Last week, I took a trip to the dollar store. Of course, they had all their Halloween stuff out, so I picked up a few things to put in a Halloween sensory bin for Rosebud. She is loving it so far!
What’s in the bin?
Acrylic leaves, pumpkins and acorns,
Pompoms,
Mini jack-o’-lanterns,
Glittery spiders,
Sticky eyeballs,
Tongs,
Small bowls.
I found the spiders, mini pumpkins and eyeballs at the dollar store, but I wasn’t sure what to do for the filler. I was thinking of dying some rice orange, but didn’t want to go through the trouble. I was shopping on Amazon for some mini pumpkins and happened to come across this set of acrylic fall items. The pack comes with pumpkins, leaves, and acorns. These work great for the halloween theme, but would also be great for a general fall sensory bin.
So far, we’ve made patterns, sorted the objects, pretended to feed Rosebud’s babies, practiced fine motor skills with the tongs and tried to make pumpkin towers. Rosebud wanted to use the bin with her magnet blocks. I built a divided box and we sorted the objects into their own sections, but Rosebud broke it before I could snap the picture. She has gotten quite creative with this sensory bin, using it in her play kitchen as well as with the blocks. I’m interested to see what else she does. Here, she is feeding her baby and Kermit the Frog who she has dressed up for the occasion.
Are you doing any fall or Halloween sensory activities? Let me know in the comments.
There are so many fun Halloween books for kids. It was hard to narrow it down. I was going to stop at ten, but then I found a couple more cute books that I had never heard of and just had to include them as well. Here is our list of the top 12 Halloween books for preschoolers.
Big Pumpkin
By Erica Silverman
I first recommended this book in my list of fun Halloween books for toddlers. This is one of my favorite Halloween books for kids. It has a great message and it’s a fun story. My preschoolers loved this book. Especially the audio version. Rosebud is also obsessed with it and wants to read it year round.
Description
A little bat uses brains over brawn in this not-so-scary Halloween picture book.
The witch has grown the biggest pumpkin ever, and now she wants to make herself a pumpkin pie for Halloween. But the pumpkin is so big she can’t get it off the vine.
It’s so big the ghost can’t move it, either. Neither can the vampire, nor the mummy. It looks as if there’ll be no pumpkin pie for Halloween, until along comes the bat with an idea to save the day.
How can the tiny bat succeed where bigger and strong spooky creatures have failed? You’ll be surprised!
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything
By Linda Williams
I was introduced to this book last year by my pre-k class. They asked for this almost every day, so I came home and showed it to Rosebud. It was a big hit with her as well and she even wants to read this when it’s not Halloween.
Description
Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard . . . clomp, clomp, shake, shake, clap, clap.
And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life! With bouncy refrains and classic art, this timeless Halloween story is perfect for reading aloud.
A classic and fun Halloween story that neither you nor the kids in your life will be able to resist, whether curled up at home or in a classroom or library setting.
Little Boo
By Stephen Wunderli
I have never read this book, but it looks like a fun story. We will be reading this one too.
Description
The leaves fall, the wind blows, and one little pumpkin seed tries and tries to be scary. But he doesn’t scare anyone . . . not the snowflakes in winter, not the bees in spring, not even the watering can!
The wind tells him to be patient―he’ll be scary soon enough. But waiting is hard. Will the little seed ever be really, truly scary?
This simple story is more than a fun Halloween read―it is a heartwarming tale perfect for any child who can’t wait to grow up.
The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin
By Joe Troiano
I love this book because of the messages of tolerance and that differences can be positive. Rosebud loves this book as well.
Description
One day in the pumpkin patch the strangest little pumpkin hatched . . . Spookley the Pumpkin was different. All the other pumpkins teased him, until Spookley proved that being different can save the day!
This perennial best-selling children’s book delivers a special message of tolerance and kindness that is just right for fall . . . and any time of year!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat!
By Lucille Colandro
This is a popular series of books. Rosebud has loved all of them that I’ve read to her so far and she’s even laughed out loud at some of them. They have these books for every occasion. I’d highly recommend them.
Description
This spooky twist on the wildly popular “There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly” is perfect for fun Halloween reading!What won’t this old lady swallow? This time around, a bat, an owl, a cat, a ghost, a goblin, some bones, and a wizard are all on the menu! This Halloween-themed twist on the classic “little old lady” books will delight and entertain all brave readers who dare to read it!
Snowmen at Halloween
By Caralyn M. Buehner
I have never heard of this book before, but have heard of Snowmen at Night which my preschool classes enjoy. We will definitely read this before Halloween! Rosebud loves snowmen books.
Description
The snowmen are getting their Halloween costumes ready for the latest picture book in this New York Times bestselling series.
Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you’ve wondered . . . what do snowmen do when we’re not watching?
After an early snowfall, a few kids build some snowmen before going trick-or-treating. And when the kids go off to bed, the snowmen have their own Halloween festival! There’s candy and apple-bobbing and costume contests and all sorts of autumn activities. When the kids wake up the next morning, the snowmen are gone… but they’ve left a very special message behind.
The Littlest Pumpkin
By R.A. Herman
Description
When Bartlett’s Farm Stand closes for the season, the Littlest Pumpkin, who longs to make someone happy for Halloween, is devastated to be the only pumpkin left, but when a group of mice come along, they make the Littlest Pumpkin the happiest pumpkin in the world!
The Ugly Pumpkin
By Dave Horowitz
Description
In time for Thanksgiving, a wacky twist on The Ugly Duckling.
The Ugly Pumpkin has waited all through October for someone to take him home, but no one wants him. He doesn’t look like other pumpkins. So the lonely Ugly Pumpkin leaves the patch in search of a place where he’ll fit in. By the time Thanksgiving arrives, he discovers the truth about who he is–but it’s not what he expected!
Room on the Broom
By Julia Donaldson
Rosebud loves this book and the movie they’ve made as well. It’s a great book about friendship and including others.
Description
The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow, and then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. But is there room on the broom for so many friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?
Too Many Pumpkins
By Linda White
I haven’t read this one yet with Rosebud, but it was always a hit with my preschool classes.
Description
What can you do with too many pumpkins?
Rebecca Estelle has hated pumpkins ever since she was a girl when pumpkins were often the only food her family had. When an enormous pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes in her yard, she shovels dirt over the pieces and forgets about them. But those slimy pumpkin smithereens sprout up in autumn, and Rebecca Estelle finds a sea of pumpkins in her garden.
A heartwarming classic for more than twenty years, this story shows what happens when one thrifty gardener figures out how to make other people happy with the squash she can’t stomach.
