EMMA'S PLACE BLOG

​Some children’s books entertain us for a few minutes, while others stay with us long after we close the book. The work of Leo Lionni belongs to that second kind.
Lionni was a celebrated author and illustrator whose books introduced children to simple but meaningful stories about friendship, individuality, creativity, community, and the different ways we can see the world.
One of his most beloved books is Frederick, the story of a little field mouse who seems to be doing something very different from the other mice. While they gather food for the coming winter, Frederick gathers something else: sunshine, colors, and words.
At first, the other mice may not understand what Frederick is doing. But when winter arrives, they discover that his imagination and creativity have their own kind of value.
A different way of contributingWhat I particularly love about Frederick is the idea that we don't all have to contribute in the same way.
Some people are practical. Some are creative. Some are good at organizing, building, helping, imagining, telling stories, or making others feel happy. A community becomes richer when we recognize and appreciate these different contributions.
Lionni's stories encourage children not simply to find the "right" answer, but to look, wonder, imagine, and think for themselves.
And perhaps that is one reason his books continue to speak to children and adults alike.
What can children discover through Leo Lionni's books?Children can explore ideas such as:

• Creativity and imagination
• Friendship and cooperation
• Individual talents and differences
• The importance of contributing to a community
• Looking at the world from different perspectives
• Finding value in ideas that may not be immediately understood

Let's think togetherIf you were one of the mice preparing for winter, what would you collect?
Would you collect sunshine, songs, stories, colors, ideas, jokes, memories—or something completely different?
There is no single right answer.
Sometimes asking children an open-ended question is more valuable than giving them an answer. It gives them the opportunity to imagine, explain, and discover their own ideas.
Create Your Own FrederickInvite children to imagine that they are preparing something special for their friends.
Instead of collecting food, what would they collect to make their community happier?
They can draw their idea and complete the sentence:
“I would collect __________ because __________.”
It can be something real, imaginary, useful, beautiful, or completely unexpected.
That is the beauty of imagination.
A little thought to take with usFrederick reminds us that we all have something special to give.
Sometimes what we contribute can be seen and touched. Sometimes it is an idea, a story, a color, a song, a kind word, or a different way of looking at the world.
Leo Lionni's books invite us to notice those differences—and to appreciate them.
Read. Imagine. Wonder. Create. Share.
Read the complete reflection and discover more about Leo Lionni and Frederick at Emma's Place.

Have you ever wondered how an animal knows where to go when there are no roads, signs, or maps to guide it?
Animals have amazing ways of finding their way through the world. They use their senses, memory, and natural clues to locate food, find their homes, return to familiar places, and travel long distances.
Dogs, for example, have an incredible sense of smell. They can follow scents and recognize familiar places. Other animals also depend on smell to find food, family members, or their way home.
Some birds use the Sun and stars as natural guides during their journeys.
Sea turtles can use clues from Earth's magnetic field to help them navigate across the ocean and return to the beaches where they were born.
Bees have another fascinating ability. They can remember landmarks such as trees and other features of the landscape, helping them find their way back to their hive.
Salmon can use their sense of smell and other environmental clues when returning to the rivers where they were born.
And then there are bats! Many bats use echolocation.
​They make high-pitched sounds and listen to the echoes that bounce back from objects. This helps them navigate and find food, even in the darkness.
Nature gives each animal different tools for finding its way. Some use smell, some use sight, some use sound, and others rely on remarkable natural abilities that scientists are still learning about.
At Emma's Place, we believe that learning begins with a question. How does an animal know where to go? can lead children into a fascinating exploration of senses, nature, migration, memory, and animal behavior.
For a hands-on activity, invite children to create a simple route outdoors using familiar landmarks. Then see if they can find their way back using the clues around them.
Ask them:
What helped you find your way?
What would happen if one of your landmarks disappeared?
Which animal's navigation ability would you like to have?
A simple question about animals can open the door to a much bigger discovery. 
Visit Emma's Place for more fun learning activities and free educational resources for young children in English and Spanish.

