When it feels daunting to find the right book for your teenager, this YA book gift guide should help find the just the right book for your teens. Plus, my own teen helped me choose some of the books, which reflect a wide variety of interests and genres, so you know they are teen-approved! Because...
Ultimate YA Book Gift Guide: Teen-Approved Books
Winter Picture Books for Kids
These winter picture books are perfect for reading aloud to kids when everyone is snuggled up with a cup of hot apple cider and a plate of gingersnaps. A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Phillip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead Find it: Bookshop | Amazon Fans of the Steads' previous Amos McGee...
"Unwoven" Swedish Heart Ornaments: Easy Christmas Craft
Woven heart ornaments are a Swedish Christmas tradition, but making them can be a challenge for little fingers so we came up with this easy version! We recreated the look of Scandinavian woven heart basket ornaments with a kid-friendly version using a sponge painting technique. (Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn commission from...
Tomten Books: Meet the Nordic Gnome
It wouldn't be Christmas without reading our favorite tomten books! Inspired by Astrid Lindgren's, The Tomten, my kids and I just finished making a tomten garland for our annual Swedish-themed Christmas celebration. While the tomte is a prominent feature of Scandinavian Jul, he doesn't belong solely to the Christmas tradition. (Note: book covers and titles...
21 Thrilling Survival Books Like Hatchet
If your child loves thrilling survival stories like Hatchet and the Brian's Saga series by Gary Paulsen, or Jean Craighead George's My Side of the Mountain, this book list is just what they need! While your child may be eager to try their own hand at surviving against all odds in the wilderness, instead of...
Ginormous List of Adventure Books for Kids
When you are looking for some good adventure books for kids, you can't go wrong with the titles on this list! These adventure books are for middle grade readers, primarily kids ages 8-13, but some are also suitable for ages 7 and up. The stories are exciting, packed full of twists and turns, and take...
Easy Hanukkah Paper Craft: Make Your Own Gelt!
Make your own gelt for a fun and easy Hanukkah craft for kids! Playing the dreidel game and collecting as much chocolate gelt as possible is a timeless Hanukkah tradition. Now that your kids have made their own dreidels, it's time for them to make their own gelt! (And not because you ate all the...
Holiday Picture Books about Interfaith Celebrations (Hanukkah and Christmas)
Interfaith communities and families enrich the lives of those that live in them. This book list contains wonderful Hanukkah and Christmas books that show the variety of ways families and communities combine celebrations of both holidays. But you don't need to be an interfaith family to enjoy this book list! Along with our favorite Hanukkah...
Hanukkah Children's Books to Make You Believe in Miracles
Celebrate the festival of lights with these wonderful Hanukkah children's books! This selection of Hanukkah books includes the traditional story of the Maccabees, as well as some fanciful tales. Many of the titles reflect diverse Jewish communities and the different ways Jews around the world celebrate Hanukkah. So gather around the menorah, fry us the...
A Unique (and Silly) Thanksgiving Weekend Tradition
Every family celebrates Thanksgiving in their own unique way. For example, we have decided we prefer a make-your-own-taco bar to turkey and stuffing. Others like to melt marshmallows on their sweet potatoes (yes, I think this is weird, sorrynotsorry). Most families have something they do that they insist must be done every year or, "It...
Multicultural Thanksgiving Books for Kids
Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to showcase picture books that reflect America's diverse population. The children's Thanksgiving books on this list reflect a variety of approaches to celebrating Thanksgiving. They include stories about how immigrants have contributed to modern day traditions, the perspective of Indigenous Peoples, and invitations to express gratitude. I am of the...
DIY Snowflake Window Clings (Winter Kids Craft)
Did you know you can make snowflake window clings out of glue? That's right! You don't need to purchase decorative vinyl window clings, and the process of making window clings is so much fun because your kids can design your own. How to Make Snowflake Window Clings Here's our very simple step-by-step instructions for making...
28 Best Funny Picture Books to Read Aloud
There is nothing better than laughing together with your children. Laughter builds connections, makes us feel good, and helps us forget our worries for a little bit. Reading funny picture books is a great way to foster relationships with children through laughter! This list features our favorite picture books which, over the years, have made...
