“The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” and Make a Fire Breathing Dragon

This is the year of the dragon for Chinese New Year, making it the perfect time to read “The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” by Virginia Loh-Hagan and make a fire breathing dragon with the kids. “The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” explains why people light firecrackers, wear red, and give food offerings to celebrate […]

“The Day it Rained Hearts” and Raining Hearts Craft

After reading “The Day it Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond to children make a craft with raining hearts. In “The Day it Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond it rains hearts, and the main character, Cornelia Augusta, catches the raining hearts. Cornelia decided the hearts would be perfect to make Valentines for her friends. She began […]

“Winter Trees” by Carole Gerber and Bubble Wrap Painting

Have the kids paint with bubble wrap to make a snow covered tree after reading “Winter Trees” by Carole Gerber. In “Winter Trees” a boy and his dog stroll through the winter forest discovering seven different types of trees. This book is a fun early introduction to tree identification and a great way to encourage […]

“Winter Dance” by Marion Dane Bauer and Coloring Page

“Winter Dance” by Marion Dane Bauer is a fun winter book about a fox trying to figure out what to do when winter comes. Snow is coming, and it’s time to get ready! The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soar south, and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. But what should the […]

Make a Sled after Reading “Snow Day!” By Lester L. Laminack

Going to the library with children weekly is fun. The parents you work for and the children you care for will love doing crafts projects that correspond to the children’s books you borrow from the library. After reading “Snow Day!” by Lester L. Laminack make a sled out of craft sticks with the kids. In […]

Thankful Chains and “Thankful” by Elaine Vickers

“Thankful” by Elaine Vickers is the perfect children’s book (and project) to do with children for Thanksgiving or anytime of the year. “Thankful” is a beautiful story of being thankful. Each year, a little girl writes down the things she’s thankful for on strips of paper and links them together. As one idea leads to […]

“Stumpkin” and Pumpkin Sun Catchers

One of my favorite children’s books is “Stumpkin” by Lucy Ruth Cummins. It’s the story of a pumpkin without a stem trying to be sold in a store in the city that feels left out. “Stumpkin” has a stump, not a stem. So, no one seems to want to buy a stemless jack-o-lantern for their […]

Jellyfish Craft and “Bloom” by Julia Seal

“Bloom” by Julia Seal of a beautiful book that has a great message for children about climate change and pollution. The illustrations in “Bloom” are so stunning they inspire little ones to make their own craft jellyfish. Before reading this book I didn’t know that a group of jellyfish is called a bloom and that […]

“Barbie” by Cindy Eagan

I’m going to see the new movie “Barbie” tonight with family and friends so I bought this book for my friend who invited me to see the film. “Barbie” by Cindy Eagan is a beautifully illustrated picture book about Barbie — the most famous doll in the world — and her visionary creator, Ruth Handler. […]

8 Great Children’s Books About Flowers

As I prepare to do activities with flowers with my Nanny Kids this summer I found these great children’s books about flowers to read with them. Children and their parents always appreciate when nannies incorporate books into daily activities because it helps encourage a love of reading in children. You can purchase these books by […]