Revolutionary War Books for Children in Pre-K through Elementary

Hello everyone!

Before I get into how fascinating the Revolutionary War is, I have an important announcement to make.

Announcement: Due to needing to devote time to several creative projects on which I am working, I will not be adding new blog posts for the foreseeable future.

Now, on to the American Revolution.

If you like underdogs, spies, and life or death situations, then the Revolutionary War is the historical topic for you. The United States of America’s birth as a nation was very exciting.

The recommended books in this post give young readers a solid foundation upon which to build future knowledge about the Revolutionary War and introduce them to a handful of the fascinating people who made incredible sacrifices and risked their lives for this great country. Since every child learns to read at his/her own pace, the age range I listed for each book refers to the ages when I believe that a child will be able to sit through the reading of the book and engage with the content. I divided the books into the following sections:

• General Information about the Revolutionary War
• The Boston Massacre (March 5, 1770)
• The Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773)
• Paul Revere’s Ride (April 18, 1775) and the Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775)
• The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)
• Washington Crossed the Delaware (December 25-26, 1776), the Battle of Trenton (December 26, 1776), and the Battle of Princeton (January 2, 1777)
• Valley Forge (December 19, 1777-June 19, 1778) and the Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778)
• The Battle of Yorktown (September 28, 1781-October 19, 1781)
• Historical Fiction
• Contemporaries of the Revolutionary War

Although most of my Revolutionary War book recommendations are for elementary-age children, I was able to find some that are appropriate for children in Pre-K and Kindergarten. Below are listed the section headings where those books can be found.

Books for Children in Pre-K

• General Information about the Revolutionary War
• The Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773)
• Contemporaries of the Revolutionary War
• George Washington (U.S. Presidents post)

Books for Kindergarteners

• General Information about the Revolutionary War
• The Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773)
• The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)
• Contemporaries of the Revolutionary War
• George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison (U.S. Presidents post)

Take History with a Grain of Salt: While I try to recommend books that accurately portray historical figures and events, take all books with a grain of salt. None of the authors were alive during the events, and the Revolutionary War predates cell phone videos. One common error that I came across while selecting books to recommend was the number of men killed as a result of being shot in the Boston Massacre (this is probably due to the fact that not all of the victims died on March 5, 1770). The correct number of victims killed is five: Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray, and James Caldwell died on March 5, 1770; Samuel Maverick died on March 6, 1770; and Patrick Carr died on March 14, 1770.

History or Legend: It is important to note that some well-known people from the Revolutionary War era did not have well-documented lives outside of the event or contribution that made them famous. Others’ stories were told in such a way that their contribution became more legend than fact. Still others became well-known because of something they, or someone else, claimed that they did, but there is no or limited documentation to support the claim. Some of the books I recommend are about individuals whose stories may not be perfectly accurate for one or more of these reasons.

• Crispus Attucks – Crispus Attuck’s death is better documented than his life, and there was some variation in witness accounts of the Boston Massacre.
• Molly Pitcher – Some historians think Molly Pitcher is a legend representing multiple women’s contributions to the Revolutionary War; others think she was Mary Hays. Many details about Mary Hays’ life, including her birthdate and birth location, are debated.
• Paul Revere – Although Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem made Paul Revere famous, the poem contains several historical inaccuracies. Therefore, I have not included Longfellow’s poem among my book recommendations and tried to only share books that accurately relate the events of Paul Revere’s midnight ride.
• Betsy Ross – William Canby, Betsy Ross’ grandson, claimed that George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross to make the first American flag and that she suggested making the stars have five points instead of six, but the claim is unsupported.

After browsing through the recommended books, be sure to check out the crafts, English assignments, games, songs, and video summaries about the Revolutionary War that I shared at the end of the post.

Book Recommendations

General Information about the Revolutionary War

The Tuttle Toddlers ABCs of the American Revolution by Connor Boyack and Elijah Stanfield goes through the alphabet listing someone or something from the Revolutionary War for each letter and offering a short description about it. This book is ideal for children in Preschool-1.

Yankee Doodle America: The Spririt of 1776 from A to Z by Wendell Minor goes through the alphabet listing something from the Revolutionary War for each letter and offering one or two short paragraphs about each person, event, or item. This book is ideal for children in Preschool-2 depending on whether or not you read all the explicative paragraphs.

Paul Revere Didn’t Say “The British Are Coming!”: Exposing Myths about the American Revolution by Shalini Saxena presents several well-known myths associated with the American Revolution, states what really happened, and, in some cases, explains how that myth came about. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-4.

If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution by Kay Moore, illustrated by Daniel O’Leary gives an overview of what life was like in America shortly before and during the Revolutionary War for patriots and loyalists. (Error on page 25: George Washington’s half-brother, Lawrence, was not a loyalist; he died more than a decade before the start of the Revolutionary War. ) This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-4.

The American Revolution by Nancy Ohlin, illustrated by Adam Larkum presents an overview of the American Revolution in short segments covering major events, specific people, and what was used and worn by soldiers during the war. The black-and-white illustrations work well with the text. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-5.

Do You Want to Be a Revolutionary War Soldier? by Thomas Ratliff gives an overview of what life was like for a private in the Continental Army or in a state militia company from enlistment in 1775 through the end of the war. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-5.

George vs. George: The Revolutionary War as Seen by Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer does a good job of presenting the conflict and events leading up to the Revolutionary War and the events of the war from both the American and British points of view. It also shows who George Washington and who King George III were as individuals. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

The Boston Massacre (March 5, 1770)

John Adams was one of the lawyers who defended Captain Preston and the British soldiers at their trials. Books about him can be found in my U.S. Presidents post. Henry Knox was at the Boston Massacre, and Paul Revere made an engraving of the Boston Massacre which helped to increase anti-British sentiment. You can find books about them in the “Contemporaries of the Revolutionary War” section of this post.

Crispus Attucks by Monica Rausch gives information about Crispus Attucks’ life, the frustration about British soldiers being housed in Boston, the Boston Massacre, and how the victims of the Boston Massacre were honored. This book is ideal for children in Grades 1-3.

Crispus Attucks and the Boston Massacre by Lynne Weiss presents one of the possible versions of Crispus Attucks’ life and his role in the Boston Massacre (Attuck’s death is better documented than his life, and there was some variation in witness accounts of the Boston Massacre). It also presents information about other notable African Americans who served during the Revolutionary War. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-5.

The Boston Massacre by Michael Burgan, illustrated by Charles Barnett III, Bob Wiacek, and Keith Williams gives an overview of the events that led to the Boston Massacre, what happened the night of the Boston Massacre, and the aftermath of the Boston Massacre. Although the events related are not 100% accurate, the book does a good job of portraying the tension in Boston in 1770. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

The Boston Massacre by Andrew Santella relates the events that led to the Boston Massacre, what happened the night of the Boston Massacre, and the aftermath of the Boston Massacre including the trials of Captain Preston and the eight British soldiers who fired their weapons. This book is ideal for children in Grades 4-7.

The Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773)

Paul Revere participated in the Boston Tea Party. You can find books about him in the “Contemporaries of the Revolutionary War” section of this post.

Boston Tea Party by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by Henry Cole gives an overview of the Boston Tea Party via a repeating text and mice. On each spread, the text adds a new piece of information before repeating the old information (think a historical version of There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly) and the mice provide additional commentary about what is occurring. This book is ideal for children in Pre-K-2.

The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman, illustrated by Peter Malone provides an in-depth overview of the Boston Tea Party, including sharing about real people who participated in it. This book is ideal for children in Grades 1-5.

You Wouldn’t Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party! (Revised Edition) by Peter Cook, illustrated by David Antram gives facts about the events that led to the Boston Tea Party and its aftermath. Readers are given the identity of George Robert Twelves Hewes, a real Boston shoemaker who was involved in the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, and are presented with what they (Hewes) are doing during different events. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-5.

What Was the Boston Tea Party? by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Lauren Mortimer presents details about the Boston Tea Party, key events leading up to it, and the aftermath in a chapter book format that is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Paul Revere’s Ride (April 18, 1775) and the Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775)

Paul Revere by Lisa Trumbauer gives an overview of Paul Revere’s life. At the bottom of each page is a timeline of Paul Revere’s life. This book is ideal for children in Pre-K-2.

Who Was Paul Revere? by Roberta Edwards, illustrated by John O’Brien presents details about Paul Revere’s life in a chapter book format that is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Lexington and Concord: April 19, 1775 by Dale Andersen relates the events that led to the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Paul Revere’s ride and what the British were doing during that time, the battles themselves, the aftermath of the battles, and how the Battles of Lexington and Concord are remembered today. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-8.

The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)

Although Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were also on the Declaration Committee. Additional books about John Adams and Thomas Jefferson can be found in my U.S. Presidents post. You can find books about Benjamin Franklin in the “Contemporaries of the Revolutionary War” section of this post.

When Mr. Jefferson Came to Philadelphia: What I Learned of Freedom, 1776 by Ann Turner, illustrated by Mark Hess tells the story of the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Jefferson’s views on freedom from the point of view of a fictional, young boy. This book is ideal for children in K-2.

Those Rebels, John & Tom by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham contrasts the lives and personalities of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and shows how they used their differences to forward their shared belief that America should be independent. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-4.

Declaration of Independence by Sarah Machajewski gives an overview of the events that led up to the creation of the Declaration of Independence and describes each of the document’s five parts. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-6.

What Is the Declaration of Independence? by Michael C. Harris, illustrated by Jerry Hoare presents details about the events that led up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence and describes the purpose of the four parts of the document in a chapter book format that is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

The Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illustrated by Michael McCurdy is divided by colony. Each colony’s section starts with a short history about the colony, a table with information about that colony’s signers, and a map of the thirteen colonies with the featured colony shaded in gray. The following pages contain brief summaries about the lives of each of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from that colony. This book is ideal for children in Grades 5-8.

Washington Crossed the Delaware (December 25-26, 1776), the Battle of Trenton (December 26, 1776), and the Battle of Princeton (January 2, 1777)

James Monroe fought in the Battle of Trenton, and Alexander Hamilton fought in the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Books about George Washington and James Monroe can be found in my U.S. Presidents post. You can find books about Alexander Hamilton in the “Contemporaries of the Revolutionary War” section of this post.

When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots by Lynne Cheney, illustrated by Peter M. Fiore gives an overview of what led George Washington to cross the Delaware River, the Battle of Trenton, and the Battle of Princeton. In addition to the text and beautiful illustrations, each spread has a quote from someone who lived through the event covered on that spread. This book is ideal for children in Grades 1-4.

The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution by Jim Murphy relates Washington’s appointment to Commander of the Continental Army; gives an overview of the many times he was defeated or forced to retreat in 1776; shares what led him to cross the Delaware River; and tells about the crossing of the Delaware River, the Battle of Trenton, and the Battle of Princeton. This book is ideal for children in Grades 4-7.

Valley Forge (December 19, 1777-June 19, 1778) and the Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778)

Both George Washington and James Monroe encamped at Valley Forge and fought in the Battle of Monmouth. Books about them can be found in my U.S. Presidents post. Alexander Hamilton also wintered at Valley Forge. You can find books about him in the “Contemporaries of the Revolutionary War” section of this post.

Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Greg Harlin is a fictional retelling of an encounter that George Washington reportedly had with a Jew who had immigrated from Poland and was serving in the Continental Army. This book is ideal for children in Grades 1-3.

Molly Pitcher by Larry Dane Brimner, illustrated by Patrick Girouard shares a little bit about the winter at Valley Forge but mostly focusses on how Molly Pitcher carried water to soldiers and fired a cannon after her husband collapsed during the Battle of Monmouth. At the back of the book is additional information about Mary Hays and the debate about whether or not Molly Pitcher was a real person or a legend. There is also a recipe for corn cakes. This book is ideal for children in Grades 1-4.

Valley Forge by Richard Ammon, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth provides a breakdown of what the soldiers’ went through at Valley Forge. Each spread focusses on specific months and/or a specific aspect of life while wintering at Valley Forge. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-5.

The Winter at Valley Forge: Survival and Victory by James E. Knight, illustrated by George Guzzi relates what camp life was like for Colonial Army soldiers during the winter of 1777-78 from the point of view of a corporal. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-5.

They Called Her Molly Pitcher by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler tells how Molly Pitcher wintered at Valley Forge with her husband and then carried water to soldiers and helped to fire a cannon after her husband collapsed during the Battle of Monmouth. At the back of the book is a timeline of important events of the Revolutionary War. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-5.

Winter at Valley Forge by Matt Doeden, illustrated by Ron Frenz and Charles Barnett III gives an overview of what led George Washington to winter at Valley Forge, what the Continental Army suffered and did during the winter, and the Battle of Monmouth in graphic novel format. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Valley Forge by Michael Burgan relates the events that led to George Washington deciding to winter at Valley Forge, what the Continental Army suffered and did during the winter, and the significance of the Battle of Monmouth. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777 by Kristiana Gregory introduces readers to important figures of the Revolutionary War, the culture of the time period, and many of the issues facing the American army from an eleven-year-old girl’s perspective. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-8.

