“There Was an Old Lady that Swallowed Some Leaves” and Fun Craft

Turn storytime into a hands-on fall activity! “There Was an Old Lady that Swallowed Some Leaves” by Lucille Colandro is a breezy, whimsical rhyme book paired with vivid illustrations making it a chaotic tribute to autumn and an absolute page-turner for children. It is an excellent book for preschool through early elementary kids to practice […]

“The Crayons Trick or Treat” by Drew Daywalt and Making Costumes for the Crayons

Last week the kids and I made costumes for the Sheepy in “Creepy Sheepy” and this week we did the same with the crayon protagonists in “The Crayons Trick or Treat” by Drew Daywalt. After reading “The Crayons Trick or Treat” with the children in your care, set up a coloring and drawing station where […]

Real Flower Brushes

Skip traditional paint brushes and head outside! Real flowers make wonderful, natural stamps and paint brushes to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork that kids will love. Choose sturdy flowers with strong stems, such as daisies. Try different flowers, colors, and amounts of paint to see how each one creates a unique design.  Don’t forget to read […]

10 Best Children’s Books for Father’s Day

Children’s books make a wonderful, inexpensive Father’s Day gift because they create a special opportunity for dads and children to slow down, cuddle, and share meaningful moments together. A favorite story can become a family tradition and remind children that reading together is one of the simplest ways to build connection. Instead of a gift […]

Pinecone Bird Feeder and Winter Bird Books

Not all birds fly south for the winter. Read children’s books about winter birds listed below with the little ones in your care. Then, they will love making this simple bird feeder from a pine cone they find on a nature hike for the birds that have stayed in the neighborhood for the winter.  You […]

“The Tree That’s Meant to Be” and Pine Cone Christmas Tree Craft 

In “The Tree That’s Meant to Be” by Yuval Zommer, a small, crooked fir tree is left all alone after the others near it in the forest are chosen by families as Christmas to bring home.  But when the forest animals gather around the lonely little tree to cheer it up and celebrate the season, […]

“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 […]

“The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” and Lamb Craft

To prepare for Easter, read “The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” by Kellie Hurley with the children in your care and make a doily lamb craft.  “The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” is a children’s picture book by Kellie Hurley, aimed at children aged 2 to 6. Through the perspective of a curious lamb, the story introduces […]

“Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons” and Craft 

After reading, “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons” by James Dean make a simple button craft with the toddlers and preschoolers in your care.  Pete the Cat puts on his favorite shirt, which has four colorful buttons. He loves the buttons so much that he sings a simple song about them: “My buttons, […]

Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Kids love baking for many reasons, including the sense of achievement, the fun of creating something, and the opportunity to bond with their caregiver. Baking can also help kids develop math skills and learn about measurements. Be sure to allow the children to help with every part of making cookies from collecting the ingredients, measuring, mixing, […]