Free printable Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass Disney crafts

 In 2010, director Tim Burton created his vision of Disney "Alice in Wonderland" and on Memorial Day, 2016 Tim Burton gives audiences Alice in Wonderland 2 "Through the Looking Glass"--oh frabjuous day! If you can't wait for curiouser and curiouser delights with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Anne Hathoway as the White Queen and Helena Bonham-Carter as the Red Queen, then hold onto your Mad Hatter! Sasha Baron Cohen, Timothy Spall, Rhys Ifans, Andrew Scott (Sherlock) join the Through the Looking Glass cast and Matt Lucas returns as the dynamic duo Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Happily Tim Burton use Alan Rickman (may he rest in peace) as the Blue Caterpillar again in Through the Looking Glass.  Free printable Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass Disney crafts | Examiner.com

Mother's Day Gifts for Reader and Book-Worm Moms

Does Mother's Day find you wondering what gifts your mother might like most? You're in good company. Many people find it easier to grab flowers or chocolates than to shop around. But this year--no worries. No more brain-racking. The secret to selecting perfect gifts for mom is to know her interests. What are your mother's hobbies? What does she read? Here'a guide tailored to gardener, reader or writer moms.Inexpensive, Creative Gifts for Mom on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day 

Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Mothers and Wives

Men often put off shopping for Valentine's Day gifts for their sweethearts. At the last minute, they grab chocolates and flowers. Booorrrring!! Here are Valentine gift suggestions for her that will delight. There are two important rules of thumb to remember when shopping for women. First, we can spot a 'quick grab' gift with no thought involved a mile away. Next, we're suckers for a guy who knows us and buys special things he knows we'll like (books by favorite author, signature scent, favorite wine, wall art by favorite artist, poetry that speaks to us personally). Create a personalized book gift basket, reader's corner or spa getaway with books. Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Mothers and Wives

Are Fantasy Books Healthy for Kids?

Is fantasy literature safe for children? Let's look at addictive, psychological and separation issues. Opponents of fantasy literature worry about the fearful aspects of fantasy. They contend that fantasy literature threatens emotionally fragile children by its unreality. Fantasy may create an existential crisis wherein the child cannot separate fantasy from reality. Reading fantasy literature may produce what is called in special education "perseverative behavior." The concern is that kids who read fantasy literature will only read fantasy and never explore other genres. Here are some issues. Children's Fantasy Literature Concerns

Free Printable Reading Games and Activities

Anytime teachers can make a game out of learning activities, education becomes more enjoyable and interactive. Research shows that students retain information that they have actively participated with. Educational activities easily become too predictable and therefore can also become meaningless. Just the act of getting out of the desk and onto the floor breaks the monotony. Here are some free printable reading games for your homeschool and classroom. Use these free printables for preschool, day care, tutoring and lesson plans.  Read more

DIY Gothic Haunted House Like Dark Shadows

When I was in Kindergarten in 1968, kids loved to watch TV after school (if you had TV-we didn't so I had to go to the neighbors' house). But did we get cute cartoons? Oh no! What awaited kids was a show that that's I'm still convinced is the most terrifying ever made: Dark Shadows. My heart is in my throat thinking of it 43 years later. Just the name Barnabas Collins sends chills down my spine. 

What was the secret behind these early creep shows that still terrifies us today? I maintain as do others my age, that these shows offered a unique kind of horror. Dark Shadows relied on subtle sensory details-- light, music, sound and, well, shadows. To my knowledge, we never saw anyone injured or killed. It was all implied. That's how it's done in the best film noir shows.  Want to create a Gothic Halloween haunted house based on Dark Shadows? Here's one worthy of Edgar Allen Poe. This type of haunted house could be adapted easily for a theater or literature class. How to Create a Gothic Haunted House

Skip "Fifty Shades of Grey" and Try these Really Good Reads!

"Fifty Shades of Grey" is a run-away best-seller 2011 book by E.L. James. And no wonder--it delves into the taboo, between-the-sheets world of sadomasochism and bondage. Just what every repressed, lonely housefrau wants to read, presumably. Well not for this WAHM. I'm not opposed to sex in literature. I object to obligatory, sensationalized, fear-based sex. I liken obligatory sex to obligatory violence or morality. It's contrived and unnatural. "Fifty Shades of Grey" sex to sell. I say skip "Fifty Shades of Grey","Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed" and check out this adult reading. Summer Recommended Reading: Medieval Mystery Books and Authors

Beloved, Waterland Challenged Books

A school district near Detroit, has been wrestling with a decision to ban two books from its high school AP English program. A husband and wife objected to Toni Morrison's Pulitzer winner "Beloved" and Graham Swift's "Waterland," Michigan Radio reports. Here are details about this debate.

Matt Dame, a father of high school and middle school students, ran for school board in November. Dame and his wife Barb launched the campaign against "Beloved" and "Waterland," saying they have no place on an advanced English required reading list. These books are commonly challenged. Read more...Michigan School District Might Ban Two Books 

Chuck Palaniuk 'Fight Club' Sideways Humor, Cult Fictioin

Author Chuck Palahniuk Fight Club, Survivor and Beyond
Chuck Palahniuk (Ukranian, pronounced 'paula nick') author of Fight Club, Survivor, Rant, Choke, Lullaby and other brief one-word book titles, has earned high marks in literary circles.
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Best Childrens and Young Adult Vampire Fiction

Best Young Adult Vampire Fiction Books for Twilight and Eclipse Lovers Stephanie Meyer didn't invent vampire romance fiction with her Twilight book series. Modern vampire fiction has enjoyed a cult following for several decades now. If you like vampire fiction, read on.
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Quirk Classics Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls' Seth Grahame-Smith Tweaks Jane Austen
Jane Austen may be the best loved regency female author. Although steeped in Gothic romanticism, Austen championed independent women. Seth Grahame-Smith fans the flame of feminism with hellfire in 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.'
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Literature on Special Needs and Autism

Best Books on Special Needs Children
April is Autism Awareness Month. When I graduated with my BS in pyschology and special education, these book list was part of my inspiration. Here is my recommended reading list for special needs educators, parents and caregivers. My copies are dog-earred and torn. And I treasure them like Croesus's gold. Great for those interested in helping special needs adults and children!
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Free Online Literature Libraries

Free Web Resources for E-books, Online Library Help,Literature Lessons and Homework
10 websites for free assistance with literature lesson planning or homework. Includes study guides, lesson plans, activities, games, online books, ebooks, reference and resources
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Fantasy Literature Like Harry Potter

Grieving Over End of Harry Potter Series? Take Comfort in These Great Reads
You think now, that you'll never love another as you did Harry Potter. And that may be true. But take some solace in the arms of these great works of fantasy literature while you grieve the end of Harry.
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