Dear Kids and All Readers, I grew up enjoying the inimitable actor Vincent Price being sinister in such horror film classics as House of Wax (1953), House on Haunted Hill (1959), The Tingler (1959), House of Usher (1960), and The Pit and the Pendulum (1961) to name a few. Price fans might also remember his…
Hello, Kids, Educators, and Families– Are you happy that school’s back in session once again? The answer probably depends on who you are! Kids might be sad that summer is over but thrilled to be back with their friends, meeting their new teachers for a fresh crack at learning in the next higher grade. Parents…
Dear Kids, Teachers, and All Readers, Happy Summer! The season when children and educators get giddy, and parents wonder what to do with the kids for three months. However you plan to spend this summer, I hope it’s one of your best. I get nostalgic this time of year as I reflect back on wonderful…
Dear Kids and All Readers, Who hasn’t sought those delicious chocolate-covered, candy-speckled, and rainbow-dyed eggs left by the E.B. in pretty baskets and springtime flowerbeds? For now, however, please try not to think about chocolate as we shift to the nonedible, nondenominational types of Easter eggs—those scattered in literature and movies. The formal name for…
Hello, Kids and All Readers! I hope each of you had a meaningful and joyous holiday season. Mine was wonderful! I drove a short distance across town to my cousins’ lovely vintage home that was aglow with scented candles in every room, a to-the-ceiling Christmas tree, a fireplace ablaze, and much good cheer. Eight of…
Hi, Everyone, The holiday season is here! I hope you’re getting into a festive spirit. I just returned from Pennsylvania where I had Thanksgiving with family. I traveled to my son-in-law’s parents’ home. Then, my daughter, son-in-law, two grandkids, and granddog drove up from Virginia for the big feast and long weekend. Everyone pitched in!…
Hello, Adult Readers and Scary Story Aficionados! Withered leaves rattle in the chilly wind before their death-drop. October shuffles to its end. Darkness descends sooner now, encouraging owls and bats to fly about the countryside in search of earlier feasts. Jack-o’-lanterns glow and burn to ward off evil spirits. Some trick-or-treaters venture forth while others decide to huddle indoors with a bowl of popcorn, some candy, and a book or movie to elude banshees on the…
Hello, Kids, Teachers, Librarians, Families, and All Readers, While on my usual early-morning walk today, I couldn’t help but think that it’s the First Day of School! Kids were supposed to start school yesterday here in San Diego, but Hurricane Hilary blew through as a tropical storm on Sunday and granted students a Bonus Day…
Hi, Kids and All Readers, As most of you know, today, June 19, is “Juneteenth”! Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, so some have the day off. The African-American community has been celebrating Juneteenth for generations. I hope you celebrate Juneteenth as the United States’ other Independence Day! So, what is Juneteenth? On June 19,…
Hello, Readers, On the eve of Mother’s Day, I want to say, “Let’s hear it for moms everywhere–those with us and those departed. Traditional moms and untraditional moms.” I’ve been a mom since 1981. My daughter’s birth was the happiest day of my life. She left home in 1999 to attend college on the U.S.…
