Books are magic. Read aloud time provides comfort, strengthens relationships, and prompts conversations. These children's books about hope give parents and caregivers the opportunity to provide reassurance to kids over their anxieties and complicated feelings. They offer pathways to hope and resilience when life is uncertain and things don't go according to plan. Best of...
Children's Books about Hope that Offer Reassurance
Easy Cat Tessellation Art Activity
Drawing cat tessellations is a relaxing activity and a fun way to show kids how math and art intersect. Tessellations help kids explore shape, pattern, form and geometry, which are important concepts for both disciplines. We'll show you how to make an easy cat tessellation pattern step by step. This is a great math art...
Books Like the Land of Stories
The dream of falling into the pages of a book is an enticing one. What fun it would be to have adventure alongside your favorite characters! No wonder kids love Chris Colfer's series The Land of Stories, in which siblings fall into a fairy tale world. When your young readers are clamoring for more fantasy...
Transportation Coloring Pages
Kids love vehicles of all kinds! Vroom! Beep! Choo! Whoosh! Honk! Feed their passion for things that go with these fantastically cute transportation coloring pages, designed by children's book artist and author, Melanie Hope Greenberg. Melanie contributes a free, printable, exclusive coloring page every month and these are some of her best transportation-themed coloring pages....
Pigpen Cipher: A Secret Algorithm That's Fun for Kids
Kids love secret codes! Who wouldn't want to be able to write messages to friends that no one else (especially those pesky grown-ups) will be able to read? The pigpen cipher is a fun switch from the typical number and letter substitution codes. (like this one), rely on numbers as a substitution for letters, but the pigpen cipher substitutes...
18 Girl Detectives on the Case: Books Like Enola Holmes
Enola Holmes, the intrepid Victorian girl detective, sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes, and all around smart cookie is the star of a mystery book series by Nancy Springer and a fabulous Netflix movie. The Enola Holmes mysteries are set in Victorian London, involve wonderful conundrums that keep readers gasping in surprise and delight at...
14 Poem Ideas for Kids: Creative Writing Prompts
Is writing poetry difficult? Where do you start? How do you come up with a poem idea? Writing poetry doesn't have to be difficult, especially for kids whose creative spirits love to be unleashed! Nevertheless, poetry prompts are very helpful for those writers staring at a blank page and trying to decide how to begin!...
Latino-Centered Graphic Novels
It's doesn't have to be Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month for your kids to enjoy these terrific Latinx graphic novels. Drawing upon a diverse range of Hispanic and Latino/a/x/é experiences, these graphic novels include a variety of genres. Whether your readers enjoy realism, fantasy, historical fiction or folktales, everyone will find their perfect book on...
20 Easy Independent Activities for Kids Ages 1-5
Teaching your kids how to play independently is one of the the best skills you can give them. It will also help them lead lives in which they do not rely on a screen for entertainment. These independent activities for kids ages 1-5 are perfect when you need to get some work done but the...
Best Halloween Audiobooks for Families
When the air is crisp and pumpkins glow, when leaves are falling and witches are rising, you know that Halloween is fast approaching. Time to get in the mood and listen to a Halloween audiobook. Whether your family wants a funny Halloween audiobook or a spooky story, the choices on this list evoke the autumnal...
Fall Read Alouds (The Whole Family Will Love)
The crisp days of autumn are a great time to schedule some family read aloud time. And you'll need a cheerful and heartwarming book to match the season. These titles make great fall read aloud books, not necessarily because they are set during the autumnal season, but because reading them will make you feel cozy...
The Most Delicious Apple Taste Test Activity for Kids
A day out in the orchards picking ripe apples, taking a bite, letting the sweetly tart juice drip down your chin is one of the joys of autumn. After taking the kids on an apple picking field trip, extend the fun by putting together an apple taste test activity to compare different varieties. This apple...
Banned Books Your Kids Should Read
In celebration of Banned Books Week, I encourage you to read or check out at least one title from this list of banned children's books. As you peruse the list, you may be surprised at seeing titles you enjoyed when you were a child. Most children's books that are challenged or banned in school libraries and...