Veterans Day Coloring Page
Every year on Veterans Day, November 11, we honor the men and women who have served in the military. In recognition of the holiday, our newest coloring page by children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg, is an illustration of a navy ship. Sailors stand on the deck of a large ship, waving flags...
The Best Interactive Books for Kids!
These interactive books for kids will banish the idea that reading needs to be a quiet activity! What Are Interactive Books? Interactive books ask the reader to engage with the text and illustrations in creative ways. Books may include lift-the-flaps, die cuts, fold out pages or other attributes which alter the physical page. However, many...
12 Science Art Projects: Explore and Create
It's fun to experience the interaction between science, art and design with these imaginative cross-disciplinary projects. You may not immediately of science and art as natural partners. After all, science is traditionally taught as being defined by data and testing, while art is the result of spontaneous creativity. However, these science art projects for kids...
Native American Middle Grade, Chapter Books & Graphic Novels
This list of excellent chapter books, middle grade and graphic novels by Indigenous authors includes a range of genres from contemporary realism to folklore and historical fiction. Although November is Native American Heritage Month, I hope you will include these Native American books in your children's reading diet all year long. Why Read Native American...
51 (Out of the Box) Picture Books You Must Read to Your Kids
You want to read the best picture books to your kids but either: Congratulations, you've found a great list of "must read" picture books that is not a repeat of every other "best books" list out there in internet land. First let me say, that making this book list was HARD. How could I whittle...
52 Must Read Chapter Books & Novels (Not Your Typical Book List)
If you were to make a list of must read chapter books and children's novels, what titles would you include? Would it be well-known books like Charlotte's Web and Harry Potter, or would you include sentimental favorites you remember from childhood? As someone who has read thousands of children's chapter books and novels, I've come...
Halloween Activities as Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating
Although trick-or-treating is the classic Halloween activities, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween without the ritual of going door to door. This list of fun ideas like Halloween crafts, outdoor scavenger hunts, and family bonding activities are great ways to enjoy the holiday, either in addition to, or as an alternative to trick-or-treating....
How to Play Roman Tic Tac Toe (Rota)
Today, we are going to learn how to play Rota, otherwise known as Roman tic tac toe, or Terni lapilli! As you know, we love to find and play traditional games from around the world. It's fun to see the connections and similarities between board games from different societies. Kids today are very familiar with...
Best Subscription Boxes for Tweens that Foster Creative Thinking
Subscription boxes make the best gifts for tweens and there are dozens of reasons. Not least of which is because it is the gift that keeps on giving. Just when your tween is whining "I'm bored!" a box full of intriguing goodies arrives on their doorstep! We've searched out the best subscription boxes for tween,...
Sweet and Spooky-ish: Halloween Graphic Novels
Seasonal reading is so much fun, and this list of Halloween graphic novels for kids and teens will put everyone in the mood for carving jack-o-lanterns and eating candy corn. I chose them because they are stories about creatures we associate with the spooky Halloween season. Between the pages you'll find witches, ghosts, skeletons, monsters...
Haunted House Template, Free Printable Coloring Page (3D Craft)
Halloween is nigh! The ghosts, witches and jack-o-lanterns are starting to gather! Your kids can craft their own haunted house to host their favorite Halloween ghouls and goblins. Our free, printable haunted house template and coloring page will spark their sweet and spooky creative spirit! The haunted mansion template was designed by author and illustrator,...
Dot-in-the-Corner Brain Teaser
Quick brain teasers like the dot-in-the-corner paper cutting trick are a life saver when you need a way to keep kids busy! This simple paper trick featuring a tricky dot that doesn't want to move from its corner engages the mind and distracts kids from getting antsy when they have to wait! It's another idea...
Scary & Non-Scary Halloween Novels for Family Read Aloud Time
Shall I tell you a secret? My favorite series on this site is the seasonal family read aloud book lists. I thought maybe I had exhausted my options of themes, but I realized, a ha! How about a list of Halloween novels? The whole family can gather 'round a bowl of mini candy bars and...