Filled with colorful illustrations from a season of gardening, this is a perfect book for young gardeners and pumpkin lovers. Its wonderful lesson about helping others can be appreciated in the classroom or at home.
Ghosts in the House
By Kazuno Kohara
I haven’t read this one yet, but it looks like a cute story.
Description
JUST THE RIGHT MIX OF SWEET AND SCARY for the youngest trick-or treaters
At the edge of town lives a clever girl with a spooky problem: Her house is haunted! Luckily, she happens to be a witch and knows a little something about taking care of ghosts. She catches them, puts them in the washing machine, airs them out to dry, and gives them new lives as sofa covers, table cloths, and, of course, bed sheets to cozy up under. Fresh and charming illustrations in dynamic orange, black and white bring this resourceful heroine and these spooky ghosts to life.
The Vanishing Pumpkin
By Tony Johnston
Description
A classic Halloween story about a pumpkin gone missing is certain to delight readers of all ages!
When a 700-year-old woman and an 800-year-old man want to make pumpkin pie on Halloween, they can’t find their pumpkin. “Our pumpkin’s been snitched,” cries the woman. And off they go to find it.
How to Make Friends With a Ghost
By Rebecca Green
Description
What do you do when you meet a ghost? One: Provide the ghost with some of its favorite snacks, like mud tarts and earwax truffles. Two: Tell your ghost bedtime stories (ghosts love to be read to). Three: Make sure no one mistakes your ghost for whipped cream or a marshmallow when you aren’t looking! If you follow these few simple steps and the rest of the essential tips in How to Make Friends with a Ghost, you’ll see how a ghost friend will lovingly grow up and grow old with you.
A whimsical story about ghost care, Rebecca Green’s debut picture book is a perfect combination of offbeat humor, quirky and sweet illustrations, and the timeless theme of friendship.
Ten Timid Ghosts
By Jennifer O’Connell
I’m glad I found all these ghost books because Rosebud wants to be a ghost for Halloween. These will be perfect.
Description
This bestselling counting book for beginning readers is filled with ghosts, a witch
and spooky fun!
It’s Halloween, and ten timid ghosts in a haunted house have a problem: a mean witch has moved in and is planning to scare them out, one by one! Young trick-or-treaters learn to count down from ten to one as each ghost flees from the witch’s silly costumes and homemade props. When the homeless ghosts gather in the woods, their fear turns to determination and they plot to get their house back. Will the ghosts frighten the witch away in time for Halloween night?
What are your favorite Halloween books? Tell me in the comments. Happy reading!
Bath time was one of those things that really worried me when I was a new mom. I questioned everything. Was the bath tub I chose going to be safe? Am I using the right products? What if she gets water in her ears? What if she hates her baths and struggles to let me wash her? I was anxious in general about my baby being in a tub of water. Even though the tub might be made specifically for infants. As bath time helped Rosebud relax before bed, we quickly developed a nice bath time routine. Here is the list of baby bath time essentials that relieved my worry, kept Rosebud clean and made bath time fun.
Baby Bath Tub
Once we got started, we both became comfortable with bath time and she really enjoyed it. She loves anything to do with water, so that made my job that much easier, but when I first brought her home, she was so tiny. It was obvious that the baby bath tub I bought wouldn’t work. For the first month or two, I used the wash tub they give you at the hospital. It worked perfectly for her. I’d just keep my hand behind her head and wash the rest of her body with the other. Then when she was big enough, we started using this tub.
While it has mixed reviews, it worked perfectly for us. I picked this tub because it could be used until she was a toddler. The top part of the seat inflates so that the baby can lay back and be supported. When your baby is able to sit, you no longer have to inflate the top part of the seat. You just inflate the bottom part and it becomes more like a regular tub. I found that this tub had plenty of room for Rosebud to splash and play once she was sitting on her own. It was also easy to clean and it folds up for storage. Eventually, I had to stop using the tub because it didn’t fit well in my kitchen sink. One day I tried to move the faucet out of the way and it got caught on the tub ripping the plastic. I’d suggest using it inside your bath tub if you can.
Here are some other bath tubs to choose from.
Next, I bought this Munchkin duck tub. Rosebud was a toddler at this point, but I didn’t think she was ready to be in the big tub just yet. While the new tub was easy to clean, cute and definitely didn’t break the bank, I didn’t like it as much as the first tub. It served its purpose, but Rosebud quickly grew out of it. I’d recommend this tub if your baby can sit unsupported, but is not yet ready for the adult tub.
Baby Body Wash
It’s up to you if you want to go organic. For the first few months of Rosebud’s life, I did. A couple of people gave me this Babyganics body wash at my baby shower, so that’s what I used. While I prefer something with scent, this is a great option if you are sensitive to smells and or if you want to go chemical free. Later I used this oatmeal vanilla body wash. It smells great, but it’s not for everyone. I’ll include a few options for you to choose from.
Baby Shampoo
This is another case where you may want to go chemical free. I’ve gone back and forth between Babyganics and Johnson and Johnson since that’s what they gave us at the hospital. Both shampoos have worked for us, but once I get through my current bottle, I will try something different. You’ll have to find what works best for your baby’s hair and which product you feel comfortable with, so I’ve included a couple different options to get you started.
Wash Cloths or Sponge
I prefer wash cloths because they are easier to hang and dry, but sometimes a soft sponge works well too. I found a nice set of wash cloths that have lasted us a while. They are a thicker terry cloth, they are soft and have stood up to many washings.
Bath Thermometer
There are different options for this, but I needed something simple that I could see. This cute little duck by Munchkin did the trick. Once the water was too hot, the word hot would appear in big white letters on the bottom of the duck. I could be sure that the water was at the appropriate temperature and as a bonus, this little ducky doubles as a nice bath toy. It is easy to clean because there is no holes where water can get in.
Hooded Towel
Rosebud would scream when I got her out of the tub because she was cold. Having a good hooded towel was a definite must have! The best hooded towels we had were hand me downs, believe it or not. Normally, I don’t take hand me downs because I get a little worked up over germs and not knowing where something has been, but these towels looked barely used and they were obviously good quality. I’ve looked in the stores and can’t find them anywhere, but there are quality hooded towels out there. I’ve found that thicker and softer is better. You need something that can absorb the water quickly and keep your baby warm. I also loved that these towels were large. Most of the towels I bought myself or got from other people were so small, but these towels fully covered her and the hood actually fit her head. In some cases, the old school products are far superior.
