Seasons

About me, Personal Development

19 Things to Be Thankful for in 2019

First, I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. If you are not in the US or don’t celebrate, that’s okay because any day is a good day to be thankful. It’s always good to show gratitude for the wonderful things in our lives. This has been a hard year for me and too often I focus on the areas of my life that I’m not satisfied with. Today reminds me that I need to stop and share what I am truly grateful for.

19 Things to be Thankful for in 2019

1. I want to start off with the amazing people in my life.

Rosebud is at the top of my list. Parenting is the hardest and most rewarding job I’ve ever done. I’ll admit there are things I don’t like about being a parent, but I love Rosebud with all my heart. I love when we laugh together. I love weekend mornings when we can sleep in or snuggle. I love how excited she gets to see me after work. It really brightens my day. I love teaching her things, but she has taught me so much. She tests my patience for sure, but she has shown me how strong I am. She’s my reason for getting out of bed every day.

2. I’m thankful for my family. Especially my mom. We don’t always agree, but she’s been a huge source of support when I’ve really needed it. She’s also my main source of transportation which is not always easy. She takes care of Rosebud when I’m at work and makes sure she gets to and from preschool. I don’t have to pay extraordinary amounts of money for childcare because of her. Not to mention the fact that she loves Rosebud no matter what.

3. I’m thankful for my new niece that I haven’t met yet. She was born premature a couple weeks ago and since she’s been in the hospital, I haven’t been able to meet her. Rosebud and I were sick last week, so we didn’t want to pass our germs on to the baby. Fortunately, she came home a few days ago and we will be meeting her for the first time today. She’ll probably give me baby fever, but that’s a topic for another post.

Couple drinking coffee

4. I’m thankful for my friends. I have a couple of good friends in my life. To protect everyone’s privacy, I won’t mention anyone’s names, but just know that I appreciate all of you whether we’ve met in person or not. One friend, I’ve been writing to for over two years now. Although we’ve never met in person, I consider her one of my best friends and maybe one day one of us will take the trip. There’s Little Guy’s mom who texts me often to check in, has been extremely supportive and helpful with my work and of course brings Little Guy for playdates. Then there are all the others who I talk to less often, but I’m grateful to know them. Recently, someone else has come into my life. While our friendship is brand new and I’m not sure how things will turn out, I appreciate him very much.

5. I’m thankful for my home. Of course I’m grateful that I have a roof over my head, but it is more than that. Rarely have I ever truly felt at home as an adult. I love having my own safe space that I can come to at the end of the day. I can invite people if I want. I can decorate it how I choose to. My home has been a great place for Rosebud as well. She loves it and I can tell it feels like home to her. While there are lots of things I don’t like about the area where I live, I’m thankful to have a wonderful home.

6. I’m grateful for my job as much as I hate to say it. While I’m extremely dissatisfied and that is putting it mildly, it allows me to buy the things I need. There are some wonderful children and coworkers I’ve met over the years and that’s what I have to remember.

7. There is a special baby I met this year. Unfortunately, I only got to spend a couple of months working with him. He is a happy and sweet little boy who I’ll always remember.

19 Things to be Thankful for in 2019

8. I’m thankful for Diamond. Thank you for snuggling with me every day and for always being there.

An older picture of Diamond and Mellow

9. I’m thankful for Mellow. I lost him this year which has been hard. I miss your loud purr, your crazy meows, your snuggles and watching your friendship with Rosebud. I’m so grateful that you were my cat.

10. I’m thankful for books. While I haven’t read as many books this year. I’m grateful for the things that books can teach us or the escape when I want to be somewhere else.

11. I’m thankful for music. I don’t listen to music as much as I used to, but lately I’ve been enjoying finding new songs on Spotify. Music was so important to me when I was a kid. I spent most of the 90’s listening to music. It was always there no matter what. Music was a source of joy and comfort to me during some difficult times.

12. I’m grateful for nature. The beach is my happy place. I love rainy/cloudy days, but enjoy the warm sun as well. Just sitting outside hearing the birds and feeling the breeze is so peaceful. I am fortunate to live in a place where there is always nature around me.

Thanksgiving dinner13. I’m grateful for delicious food. I love to cook, bake and try new recipes. I’m especially for food that others cook for me. It’s a bonus!

14. I’m extremely thankful for technology. When I was going to school in the 90’s, there was some technology, but it wasn’t as advanced as it is today. Back then I would’ve never thought that I’d be able to use the exact same technology as my peers. By the time I started college, I was fortunate to have a laptop with a screen reader and was so grateful that I could blend in. My computer looked the same as everyone else’s. Then when the iPhones started coming out, I couldn’t imagine how I’d ever use a phone with a touch screen. Apple products are amazing and they have accessibility built into them. I didn’t have to spend crazy amounts of money on extra software to get my phone, tablet or pc to work for me. For someone who has had to stand out, it’s wonderful to be on the same playing field with everyone else when it comes to technology.

