A wordless picture book is a great tool for developing a child’s love of storytelling. Free of reading levels, there is no wrong way to read these works by five talented women illustrators. The tales have the ability to teach story structure and further vocabulary development. When reading with your child, allow her to examine the pictures and tell you what SHE is seeing in the story. You might just be surprised by the answers. Five Wordless Picture Books by Women Illustrators Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle Molly Idle considers herself both an author and illustrator; she is living the best of both worlds. Flora and the Flamingo, about the budding relationship between an awkward young girl and a graceful flamingo won the 2014 Caldecott Honor. There are several more Flora adventures, including Flora and the Peacock (see video below). The Red Book by Barbara Lehman In school author Barbara Lehman used to stare at maps and wish she could look right into a map itself and be able to see the actual places they represented and the people who lived there. This book is about a very SPECIAL book that takes readers on a magical journey without a single word. The Red Book is a 2005 Caldecott Honor Book and dedicated to Lehman’s father. She credits him with giving her a love of books. Wonder Bear by Tao Nyeu Tao Nyeu is the creator of Wonder Bear, which won the Founder’s Award from the Society of Illustrators and a Marion Vannett Ridgway Award Honor. The book follows …

I’ve been thinking about what to share on this important day in United States history. Then it clicked, a reading of The Emancipation Proclamation. This one is by the good folks at NPR. “Black Back” Also, Junebug Productions released a poem from its iconic Gomel production. Written and performed by poet Sunni Patterson, “Black Back” is a beautiful piece of work everyone should watch. Before COVID-19 travel and social distancing restrictions, Junebug Productions was slated to showcase Gomela live in Brooklyn, NY, on Juneteenth in collaboration with 651 ARTS, Hi-ARTS, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The performance is now scheduled for June 2021, with more details forthcoming. “While we were unable to showcase Gomela live on Juneteenth as originally planned, it is my hope that the release and viewing of “Black Back” will inspire the healing and return of black love and black joy in America during a time that has been fueled by our continued fight for social justice and equality,” said Junebug Productions’ Executive Artistic Director, Stephanie McKee-Anderson. To learn more about Gomela, visit Junebug Productions online. You can also view this performance Sunni Patterson gave at TED. She was accompanied by dancer Chanice Holmes. Banding Together Speaking of dance, with Broadway still shuttered alum Tavia Riveé conceived and directed this video of Black performers banding together to show off their moves in some of New York City’s most famous spots. The New York Times has put together a collection of cultural institutions who are providing at-home opportunities to youngsters during the pandemic. If you can, …

Picking up a camera. Seeing what’s around you. Giving people a voice. These are reasons Robin Baker Leacock loves documentary film. Her latest project, Stella & Co: A Romantic Musical Comedy Documentary About Aging, first aired on PBS in May and was inspired by Leacock’s 103-year-old mother Estelle “Stella” Craig. The film follows the lives of Stella and eight residents (ages 75 to 105) at their independent senior residence. Thought-provoking, the documentary delivers a positive look at what it means to age in modern times through humor, music and storytelling. “My Mother influenced me in every way,” Leacock says. “Her zest for life, finding humor and creativity in every moment and her brilliance in conversation was all inspirational as well as fun. She was very career oriented and continued to write books until the age of 103 years young. In fact, when she passed on, she was just beginning her next book. But mostly she inspired me to give her a voice. As well as other seniors. They all have a lot to say.” Leacock grew up in Toronto, surrounded by artists, filmmakers and musicians. She married Robert Leacock, a second-generation documentary filmmaker and cinematographer. His father, Richard, helped create the cinéma vérité style and was a driving force behind the film program at MIT. Through paying attention to both her husband’s and father-in-law’s methods, Leacock found her own way as a filmmaker. Other films she’s directed and produced include It Girls, A Passion for Giving, Stella is 95 and I’ll Take Manhattan. Truly Seeing Our Elders Stella and …

The number one furniture item for kids art space is a table. Credit Maria Montessori with introducing child-sized furniture into learning environments. The concept gives kids more access to learning materials and greater opportunities to explore. Plus, having a table specifically for your kids means you’re less likely to find marker streaks across the heirloom dining room table. Here are five kids art tables with storage ideas that will give your kids space for their creativity to bloom. This post contains affiliate links. Five Kids Art Tables With Storage Aspen Table & 4 Chairs Set This high-quality birch wood table and set of 4 chairs in a durable clear finish adds a fun touch to any play area. Table measures 23-1/2″L x 23-1/2″W x 19″H Chair measures 12-1/2″L x 11-3/4″W x 21-3/4″H with an 11″H seat Assembly required Star Table and Chair Set with Bins Perfectly proportioned and kid-sized, the natural wood rectangular table has built-in storage bins in blue, green, red, and yellow. Bins are conveniently tilted for easy access and are easy to reach from either end of the table. Two chairs are finished in a combination of natural wood and red and blue lacquer. Table and chairs have whimsical star cutouts. Table is 30 1/4″L x 22 1/4″W x 20 1/4″H Chairs are 12″L x 11 3/4″W x 20 1/4″H and seat is 11″H Assembly required Our Spot Table & Chair Set (this is the table I used with my girls) The unique “x” leg design provides great stability. High quality and …