The Battle of Yorktown (September 28, 1781-October 19, 1781)

George Washington and Alexander Hamilton fought at the Battle of Yorktown. Books about George Washington can be found in my U.S. Presidents post. You can find books about Alexander Hamilton in the “Contemporaries of the Revolutionary War” section of this post.

A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Floyd Cooper gives an overview of James Lafayette’s work as a double agent during the Revolutionary War and how his intelligence on the British set the American army up to win the Battle of Yorktown. This book is ideal for children in Grades 1-5.

At the Battle of Yorktown: An Interactive Battlefield Adventure by Eric Mark Braun offers three story paths for readers to follow: a French captain fighting with the patriots, an African-American slave fighting in the Continental Army in exchange for his freedom, and a soldier’s wife working in the Continental Army. This book gives readers a good overview of different choices that people who were part of the Continental Army during the Battle of Yorktown could make and the potential consequences of those choices. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-7.

The Surrender at Yorktown by Melissa Whitcraft relates the events that led to the Revolutionary War, gives an overview of the war, relates what happened at the Battle of Yorktown, and summarizes how the Constitutional Convention marked the birth of the United States as the nation it is today. This book is ideal for children in Grades 4-7.

Historical Fiction

Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Greg Harlin is a fictional retelling of an encounter that George Washington reportedly had with a Jew who had immigrated from Poland and was serving in the Continental Army. This book is ideal for children in Grades 1-3.

Buttons for General Washington by Connie and Peter Roop, illustrated by Peter E. Hanson is a fictional account of one of John Darragh’s journey’s to the Continental Army’s camp to deliver a coded message to his older brother. The Darragh’s, especially Mrs. Darragh, spied for the Americans during the Revolutionary War. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-4.

Felicity’s Story Collection by Valerie Tripp, illustrated by Dan Andreasen

• Meet Felicity
• Felicity Learns a Lesson
• Felicity’s Surprise
• Happy Birthday, Felicity!
• Felicity Saves the Day
• Changes For Felicity

Felicity: An American Girl shows the lead-up to and beginning of the Revolutionary War from the point of view of a nine-to-ten-year old patriot girl in Williamsburg, Virginia. As if learning to be a lady wasn’t hard enough, Felicity has to navigate the conflict between patriots and loyalists within her circle of close friends and family members. This series is ideal for children in Grades 2-4.

I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis shows readers life in an American camp and the Battle of Brooklyn from the point of view of an eleven-year-old boy. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-5.

The Revolutionary War: An Interactive History Adventure by Elizabeth Raum offers three story paths for readers to follow: the daughter of a New York militia captain, a young Connecticut patriot, and a young loyalist from South Carolina. This book gives readers a good overview of different choices that people who lived in the United States during the American Revolution could make and the potential consequences of those choices. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-7.

At the Battle of Yorktown: An Interactive Battlefield Adventure by Eric Mark Braun offers three story paths for readers to follow: a French captain fighting with the patriots, an African-American slave fighting in the Continental Army in exchange for his freedom, and a soldier’s wife working in the Continental Army. This book gives readers a good overview of different choices that people who were part of the Continental Army during the Battle of Yorktown could make and the potential consequences of those choices. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-7.

The Winter at Valley Forge: Survival and Victory by James E. Knight, illustrated by George Guzzi relates what camp life was like for Colonial Army soldiers during the winter of 1777-78 from the point of view of a corporal. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-5.

The Journal Of William Thomas Emerson: A Revolutionary War Patriot, Boston, Massachusetts, 1774 by Barry Denenberg shows readers what life was like in Boston in the years between the Boston Tea Party and the Battles of Lexington and Concord from the point of view of a twelve-year-old patriot. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-8.

Love Thy Neighbor: the Tory Diary of Prudence Emerson, Green Marsh, Massachusetts, 1774 by Ann Turner shows readers the beginnings of the American Revolution from the point of view of a thirteen-year-old loyalist. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-8.

The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777 by Kristiana Gregory introduces readers to important figures of the Revolutionary War, the culture of the time period, and many of the issues facing the American army from an eleven-year-old girl’s perspective. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-8.

Contemporaries of the Revolutionary War

Presidents who were alive during the Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775–September 3, 1783) – You can find books about them in my U.S. presidents blog post:

1. George Washington (Born: February 22, 1732)
2. John Adams (Born: October 30, 1735)
3. Thomas Jefferson (Born: April 13, 1743)
4. James Madison (Born: March 16, 1751)
5. James Monroe (Born: April 28, 1758)
6. John Quincy Adams (Born: July 11, 1767)
7. Andrew Jackson (Born: March 15, 1767)
8. Martin Van Buren (Born: December 5, 1782)
9. William Henry Harrison (Born: February 9, 1773)

Bonus: For short biography blurbs about people who lived in Boston, Massachusetts in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, check out Revolutionary Spaces’ Revolutionary Characters.

Books already mentioned in an above section:

• The Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illustrated by Michael McCurdy (The Declaration of Independence)
• George vs. George: The Revolutionary War as Seen by Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer (General Information about the Revolutionary War)
• Those Rebels, John & Tom by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham (The Declaration of Independence)
• Crispus Attucks by Monica Rausch (The Boston Massacre)
• Crispus Attucks and the Boston Massacre by Lynne Weiss (The Boston Massacre)
• A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Floyd Cooper (The Battle of Yorktown)
• Molly Pitcher by Larry Dane Brimner, illustrated by Patrick Girouard (Valley Forge and the Battle of Monmouth)
• They Called Her Molly Pitcher by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler (Valley Forge and the Battle of Monmouth)
• Paul Revere by Lisa Trumbauer (Paul Revere’s Ride and the Battles of Lexington and Concord)
• Who Was Paul Revere? by Roberta Edwards, illustrated by John O’Brien (Paul Revere’s Ride and the Battles of Lexington and Concord)

Abigail Adams by Jennifer Strand gives an overview of Abigail Adams’ life. At the back of the book are some facts about Abigail Adams and a timeline of her life. This book is ideal for children in Pre-K-1.

Ben Franklin Thinks Big by Sheila Keenan, illustrated by Gustavo Mazali gives an overview of Benjamin Franklin’s life. At the back of the book is a timeline of Benjamin Franklin’s life and additional facts about him. This book is ideal for children in Pre-K-3.

Alexander Hamilton: A Plan for America by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Chin Ko gives an overview of Alexander Hamilton’s life. At the back of the book is a timeline of Alexander Hamilton’s life and additional facts about him. This book is ideal for children in Pre-K-3.

Paul Revere and the Bell Ringers by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Bert Dodson is based on how Paul Revere worked as a bell ringer at Christ Church (today Old North Church) during his teen years. At the back of the book is a time line of Paul Revere’s life. This book is ideal for children in Pre-K-3.

Martha Washington by Sally Lee gives an overview of Martha Washington’s life. At the bottom of each page is a timeline of Martha Washington’s life. This book is ideal for children in Pre-K-2.

A Picture Book of Benjamin Franklin by David A. Adler, illustrated by John and Alexandra Wallner gives an overview of Benjamin Franklin’s life. At the back of the book is a timeline of Benjamin Franklin’s life. This book is ideal for children in K-3.

Phillis Sings Out Freedom: The Story of George Washington and Phillis Wheatley by Ann Malaspina, illustrated by Susan Keeter gives an overview of the desperate situation the George Washington found himself and the American army in, Phillis Wheatley’s life, and the poem she sent George Washington to encourage him. The final page provides additional information about George Washington and Phillis Wheatley. This book is ideal for children in K-3.

Alexander Hamilton: From Orphan to Founding Father by Monica Kulling, illustrated by Valerio Fabbretti gives an overview of Alexander Hamilton’s life. This book is ideal for children in K-3.

Eliza Hamilton: Founding Mother by Monica Kulling, illustrated by Valerio Fabbretti gives an overview of Eliza Hamilton’s life. This book is ideal for children in K-3.

Heroes of the Revolution by David A. Adler, illustrated by Donald A. Smith gives an overview of twelve men and women who served their country, risking, and some sacrificing, their lives for their country during the Revolutionary War. This book is ideal for children in Grades 1-4.

A Picture Book of Samuel Adams by David A. Adler and Michael S. Adler, illustrated by Ronald Himler gives an overview of Samuel Adams’ life. At the back of the book is a timeline of Samuel Adams’ life. This book is ideal for children in 1-4.

I am Benjamin Franklin by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos gives an overview of Benjamin Franklin’s life. The text breaks the fourth wall so that Benjamin Franklin is speaking to the reader, and the illustrations are comic-esque. At the back of the book is a timeline of Benjamin Franklin’s life and four photos of portraits or items that depict him. This book is ideal for children in Grades 1-4.

Eliza: The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by Esmé Shapiro gives an overview of Eliza Hamilton’s life in the form of a fictional letter to her unborn great-grandchild. This book is ideal for children in Grades 1-4

Sybil Ludington’s Midnight Ride by Marsha Amstel, illustrated by Ellen Beier tells of Sybil Ludington’s approximately 40-mile night ride to call her father’s troops to assemble to defend Danbury, Connecticut. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-4.

Nathan Hale: Patriot Spy by Shannon Zemlicka, illustrated by Craig Orback gives an overview of Nathan Hale’s life. At the back of the book is a timeline of important events in Nathan Hale’s life. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-4.

Henry Knox: Bookseller, Soldier, Patriot by Anita Silvey, illustrated by Wendell Minor gives an overview of Henry Knox’s life. At the back of the book is a timeline of Henry Knox’s life. This book is ideal for children in 2-4.

Duel!: Burr and Hamilton’s Deadly War of Words by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illustrated by Larry Day gives an overview of the similarities between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton’s lives, their rivalry and opinions of each other, and the duel they fought. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-5.

Revolutionary Rogues: John André and Benedict Arnold by Selene Castrovilla, illustrated by John O’Brien introduces John André and Benedict Arnold as individuals and then relates Benedict Arnold’s act of treason from the men’s first correspondence through John André’s hanging. The last pages of the book explain the aftermath of the treason and give additional information about the lives of John André and Benedict Arnold. This book is ideal for children in Grades 2-5.

The Horse-Riding Adventure of Sybil Ludington, Revolutionary War Messenger by Marsha Amstel, illustrated by Ted Hammond and Richard Carbajal tells of Sybil Ludington’s approximately 40-mile night ride to call her father’s troops to assemble to defend Danbury, Connecticut. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-5.

Thomas Paine Writes Common Sense by Gary Jeffrey begins with historical information about the colonists’ sentiments about the Revolutionary War in 1775 and how Thomas Paine moved from England to America, then presents Paine’s writing of Common Sense in graphic novel style, and concludes with information about some of Paine’s other significant writings and how they were received. This book is ideal for children in 3-5.

John Hancock by Candice Ransom gives an overview of John Hancock’s life. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-5.

The Schuyler Sisters by Monika Davies gives an overview of the lives of the two oldest Schuyler sisters’ lives: Angelica Church and Eliza Hamilton. This book is ideal for children in Grades 4-6.

Nathan Hale: Revolutionary Spy by Nathan Olson, illustrated by Cynthia Martin and Brent Schoonover gives an overview of Nathan Hale’s life in a graphic novel format. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Patrick Henry: Liberty or Death by Jason Glaser, illustrated by Peter McDonnell gives an overview of Patrick Henry’s life in a graphic novel format. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

A Voice of Her Own: The Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by Paul Lee gives an overview of Phillis Wheatley’s life, poems, and the beginning of the Revolutionary War. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Who Was Abigail Adams? by True Kelley, illustrated by John O’Brien presents details about Abigail Adams’ life in a chapter book format that is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Who Was Benedict Arnold? by James Buckley Jr., illustrated by Gregory Copeland presents details about Benedict Arnold’s life in a chapter book format that is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Who Was Ben Franklin? by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illustrated by John O’Brien presents details about Ben Franklin’s life in a chapter book format that is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Who Was Alexander Hamilton? by Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso, illustrated by Dede Putra presents details about Alexander Hamilton’s life in a chapter book format that is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Who Was Betsy Ross? by James Buckley Jr., illustrated by John O’Brien presents details about Betsy Ross’ life in a chapter book format that is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Benjamin Rush: The Common Good by Janet and Geoff Benge presents a detailed overview of Benjamin Rush’s life in a chapter book format that reads like a novel. This book is ideal for children in Grades 3-7.

Crafts

• George Washington Paper Plate Craft (Preschool through Elementary)
• Betsy Ross Flag Coloring Page (Preschool through Elementary)
• Make Your Own Mini General Washington Tent Craft (Elementary)
• Quill Pen and DIY Ink (Elementary – Younger children will need an adult to cut the quill.)
• Corn Husk Doll (Elementary)

English – Ordinary People Made History; You Can, Too

• Write an Article about an Important Issue: Articles and pamphlets played an important part of swaying public opinion leading up to and during the Revolutionary War. Write an article about an issue that is important to you. Publish it online or submit it to a newspaper or magazine, or send it to the president, your representative, and/or your senators.
• Give a Speech about Someone Who Contributed to America Winning the Revolutionary War: Research someone who contributed to the patriot’s cause during the Revolutionary War. Give an informative speech about that person. In addition to providing some background about his/her early years, contribution(s) to the American Revolution, and final years, share about that person’s key character traits and how he/she used them along with his/her skills to serve his/her country.

