family fun nights"—fun evenings with castle themed food, games/activities and castle bedtime stories. Here are a few of our favorite castle picture books—for castle nights, or anytime! (Click on the titles for more information.)

The Knight and the Dragon by Tomie De Paola

Knights in Shining Armor by Gail Gibbons

Castle by David Macaulay

Summer may be coming to a close, but kids can always visit a fair or carnival in a book! These picture books make perfect bedtime stories after a carnival inspired meal (see yesterday's post for some fun food ideas).

Picture books:

Duck by Randy Cecil

The story of a carousel animal duck that longs to fly.

"Terrific Tales Tuesday" is a regular blog post feature that includes either book lists (usually based on a theme), or a book with an activity suggestion.

In honor of our "big trip" this summer, our family has been learning about some of the states on our itinerary. One of those states is Indiana. Here is a list of books that I pulled together, all including an Indiana setting. Click on titles for more information.

Picture books:

A Goose Named Gilligan by Hay, Jerry M.

"Terrific Tales Tuesday" is a regular blog post feature that includes either book lists (usually based on a theme), or a book with an activity suggestion.

My son picked up a new sport this summer: SOCCER! We had a lot of fun watching games, practicing skills, and kicking the ball around the backyard. We also enjoyed having soccer "family fun nights"--pairing the game with books, activities and fun food. Here is a list of picture books for such an occasion, a list that any young soccer fan would enjoy! (Click on titles for more information.)

The Berenstain Bears Get Their Kicks by Berenstain, Stan

Babu's Song by Bodeen, S. A.

"Terrific Tales Tuesday" is a regular blog post feature that includes either book lists (usually based on a theme), or a book with an activity suggestion.

This week my family has been dreaming of a trip to the Swiss Alps, all the while experiencing a staycation of sorts as we learn all about Switzerland. If you read my post yesterday, you know that we enjoyed a yummy fondue dinner (along with some chocolate tasting) in honor of my son's position on his soccer team named "Switzerland." We've also enjoyed reading books about (or set in) Switzerland. Check your local library for the books on this list, and consider a Switzerland-inspired staycation too! (I'll be posting some fun activities tomorrow.)

Click titles for more information.

Fiction

Since my kids are younger (ages 5 and 'just-turned' 8), I usually focus on picture books and easy readers for our family fun nights. However, my eight year old really enjoys chapter books now, and since there is a wide selection of books with a baseball theme, I made a list of fiction books with a baseball theme for this week's "Terrific Tales Tuesday" (for both elementary and middle school aged kids).

If you have a baseball fan in your midst that is just the right age for chapter books, try out some of these selections! (Click on the titles for more information.)

Cam Jansen: Cam Jansen and the Sports Day Mysteries by Adler, David A.

Dugout Rivals by Bowen, Fred.

"Terrific Tales Tuesday" is a regular blog post feature that includes either book lists (usually based on a theme), or a book with an activity suggestion.

This weekend I was chatting with an acquaintance about kids and reading. This particular dad has a son that is really struggling with reading. (His son would prefer to play video games all of the time, if allowed.) I think it is a common problem. As the mom of two boys (and a former teacher), I have found that one key to reading success is to find books that interest kids.  It is also important to find books that are at a comfortable reading level so that they can learn the joy of reading.

This week's list is another baseball themed list. (If you have been reading my blog, you know that our family has enjoyed many "baseball family fun nights" this summer.) These "easy readers" are perfect for the young baseball fan.

Young Cam Jansen and the Baseball Mystery by Adler, David A.

"Terrific Tales Tuesday" is a regular blog post feature that includes either book lists (usually based on a theme), or a book with an activity suggestion.

My son started t-ball in June, and ever since we have enjoyed "baseball family fun nights" on a regular basis. It is often very simple (it's amazing how much fun wearing a baseball cap and popping "stadium popcorn" can be!). To go with our family fun nights, I love to read themed books. When it comes to baseball, there are a LOT of books to choose from! Here is a list of picture books with a baseball theme. (There are also many non-fiction books at the local library, shelved under Dewey Decimal number 796.357.) Click on the titles for more information.

Quacky Baseball by Peter Abrahams

Mama Played Baseball by David Adler

I love children's literature. Actually, I love all kinds of books, but I particularly love books that will grab the attention of my kids. I also love to collect books that have a common theme. (My newly published book, Let the Adventure Begin! Theme Nights for Families with Young Children, contains lists of book suggestions for 56 themes.)

My love for kiddy lit spurred me on to add a new feature to my blog. Every Tuesday will now be "Terrific Tales Tuesday," and the blog post will include either book lists (usually based on a theme), or a book with an activity suggestion.

With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, I decided to start my first Terrific Tales Tuesday with a list of kids' books that are about or include Fourth of July celebrations. I hope you can add some of these books to your holiday celebration!

(Note: click on titles for more information.)