Preschoolers

Books, Fall, Parenting, Preschool

12 Halloween Books for Preschoolers

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.

12 Halloween books for preschoolers pin

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

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

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!

Little girl witch with pumpkins

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.

Halloween story book comes 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?

12 Halloween Books for Preschoolers pin

What are your favorite Halloween books? Tell me in the comments. Happy reading!

3 Comments
Preschool, Sensory Play

Ice Cream Sensory Bin

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.

Ice cream sensory bin pin

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.

Ice cream sensory bin

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.

Ice cream sensory bin pin

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.

1 Comment
Books, Parenting, Preschool

10 Musical Books for Preschoolers

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.

10 Musical Books for Preschoolers pin

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.

Cat on piano with music book

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.

Kids singing and playing instruments

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.

Boy playing guitar

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.
Musical notes flying out of book

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.

10 musical books for preschoolers pin

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!

1 Comment
Education, Parenting, Preschool

Why I Chose Preschool for Rosebud

Up until now, Rosebud has been cared for by family members while I work. I’ve never even left her with a baby sitter or a trusted friend. Leaving her with someone I don’t know at all has been completely out of the question. I had very negative experiences with baby sitters and childcare centers as a kid, so the thought of Rosebud being anywhere other than at home causes me a lot of anxiety. I’ve seen what can happen first hand and just the idea that anything could happen to my daughter is scary. If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that I work in a childcare center. Most people would think that the obvious solution would be to bring her to where I work, but the truth is that I know too much. I know exactly what goes on there and there are too many things I don’t want Rosebud exposed to. One example is this experience, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. If it were up to me, we’d live in a society where children didn’t have to go to childcare and they could spend most of the time with their parents, but we live in a world where most families need two incomes just to survive.

Why I chose Preschool for Rosebud pin

The Boredom

After Rosebud turned three, I started noticing a lot of changes in her. She wasn’t listening, she’d argue with everything I said and it seemed like there was something missing for her. She seemed bored. Bored with me and bored with her toys. She seemed more interested in watching tv until we went screen free for a while.

Kids playing in a circle

Socialization

Her only friend was Little Guy and he only came over occasionally. He comes over even less now since he switched childcare programs. She’d often beg me to have Little Guy come visit, but when he was here, she’d struggle with the idea of sharing her toys. She loves Little Guy. They have a good time together, but since he is a year younger, they don’t play on the same level. she’s really into creative and imaginative play. She loves to set up pretend parties, create art and build intricate buildings out of blocks. On the other hand, Little Guy loves to play on his own. He’s happy with a bunch of rubber ducks or pushing food around in a toy cart which is completely appropriate for his age. His idea of playing with another kid is a boisterous game of chase which Rosebud loves, but she wants to do other things as well. There are two separate struggles there. Rosebud is an only child and is not used to sharing her toys and you add the fact that they aren’t on the same level and don’t always understand each other. It has made for some interesting play dates, but no matter what happens, they seem to forget and love each other in the end. Rosebud talks about Little Guy every day when they don’t see each other and Little Guy smiles and runs right in like he owns the place when he comes back to visit. That being said, I know Rosebud needs more in terms of learning to share and making new friends.

Girl playing with clay

Mom Guilt

Yes. The mom guilt. The struggle is real! Being an early childhood educator, I always felt guilty for not doing enough with Rosebud. At least I felt like I wasn’t doing enough. I wanted to make new sensory bins every week or two, try all kinds of different types of play-dough and do a bunch of art activities. Oh and let’s not forget that she needs outside time. The problem is there aren’t enough hours in the day. When am I going to do all that? I work and am tired when I get home. I work with kids all day and the last thing I want to do when I get home is get out messy finger paints or make up a new batch of play-dough. All I want to do is relax, but what I need to do is make dinner, clean and get ready for the next day. That doesn’t leave me much time with Rosebud, so I usually take her to play outside. I feel a lot of guilt over this because the last thing I want to do is take care of and play with other kids instead of my own, but that’s what I have to do every day. We do art on rainy days and I make up new sensory bins once a month. The crayons and markers are always available to her and we do lots of pretend play in her kitchen. Over the past six months, the mom guilt has been really nagging at me.

