By Guest Blogger Ellen Bryant Lloyd 

Even though February in North Carolina brings us fickle weather, it won’t be too long before we can venture outdoors and enjoy the hints of spring. Until then, let’s embrace a few more weeks of indoor activities, with reading being at the top of the list. Why not encourage children to have a reading marathon between now and spring? Have them set reading goals and suggest simple rewards for reaching goals. Rewards could be a movie night with mom or dad, selecting the dinner menu — no matter how unbalanced it is, an afternoon at a museum, pottery painting… you get the idea!

Another great idea is to make a date with your child to meet an author. Carole Boston Weatherford, author of many bestselling books, will be at Barnes & Noble, Friendly Shopping Center in Greensboro on Saturday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m. Stop by and meet Carole and check out her new title, The Roots of Rap.

Preschool — We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (board book) by Michael Rosen and Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Step back in time and remember how much fun it was to go on a bear hunt while never stepping foot outdoors. This charming board book captures the thrill of a family experiencing many adventures — wading through a river, fighting through a snowstorm, walking through tall grass, and even venturing into a dark cave — as they learn what to do to escape from a bear. Children will enjoy their bear hunt adventures with the wonderful retelling of this classic tale.

Pre-K to Early Elementary — The Roots of Rap by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Frank Morrison

New York Times bestselling author, poet and biographer Carole Boston Weatherford has once again written a captivating book that will engage, educate and enlighten children and adults alike. Weatherford, formerly of the Triad, introduces readers to folktales, spirituals, break dancing, graffiti art and poetry that make up the roots of rap and the history of hip hop. The author’s brilliant use of lyrical language and the dynamic illustrations come together to create a memorable work that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

MEET THE AUTHOR — CAROLE BOSTON WEATHERFORD! Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m. and come meet the author of this fabulous book at Barnes & Noble, Friendly Shopping Center, Greensboro, NC! 

Older Elementary/Early Middle School — Monstrous Devices by Damien Love

Fans of the Alex Rider series and other like books will enjoy this debut title by Damien Love. Mystery, intrigue and adventure await readers as they are taken across the pond to Britain and meet Alex, a twelve-year-old who receives a curious gift in the mail from his grandfather. After reading the note, strange events ensue and kick off a wild ride of magic, riddles and robots. “I enjoyed everything about Damien Love’s debut—its title, its breakneck action, its sly sense of humor. I wish my first novel had been as imaginative and assured.” —Anthony Horowitz, New York Times bestselling author of the Alex Rider series

Young Adult — Unclaimed Baggage by Jen Doll

A job working at Unclaimed Baggage, a store that catalogs and sells other people’s lost luggage, brings three people from different locales, experiences and circumstances together during one summer in this debut novel by Jen Doll. The three youth connect and develop a friendship as they sort through their emotional baggage and prepare for their future. This title was selected as a New York Times Staff Pick and an NPR Best Book of 2018.

Moms (and Teen Girls) — Show Up for Your Life by Chrystal Evans Hurst

While this novel was written for young women ages 13 and up, the content is relevant for adult women as well. This inspirational non-fiction title was written by popular writer, speaker and worship leader, Chrystal Evans Hurst. Through storytelling and honest dialogue, the author delivers a book that will encourage readers to stop worrying about things that don’t really matter and instead be all that God intended them to be, and live a life of mindfulness and gratitude. This title would make a great selection for a mother-daughter book club.

 

Win a book of your choice from today’s blog! 

Remember to share your thoughts and comments, and you could be selected to win a copy of one of the books, compliments of Barnes & Noble, Friendly Shopping Center, Greensboro. The staff of Triad Moms on Main will choose a random winner one week after the blog runs. (Please be sure to enter your email address when you fill out your comment so they have a way to contact you.)

Ellen Bryant Lloyd is the author of FRECKLES and FRECKLES and The Great Beach Rescue. Please visit www.funwithfreckles.com and www.facebook.com/funwithfreckles to learn more about Freckles. Ellen writes a blog about her perspectives on life and parenting at www.mindfulmom.wordpress.com and tweets at @EllenBLloyd. She lives in Greensboro with her husband and two children.