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Becca’s Book Box Blog
Where you can find no-nonsense tips, inspiration, research-backed insights, and other tools from literacy expert Becca Thiemann, PhD to support your child’s literacy journey.
Building Literacy on the Potty: 5 Books That Support More Than Just Toilet Training
Here are five picture books and guides that work double duty: easing the transition out of diapers and laying a strong foundation for literacy and loving to read.
7 Outdoor Toys for Kids Who Love to Move!
If you liked our list of outdoor toys that are actually worth the money, you're going to love this one! We’re all about helping kids burn off energy and build important skills while they’re at it. Gross motor skills—like balance, coordination, and full-body...
Outdoor Toys Worth Your Money
When the sun is shining and the kids are bouncing off the walls, there’s no better solution than heading outside for some sunny outdoor playtime. Whether it’s zooming around the yard, digging in the dirt, or splashing in water, outdoor toys are a total game-changer...
The Best Interactive Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers
There is something so exciting about a book that invites a young reader to be a part of the story! Toddlers and preschool aged children love to be silly, hands-on and in charge, and these books provide them with all of the above! These books will entertain your child...
5 of Our Favorite Interactive Books for Babies
When beginning your reading journey with your baby, creating opportunities for them to connect with you and the books they enjoy is everything. This age is less about simply listening to a story, and more about using their 5 senses to learn, explore and interact with...
Musical Books to Build Language and Literacy Skills
I remember when I first started teaching, I wanted to sing, but to actually sing in front of others, without music to help, was terrifying. Would I forget the words? Would I sing off key? Would the kids laugh or even like it? And you know what? They loved it so much,...
Eight Books for Making Birthdays Sweeter
Birthdays are magical milestones in a child's life, filled with excitement, joy, and unforgettable moments. While their own special day is filled with anticipation, children also have just as much fun celebrating the birthdays of friends and family. It’s all about...
12 Snow Books to Get You Through the Winter
There's something enchanting about a snowy winter day! The magic becomes even more exciting when experienced through the eyes of our children. Whether you're gazing out at a snow-covered world right now or simply dreaming of a snowy day, these books are perfect for...
A Dozen Valentine’s Books to Love
Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book and spend quality moments with the ones we love. While the day is often adorned with sweet treats, heart-shaped decorations, and a sea of red and pink, it’s also a wonderful...
Helpful Tips for Managing Behavior & Expectations This Holiday Season
This is a fun and exciting time of year that is full of anticipation, events, and gatherings. You likely will not be surprised to know that along with all of this joy, we often find stress and sensory overload… especially with our children. Holidays bring celebrations...
12 Days of Favorite Christmas Books for All Ages
This time of year is filled with excitement and wonder especially for children. As caregivers, there’s nothing more heartwarming than experiencing the season’s magic through their eyes. It’s also a perfect time to cherish togetherness and remind our little ones that,...
8 Books About Gratitude We Are Loving
Although gratitude is an emotion to be felt year-round, we love being especially intentional about highlighting it to our little ones during this season. As we enter a time of gift-giving, family gatherings, and reflecting on all the year has brought, these books help...
How Can We Grow Gratitude in our Children?
Gratitude is likely different for all of us. Each of us pulls on our previous experiences and memories to evoke our feelings that produce a feeling of gratitude. If we get down to basics, gratitude is an affirmation of goodness that comes from within and outside of...
Lovevery Reading Skill Set Review – Part 1: Sounds to Reading
You have a child who is getting curious - about letters, about sounds, about reading, about what it feels like to be an actual reader. But you don’t know how to help your child transition from listening to a story to actually reading independently. Let me help you get...
Let’s Talk About Emotions
As a parent, we have all heard "the terrible twos" or "threenager" or any other lingo used to refer to a small child who has lots of emotions. Let's flip the script and call them "teachable twos and threes." When you look at it a little differently, this can be some...
10 Favorite Books for Halloween
As children get ready for Halloween with fun costumes, festive decorations, and traditions like pumpkin carving, it's the perfect time to add some extra magic to the season with Halloween books! Whether you're looking for playful ghost stories or cheerful pumpkin...
Five Children’s Books to Read Before Election Day
The election is a prime learning opportunity for big kids and little kids alike. So much of the election is much bigger than they can really understand and comprehend, not to mention much more than children should be exposed so young. And yet, it is a pivotal time to...
Five Favorite Children’s Books for Fall
Fall is the season for all things cozy and nothing is cozier than snuggling up with your little one to read a book! There is a lot of change to observe outside during this magical season from the colors of the leaves to the excitement of many animals getting ready for...
For the Love of Reading
A Q&A with Becca, in collaboration with Copper Pearl. What inspired you to become a literacy expert and share your reading tips with the world? When I taught second grade, I loved watching children’s eyes light up as they read. They got so excited when they would...
5 tips to Prep for the Start of Preschool!
I know I am not the only one who can hardly believe the “back to school” season is already knocking on our door. While you may still have a couple of weeks of slow mornings, pool days, and firefly nights, the “Welcome to School” emails and shopping sections decorated...
Road “Tip:” Curb Summer Reading Setbacks With This Travel Must-Have
Summertime has arrived, and those long-awaited days of sandy toes, sandals, and sun hats are gloriously within reach. But before you load up the car or board that flight, I want to talk to you about one particular summer essential that may not be on your packing list—...
Purposeful Play
Promoting Healthy Brain Development Through Playful Exploration Summertime—ripe with color, warmth, and movement—all but begs children to come out and play. A muddy puddle welcomes a spirited splash. A bird’s nest calls out for close observation. A garden bed invites...
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One of the biggest factors impacting whether your child enjoys reading or not is the books you put in front of them. Let me guide you in picking books just right for your child. Selecting the Right Books for Your Child will help with children of any age, at home or in the classroom, anytime.