Teacher showing a boy and girl dinosaur models

Education

Next fall, Rosebud will be old enough to do the public pre-k, but from what I’ve seen, pre-k is pretty academic these days. I didn’t want Rosebud to go from no structure to all the structure. Academically, I don’t think it would be a problem. She knows her colors, shapes, numbers and is starting to recognize many letters. She knows a lot about the world around her and is a fast learner. I don’t want school to be a negative experience for her, but I think it would be if there were no transition in between.

Why I chose preschool for Rosebud pin

Preschool

Up until June, I was still on the fence about what to do. I often hear about the different local programs and I know the signs of a quality early childhood program so that’s what I look for. There are only three programs in my area that have a really good reputation. Unfortunately, cost is definitely a factor, so I was holding off. Then one day, someone told me about this preschool summer camp. It’s a three week session that runs three days per week. They do art, music, story time and outside play. It’s only a morning program. It seemed perfect. It was the perfect way to find out how Rosebud would react in a preschool environment. So far, so good. She’s finished her first week. She’s been on a nature walk, painted pictures and played with new toys. More importantly, she’s been playing with other kids. According to her teacher, she helps out in the classroom and is wonderful. The best thing is that she’s so happy in the afternoons. She tells me about her day and is excited to go back. I’ve noticed that she is less bored and is listening better. She even took a nap one afternoon which she hadn’t done in months. I am relieved that she is enjoying it and that her teacher seems to like her.

Back when I enrolled her in the summer preschool, I asked about their fall preschool program. They have a two, three or five day option. I chose the two day option for the fall. Now I’m kind of regretting not going with the three day option, but I wanted to see how things go. What I like about this preschool is that it’s play based and parents have said all good things about the program. I agonized over this decision, but it was a huge step for me and for Rosebud too. While I still worry and wonder what she is doing throughout the day, I know that I made the right decision. She needs this for her social and emotional development and I know she’ll learn things along the way. Now that I know she’ll be getting some other enrichment, I won’t be as worried that I’m not doing enough. I can just enjoy my time with her no matter what we are doing. Is your child starting preschool this fall? What was the deciding factor for you? Tell me in the comments.

2 Comments
Childcare, Parenting

What to Pack for Preschool

I’m a childcare provider and there are so many instances where the children do not have the essential items that they need. I know there are a lot of reasons for this. Parents may be struggling financially, there is poor communication between teachers and parents or it may be that parents assume that we can provide these items. Each childcare program is different. Some programs include diapers and wipes in the cost. Other programs serve meals and snacks. Some programs provide swimming lessons or dance classes. With so many different expectations, it’s important to find out what your child needs to have with them when they are first enrolled. Whatever the case may be, here is a list of items your child may need based on age.

How to pack Your Baby’s Diaper Bag pin

Infant and Toddler

Bottles
Unless you are fortunate enough to work close enough to your child where you can breast-feed throughout the day, you’ll need bottles. This is where you should check with your childcare provider. Do they prefer premade bottles or will they make them as needed? What is their policy on frozen breast milk? At the center where I work, we prefer premade bottles that the parents make up at home. This way, we can pop them into the warmer or crock pot and the babies don’t have to wait as long. It’s also easier to keep track of whose bottles are whose this way. We label them, but with eight babies under a year old, it really helps us to have the bottles ready to go. Sometimes, we might need extra milk or the child is there longer than expected, so we have a freezer for storing breast milk that is properly labeled with the child’s name and the date it was expressed. We follow the same procedures for formula fed babies, but I’d recommend leaving a can of formula with your childcare provider just in case.

Baby Food

If your child has started eating solid food, you may want to bring some baby food depending on the childcare provider’s policies. Our program provides baby food and regular lunches for older children. However, many programs do not provide food. Personally, I prefer that parents bring food. This way, you know exactly what your child is eating and chances are, they will eat. I see so many kids that refuse our food either because it is unfamiliar or they think it’s gross. Then the child is grumpy because they are so hungry. There are advantages and disadvantages to providing food or having parents provide food, but it can be a factor when deciding on a program for your family.

