What’s New
“The 100 Best Children’s Books (of All Time!)”
There is something about the truly awesome body of children’s books that tempts people to try to separate the cream from the chum. It’s just irresistible. This week the New York Times noted two organizations that have recently published their lists of the 100 “best books” in children’s literature, the New York Public Library and … Continued
CLiF Spotlight: Celebrating Dear Friends’ Memories and Values
Above: CLiF Executive Director Duncan McDougall, left, and board member Dan Lynch, right, at the Summer Readers event held in memory of Richard Lynch in 2013. The photograph Dan holds is a picture of himself with his father. As CLiF’s Office Manager, I have the responsibility and privilege of processing the generous donations that come … Continued
A Bag of Books Hooks a Young Reader
Reading specialists Kathryn Mullen, M.Ed. and Sue Megas-Russell, M.Ed. are the onsite coordinators for 2013-2014’s CLiF Year of the Book at Cutler Elementary School in West Swanzey, NH. Over this school year Kathryn and Sue will take turns guest blogging for CLiF. Their posts will provide insight into the creativity, attention, and heart that goes … Continued
CLiF Is Hiring!
Are you passionate about literacy? Do you thrive on collaboration? Are you looking for a rewarding job? CLiF is looking for you. Program Director: 30-35 hours per week. CLiF seeks an enthusiastic, organized programs professional to oversee CLiF’s literacy programs and to build and cultivate relationships with towns, schools, and other nonprofits across New Hampshire and … Continued
Leaping Tall Buildings In a Single Bound!
Can you imagine what it must feel like to be Superman and be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, especially when the world needs you the most? The sheer joy of such a thing! To realize you have the talent and the strength to burst through the constraints of the physical world … Continued
Book Recommendations / If you're a parent and...
If you’re a parent and… your child is afraid of the dark
If you’re a parent and your child is afraid of the dark, then you probably find yourself in your child’s room more often than in your own throughout the night. You startle awake to the staring eyes of a toddler standing next to your bed. You have assured and reassured your youngster that there is … Continued
Playing “Pick-Up”
When I was a kid there was a vacant field in the middle of our block. It was a place from which almost all of us could hear our mothers calling when it was time for dinner, but it was hidden away just enough that we could pretend we didn’t. The best times were when … Continued
Evidence That Pleasure Reading Matters
Last week Mediabistro’s Galleycat blog released a post with a headline that sent hearts fluttering through the CLiF office: ‘Pleasure Reading “Significantly” Increases School Performance‘ The post is in reference to a study by the Institute of Education at the University of London. From the study: “The IOE study, which is believed to be the … Continued
At the End of a Bad Day…
In parenting, as in life, some days are better than others. This was one of the others. On a good day everyone gets to school and work on time, behaves, eats healthy food, and the fighting is kept to a minimum. On the others, all hell breaks loose. Everyone is late and out of sorts, … Continued
General / Book Recommendations
Finding “The Next Great Book” – Part 2
This is part 2 of a 2-part blog post. For part 1, click here. Trust me. As the Children’s Book Buyer at Bear Pond Books I’m right there with kids in the search for the “next great book.” Lucky for me, poring over publisher sales catalogs and getting advanced reader’s copies of books … Continued
General / Book Recommendations
Finding “The Next Great Book” – Part 1
Staff note: We are thrilled to welcome Jane Knight, Children’s Book Buyer for Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, VT and CLiF Advisor, as an occasional guest blogger. Jane’s focus is on finding the best kids’ books on the shelves via resources and reviews. This is part 1 of a 2-part blog post. I’m hoping … Continued
In Support of “Failing Schools”
Last week my husband and I walked our two girls down the street for their first day of school. There was a strong sense of community and celebration as our children paraded into the building. We have a great school with incredible teachers, programs, and families and we feel fortunate to be a part of … Continued
General / CLiF Spotlight / How You Can Help
A Church Walks the Talk
The 75 members of the First Church in Jaffrey, NH are an energetic group of individuals who feel that they should demonstrate not only in words, but also in deeds, their love for their fellow human beings and the planet around us.
Capturing Small Moments: Using Technology to Tell Stories
One goal of CLiF’s Year of the Book program is to help teachers engage students with reading and writing in new and creative ways. To that end we offer mini-grants to teachers in Year of the Book schools to develop projects that meet this goal. This past school year one of my favorites came from … Continued
Mean Parents Unite!
I am a mean parent. It’s true. And I had mean parents, for which I am eternally grateful. How mean am I? Mean enough to use the word NO in the face of adversity (begging, foot stomping, crying, and occasional tantrums), and mean enough to make demands of my children, even if they temporarily hate … Continued
CLiF Spotlight / Book Recommendations
The Big Book Order
Here’s a peek behind the scenes in the CLiF office. Julia is busy assembling a huge book order for CLiF’s fall programs through our partner First Book. It’s a thoughtful process. Lots of kids in New Hampshire and Vermont are interested in hunting, animals, and nature, so she’s including Tracking and Reading Sign by Len McDougall … Continued