15. I’m thankful for writing. I love journaling to gain clarity and to preserve memories. I love blogging and the potential to reach so many people. Writing has always been one of my favorite things.

Autumn candle with pumpkins

16. I’m grateful for things that smell good. People find my strong sense of smell to be a pain in the ass. I’ll ask if they can smell something and of course, they never can. I love candles, perfumes and lotions. I have a drawer full of wax melts, but that’s my secret.

17. I’m grateful for soft things. As I sit here, I’m covered with a soft cozy blanket. Diamond and Mellow are soft and cuddly. I have a collection of stuffed animals. I’m really picky about textures, so clothes, blankets and sheets have to have a soft texture that is just right.

18. This is really important. I am thankful for my health. Too often I take it for granted, but I’ve been pretty healthy so far in my life. I’m grateful that I can get up in the morning and exercise. I can work. I can play with Rosebud. Not everyone can easily do these things and that is definitely something I need to be mindful of.

19 Things to be Thankful for in 2019

19. Lastly, I’m grateful for you, my readers. Thank you for reading my blog. While I haven’t found great success, I get a small amount of views each day. My  persistence and love of writing keep my blog going, but it’s the comments from readers that I find the most meaningful. Thank you so much. What are you thankful for this year? Tell me in the comments.

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Activities, Art, Fall, Preschool, Toddlers

Our Fall Crafts

Are you looking for some quick fall crafts? Here are some of the crafts Rosebud and I have done so far this fall. These are simple glueing activities that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Our fall crafts pin

Leafy Tree

Supplies

  • Leaves,
  • Paper,
  • Glue,
  • Green paint.

Leafy tree

First, we made this leafy tree. It started out as just a simple leaf collage. Rosebud and I went for a walk and found a bunch of leaves. She wanted to make art with them, so we just started gluing. After she glued all the leaves, we realized there was a vertical space in the middle, so we painted it green to look like a tree.

To make it look more like a tree, you can draw the outline first or use other natural items to decorate it.

Halloween Spider

Supplies

  • Craft sticks,
  • Pompoms,
  • Google eyes,
  • Glue,
  • Glitter,
  • Construction paper.

Halloween spider

I asked Rosebud what she wanted to make one afternoon and she really wanted to make a spider. When I asked her how she wanted to make it, she said she wasn’t sure, so I looked through my craft basket. We started off by gluing craft sticks for legs, adding a pompom for the body and then adding the eyes. Then she wanted to add a mouth and nose. To top it off, she wanted to add glitter and there is our Halloween spider. Not scary, but definitely a Rosebud creation.

Haunted House

Supplies

  • Craft sticks,
  • Construction paper,
  • Halloween foam stickers,
  • Jewels,
  • Glitter,
  • Glue.

Haunted house

I found a bunch of Halloween stickers at the dollar store and thought they’d be great for a collage. I got the idea to do a haunted house, so we did a 2d version with craft sticks. This project is great for fine motor skills because not only are they gluing and arranging items, but pealing stickers as well. Plus halloween is right around the corner. We started this project by painting a big piece of white paper all black for the night sky. At Rosebud’s haunted house, there is a pumpkin patch, a graveyard, the bat cave and the night sky with half moons and stars. Not to mention all the black cats and ghosts in and around the actual house. We had fun with this one.

Our fall crafts pin

Here are some supplies for your convenience.



What crafts are you doing this fall? Tell me in the comments.

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Preschool, Sensory Play

Fall Halloween Sensory Bin

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!

Fall Halloween Sensory bin pin

What’s in the bin?

  • Acrylic leaves, pumpkins and acorns,
  • Pompoms,
  • Mini jack-o’-lanterns,
  • Glittery spiders,
  • Sticky eyeballs,
  • Tongs,
  • Small bowls.


Fall Halloween Sensory Bin pin

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.

Halloween 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.

A baby doll and Kermit with bowls of Halloween items.

Are you doing any fall or Halloween sensory activities? Let me know in the comments.

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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!

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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.

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Books, Parenting, Toddlers

7 Interactive Summer Books for Toddlers

As I’ve mentioned before, I love interactive books. While there seems to be less and less of them being made, I search for them anyway. When I was a kid, interactive elements such as scratch and sniff, 3d popups and even sound helped me get into a story. We all have different ways of learning, but I think we are much more likely to remember something when we experience something using all our senses. Since I can’t read the printed words or see the pictures very well, interactive elements help me bring books to life for Rosebud. We read plenty of regular books with only words and pictures, but when we can interact with our books in another way, it’s a special treat. Here are the best interactive books I’ve found for the summer. The book descriptions are from Amazon.com.
7 Interactive Summer Books pin

Llama Llama Sand and Sun: A Touch & Feel Bookby Anna Dewdney

While I was doing some research for this post, I was excited to come across this book. Rosebud loves her Mama Llama books and almost knows them by heart. We don’t have a summer time Llama Llama book, so we will be checking this one out. It might be a little young for her at this point, but she loves books with touch and feel elements, but it would be perfect for a toddler which is why it’s on my list!
Book Description
Read along with Llama Llama as he splashes in the waves and plays in the sand in this brand-new touch-and-feel board book!

