“The Lights in the Church” by Marilee Joy Mayfield

Merry Christmas! The Lights in the Church is a children’s books about the true meaning of Christmas. When a brother and sister get lost in the park, they stumble upon a curious sight; a church in the middle of the forest. As they walk closer, the doors won’t open, but as hymns are heard they […]

“‘Twas Nochebuena” by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

“‘Twas Nochebuena” is a bilingual retelling of “The Night Before Christmas.” The story takes readers into the home of a Latin American family during their Christmas Eve feast of Nochebuena. This family story conveys strong family bonds and traditions while offering non-Spanish speakers a way to learn some basic Spanish vocabulary. In “‘Twas Nochebuena” the […]

Read “Snowmen at Night” and Make Indoor Snowmen

“Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn Buehner is a hysterical book about snowmen that your Nanny Kids will want to reread over and over again. In “Snowmen at Night” while the children sleep, the snowmen the kids made during the day come to life. The snowmen have tons of winter fun including ice-skating on a pond, […]

“The Girl Who Saved Christmas” by Matt Haig

Weekly Trip to the Library The Girl Who Saved Christmas is a great Christmas book for your older Nanny Kids (about eight- to 12-years-old). Books always make a great, and inexpensive, holiday gift for children as well. In The Girl Who Saved Christmas Amelia Wishart was the first child ever to receive a Christmas present. […]

“Meet the Latkes” by Alan Silberberg and Latke Recipe

Your Nanny Family doesn’t have to celebrate Hanukkah to enjoy reading “Meet the Latkes” by Alan Silberberg and then share in making and eating latkes. When reading “Meet the Latkes” get ready for some wacky good fun with the Latke family of potato pancakes. Lucy Latke’s family is just like yours or mine. Except that […]

Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano

Thanksgiving is almost here making it the perfect time to read Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano with the children left in your care. Turkey Trouble is a funny look at a turkey who is trying not to be the Thanksgiving table’s centerpiece. He attempts a number of disguises to blend in with some of the […]

“Nanny Dearest” by Amy Fine Collins

The New York Times just posted the article She Wrote About the Family Babysitter. Flora Collins, the daughter of Amy Fine Collins, has a debut novel, Nanny Dearest. In Nanny Dearest a young woman takes comfort in reconnecting with her childhood nanny, until she starts to uncover secrets the nanny has been holding for twenty […]

Otto’s Tales Today is Veterans Day!

In Otto’s Tales: Today is Veterans Day! Otto and his best friend Dennis go on an adventure with Uncle Sam to learn about the different branches of the U.S. military. Otto and Dennis discover the meaningful sacrifices made by our military veterans and why they deserve respect, gratitude, and remembrance. Click the title Otto’s Tales: […]

“A Book About Empathy” by Manuela Ocampo Mejia

It’s hard for some children to consider how their actions affect other people. That’s why I read “A Book About Empathy” with one of my Nanny Kids this week. The child was struggling saying ‘thank you’ and seeing things from her friends’ perspective during a change of plans. When the child was happy and calm […]

Read “How Chipmunk Got His Stripes” and Chipmunk Puppet and Craft

Creative Wednesdays “How Chipmunk Got His Stripes” by Joseph Bruchac is based on a Native American folktale. In this story, Bear brags that he can do anything — even stop the sun from rising. Brown Squirrel doesn’t believe him, so the two wait all night to see if the sun will rise. Sure enough, the […]