Games

• “Join the Army” Card Game (Elementary) (This is more of a “choose-your-own-adventure” card set than a game. I recommend using the cards as a class or in small groups as an interactive way to give students an overview of the Revolutionary War.)
• What Games Did Children Play in Colonial Times? by James Rutter (Elementary) (Read the article and select some of the games from it to play with your children/students.)
• Whist, a Revolutionary Card Game (Elementary) (Whist was a popular card game during the Revolutionary War.)

Songs

• “Causes of The American Revolution – Review Rap Song”
• “School House Rock Shot Heard Round the World America Rock”
• “Yankee Doodle” – The American army played this at the British surrender at Yorktown.
• “The World Turned Upside Down” – The British army played this at their surrender at Yorktown.

Video Summaries of the Revolutionary War

• The American Revolutionary War for Kids: Learn About the Revolutionary War for Children – FreeSchool (Grades 3-5)
• “Battle of Bunker Hill (The American Revolution)” (Grade 3 and up)
• “American Revolutionary War – Timelines and Maps – Animated US History” (Grade 3 and up)
• “The Revolutionary War: Animated Battle Map” (Grade 4 and up)
• “The Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War: Animated Battle Map” (4th grade and up)
• “The Winter Patriots: A Revolutionary War Tale (Full Movie)” (Grade 4 and up) (This video covers George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River, the Battle of Trenton, and the Battle of Princeton.)
• “Now Or Never: Yorktown Campaign of 1781 (Full Movie)” (Grade 4 and up)

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

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The Best Picture Books about Pets and How to Care for Them

Hello everyone!

If you have children, then you are probably no stranger to being begged for a pet…or multiple pets. As an animal lover who has had dogs, cats, rabbits, and parakeets, I have always been in the category of “the more the merrier” (much to my father’s consternation). Whether you want tons of pets, one pet, or no pets, I hope you will enjoy my pet picture book recommendations.

For your and your animal lover’s reading pleasure, I have listed 15 fabulous fiction picture books that celebrate the fun of having a pet, comedize the struggle of children trying to get their parents to let them get a pet, and/or that point out the work that goes into caring for a pet. I also recommended three non-fiction picture book series that highlight what it takes to be a responsible pet owner for specific animals. Each series is appropriate for a different age level ranging from preschool through 5th grade. Take the animal fun a step farther by checking out the animal crafts (sorted by pet type), pet-related writing assignments, and science experiments you can do with your pets that I included at the end of the post.

Picture Books

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell is a lift the flap book about the zoo sending animals to the narrator, who asked for a pet, and the narrator sending them back because they are not the right pet.

I Spy Pets by Edward Gibbs introduces each pet with the phrase “I spy”; describes the texture or the animal’s skin, feathers, or fur; and has the animal say what it likes to eat. Then, the reader turns the page and sees what the animal is. The pages have a hole in them for the animals’ eyes and a close up of the animals’ skin, feathers, or fur.

Can I Keep It? by Lisa Jobe is about a boy who keeps catching wild animals and asking his mother if he can keep them. His mother describes what each animal likes to do and asks her son where he would want to live if he were that type of animal. Every time, he does the right thing and lets the animal go until finally, he finds the right type of animal that would want to live with a boy like him.

The Grumpy Pets by Kristine A. Lombardi is about a boy named Billy who is always unhappy. His mom hopes that taking him to the pet store will cheer him up, but all the animals there are just too happy for Billy. Then, Billy discovers the grumpy pets and finds a pet that is just right for him.

Bad Dog by Mike Boldt is about a little girl who wanted a dog for her birthday but got a cat named Rocky instead. However, the girl is convinced that Rocky is a dog and treats her and tries to train her like a dog. Rocky is a bad dog, but in the end, the girl concludes that Rocky would make a great cat.

Can I Be Your Dog by Troy Cummings is a series of letters between Arfy, a stray who wants a home, and the residents of Butternut Street, who don’t want to adopt a dog. The final letter exchange is between the mail carrier, who wants to be Arfy’s person, and Arfy, who is happy to finally have a home.

Some Pets by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel describes different features and skills that pets can have and concludes that regardless a pet can be a friend.

If I Had a Raptor by George O’Connor details how a little girl would care for a raptor if she had one as a pet.

My Pet Wants a Pet by Elise Broach, illustrated by Eric Barclay is about a boy who begged his mother for a puppy until she finally said yes. The boy does such a great job taking care of his puppy that the puppy wants a pet of his own. This continues from pet to pet until the boy’s mother has had enough.

I Won a What? by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Robert Neubecker is about a boy whose parents won’t let him get a pet with fur, feathers, or that eats live food, but they promise that he can keep anything he wins at the goldfish booth. Only the boy doesn’t win a goldfish. He wins a whale!

I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff, illustrated by David Catrow is a series of letters between Alex, who is trying to convince his mom to let him adopt his friend’s baby iguana, and his mother, who does not want an iguana and is not convinced that Alex is responsible enough to have a pet.

The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Bruce Whatley is about a girl named Elizabeth who desperately wants a pet but whose parents are dead set against having one. Elizabeth tries many different approaches to get them to approve one pet, but they all fail. Then, Elizabeth finds the perfect pet that meets all her parents’ requirements…and makes them wonder whether it would have been better to get a dog.

How to Train a Train by Jason Carter Eaton, illustrated by John Rocco gives instructions for how to catch and train a pet train.

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones is about a boy who gets a goldfish named Norman for a birthday gift. The boy wants to trade Norman in for a different pet; however, as he spends time with Norman, he comes to love the fish.

Fairy Tale Pets by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Jorge Martín is about Bob and his dog, Rex. In an effort to earn money, they start a pet sitting service. However, instead of cats, dogs, and small animals, people bring them fairy tale pets. Chaos ensues.

Non-fiction

Family Pet Series by Julie Murray

• Birds
• Cats
• Dogs
• Fish
• Hamsters
• Hermit Crabs

In the Family Pet Series each book gives an overview of the basic physical characteristics of the featured animal and what is needed to care for that type of pet. At the back is a picture glossary of the pet care items mentioned and the vocabulary terms that were bolded in purple in the text. This series is ideal for children in Preschool-Grade 2.

Do You Really Want a Pet? Series by Bridget Hoes, illustrated by Katya Longhi

• Do You Really Want a Bird?
• Do You Really Want a Cat?
• Do You Really Want a Dog?
• Do You Really Want a Guinea Pig?
• Do You Really Want a Hamster?
• Do You Really Want a Horse?
• Do You Really Want a Lizard?
• Do You Really Want a Rabbit?
• Do You Really Want a Snake?
• Do You Really Want a Turtle?

In the Do You Really Want a Pet? Series each book gives an overview of the responsibilities associated with owning that specific type of pet and ends with a short quiz. The quiz either helps readers to determine whether or not that animal is the best pet for their lifestyle or which breed or species in that animal category would make the best pet for their lifestyle. This series is ideal for children in Pre-K-Grade 2.

Pet Care Series by Bobbie Kalman (additional author mentioned beside book title), photos by Marc Crabtree, illustrations by Margaret Amy Reiach

• Gerbils by Rebecca Sjonger
• Goldfish by Kelley MacAulay
• Guinea Pigs by Kelley MacAulay
• Hamsters by Rebecca Sjonger
• Kittens by Niki Walker
• Mice by Rebecca Sjonger
• Parakeets by Kelley MacAulay
• Ponies by Kelley MacAulay
• Puppies by Rebecca Sjonger
• Rabbits by Kelley MacAulay

In the Pet Care Series each book gives an overview of what the animal is, how to determine whether or not it is the right pet for your lifestyle, and how to properly care for that pet. This series is ideal for children in Grades 2-5.

Crafts

Birds

• Popsicle Stick Canary Magnet Craft – The instructions call it a chick, but the craft could also be a canary (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Parrot Paper Plate Craft (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Mexican Bird Rattle Craft – If you do not put the feathers on the head, the rattle looks like a parrot head. (Pre-K through 3rd grade)

Cats

• Macaroni Cat Necklace (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Cat Paper Bag Puppet (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Paper Plate Cat Craft (Preschool through 2nd grade depending on amount of adult prep)
• Paper Roll Cat Craft (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Cereal Box Cat with Juice Box Kittens (Preschool through 3rd grade)
• DIY Super Cute Cat Bookmarks (3rd grade through 6th grade)
• Cat Nesting Dolls (3rd grade through 6th grade)

Dogs

• Shape Puppies (Preschool through kindergarten)
• Secret Life of Pets Max the Dog Craft (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• DIY Paper Bag Animal Puppets (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Toilet Paper Roll Dogs (Pre-K through 3rd grade)
• Spring Dog (Kindergarten through 4th grade)
• Origami Dog (3rd grade through 6th grade)

Fish

• Handprint Goldfish (Preschool through Pre-K)
• Paper Plate Goldfish (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Egg Carton Goldfish (Pre-K through 3rd grade)
• Paper Plate Goldfish Bowl (Kindergarten through 3rd grade)
• Goldfish Kite Craft (2nd grade through 4th grade)
• Goldfish in a Bag Painting (2nd grade through 5th grade)

Reptiles: Iguanas, Snakes, and Turtles

• Hand and Footprint Lizard (Iguana) (Preschool through Pre-K)
• Clothespin Iguanas (Pre-K through 3rd grade depending on amount of adult prep)
• S is for Snake (Preschool-kindergarten)
• Pom Pom Printed Paper Plate Snake (Preschool through 1st Grade)
• DIY Pipe Cleaner and Bead Snake (1st grade through 3rd grade)
• Finger Knitting Snakes (3rd grade through 6th grade)
• Paper Plate Turtle (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Egg Carton Turtle Craft (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Origami Turtle (3rd grade through 6th grade)

Rodents: Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Mice, and Rabbits

• Printable Guinea Pig Craft (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Oatmeal Container Hamster (Pre-K through 3rd grade)
• Paper Bag Mouse Puppet (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Paper Plate Mouse (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Paper Mouse Cone Craft (1st grade through 4th grade)
• Bunny Paper Bag Puppet (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Bunny Handprint Art (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Foam Cup Bunny (Preschool through 2nd grade)
• Eraser Stamped Bunnies (Preschool through 4th grade)

English Assignments

• Write a paragraph about your pet or the pet you wish you had. Why is that pet the best? (1st grade through 5th grade)
• Write a story about your pet or the pet you wish you had. Make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and end. (3rd grade through 5th grade)
• Research how to care for and train your pet or the pet you wish you had. Write a five-paragraph essay about why that pet is the best pet and how to care for and train it. (4th grade through 5th grade)

Science Experiments to Do with Your Pet

• “Doing Science With Your Cat!” by Dani Trotman
• Cat’s Taste Preference Experiment: As a child, I did a taste preference science experiment with my cats. For one week, I laid out four equally filled bowls of water every morning. One bow contained water and salt, one contained water and lemon juice, one contained water and sugar, and the other bowl just contained water. Every morning, I measured how high on a ruler the water in each bowl came and wrote down the numbers for each bowl. Every afternoon, I measured again and recorded the numbers. At the end of the week, I transferred the numbers to a chart. Looking at my chart, I was able to determine which water my cats liked best.
• “Are Dogs Colorblind?” by Education.com
• “Do dogs have a color preference?” by Eddie Lord (This link is to Eddie Lord’s final project. You can have your child repeat the experiment by following the Procedure portion of the project.)
• “What science fair projects can I do with a hamster or a rat?” by Robbi

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

15 Dance Picture Books

Hello everyone!

I love to dance! There is something deeply satisfying about moving in time to the music and expressing the emotion of a song through movement.

These fifteen dance picture books celebrate the joy of dancing, and I hope they inspire you and your young readers to get up and dance. At the end of the post are dance-themed coloring pages, crafts, and YouTube dance tutorials. The dance video sections for ballet, hip-hop, and tap have lessons and/or dances for every age from toddlers through 5th graders. The miscellaneous dance video section contains individual dances or dance routines that are appropriate for specific age groups.

No matter what style of dance you love, free style it and explore a new form. Break it down, hip and hop, tap your feet, clap your hands, and let the books move you to express yourself through dance!

Book Recommendations

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton has a rhyming text that is reminiscent of square-dance calling but with animal dancers and some animal movements.

Rap A Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles – Think of That! by Leo and Diane Dillon tells about a man who is always tap dancing. It shows him dancing through the streets, past people, and on stage. At the end of the book, the man’s name, Bojangles, is revealed. The final page has an afterward with historical information about Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, who was one of, if not the greatest, tap dancers of all time.

