“The Case for Cuddles,” written by a British Maternity Nurse, is a book title that makes you want to put the kettle on and wrap yourself in a fleecy throw before you’ve even opened the cover. Kirsty Bennett has gifted nannies and parents with a book that argues what we’ve known since the days of […]
Why Every Nanny Should Read, “The Case for Cuddles” by Kirsty Bennett
Outdoor Nature Sorting
Summer learning has never been so fun! Read “Hello Hello: Opposites” by Brendan Wenzel with the children In your care then sort items you find in nature into opposites outside. “Hello Hello: Opposites” by Brendan Wenzel is a vibrant and engaging picture book that explores the concept of opposites through a wide array of animals. […]
“Nanny Knows Best: The History of the British Nanny” by Katherine Holden
“Nanny Knows Best” by Katherine Holden is not a how-to manual for nannies. This book is about British history. Katherine Holden’s book is an exploration of the British nanny as a cultural institution — equal parts moral compass, parental substitute, and Victorian child-wrangler extraordinaire. “Nanny Knows Best” charts the evolution of the British nanny from the […]
“Women’s Work” by Megan K. Stack — From A Nanny’s Perspective
As a nanny who has already spent three decades helping raise other people’s children, “Women’s Work” by Megan K. Stack hit me in a deeply personal place. This book is not a comforting celebration of modern motherhood; it’s a raw, honest look at the hidden cost of women’s professional ambition. The author is a former […]
“Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid – From A Nanny’s Perspective
Unlike the other books written by nannies, or about nannies, I’ve been reading this summer, “Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid is a fiction novel and New York Times best seller. “Such a Fun Age” follows Emira Tucker, a 25-year-old Black woman who babysits for Alix Chamberlain, a wealthy white influencer-mom who is progressive […]
“The Little Princesses” by Marion Crawford – From a Nanny’s Perspective
Working a nanny myself, I felt professional resonance reading, “The Little Princesses” by Marion Crawford. Reviewing “The Little Princesses” as a nanny is more than a dip into royal life — it’s an affirmation of the invisible, steady influence caregivers have on the next generation. Crawford’s role as a governess mirrors the emotional and practical […]
“Mothercoin: The Stories of Immigrant Nannies” by Elizabeth Cummins — From A Nanny’s Perspective
“Mothercoin: The Stories of Immigrant Nannies” is not a comforting read — but if you’re an immigrant in America it will be a validating one. Elizabeth Cummins Muñoz has written the book I didn’t know I was waiting for: a rich, unflinching exploration of the women behind America’s well-raised children, cleaned homes, and free time […]
Review of “Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant: How Nannying For the 1% Taught Me About the Myths of Equality, Motherhood, and Upward Mobility in America” by Stephanie Kiser
I am reading as many books written by nannies or about nannies as I can this summer. Stephanie Kiser is a former nanny who worked for affluent families on Manhattan’s Upper East Side who wrote the memoir, “Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant. How Nannying For the 1% Taught Me About the Myths of Equality, Motherhood, and […]
“Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell and Owl Craft
“Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell is a reassuring and stunningly illustrated book that tackles the subject of separation anxiety that all children experience. For example, parents will go to work while their nanny cares for them. When three baby owls awake one night to find their mother is gone, they can’t help but wonder where […]
8 Children’s Books for Earth Day
Earth Day is an opportunity to promote a connection with nature and a sense of responsibility for the planet with children. Here’s a list of 8 great children’s books to share with kids for Earth Day. 1. “The Earth Book” by Todd Parr Ages: 2-7 This bright, colorful, and simple, board book is perfect for […]