Author: Kim Benson

I live in British Columbia. I am a mum to four kids, an elementary school teacher and I’m super excited about children’s picture books and children’s literature. Children’s literacy success is linked to reading aloud, so I read to my students every day in the classroom and to the children in my life as often as I can. I believe children need to feel excited about reading to become real readers. Good books lead to good conversations! As an educator, I read books to my students and encourage them to engage critically with the text. It’s important to give children opportunity to think for themselves, participate in conversations about what they read and to learn to think critically about themselves and others in the world around them – to develop critical literacy.
Book Review, Children's Book Activities

It’s Halloween!

Kim Benson

Fun and Spooky Halloween stories with activities.

For those who love the spooky magic of Halloween, I have compiled a little list of some great picture books. Some are newly published and some are not. But all contribute to the excitement and spookiness enjoyed at this time of year.  Often kids can become inspired to get creative as All Hallows Eve approaches, whether using a variety of mediums for Halloween art or to write Halloween stories or poems. Its a great time for reading aloud and get kids reading! Continue reading “It’s Halloween!” →

Book Review

Solomon’s Tree Book Review and Activities

Kim Benson
Solomon’s Tree
Solomon's Tree, Orca Book Publishers; 4th edition (Feb. 1 2005) ISBN-10: 155143380X, ISBN-13: 978-1551433806
Solomon’s Tree, Orca Book Publishers; 4th edition (Feb. 1 2005) ISBN-10: 155143380X, ISBN-13: 978-1551433806

This summer I was both delighted and privileged to meet author/artist Andrea Spalding and her husband David in their beautiful Pender Island home.  During our lovely visit over tea and gluten free chocolate cake she generously shared her story of how she came to write Solomon’s Tree.

 Solomon’s Tree was written by Andrea Spalding, illustrated by Janet Wilson and created in collaboration with Tsimshian Master-Carver, Victor Reece.  On a dark west coast winter night Andrea Spalding was inspired to create this heartwarming story while participating in a mask-carving workshop with Master-Carver, Victor Reece, whose work is on display in the Canadian Museum of History. Continue reading “Solomon’s Tree Book Review and Activities” →

Book Activity, Book Review

Giant Squid Book Review and Activities

Kim Benson

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Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (Sept. 27 2016) ISBN-10: 1596435992 ISBN-13: 978-1596435995
On sight, Giant Squid was a ‘must buy’ for me!  I already have many children’s books about giant squid and octopus bought over 25 years, but author Candace Fleming and her husband, illustrator Eric Rohmann, ‘nail’ this version on so many levels, I had to add it to my collection.  With every page turn, I was thrilled to get up close and personal with the creature that has mystified people for hundreds of years. Continue reading “Giant Squid Book Review and Activities” →

Book Review, Reading to Children

Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson Children’s Book Review and Activities

Kim Benson

The Paper Dolls – Review and activities by Kim Benson writer and educator

Julia Donaldson’s picture book, The Paper Dolls, is often in my teacher bag as I head into elementary school classrooms, and it’s one of my favourite stories.  Right away, the reader is introduced to a smiling little girl in tiger slippers who, along with her mother, has created 5 paper dolls holding hands.  They are, “Ticky and Tacky and Jackie the Backie and Jim with two noses and Jo with a bow”. Continue reading “Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson Children’s Book Review and Activities” →