Parent & Teacher Education Corner
Does your child sometimes refuse to eat, push food away, or insist that they don't like something before even trying it?
Mealtimes can become stressful when children refuse food, especially when parents worry that their child isn't eating enough.
However, children may refuse food for many different reasons, and pressure is rarely a helpful way to encourage healthy eating habits.
Understanding why a child doesn't want to eat and creating a calm, supportive environment can help make mealtimes more enjoyable for the whole family.
In this article, we'll explore why children sometimes refuse food, what parents and caregivers can do, what to avoid, and when it may be helpful to seek professional advice.
. Why Do Children Sometimes Refuse to Eat?
​There are many reasons why a child may not want to eat.
They May Not Be Hungry
Children's appetites naturally vary. A child may eat a lot at one meal and very little at another.
They may also have eaten a snack shortly before mealtime.
They May Dislike the Taste, Smell, or Texture
Some children are particularly sensitive to the texture, temperature, smell, or appearance of food.
A child may refuse foods that feel unfamiliar or unpleasant to them.
They May Want More Independence
As children grow, they begin to develop a stronger sense of independence.
Refusing food can sometimes be a way of expressing preferences and making choices.
They May Be Tired, Overstimulated, or Upset
A child who is tired, overwhelmed, or emotionally upset may have difficulty concentrating on eating.
A calm environment can make mealtimes more comfortable.
They May Be Unfamiliar With Certain Foods
Children often need repeated, pressure-free opportunities to become comfortable with new foods.
Refusing a food the first time does not necessarily mean they will never enjoy it.
They May Not Feel Well
Illness, discomfort, digestive problems, or other health concerns can affect a child's appetite.
If food refusal is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek appropriate advice.
 What Can Parents Do When a Child Doesn't Want to Eat?
Offer Regular Meals and Snacks
Establishing a predictable routine can help children recognize when it is time to eat.
Try to offer meals and snacks at regular intervals, allowing children opportunities to develop their appetite between eating occasions.
Serve Small Portions
Large portions can feel overwhelming to some children.
Start with small portions and allow children to ask for more if they are still hungry.
Introduce New Foods Gradually
Offer unfamiliar foods alongside foods the child already accepts.
Allow children to look at, smell, touch, or taste new foods without requiring them to eat them.
Let Children Participate
Children may feel more interested in food when they participate in preparing it.
Depending on their age, they can:

• Wash fruits and vegetables.
• Stir ingredients.
• Help choose between two healthy options.
• Arrange food on a plate.
• Help set the table.

These simple activities can make food exploration more enjoyable.
Eat Together When Possible
Family meals provide opportunities for children to observe others eating a variety of foods.
Try to make mealtimes pleasant, relaxed, and free from unnecessary distractions.
Respect Their Appetite
Adults can decide what foods to offer and when meals and snacks are served, while children can be encouraged to listen to their hunger and fullness cues.
Avoid insisting that children finish everything on their plates.
. What Should Adults Avoid?
When a child refuses food, it is understandable to feel concerned. However, certain responses can increase tension around mealtimes.
Try to avoid:

• Forcing a child to eat.
• Insisting that they clean their plate.
• Using food as a reward or punishment.
• Comparing their eating habits with those of other children.
• Threatening or shaming them for refusing food.
• Turning every meal into a negotiation.
• Pressuring them to taste unfamiliar foods.

Instead, offer food calmly and allow children opportunities to become familiar with it over time.
A relaxed mealtime environment helps children feel more comfortable exploring food.
 How Can We Make Mealtimes More Enjoyable?
Mealtimes can be opportunities for connection, exploration, and learning.
Here are a few simple ideas:
Make Food Exploration Fun
Talk about the colors, shapes, smells, and textures of different foods.
For example:

• Is the fruit soft or crunchy?
• What color is the vegetable?
• Does the food smell sweet or savory?
• Which foods are round, long, or bumpy?

The goal is to encourage curiosity rather than pressure children to eat.
Offer Simple ChoicesGiving children limited choices can support their growing independence.
For example:
“Would you like the apple slices or the pear slices?”
This allows children to participate in decisions while adults continue to provide appropriate food options.
Be Patient and Consistent
Children may need many opportunities to become familiar with a new food.
Continue offering a variety of foods without making acceptance a requirement.
Model Healthy Eating Habits
Children learn by observing the adults around them.
When possible, enjoy a variety of foods together and talk about them in a positive, relaxed way.
. When Should Parents Seek Professional Advice?
Occasional food refusal is common, but persistent difficulties deserve attention.
Consider speaking with your child's healthcare provider if:

• Your child is losing weight or not growing as expected.
• They regularly refuse most foods or have an extremely limited diet.
• You notice signs of dehydration or possible nutritional deficiencies.
• They experience pain, choking, gagging, or difficulty swallowing while eating.
• Mealtimes cause persistent distress or significantly interfere with family life.
• Their appetite changes suddenly and remains low.
• You are concerned about their overall nutrition or development.

