Chalk and Pastel Fourth of July Fireworks

I had planned to just use red, white, and blue sidewalk chalk to have the kids make Fourth of July fireworks on black paper while reading, “The Night Before the Fourth of July” by Amy Wummer, “Fireworks and Freedom” by Educational Parade, and “Fireworks” by Lori Haskins Houran. But I allowed them to let their […]

Patriotic Paper Plate Purses

After reading “The Fourth of July Story” by Alice Dalgliesh, “Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols” by James Cross Giblin, and “Apple Pie Fourth of July” by Janet S. Wong I helped my Nanny Kids make these patriotic paper plate purses to prepare for the Fourth of July. You […]

9 Best Children’s Books for Father’s Day Gifts

Children’s books make great, inexpensive Father’s Day gifts because they offer a unique opportunity for bonding between fathers and their children. Children’s books share heartfelt messages about love, family, and life lessons, making them a meaningful way for children to express their appreciation for their dads. These children’s books make great Father’s Day gifts that […]

“Grandma’s Purse” by Vanessa Brantley Newton and Quilted Purse Craft

This is an adorable project to do as a literary connection to the picture book “Grandma’s Purse” by Vanessa Brantley Newton. In the book, when Mimi’s Grandmother comes to visit she always brings warm hugs, sweet treats, and her purse. Mimi never knows what her Grandmother have in there — fancy jewelry, tokens from around […]

Realistic Flowers from Coffee Filters Craft

My youngest Nanny Kid loves flowers. I borrowed these 8 great children’s books about flowers from the library and helped her make these realistic looking flowers from coffee filters. I found the idea from the One Little Project website and adjusted it to make it a little easier for a 7-year-old to make. The flower […]

“Paper Wishes” by Tara Knudsen and Make Paper Airplanes

“Paper Wishes” by Tara Knudsen is a lovely children’s book about a boy who is missing his grandparents, as they live very far away. He gets the idea to make an origami love heart, and he posts it to them. He wonders where it is on its journey and whether it will go by plane, […]

Children’s Books About Solar Eclipses

I love using children’s books to prepare kids for new experiences. On April 8, 2024, millions of Americans will experience an awe-inspiring phenomenon: a total eclipse of the sun. Here are some great books on the topic I found at the local library and bought on Amazon to help the kids prepare for the unforgettable […]

Great Peacock Children’s Books and Project

Peacocks are large, colorful birds known for their iridescent blue and green feathers and distinctive fan-shaped tail feathers, which they display during courtship rituals. Males are called peacocks, while females are actually called peahens. After reading the great children books we review below let the children make this 3D peacock made out of cardboard. You […]

“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 […]