Looking for ways to make your child smile during school lunch period? These printable lunch box poems will make school cafeteria time a bit more exciting. You can print out the poems and include them in your child's lunch bag or box as a way to celebrate National Poetry Month, but as poetry is timeless,...
Lunch Box Poetry: Literacy Learning at Lunch!
Spring Audiobooks for Families
When you and your kids are in the mood for a story the reflects the joy of discovery, and the delight of fresh spring days, choose one of these spring audiobooks! I chose audiobooks to appeal to kids and families of all ages based on some common themes: humor, animals–especially rabbits!–and nature. NOTE: Ages recommendations...
Pi Day Activities for Classroom Celebrations
Enjoy these creative Pi Day Activities in the classroom or for at home learning! Pi Day is March 14 because the first three digits of pi are 3.14. Although pi, which is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter has been known for about 4000 years, the symbol π has only been in use...
Pi Day Coloring Page
This fun Pi Day coloring page is just what you need to celebrate 3.14, or March 14th. Our Pi Day coloring page features a large circle (or is it a pie?) surrounding a large pi symbol. Also encircling the pi symbol is a string of numbers that begin pi, 3.14159265....... As always, our coloring page...
Children's Books about Ukraine: Past and Present
Share these books with your kids to help them learn about the experiences of families and children living in Ukraine. Historical fiction, folktales and age-appropriate stories about the current crisis in Ukraine offer important jumping off points for further discussions. Picture Books These picture books about Ukraine will help parents and educators talk with kids...
Books Like Dory Fantasmagory: Quirky Chapter Books
It's no secret that young readers love Abby Hanlon's hilariously quirky Dory Fantasmagory series. The wildly imaginative Dory has an emotional range and mischievous streak that resonates with kids. If your reader is looking for more books like Dory Fantasmagory, test out one of these funny and imaginative early chapter book series. MORE: Don't miss...
Valentine's Day Coloring Page Collection
What better way to show your affection on Valentine's Day than with a hand-colored valentine. From bookmarks to cards to puppets, our exclusive collection of hand-drawn (not computer generated!) Valentine's Day coloring pages from children's book illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg, offers a delectable selection from which to choose! Pass out these heart themed coloring pages...
Indoor Activities for Tweens
Kids ages 9-12 can often find their own entertainment but when you notice them gravitating towards screens, it's helpful to have some screen-free ideas to engage tweens. Science and Engineering Activities Tweens love science and engineering projects. Best of all, they promote critical thinking skills and encourage curiosity and perseverance. Invention Bag Have an "Invention Bag"...
20 Indoor Ball Games for Kids
When the weather is freezing, or rainy, or scorching and your kids are stuck inside they can get antsy with all that pent up energy. Indoor ball games like these are a great way of helping them burn off a little energy indoors! Now I know what you're thinking.... "Ball games for kids to play indoors? No Way!" As...
Children's Books about Lying and Telling the Truth
I love finding books that teach ethical lessons without being excessively moralistic and annoyingly didactic. These kids books about lying and telling the truth will help you discuss the importance of honesty with your children. These picture books address a number of issues about honesty, such as the danger of how lies spin can out...
Birthday Cake Coloring Page
What's better than a big birthday cake? A big, colorful birthday cake you can decorate however you wish! The birthday cake on this coloring page is ready for candles, frosting decorations and some festive colors! Children's book illustrators and author, Melanie Hope Greenberg, based this birthday coloring page on one of her original greeting card...
Valentine Books for Kids that Spread Love and Kisses
This curated collection of picture books features kisses, hugs and multicultural books about love as well as more traditional Valentine's Day books for kids. Of course it's great to read about love and kisses all year long and to facilitate that I've listed books in three sections: toddlers, preschoolers and elementary aged kids. As with...
Valentine's Day Math Art Ideas -- Without Worksheets
These Valentine's Day math art activities make a day of candy and hearts fun for all kids! Kids not into the lovey-dovey aspect of Valentines' Day? Obviously, you need to turn to mathematics for inspiration! Bookmark this collection of twelve Valentine's Day math art ideas because you are going to want to do every single...
