“Stumpkin” and Pumpkin Sun Catchers

One of my favorite children’s books is “Stumpkin” by Lucy Ruth Cummins. It’s the story of a pumpkin without a stem trying to be sold in a store in the city that feels left out. “Stumpkin” has a stump, not a stem. So, no one seems to want to buy a stemless jack-o-lantern for their […]

Rainbow Lacing Cards

I always try to bring new projects to do with kids when babysitting or working as a nanny. Knowing everyone loves rainbows, I made two different rainbow lacing cards for differently skilled, (one younger and one older), children. I also include children’s books with the projects I do with children to encourage their love of […]

Jellyfish Craft and “Bloom” by Julia Seal

“Bloom” by Julia Seal of a beautiful book that has a great message for children about climate change and pollution. The illustrations in “Bloom” are so stunning they inspire little ones to make their own craft jellyfish. Before reading this book I didn’t know that a group of jellyfish is called a bloom and that […]

“Barbie” by Cindy Eagan

I’m going to see the new movie “Barbie” tonight with family and friends so I bought this book for my friend who invited me to see the film. “Barbie” by Cindy Eagan is a beautifully illustrated picture book about Barbie — the most famous doll in the world — and her visionary creator, Ruth Handler. […]

8 Great Children’s Books About Flowers

As I prepare to do activities with flowers with my Nanny Kids this summer I found these great children’s books about flowers to read with them. Children and their parents always appreciate when nannies incorporate books into daily activities because it helps encourage a love of reading in children. You can purchase these books by […]

Clothespin Dragonflies

Here’s a cute project I found on the First Pallette web site. I always include children’s books that correspond with the projects we do. I read “Are You a Dragonfly?” by Judy Allen and “Fast Facts About Dragonflies” by Garstecki-Derkovitz while doing this project. My 7-year-old Nanny Kid clipped her pretty dragonflies on her bedroom […]

“Don’t Forget Our Troops” by Jill Biden

“Don’t Forget Our Troops” by Jill Biden beautiful book for children who’s loved one is serving in the military and a perfect read for any child during Memorial Day weekend. When a family member is serving in the military, it can be really difficult for children to understand and cope with the loss of a […]

Hot Glue Tin Foil Painting

For a Memorial Day craft project I had a 5-year-old paint an abstract American flag on tin foil. I used hot glue to make a box and lines on the tin foil for the child to paint inside the lines. Be sure to read children’s books about Memorial Day while doing this project. We recommend, […]

“My Friend Earth” by Patricia MacLachlan

“My Friend Earth” by Patricia MacLachlan is a beautiful picture book and a perfect book to read to children toddler to preschool and grade school for Earth Day. I love that “My Friend Earth” is an interactive format with kid-friendly art that engages young readers as they explore the book. “My Friend Earth” shows children […]

Earth Day Window Sun Catchers

Making sun catchers is an easy project to do with kids of any age. The 18-month-old toddler, 4-year-old, and 7-year-old I babysit for all love making sun catchers for every holiday and season. I find using self-adhesive laminating sheets easier than using contact paper. I recommend purchasing some self-adhesive laminating sheets by tapping the links […]