Serving on the CLEL Bell Awards Committee has given me a new way to look at picture books. I have always been passionate about early literacy, but this experience has encouraged me to think more intentionally about the books we share with young children. Instead of simply asking whether a book is engaging, funny, or beautifully illustrated, I now find myself asking a different question: Does this picture book model an early literacy practice?
Author: Kirsten Caldwell
Crafts for iRead Summer Reading 2026
The theme for iRead’s summer reading program this year is Plant a Seed, Read. I love nature and gardening, and there are so many connections to growing as a learner that resonate with me. I’ve been busy brainstorming craft ideas for this summer and thought I’d share a few to save you a little planning work. I tend to lean toward process art, so no two projects look the same! Fairy Houses Flip a simple flower pot upside down and paint a door and some windows on it and it becomes a fairy garden! You can also use old empty bottles or milk jugs or whatever you have around and bonus points for recycled materials! Pressed Flower Crafts I keep seeing pressed flower craft ideas, and I just love them. You can even buy pressed flowers in bulk on Amazon if you don’t feel like picking and pressing your own….
Again! Again! Why Repetition Belongs in Storytime
When I first started leading storytime, I felt a lot of pressure to never read the same book twice or reuse a flannel board. Each week needed to be new, fresh, and completely different. But over time, I noticed something: the children didn’t want something new every week. They wanted repetition and familiarity. I saw the faces light up when I pulled out an old favorite flannel—the squirrel hiding an acorn under a leaf. They cheered when they saw I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin. Kids didn’t groan at repetition—they leaned into it. They participated more, anticipated what would happen next, and confidently joined in. While repetition may not feel exciting to adults, storytime isn’t for us—it’s for the kids. And children benefit from repetition in powerful ways. Repetitive language builds vocabulary, while familiar characters and predictable structures increase engagement and excitement around reading. When children know what’s…
Mixed-Age Storytime: When One Size No Longer Fit
When I started storytime at my new library, I brought a rule with me that I’d held onto for years:three picture books, every time. It was familiar. It felt “right.” It was what I knew worked. But my audience had changed. At this library, I needed to shift gears for a mixed-age storytime. My storytime crowd regularly includes babies in caregivers’ arms, toddlers on the move, preschoolers ready to shout out answers, early elementary kids who want more depth—and occasionally children as old as ten. Trying to make three picture books work for everyone left me constantly adjusting on the fly, and honestly, feeling a little stressed. So I made a change that made me nervous. Now, I plan for two picture books and one board book. And it has worked far better than I expected. Why the Change Felt Risky Like many librarians, I worried about how this would…
Easy Winter STEAM & Craft Ideas with… Cotton Balls!
This winter, I stepped into a new role as a storytime provider, which means I get to lead storytimes again—something I’ve deeply missed. As I planned my first seasonal themes, I went searching for a simple, snow-themed activity and reached for a bag of cotton balls. That’s when I realized just how many creative (and STEAM-friendly!) possibilities these soft little materials hold. From snow scenes to sensory bins, cotton balls turned out to be the perfect spark for winter play and learning. Here are a few easy, kid-tested winter activities you can build with nothing more than cotton balls, glue, and materials you may already have in your supply closet.
Favorite Fall Picture Books
Fall is one of my favorite times of year to share picture books. The crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy reading spots make stories feel even more magical. Children gravitate toward seasonal tales filled with pumpkins, apples, and changing leaves, and I love how these books spark conversation and excitement during storytimes. Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin is one of my favorite fall reads to all ages. In a sturdy board book format, Duck and Goose look for a pumpkin in apple trees, in ponds, and finally find a pumpkin patch. Kids love the call and response they can interact with and pumpkin patch stories scream fall. This book is everything lovable about fall. This book makes a great read aloud for storytime and a great add to collections. The story is sweet and the illustrations are fantastic. Sing this title to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”…
On Leaving and Letting Go: Preparing for a Career Transition
After three years as a youth services librarian in Wisconsin, I’m preparing to say goodbye—to the children who have grown up attending my storytimes, to the families who have trusted me with their kids’ first library experiences, and to the colleagues who have inspired and supported me. I’m moving to Minnesota, where I’ll be teaching preschool. While it’s bittersweet transition, I know that if I’m reading with kids, playing with them, and helping them explore the world, I’ll be happy.
Gardening STEAM Activities for Toddlers
In June, I brought back my Tiny STEAM program, a hands-on early learning series I’ve shared about before. This time, the theme was gardening—a perfect fit for the season and a great way to connect science, sensory play, and nature-based learning. Families with young children explored a variety of gardening activities designed to encourage open-ended exploration, fine motor practice, and curiosity about the world around them. Below, I’m excited to share all the stations we offered during this garden-themed session, along with a few tips for setup and engagement.