“How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?” and Dino Feet Craft

Creative Wednesdays Who doesn’t like dinosaurs? Girls and boys of all ages love dinosaurs. In How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen human parents are trying to put young dinosaurs to bed. The dinosaurs in the book represent human children throwing temper tantrums when it’s time to go to bed. Do yourself a favor […]

“Black Is a Rainbow Color” by Angela Joy

We live in a colorful world, and “Black Is a Rainbow Color” by Angela Joy teaches children that the beauty of the African American culture and history is not only extraordinary but something worth celebrating. In “Black Is a Rainbow Color” child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem […]

“Playing with Lanterns” and Make Paper Lanterns for Chinese New Year

The Lantern Festival is held on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year holiday. It marks the last day of traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. My six-year-old nanny kid and I made several simple and colorful paper lanterns to adorn her room in preparation for Chinese New Year. In snowy northern China, children celebrate […]

“Those Shoes” by Maribeth Bolts

My 7-year old, 8-year-old, and 9-year-old nanny kids and I absolutely love the book Those Shoes by Maribeth Bolts. Although there are some important morals taught in Those Shoes, the book isn’t too preachy. The main character in Those Shoes, is a boy named Jeremy who lives with his grandmother. At school all the other […]

Indoor Snowman with Homemade Cloud Dough

I love trying different types of homemade play dough with kids. Could dough feels amazing and is a great boredom buster anytime of the year. But since it is winter where I work and live in New Jersey it is the perfect time to read “Charlie and Lola: Snow is My Favorite and My Best” […]

“Be a King” by Carole Boston Weatherford

Every year at this time as Martin Luther King Day approaches I try to find a children’s book I never read before about him to share with my Nanny Kids. This year I borrowed Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford from the library. Be a King: […]

“The Lights in the Church” by Marilee Joy Mayfield

Merry Christmas! The Lights in the Church is a children’s books about the true meaning of Christmas. When a brother and sister get lost in the park, they stumble upon a curious sight; a church in the middle of the forest. As they walk closer, the doors won’t open, but as hymns are heard they […]

“Meet the Latkes” by Alan Silberberg and Latke Recipe

Your Nanny Family doesn’t have to celebrate Hanukkah to enjoy reading “Meet the Latkes” by Alan Silberberg and then share in making and eating latkes. When reading “Meet the Latkes” get ready for some wacky good fun with the Latke family of potato pancakes. Lucy Latke’s family is just like yours or mine. Except that […]

Gustavo the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost is the winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season —- or anytime. In Gustavo, the Shy Ghost Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing […]

“The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky” by Jory John and Pete Oswald

The main character of “The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky” is a sunflower seed in a cranky mood because he can’t seem to find the perfect Halloween costume. Despite trying to ruin the holiday for the whole field he ends up learning some positive lessons from a kindly neighbor and […]