Clap Your Hands by Lorinda Bryan Cauley has a rhyming text that tells the characters in the book to move different ways and make different types of faces and sounds. For added fun, you can have kids follow the directions along with the book’s characters.

Hip-Hop Lollipop by Susan Montanari is about a girl named Lollie who loves to dance hip-hop. Her parents tell her to stop dancing and go to bed, but Lollie keeps dancing. She dances with her sister; she dances while brushing her teeth; and when she’s finally in bed, Lollie dreams of dancing hip-hop.

I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison is about having the rhythm. The book starts with the protagonist thinking the rhythm. Then she experiences the rhythm with her senses and starts to express it with different parts of her body. Finally, she is expressing the rhythm with her entire body and full-out dancing. The final line of the book (“I got the rhythm and you can too.”) encourages the reader to move and dance as well.

Kitchen Dance by Maurie J. Manning is about a young girl who hears noises coming from the kitchen and together with her brother discovers that their parents are dancing and singing while cleaning up from dinner. When their parents catch them spying in the doorway, they bring their children into the kitchen, and the entire family sings and dances together. This book is a beautiful reminder that even the most mundane tasks can be used to bond as a family.

How Do You Dance? by Thyra Heder is more or less the dance version of Green Eggs and Ham. The text is a conversation between an unseen voice and the protagonist, who claims that he doesn’t dance. As the unseen voice lists many of the ways that people dance, the illustrations show those movements, and the protagonist’s reaction to a lot of the dancing. The book ends with the protagonist finally revealing how he dances.

Zoogie Boogie Fever!: An Animal Dance Book by Sujean Rim reveals the secret as to why zoo animals always seem to be tired during zoo visiting hours: they spend the whole night dancing! A little red bird is the reader’s guide through a typical night of dancing at the zoo. Enjoy the book, but as the little bird reminds the reader, the dancing is a secret, so “Don’t. Tell. Anyone.”

Hilda Must Be Dancing? by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Suzanne Watts is about a hippopotamus named Hilda who loves to dance, but whose friends dislike her dancing because it is very loud and creates a mess in the jungle. Her friends suggest different hobbies for her to try instead of dancing, but Hilda doesn’t like any of them and keeps dancing. At last, they suggest a hobby that Hilda loves and is able to combine with dancing. The result is a quiet form of dance that does not create a mess, and that both Hilda and her friends can enjoy.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees is about a clumsy giraffe named Gerald. At the annual Jungle Dance, when Gerald steps onto the dance floor, the other animals make fun of him and tell him he can’t dance. When Gerald leaves, a cricket tells him that different people need different types of music and encourages Gerald to listen to the music in nature. Gerald does and finds that he can dance. He learns that everyone can dance if they find the right music.

Rupert Can Dance by Jules Feiffer is about a girl named Mandy and her cat, Rupert. Mandy loves to dance for Rupert during the day, and Rupert loves to dance at night when Mandy is asleep. One night, Mandy wakes up and sees Rupert dancing. She is excited and tries to teach Rupert some of the moves she knows, but Rupert doesn’t want to take lessons and loses all interest in dancing. Mandy comes up with a plan to get Rupert to dance again, and the two of them start dancing together.

Dino-Dancing by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Barry Gott is about a dance competition between different dinosaur dance groups. Many different styles of dance are featured, and while some acts go smoothly, others don’t go as planned.

Dance With Me by Penny Harrison, illustrated by Gwynneth Jones is about a music box ballerina who loves to dance with the little girl who comes and dances with her every day. But when the little girl gets older and stops dancing with the ballerina, the ballerina leaves her music box in search of a new dance partner. Everyone the ballerina invites to dance with her says no, and the ballerina returns to her music box. For years, the music box is packed away, but one day, a new little girl opens the lid and invites the ballerina to dance with her.

Diana Dances by Luciano Lozano is about a girl named Diana who does not do well in school and who will fail her grade if she does not learn her multiplication tables. When hiring a tutor doesn’t help, Diana’s mother takes her to the doctor, who recommends that Diana see a psychologist. The psychologist determines that Diana is a dancer and tells her mother to enroll her in a dance class. Diana loves dancing and discovers that it is easier for her to focus when she is moving. Through finding her creative outlet in dance, Diana also unlocks her ability to master her multiplication tables.

PAR-TAY!: Dance of the Veggies (And Their Friends) by Eloise Greenfield, illustrated by Don Tate is about a dance party that the vegetables in the refrigerator throw while their humans are out of the house. Different vegetables, fruits, and dance styles are featured. At the back of the book is a section that explains what a vegetable is and that lists the vegetables and fruits that participate in the dance party.

Coloring Pages

• Children Dancing
• Ballerina
• Ballerina and Danseur
• Flamenco Dancer
• Hula Dancer
• Indian Dancers
• Jazz Dancers
• Mexican Dancers
• Tap Dancers
• Tap Shoes

Crafts

• DIY Ribbon Wands (Preschool through 1st grade)
• Popsicle Stick Ballerinas (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult help)
• Toilet Paper Roll Hula Dancer (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult help)
• Flamenco Dancer Clothespin Doll (Elementary – Children in younger grades might need help)
• Snowflake Ballerinas (Elementary – Children in younger grades might need help)

Dance Videos

Ballet

• Toddler Ballet Class with Miss Sam (Toddler through Preschool)
• Toddler Dance Class with Miss Sam and Friends (Toddler through Preschool)
• Ballet for Kids with CJ and Friends (Preschool through 3rd grade)
• Beginning Ballet Practice and Routines for Children with Stardust Dance Academy (Preschool through 3rd grade)
• Ballet Class for Beginners with Miss Auti (4th grade and up)
• Learn Simple Ballet Moves with Miss Auti (4th grade and up)
• Ballet Positions of the Arms and Feet with Miss Auti (4th grade and up)
• How to Do Basic Ballet Turns with Miss Auti (4th grade and up)
• Beginner Ballet Jumps Petit Allegro with Miss Auti (4th grade and up)
• Ballet Tutorial for All Levels Choreography with Miss Auti (4th grade and up)

Hip Hop

• Toddler Hip Hop Dance Class with Miss Sam and Friends (Toddler through Preschool)
• Easy Dance Routine with Mihran Kirakosian (Kindergarten and up)
• “Banana” by Conkarah featuring Shaggy with Mihran Kirakosian (Kindergarten and up)
• Hip Hop Dance Moves with Mihran Kirakosian (3rd grade and up)

Tap*

• Toddler Tap Dance Class with Miss Sam and Mr. Jacob (Toddler through Preschool)
• Elementary Tap Dance Class for Kids! with Jenne Vermes (Kindergarten and up)
• Elementary Tap Dance Combination for Kids! with Jenne Vermes (Kindergarten and up)
• Tap Dance Basics – 5 Steps Every Beginner should Master with The Dance Prof (3rd grade and up – The teaching portion can probably be followed by children in 1st grade and up, but the end dance section requires either the ability to read or someone to read the instructions aloud.)
• How to Tap Dance with Tahlia Morgan (4th grade and up)
• Learn to Tap Dance – Beginner Exercises across the Floor with Jenne Vermes (4th grade and up)

*You can wear sneakers, dress shoes, or create your own penny tap shoes as an inexpensive way to try out this style of dance.

Miscellaneous Dances

• Follow Along Robot Dance with Miss Sam (Toddler through Kindergarten)
• The Cha Cha Slide Dance with DJ Raphi (Preschool and up)
• YMCA Dance with DJ Raphi (1st grade and up)
• Beginner Salsa with CJ and Friends (1st through 5th grade)
• Kids Jazz Dance Tutorial with Miss Auti (3rd grade and up)
• Total Beginner Contemporary Dance Routine with Miss Auti (4th grade and up)

Happy reading and dancing!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

12 Best Easter Picture Books

Hello everyone!

Happy Easter! Below are a dozen eggcellent Easter picture books. Some tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection and others feature the Easter bunny or Easter egg hunts.

After looking at the book recommendations, don’t forget to check out the Easter-themed crafts (some make cute Easter decorations), math activities, and snacks at the end of the post.

Picture Book Recommendations

The Easter Bunny’s Assistant by Jan Thomas is a lesson in how to color Easter eggs given by the Easter Bunny and his assistant, Skunk. Unfortunately, Skunk gets excited easily, which makes the process a smelly affair. Kids will enjoy this humorous lesson in egg dying.

A Very Happy Easter by Tim Thornborough tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection while paying special emphasis on how different people felt. In addition to sharing the Good News about Jesus, the book teaches empathy by asking kids to mimic the characters’ facial expressions and to think about how they felt.

The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs, illustrated by Nancy Munger is about a girl named Maggie who receives a box of dirt from her father with a mysterious plant’s bulb in it. She is disappointed with the gift, forgets about it for a while, and then throws the bulb outside. On Easter morning, she discovers that the bulb has grown into a beautiful lily. On most of the pages a Bible verse shows how Maggie’s story mirrors Jesus’ life on Earth and how God the Father must have felt that the precious gift of His Son was undervalued and unappreciated. And just as God forgives us for our sins, the books ends with Maggie’s father forgiving her for not appreciating his gift sooner.

The Story of the Easter Bunny by Katherine Tegen, illustrated by Sally Anne Lambert tells how the Easter Bunny got his start making eggs and delivering Easter baskets on Easter morning.

Happy Easter, God by Elspeth Campbell Murphy, illustrated by Jim Lewis is a series of poems that celebrate what children love about Easter. Each poem is paired with an illustration and a Bible verse.

That’s My Colt: An Easter Tale by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Chris Ellison tells the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His death, and His resurrection from the point of view of Matthias, the boy who owned the colt that Jesus rode into Jerusalem.

Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper is about a group of farm animals who want to win an Easter egg hunt prize by finding one of the special eggs, but they can’t participate in the hunt because it is only for children. The animals disguise Turkey different ways so he can find a special Easter egg, but each attempt to get an egg is foiled. The animals’ shenanigans are sure to delight readers of all ages!

God Gave Us Easter by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant is about a father bear telling his daughter about the meaning of Easter and how God gave us Easter so that we could be with Him forever.

Benjamin’s Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs by Melody Carlson, illustrated by Jack Stockman tells the story of Jesus from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem through His resurrection from the point of view of a boy named Benjamin, who has an empty treasure box that he fills up with meaningful objects that he finds or is given during key events. Although this book can stand alone, it is designed to be read while children open resurrection eggs.

Last One in Is a Rotten Egg! by Diane deGroat is about Gilbert, Lola, and their older cousin Wally, who is very competitive. At the Easter egg hunt there are two prizes: one for finding the golden egg and one for finding the most eggs. Wally is so determined to win that he steals the golden egg from Lola despite already having the most eggs. Using Wally’s competitiveness against him, Gilbert tricks Wally into dropping all of his eggs. Gilbert returns the golden egg to Lola and wins the prize for finding the most eggs. When Gilbert gives his prize to Wally because it rightfully belongs to him, Wally learns that how you treat people is more important than winning.

Easter Eggs for Anya: A Ukrainian Celebration of New Life in Christ by Virginia Kroll, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport is about a girl named Anya who is sad because her father is fighting in a war and they do not have any eggs to turn into pysanky eggs for Easter. When a fox kills a wild goose that was defending its nest, Anya takes the eggs home, thankful that God has given her eggs for Easter. On Easter morning, the eggs hatch, and Anya finds that God has given her a better gift than pysanky eggs.

The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri tells why Jesus died and rose again. An abridged version of the Garden of Eden, the curtain in the Temple, and Jesus’ life on Earth are given. The book’s focus is that it is good to be with God, but that we are separated from Him by our sin. The book ends with the Good News that because Jesus took our sin away when He died on the cross and rose from the dead, we can be with God again.

Crafts

1. DIY Resurrection Eggs (Preschool through Elementary)
2. Popsicle Stick Cross (Preschool)
3. Tape Resist Easter Cross (Preschool through Elementary)
4. Easy Cross Bird Feeder (Elementary)
5. He is Risen! Empty Tomb Craft (Preschool)
6. He is Risen! Empty Tomb Craft (Elementary)
7. Handprints Easter Lily Bouquet (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
8. Tin Foil Easter Egg (Preschool through Elementary)
9. Paper Eggs (Elementary)(The English instructions are below the Swedish instructions.)
10. Easter Bunny Headband (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
11. Foam Cup Bunny (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
12. Paper Plate Sheep Mask (Preschool)
13. Bubble Wrap Sheep Craft (Preschool through Elementary)
14. Mini Popsicle Stick Chicks (Preschool through Elementary)
15. Spring Chicks Egg Carton Craft (Elementary)

Math Activities

1. How To Make Learning Fun With Jelly Beans (Pre-K through Elementary)
2. Hands On Easter Math (Pre-K through Elementary)
3. Easter Egg Math Activities for Kindergarten {Freebies Included!} (Kindergarten through 1st grade)
4. 16 Spring and Easter Math Ideas (Kindergarten through Elementary)
5. Easter Basket Math Challenge w/ FREE Printables (Elementary)

Snacks

1. Easter Resurrection Rolls
2. Rice Krispies Easter Egg Treats
3. Easter Cross Rice Crispy Treats
4. Peeps Easter Bunny Dirt Cups
5. Decorated Easter Sheep Cookies with Gift Tags to Print
6. M&M Easter Egg Marshmallow Fudge Brownies
7. Empty Tomb Cupcakes with He Is Risen Printable Flags
8. Easter Basket Cookies
9. Empty Tomb Cake
10. Easter Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

The Best Picture Books about the Solar System and Constellations for Children in Preschool through Elementary

Hello everyone!