Baby Lotion
Since we live in the northeast, we have long cold winters. With the heat being on all the time, it can quickly dry out our skin. That’s why I’d put lotion on Rosebud most days after her bath. Just like with the body wash and shampoo, I’ve used Babyganics and Johnson & Johnson. I usually stick with the oatmeal and vanilla because I like the smell, but it is not all natural. Luckily, there are lots of options if you are looking for organic products. With the warmer weather, I haven’t had to use lotion on Rosebud as much, but I’ve continued to use it when necessary throughout her toddlerhood.
Toys
As soon as your baby can sit up and play, this will become their favorite part of bath time. This bath ball was one of Rosebud’s favorite bath toys. She loved to watch the water falling like rain.
Another one of her first bath toys was this set of squirting fish.
When she got a little older, she started to enjoy this tea set and this Fisher-Price boat.
Bath Organizer
With bath toys, you need a place to put them. That’s where this great bath toy organizer comes in handy. I have it hanging on my shower caddy, but it comes with hooks that you can attach to your tub. This bag is a mesh material that allows the toys to dry between bath times. It has one large pocket in the back and three in front. The bottles that I have don’t fit into those pockets, but smaller bottles would. I use the large pocket for toys. To clean the bag, I just through it in the washer. The specific one I bought is no longer available, so here’s something similar.
Did I miss anything? What are your baby bath time essentials? Tell me in the comments.
If you’re pregnant and have a baby shower coming up, you’ll definitely want to create a baby registry. You can create one almost anywhere you shop, but when I was in the market for baby products, I found some of the best deals on Amazon. You can use your registry in different ways. Since many of my family and friends prefer to shop locally, I used my registry as my personal baby shopping list, but the best way to use it is for your baby shower guests. It’s easy to navigate, you can find just about anything and if your guests are Prime members, they get free shipping. Plus you get a free baby box just for setting up your registry.
Once you have created your registry, you’ll want to start adding products. There are so many products available, it’s hard to choose. You can end up spending a lot of money and buying a bunch of stuff you don’t need, so I’ve created a list of 10 must-haves for your baby registry. These are some of the products I used most in Rosebud’s first year. The obvious items are diapers, wipes, clothing and bath products, but this list includes products that you might not think of at first, but would find useful.
Feeding
I’ll start off with some items for feeding your baby. Comotomo bottles
I tried many bottles and these were the best by far! I love that they are easy to clean, were a softer material and their shape is most similar to breast-feeding. I bought some of their slower flow nipples and they were perfect for paced feeding. Rosebud also didn’t get gassy on these. We had some trouble with some of the other bottles. Whether it was with the flow or shape of the nipple. She would get too much air from the bottle, but not with the Comotomo bottles. The only complaint I have about these bottles is they can be easily tipped because of their shape, so I had to be careful when filling them, but it wasn’t a huge problem for me. They may be a little more expensive than other bottles, but they are worth it.
Spectra S2
If you are breast-feeding and are in the market for a pump, I’d definitely choose this one. In most cases, your insurance will pay for a breast pump and the Spectra S2 is usually on the list you can choose from. I did a lot of research before choosing a pump and I also tried pumps from other brands to compare. I was having trouble with pumping, so I tried a Medela pump to see if my body would respond better to another pump, but I always got the best results with the Spectra S2.
Other Benefits
It’s a closed system, meaning the milk can’t get inside the pump or tubing.
It’s more gentle than the other pumps.
Relatively quiet.
Includes a night light.
Easy to use and has multiple modes to choose from.
Space saving high chair
I had two different high chairs. My aunt bought me this really nice stand alone high chair that could grow with Rosebud, but it took up a lot of space in my kitchen. However, at my mom’s house, we had this much smaller high chair that did the trick just as well. It was one of those that you attach to a kitchen chair that was already at the table. Of course, I loved that it saved space, but I also liked that I could sit Rosebud right at the table. You can use the high chair with the tray on or off depending on the age and needs of your child.
Night Time
Night time is important because we all need our rest. Sleep is hard to get in the beginning, but some of these products can help baby rest or give you peace of mind. Owl night light soother
I got one of these when Rosebud was a baby and I still use it to this day. The noise from this machine helps block out other sounds. Rosebud has always been a light sleeper, so this has definitely helped. We prefer the ocean sound, but there are songs, white noise, the rainforest and even a heartbeat to choose from. It has a light with different levels of brightness and has a moon and stars projector. You can leave it on all night which is what I do or you can have it shut off automatically. It’s been running for three years now and is still going strong.
Halo Sleepsack
I bought a couple of these for Rosebud because I wanted to cover her, but didn’t want to worry about blankets. In my experience, most baby blankets are too small to wrap with and of course there is always the worry of sids. The baby is in the sleep sack and the loose parts wrap around the baby to create a snug fit, so there is less of a risk of anything covering their face. These sleep sacks come in different materials and designs. I had good luck with these in my infant room as well since we aren’t allowed to use traditional blankets. Like anything else, these work well for some babies and not for others, but they are definitely worth a try.
Baby monitor
This was another useful gift I got at my baby shower and i still use this monitor to hear what goes on in Rosebud’s room. One cool thing about this monitor is if the sound coming from the room is louder, the lights on the monitor flash brighter. It also has a vibrating feature. I’ve never used it, but it may be helpful for some people. I’ve been using this particular monitor for over three years now and have never had a problem with it.
Entertainment
FisherPrice rocker
I had to find a comfortable place for Rosebud when she didn’t want to play on the floor. She preferred to sit up, but the problem was she couldn’t support herself yet. That problem was solved when I found this Fisher Price Rocker on Amazon. I just want to note that this is not the Rock ‘n Play. This is simply a little rocking chair that can be reclined as well. This one also has a vibrating feature plus hanging toys to keep baby entertained. I’d put her in this chair while I showered and she loved it. It was nice having another place to put her while I needed to get things done.
Mirrors and Toys
Babies love to look at faces and Rosebud was no exception. I found these mirrors on Amazon and got a lot of use out of mirrors. The great things about these mirrors is that you can attach them to cribs, seats or just set them up on the floor. These mirrors also have other items attached that the babies can look at and play with.
Rosebud’s favorite toys were made by Oball. I don’t know if it was the fact that they were easier to hold or maybe they were more entertaining, but all of these were her favorites. I’d highly recommend this brand.
Out and About
Lilibaby carrier
If you want to baby wear, I’d suggest the Lillibaby carrier. For me, it was the most comfortable to wear and the easiest to use. I also tried a sling, but could never get the hang of it. While the Lillebaby has a few clips to fasten, it felt more secure. It has several baby wearing positions that you can do depending on the age and size of your baby. It’s a mesh material, so it doesn’t get as hot. The best thing is that your baby can be close to you while your hands are free to do other tasks.
