Almost exactly to the day, one hundred and sixteen years ago, in a laboratory in London, two British chemists did an experiment that would transform New York City. On June 12, 1898 they discovered neon. From 1920 neon became a fixture in the city. Visible even in daylight, people would stop and stare at the… Read more »
Posts By: Sally Lloyd-Jones
Primary History: WWII Lessons for Children (Wartime Posters)
I’m not sure how long it’s been around, but this website by the BBC is an absolute treasure. The goal of the website is to give children a way to explore and learn about WWII online. While all of the resources are fascinating, I wanted to specifically highlight some of the posters that were used… Read more »
Picture Books, Theater and the Turn of the Page
A good picture book is like theater. You’re probably familiar with The Caldecott Medal (awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children). But who is this Caldecott exactly? Beatrix Potter called him, “one of the greatest illustrators of all.” Maurice Sendak credited him with inventing the modern picture book…. Read more »
Instagram of the Week: Someday Is Today
I saw this poster near the subway and knew I had to take a photo of it. It’s something I need reminding of every single day. I probably need it plastered to my wall. Wait. No. My head. How about you? How many of us have said: “I’ll start that project…someday.” “Someday, I’m going to… Read more »
Lewis as Father Figure – Douglas Gresham Interview (Pt. 3)
I have so enjoyed this 8-part interview with C.S. Lewis’ stepson, Douglas Gresham. Over the next several weeks I’ll be sharing some brief thoughts on each part of the interview, and I invite you to share your own as well in the comments below. Here’s part three: In part three, Douglas discusses the impact that “Jack” had… Read more »
Simon’s Cat: Pawtrait – video
OK. I love this series. And so, because I’m nice like that, I will be posting every single one I can get my hands on (and there are LOTS of them hooray!). Every other Monday will now be Cat Monday. Yes. And if you don’t like cats, you need your head examined sorry I mean… Read more »
Instagram of the Week: The Thing About Zebras…
The thing about zebras is that they’re very fun to ride. Especially if you’re little, and British, and a girl, and living in Uganda, like me. People don’t expect me to say I was born in Africa of course. Not with this thick British accent of mine. One of my most favorite things to do… Read more »
Maya Angelou reads “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me”
It was so sad to hear that Maya Angelou’s had died last week. Like so many others around the world, I was touched by the words she wrote and spoke. And by the woman she was. And her spirit and sheer joy of life. I discovered this wonderful recording of Angelou reading one of her… Read more »
Happy Coronation Day!
Today, in 1953, in Westminster Abbey, the young princess Elizabeth became Queen – she was 25. After being handed the four symbols of authority – the orb, the sceptre, the rod of mercy and the royal ring of sapphire and rubies – the Archbishop of Canterbury, placed St Edward’s Crown on her head. 3 million… Read more »
Simple isn’t simple
Ballet dancers make floating in the air look easy. They make balancing en pointe look effortless. How do they do that? Only because of the hours of training and torture they have put their bodies through. Only through sacrifice and suffering. Behind all that ease, lies hard work. Maybe tears. Certainly pain. Mastery is making… Read more »