Baby clothes

Diapers and Wipes

This is an obvious one, but some places. Provide diapers and wipes, so it’s definitely something you should ask about. Parents will usually give us an unopened package of diapers and the same for wipes, but occasionally there are parents who only provide a few new diapers each day. I find this is the hardest to keep track of and if you forget, your child won’t have diapers for the day. While we try to have extra diapers on hand, it’s not always possible. When diapers are not provided, we end up having to borrow diapers from other children. Then when the diapers are replenished, we have to give some of your diapers back to the children you borrowed from. Some places have policies that state that if your child does not have enough diapers for the day, they cannot stay at the program. It’s also important because some children have skin sensitivity issues and using different diapers and wipes can cause irritation or an extreme rash. that’s why we only like to use what you provide. If you use a specific diaper rash cream or powder, you should include that as well.

Infants, Toddlers or Preschoolers

Changes of clothes

I can’t stress this enough! Infants should have at minimum two or three changes of clothes. With the spit ups, food mishaps and blow outs, infants need ample changes of clothes. This should be obvious, but parents can forget in the midst of sleepless nights while holding down a job.

Toddlers and preschoolers need changes of clothes too. I’d recommend two changes of clothes and check back often to be sure clothing is replenished. Even though most childcare providers will keep track, it helps to work as a team.

Little girl with teddy bear

Comfort Items

Does your child use a pacifier? Do they have a special blanket, swaddle or stuffed animal? If so, please bring those in. We want your child to feel as comfortable as possible and want your child to feel at home. Most programs welcome family photos. Especially for infants. In our infant room, we have family posters. Each child has a poster with several pictures of themselves and their family members that they can look at throughout the day. Other classrooms use little photo albums that children can keep in their cubbies. Your child misses you throughout the day and photos can help them feel closer to you.


Packing child’s bag

Outdoor Items

This will change depending on where you live, the climate and the ages of your children, but here’s an idea of what your child may need outside.
Jacket, raincoat or sweatshirt,
Good sneakers for outdoor play,
Rain boots or winter boots depending on season,
Summer or winter hat,
Mittens of gloves for winter,
We prefer the water proof mittens, but they may be harder to put on and may not fit as well as gloves or knitted mittens. Also, some children find it easier to use gloves or knitted mittens because they can use their hands better.
Sun screen or bug spray,
This is important because you know which products if any will cause allergic reactions in your child.

Items for Water Play

Many childcare providers do some type of water play and here are some items you might need.

  • Bathing suit,
  • Water shoes,
  • Towel.

Food

Boy eating lunch

As I mentioned above, some programs require you to bring your children’s food. The amount of food you will need will depend on how long your child will be in care and the meals the provider will or will not include. Some programs serve breakfast and a snack, some programs serve two snacks, but no lunch while others provide all meals. Some programs may not provide any food at all. If you need to bring your own food, carefully read the policies as many places have items that you aren’t allowed to bring. Many programs are nut free which rules out anything with peanut butter. Some items are choking hazards such as hot dogs, whole grapes or raw carrots. I recommend including food items from each food group for a balanced diet. Whole grains, protein, vegetables, fruit and dairy. I also recommend using a lunch box or container that helps keep items either hot or cold since most places don’t have the time or facilities to warm up so many lunches at once.

Essentials to pack for preschool

Optional Items

these are items that I’ve seen parents bring over the years that may be helpful, but not always necessary.

  • Bib,
  • Sunglasses,
  • Teethers,
  • Chap stick,
  • Tissues,
  • Journal for writing notes back and forth.

There may be other items your child will need, but this list is meant to be a basic guide for what your child will need to bring to preschool. Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments.