Seymour Sea Turtle Snaps up Lunch

Seymour Sea Turtle Snaps Up Lunch
by Matt Mitter

This is an older book, but Rosebud has fun with this one. This is the story of Seymour the Sea Turtle who is tired of eating sponge everyday. He tries other foods only to realize that sponge is his favorite. I think we all do this. We try new things only to realize we really prefer the familiar.

Book Description
Tired of always eating sponges, Seymour Sea Turtle tries other dishes including coral and shellfish until he realizes how much he likes to eat sponge.

The Ocean (Touch and Explore)
by Nathalie Choux

This is another gem that I found. I had never heard of this author before, but she has a whole touch and explore series. This one is all about the ocean and it has a lot of great reviews. This series of books is definitely worth checking out.

Book Description
Touch And Explore™ is Twirl’s multi-sensory series for children who want to do more than just listen! Already bestsellers in their original French editions, these well-crafted interactive titles encourage hands-on engagement, learning, and knowledge retention.
What’s rough, scaly, smooth, or bumpy? What crawls or dives? In this splashy treat for visual learners and pre-readers kids can discover the facts, feel, and functions of over two dozen marine animals.
They’ll touch shiny scales and bumpy barnacles, turn a flap to find a clownfish hiding among the anemone, touch a shark’s sandpapery skin, and discover who can squirt ink and change color!
This sea-feast for eyes and hands will encourage kids to immerse themselves in a fascinating beyond-the-bathtub habitat. It’s a trip to an underwater world that’s just a touch away!

7 Interactive Books pin

On My Beach
by Sara Gillingham

Most of the books on this list are touch and feel, but this one is a little different. It has a finger puppet in the middle. This looks like a cute story and the author has a series of these books. Rosebud does not have this book, but I’ve seen these in the toddler room I worked in several years ago and the kids loved them!

Book Description
Turn the colorful die-cut pages of this irresistible board book to discover just what makes little crab’s beach so cozy. Is it the soft sand? Is it the salty seaweed? No, it’s his loving family! Bright pictures, a sweet reassuring message, unique layered pages, and an adorable finger puppet combine to create interactive reading and playtime fun!

By The Seashore (A Touch and Feel Adventure)

By The Seashore: A Natural Trails Book (A Touch and Feel Adventure)
by Maurice Pledger

This is another older book. Rosebud loves this one. She knows all the fish and loves to find and count the jewels. This book has it all. It’s touch and feel and has flaps to lift.

Book Description
Combining wonderful illustrations with lift-a-flaps and touch-and-feel components, this unique book introduces children to the different textures that they might find on the seashore.

Where Is Baby’s Beach Ball? A Lift the Flap Book
by Karen Katz

This is a cute story. Baby is looking for the beach ball and every page has a flap to lift. Rosebud loved these books as a toddler. She still looks at them occasionally, but last year, all her Karen Katz books were in heavy rotation.

Book Description
It’s summertime, and Baby is looking for the beach ball–but where can it be? Little ones can lift the large, sturdy flaps in this board book to reveal pretty seashells, crawly crabs, and more! Babies will love this interactive adventure!

Fruit Pop and Sniff

Fruit (Pop and Sniff)
by Piggy Toes Publishing

I was looking for a scratch and sniff book with a summer theme. Unfortunately, I didn’t find one, but then I remembered this scratch and sniff fruits book. Summer is the perfect time for fresh fruits! Rosebud loves this even though she says the fruit smells are gross. She goes back to the orange over and over though. This is one of the better scratch and sniff books I’ve had. The scratch and sniff element is built right into the page. It’s not a sticker that can be pealed off. I bought this book almost ten years ago to use with my preschool class and the smells are still strong and pretty realistic as well. There’s no story, but the focus is mainly on the giant pop up fruits and the scents on each page. It’s great for toddlers, but it can be ripped easily as the pop ups are delicate. Now that Rosebud is a little older, she is starting to be much more careful with her books.

Book Description
Pop & Sniff books are interactive pop-up books for young children and their parents. Featuring brightly colored photographs, large, sturdy pop-ups, and simple interactive elements, these books encourage learning and foster creativity in the youngest of readers.

What are your kids favorite summer themed books? Let me know in the comments. Happy reading!

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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.

