THE BOOKS
Late to the Party
With engaging page-turns and humorous disruptions, this rhyming picture book follows the mayhem and mishaps of a boy running late to a friend’s party.
Any Tent in a Storm
When a strong wind takes a tiny tent on a wild ride, the forest animals can’t agree whether friend or foe has invaded their turf. They bravely wait together, through sun and rain, for the mysterious, golf-loving, giant, snake alien to return.
Wide Awake
Sam is suited up and ready to launch into Dreamland. Ground Control completes the pre-flight checklist and commences countdown, but take-off is delayed because this young astronaut is... WIDE AWAKE.
Super Duper Mom
Moms can hug away tears in a flash, leap over tough problems in a single bound, and read bedtime stories while battling a giant flu bug. But sometimes they’re just human. With rhyme and humor, Super Duper Mom celebrates how young children view their perfect, and less-than-perfect, moms.
The Dragon Next Door
Eleven-year-old Kat has big plans. She’s going to read, write, and grow her courage for a dream job in journalism. But she’ll need a lot more than “bravery baby steps” to pull off a goodwill mission that could lead her to the doorstep of a reclusive dragon. If she overcomes her fears and presses on, she won't just be her kid sister’s hero. She’ll bring home the story of a lifetime!
ABOUT NICOLE
Greek-American Nicole Frees is a San Francisco Bay Area native. She lives with her husband, whose creativity leans toward music and solving engineering puzzles. Their two kiddos, now young adults, spent their early childhood exploring nature at a preschool in the Santa Cruz foothills. They balanced on logs, chased chickens, and painted colorful art on paper, faces, or hands. Nicole’s passion for early childhood learning through play in nature, and her enjoyment of food and baking, tend to sneak into her writing.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
How To Teach Bravery
Climbing trees may be good for a child's mental health. Learn how “risky play” may reduce anxiety later in life. Love this!
Children Taking the Lead
Research led by Stanford education professor Jelena Obradović offers caregivers and parents guidance on when to step back and let children lead the way.
Learning through Play
Play teaches children important early-life skills such as curiosity, persistence, and language.
Return to this section for new postings on early childhood learning and play.
Credits:
Created with an image by hadesdaiphat - "have fun staff kid"