Shopping cart cover
This was an unexpected item that a friend gave me that I never knew I needed. When we went to the store, I would baby wear at first, but sometimes it was just easier to put Rosebud in the cart depending on what I needed to buy. I didn’t like the seats that they have at the store and there was no way I was putting Rosebud on the cold cart that is full of germs,so I was glad to have one of these puffy cart covers which kept Rosebud secure in the cart while she was able to sit up and look at everything while I shopped. I’d recommend one of these even though it’s not an absolute necessity.
What were your baby registry must-haves or those products you got that you didn’t expect to actually use? Tell me in the comments. Happy shopping!
When someone clicks on one of your blog posts, one of the first things they notice is your images. The images you choose can make or break your blog post. Since I started blogging, one challenge I’ve had is finding quality stock photos at affordable prices. If you are wondering why you need stock photos, read on for the answer.
One solution is taking your own photos, but unless you’re a photographer or familiar with photo editing software, you might find taking your own photos is more trouble than it is worth. Some people ask why you can’t just go on Google and take random photos you find. Well, most of those photos are copyrited and you would have to ask permission to use those images. There are heavy penalties for using copirited material, whether it be images or written content. Since I’m not a photographer, don’t feel comfortable with photo editing and don’t want to get into trouble trying to use someone else’s images, I use stock photos. I also wanted to mention that I occasionally take my own photos if it’s a product I’m showing you or an activity that I have set up for Rosebud. I never put pictures of her up here on the blog for privacy reasons which is another reason why I use stock photos. I have compiled a list of the stock photo websites that I use most frequently. There are both free and paid websites on this list, so there is something for any budget.
Free Stock Images
Free is in everyone’s price range and these are the best sites I’ve come across so far.
This is a great site that I recently found for free stock photos. You can search by keyword or brouse by topics such as business, coffee or fitness to name a few. Most of the images I’ve seen on this site are horizontal, but I occasionally find virtical images as well. the thing that I love most about this site is that it has great photo descriptions. When I click on the photo and see the description, I know exactly what I’m getting. I’m visually impaired, so I can’t see a lot of the details in photos. when I’m looking for images, I normally have to figure out why the image is by zooming in, making it bigger and then figuring out if I want to use it or not. Having a detailed description makes that process that much faster. I appreciate anything that saves me time. Sometimes it takes me an hour or more to search for images for one post.
Pic Jumbo is another site where you will find free stock photos. However, there are also premium collections that come out each month. There are different packages you can purchase. Pic Jumbo is managed by one man who takes his own photos, so if you purchase from his site, you can feel good about helping another person make a living instead of a huge faceless company. Pic Jumbo has decent photo descriptions, a variety of topics to choose from and you can search by key word.
FreeImages.comI forgot about this website until I was putting this post together. I’ve found a few photos on this website. The good parts of this website are there are a lot of nature images, the descriptions are okay and of course, it’s free.
Pexels is a pretty popular place to find free stock photos. It is a huge library of stock images from various websites. The thing I like best about this website is simply the huge variety of photos to choose from. The photo descriptions are hit or miss and the search functions are very basic, but I use this site often.
Pixabay is another popular place to find stock photos. The thing I love about this website is you can search by photo orientation. that helps when I’m looking for photos I can use for Pinterest. I also like that it has a wide variety of photos and of course, it’s free. You can also download different sized versions of each photo. My least favorite thing about this site are the image descriptions are horrible, but that’s because people are uploading their own photos to the website. Some of the descriptions are okay, but I usually have to figure out the context using the tags. Pixabay has worked great for me when I’ve used the right keywords and know exactly what I wanted.
I rarely use Unsplash, but I’m including because people really love it. There seems to be a variety of photos, but there are very few photo descriptions and many of the photos don’t even have titles. I have the most difficulty searching for photos on this site, so I only will use it when I’ve exhausted my other options. You also have to include the artists name if you use photos from Unsplash. While I feel the artists should be given credit especially if they are sharing their work for free, it’s an additional step that I don’t want to deal with. I know I’d forget what photo went with which artist. I do want to take this opportunity to thank the photographers and artists who generously make these free stock photo websites possible.
Premium Stock Photos
If you are in the market for some affordable stock images, the following websites are for you. I’ve only found a couple that aren’t outragously priced, so if you know of any other affordable stock photo websites, let me know.
So far, this is my favorite premium stock photo site. They have a variety of packages to choose from. My personal favorites are the credit packages, but they have monthly subscriptions as well. Their library of photos is huge. You can get the images in different sizes and they have videos as well. You can sign up with a free account with them and they’ll send you one free image per month. The image usually relates to a theme. For example, in December, they might send something about Christmas or New Years. I love that there are a lot of search filters and that you can find just about any image you can imagine. The photo descriptions are also pretty good. This is my go to site when I can’t find free images or I need something for Pinterest.
I literally just found this site this week because they had this great deal going on! It was basically 50 cents per photo. That’s one of the best deals I’ve ever seen on stock images. The search function seems pretty basic, but they have a variety of categories to browse. The image library seems endless and the photo descriptions are good. This is probably going to be my second favorite.
Okay, I’m including StockFreeImages because I got a ton of photos during my one week free trial. That was definitely helpful. this site has a ton of photos, the descriptions are good and it was easy to search. My gripe with this website is the false advertising. First of all, the word free is in the company name. Second of all, when you click on a photo that says, “free” you get taken to a page where you need to sign up for a premium plan. Their plans are out of my price range, but if you are looking for some quality photos, StockFreeImages is an option. One thing I want to praise is their custom service! During my free trial, I kept getting errors when trying to download photos for the first two days, so I E-mailed them to find out what was going on and to report broken links. I’m not sure what the problem was, but when I asked if they could extend my free trial, they did. No questions asked! While I only did the free trial, I was pleased with that experience.
This is another great website for finding stock images. They have different premium plans. I was lucky enough to get an unlimited 3 year plan for $50. Occasionally, they offer these amazing deals. While Stock Unlimited isn’t as big as some of the other stock image sites, they offer a lot. You can download fonts and templates as well. The image descriptions are pretty good. I find that it’s harder to find vertical images because they don’t seem to have a search filter for that. I hope they continue to expand their photo collections. If you haven’t tried Stock Unlimited, they are worth checking out.
What are your go to websites for stock images? Tell me in the comments.