A healthcare professional can help identify possible causes and determine whether additional support is needed.
A Final Thought
​Helping children develop healthy eating habits takes time, patience, and understanding.
Children are still learning to recognize their hunger, explore unfamiliar foods, and develop their preferences.
Our role is to offer nutritious choices, create a positive mealtime environment, and encourage curiosity without pressure.
A child who refuses a food today may become curious about it tomorrow.
By making mealtimes calm and supportive, we can help children gradually develop a healthier relationship with food.
Healthy eating is not about finishing every plate. It is about helping children feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn to nourish their bodies.
Patience, understanding, and positive mealtime experiences can help children develop healthy eating habits.

Welcome to this week’s Animal of the Week at Emma’s Place, where children can explore the fascinating world of animals through fun facts, discovery, and a little bit of imagination!
This week, we are learning about the giraffe, the tallest land animal on Earth. With its long neck, tall legs, and beautiful spotted coat, the giraffe is one of the most recognizable animals in the world.
Giraffes live in the grasslands and savannas of Africa, where they use their long necks to reach leaves high up in trees. Their long, dark-colored tongues help them pull leaves from branches, even those with thorns.
Fun Facts About Giraffes The tallest land animals: Giraffes can grow up to about 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall, making them the tallest land animals on Earth.
 A very long tongue: A giraffe’s tongue can reach around 18–20 inches (45–50 centimeters) long. Its dark color is thought to help protect it from the sun.
 Unique spots: Every giraffe has a unique pattern of spots, much like a human fingerprint. These patterns help researchers identify individual giraffes.
Can You Solve the Giraffe Riddle?I am very tall, with a long neck and four long legs.
My coat is covered in spots, and I love eating leaves from trees.
I live in the African savanna.
Who am I?
Answer: A giraffe!
Keep Exploring with Emma’s PlaceAt Emma’s Place, we believe that learning should inspire curiosity, imagination, and a love of discovery. Our Animal of the Week activities encourage children to observe, ask questions, learn new facts, and enjoy exploring the natural world.
Visit emmasplace.ca to discover more educational resources and fun learning activities for young children.

Yuri is back!
After his first adventure, our curious little monkey returns in Yuri and the Jungle Ribbon, the second story in Yuri’s adventures.
This time, Yuri discovers something golden and shiny in the jungle. At first, he wonders what he could do with his discovery. Then he sees something beautiful and decides to use it to buy a ribbon.
Yuri thinks the ribbon will make him look different and special. And at first, he is very happy with it.
But little by little, something begins to change.
Yuri becomes so concerned about keeping his precious ribbon clean and safe that he stops playing with his friends. He no longer wants to take part in the activities he once enjoyed because he is afraid that something might happen to his ribbon.
Soon, the thing that was supposed to make him feel special begins to make him feel lonely.
And Yuri starts to miss his friends.
This is where his journey becomes more than a search for something beautiful. It becomes a journey of self-discovery.
What really makes us happy?Yuri and the Jungle Ribbon invites children to think about an important question:
Is the thing that makes us look special really the thing that makes us happy?
Through Yuri’s experience, children can explore ideas about friendship, self-worth, appearances, belonging, and the importance of looking beyond what we see on the outside.
Sometimes, we can become so focused on having something, looking a certain way, or being admired that we forget about the people and experiences that bring genuine happiness into our lives.
Yuri has to discover this for himself. And, just like in real life, the lesson becomes meaningful because Yuri makes his own discovery and his own choice.
A Message from the AuthorI wanted Yuri’s second adventure to explore something children encounter in many different ways: the desire to feel special and admired.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying beautiful things or feeling proud of something we have. The important question is whether those things bring us closer to happiness—or whether they begin to separate us from the people we love and the experiences that matter.
Yuri’s story reminds us that our worth does not come from what we possess or how we appear to others. What matters is who we are, how we treat others, and the relationships we build along the way.
I hope children enjoy following Yuri through this new adventure and, perhaps, begin asking their own questions about what truly makes them happy.
I invite you to discover Yuri and the Jungle Ribbon and join Yuri on his journey of self-discovery.
Visit EugarelliBooks to learn more about the story and find free resources and activities connected to my books.
The book is also available at Emma’s Place and on Amazon.
 Every story is an invitation to imagine, wonder, question, and discover.