14 Classic Outdoor Winter Activities
When it's cold and snowy outside, don't stay inside and get cabin fever. Instead, put on those hats, boots, and mittens (and scarves, and earmuffs, and long underwear, and …..)  and head out the door! These outdoor winter activities for kids and families are classics for a reason: they are simple, fun and never get...
Indoor Nature Activities for Winter that Kids Love
When kids are stuck indoors on a wintery day, these indoor nature activities will keep them entertained! On a snowy winter's day, kids love to play outdoors, especially when these 14 classic outdoor winter activities are on the agenda. But sometimes it's just too cold to struggle into the snow pants, mittens and boots one...
Christmas Tree Tessellations (No Printable Needed!)
Christmas tree tessellations are a unique holiday activity that combine math and art. You can adapt the large Christmas tree tessellation as a collaborate classroom STEAM project, or individual artists can experiment with triangular shapes to make a variety of tessellated patterns. Best of all, we show you how to make several different Christmas tree...
Timeless Christmas Books You Will Read Year after Year
Would you like to add some new titles to your collection of classic Christmas books?Since you've already read The Polar Express or The Grinch dozens of times, this list is will introduce you to some children's Christmas books that are just as timeless but may also be new to you! MORE Christmas book lists: Classic...
Magical Christmas Chapter Books to Read Aloud
What's better than snuggling up with your family during the holiday season for a good old fashioned Christmas read aloud? Not much, I tell you. When your read aloud choice is a Christmas chapter book, then you are on your way to holiday perfection. This Christmas read aloud book list includes classic and contemporary choices,...
Diverse and Multicultural Christmas Books
Do you spend the holidays snuggled up with your children, reading Christmas picture books, with a mug of hot cocoa and a plate of cookies at your side? Consider adding these diverse and multicultural Christmas books to your stack! Some of these multicultural books celebrate Christmas traditions from around the world, others feature children from...
The Absolute Funniest, Funny Christmas Books for Kids!
Christmas can be funny! These hilariously funny Christmas books will make your kids laugh, guffaw, snicker and maybe even snort milk out their nose. Just move the cookies out of the way when they do. Because germs. Funny Christmas Picture Books From ducks in Santa hats, to frogs on vacation, to mis-delivered packages, these sweet...
The Best Award Winning Games for Kids for Each Age
A brand new game makes an excellent gift. Why? Because it can be shared with others, played again and again and offers a brain-boosting experience every time it comes out of the closet! However, a 3-year-old will enjoy a different game from a 7-year-old and from an 11-year-old. So what is the best game for...
Thanksgiving Audiobooks the Whole Family Will Love
Does your family need some Thanksgiving themed entertainment without starting at a screen? Try an audiobook! Whether it's dinner prep entertainment that you need, or just a little down time with your family, these Thanksgiving audiobooks will set the tone for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. The books on this list celebrate friendship, family, immigration and...
Place Setting Coloring Page
Want to encourage your kids to learn how to set the table? Make it fun! One way to introduce the concept of table settings is with our place setting coloring page by children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg. Melanie's coloring page includes two different coloring sheets. The first has spoon, fork, knife, napkin,...
Early Chapter Books to Match Every Child's Interest (Gift Guide)
When emerging readers are ready to move beyond easy "the fat cat sat on the mat" style readers, you want to find the perfect beginning chapter book to encourage them to keep reading. The best way to do this is to match early chapter books to your child's interests! You also want to make sure...
Middle Grade Novels that Make Great Gifts
Our gift guide to middle grade books takes the guess work out of finding a book readers ages 8-12 will love. Finding the perfect novel to give a middle grade reader doesn't have to be difficult. Just ask the young reader what interests them most and head to the corresponding category below! Kids Who Love...
Stocking Stuffer Games Will Be Everyone's Favorite Gift
What are the best stocking stuffers for kids? The answer is obvious! Games that will keep the kids busy for days and days after Christmas is over. Games that keep them thinking, strategizing and testing their luck. But these stocking stuffer games are not just for kids, oh no! The entire family will enjoy playing...