One thing that most people don’t know about me is that I love stars and the solar system. Although I am by no means an astronomer or even an amateur stargazer, I always feel in awe when I view the night sky or look at pictures or videos of outer space. Looking up at the stars always makes me feel closer to God.

Below is a selection of books that give facts about our solar system (sun, moon, and planets) and constellations. And since I was personally very unhappy when Pluto was declared to no longer be a planet, I also included books that explain why Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet. I sorted the book recommendations into categories: Planets (books that cover all the planets and a section for each individual planet), Dwarf Planets, Sun and Moon, and Stars (other than the sun). After the book recommendations, I listed space-themed activities, crafts, science experiments, sensory activities, and snacks.

I hope the space picture books and fun activities inspire your young readers’ fascination with our solar system and the universe!

Planets

Eight Spinning Planets by Brian James, illustrated by Russell Benfanti gives a rhyming overview of the planets. The pages are cardboard and the planets are made of raised plastic, which makes the book ideal for children birth to kindergarten.

Nerdy Babies: Space by Emmy Kastner introduces kids to outer space and the eight planets. The age of the book characters makes the target audience birth to three, but if the listeners will forgive the narrator for addressing them as babies, the text and images can be enjoyed by kids as old as six.

Planets by Martha E. H. Rustad gives an overview of the planets. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System (Revised Edition) by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz gives a rhyming overview of the planets, constellations, sun, and moon. This book is ideal for children in preschool-3rd grade.

Mercury

Mercury by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Mercury and Venus by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Mercury and Venus. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Mercury? by Thomas K. Adamson, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Mercury through the story of a girl wanting to go to Mercury to fix a problem she is having on Earth, her trip to Mercury, her time on Mercury, and her realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Mercury by Jody S. Rake gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Venus

Venus by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Mercury and Venus by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Mercury and Venus. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Venus? by Thomas K. Adamson, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Venus through the story of a girl wanting to go to Venus to improve her science project, how long it takes to get to Venus, her time on Venus, and her realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Venus by Jody S. Rake gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Earth

Earth by Martha E. H. Rustad gives an overview of Earth and its life-supporting features. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Earth by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, how seasons are made, and its makeup from the core to the atmosphere. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Earth by Jody S. Rake gives an overview of the planet including where its name came from and its size, location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Mars

Mars by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, seasons, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Mars by Jody S. Rake gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

To Mars! by Gina Bellisario, illustrated by Mike Moran is about a girl named Avery who imagines that she goes to Mars. Facts about Mars are presented as Avery does things on Mars. This book is ideal for children in kindergarten-2nd grade.

Is There Life on Mars by Michael Portman gives information about Mars and why people thought, and some still think, there could be life on it. This book is ideal for children in 2nd-5th grade.

Jupiter

Jupiter by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, that it is made of gas, and that it has many storms. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Jupiter and Saturn by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Jupiter and Saturn. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Jupiter? by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Jupiter through the story of a boy who wants to go to Jupiter, his time on Jupiter and some of its moons, and his realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Jupiter by Steve Foxe gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, and that it is a gas giant. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Saturn

Saturn by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, moons, and that it is made of gas. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Jupiter and Saturn by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Jupiter and Saturn. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Saturn? by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Saturn through the story of a boy wanting to live on another planet, how long it takes to get to Saturn, his time on Saturn, and his realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Saturn by Steve Foxe gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, and that it is a gas giant. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Uranus

Uranus by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, seasons, and that it is an ice giant. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Uranus and Neptune by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Uranus, Neptune, and the dwarf planets. Since the book was published in 2012, some of the information is outdated. For example, Pluto has five moons, not three. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Uranus? by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Uranus through the story of a boy wanting to take pictures of Uranus, how long it takes to get to Uranus, his time on Uranus, and his realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Uranus by Steve Foxe gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, and that it is an ice giant. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Neptune

Neptune by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, temperature, and that it is a gas giant. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Uranus and Neptune by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Uranus, Neptune, and the dwarf planets. Since the book was published in 2012, some of the information is outdated. For example, Pluto has five moons, not three. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Neptune? by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Neptune through the story of a girl wanting to go to Neptune to get away from a problem she is having on Earth, how long it takes to get to Neptune, her time on Neptune, and her curiosity about what lies beyond Neptune causing her to continue traveling. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Neptune by Steve Foxe gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, and that it is an ice giant. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Dwarf Planets

A Place for Pluto by Stef Wade, illustrated by Melanie Demmer tells the story of Pluto being told he’s not a planet anymore. In his search for where he belongs in the galaxy, Pluto compares himself to comets, meteoroids, and asteroids, but he is not any of those. Finally, he meets other dwarf planets and finds out what he is and where he fits. This book is ideal for children in preschool through 2nd grade.

Dwarf Planets by Fran Howard presents information about Ceres, Pluto, and Eris. Since the book was published in 2008, some of the information is outdated. For example, Pluto has five moons, not three. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Pluto’s Secret: An Icy World’s Tale of Discovery by Margaret A. Weitekamp and David DeVorkin, illustrated by Diane Kidd tells the story of Pluto’s discovery, naming, and demotion to a dwarf planet from scientists’ and Pluto’s points of view. The scientists have lots of assumptions and questions about Pluto, and Pluto has a secret for them to discover. This book is ideal for children in kindergarten-4th grade.

Why Isn’t Pluto a Planet? by Michael Portman gives an overview of Pluto’s discovery and the reason it was demoted to a dwarf planet. This book is ideal for children in 2nd-5th grade.

Sun and Moon

Sun, Moon, and Stars by Hannah Wilson presents an overview of the sun and moon and how they relate to Earth. It also gives information about different types of stars and defines what a constellation is. This book is ideal for children in pre-K-2nd grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Sun and Moon Have a Tea Party by Yumi Heo, illustrated by Naoko Stoop is about Sun and Moon having an argument about what the world is like: active or asleep. When Cloud invites them to stay up past their bedtime and watch the world from behind him, Sun and Moon discover that they are both right. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade.

The Sun by Martha E. H. Rustad gives an overview of the sun. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

The Sun by Reagan Miller gives an overview of the sun and how it influences life on Earth. At the end of the book is an activity that illustrates how it can be day in one part of the world and night in another. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Sun by Steve Tomecek, illustrated by Carla Golembe explains what the sun is and how it influences life on Earth. At the end of the book is an activity that illustrates how it can be day in one part of the world and night in another. This book is ideal for children in 2nd-6th grade.

Many Moons by Rémi Courgeon shows the different phases of the moon in terms of what every day objects it looks like. The final spread shows the eight phases of the moon in order starting with the new moon and gives a description of each phase. This book is ideal for birth to 1st grade.

The Moon by Martha E. H. Rustad gives an overview of the moon. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit the Moon? by Thomas K. Adamson, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about the moon through the story of a girl wanting to go to the moon to fix a problem she is having on Earth, her trip to the moon, her time on the moon, and her realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Stars (other than the sun)

Our Stars by Anne Rockwell gives an overview of stars, planets, the moon, comets, and meteors. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade.

Sun, Moon, and Stars by Hannah Wilson presents an overview of the sun and moon and how they relate to Earth. It also gives information about different types of stars and defines what a constellation is. This book is ideal for children in pre-K-2nd grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Stargazers by Gail Gibbons gives an overview of stars and stargazers. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade.

Stars and Galaxies by James Buckley, Jr. gives information about different types of stars, constellations, and galaxies. This book is ideal for children in kindergarten-2nd grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

The Sky Is Full of Stars by Dr. Franklyn M. Branley, illustrated by Felicia Bond presents an introduction to stargazing by giving an overview of what constellations are, how to find some of the easier ones, and instructions for how to make your own constellations with a flashlight and recyclables. This book is ideal for children in kindergarten-3rd grade.

Bright Sky, Starry City by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Aimée Sicuro tells the story of a girl named Phoebe who lives in a city and plans to look at Saturn, Mars, and the stars with her dad and his telescopes, but they can’t see them well because of light pollution. She wishes for the lights to go out, and a her wish is granted when a storm causes a blackout. Phoebe, her dad, and other people in the city get to enjoy the planets and constellations. At the back of the book is information about our solar system, planets and moons, telescopes, and light pollution. This book is ideal for children in kindergarten-4th grade.

Shooting Stars by Kristen Rajczak shares information about meteors and when to watch for them. This book is ideal for children in 2nd-5th grade.

Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton, illustrated by Christina Balit shares about constellations in the northern and southern hemispheres. This book is ideal for children in 3rd-6th grade.

50 Things to See with a Telescope: A Young Stargazer’s Guide by John A. Read is a how-to book that instructs young stargazers in how to find constellations, star clusters, planets, and other items in the northern hemisphere during each of the four seasons. This book is ideal for children in 3rd grade and up, but with adult assistance it could be used with children as young as 5 years old.

Activities

1. Night Sky Felt Play and Math Games (Preschool through 1st Grade)
2. Constellation Geoboard (Preschool through 2nd Grade)
3. Constellation Geoboards (Kindergarten through Elementary)
4. Build a Lego Solar System (Preschool through Elementary)
5. Planetary Orbit Game (Preschool through Elementary)
6. Planets Scrabble Math (1st through 3rd Grade)
7. Candy Constellation Game (3rd grade and up)

Crafts

1. Marshmallow Constellations (Preschool through 2nd grade)
2. Summer Skies Marshmallow Constellations (2nd through 6th grade)
3. Pipe Cleaner Constellations (Preschool through Elementary)
4. DIY Constellation Projector (Preschool through Elementary)
5. Constellation Lacing Cards (Elementary)
6. Fingerprint Solar System (Preschool)
7. Paint Stick Solar System (Pre-K through 3rd grade)
8. Puffy Planets (Preschool through 3rd grade)
9. Coffee Filter Planets (Preschool through Elementary)
10. Papier-mâché Solar System (Preschool through Elementary)

Science Experiments

1. Making Craters (Preschool through Elementary)
2. Fizzing Planets Solar System (Preschool through Elementary)
3. Fizzy Stars (Preschool through 2nd grade)
4. Melting Stars (Preschool through Elementary)
5. Magic Rainbow Toothpick Star (Preschool through Elementary)

Sensory

1. Solar System Sensory Bottle (Preschool)
2. Star Gazing Discovery Bottle (Preschool)
3. Good Night Moon Sensory Bottle (Preschool)
4. Glow in the Dark Solar System Sensory Play (Preschool)
5. Starry Night Sky Slime (Preschool)
6. Starry Night Sensory Bag (Preschool through 2nd grade)
7. Outer Space Playdough (Preschool through 2nd grade)

Snack

1. Marshmallow Constellation
2. Solar System
3. Giant Solar System Sugar Cookie

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

12 Snowman Stories for Children and Snowman Enthusiasts

Hello everyone!

For those of you who wanna build a snowman, check out these twelve amazing snowman story books and the lists of themed activities. I love to combine literature with other subjects, so expand the snowman fun with the suggested crafts, math activities and games, and snowman recipes.

In addition to being cute art projects, the snowman crafts make adorable decorations or gifts for relatives and teachers. And if you really want to make the snowman magic come to life, check out the snowman sensory and fine motor activities and the delicious snowman snacks.

I often pair up my picture book recommendations with the activities that best suit them, but since all of the books are about snowmen, this month’s themed projects naturally go with whichever book or books you choose to use.

I hope you and your young snowman lovers have fun experiencing snowmen on multiple academic, sensory, and culinary levels! And if you’re looking for Christmas specific books, crafts, and sensory activities, check out my Christmas books blog post.

Making a Friend by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Alison Friend is about how Beaver, who can make anything with his hands but struggles with knowing how to connect to other animals, makes a friend while making a snowman.

If Picasso Painted a Snowman by Amy Newbold, illustrated by Greg Newbold introduces kids to different artists and their styles by showing how they would draw or paint a snowman.

Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin is about a snowman who is cold and keeps melting as a result of trying to get warm. Thankfully, some kids rebuild him after each failed attempt.

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner offers an imaginative explanation for why snowmen look messy the day after they are built. Obviously, it’s because of all the fun things that snowmen do at night!

The Most Perfect Snowman by Chris Britt is about a snowman who is outcast by the other snowmen because he was not given a nose or clothing. Children give him what he is missing and declare him to be the perfect snowman. However, it’s not until he gives his treasured gifts to someone who needs them more that he truly becomes the perfect snowman.