5 Comments
Books, Preschool

12 Bug Books for Preschoolers

Rosebud has been talking a lot about the bugs we’ve been seeing outside lately. She’s decided that a lot of them are scary which is why I put together the rice and bugs sensory bin. Honestly, I can’t stand bugs. there’s just something about them being creepy and crawly, but I didn’t want Rosebud to be scared every time she saw some sort of insect, so we’ve been reading some bug books as well. There are a lot of books out there about bugs. Some of them teach life lessons while others are educational in a different way, teaching us about how bugs are beneficial to our environment. While not all the bugs in these books are scientifically classified as insects, they are still apart of the bug category in my book. Whether your child is afraid of bugs or curious about them, you’ll find something interesting on this list of 12 bug books for preschoolers.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar book

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
By Eric Carle

I had to include this one because it is a classic and Rosebud loves still loves this book!
Description
In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf.” So begins Eric Carle’s modern classic,The Very Hungry Caterpillar. More than 12 million copies of this book have been sold in its original, full-sized edition, and the beloved tale of science and gluttony has been translated into 20 languages. This five-by-four-inch miniature edition is truly tiny, with tiny type, but it is a nice size for small hands to hold and flip through the pictures. Despite its diminished state, the book is complete in every detail, following the ravenous caterpillar’s path as he eats his way through one apple (and the pages of the book itself) on Monday, two pears on Tuesday, three plums on Wednesday, and so on, through cherry pie and sausage–until he is really fat and has a stomachache. And no doubt you know what happens next! Kids love butterfly metamorphosis stories, and this popular favorite teaches counting and days of the week too.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs
By Catherine D. Hughes

While doing some research for this post, I found this informative book. I haven’t read this one yet with Rosebud, but I’m including it because it’s nonfiction and is perfect for our little scientists. Not only does it talk about our typical backyard bugs, but it also shows bugs from around the world.
Description
The experts at National Geographic present a delightful reference that introduces young children to bugs of all kinds: big and small, jumping and crawling, colorful and creepy. This charming book explores backyard favorites, such as ladybugs and lightning bugs, and introduces kids to more exotic species that inhabit rain forests and deserts around the world. Colorful photos are paired with profiles of each insect, along with facts about the creatures’ sizes, diets, homes, and more. This book will quickly become a favorite at story time, bedtime, and any other time!
12 Bug Books for Preschoolers pin

The Very Impatient Caterpillar
By Ross Burach

A book perfect for any kid that struggles with being patient.

Description
Hey! What are you guys doing? 

We’re going to metamorphosize. 

Meta-WHAT-now? 

Transform into butterflies. 

Right. Right. I knew that… 

WAIT?! You’re telling me I can become a BUTTERFLY? 

Yes. 

With wings? 

Yes. 

Wait for ME!! 

Ross Burach’s hilarious, tongue-in-cheek exploration of metamorphosis will make you flutter with glee, while also providing real facts about how caterpillars transform into butterflies.

The Very Busy Spider
By Eric Carle

This is another classic by Eric Carle that Rosebud loves. I love that the illustrations are tactile as well.

Description

Early one morning a little spider spins her web on a fence post. One by one, the animals of the nearby farm try to distract her, yet the busy little spider keeps diligently at her work. When she is done, she is able to show everyone that not only is her creation quite beautiful, it is also quite useful!

This multi-sensory book allows children to feel the pictures as well as see them. And with its rhythmic text, The Very Busy Spider becomes an experience to touch, to see, and to hear.

Child with a bug in a jar

How the Ladybug got her Spots
By Caren D Green

I had never seen this book before doing research for this post. This looks like a cute story with a message that all kids should hear. We are all different and that is a good thing.
Description

Once, in the leafy, green plants lived a small red and black bug that did not feel as special as all of her garden friends, and so she set out to find something to set her apart. Follow her through this charmingly illustrated, adorable tale that teaches how even the tiniest among us can be special.

Backyard Books: Are You a Dragonfly?
By Judy Allen

Here’s another nonfiction book. This one is about dragonflies.

Description
The most colorful wings on the pond belong to the nimble dragonfly, but this delicate flying insect didn’t begin life in the air. In Backyard Books: Are You a Dragonfly? by Judy Allen with illustrations by Tudor Humphries, the secrets of metamorphosis are unfurled through the story of a familiar backyard creature.

Girl holding butterfly

Ten Magic Butterflies
By Danica McKellar

This is a cool book that Rosebud and I read recently. It has magic, counting and the message that is a good thing to be yourself.