Now that September is here, it’s getting closer to Halloween. I thought it might be fun to share a list of haunting books for Halloween. Most of these are nonfiction stories of paranormal experiences. These kinds of stories fascinate me, but these books are definitely not for everyone. I just wanted to mention that they are books for adults. I’ll do a halloween books for preschoolers post very soon and click here if you are looking for Halloween books for toddlers. I have read a few of the books on the list. Some of them are entertaining while others are scary and possibly disturbing in parts, but isn’t that the whole point? If you are interested in the paranormal, these books are for you.
Haunted: The Incredible True Story of a Canadian Family’s Experience Living in a Haunted House
by Dorah L. Williams
The thing I liked most about this book was that even though it was about paranormal experiences, I did not find it that scary or negative. There was nothing evil about it. The home owners found a way to coexist with the ghosts and figure out why they they were there. This doesn’t happen in a lot of the paranormal stories I’ve read.
Description
It was an irrational decision. Despite having just moved into a beautiful new house, the Williams family gave in to an odd, overwhelming desire to purchase and move into a Victorian home they had come upon by chance. They were curious, of course, as to why the house had, in the past, such a high vacancy rate – no one ever seemed to live in it for a long period of time. But that curiosity didn’t last long, because shortly after moving in, strange things began to happen. It became abundantly clear that the home’s past owners all had a reason for leaving: fear. The Williams’ new home was haunted. At first, the family tried telling themselves there were logical explanations for the strange things they all were witnessing. But before long they came to accept the fact that they were sharing their home with ghosts. Haunted is the Williams family’s story from the point of view of the mother, Dorah. Through her chilling reminiscences, we witness the all-too-real goings-on in the house. And we join the family as they seek a way to bring an end to the paranormal events that were occurring with ever more frequency and intensity, and learn why the events began in the first place.
Paranormal Intruder: The True Story of A Family Living in Fear
by Caroline Michell
Description
An innocent family finds itself completely helpless against the sudden onset of paranormal activity in their quiet rural home. A knife embedded in a kitchen cupboard, crockery smashed by invisible hands, and blood-chilling growls emit from thin air. Caroline and her husband Neil search for answers as they try to protect their family from the unseen entity that seems determined to rip them apart. The biggest question looms over them like a dark cloud … who is going to help us?
There are emergency services for many things, but not of this nature. It might be easier to believe temporary insanity, if not for the vast amount of witnesses. Police, fire services, mediums, priests and investigators all become embroiled in the mystery. The family struggles to cope, and Caroline grows concerned for her husband’s failing health as he withdraws from the world. However, the entity has only just begun. Paranormal Intruder is the true story of one family’s brave fight against an invisible entity. Described as one of the best-documented cases of paranormal activity, this book will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
The Uninvited: The True Story of the Union Screaming House
by Steven A. LaChance
If you’ve ever seen the show, A Haunting, this story was featured in one of the episodes. The events in the book were a little different than shown on tv. I’m not sure about the stuff about actual demons, but it was an interesting read.
Description
What kind of evil lives at the Union Screaming House?
In this true and terrifying firsthand account, Steven LaChance reveals how he and his three children were driven from their Union, Missouri, home by demonic attackers.
LaChance chronicles how the house’s relentless supernatural predators infest those around them. He consults paranormal investigators, psychics, and priests, but the demonic attacks—screams, growls, putrid odors, invisible shoves, bites, and other physical violations—only grow worse. The entities clearly demonstrate their wrath and power: killing family pets, sexually assaulting individuals, even causing two people to be institutionalized.
The demons’ next target is the current homeowner, Helen. When the entities take possession and urge Helen toward murder and madness, LaChance must engage in a hair-raising battle for her soul.
Graves End: A True Story
by Elaine Mercado
Description
You leave us alone; we’ll leave you alone.
When Elaine Mercado and her first husband bought their home in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1982, they had no idea that they and their two young daughters were embarking on a thirteen-year nightmare.
Within a few days of moving in, Elaine and her older daughter began to experience the sensation of being watched. Then came scratching noises and weird smells, followed by voices whispering, maniacal laughter, shadowy figures scurrying along baseboards, and small balls of light bouncing along the ceilings. From the beginning of the haunting, “suffocating dreams” were experienced by everyone except the younger daughter. These eventually accelerated to physical aggression directed at Elaine and both the girls.
This book is the true story of how one family tried to cope with living in a haunted house. It also describes how, with the help of parapsychologist Dr. Hans Holzer and medium Marisa Anderson, the family discovered the tragic and heartbreaking secrets buried in the house at Grave’s End.
The Sallie House Haunting: A True Story
by Debra Lyn Pickman
This was another story featured on A Haunting. I haven’t read this book yet, so don’t know how it compares to the episode.
Description
This is the firsthand account of what Tony and Debra Pickman and their newborn son Taylor experienced in the now notorious Sallie House, from the day they moved in to the turn-of-the-century haunted house until they finally fled in terror. The story of the Sallie House and the fire-starting ghost girl who haunted it has sparked endless rumors and theories of murder, cover-ups, racism, and abuse. But the Pickmans know the real story because they lived it—and barely made it out alive.
Now, for the first time, Tony and Debra reveal untold stories from their ordeal. They describe Sallie’s seemingly protective fascination with their baby, and tell what it was like to live with menacing entities that scratched, bit, and terrorized their family. Along with historical research, the Pickmans share personal photographs and journal entries from their time spent living in the nightmare house that still haunts them today.
The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren
by Gerald Brittle
I was on the fence about reading this book because like I said, I’m not sure about demons. It sounds so out of this world to me and that’s what a lot of this book was about, but I gave it a chance. While I thought the book was good as it showed the hoghlights of the carreers of Ed and Lorraine Warren, there were parts that were disturbing. Some of it was just crazy stuff that you don’t know how it could even happen. These are their most extraordinary cases. With books like these, you just have to read and then decide for yourself what you believe.
Description
Ed and Lorraine Warren are considered America’s foremost experts on demonology and exorcism. With thousands of investigations to their credit, they reveal what actually breaks the peace in haunted houses and how it can happen to you. Don’t miss the Warrens in the blockbuster films, “The Conjuring,” “The Nun,” and “Annabelle Comes Home” in theaters now. In The Demonologist, the Warrens discuss many of their most famous cases including the ones that are the basis for the films “Annabelle” and “The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist.” If you think ghosts are only responsible for hauntings, think again. Used as a text in seminaries and classrooms, this is one book you can’t put down. Now includes exclusive photographic documentation of phenomena in progress. Other titles by Ed & Lorraine Warren include Graveyard, Ghost Hunters, The Haunted, In a Dark Place, Werewolf, and Satan’s Harvest.