Snow Dude by Daniel Kirk is the snowman version of “The Gingerbread Man.”

Snowzilla by Janet Lawler, illustrated by Amanda Haley is about a little girl who builds a ginormous snowman with her family and how she finds a solution to the town’s polarized reaction to her having such a large snowman in her yard.

The Snowman and the Snowdog based on characters created by Raymond Briggs is about a boy whose dog died shortly after they moved to a new house. On Christmas Eve, the boy finds a photo of another boy standing beside an amazing snowman, and he decides to build his own snowman and a snowdog. The three of them spend Christmas Eve flying around the world and competing in the Snowman’s Annual Downhill Race at the North Pole.

The Smiley Snowman by M. Christina Butler, illustrated by Tina Macnaughton is about three friends who build a smiling snowman. The next day, the snowman looks sad, and the friends try to make him feel better.

Tinyrannosaurus and the Bigfootosaurus! by Nick Ward is about a young T-rex and his friends building a Bigfootosaurus out of snow and then accidentally mistaking a real (and not amused) Bigfootosaurus for their snowman.

Martin MacGregor’s Snowman by Lisa Broadie Cook, illustrated by Adam McCauley is about a boy who desperately wants to build a snowman. In his impatience for it to snow, he tries different, creative ways of making a snowman (like dumping flour on his younger sister and gluing cotton balls to his dog) that get him in trouble.

A Really Good Snowman by Daniel J. Mahoney is about an older brother who wants a little time away from his younger sister and her constant desire to “help” him. But when she demonstrates that she is not yet old enough to compete in the snowman building competition by herself, he sacrifices his chance of winning to help her build a snowman.

Crafts

1. Cotton Ball Snowman (Preschool through Elementary)
2. Egg Carton Snowman (Elementary)
3. Marshmallow Snowman (Preschool through 2nd grade)
4. Melted Snowman (Elementary)
5. Puffy Snowman Painting (Pre-K through Elementary)
6. Snowchildren (Preschool through Kindergarten)
7. Snow Globe Snowman (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
8. Snowman Christmas Card (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
9. Snowman Paper Plate Masks (Preschool through 2nd grade depending on amount of adult prep)
10. Snowman Puppets (Pre-K through Elementary)
11. Snowman Suncatcher (Preschool through Elementary)
12. Toilet Paper Roll Snowman (Elementary)

Math

1. Christmas Pattern Blocks (Preschool through Kindergarten – There are two snowman patterns.)
2. Counting Snowballs (Pre-K through 1st grade)
3. Five Little Snowmen Felt Story And Math Activity (Preschool through Kindergarten)
4. It’s Snowing Angles! (Elementary)
5. Snowman Addition Fun (Pre-K through 1st grade)
6. Snowman Counting File Folder Game (Pre-K through 1st grade)
7. Snowman Fractions (Elementary)
8. Snowman Math Activities (Elementary – The Last Snowman Standing Game was my favorite of the activities.)
9. Snowman Place Value Worksheets (Pre-K through 2nd grade)
10. Snowman 20 Frames Math Game (Kindergarten through 2nd grade)
11. Temperature Snowman Melting Sequencing Cards (Pre-K through 2nd grade)
12. Winter Math Activities With Printable Snowflake Number Circles (Preschool through Kindergarten)

Sensory and Fine Motor Activities

1. DIY Fake Snow for Sensory Play (Preschool through Pre-K)
2. Magnetic Snowman (Preschool through Pre-K)
3. Make A Snowman Fine Motor Activity (Preschool through Pre-K)
4. Snowman Activity Tray (Preschool through Pre-K)
5. Snowman Sensory Bottle (Preschool through Pre-K)

Snacks

1. Banana Snowmen
2. Chocolate Pretzel Snowman
3. Deconstructed Snowman Popcorn
4. Marshmallow Snowman
5. Snowman Brownie Bites
6. Snowman Dessert Dip
7. Snowman Oreo Cookie Balls
8. Snowman Pudding

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

The 12 Books of Christmas…Plus 3

Hello everyone and merry Christmas!

I wanted to be clever and recommend twelve Christmas picture books, but there were so many good Christmas books for kids that it was impossible to narrow the list down to just twelve. So, since certain parts of Latin America have the Three Kings come on January 6th, and Christmas is the season of giving, Santa is bringing the twelve books of Christmas and the Three Kings are brining an additional three Christmas storybooks.

After each picture book description, I listed the numbers that correspond to the Christmas cards, decorations, Christmas tree ornaments, and sensory activities that best fit with that book.

I hope that you enjoy my recommended children’s books and Christmas crafts and sensory activities!

5 More Sleeps ‘Til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon is about a boy who is eagerly counting down the number of sleeps until Christmas. He wants to fall asleep so that Christmas morning will arrive sooner, but he is so excited that he does not think he can fall asleep. And each night, he does. (Cards 2, 3, 4, or 5 – tree; Decorations 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, or 11; Ornaments 1 – Santa, 3, 4, 7, or 8; Sensory 2, 3, or 4)

The Perfect Christmas Pageant by Joyce Meyer, illustrated by Mary Sullivan is about a hippo named Hayley who is in charge of the Christmas pageant. She wants it to be perfect, but things don’t go as planned. (Cards 1, 5 – angel, or 7; Decorations 1, 2, 5, or 6; Ornaments 1 – Nativity, 2, 11, 12, or 13; Sensory 1)

How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish is about a brother and sister who want to catch Santa and have some creative ways to do so. (Cards 2, 3, 4, or 5 – tree; Decorations 3, 4, 8, or 9; Ornaments 1 – Santa, 3, 4, 7, or 8; Sensory 2 or 3)

Aaron’s Secret Message by Marcus Pfister is a retelling of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay from the perspective of a boy named Aaron, who lives in Bethlehem and has been interested in the star that seems to be growing bigger and brighter every night. (Cards 7; Decorations 5 or 6; Ornaments 1 – Nativity, 11, 12, or 13; Sensory 1)

A Christmas Spider’s Miracle by Trinka Hakes Noble, illustrated by Stephen Costanza is about two mothers, one a peasant woman and one a spider, who want to provide for their children but have the odds stacked against them. When the woman brings in a small tree to try and give her children some Christmas cheer, the spider thanks her for saving her and her children from freezing by decorating the tree with her webs. (Cards 3 or 5 – tree; Decorations 3, 4, 10, or 11; Ornaments 3, 4, 9, or 10; Sensory 4)

Miracle on 133rd Street by Sonia Manzano, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman is about a boy named José, his family, and their neighbors. It’s Christmas Eve, and almost everyone has something to be upset about. But when the small size of their family’s oven forces José and his father to take their roast to the pizzeria to be cooked, the miraculous happens. The smell of the roast causes everyone to become joyful and to find something to be thankful for. (Cards 2, 3, or 5 – tree; Decorations 3, 4, 10, or 11; Ornaments 1, 3, or 4; Sensory 4)

The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado, illustrated by Liz Bonham is about a lamb named Joshua who is left behind when the shepherd takes the flock to a new pasture because Joshua is unable to keep up. The bad leg that disqualified him from going to a new pasture kept him in the stable where he witnessed the birth of the Savior. This story shows that God has a special place for those who feel left out. (Cards 7; Decorations 5 or 6; Ornaments 1 – Nativity; Sensory 1)

The Tale of Baboushka: A Traditional Christmas Story by Elena Pasquali, illustrated by Lucia Mongioj is about an old woman who lives alone and loves to clean and sew. One night, the Wise Men stay with Baboushka and tell her about the King of Love who was born and to whom they are taking gifts. They invite Baboushka to join them, but she says she will come later because first she has to get her house in order. When she is finally ready with her handmade gifts, the Wise Men’s footsteps have disappeared and she can’t find the King of Love’s star. So, she travels around the world looking for the King of Love and leaving gifts for children along the way. (Cards 5 or 7; Decorations 5, 6, 10, 11, or 12; Ornaments 1 – Nativity, 11, 12, or 13; Sensory 1 or 4)

Christmas in the Time of Billy Lee by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Barry Moser is about a girl named Ellie who makes three wishes one Christmas. She and her friend Billy Lee, who everyone says is imaginary, work to make the wishes come true. The result is the most magical and joyful Christmas Ellie has ever known. (Cards 1 or 5 – angel; Decorations 1, 2, 10, or 11; Ornaments 1 or 2; Sensory 4)

Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco is about a school custodian named Quintin and a bullied foster child named Welcome Comfort, who Quintin takes under his wing. At Christmas time, Quintin encourages Welcome to believe in Santa. Welcome, who hasn’t had the most joyful Christmases, tries to believe. That Christmas Eve, Santa finds him and takes him for the ride of his life. Welcome grows up believing his night with Santa was a wonderful dream, but as an adult he learns that his dream was more real than he could ever have imagined. (Cards 4; Decorations 8 or 9; Ornaments 1 – Santa, 7, or 8; Sensory 2 or 3)

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola is about a girl named Lucida whose mother is asked to weave a new blanket for the Figure of Baby Jesus. However, her mother becomes ill close to Christmas and is unable to finish the blanket. Lucida is heartbroken that she does not have a gift for the Baby Jesus and offers the only thing she can find: weeds. When she presents them to the Baby Jesus, a miracle occurs. (Cards 6 or 7; Decorations 5, 6, or 7; Ornaments 1 – Nativity or 6; Sensory 1)

Tree of Cranes by Allen Say is about a boy who experiences his first Christmas when his mother tells him about her childhood Christmases in California and shares the tradition of decorating a tree and exchanging gifts with him. (Cards 3; Decorations 3, 4, 10, or 11; Ornaments 1, 3, 4, or 5; Sensory 4)

A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World by M. E. Furman, illustrated by Susan Gal talks about the different types of tasty treats that children all over the world leave for Santa. You can eat your way around the world with Santa by making some of the recipes at the back of the book! (Cards 3, 4, or 5 – tree; Decorations 3, 4, 8, or 9; Ornaments 1 – Santa, 3, 4, 7, or 8; Sensory 2 or 3)

The Greatest Gift: The Story of the Other Wise Man by Susan Summers, illustrated by Jackie Morris is about Artaban, the Wise Man who did not arrive at the rendezvous in time to travel with the other three. Artaban sells everything he has for three jewels to present to the newborn King of Kings. Artaban arrives in Bethlehem too late to see Jesus and spends the rest of his life searching for him and helping those in need along the way. In the end, Artaban loses everything of earthly value but finds his King. (Cards 7; Decorations 5, 6, or 12; Ornaments 1 – Nativity, 11, 12, or 13; Sensory 1)

Shooting at the Stars by John Hendrix is a retelling of the Christmas Truce of 1914 from the point of view of a British soldier named Charlie. Although Charlie is a fictional character, the events are real. Charlie’s letter to his mother is based off soldiers’ accounts of the Christmas of 1914 where for a short time there was peace on Earth in the middle of a war. (Cards 3 or 5 – tree; Decorations 3 or 4; Ornaments 3, 4, 11, 12, or 13; Sensory 4)

Cards

1. Hand and Footprint Angels (Preschool – This can be turned into a card by gluing the angel to a piece of cardstock and writing a message on the back.)
2. Fingerprint Christmas Lights Card (Preschool through Elementary)
3. Pom Pom Christmas Tree Card (Preschool through Elementary)
4. Santa Christmas Card (Preschool through Elementary)
5. String Art Christmas Cards (Elementary – The instructions are for how to make a Christmas tree and angel.)
6. Poinsettia Christmas Card (Elementary)
7. Nativity Christmas Card (Preschool through Elementary)

Decorations

1. A Is for Angel (Preschool)
2. Cupcake Liner Angel (Elementary)
3. Cupcake Liner Christmas Tree (Preschool through Elementary)
4. Egg Carton Christmas Tree (Pre-K through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
5. Suncatcher Nativity (Preschool through 2nd grade)
6. Nativity Set from Toilet Paper Tubes (Elementary)
7. Sponge Painted Poinsettias (Preschool through Elementary)
8. Paper Plate Santa Claus (Preschool through Elementary)
9. Santa Going Down a Chimney (Elementary)
10. Snowflake Handprints (Preschool)
11. Paper Snowflake (Elementary)
12. Three Kings Silhouette Painting (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)

Ornaments

1. Salt Dough Recipe for Ornaments (There are also instructions specifically for how to make a Nativity Handprint Ornament and a Santa Handprint Ornament) (Preschool through Elementary)
2. Feather and Pipe Cleaner Angel (Pre-K through Elementary)
3. Pom Pom and Pine Cone Christmas Ornaments (Preschool through Elementary – Turn these into Christmas trees by painting the pine cones green before gluing on the pom poms.)
4. Cupcake Liner Christmas Tree (Elementary)
5. Origami Crane (4th grade and up – This can be turned into an ornament by sewing a thread through part of it.)
6. Poinsettia (Elementary)
7. Santa Hat (Preschool)
8. Santa Corks (Ornament & Santa Bowling) (Elementary)
9. Christmas Spider (Pre-K through Elementary)
10. Christmas Spider (4th grade and up)
11. Foam Star (Preschool through Elementary)
12. Felt Star (Elementary)
13. Wooden Star (4th grade and up)

Sensory

1. Away In A Manger Christmas Carol Sensory Bin (Preschool through Pre-K)
2. Fluffy Santa Slime (Pre-K through Elementary – Instructions say this is not suitable for children under 4 years old)
3. Free Christmas Playdough Mats (Preschool through 1st grade)
4. DIY Fake Snow for Sensory Play (Preschool through Pre-K)

Happy reading and merry Christmas!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

Autumn Books that Celebrate the Season’s Bounty and Beauty

Hello everyone!