Description
Fairies, butterflies, and magic help to make this math-focused picture book from Danica McKellar, the New York Times best selling author of Goodnight, Numbers and star of The Wonder Years, positively enchanting! 

Join ten flower friends for a night of excitement that mixes a little math with a lot of magic. As each flower turns into a butterfly, children will discover different ways to group numbers to create ten, an essential building block of math, all while watching each flower’s dream come true. (And keep an eye out for the adorable caterpillar who wishes he could fly, too!)

Alpha Bugs: A Pop-up Alphabet (David Carter’s Bugs)
By David A. Carter

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll have seen a post or two about interactive books. I couldn’t finish this post without including some. Here’s a pop-up book that includes bugs and the alphabet, so it’s perfect for a bug theme.

Description
From boogie-woogie Bubble Bugs

to upside-down Umbrella Bugs,

this fun-filled pop, pull, and peek book

makes learning the alphabet

exactly eight egg bugs excellent.

Review

Publishers Weekly “Where will they strike next? A jar of olives, a waffle iron, a rock — each conceals a daffy insect… They are wittily transformed into members of an odd but comical alphabet species… Amusing alliteration and a zany sense of humor deliver fun with every letter.

Be and Me book

Bee & Me
By Elle J. McGuinness

This book not only has a story, but it has a short fact list about bees as well. The coolest thing about this book is the motion. Each page has something that moves. While some of the information in this book is over Rosebud’s head, she loves the colorful illustrations and the way the bee moves.

Description
The New York Times bestselling Bee & Me, in a new mini-Animotion format. 

Just like the New York Times bestselling Bee and Me, the mini abridged Bee and Me is filled with all of the action of AniMotion windows, and the same great story and pictures that have won the hearts of legions of kids and parents all across the country. The heart of the book is a sweet tale teaching kids the important roll bees play in nature. This new smaller format is ideal for younger children and smaller hands. 
“A beautiful, heart-warming book that helps children (and adults

Understand how essential bees are to the planet.

Bee & Me
By Alison Jay

You read that right. I’ve included two Bee & Me books. This one is a picture book and it is totally different from the first one. Not only does it show friendship, but it also shows the importance of saving bees.

Description
A beautiful wordless picture book brings a personal note to the plight of the honeybee and offers a message of hope.
A little girl befriends a bee that takes her on a journey of discovery, revealing an action that every child can take to aid in conservation. In a wordless story told through enchanting illustrations, Bee & Me tells a tale of friendship and offers an introduction to the ecology of the natural world. Alison Jay’s original artwork brings the story gently to life, pointing out the sadness of a world without bees. An afterword makes clear to readers the important role these endangered insects play.

Bee reading book sitting on a flower

The Very Greedy Bee
By Steve Smallman

A book that teaches us not to be greedy.

Description

A greedy bee learns a lesson when he “slurps and burps” too much nectar, falls asleep in a meadow, and needs help from other insects to find his way home after dark.

12 Bugs for Preschoolers pin

The Very Quiet Cricket
By Eric Carle

I’m wrapping up this post with another classic by Eric Carle. This book also has an interactive feature, the chirping cricket at the end. Even without the chirping cricket, it’s a great story.

Description

One day a tiny cricket is born and meets a big cricket who chirps his welcome. The tiny cricket tries to respond, but there is no sound. The quiet cricket then makes his way into the world, meeting one insect after another, each of whom greets the little cricket with a cheery hello–the hum of a bee, the whirr of a dragonfly, the whisper of a praying mantis. The cricket rubs his wings together each time, but nothing happens, not a sound. Until the day he meets another cricket, a female, and something different happens . . .

As children turn the page on this wonderful moment, they are greeted with a surprise–an actual chirp!

An open book with butterflies
Are there any cool bug books that should be on this list? Tell me in the comments!

I’ll leave you with some more bug related items to explore.

Check out this list of 16 creative ways to make bug crafts with kids and these bug theme snacks.

