Blogs About Reading

Book Life

Rachael Walker

In this special series, children's literacy consultant Rachael Walker and many of the authors, parents, and educators she’s met and worked with talk about how books have changed their lives, how to bring books to life for young readers, and how to enrich kids’ lives with good books. You can also visit Rachael at her blog, Belle of the Book.

August 12, 2021

Because they knew my dad was a birder, people in our community would bring us birds who needed help. Once it was a Pied-billed Grebe who mistook a driveway for a body of water and then couldn’t take flight again until my dad took him down to the New River. And for a bit, there was a Barred Owl recovering from an injury out in our shed.

July 28, 2021

Reading Rockets’ summer learning resources at Start with a Book include recommended books and activities to jump-start conversations, curiosity, and exploration.

July 20, 2021

While I’m making use of the Bird Buddies toolkit this summer, I can’t help but be focused on creatures with wings.

July 9, 2021

Do you know any kids who are fascinated by bugs, birds, snakes, and other animals? I know I was—and still am! There’s so much to observe, explore, and learn.

June 30, 2021

In the southern West Virginia holler where I spent my childhood, I was often up with the sun in the summer to read on the porch swing and splashing in the creek every afternoon. Lately though, I’ve needed actual reminders to get out of doors every day.

June 23, 2021

I grew up in a home where books were everywhere. We were regulars at the library. Family trips always included finding the local used bookstore. No doubt having access to so many things to read helped make me a reader. But it was in 6th grade that I was truly hooked — by the girl who sat in front of me in reading class.

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"Let children read whatever they want and then talk about it with them. If parents and kids can talk together, we won't have as much censorship because we won't have as much fear." —

Judy Blume