It’s September, which means that the autumnal equinox is almost upon us, and one of my favorite seasons will soon begin! There are so many things I love about fall: changing leaves; apple, pumpkin, and harvest festivals; corn mazes; hay rides; and hot apple cider. And I’m sure sports fans are counting down the days until football season starts.

Since autumn is full of so many changes and colors, the season easily lends itself to art, science, and, my favorite of all, stories! Below, I have raked some fantastic picture books about fall into two piles: fiction and nonfiction. After each book recommendation, I have written a type of activity (i.e. Crafts, Games, Math Activities, and Science Experiments) and a number; these correspond to the activities at the end of the post that I think best go with each book.

Fiction

Who Loves the Fall? by Bob Raczka, illustrated by Judy Stead shows many people enjoying fall activities. The illustrations carry the theme and are well supported by the minimal rhyming text. (Any Craft, Game, Math Activity, or Science Experiment for Preschool through 1st Grade.)

Hocus Pocus, It’s Fall! by Anne Sibley O’Brien, illustrated Susan Gal shows the changes that occur in the fall. Each spread shows the starting point for a plant or animal; then open the flap and the autumn change is revealed…like magic. (Any Craft, Game, Math Activity or Science Experiment for Preschool through 1st Grade.)

Wonderfall by Michael Hall has a poem on each spread about a different aspect of fall. Each illustration includes the same tree which shows the season’s progression through the state of its leaves. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, 5, or 12; Games 1, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, 3, or 6)

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert is about Leaf Man being blown away by the wind. The narrator speculates about where Leaf Man might be. While the narrator guesses about where the wind might take Leaf Man, leaves create the scenery that the narrator describes. This book would pair well with a leaf craft. (Crafts 3, 4, or 5; Games 3, 4, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

Fall Is for Friends by Suzy Spafford is about two autumn-loving friends trying to get the leaves to fall off the trees. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, or 5; Games 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

A Fall Ball for All by Jamie A. Swenson, illustrated by Chiara Fedele is about nature throwing a windfall ball for all the forest animals. The animals delay their migration and hibernation plans to attend. There is excitement leading up to the ball, and afterwards, everyone has the food they need for the winter. (Crafts 6, 9, or 12; Games 1, 5, 6, 7, or 8; Math Activities 1, 2, or 3; Science Experiment 6)

Counting on Fall by Lizann Flatt, illustrated by Ashley Barron combines math with nature during the autumn. This book is ideal for children in Kindergarten through second grade. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, 7, or 12; Games 1, 3, 4, 5, or 9; Math Activities 1, 3, 4, or 5; Science Experiments 1, 2, 3, or 6)

Hello, Fall! by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Lucy Fleming is about a granddaughter and grandfather enjoying a fall day together. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9; Games 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, or 12; Any Math Activity; Any Science Experiment)

Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant, illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard is about a leaf named Leif who is afraid that falling will hurt. He comes up with multiple ways to keep himself from falling or to catch himself, but none of them work, and he throws them off his branch. When he finally falls, he lands on his pile of discarded ideas instead of bumping his head on the ground. The underlying themes of determination paying off and failure leading to success are great lessons for children. (Crafts 3, 4, or 5; Games 3, 4, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke is about a young fox named Fletcher who is worried that his favorite tree is sick. He tries to help the tree by collecting its fallen leave and reattaching them. In the end, Fletcher’s attempts to make the leaves stay on the tree fail, but he comes to understand that his tree is alright. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, or 5; Games 3, 4, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson, illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein is about a family’s annual tradition of making applesauce throughout the autumn. At the back is a recipe for homemade applesauce. (Crafts 6 or 7; Games 6, 7, or 8; Science Experiment 5)

Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White, illustrated by Megan Lloyd is about a woman named Rebecca Estelle who hates pumpkins. When a pumpkin falls off a truck and splats in her yard, she buries it so she won’t have to touch or look at it. The next year, the pumpkins aggressively grow until they take over her entire front yard. Not wanting to waste food, she bakes the pumpkins into treats and carves the shells into jack-o’-lanterns to give to her neighbors. Rebecca Estelle has such a good time with her neighbors, that she decides to plant pumpkins the next year. (Crafts 8 or 9; Games 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10; Math Activities 1, 2, or 3; Science Experiment 4)

Nonfiction

Hello Autumn! by Shelley Rotner gives an overview of the many things that happen in the fall: changes in the weather and leaves, harvest, holidays, and how animals get ready for winter. The short text and large photos make this an excellent book to read aloud to three to eight year olds. The larger print also makes this a good book for more advanced young readers to read on their own. (Any Craft, Game, Math Activity, or Science Experiment for Preschool through 2nd Grade)

Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre is an overview of how leaves change throughout the fall, starting with a goodbye to summer green, transitioning to the many colors seen on the trees, and ending with the leaves beginning to decompose. The sparsity and rhyme of the text makes this a good book to read to two to five year olds. (Crafts 1 or 4; Games 3, 4, or 11; Math Activities 4 or 5; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

Awesome Autumn: All Kinds of Fall Facts and Fun by Bruce Goldstone is a great book to read to five to eight year olds. It gives an overview of the many changes that happen during autumn and presents facts about why and how those changes occur in a concise and easy-to-understand way. At the end of the book are instructions for several simple autumn crafts. (Any Craft, Game, Math Activity, or Science Experiment for Elementary)

Summer Green to Autumn Gold: Uncovering Leaves’ Hidden Colors by Mia Posada explains how leaves change colors in the fall. The text and illustrations work together beautifully to explain the concept. This book is ideal for four to eight year olds; however, I would also read it with older students if they are struggling to understand how chlorophyll works. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, or 5; Games 3, 4, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie by Jill Esbaum shows how pumpkins grow, that there are many different types of pumpkins, and some of the ways pumpkins are used. This is an excellent book to read to four to eight year olds, and the larger print makes it a good book for more advanced young readers to read on their own. (Crafts 8 or 9; Games 5, 6, 7, or 8; Math Activities 1, 2, or 3; Science Experiment 4)

The What Happens in Fall? Series by Mari Schuh is designed for beginning readers to read on their own.

• Animals in Fall
• Apples in Fall
• Fall by Emily C. Dawson (This book is part of the Watching the Seasons Series.)
• Harvest in Fall
• Leaves in Fall
• Pumpkins in Fall
• Weather in Fall

The Fall Field Trips Series by Lisa J. Amstutz is designed for beginning readers to read on their own. At the back of each book are directions for how to make a simple, theme-related craft.

• Let’s Go to the Apple Orchard
• Let’s Go to the Harvest Festival
• Let’s Go to the Nature Center
• Let’s Go to the Pumpkin Patch

The Fall’s Here! Series by Martha E. H. Rustad, illustrated by Amanda Enright is ideal for reading to Kindergarteners through 2nd graders. At the back of each book are directions for how to do a theme-related activity.

• Animals in Fall: Preparing for Winter
• Fall Apples: Crisp and Juicy
• Fall Harvests: Bringing in Food
• Fall Leaves: Colorful and Crunchy
• Fall Pumpkins: Orange and Plump
• Fall Weather: Cooler Temperatures

Crafts

1. Scissor Skills Fall Tree Craft (Preschool or Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
2. Tissue Paper Tree (Elementary)
3. Leaf People (Preschool or Elementary)
4. Leaf Rubbing Collage or Leaf Rubbing Activity: Art & Science Project (Preschool or Elementary – Leaf rubbings often work best when the veins are up.)
5. Leaf Book (Elementary)
6. Apple Print Craft (Preschool)
7. Apple Tree Numbers Craft (3 year olds through 1st grade depending on amount of adult prep)
8. What’s Inside a Pumpkin Craft (Preschool or Elementary)
9. Paper Strip Pumpkin (Elementary)
10. Paper Bag Scarecrow (Preschool or Elementary)
11. Popsicle Stick Scarecrow (Elementary)
12. Cinnamon Acorn (Preschool through 2nd grade)

Games

1. The Squirrel Game: “Let the kids pretend they are squirrels gathering nuts for the winter. Give each a small paper bag, then toss out several unshelled nuts onto the floor and let the kids race to see who can collect the most. Older and younger children should be separated for this game. Another way to play this game, (if you have a way to corral a large quantity of leaves) is to hide nuts beneath a large pile of leaves and give the kids a set amount of time to find as many nuts as they can.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 18.) (Preschool or Elementary)
2. Dress a Scarecrow and Run: “Stock up on over-sized plaid shirts, goofy pants, floppy hats and any other clothing that a scarecrow might wear. Make piles containing one of each item. The number of piles is determined either by the number of kids or teams participating. Line up kids and let the game begin! The children run to the pile, put on the outfit, and dart back to the starting line. If doing it as a team game, they then switch the outfit with their teammate–who run out and back. First team with their last team member dressed as a scarecrow wins.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 9.) (Elementary)
3. Parachute Leaf Toss: “Take a sheet, or a parachute. Gather real leaves, fabric leaves, or paper leaves. Place them in the middle of the sheet. Gather around the sheet and have the children lift the sheet slowly and then quickly to see how all the leaves ‘float.'” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 16.) (Preschool or Elementary)
4. Leaf Blow Game: “Have a leaf race! In this, the children blow a leaf across a table with a straw. The first one across is the winner.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 3.) (four year olds through Elementary)
5. Gourd Ring Toss: “Assign different point values to different sizes of gourds, pumpkins, or dried Indian corn.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 8.) (Preschool or Elementary)
6. Apple-Apple Pumpkin: “Just like duck-duck-goose—Play Apple, Apple, Pumpkin! Same game with fall flair.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 13.) (Preschool or Elementary)
7. Pumpkin Rolling (Can also do with apples): “Divide children into two or more teams. Have a start line and turnaround line, 20 ft apart. The first child in each line rolls a pumpkin from the start line, to the turn-around line and back. The next person does the same, etc. The first team to have everyone play wins!” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 21.) (Preschool or Elementary)
8. Pass the Pumpkin Relay (Can also do with apples): “Line up into 2 teams. The first person passes the pumpkin OVER his/her head to the next person in line. The next person passes the pumpkin UNDER his/her legs to the next person, and so on. When you get to the end of the line the last person runs up to the front and starts it all over again. Whoever has the first person that was in line at the beginning of the game— in the back of the line WINS.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 23.) (Preschool or Elementary)
9. Bountiful Harvest Board Game (Elementary)
10. Autumn Charades Game (Elementary)
11. Fall Color Wheel Scavenger Hunt (Preschool through 2nd grade)
12. Sensory Nature Scavenger Hunt (Elementary)

Math Activities

1. Super Simple Pumpkin Seed Counting Activity (Preschool through Kindergarten)
2. Pumpkin Geoboard Stem To Try This Fall (Preschool through 1st grade)
3. Pumpkin Stem Challenge Your Preschoolers Will Love (Preschool through 1st grade)
4. Preschool Math: Graphing Fall Leaves (Preschool or Elementary depending on how the adult adapts it)
5. Leaf Measurement and Sorting Activity (Preschool or Elementary depending on how the adult adapts it)
6. Leaf symmetry lesson combining math and art (Elementary)

Science Experiments

1. Science for Kids: Exploring How Water Travels Through Leaves (Preschool or Elementary)
2. How Do Leaves Breathe? A Simple Science Experiment for Kids (Preschool or Elementary)
3. Science Experiment: Why Do Leaves Change Colour? (Preschool or Elementary)
4. Pumpkin Oobleck With A Real Pumpkin (Preschool or Elementary)
5. Apple Oxidation Science Experiment (Preschool or Elementary)
6. Hibernation Science Lesson (Preschool or Elementary)

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

The Best Picture Books and Middle Grade Books about Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias

Disclosure

This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional cost for you, and it helps me to keep creating awesome content!

Dear Readers,

Living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia is a difficult experience for everyone involved. Watching my grandmother suffer from dementia during the last five or so years of her life was very painful. I was blessed that my grandmother was cognitively healthy until I was out of college, but unfortunately, there are children who have to witness the decline of an older loved one, often a grandparent. Reading stories about children who are going through the same thing might help these children to understand what Alzheimer’s disease or dementia will mean for them, their loved one, and the rest of their family. Below are some picture books and middle grade novels that I thought captured the experience well. I also included links to lists of activities that children can do with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia and listed some activities to help children understand what Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are and ways to process their feelings about those conditions.

