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. […]

“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 […]

“The Color of Us” by Karen Katz

Karen Katz is one of my favorite authors of children’s books. The author created “The Color of Us” for her daughter, Lena, whom she and her husband adopted from Guatemala. “The Color of Us” is a positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist’s perspective. In “The Color of Us” seven-year-old Lena is […]

“Skin Again” by Bell Hooks

The quote from the book “Skin Again” by Bell Hooks that defines the book is, “The skin I’m in is just a covering. It cannot tell my story. If you want to know who I am, you have got to come inside and open your heart way wide.” In “Skin Again” children learn race matters, […]

“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 […]

“Meeting Nanny Heather” by Marianne Selinger

Finally there is a children’s book to share with children to prepare them for having a new nanny. “Meeting Nanny Heather” by Marianne Selinger is a sweet story about Nicole and Nathan’s adventures when they meet their new nanny Heather. In “Meeting Nanny Heather,” Nicole and Nathan are usually happy kids, but today they are […]

“I Got the Christmas Spirit” by Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison

I am always in awe of Frank Morrison’s illustrations. They are so celebratory and sweet, and this story brings to life the real spirit of giving we should all have during the holiday season. In I Got the Christmas Spirit the wife-and-husband writer-illustrator team produces a Christmas journey in which a young girl and her […]

Paper Plate Dinosaur Craft

This is a super easy dinosaur craft to make with girls and boys with a paper plate and toilet paper roll. Be sure to read “How to Catch a Dinosaur,” “Danny and the Dinosaur,” “How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight,” and “Dinosaur” while making this simple craft. You can purchase the children books and supplies needed […]

“A Pet for Pete” by James Dean and Paper Plate Craft

Pete the Cat can’t wait to get a new pet! He gets a goldfish he names Goldie. Pete paints a cool painting of Goldie and now everyone wants a piece of it! But Pete doesn’t have enough time to make one for everyone. Will Pete find a way to have fun painting Goldie and have […]

Changing Color Chameleon

Chameleons are amazing reptiles that possess a wide variety of interesting features including their ability to change color due to their emotions and as camouflage. Children will love making and playing with this simple craft to make their chameleons change color with paper plates. Be sure to read these children books about chameleons while making […]