0 comments
Sensory Play

Rice and Bugs Sensory Bin

Here is another quick sensory bin that I set up for Rosebud. I love having a couple sensory bins on hand in the kitchen to occupy Rosebud while I make dinner. I’ve limited her screen time to a bare minimum which I’ll write about in another post, but I need plenty of activities that will entertain her. This one does the trick and it was super simple and quick to put together.

Rice & Bugs Sensory Bin pin

What’s in the bin?

  • Rice,
  • Plastic bugs,
  • Glass marbles,
  • Scoops,
  • Tongs,
  • A funnel.


I included scoops of different sizes and the mini tongs for picking up the bugs. The glass marbles were for buried treasures. I got two small bags of rice at the dollar store and that was enough, but you may need more or less depending on the size of your bin. These bugs that I found by Melissa & Doug are great! They are a hard rubber/plastic material, but they are slightly larger than other plastic bugs I’ve seen and they are well made. Also, they are not sharp, so I had no problem using them in my toddler class a few years ago. Unfortunately, I could not find the link for them, but I’ve had good luck with the Safari figurines which would work just as well.

Rice & Bugs sensory Bin

So, there you have it. Another quick spring/summer themed sensory bin. What are your favorite sensory bins to do this time of year? Tell me in the comments. I have more sensory bins to show you in the next few weeks, so definitely come back and check them out.

1 Comment
Activities, Parenting, Preschool, Sensory Play

Flowers and Water Beads Sensory Bin

Here is a fun spring themed sensory bin. Rosebud and I love flowers and I through this together in less than five minutes. After we waited for the water beads to puff up to full size, it was all set for play. This kept Rosebud busy for over an hour while I made dinner.

Flowers and Water Beads Sensory Bin pin

What’s in the bin?

  • Small tupperware containers,
  • Flower holders,
  • A funnel,
  • A measuring cup,
  • Measuring spoons.

I didn’t have any purpose in mind when putting this sensory bin together. I showed her how to put the flowers in the flower holders and showed her that she could turn the little containers into vases, but other than that, I let her take the lead.

The little funnel was perfect because the water beads fit through the hole. The measuring spoons were the perfect size as well. They work great for scooping up the water beads.

Flowers and water beads sensory bin

What are your favorite activities with water beads? Tell me in the comments.

1 Comment
Infants, Motherhood, Parenting, Toddlers

5 Things You Won’t Learn From A Parenting Book

Since Mothers Day is right around the corner, I’ll be doing a series of posts on motherhood. You’ll get the good, the bad and the ugly. If you pick up a parenting book, you’ll read about what to do to have a healthy pregnancy, infant care, tantrums, potty training and how to create a night time routine. They might even touch upon the sleepless nights, for you, the parent. While that information can be very helpful, there are some things they don’t talk about and in most cases, mom’s aren’t talking about these things either. If we’re not talking about the endless joy and unconditional love, it’s as if you’re seen as a bad mom. I love Rosebud more than I’ve ever thought possible. She makes me laugh after a bad day. I am so grateful and proud to be her mom, but there a few things about motherhood in general that drive me crazy at times.

Mother folds laundry next to a sleeping baby

Your idea of clean flies out the window.

I used to take a lot of pride in keeping a clean house. I’d usually vacuum at least twice per week since the cats left hair everywhere. At least one of my weekend days was spent cleaning and doing laundry. I loved having everything in it’s place. There was nothing like coming home to a clean house and knowing that everything would be right where you left it. Well, after you have kids, that all changes. You might still obsess over keeping the place clean and organizing everything, but you’ll find you won’t have time. You’ll spend more time thinking about cleaning than actually doing it and you’ll start to wonder if you’ll ever get to do anything beyond spot cleaning the counters and bathrooms.

5 Things You Won’t Learn From A Parenting Book. Multitasking mom pin.

Not to mention all the new toys and equipment you’ll be adding to the mix. Half of my living room was filled with baby equipment and now that Rosebud is three, it’s filled with toys. Toys that I have to keep organized because if they are not put into containers, I end up stepping on them which of course hurts my feet. When I end up yelling about the stupid toy, Rosebud asks, what’s wrong, Mommy? Have you ever stepped on a lego or toy person? If so, you can feel my pain! We can always look on the bright side, when kids grow up and think back to their childhoods, they don’t remember whether you deep cleaned the house. They remember the time you spent with them. Here are some cleaning products that help me out.

