Father's Day

Father's Day weekend is coming fast, and if you're looking for a sweet, sentimental, or silly gift that kids and dads, grandpas, or father figures can enjoy together, here's a great reading gift list to get you started!

In 2019, Psychology Today published an article detailing the unique benefits for children who read with fathers and father figures. Research "shows that mothers do read to their children more often than fathers. But research also tells us that fathers have… vital roles to play in their children's literacy development."

So what is it about reading with Dad that hits a little differently? Moms often focus on a story's content with kids, while dads use stories as a springboard for wide-ranging conversations. Reading with a male caregiver also models reading for growing boys--and helps keep them reading! AND, studies show that reading with the kids before bed helps dads just as much as it does the kids. Male caregivers report that reading with "their children at bedtime helps them feel emotionally and physically closer to their kids, especially if they have to be away all day at work."

That's a win for everyone!

To all the dads, grandads, uncles, stepdads, and father figures out there, I wish you a wonderful weekend -- and keep up the good reading!

Win Lois Ehlert Collection

Summer means long, sunny days, outdoor fun, bare feet, campfires, catching fireflies — AND more time to read with the kids! But, an Education Week study published in 2023 revealed that "20 percent of children ages 17 and under aren't reading any books at all over the summer…”.

So THIS SUMMER, I want to do my part to promote excitement about reading!

All summer long, I'll be hosting a giveaway here on my Instagram. Every two weeks, I’m giving away a collection of books from authors, illustrators and with themes that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE; I’m SO EXCITED to share these titles with you and your family!

I’m starting the series with a collection of books by Lois Ehlert. Filled with colorful collage imagery, Ms. Ehlert’s books remind me so much of summer: they’re bright, colorful and just so FUN! And, on a personal note, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was the very first thing that I bought when I learned that I was expecting our first son. The book is an absolute treasure, and I think every home library should have it.

To enter, follow my account, like this post, and comment and tag two friends by 11:59 PM EDT on June 17th. Winners will be announced here on my Instagram!

Unofficial Start to Summer

The unofficial start to summer has arrived, and if you’re looking for ideas for how to beat the screens while the kids are home, here are five fun, simple, and inexpensive activities to keep the little ones working on their literacy skills even when school is out.

My Baby Graduated!

Our baby graduated from high school yesterday. It was a rough, emotional day for this mama, but also a really joyful celebration.

This is my fave photo — Zak with his sweet, proud Grandma.

Little Free Libraries

I spent this morning delivering a few books in the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series to local little free libraries in honor of @littlefreelibrary week. This wonderful initiative makes free books accessible to children (and adults) in our communities nationwide. What could be better than discovering a new favorite book at a local park?

If you have books to donate, consider adding them to a little free library this week to lend your support.

Springtime ahead

All set for springtime days ahead...

We've made it to the final weeks of winter, and I have planting and gardening on my mind! If you're ready to pack away the cotton ball snowmen and start planning spring crafts and activities with the kids, the Construction Site: Farming Strong, All Year Long activity kit includes literacy-building games and drawing prompts that feature our rough and tough trucks (and some cute farm animals, too! ) You can download the kit now at SherriRinker.com, and if you do I hope you'll share those amazing kid drawings with me here!

Pasta Pasta!

Zak and I tried to recreate the ravioli-making I learned in Italy.

There was a bit of bickering and a few mistakes, but I give us a solid B for a first attempt.

(And it tasted … like Italy! )

Big News!

🚜 BIG NEWS COMING THROUGH! 🚧

I'm excited to announce TWO new additions to the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site library coming this September!

In Construction Site: Garbage Crew to the Rescue! the crew teams up with new friends—garbage trucks, roll-off trucks, container delivery trucks, and more!—to help refurbish old homes, set up dumpsters and garbage cans, sort trash, recycling, compost, and transport the garbage away.

Construction Site: A Thankful Night, is a gratitude-themed lift-the-flap board book that's perfect for the holiday season. Kids will reveal delightful details as the construction crew gathers pumpkins, sets a scarecrow straight, and prepares the barn for a grateful harvest—all while feeling thankful for each other.

Both books are available for preorder right now. If you're a @barnesandnoble member you can get 25% through April 19th.
B&N premium members can take an additional 10% off physical preorders.

What better way to celebrate two new books for the fall?

Book Giveaways!!!

🐣🌸🐰 B O O K G I V E A W A Y 🐣🌸🐰

With the start of spring just one week away and Easter right around the bunny trail, I’m so thrilled to have teamed up with my friend Becca Thiemann PhD of @beccasbookbox to offer this curated collection of books PLUS a signed and personalized copy of Construction Site: Spring Delight! to one lucky winner.

To enter, make sure to follow my account and @beccasbookbox, comment on this post, and tag TWO friends before 11:59 AM EST on Wednesday, March 20th. US ONLY PLEASE!

One winner will receive one personalized copy of Construction Site: Spring Delight by Sherri Rinker + one copy of the following books:

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR’S EASTER EGG HUNT by Eric Carle