What is the Icelandic “Book Flood”?
In Iceland, the months leading up to Christmas are dominated by books. Publishers time their big releases for late autumn, and the new titles are all gathered into a catalog called Bókatíðindi (the Journal of Books), which is mailed to every household in the country. The arrival of this catalog is considered the official start of the Christmas season.
In a world full of screens and endless distractions, few things are as grounding—or as meaningful—as sitting down with a child and opening a real book. Reading together isn’t just about literacy. It’s about connection, comfort, and creating memories that last far beyond childhood.
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to assume screens are the best route for children’s reading and learning. But there’s plenty of research showing that real, physical books hold unique benefits for kids — benefits that matter for language development, emotional bonding, attention spans, and lifelong reading habits. Let’s dig into why printed books still matter for children, and how parents, educators, and caregivers can make the most of them.
IntroductionWe’re in a world where screens — TVs, tablets, phones — are everywhere. For kids under five, whose brains are growing fast, how they engage with screens matters. Plenty of peer-reviewed research now shows that more screen time isn’t just “quiet time for mom/dad” — it can have measurable effects on development, behaviour, sleep and more. In this post I’ll summarise what the research says and pull out practical take-aways for parents, caregivers and educators.
We recently received an email with a link to a very interesting article on kids and screentime. We all know screen time is everywhere, so we wanted to share it with you.
In a world where screens are everywhere, giving kids a screen-free summer can feel like a bold move—but it’s one that pays off. From boosting creativity and improving focus to building deeper family bonds, screen-free activities help kids thrive, especially during the long, sunny days of summer.
If you're a parent looking for fun, screen-free summer ideas for kids, you're in the right place. Here are some of the best ways to keep your children entertained, engaged, and off the screen—all while creating lasting memories.