If you have a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, first of all, I am sorry for the pain you are going through. Secondly, you should know that you are not alone. Remember to take care of yourself during this time. Self-care is important, and some people find attending a support group to be helpful. You can find a support group, information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and resources for talking to kids and teens about them on the Alzheimer’s Association’s website. The Alzheimer’s Association also has a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) that is available 365 days a year. Two other websites that contain information for caregivers are Caregiver Action Network (CAN) and Family Caregiver Alliance.

Picture Books

The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte uses balloons to represent memories. It presents a good visual for what is happening inside the grandpa’s mind as his memories slip away.

Hugging Grandma: Loving Those with Memory Disorders by Zina Kramer, illustrated by Dave Messing starts by showing the loving relationship between the granddaughter and grandma, progresses to the grandma’s changes in behavior due to Alzheimer’s disease, and ends with the granddaughter finding ways to show love to her grandma.

Newspaper Hats by Phil Cummings, illustrated by Owen Swan is about Georgie’s visit to her grandpa in a nursing home. When she shows him a picture of her wearing a newspaper hat to try to get him to remember her, he says that he loves newspaper hats, and they make some together.

Forget Me Not by Nancy Van Laan, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin starts with Julia explaining what life was like when her grandma was well and then shows the grandma’s memory deterioration until she is moved into a nursing home.

What a Beautiful Morning by Arthur A. Levine, illustrated by Katie Kath is about Noah visiting his grandparents and noticing that his grandpa is behaving differently on this visit. The illustrator depicts the grandpa’s memory lapses by making the grandpa and whatever he is having trouble remembering gray.

Remember, Grandma? by Laura Langston, illustrated by Lindsey Gardiner is about Margaret and her grandma who has dementia and lives with her and her parents. At first, the grandma’s memory lapses are not bad, but as they get worse, Margaret has trouble relating to her grandma. In the end, Margaret realizes that her grandma’s memory is going away, but her grandma’s love for her stays strong, even though it is now expressed differently.

Remembering for Both of Us: A Child Learns About Alzheimer’s by Charlotte Wood, illustrated by Dennis Auth is about Tasha, who loves spending time with her grandparents, but struggles to understand why her grandpa is changing. After helping her grandma drop her grandpa off at adult day care for the first time, her grandma explains Alzheimer’s disease to Tasha. She also gives Tasha some ideas for how to help her grandpa and a way to remember that her grandpa loves her, even though he can no longer show it the way he used to.

Little Mamá Forgets by Robin Cruise, illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen is about Lucy, who is aware that her grandma forgets a lot of things, but who focusses on the things that her grandma still remembers.

Grandpa’s Music: A Story about Alzheimer’s by Alison Acheson, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth is about the relationship between Callie and her grandpa, who has Alzheimer’s disease. The story starts with the grandpa moving in with Callie’s family, shows his memory’s deterioration through him forgetting how to do simple tasks, and ends with him moving into a nursing home. As the grandpa’s memory fades, his fingers never forget how to play the piano, and Callie is able to connect with him through his music.

Still My Grandma by Véronique Van den Abeele, illustrated by Claude K. Dubois is about Camille, who has a lot of special traditions that she does with her grandma. When her grandma gets Alzheimer’s disease and has to move into a nursing home, Camille is sad about the ways that her grandma has changed, but she creates new routines for when she visits her grandma. Even though her grandma is not the same person she used to be, Camille still loves her, and the fact that her grandma still does their special kiss lets Camille know that her grandma still loves her, too.

Always My Grandpa: A Story for Children about Alzheimer’s Disease by Linda Scacco, illustrated by Nicole Wong is about Daniel’s visit to his grandpa’s house after his grandpa has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Even though Daniel’s mom has warned him that his grandpa will be forgetful and that eventually he will not even recognize her and Daniel, Daniel does not believe that his grandpa will be any different. As the summer goes on, grandpa becomes more and more forgetful, and Daniel starts going through the fear and anger that comes with having a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease. Daniel’s mom does a good job of talking him through what is happening to his grandpa and what he is feeling.

Striped Shirts and Flowered Pants: A Story about Alzheimer’s Disease for Young Children by Barbara Schnurbush, illustrated by Cary Pillo is about Libby and the way her grandma is changing. When the changes first start, Libby worries that her grandma is sick and might die. After her parents explain that her grandma has Alzheimer’s disease, Libby starts to worry that something is wrong with her brain too. Her parents explain that children cannot get Alzheimer’s disease and help Libby understand the different things that they can all do to help her grandma. Together, Libby and her family find a way to be okay even though her grandma has Alzheimer’s disease.

Middle Grade

The Graduation of Jake Moon by Barbara Park is about Jake, whose grandfather helped to raise him. However, now that his grandfather has Alzheimer’s disease, Jake has to help care for his grandfather, and he is struggling with the fact that it is affecting every area of his life. I think that the book accurately captures the strain of caregiving and the complex emotions that come with living with a relative who has Alzheimer’s disease.

Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina is about Merci who, in addition to struggling with the normal 6th-grade drama, can’t understand why her grandfather is behaving strangely and why she suddenly has to be home to care for the twins when her grandfather always used to do that. Merci battles the challenges at school and home until a life or death experience forces her family to tell her that her grandfather has Alzheimer’s disease. This book shows why it is important to talk to children about Alzheimer’s disease and the changes that it will create in family interactions and roles. I also like that the story ends on a hopeful note: life won’t be easy, but there are ways to reclaim some form of normalcy while living with and loving someone who has Alzheimer’s disease.

Just Like Jackie by Lindsey Stoddard is about a girl named Robinson who is being raised by her grandfather, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Warning: This book is raw. Other kids are also going through difficult family situations, and the kids display their stress in socially unacceptable ways including bullying and physical aggression. Both adults and kids swear because those words reflect how they really feel about the situations they are going through. This book is not about how to navigate Alzheimer’s disease and other difficult situations. Instead, it offers hope that despite life’s unfairness, there is a way to be okay.

The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones by Wendelin Van Draanan is about Lincoln and his mom, who have recently escaped from an abusive situation. In their new home, his mom found a job as a caregiver at a retirement home. Since she is a single mom, Lincoln has to spend his afterschool hours and part of his weekend at the retirement home among the residents. The book looks at Alzheimer’s disease and other side effects of aging from a different angle because Lincoln is not related to any of the residents. Other themes found in the book are bullying, domestic abuse, families drifting apart, escapism, and courage.

Roll with It by Jamie Sumner is about Ellie and her mother moving into her grandparents’ trailer to help take care of her grandfather, who has Alzheimer’s disease. Ellie’s struggles are not limited to the way Alzheimer’s disease is affecting her grandfather and the strain it is putting on the relationship between her mother and grandmother. She also has to integrate into a new school as the kid in the wheelchair who lives on the wrong side of town; navigate a complicated relationship with her father, who walked out on her and her mom; and come up with a recipe that will win the town’s pie Bake-Off so she can convince her mom that staying in this town is what’s best for her. The book shows how when life refuses to give you a break, you can keep going and find the good in the hard situations.

Activities for Children to Do with Loved Ones Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease or Another Dementia

1. 10 Easy Crafts For Seniors with Dementia: Inexpensive DIY Ideas
2. 10 Fun, No-Fail Activities for People with Dementia
3. 9 Entertaining Activities for Low Vision Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Activities to Help Children Understand Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias and Process their Feelings

1. Explain the human brain to children by making a brain puzzle or a brain hemisphere hat so that you can show your child where in the brain different things work.
2. Create a memory box or photo album with your child about things that he/she loves about his/her grandparent and/or about favorite memories or activities that they do together.
3. Develop strategies for how to talk about the emotions that will come up during this difficult journey.
4. Create a calm down wand. (This is easily made by buying a pinwheel and a fake flower. Attach the flower to the other end of the pinwheel. When the child needs to calm down, have him/her smell the flower and then turn the wand over and blow the pinwheel.)
5. Create a safe space to hit something and/or scream.

May reading lead to understanding and the knowledge that you are not alone,

Katie

P.S.

This post is in honor of my grandparents: Gerrit and Margaret Betz (Pop-pop and Oma to their grandchildren). Oma and Pop-pop were married for over 50 years and loved each other even after death separated them on March 4, 2019. As Oma’s memory went, Pop-pop was her rock. She forgot his name, but she never forgot that he was her person.

P.P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

Mermaid Picture Books and Chapter Books

Disclosure

This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional cost for you, and it helps me to keep creating awesome content!

Hello everyone!

Like many little girls, I wanted to be a mermaid when I was six. What I didn’t know was that professional mermaid was a career choice. Last year, I learned about a woman named Mermaid Linden who makes her living as a professional mermaid. She attends events and has a YouTube channel where she posts her Mermaid Minute videos; each video gives facts about the ocean in one minute.

I have recently been on a mermaid kick (or maybe I never outgrew my desire to be a mermaid). Either way, below are some picture books and chapter books about mermaids that I really enjoyed, and I hope your young mermaid fans will, too. After reading some mermaid tales, dive deeper under the sea with the mermaid crafts and sensory items, actualize dreams of being a real mermaid by creating DIY mermaid costumes, and then finish off the fun with a mermaid snack. You’ll find everything you need for a complete mermaid experience at the end of the post.

Picture Books

Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Mermaid by Rhiannon Fielding is about a little mermaid who would rather play and explore than go to bed.

How to Meet a Mermaid by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Simona Sanfilippo gives directions for what to do if you want to meet a mermaid…and states what will happen when you do.

Pearl by Molly Idle is about a young mermaid who wants to have a special job like all the other mermaids and how her seemingly insignificant job is more important than she knows.

How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Andy Elkerton is a cute story about two kids who try to catch a Mermaid so that she will be there friend.

The Mermaid and the Shoe by K.G. Campbell is about a mermaid who sets out to learn the purpose of a shoe and consequently discovers her own purpose. The book’s message is great for all young people who are still searching for their place in the world.

Mermaid and Me by Soosh is a beautiful story about friendship and keeping the oceans clean.

The Mermaid by Jan Brett is a mermaid retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Mermaid School by Joanne Stewart Wetzel, illustrated by Julianna Swaney is an underwater first day of school story.

Mariana and the Merchild by Caroline Pitcher, illustrated by Jackie Morris is about a lonely woman who finds belonging and acceptance in her community through fostering a mermaid.

Sukey and the Mermaid by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Brian Pinkney is about a girl who’s stepfather makes her work all day and the mermaid who befriends her and offers her an escape.

Elementary-Age Readers

Mermaid Tales Series by Debbie Dadey is about different mermaids who attend the same school.

1. Trouble at Trident Academy
2. Battle of the Best Friends
3. A Whale of a Tale
4. Danger in the Deep Blue Sea
5. The Lost Princess
6. The Secret Sea Horse
7. Dream of the Blue Turtle
8. Treasure in Trident City
9. A Royal Tea
10. A Tale of Two Sisters
11. The Polar Bear Express
12. Wish upon a Starfish
13. The Crook and the Crown
14. Twist and Shout
15. Books vs. Looks
16. Flower Girl Dreams
17. Ready, Set, Goal!
18. Fairy Chase
19. The Narwhal Problem
20. The Winter Princess
21. Sleepover at the Haunted Museum

The Little Mermaid: An Interactive Fairy Tale Adventure by Eric Mark Braun, illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum is an interactive book that offers three modern twists on the classic fairy tale for readers to explore.

Mermaid Myths (Myths Across the Map) by Cynthia O’Brien is a nonfiction book that gives readers an overview of mermaid myths from around the world.

Activities

For my sixth birthday, my mother threw me a mermaid party. We hung green streamers for seaweed, made paper fins, and created a life-size mermaid puzzle.

Whether you want to throw a mermaid-themed party or just have some under-the-sea fun, below are some mermaid crafts and snacks for your mermaid lovers.

Make Your Own Life-Size Mermaid Puzzle:

1. Trace the outline of a child onto butcher paper. Be sure to trace their legs together and add fins.
2. Color the mermaid/merman.
3. Cut the mermaid/merman drawing into smaller pieces.
4. Glue the pieces onto cardboard.
5. Cut out the cardboard pieces.
6. Assemble the puzzle.

Other Ways to Make Your Own Mermaid:

– Curl Animation Mermaid Craft

– Toilet Paper Tube Mermaid Doll

– Origami Mermaid

DIY Mermaid Costume:

– Mermaid Tail

– Mermaid Tiara

– Seashell Mermaid Purse

– Poseidon’s Trident

Mermaid Sensory Seekers:

– Mermaid Sensory Writing Tray

– Mermaid Tail Glitter Sensory Bottle

– Mermaid Slime

Mermaid Snacks:

– Mermaid Tails

– Clam Shell Cookies

– Mermaid Lemonade (Mocktail)

– Mermaid Tail Cupcakes

– No-Churn Mermaid Ice Cream

Happy reading and crafting to all the merfolk out there!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.