This is a close model to the vacuum I have. It works well on pet hair.

This is the one I want to try because of the anti hair wrap feature. That is a huge problem in my house.

Photographer taking photos of a baby

You’ll try, but you can’t capture everything.

I don’t know about you, but I wanted to capture Rosebud’s every milestone. I have so many pictures and videos, especially during her first year. While it’s nice to preserve and share those memories, if you spend too much time behind the camera, you’re not participating. If you’re too busy watching, you’re not interacting. There have been so many conversations over the past year or two that I wish I could recreate. I can’t, so they will live on in my memory. There are too many things Rosebud says that I want to write down so I won’t forget, but by the end of a long day, I’ve forgotten what she said. It makes me sad, but I know she’ll say something else that’s equally cute or funny tomorrow. The other day she told me that tomatoes couldn’t make catsup because they don’t have hands. I’d love to capture all the times she tells me I’m her best friend or that I’m a good mommy. She told me the other day that we have a good home. It’s moments like these that make my heart melt and make me so glad that I’m Rosebud’s mom.


A thoughtful woman looking towards a mountain

You’ll never do anything alone, ever again.

Yes, you read that right. You’ll never do anything alone unless you have a baby sitter or if you’re lucky enough to have a good sleeper. For the first 15 months of Rosebud’s life, we co-slept, so I was never alone at night either. I was one of those people who was convinced, my kid would sleep in her own bed, but as soon as she was born, I didn’t want to be away from her. Although I tried laying her down in her crib, it was a no go. She’d cry and cry and it was just too heartbreaking to listen to. I’d be sitting in bed next to her responding to E-mails, listening to audio books or pumping and she’d usually sleep through everything. That was as long as I’d stay in the bed, as soon as I’d get up to go to the bathroom, get a drink of water or try to go and watch tv, she was awake in no time.

As she got older and started to crawl and eventually walk, any semi alone time I had was over. She’d follow me into the laundry room when I’d try to start the washer, the pantry closet when I’d try to sneak a snack and of course I couldn’t go to the bathroom alone either. If you are reading this and haven’t become a mom yet, appreciate your alone time while you have it.

Woman sleeping on sofa with throw pillows

You finally find out what exhaustion really is.

This phenomenon of complete exhaustion starts while you are pregnant. You don’t even have to weight for the baby to come for this one. In the first part of my pregnancy, I slept like a baby. I’d literally sit in my chair and be asleep a few minutes later. When I’d go to sleep for the night, I’d be so exhausted, I’d sleep so soundly. This was so unlike me. I had never been that tired and at that point, I didn’t know I was growing a tiny human. After my pregnancy was confirmed, I was still exhausted, but the sleepless nights began. What was I going to do? I was going through a difficult situation and nothing went as I had planned. I had a lot on my mind along with the physical symptoms, so I never slept through a whole night after that and I thought I knew what exhaustion was. The truth was I had no idea until Rosebud was born. It was exhausting trying to breast-feed around the clock, change diapers, and then attempting to function like a normal human being during the day. They say that you should sleep when the baby sleeps, but that was so difficult for me. I managed it a few times, but usually I was too worried about the state of the house or other tasks I needed to get done. As they get older, they sleep through the night, but they tend to go to bed later and in Rosebud’s case, she wakes up just as early.

Sick woman blowing nose

You never get a sick day.

Now that we’ve touched on the exhaustion, that brings me to this little piece of information. Unless you have a village around you, you never get a sick day. It doesn’t matter if you can barely get out of bed, you have to. Your child still needs to be fed and cared for. They’ll still want to play. I remember one day in particular when I had the flu this past winter. I was wiped out. I could barely move without feeling sick, but I had to push myself to at least get up and throw a breakfast together. Then we spent the rest of the day in front of the tv because that’s all I could manage. Rosebud really wanted to play, but I just couldn’t. I made sure her basic needs were met and some days if you are really sick, that’s the best you can do. It helps if you both are sick at the same time because you’ll both want to just lay around, but it almost never works that way. Rosebud is always sick before me. By the time she’s feeling better, I want to spend the day curled up under the covers.

