“Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen

It’s not surprising that John Schoenherr received the 1988 Caldecott Medal for his illustrations in “Owl Moon.” The watercolors in this book capture the wonder and beauty of the walk through the woods in the snow. The main character’s older brothers have been out “owling” with their father, but now it is finally the little […]

“How to Build a Snowman” and Craft

After reading “How to Build a Snowman” to the children in your care, allow toddlers and preschoolers to paint and paste together this snowman craft. “How to Build a Snowman” is an innovative and interactive touch-and-feel winter fun book for babies and toddlers by Little Scholastic. A very first winter book with different textures to […]

“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 […]

“Thanksgiving in the Woods” by Phyllis Alsdurf

Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf is a great gift for kids for Thanksgiving. It is based on the true story of a family in Upstate New York who has hosted an outdoor Thanksgiving feast in the woods on their farm for over 20 years. Every year a family and their friends gather in […]

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 […]

“Elmer the Elephant” by David McKee and Craft

Children love the Elmer the patchwork elephant book series by David McKee. I love the Mini Mad Things blog. After reading “Elmer’s Colors,” “Elmer and Butterfly,” “Elmer and the Rainbow,” and “Elmer’s Special Day,” by David McKee I let the child in my care use paint and pastels to decorate a cardboard Elmer. It might […]

Watercolor Spider Webs

One child I care for has a phobia of spiders so badly that the child has nightmares about arthropods. Children’s books always help kiddos when they have issues or are anxious. I bought “Mrs. Spider’s Beautiful Web” by Beverly Randell and “Spiders” by Gail Gibbons to help the child learn about how amazing spiders can […]

“A Fish Out of Water” and Craft

In “A Fish Out of Water” by Helen Palmer a young boy hilariously learns the consequences of not following instructions when he feeds too much to his goldfish. Overfeeding the goldfish causes it to grow as big as a whale. With delightfully retro illustrations by P.D. Eastman this book shows that getting a pet is […]

“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 […]