Children's Book Author of the Week: Jan BrettBringing Stories to Life Through Art, Animals, and ImaginationThere are children's books that tell us a story, and then there are children's books that invite us to step inside the story.
The books of Jan Brett do just that.
Jan Brett is an American author and illustrator whose beautifully detailed picture books have delighted generations of young readers. She has more than 44 million books in print, and her illustrations are an important part of what makes her work so distinctive.
From snowy landscapes and woodland animals to colorful villages and distant lands, Brett creates worlds where children can stop, look closely, and discover something new.
 A Love of ArtJan Brett knew from an early age that she wanted to become an illustrator. As a child, she spent much of her time reading and drawing. Later, while attending the Boston Museum School, she spent many hours studying art at the Museum of Fine Arts.
That love of art can be seen throughout her books.
Her illustrations are filled with details that encourage children to slow down and observe. Sometimes the borders around the main story contain little clues or scenes that add another layer to what is happening.
For young children, this can turn reading into an active experience:
Look. Notice. Wonder. Predict. Discover.
Travel as InspirationOne of the fascinating things about Jan Brett's work is the way she brings different places and traditions into her stories.
Travel has been an important source of inspiration for her. She and her husband have visited different countries, researching architecture and costumes that later appear in her illustrations.
This gives children an opportunity to encounter different landscapes, traditions, animals, and visual details while enjoying a story.
For me, this is one of the beautiful possibilities of children's literature: a book can become a little window into another world.
 A Beloved Classic: The MittenOne of Jan Brett's best-known books is The Mitten, a winter story in which a lost mitten becomes a warm shelter for a growing collection of woodland animals.
The story is simple, playful, and full of opportunities for children to participate.
Who will arrive next?
Will there be room for another animal?
What do you think will happen?
These questions encourage children to predict, observe, count, remember, and imagine while they listen to the story.
 More Books to DiscoverThe Mitten is only one of many books created by Jan Brett.
Children and families can also explore:
The Hat — another story featuring Hedgie, the little hedgehog, and a very unusual hat.
The Three Snow Bears — Brett's Arctic take on the familiar Goldilocks story.
Daisy Comes Home — a story inspired by China and the travels of Brett and her family.
Hedgie's Surprise — a story set in Denmark featuring Hedgie and a little Tomten.
Gingerbread Friends — a snowy story about friendship and finding companionship.
The Wild Christmas Reindeer — a winter tale inspired by Scandinavian visual traditions.
These books show how Brett moves between different settings, seasons, animals, and traditions while maintaining her distinctive artistic style.
 A Little Thought for Young ReadersOne of the things I appreciate about Jan Brett's books is that they don't ask children only to listen to the words.
They invite children to look.
Look at the borders.
Look at the animals.
Look at the setting.
Look for clues.
And perhaps most importantly:
Imagine what might happen next.
That is an important part of reading.
A picture book can become much more than a story when we give children time to observe, question, predict, and create their own ideas.
Let's Create!After reading one of Jan Brett's books, invite your child to create a world of their own.
Draw a winter landscape, a forest, or an imaginary place.
Add animals.
Add details.
Then ask:
What is happening in your picture?
What might happen next?
There is no single right answer. The goal is to let imagination lead the way.
​
 Discover Jan Brett
This week at Emma's Place, take a closer look at the wonderful world of Jan Brett.
Start with The Mitten, explore another of her stories, and most importantly, look closely at the illustrations.
You never know what you might discover!
Read. Look. Imagine. Wonder. Create.
That is where the magic of a children's book begins.

​“A book is like a garden carried in your pocket.” — Chinese proverb
There are some quotes that, although very simple, can make us stop and think. This is one of them.
When I read, “A book is like a garden carried in your pocket,” I immediately thought about what a garden represents to me.
A garden can be full of flowers, light, marvelous colours, and beauty. There can be so many things that attract our attention and make us want to look closer. A garden can awaken our curiosity and make us wonder about what we see.
Reading a book can create a similar experience.
When we open a book, we enter a world created by words, but our imagination gives that world colour. Just as a garden can surround us with beauty and make us wonder, a book can surround us with ideas, images, emotions, and possibilities.
A beautiful garden can make us feel something simply by being there. We may feel peaceful, happy, curious, or amazed by what we see. A book can awaken those same kinds of emotions through its story and its words.
And just as every garden can be different, every book can offer us a different experience.
Some books may feel like walking through a garden filled with bright and joyful flowers. Others may take us into quieter places, where we stop and think. Some may surprise us with something unexpected, just as we might discover a flower, colour, or little corner of a garden that we had not noticed before.
This is where I see the connection between reading, creativity, and wonder.
A book does not simply give us words to read. It gives our imagination something to work with. The words can become pictures in our minds. They can create colours, places, feelings, and experiences that exist inside our imagination.
Perhaps this is what makes the proverb so beautiful.
A garden gives us an experience of nature, beauty, colour, and wonder. A book can give us an experience of imagination, creativity, emotion, and wonder.
And unlike a garden that we must visit, a book can be carried with us.
We can open it whenever we want and return to the world inside its pages.
A little garden of words, waiting to bloom in our imagination.
That is what this proverb makes me think about: how something as simple as a book can carry an entire world of beauty, creativity, emotions, and wonder wherever w