Books Like Mercy Watson: Illustrated Chapter Books
The popular early chapter book series, Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo has a lot going for it. It's funny, includes a host of lovable but quirky characters, is easy to read and contains full-color illustrations. Once your kids have read the iconic series over and over, they might be looking for books similar to Mercy...
Fun Halloween STEM Activities
Celebrate fall with fun-filled Halloween STEM activities that kids love and are easy to plan! Halloween is a great time of year to put STEM skills to work because Halloween already puts children in the mood for fun with a big "WOW!" facto. Set aside a little bit of time each week to do one...
Indigenous Peoples' Day Children's Books
Indigenous Peoples' Day is observed on the second Monday in October. These children's books about indigenous lives and experiences are a wonderful way to honor the lives of Native Americans and First Nations. Books are a great portal for learning about others as well as seeing ourselves. Reading with your kids promotes knowledge, paving the...
Hey Big Spender! Toy Wallet Boredom Buster
If you've ever left your wallet or purse unattended and in reach of your toddler, you've probably had the experience of having to put every card, receipt and slip of paper back into its proper place. You then followed up by hunting around for that last missing (and very important) credit card or driver's license....
Books Like The Westing Game: Puzzling Mysteries for Tweens
I love a good mystery book! One of my favorite mysteries with a puzzle at its heart is Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game. For kids who loved working out the clues that the eccentric and reclusive millionaire Sam Westing left for his 16 potential heirs, these puzzling mystery books like The Westing Game are oh-so-satisfying...
The Gift You Never Thought Of: Make Your Own Board Game Kit
Want to give a unique gift to kids that will spark their creative juices and encourage growth mindset? I have the perfect idea for you. A DIY Board Game Kit! A supply of game parts and pieces can be just the thing to get your gamer kids to put down their screens and focus their...
Halloween Early Chapter Books for Kids (Ages 6-10)
This list of Halloween early chapter books will delight any independent reader. I am very picky about early chapter books, so while essentially every early chapter book series has a Halloween book, I'm only listing the very best Halloween chapter books here that I have read and enjoyed. These Halloween chapter books are generally for kids...
75 Books for 11-Year-Olds
Our best recommendations of middle grade and upper middle grade books for 11-year-olds, across a wide range of genres, fiction and nonfiction. 11-year-olds have a lot of distractions competing for their attention. There's school, friendships, parents who expect more responsibility, not to mention social media and electronic devices. So how do you find good books...
Shaving Cream Sensory Play Idea: Car Wash
Children need sensory play! They need to be able to get their hands messy and feel comfortable touching things that might be slimy, sticky, or dirty. Some kids might have trouble with certain touch sensory experiences, or sensory processing disorder, and so finding an activity that incorporates their favorite toys can help. If your child...
Easy Way to Start a Journal with Your Preschooler
These preschool journal ideas include methods for recording thoughts and feelings without writing letters, words or sentences! Lots of parents want their kids to get a head start on their literacy and writing skills, but it's a mistake to force formal writing during the early years. However, you can encourage early and pre-writing skills by...
Fun Field Bag Supplies for Kids
A field bag or backpack filled with hiking gear and essentials is a great way to encourage your kids to head outdoors for a nature walk, because what kid doesn't love a bag of gadgets! Do your children have field bags? As devout ramblers in our local urban part, we've had fun filling our field...
10 Super Easy Rainy Day Crafts for Kids (and Families!)
When you're stuck indoors with the kids on a stormy day, these easy rainy day crafts will help you pass the time without resorting to the TV! (Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.) We had a huge rain storm yesterday, so instead of our usual run-around at the park...
7 Lessons Learned While Making Paper Boats
It may surprise you to know, that I struggle greatly with how to encourage my children's artistic development. I'm not a very "good" crafter or artist, but I do enjoy it and I want my boys to find joy in it also. I've been starting to try very simple, classic crafts as an easy way...
Books to Inspire Kids to Change the World
Kids are natural activists. Anyone whose spent time with a 2-year-old knows that when a child wants something to change, they do everything they can to make it happen! These books about activism and changing the world will inspire kids to raise their powerful voices to make a difference. Parents can use the books as...