Haunted Healthcare: Medical Professionals and Patients Share their Encounters with the Paranormal
by Richard Estep
This book looks interesting and is free on Kindle Unlimited, so I want to check it out. This is a collection of short stories based on the paranormal experiences of medical professionals.
Description
Many of those who have chosen the medical profession are no stranger to the paranormal. Ghosts walk the hallways of hospitals both old and new, haunting the wards and operating rooms.
Join Richard Estep, paramedic, paranormal investigator, and cast members of TV’s “Haunted Case Files” and “Haunted Hospitals,” as he talks to EMTs, nurses, medical professionals, and patients alike, documenting their most intense and chilling encounters with ghosts and spirits.
Dare YOU walk the hallways of some of the world’s most haunted medical facilities? Welcome to the world of Haunted Healthcare…
Supposedly Haunted: A True Life Experiences of a Paranormal Investigator
by E. E. Bensen
This is another book I found on Kindle Unlimited. I haven’t read it yet, but I’m including it because it’s from the perspective of an investigator.
Description
A paranormal investigator details his search for proof of an afterlife through the exploration of supposedly haunted locations. He discusses what brought him into the paranormal research field, describes real life supernatural events witnessed firsthand during his numerous investigations, and also provides an opinion of what all of it might be. Experiencing paranormal phenomena has a way of changing one’s perspective. Locations include Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Preston Castle, The Washoe Club, The Stanley Hotel, Old Tooele Hospital (Asylum 49), Farrar Elementary School, and more!
Spookiest Objects: Discover the World’s Most Haunted Objects
by Terrence Zepke
So far, all the books have been about haunted houses or other locations, but according to some, objects can be haunted too. This looks like an interesting read.
Description
Did you know that objects can be haunted the same way a place can be haunted?
If you don’t believe that’s possible, these stories will likely change your mind.
*The Royal Chairs of Belcourt violently eject those who try to sit in them.
*Annabelle is one scary doll! The true (and terrifying) story about what happened to the owner and the resulting investigation led by a team of renowned paranormal experts was documented in a movie released by a Hollywood studio.
*Anna’s Wedding Dress often swings wildly inside a sealed display case. Investigations have been conducted but no rational explanation has ever been discovered.
*The world’s biggest diamond was donated to a museum. Find out why the owner felt he had no choice but to give this stone to a museum rather than sell it for a huge sum of money.
*The characters in the painting, The Hands Resist Him have been captured on film crawling out of the painting late at night!
…and much more!
Learn why all the objects discussed in this book have been destroyed, hidden, or locked up so that no one can ever come into contact with them ever again.
Ghost Crimes: Based on Actual Paranormal Cases
by Allen Gare
Here is another paranormal read that looks interesting that you can find for free on Kindle Unlimited.
Description
As heard on “Coast to Coast with George Noory”.
Paranormal activity isn’t limited to missing household items, strange knocking on the walls and glimpses of transparent images out of the corner of our eyes. Sometimes, the activity is aggressive, harmful and even fatal. Thanks to paranormal investigators, psychics and mediums and people willing to openly share their experiences, our awareness of other-worldly beings has expanded. Over the years, law enforcement personnel have experienced their share of paranormal encounters but weren’t always willing to face potential ridicule at their admission. Today, the occurrence of the unnatural is so prevalent that official police cases have a designated code to define a crime’s paranormal element.
Ghost Crimes chronicles of the crime investigations of Detective Burke. Residing in central Florida, Burke is driven by his sworn duty to protect the innocent, especially children. A possession case in June of 1996 finds him face-to-face with the paranormal world. He struggles to make sense of the unbelievable event and many more to come.
A Haunted Love Story: The Ghosts of the Allen House
by Mark Spencer
I’ll wrap this list up with another story that was featured on A Haunting. It’s amazing what you can find in an old house.
Description
When Mark Spencer and his family moved into the beautiful old Allen House in Monticello, Arkansas, they were aware of its notorious reputation for being haunted. According to local lore, the troubled spirit of society belle Ladell Allen, who had mysteriously committed suicide in the master bedroom in 1948, still roamed the grand historic mansion. Yet, Mark remained skeptical—until he and his family began encountering faceless phantoms, a doppelganger spirit, and other paranormal phenomena. Ensuing ghost investigations offered convincing evidence that six spirits, including Ladell, inhabited their home. But the most shocking event occurred the day Mark followed a strange urge to explore the attic and found, crammed under a floorboard, secret love letters that touchingly depict Ladell Allen’s forbidden, heart-searing romance—and shed light on her tragic end.
Do you have any favorite scary stories? Either fiction or nonfiction. Let me know in the comments. Happy reading!
The month of August has gotten away from me. I’ve been busy and overwhelmed with work stuff. The drama there never seems to end, but I’m making big plans. I have an interview next week and if all goes well, I may be self-employed by January. I don’t know what that will mean for the blog because I will have to get used to a new schedule, but I’m sure I will have plenty of material. For my favorites for August, I have a book, a tv show and some articles.
Book
In June, I wrote a post called, 10 Summer Books for Your Beach Bag. One book I included is, I’ll Never Tell by Catherine McKenzie. I wasn’t sure I’d like it, but the Audible version was included in my free trial of Kindle Unlimited, so I gave it a try. I’m glad I did. It was an entertaining summer read.
Description
Deeply buried secrets make for a disturbing family reunion in bestselling author Catherine McKenzie’s tantalizing novel of psychological suspense, named one of the Hottest Books of Summer by Goodreads.
What happened to Amanda Holmes?
Twenty years ago, she was found bludgeoned in a rowboat at the MacAllister family’s Camp Macaw. No one was ever charged with the crime.
Now, after their parents’ sudden deaths, the MacAllister siblings return to camp to read the will and decide what to do with the prime real estate the camp occupies. Ryan needs to sell. Margaux hasn’t made up her mind. Mary believes in leaving well enough alone. Kate and Liddie—the twins—have opposing views. And Sean Booth, the groundskeeper, just hopes he still has a home when all is said and done.
But it’s more complicated than a simple vote. The will stipulates that until they unravel the mystery of what happened to Amanda, they can’t settle the estate. Any one of them could have done it, and each one is holding a piece of the puzzle. Will they work together to finally discover the truth, or will their secrets finally tear the family apart?
