“My Friend Earth” by Patricia MacLachlan

“My Friend Earth” by Patricia MacLachlan is a beautiful picture book and a perfect book to read to children toddler to preschool and grade school for Earth Day. I love that “My Friend Earth” is an interactive format with kid-friendly art that engages young readers as they explore the book. “My Friend Earth” shows children […]

Earth Day Window Sun Catchers

Making sun catchers is an easy project to do with kids of any age. The 18-month-old toddler, 4-year-old, and 7-year-old I babysit for all love making sun catchers for every holiday and season. I find using self-adhesive laminating sheets easier than using contact paper. I recommend purchasing some self-adhesive laminating sheets by tapping the links […]

“Welcome to Consent” by Yumi Stynes and Dr. Melissa Kang

“Welcome to Consent” by Yumi Stynes and Dr. Melissa Kang is a chapter book written for older kids (approximately 10 years old and up) is a must-have for every home library. Understanding consent is important for people with all kinds of bodies, in all kinds of circumstances — from getting a haircut or letting the […]

Window Butterfly Sun Catchers

My Nanny Kids are addicted to making these simple, colorful sun catchers for every season and holiday. For spring, I printed out buttery templates (listed at bottom of page) and read children’s books about butterflies with the children in my care, (books listed below). Using self-adhesive laminating sheets is even easier than using contact paper […]

“Girls Think of Everything” by Catherine Thimmesh and Melissa Sweet

“Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women” is a collection of truly inspirational short stories that recognize the inventions of ambitious women who overcame unfavorable odds to impact the world. Each chapter focuses on challenging problems that spark creative solutions that have changed, or promise to change, the world. Written and illustrated […]

10 Saint Patrick’s Day Children’s Books

Weekly Trip to the Library Saint Patrick’s Day observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. What began as a religious feast day in the 17th century has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole lot of green. […]

“Scaredy Bath” by Zoë Foster Blake

Who doesn’t love bath time? The shiny bubbles, the fun bath toys, and, of course, the big splashes! But have you ever wondered what it’s like for the bathtub? Scaredy Bath cannot stand bath time. It thinks the water is too hot, the kids are too loud, and its once-polished inside is now way too […]

“The Paper Dolls” by Julia Donaldson and DIY Paper Dolls

Making projects with children that correspond with the books you read with them helps encourage the love of reading. For a fun indoor activity for kids that the whole family can enjoy, download this printable paper doll template, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb and based on Julia Donaldson’s “The Paper Dolls,” and also let the kids […]

“In My Heart” by Joe Witek and Painting

“In My Heart” by Joe Witek is a great book for any time of the year but since it incorporates a heart on every page it is easy to incorporate a Valentine’s craft while sharing it with your kiddos. In the book “In My Heart” children learn about feelings including happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, and […]

“The Snowy Day” and Stick Puppets

“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Keats is a classic must-read winter children’s book about a boy named Peter who explores playing in the snow. After reading “The Snowy Day” with the children in your care, have them make a snowy scene for their own Peter puppets. In “The Snowy Day” Peter wakes up to the […]