5 Things You Won’t Learn From a Parenting Book. Flowers pin.

This is why self-care is so important. You cannot run on empty. Even though self-care may be seen as selfish, you have to find some time for yourself. Whether it’s relaxing with a book and a bubble bath, going to get your nails done or working on a craft or hobby, it’s well worth it. Then when the sick days come, you won’t feel as depleted. The other part of self-care is forgiving yourself when you make mistakes or when you are a less than perfect mother. We need to accept that we can make mistakes and learn from them and that we are still lovable even with our imperfections. When we tuck our kids in bed each night, we can tell them we love them and we forget about every crazy thing they did that day. We forget about the messes, the chaos, the interruptions and the fact that they woke us up before the sunrise yet again.

10 Comments
Books, Parenting, Preschool, Toddlers

12 Spring Themed Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers

12 Spring Themed Books Little girl reading pin

Every season, I like to switch up the books that are out for Rosebud. A couple weeks ago, I brought out the books we have for spring. She still loves some of the board books that she enjoyed last year which is why I’m including them in this list. She knows many of her books by heart and likes to pretend to read them to me. She also is starting to get into longer stories as well. This list is a mix of books for toddlers and preschoolers because you never know what will capture their attention. There are so many books out there and this is just a sampling of what you can find for spring themed books.

You’re My Little Bunny book cover

You’re My Little Bunny by Claire Freedman

This is perfect for bedtime. Follow the adventures of a busy bunny. The book ends with the bunny snuggling up to mother bunny. It’s a perfect way to end the day.

When Spring Comes by Keven Henkes

In this book, children can learn the differences between winter and spring. The snow melts, the birds sing and the plants grow. When spring comes, the world transforms.

The Rainy Day by Anna Milbourne

A group of children take a walk and see the effect that rain has on plants, animals and soil. It’s a great way to introduce the concepts of how clouds are made and how weather changes.

Danny Duck Takes a Dive book cover

Danny Duck Takes a Dive by Debbie Rivers-Moore

Danny duck is scared to go in the water until he jumps in and decides that he likes it. It’s a great book about getting over fears and trying something new with the help of your friends. It’s touch and feel as well.


The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

This is a great book about the life cycle of plant. It’s in simple language that kids will understand and it’s by Eric Carle. Any of his books about bugs are great for spring. Rosebud loves The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider.

It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marelyn Sadler

This book is about a bunny who is unhappy being a bunny. He tries being other animals, but discovers that it is better to be himself after all. This is a great read for teaching about self acceptance and being happy with who you are.


Bluebird’s Nest book cover

Bluebird’s Nest by Dorothea Deprisco

Follow Bluebird as she builds her nest with the help of other birds and by spring, her nest is complete. This book is touch and feel. As she builds her nest, you can feel it getting larger. It also has a pop-up in the end.

Mouse’s First Spring by Lauren Thompson

Mouse and Mama go out to play and discover that spring is here. He finds a butterfly, a bird and more. This book comes in a paper back or a shortened board book version for toddlers.

The Ugly Caterpillar by Carl Sommer

Speckles the Spider and Crumbs the Cricket think Katie the Caterpillar is too ugly to be their friend. Annie the Ant doesn’t agree and her and katie become best friends. This story teaches children about kindness, friendship and beauty in all things.


Let It Rain book cover

Let It Rain by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

This is a cute rhyming book that takes you through spring up until the start of summer. This book has everything related to spring. Birds, bees, rainbows and even newborn kittens. The rhymes and short text on each page makes it a great read with toddlers.

Planting A Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

In this book, children learn about planting and the colors of different types of flowers. This is a wonderful introduction to the variety of flowers that are out there.

A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman
Find out what happens when a little boy wants to play with a rainbow.


12 Spring Themed Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers pin

There are so many great books out there. I’m sure there are many I have never read that would be a fantastic addition to our book shelf. What are your favorite spring books? Let me know in the comments.

2 Comments