Tv Show
This show is definitely not for everyone, but if you enjoy trashy reality tv where people always seem to make the wrong decisions, this show is for you. I came across Love After Lockup on Youtube while looking for something else. It was entertaining, so I kept watching. To summarize, the show follows couples where one of them is either in prison or recently released from prison. The couples have either never met in person before release or they have only spent time during visitation. Most of the couples started off as pen pals. So much can go wrong here! Anyway, if you are interested, here is the first episode.
Articles
If you’re a mom to be, this article is for you! Stephanie from Dresses and Dinosaurs has put together this roundup of the most useful tips for new moms. I want to also thank Stephanie for including me in her post.
Sometimes, the best company we can have is ourselves. Check out this list of 50 ways to spend time alone. Whether you need self-care, some self discovery or just a break from other people, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Family traditions are important. Not only can they make parenting a little easier, but they can be fun and make memories that can last a life time. I usually think of traditions in terms of the holidays, but this post from She Rocks A Bun shows us that little daily rituals can become family traditions as well. Click here to learn how to create your own family traditions.
If you hate cleaning as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to check out this post. I’ve heard of some of these products, but haven’t had the opportunity of trying them. If there are any amazing cleaning appliances or products that save you time, let me know in the comments. Check out this list of 7 must-have time saving household appliances and products that clean your house effortlessly.
Back to school hasn’t started for all of us. If you want some fun last minute summer activities, check out this list of summer ice cream activities.
As always, thank you for reading my blog. I’ll have some fall and Halloween related post coming up throughout the month of September, so be sure to check back! Enjoy your final days of summer!
Being practical in life can go a long way. Sticking with sensible decisions while pregnant is possible even for first-time moms. We’ve gathered a few useful tips for expecting mommas.
Switching to a different OB-GYN is okay
Some are lucky to have an OB-GYN they’re comfortable with even pre-pregnancy. There are some cases though that their beliefs or recommendations do not go in line with our values or gut feel. We’re not discounting the fact that these doctors have studied a lot and have valuable experiences. But, it is essential to know your rights as a patient, especially as a mother who will go through this beautiful experience of giving birth to another life form.
Definitely, not all deliveries are the same, but all births should be gentle. This means that the expecting mother’s rights are respected, she is empowered to choose, and that her birth support and providers follow her preferences. Just make sure you bring your records so that you don’t have to go through the necessary checks or tests that the new doctor needs to know.
Hand-me-downs are not a bad thing
In fact, this could probably be the most sound thing to do: to be a willing recipient for pre-loved clothes or other baby items like cribs, strollers, babywear, bouncers, high chair, etc. Whether you get them for free or for a very much lower price, it’s a great way to help other families get rid of things that will just end up in storage, and save a lot of money from buying brand new items that will only be used for a month or probably 2 years at the longest.
Make use of what you have
Concerning receiving or buying second-hand items, it is also best to look around your house for things that could be of use too. Say, for example, someone gifted you with a stroller; you can probably double it as a high chair. Check on your regular towels if they are hypoallergenic and can be used by the baby too. Or you can take some extra cotton/flannel fabrics and cut them into small squares. With edges sewn, these can be used as cloth wipes! Yes, items for the baby don’t always have to come from the baby section as long as you can do your checks.
Information overload is normal
Just like learning anything new, we are bound to feel overwhelmed with all the information at hand. So take one concept at a time. You have nine months to get just the right knowledge about those topics. Whether it’s about Gentle Birth, Breastfeeding, Babywearing, Attachment Parenting, and any other concepts you’re inclined to. You can also attend seminars and events other than reading about them. This is perfect not just for better retention but also to find people who are into the same beliefs and advocacies.
Keep your partner/husband/support team in the know
Everything essential you gained from reading, mentioned by your doctor and all the knowledge you have on certain concepts should definitely be shared to your support team. As the old saying goes, “it takes a village to raise the child.” For any support that you need from pregnancy, until birth, newborn stage, toddler stage, and so on, it is best to really involve those important people around you and let them in on the help you need and how you want to raise your child.
This is a life-changing phase of your life. Embrace it and enjoy this rollercoaster experience you’ll be taking on. Don’t worry; you’ll be great.
About the Writer:
Rachel Peralta is a freelance writer who finally took the leap of getting out of her comfort zone in the corporate world for 11 years. She loves traveling, supports the zero-waste movement and strives to practice intentional parenting as a hands-on mom to her active & curious little daughter.
Years ago, I saw this creative ice cream shop sensory tub by Counting Coconuts. I thought it was a neat idea and always wanted to put together my own ice cream sensory bin. Back then, I didn’t have any kids and it’s been years since I’ve been able to do any lesson planning for my job. Well, I finally made one for Rosebud and she loved it.
What’s in the bin?
An ice cream set,
Ice cream cones from bubbles,
White beads for whip cream,
Pompoms for toppings,
Measuring spoons,
Small bowls,
Foam marshmallows.
For the bulk of this bin, I used this cute little ice cream set that has everything you’ll need to make pretend ice cream Sundays. Rosebud plays with it a lot, but it’s funny how adding other materials changes the play. I added bigger bowls that are not pictured so that everything wouldn’t fall out, but I will have to get pictures of that later to add to the post.
These foam marshmallows were also a big hit! I bought them to do another sensory bin this coming winter, but thought they’d be cute added as another ice cream topping. It was Rosebud’s idea to create patterns. Marshmallow, bead, Marshmallow bead or bead, pompom, bead, pompom. Patterning is a pre-math skill, so I’m glad she has incorporated it into her play. Other than patterning, we made ice cream sundays with different toppings, sorted objects by color and size and counted marshmallows and beads.
I just put this sensory bin out this week, so I’m interested to see what else Rosebud does with it. Have you made any sensory bins this summer? Let me know in the comments.
Rosebud loves music. She loves to sing and make up random songs as she plays. She sings along with the radio in the car and she loves to turn anything into a drum. Lately, her favorite drums are pots and pans. It makes total sense that some of her favorite books are musical as well. Here is a list of 10 sing along books for preschoolers to add to your collection.
Groovy Joe: Ice Cream & Dinosaurs
by Eric Litwin
These books are great. I heard this one being read to the pre-k class at work and that night, I read it with Rosebud. It’s one of her favorites now. It’s also appropriate right now because we’re working on sharing with friends. It’s fun, but teaches an important lesson as well.
Book Description
Groovy Joe was living the dream.
He had a spoon and tub of doggy ice cream.
And he started to sing:
Love my doggy ice cream! Love my doggy ice cream!
Eric Litwin, author of the bestselling and beloved Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, and bestselling artist Tom Lichtenheld, illustrator of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, have created a captivating new canine character who will groove his way into readers’ hearts and have them grooving and giggling all the while. In his debut adventure, Groovy Joe faces three roaring dinosaurs hungry for his doggy ice cream! Oh no! But Joe knows just what to do and soon enough he has them all sharing while moving and singing along.
