Karen Nespoli Learning to read is exciting. It’s also messy. Letters get mixed up.Words get guessed.Sounds don’t always blend smoothly. And that’s not a problem. It’s part of the process. Mistakes are not signs that something is wrong — they are signs that something is growing. When we normalize mistakes in early reading, we don’t just build … Read more
Spring brings more than sunshine and longer days. It brings baseball season. And whether children are stepping up to bat for the first time or watching from the stands, sports offer one of the most powerful real-life lessons we can give them: You don’t have to be perfect to grow. In fact, growth requires mistakes. … Read more
When we think about helping young children learn, we often picture flashcards, worksheets, and structured lessons. But the real magic?It usually looks like crayons, costumes, cardboard castles, and made-up stories. What may seem like “just play” is actually some of the most powerful learning happening in a child’s brain. Creativity in early childhood isn’t extra … Read more
In a world filled with screens, schedules, and constant stimulation, many parents and teachers are searching for learning tools that feel calm, meaningful, and effective. That’s where activity books shine. Far more than simple entertainment, thoughtfully designed activity books help children build confidence, creativity, and early literacy skills—without pressure or overwhelm. They offer kids the … Read more
If your child—or student—groans when it’s time to read, you’re not alone. Many kids labeled as “reluctant readers” aren’t struggling with ability at all. They’re struggling with pressure. The good news? Encouraging a love of reading doesn’t require rigid programs, forced book reports, or nightly battles. In fact, the most effective strategies are often the gentlest … Read more
Confidence is one of the most important skills a child can develop—and it plays a huge role in learning to read. For children ages 4–8, confidence often determines whether reading feels exciting or overwhelming. That’s where picture books come in. Picture books aren’t just tools for learning letters and sounds. They help children see themselves … Read more
As 2025 winds down, I’ve taken a moment to look back at the posts that connected most deeply with readers this year. Whether you’re here for children’s book recommendations, inspiration for young readers, behind-the-scenes peeks into my stories, or tips for fellow writers—thank you for being part of this growing community. Here are the standout … Read more
If you’ve ever watched a child open a book for the first time, you’ve seen it—the spark of curiosity, the widening eyes, the small smile that grows as they realize this gift isn’t just one story … it’s an adventure.As a picture book author, I’ve seen firsthand how children’s books create lasting memories, build confidence, and help young … Read more
I always love featuring books that entertain and educate … and when they are written by one of my dear kid lit friends, that makes it even more enjoyable! Author Liliana Tommasini and I met at Miriam Laundry’s Believe Conference in Canada last fall … and what a wonderful event for picture book authors. When … Read more
When I sat down to write Two Wins for Wiley, I had no idea how many questions it would raise — not just for me as the writer, but for readers as well. Some of you have reached out with thoughts. Others have sat with the story and drawn your own interpretations, which is one of … Read more