Gothic Children's Books (ages 8-13)
Do you ever tell your kids they are "being melodramatic?" Well perhaps they should read gothic novels! After all, what's more enticing than forbidden secrets, sinister forces, atmospheric settings, remote castles, disquieting omens and never-ending suspense? Gothic children's books can be scary, but they don't have to be. Yes, this list of gothic novels for...
10+ Best Books for 8 Year Olds
An 8-year-old who loves to read is a reader for life! That's why it's so important to help your 8-year-old children and students (typically 3rd graders) find books that are engaging and make them want to keep reading! While some kids this age are reading voraciously, others may still be working on reading fluency and...
Dinosaur Coloring Page
Every kid goes through a dinosaur phase. Feed their curiosity and creativity with this cute dinosaur coloring page from Melanie Hope Greenberg, author and illustrator of Mermaids on Parade. Featuring fun interpretations of several dinosaurs such as an Apatosaurus, a Pterodactyl, a Tyrannosaurus rex and an Amurosaurus (no doubt your kids will correct me on...
Books to Read If You Like Catherine, Called Birdy
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman has long been one of my favorite books and I've recommended it more times than I can count. It's funny, witty, has a splendidly irreverent heroine and is also nice and short! No doubt after reading it, reading fans everywhere will be hunting for more books like Catherine, Called...
Fire Truck Coloring Page
Sound the alarm! Slide down the pole! Suit up and jump on the fire engine! It's time to gear up with colored pencils and crayons to bring this adorable fire truck coloring page to life. Our in-house coloring page creator and children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg, designed this free coloring sheet just...
Books like Ivy + Bean
The Ivy + Bean series by Annie Barrows is a popular early chapter book series featuring two friends, the goofy and spunky Bean and the quietly creative Ivy. Their amusing adventures reel in young readers but what do these newly independent chapter book readers turn to, once they've read the entire series (currently 12 books)...
Read Aloud Books for Middle School
Just because your child is in middle school doesn't mean they won't benefit from listening to a great read aloud! In fact, reading books to middle school students will spark dynamic conversations about important subjects as well as offer meaningful, supplemental material to school subject studies. We've selected titles for this list of middle school...
15 Incredibly Easy Drawing Ideas for Kids
With so many unique and elaborate art projects and drawing ideas on the internet, parents can feel overwhelmed, especially if they have kids who are not naturally drawn to artistic pursuits. That's why it's essential to have simple and easy drawing ideas for kids. When life feels particularly hectic your kids can reach for a...
Children's Books with Deaf Characters
It's been said before, but it bears repeating: all children deserve to see themselves represented in books. This book list of children's books with d/Deaf and hard of hearing characters aims to help parents and educators find reading material that reflects the d/Deaf experience. There aren't enough books, yet, that do that, but these wonderful...
Superhero Chapter Books for Kids Ages 6-10
You've heard the phrase, "Every Hero Has a Story." Obviously, the sentiment is not limited to traditional superheroes, but it did inspire this list of superhero chapter books recommendations for early chapter book readers for your young, independent readers who love a rousing heroic story of good vs. evil. While my 10 year old does enjoy...
10 Mermaid Books for Kids (Picture Books)
Move over Ariel, there is a new batch of mermaids in the ocean. Or rather, let's say, "Ariel, there's a new batch of mermaids for you to swim with." I mean, why exclude everyone's favorite fairy tale mermaid, right? Take your kids on a journey down to the beach and under-the-sea with 10 magical mermaid...
12 Magical Mermaid Books for Tweens
Mermaids, sea-maidens, sirens, or water nymphs. Whatever you wish to call the mythical half-human, half-fish, sea-dwelling creatures, stories of mermaids have enchanted listeners for thousands of years in cultures across the globe. Young readers who love fantastical tales and stories of wonder and magic will love these mermaid books for tweens (ages 8-12). This diverse...
Best Mermaid Crafts for Kids
Do your children love mermaids and want to surround themselves with all the magical things under the sea? When you go to the beach do you kids wonder if there are mermaids swimming beneath the waves? Do they watch the ocean waves closely in the hopes of one day spotting a glittering fin or a...
Dragon Book Series & Novels for Tweens
We've covered dragon picture books for kids, now it's time for a big list of recommended dragon books for ages 8-12, in other words, "tweens." If your tween reader still dreams of fierce fire-breathing dragons or friendly dragon companions, then these are the dragon book series and stand-alone dragon novels to read. This list includes...
