Category: bela and lily
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Free Toolkit: Drawing Friends in the Style of Natasha Khan Kazi
Seeing my books in a library is always a thrill. I understand the consideration and cost that goes into curating a library collection. But I would be lying if I said seeing Bela and Lily in the inaugural collection of the Chicago Library Obama Presidential Center branch wasn’t a little extra special. I knew thousands…
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Easy Watercolor Collage Pollinator Art Inspired By Picture Book
A One-Class Mixed Media Pollinator Art Lesson Using Watercolor, Colored Pencil, and Collage for Grades 2-5 One of the most important skills artists develop is learning how to see. When children first begin drawing, they often believe every part of a picture deserves the same amount of attention. Every flower needs petals. Every blade of…
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Not Just Another Friendship Read Aloud
Bela and Lily is a friendship picture book read aloud that helps elementary students explore empathy, communication, and making friends across language barriers. This SEL-focused story opens meaningful classroom discussions about kindness, inclusion, and connection. 5 Ways to Use This Friendship Read Aloud in the Classroom When I wrote Bela and Lily, I tapped into…
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Free Printable: Qualities of a Friend Poster
Why Teaching Kids About Friendship Matters Friendship skills aren’t just a “nice to have” — they’re a core part of children’s emotional and social development. As a parent, educator, or caregiver, one of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a clear understanding of what it means to be a good friend and…