Mixing it Up with the Mixed Up Chameleon!

Chameleons are awesome animals. They can blend in with their surroundings and change their appearance to suit their needs. Who doesn’t want to have that ability sometimes? The beauty of chameleons is that no matter how they change on the outside, they are still the same on the inside. This is such a great lesson for kids about being proud of who they truly are!

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Finding Joy in The Book of Joy

Are you having trouble finding joy in your life? There is a difference between feeling happiness and feeling really, truly joyful. That is an important point that the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu want to make clear to those seeking joy. While we can experience happiness while eating a delicious bit of food or watching a TV show we enjoy, it is not the same as true lasting joy in your life.

Over the course of a week in the Dalai Lama’s home in Dharamsala, India, these two spiritual men engaged in deep conversations. These include discussions on the nature of joy, the obstacles to joy, and the positive qualities needed for joy. Their hope was to help people find joy in their lives, even as the world seems to be less joyful. This book is the result of those conversations between these two great spiritual leaders.

Go on an Adventure with River Rose!

On a recent visit to the library, my daughter and I discovered the book River Rose and the Magical Lullaby written by Kelly Clarkson (the singer), and she has since fallen in love with it! My daughter loves this story and the adorable illustrations (I just want to hug little Joplin!). I like the lullaby and the message River Rose learns about needing to sleep and home being the best place. I also appreciate that the lullaby helps lull her to sleep!

Fantastic Children’s Books About Love

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. It’s a great opportunity to remind the people in your life that you love them. (Yes, we should tell them everyday, but it never hurts to have a reminder!) One of my daughter’s favorite books to read is I Love You Because You’re You by Liza Baker. While reading it again, I was inspired to find other great children’s books about love to tell her how much I love her.

Getting Through Winter with Frederick!

The long winter months can really start to get you down and make you miss the bright and sunshiny days of spring and summer. The story of Frederick by Leo Lionni combats these winter blues with bright colors and warm memories. It also shows kids how important art and poetry are to our lives, and how everyone can make a difference with their own individual talents.

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Great Books for Strong Girls!

No matter your political affiliation, this election was an important one. Girls growing up today will have a different perspective on what they are capable of. They may not understand the debates and the negativity from both candidates, but they can see that there was a woman who could have been the next president.

My parents raised my sister and I to understand that girls can do anything. It is so important to me that my daughter is raised believing that she can do anything that she sets her mind to. (Given the state of politics in this country, I’m not sure that I would like her in politics, but I want her to believe she can do it!) To help me teach her that girls can do anything, I want to surround her with books about strong female characters, both real and fiction. Here are some great books about strong girls to add to your library!

Celebrate Love with the Valentine Bears!

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The Valentine Bears by Eve Bunting tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Bear. Every year, they sleep through Valentine’s Day, but Mrs. Bear decides that this will be the year that they will come out of hibernation to celebrate. She prepares a sweet snack and writes poems for Mr. Bear. Will she be able to wake him up to celebrate? This is a cute story which is accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Jan Brett. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the story of Mr. and Mrs. Bear, and it provides the perfect opportunity for some Valentine’s Day learning fun!

Ladybug Girl and Bingo: A Girl and Her Dog

The relationship between a kid and a dog is a special one, illustrated throughout pop culture in books, TV shows, movies, songs and commercials. I know from watching my daughter with our own lovable dog that she adores him and considers him her best friend and closest confidant. When the Monthly Crafting Book Club, hosted by Raising Fairies and Knights, picked the Ladybug Girl series for this month’s craft, I knew we had to choose Ladybug Girl and Bingo!

Twisting the Tongue with Fox in Socks!

Are you a fan of tongue twisting trickery and Seuss related silliness? Fox in Socks is a fun read aloud for kids and adults alike. The tongue twisting trickster is a classic character for a reason! Can you beat the Fox at his own game?

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Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss is my daughter’s new favorite book the last few days. It is a tongue twister but it has a good rhythm to it. The odd characters and situations throughout the book are entertaining for kids. Plus, they will love laughing at you trying to get through the tongue twisters!

Enjoying the Snowy Days!

Snowy days can be full of wonder, excitement and fun. A fresh blanket of snow makes the world seem quiet and new. Give kids the opportunity to enjoy a snowy day, whether you have snow outside or not!

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The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a classic story of a young boy enjoying all of the fun and wonder which accompany a fresh snowfall. When Peter wakes up to find a fresh snowfall outside, he ventures out to have all kinds of snowy fun. From sliding down hills to making snow angels, the character embraces the joy of a fresh snow and reminds us how magical snow can be! Whether you have snow where you live or not, there are many activities that you can use along with this book to entertain your kids and have some fun!