Picture Book Biographies of Native Americans and Indigenous People
While Native American Heritage Month is a great time to read picture book biographies of Native Americans and Indigenous People, these books should be read all year round! Unfortunately, many children learn about Indigenous Peoples as if they are only part of history, or by drawing teepees and making paper feather crowns. Avoid this absurd...
Election Day Coloring Page
Kids might have to wait a few years to vote in an election, but they can show their enthusiasm for democracy and encourage others to participate in the process with this Election Day coloring page. Children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg, created this fun voting coloring page. It features the four gentlemen on...
Diverse & Inclusive Halloween Books for Kids
Add these diverse Halloween books in your fall holiday reading! Read them out loud while your kids dream of candy, munch on pumpkin seeds, and change their costume plans for the umpteenth time. The inclusive and multicultural books feature favorite Halloween themes like ghosts, trick-or-treating, witches and pumpkins and are sure to get your kids even...
How AI Is Ruining Book Recommendations
Hi friends, This newsletter is a bit of a departure from my usual fare, but if you enjoy my book recommendations, I hope you'll read it. Have you recently searched for a book using Google? Maybe you wanted "books for 10 year olds" or "mystery novels for kids." If you have, you probably noticed a...
Halloween Printables (Free Fun for Kids)
When you need a quick and easy creative Halloween activity look no further than this collection of free Halloween printables for kids. Our exclusive Halloween-themed printables are more than just coloring pages. They inspire pretend play, inquisitive thought, storytelling and creativity. However, there's nothing wrong with printing out a traditional Halloween coloring page for some...
12+ Ideas for Reluctant Artists (Or, What to Try When Your Kid "Hates Art")
Does your child tell you they "hate art"? You are not alone! After my last post about tandem drawing with my son, I heard from several of you who also have kids who aren't naturally drawn to art projects, or who even say they hate art. Even though I did everything "right", such as emphasizing...
Tape Art Journal Page
Even reluctant artists will enjoy this easy tape art project that requires no prep time and offers open-ended creativity! If your child has never told you he "hates art" or that "art is for girls" consider yourself lucky. I'm embarrassed to say that is exactly what my 5-year-old has been saying lately. The "for girls" part...
Books for Fans of The Wild Robot
Peter Brown's The Wild Robot is a tender tale about a robot named Roz learning to survive in an unfamiliar environment. Stranded on an island, she adapts to her circumstances, learns from the animals around her, and becomes part of a dynamic community. Readers who want more books like The Wild Robot will enjoy the...
Halloween Tessellations: Spooky Math Art
Your kids will love this spooky Halloween tessellations math art project! We've done several themed tessellation drawings and I can honestly say these bat and ghost patterns are two of the easiest tessellations, perfect for a classroom activities or an at-home boredom buster that gets kids in the mood for Halloween and other fall activities....
Fun Math Activities for After School
Worksheets are boring! Kids struggling with math will enjoy these after school ideas that incorporate math learning into a variety of creative and fun activities. A playful approach to math that uses art, games, reading and even household tasks with encourage your kids to see the mathematical possibilities in other areas of life. Try these...
Books like The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame's classic children's novel, The Wind in the Willows, follows the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr. Toad. If you and your kids love reading about the hijinks of anthropomorphic animals and the glories of exploring in the outdoors pick up one of these delightful books like The Wind in the Willows for...
Skyline Sponge Painted Art Project + Animated Book!
Enjoy learning about New York City with a creative sponge painted cityscape art project and read a fun interactive book that brings the movement of the city to life! New York in Pajamarama Book Both my kids and I swooned over a new interactive kids' book set in New York City: New York in Pajamarama...
Children's Picture Books with Latino and Hispanic Characters
This list of children's picture books with Hispanic and Latino/a/é characters contains books for babies through elementary school, including poetry! They are great choices to read during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), but will be enjoyed any time of year. Babies and Toddlers Fiesta Babies by Carmen Tafolla, illustrated by Amy Cordova. The lively,...
Joyful Children's Books Set in New York City
You don't have to live in the Big Apple to enjoy these children's books set in New York City! These books reflect life in vibrant, joyful, diverse urban neighborhoods but will be enjoyed by everyone, whether you live in the city, country or suburbs. Picture Books There are a lot - I mean A LOT...
