CLiF is thrilled to announce our new Communications Manager, Sarah Hall. Sarah joined CLiF in January 2022, and manages press and outreach, including newsletters, social media and our blog. A lifelong bookworm, she studied American Literature at Middlebury College, and earned her master’s degree from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. After grad … Continued
The CLiF staff is a team of readers and writers dedicated to sharing our passions with children and families. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that when you ask the CLiF team what they’re reading, rarely do you get a short answer. Here are some of the books on our bedside tables. Duncan Why Be … Continued
After five years and four months, the end of December marks the end of my time as CLiF’s Communications Manager. I’m pursuing my dreams of being a professional writer, going full-time at my other part-time job as a staff writer for my local paper, with two books on the way. It’s time for me to … Continued
The holidays are a time of giving and you can give a special gift to a child by purchasing a book at a participating book store. Each year, independent booksellers across Vermont and New Hampshire collect new books for the low-income, at-risk, and rural kids (12 and under) whom CLiF serves. You can help spread … Continued
Writing is an essential skill for children’s success in school and beyond. It helps kids express themselves and process their emotions, develop necessary communication and comprehension skills, and use their imaginations. It can also be a great way to tell family stories and connect to others in their communities. CLiF’s $25,000 Year of the Book … Continued
As adults, it can seem as though discussions about climate change are ubiquitous, yet it is not a given that children will always receive a reliable education about it in their formal schooling. Indeed, as one of the prevalent concerns of contemporary times, it is vital parents take responsibility for broaching the issue early on. … Continued
Book Club for Grown-ups / General
When: Friday, November 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. EST Where: Anywhere! (via Zoom) Register here. Join us this month for a virtual Young Adult (YA) Night with author Meg Kearney (pictured above), author/librarian Erin Moulton, writer/educator Beth Little, and librarian Yahira Vallario. Open to all ages. The panel will discuss the genre, trends, book recommendations, … Continued
Research / General / Education
CLiF celebrated eleven wins this fall – we kicked off all of our Year of the Book partnerships with in-person events! As we have navigated another fall of closures, shortages, and sickness, we have also succeeded in so many ways. Here are some articles and research pertinent to literacy work in our ever-evolving world. Thank … Continued
General / Presenter Profiles / CLiF Spotlight
CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to Amy Huntington of Willliston, VT. Amy has new books coming out in 2021 and 2022, and is featured in a new exhibit at the TW Gallery in Montpelier, VT, The Art of Stories: A Vermont Picture Book Exhibit. To celebrate this exhibit and Amy’s new books, CLiF … Continued
Reading is one of the most important skills that help a child develop. However, as many parents know, helping children learn to read is not an easy task. But if you approach this issue creatively, you may be surprised to find out that it takes a few games to make this process simple and fun. … Continued
CLiF is hiring! We’re looking for a part-time (24 hours/week) Communications Manager to join our team. Work will be based in our Waterbury Center, VT HQ, though may be remote during the pandemic. We’re looking for a dynamic communications professional to manage our external communications, media relations, and overall outreach. Communications duties include: pitching media … Continued
I was that kid on the playground who always had a book in my hands. I was excited to do elaborate book reports and talk about the books we read and often disappointed by my classmates’ disinterest. I got teased for being a dork. This made me think I should be ashamed of doing the … Continued
Book Club for Grown-ups / General
Sign up here We are pleased to welcome you back to CLiF’s Book Club for Grown-ups virtual series featuring Vermont and New Hampshire authors who write for/work with both kids and adults. You can find all of our past discussions here, which have included bestselling authors like Dan Brown and Katherine Paterson, and poets Rajnii … Continued
Reading together is one of the best ways to prepare your child for future success in school and long after. But there are ways besides reading a book that can help them engage in literacy, hone their skills, build vocabulary and comprehension, while having fun! CLiF’s website has TONS of fun, free or cheap ideas … Continued
General / Book Recommendations
At CLiF, we love to read. That’s probably why we spend our time helping kids discover that love for themselves and embark on a lifelong journey of enjoying literature. Summer offers some much-needed time to dig into your To Be Read pile and relax with a good book (or 3. Or 4.). Here’s what the … Continued
Living with a mental illness can be tough enough when you’re an adult. As a child, the experience can be filled with uncertainty and confusion. They’re going through the growth and self-discovery that other kids are, with the added challenges of their neuroatypical condition. This is why it is so important that they have the … Continued
Eighth grade was not a good year for me. Along with the usual teenage angst and social awkwardness, I was deeply depressed and anorexic. I spent a week at the Teenage Psychiatric Ward at the Keene State Hospital two-and-a-half hours from home. This was a harrowing experience and deterred me from seeking mental health care … Continued
After a difficult year, kids deserve some fun this summer! Fortunately for New Hampshire and Vermont children, they have CLiF to bring stories to life and give away brand new books to treasure. CLiF’s inspiring storytelling presentations by NH and VT authors, illustrators, and storytellers get kids excited about reading and writing and encourage strong … Continued
61% of low-income families have no children’s books at home.