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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.
Gifts I Would Wish For If I Didn’t Already Have Them
As the holidays get closer, I have been thinking about things to gift, things I love, and things I would totally wish for if I didn't already have them. Some of these are things I had on my list forever and finally splurged on or things that were gifted to me last...
All the Best Christmas Books for 2025
I can't remember a holiday season where I was this excited about all the new Christmas books showing up on my doorstep. When I say these are some of the best, I mean it! Whimsical characters, bright and beautiful illustrations and meaningful storylines - these are all...
The Ultimate Interest-Based Gift Guide for Kids 0-8
Every year, it feels like the same question pops up: What gifts will my kids actually love—and keep playing with long after the holidays? As moms and educators, we’ve tested so many toys, books, and games over the years. This year, we wanted to make gift-giving easier...
Halloween Books with TV Specials
I’ve always been more of a book girl than a movie or TV person—but when it comes to Halloween, there are some super fun stories that have been transformed from page to screen in the best way. What makes them even better? Many of these book-to-TV adaptations are...
My Favorite Things Lately – October Edition
This is the latest list of things I am loving because they make my life easier, better, or just more fun. It is the most random list, but I will tell you why each thing made the cut! Everything is linked and while some are affiliate links and some are not, I always...
Do NOT Let Your Child Read These Books…
Do NOT read these books with your child—unless you want your child to grow into the kind of person who is kind, confident, resilient, and true to themselves. As a mom and an educator with a PhD, I know firsthand how powerful stories can be in shaping who our children...
Sweet Swaps for a Healthier and Allergy Safe Halloween
It’s almost that time of year when the candy starts rolling in and the sugar highs hit hard. As a parent, I care deeply about keeping sugar and artificial dyes to a minimum—not just for health reasons, but because we have life-threatening food allergies in our family....
What I Read This Summer – 2025
Reading to our children is important, but so is reading for ourselves. A few years ago, I was only reading non-fiction like parenting, self-help and business books. After a while, reading no longer felt like an escape, just work. Now I mix up what I consume. I flip...
My Favorite Things – End of Summer Edition
You asked, and I listened! In a recent Instagram poll, so many of you voted for a peek into the things my family and I have been loving lately—and I’m thrilled to share them with you. This post is a little different from my usual book-focused content, but I think...
Travel Toys That Actually Work: Our Favorite Picks for Happy, Engaged Kids on the Go
Traveling with kids is an adventure—and not just because of the destination! Whether you're heading out on a road trip, hopping on a flight, or spending a weekend away, keeping little ones entertained while on the move is key to a smoother journey. The right toys can...
The Best Snacks for All Your Adventures
It’s a fact: snacks make everything better. Whether you're on the go, traveling, or just hanging out at home, snacks are a must. We can all agree, a fed child is a happier child. As parents, we do our best to choose snacks that are both tasty and (at least somewhat)...
5 Reasons I Love the Yoto Player (That Might Surprise You)
If you’re considering a screen-free way to keep your child entertained, engaged, and learning, the Yoto Player is a game-changer. It’s more than just a speaker—it’s a magical storytelling companion that grows with your child and supports their development in ways that...
Bridging Separation at the Start of School
As with any new beginning, for children and adults alike, there is often anticipatory angst that stirs us up. The start of a new school year is no exception - new teachers, new friends, a new classroom, new routines, and most impactfully, separation from those to whom...
10 Easy Ways to Make Reading More Exciting
So you know the importance of daily reading for your child, but need some ways to switch it up so your child actually WANTS to read. Here are 10 easy ideas to make reading something the whole family looks forward to again! 1. Add Popsicles Enjoy popsicles (or any fun...
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...
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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.