Tchuka Ruma: Solitaire Game for Kids
Although I enjoy sharing our favorite board games via our game of the month feature, not every game we play is bought in a store. We have recently been having a great time playing Tchuka Ruma. Tchuka Ruma is an Indonesian transfer game that is a good precursor to the more sophisticated and well-known Mancala. Unlike Mancala,...
Absolutely Adorable Mermaid Coloring Pages
Do your kids love mermaids? Then they will love these mermaid coloring pages! We have an awesome collection of totally free, printable mermaid-themed coloring pages by children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg. These coloring sheets will whisk your kids away to the beach and under-the-sea for a magical adventure. So, go tell your...
12 Favorite Dragon Books for Kids
Most kids go through a dragon phase, riding friendly dragons, slaying fierce dragons, even pretending to be dragons (friendly and fierce!). It's understandable; dragons are enchanting and powerful! They allow children to escape to an imaginary world of fantasy and magic. If your child is in the midst of a dragon obsession then these dragon...
Mermaid Parade Coloring Page
Welcome to a mermaid celebration of the ages! Every year in June, Coney Island in Brooklyn hosts the Mermaid Parade, "a celebration of ancient mythology and honky-tonk rituals of the seaside" and we have a fabulous mermaid parade coloring page to go with it. If you're not familiar with the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, it's...
Children's Books that Challenge Gender Stereotypes
Books should reflect a diversity of children's experiences these titles celebrate the fact that not every child fits into society's expectations based on traditional gender roles. Kids need to know that it doesn't matter if they prefer diggers to ballet slippers, or knitting to baseball. Children need to take pride in what they do, build the self-confidence...
Sunny Summer Read Aloud Books for Families
Ah, summer! The perfect time to spend an afternoon with a good book, especially one that the whole family can enjoy. These summer read alouds and the perfect books for everyone! You'll meet quirky characters, hear heartwarming stories, listen to summer adventures and sometimes even grip your picnic blanket in suspense. I've organized the books...
Easy Summer Camp Activities at Home
If you're considering forgoing expensive camps and planning for summer camp at home, here are some budget friendly activities, tips and easy ideas to get you started! I know summer is supposed to be fun and fancy free, but don't you ever feel completely overwhelmed at the thought of no schedule and having your kids...
Best Summer Reading Lists for All Grade Levels
Spring reading is about to give over to summer reading, because–let's face it–around here the reading never stops. So, get your library card out for these summer reading lists for all grade levels, chock full of great book recommendations. There is something so wonderful about reading outside on hot, lazy days. If you enjoy making...
Frog Coloring Page
Ribbit! Ribbit! Ribbit! That's what your kids will be saying all afternoon as they turn this giant city amphibian into a colorful delight. Children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg, created this amusing and adorable frog coloring page for budding herpetologists! This frog coloring page features a giant, smiling frog miles away from his...
Diverse Summer Reading List for 7-9 Year Olds
At seven years of age, most children (but not all, and that's okay) are starting to read independently. It's an exciting time for young readers when suddenly whole new worlds open up to them. Summer reading is a great opportunity for them to discover new books. This diverse summer reading list for 7-9 year olds...
Wise and Wonderful Haiku Books for Kids
Haiku is a great way to introduce poetry to kids. Haiku's three line, five-seven-five syllable structure is quick to read and kids gain a sense of how poetry captures fleeting moments and as well as provoking and emotional response. The tradition of haiku began in thirteenth century Japan. Although traditional subjects of haiku focus on...
Inspiring Middle Grade Verse Novels
Verse novels for children have become more and more popular. I couldn't wish for a better trend in children's literature! Verse novels are especially welcome because they can also be less daunting than prose novels to middle grade readers who might feel intimidated by long, dense chapter books. Reluctant readers don't have to slog through long, descriptive...
Laundry Day Coloring Page
Did you know that April 15th is National Laundry Day? It's the day when the law requires all kids ages 3 and up to do their own laundry. Dare to dream. Okay, so maybe that's too much to hope for, but you can send some serious do-you-own-laundry hints with Melanie Hope Greenberg's Laundry Day coloring...
