Poetry is lovely to read, but is it difficult to write? We decided to come up with a poem together and find out! Sky Friends I ran down the stairs and almost twisted my ankle as I dodged the armadillo at the bottom of the stairs. No time to monkey around as I was finally… Read More
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” “If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Did those quotes inspire you? Recall a specific memory? Make you grin? Quotes can: Help you conquer procrastination: “Things may come to those who wait, but… Read More
Kids are fascinated by firefighters and fire trucks. Let’s face it, adults are, too. Once, my neighbor’s house caught fire, and while everyone rushed outside to see what was happening, I was stunned and amazed to see the firefighters rushing inside to put out the fire. Of course, I knew intellectually that that is what… Read More
Do you remember your first library card? Mine was from the Wilmette Public Library. It was made of heavy yellow cardstock with a metal number stamped into it and a place to sign my name. That library card gave me a sense of responsibility and ownership. I could ride my bike to the library and… Read More
When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read…they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part.” Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop I wanted to be a librarian because I believe that there is a perfect book for every child. Something with suspense that… Read More
It’s back to school time. Whether you have one kid or more, you are probably focused on organization tips and separation anxiety. Even though a portion of your mind is flooded with these thoughts, another part may be relieved. I mean, it’s been a long summer. My oldest just started kindergarten though, so it’s a… Read More
You asked for bundles of books...now, they’re here! Perhaps you are in a hurry to get to your child’s sports practice or you’re looking for picture books but don’t know where to start. Maybe your toddler is melting down and you need to grab something quickly. If any of these statements rings true for you,… Read More
Hello, homeschoolers! It’s almost back to school time! For some students, that means boarding a bus and heading to a traditional school building. But for others, it means clearing off tables at home and checking the supplies in the closet to prepare for another year of homeschooling. If this is the case in your family,… Read More
Freshly sharpened pencils, brand new, unbroken crayons lined up in their box, a full bottle of glue, a blank notebook. These are some of the small joys of going back to school. But unfortunately, not all children are able to experience these small joys if they live in poverty or are homeless and their families… Read More
School is starting up soon! Are you ready? Being prepared with the right tools can help you ease into a new academic year. Planners, sharpened pencils, and an awesome attitude are a must. But did you know that GEPL also has amazing (and free!) digital resources available at your fingertips? NoveList K-8 Chapter books that… Read More
Arts and crafts. There are people who hear these two words and the creative juices just start flowing. I hear these words and to be honest, it gives me a little bit of anxiety. I am not the creative type. I might be able to come up with an idea but figuring out how to… Read More
“Summertime…and the living is easy.” “Here comes the sun!” “Sunshine, on my shoulders, makes me happy.” There are so many wonderful songs celebrating the glories of summertime. Music is the universal language, and children naturally respond to a tune. Ask any child over the age of five, “What letter comes after J?” and they will… Read More
