Born To Read Links

The Internet is filled with useful information and suggestions for books and activities. Here are some websites on the themes from the Born to Read family book bags. Happy browsing!

Nature | Mealtime | Bedtime

NATURE

Reading Is Fundamental
The RIF site has resources for adults, plus a special kid’s section called Reading Planet. Don’t miss the parent’s guide, which offers tips and activities grouped by age.

Trails Near You
Search by region or town for a place near you to observe nature with your family. If you have bikes, check the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Trail Finder to find a trail near you.

Childsake
The goal of this organization is to inspire children about the environment. Their website includes a huge list of children’s books, categorized by topic and age.

Nature Kids
Audubon International offers this page of activities and ideas for kids. The Maine Audubon Society runs special trips and camps for families. Check their event calendar for details.

My Mother Earth
Here’s a list of books about nature, including many with a fall theme.

Natural World
Another list of books about nature, from another terrific source for book ideas. This site has a book of the week, a link of the month, and a large number of booklists.

About the Authors

Mary Ann Hoberman
The author and poet’s personal site has information about each of her many books.

Cathryn Falwell
This site has a biography of Cathryn, who lives and works in Maine, and information about all fifteen of her books.

Neither Virginia Lee Burton nor Lois Ehlert has her own website, but this site has a biography of Burton and this one features an interview with Ehlert.

The best website on Leo Leonni is this one. It includes a biography, some memories of the artist (who died in 1999), and a list of his books.

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Mealtime

UMaine Cooperative Extension
The University’s Cooperative Extension runs free food-related programs in every county. The Eat Well nutrition program involves tips on meal planning and food shopping for all budgets. You might also be interested in these parent pages or the Master Gardener program.

Mealtime Tips
These tips from Born Learning will help you create mealtime routines that are appropriate for your children as they grow.

Make Mealtime Family Time
This site is full of ideas for simple ways to bring your family together around meals. They’re very realistic suggestions—never pretending that today’s families can always eat relaxed meals together! Five meals per week for five weeks is a good place to start. There’s also a page where you can submit your mealtime ideas.

About the Authors

Cathryn Falwell
Another link to Cathryn Falwell’s site. This one will take you directly to the section called “Fun for Kids!”

Tomie dePaola
Did you know that Tomie dePaola, who lives in New Hampshire, has written or illustrated over 200 books for children? Learn more about this remarkable man on his official website.

Eric Carle
See also the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

Denise Fleming
See also the site developed by teachers and other adults who love Denise Fleming’s books.

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Bedtime

Sleepytime Books
Here’s a list of bedtime books for all ages. The site has many other booklists, too.

Bedtime Tips
These tips from Born Learning will help you create bedtime routines that are appropriate for your children as they grow.

Lullaby Lyrics
This site is for adoptive families, but all families will enjoy its listing of lullabies with their lyrics. There are lyrics for well-known songs, like “Hush Little Baby,” and unique songs, like “Baby’s Boat.”

Lullaby Audio Clips
Another site with lullaby lyrics. The difference here is that if your computer can play audio, you can listen to clips that will give you the tunes to sing.

Lullabies Around the World
An excellent album of songs from the children’s performer Sara Jordan. This site offers clips of the songs to sample—check local libraries and stores for the CD itself.

Owl Babies Read Aloud
Vicky Smith reads Owl Babies on the Maine Humanities Council podcast. Just turn up the volume on your computer and click the play button to listen!

About the Authors

Mem Fox
Mem lists some of her personal favorite recipes and grown-up books, plus essays for parents. You can even listen to her reading aloud in her fabulous Australian accent!

Martin Waddell
This Irish author doesn’t have his own website, but this publisher’s site has a photograph and a list of ten “things you didn’t know about Martin Waddell.”

Mo Willems
This is Mo’s personal website. Not surprisingly, that charismatic pigeon has a site all to himself, The Pigeon Presents, with a coloring page of the month and other diversions.

Peggy Rathmann

Minfong Ho

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