About Allie Johnston

I am a mother of two daughters, a wife, and a publishing freelancer. My own childhood love for learning inspired me to go to college to become a teacher. When I landed my first job as an elementary school teacher, my love affair with children’s books only grew. After moving to New York City to work at an educational publishing company, I learned even more about the critical importance of literacy. Now, as a mom, my love of reading and the knowledge of how important it is makes reading every day one of our family’s top priorities and pleasures.

Reading Our Way Through Women’s History Month

Celebrate Women's History Month with the girls. They share their favorite children's books about women who changed the world and takeaways that will make trailblazers out of all readers--girls and boys!

March 18th, 2018|0 Comments

Celebrating the Holidays (and Every Day) with the Nutcracker

The girls' favorite book... The Nutcracker. It is particularly special during the holidays, but they find themselves celebrating with it all year round. Get caught up in the magic of it in this post.

December 22nd, 2017|0 Comments

Birding with Books

Spring is here. And the birds are singing! Join us for birding with books. We're watching, nesting, and even baking.

April 30th, 2017|1 Comment

What is Poetry? Discover with Children’s Books

Celebrate National Poetry Month with us! Join the girls and learn what makes a poem while reading wonderful children's books with your kids.

April 9th, 2017|0 Comments

The Books We Love to Read as We Wait and Watch for Spring

In anticipation of spring, the girls’ bookshelf now includes early spring books. Join them in reading their favorites, giving us clues (and hope) about what we should expect to see in the next few weeks.

March 19th, 2017|1 Comment

A Book-Inspired Lunch: Peanut Butter and Jelly

We love reading. And we love eating! Check out how Allie and the girls combined the two.

February 19th, 2017|0 Comments

How Do You Mix It Up with Colors?

Find out how the girls mix it up with Hervé Tullet’s Mix It Up! You'll be inspired to pull out the paints with your little ones.

February 5th, 2017|0 Comments

Discovering Shells: Adventures in Reading and Beyond

Allie and the girls find a book about shells that takes them on many adventures beyond the book. Get ready to use your senses and see where the book takes them.

January 8th, 2017|1 Comment

Our Resident Reading Specialist on Informational Text

What's informational text and why should we read it? The girls’ “Auntie E,” our resident reading specialist, explains and help us with one of our New Year's resolutions.

January 2nd, 2017|0 Comments

Snuggle Up with Books for the December Solstice

It's the December solstice! You know what means... Time to break out the winter books. Oh and it's the first day of winter... and the shortest and darkest day of the year. Sounds like the perfect time to cuddle up with a book. Check out our winter section and activities.

December 21st, 2016|0 Comments