• Where to Shop In Stores

    Wondering where to buy our DJ the Scratchy Cat? You can find our children’s books at major retailers, independent bookstores, and online shops that specialize in picture books for kids. Whether you’re shopping locally or ordering online, discover the best places to purchase our books so your young readers can enjoy DJ’s playful adventures at home or in the classroom. Lil’ Loo – Fort Mill, SCPark Road Books – Charlotte, NC Little Shop of Stories – Atlanta, GA Word Bookstore – Jersey City, NJ Learning Express – Scarsdale, NY Little City Books – Hoboken, NJ Belmont Bookshop – Belmont, NC That’s Novel Books – Charlotte, NC River Road Books – Fair…

  • 5 Tips for Teachers

    Five Tips For Teachers This School Year

    As summer comes to a close, the anxieties of going back to work can become overwhelming. Here are a few helpful practices to set you up for the new school year! Save yourself a little time and energy with these five important tips!  Planning & Organization There’s nothing worse than flipping the lights on in your classroom and having no idea what you’re teaching that day. This next part is so important, especially for new teachers! If you’re not prepared, how can you expect your students to be? My advice is to plan ahead. Look at your state standards and long range plans for each subject and get ahead of…

  • DJ at Christmas

    Paws and Play: The Ultimate Gift Guide for Pet Owners

    What better way to show your love for furry friends than with thoughtful presents that make both pet and owner’s lives easier? Check out our holiday gift guide with must-haves, including a Roomba for hassle-free cleaning, pet hair removal solutions, and toys that will keep pets entertained for hours. Roomba – A Purr-fectly Clean Home: Pet owners know the struggle of dealing with endless pet hair, especially during shedding seasons. Enter the Roomba, a robotic vacuum cleaner that effortlessly glides across floors, picking up pet hair and debris. With its smart technology, the Roomba adapts to different surfaces, ensuring a thorough clean without pet owners lifting a finger. Gift the…

  • Holiday Gift Guide for Teachers

    Heartwarming Holiday Gift Guide for Teachers: From Classroom Essentials to Literary Delights

    The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to express gratitude than by giving thoughtful gifts to the everyday heroes shaping young minds? Embrace the spirit of giving with a carefully curated holiday gift guide for teachers. This guide not only includes classroom essentials but also highlights captivating books that resonate with the whimsy of childhood, like “The Day the Crayons Quit.” Classroom Essentials for Every Teacher’s Wishlist Teachers work tirelessly to create a nurturing environment for their students. Consider gifting items that can elevate their teaching experience. A personalized teacher planner, adorned with playful illustrations, ensures that every day is organized and inspiring. Functional yet whimsical classroom…

  • JL Kirby, Jacqueline & Lauren Kirby Children's Authors Parenting Gift Guide 2023

    Unwrapping Joy: A 2023 Gift Guide for Parents

    As the year comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate the remarkable parents in your life with thoughtful gifts that blend practicality with a touch of luxury. In this 2023 gift guide, we’ve curated a selection that caters to the diverse needs of modern parents, recognizing the challenges they face and the joys they embrace. From innovative kitchen tools to cutting-edge baby gear, here’s a glimpse into the perfect presents for the superheroes we call Mom and Dad. Elevating Culinary Adventures For parents who love to experiment in the kitchen, a sous vide precision cooker is a game-changer. This high-tech kitchen tool ensures consistently perfect results, allowing them to…

  • JL Kirby Holiday Hosting Guide

    Be the Host(ess) with the Most

    In the tapestry of life, being a host weaves threads of connection and warmth, creating a masterpiece of shared experiences. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the role of a host extends beyond providing food and shelter; it is an art form that transforms occasions into memorable moments. At the heart of hosting is the genuine desire to make others feel welcome. It’s about creating an atmosphere where laughter dances in the air, and conversations flow like a gentle stream. From the moment guests cross the threshold, a host sets the tone for an experience that transcends the ordinary. The art of hosting involves meticulous planning, akin…

  • Best Prime Day Deals for Teachers

    The Best Prime Day Deals for Teachers

    I may be in denial about returning to school in just over a month, but I can’t sleep on the Prime Day Deals!  Its no secret that we teachers spend a lot of our own money throughout the school year. Although most of us can accept that its part of the job, there’s no shame in creating a Wishlist on Amazon! Aside from Prime Day, this is a great way to keep all your classroom needs in one place. I usually add this link to my presentation at Meet the Teacher and continue to share it on my weekly newsletter throughout the year. Although it might feel weird, I am…

  • Social & Emotional Learning

    Social and Emotional Learning in the Classroom

    What is Social and Emotional Learning Most people don’t know about SEL or Social and Emotional Learning. SEL is a method used to teach students how to manage their emotions, and better interact in social environments.  Benefits Social and Emotional Learning is helpful when creating a classroom community. It is important for students of all ages to learn and continue practicing these strategies. SEL helps instill lifelong skills for children, and is proven to increase academic success. The methodology has become more present within a school setting in the last decade and even more so, following the pandemic. Like the rest of the World, many young children are now experiencing…