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
by Eric Litwin
I couldn’t write this list without including a Pete the Cat book. These are very popular right now and one of Rosebud’s favorites is Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. This book is musical, has math concepts and teaches kids to go with the flow. What more could you want? Book Description
An award-winning and bestselling Pete the Cat hardcover picture book!
Count down with Pete in this rocking story that makes counting fun! Pete the Cat is wearing his favorite shirt—the one with the four totally groovy buttons.
But when one falls off, does Pete cry? Goodness, no! He just keeps on singing his song—after all, what could be groovier than three groovy buttons? The winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award.
We All Go Traveling By
by Sheena Roberts
This is an older book that one of the volunteers picked out for us from the library. I had never heard of it before, but Rosebud really enjoyed it. She’d ask for it almost every night until I had to return it. She loved singing along, dancing and making up different motions for the different vehicles. Book Description
This rhythmic I-spy journey to school through various landscapes is the perfect introduction to colors, modes of transport, and of course, music! The jaunty text, Siobhan Bell s colorful hand-stitched illustrations and the accompanying Music CD by popular singer Fred Penner are sure to get children singing along happily. The I-Spy theme encourages reader/listener interaction, while the cumulative, repetitive text helps build sequencing skills. We All Go Traveling By is ideal for read-aloud and music and movement activities.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
by Michael Rosin
This classic book is a fun one. I remember this from when I was little. A pre-k class I had several years ago loved to listen to a song they’ve made from this book. It was such a fun music and movement activity for them. Now I play it for Rosebud and she loves it as well. Book Description
THE AWARD-WINNING CLASSIC IN POP-UP
We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one.
Will you come too?
For years readers have been swishy swashing and splash sploshing through this award-winning favorite. Now fans of the original classic can join in all the fun of the bear hunt with this incredible collectible edition featuring pop-ups, flaps to lift, tabs to pull, and sound effects!
Marsupial Sue
by John Lithgow
I had never seen this one before either until the volunteer found it at the library. This was Rosebud’s favorite out of the last bunch we checked out. It introduces the animals from Australia, but what I really liked about it was the message that it’s okay to be yourself. Book Description
If you’re a Kangaroo
through and through,
Just do what Kangaroos do.
Young Sue really doesn’t like being a kangaroo, so she goes off to find something better. First she tries climbing the trees like a koala, but that doesn’t work. Then she wades into the sea like a platypus, but that’s no good either. Finally, Sue joins up with some bouncy, jouncy wallabies…and discovers that being a kangaroo isn’t so bad, after all.
Using a jaunty waltz rhythm, actor, comedian, and best-selling author John Lithgow reassures children that they can be happy with who they are.
There Was An Old Lady Who swallowed a Fly
by Lucille Colandro
I remember this classic book from my childhood, but now there are lots of twists on it. Rosebud loves, “There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose” and “There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves.” There is one of these books for every occasion. We read them a lot in our pre-k class as well and the kids love them. Book Description
It’s the Old Lady as you’ve never seen her before! Now she’s swallowing animals from the classic story…to create a home full of lovable pets!
With rhyming text and hilarious illustrations, this is the original song young readers know and love with a wacky twist. The perfect story to read all year long!
I See A Song
by Eric Carle
This is an unusual picture book where each picture is supposed to represent a song. Rosebud loves the video of this book. I used to think she’d get bored, but she loves looking at the pictures and hearing the music. This book would be great for inspiring kids to use their imaginations to create art based on music. Book Description
Designed to stimulate a youngster’s artistic sensibilities, this collection of shapes and colors by the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar features a musician and his violin. Reprint.
I Got the Rhythm
by Connie Schofield-Morrison
This book is meant to get kids moving. I had never seen this book, but it came in Rosebud’s book subscription box last month. Amazon’s Prime Book Box is a great way to get new books for your child. Rosebud’s comes every three months, but you can have books delivered to your door monthly if you wish. Book Description
On a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her- from butterflies, to street performers, to ice cream sellers everything is musical! She sniffs, snaps, and shakes her way into the heart of the beat, finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on! Award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrison, capture the beat of the street, to create a rollicking read that will get any kid in the mood to boogie.
Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo
by John Lithgow
While I was doing research for this post, I came across this book.Not only is this book musical, but it looks humorous. When there are animals doing silly things, it’s always a big hit with kids. Book Description
This lively and lyrical jaunt from actor and author John Lithgow comes with a CD of his celebrated song!
Oh, children! Remember! Whatever you may do,
Never play music right next to the zoo.
They’ll burst from their cages, each beast and each bird,
Desperate to play all the music they’ve heard.
A concert gets out of hand when the animals at the neighboring zoo storm the stage and play the instruments themselves in this hilarious picture book based on one of John Lithgow’s best-loved tunes. This package includes a CD of John and an orchestra performing the song.
Pete The Cat: I Love My White Shoes
by Eric Litwin
I couldn’t help but include another Pete The Cat book. “I Love My White Shoes” has been a long time favorite for Rosebud. Before that, it was “Rocking My School Shoes.” The theme for the two books are the same except one is in regards to going to school. Book Description
Pete The Cat loves his white sneakers so much that he sings about them wherever he goes. So when he steps in a huge pile of strawberries, readers might expect him to cry and raise a fuss. But, no, this cool cat keeps right on walking and singing his song, which he changes slightly to match his now-red shoes. Readers will love singing along as Pete steps in colorful mess after mess and never once loses his cool.
Do your kids love musical books? If so which ones? As always, you can scroll down and let me know in the comments. Happy reading!
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Did I miss anything? What are your baby bath time essentials? Tell me in the comments.
One solution is taking your own photos, but unless you’re a photographer or familiar with photo editing software, you might find taking your own photos is more trouble than it is worth. Some people ask why you can’t just go on Google and take random photos you find. Well, most of those photos are copyrited and you would have to ask permission to use those images. There are heavy penalties for using copirited material, whether it be images or written content. Since I’m not a photographer, don’t feel comfortable with photo editing and don’t want to get into trouble trying to use someone else’s images, I use stock photos. I also wanted to mention that I occasionally take my own photos if it’s a product I’m showing you or an activity that I have set up for Rosebud. I never put pictures of her up here on the blog for privacy reasons which is another reason why I use stock photos. I have compiled a list of the stock photo websites that I use most frequently. There are both free and paid websites on this list, so there is something for any budget.