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Activities, Parenting, Preschool, Sensory Play, Toddlers

Easter Spring Sensory Bin

Easter Spring Sensory Bin pin

This post will be short, but I wanted to check in and share our latest sensory bin. I’m not sure what to call this, so I’m going with the Easter spring sensory bin. I went to the dollar store the other day and stocked up on some random spring and Easter items and here is what I came up with for this week.

Easter Spring Sensory Bin

What’s in the bin?

Easter grass,

Plastic eggs,

Mini and medium sized rubber ducks,

Glass and acrylic rocks,

Pompoms,

Scoops,

Tongs.

Rosebud’s hands reaching in the sensory bin

Rosebud mostly just played with the materials, but she hid the mini ducks in the eggs. We scooped up the eggs with the scoops. We hid items in the grass. We put pompoms in the eggs. I told Rosebud to pretend they were little bunnies, but she wasn’t having it. She started making nests for the little ducks and their eggs, but decided to dump everything on the floor instead. She enjoyed picking up items with the tongs and trying to get them free from the grass. It’s a great fine motor activity. She was tired, so this was short lived tonight, but I have a feeling this one is a work in progress. We will be adding and subtracting items when necessary and I will be changing up the sensory bins more often. I have lots of ideas for this spring. What are in your sensory bins right now? Tell me in the comments.

Scooping up an egg

Easter Spring Sensory Bin pin

7 Comments
Education, Parenting, Toddlers, Winter

Melting Hearts

Melting Hearts pinnableWe did this simple science activity before Valentine’s Day and Rosebud loved it. It kept her occupied for over an hour. What I love about science for young kids is that is so simple and they are learning without even realizing it.

Tray with melting hearts ice and bowls

What you need:

    Water,
    Small bowls,

Close up of heart ice cube

Directions:

1. Make some ice cubes. I used heart shapes, but you can make whatever shape you wish.

I added red food coloring to some of my hearts before freezing them.

2. Next, I took out a few ice cubes once they were frozen and then put them in a small bowl.

3. To help melt the ice cubes, fill another small bowl with water and show your child how to use the eye dropper to transfer the water to the bowl with the ice cubes.

Heart ice cubes starting to melt

Bowls side by side with water and ice in both

Bowl with melted ice and eye dropper

This activity is so simple, but it’s great for science. We talked about melting, warm vs cold, the size of the ice cubes and how the water was changing color. This activity is great for fine motor skills as well. Next time, I will make more colored ice cubes and we can experiment with mixing colors as the ice melts. If you are using larger ice cubes, you can add treasures inside.

Melted hearts

What are your favorite simple science activities for kids? Tell me in the comments.

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Memories, Parenting

What Valentine’s Day is Really About

What Valentine’s Day is Really AboutThis morning, I made a video with Rosebud and shared it with friends. It was basically a video message from her telling everyone, happy Valentine’s day while playing with her build a bouquet play set.

During the video, I mentioned something about how on Valentine’s Day, you give cards and gifts to people you love. I told Rosebud that I gave her the flower set because I love her. I didn’t go into too much detail other than that, but after I posted the video, I felt guilty. I wondered if people would be judging me because I told her That Valentine’s Day was for giving cards and gifts. Would people think I’m materialistic? Yes, I’m an over thinker.

Girl looking at boy with flowers behind his back

Then I thought that the more abstract ideas about Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be something that a three-year-old would understand anyway. For her, Valentine’s Day may be about gifts and cards because they are tangible, but as she gets older, I want her to understand that Valentine’s Day is about more than that. You might get cards and gifts for people you love, but the more important part is spending time with them. It’s about having fun, laughing, making memories together and showing them you care. I want her to know that you don’t need a commercialized day to do those things. They should be done every day.

Flowers

I spent the majority of my day at work, but Rosebud spent it with family playing with her gifts, eating candy and having fun. When I was finally done with work, Little Guy and his mom came over to spend time with Rosebud and I. He had a Valentine for her. There was a goody bag with a crayon heart, a couple heart shaped lights and a flower. They were making quite a light show. His mom joked that it looked like a rave party. I ordered pizza and his mom brought a bottle of wine. Little Guy was too excited to settle down to eat, but he and Rosebud played. They laughed, chased each other around and argued over toys as only toddlers and preschoolers do, but in the end, they enjoy each other’s company. His mom and I talked, had a few laughs and enjoyed our pizza and wine.

Flowers and wine

Isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is about? Spending time with people you care about. It may be a day for couples, but if you are not in a relationship, you have to find a way to make it fun and that’s what I did. It’s too easy to get caught up in all that commercialization. I also think that when you have kids, holidays take on a whole new meaning. I am grateful that I spent the best parts of today with Rosebud and my new friends. Thank you for making today fun and memorable and for the reminder of what Valentine’s Day is really about.

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