I’m not sure about where you live, but in upstate New York, winters tend to be pretty bleak and grey. Even years like this that have been mild in terms of temperature and snow still leave me feeling blah. By the time mid-February rolls around, I’m ready for some vibrance and color. Unfortunately, to see that outside, I still have several months of waiting ahead. So when I came across If I Had a Little Dream while browsing at the bookstore, I snapped it up and brought that brightness home.

 
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Nina Laden (creator of the very popular Peek-A Who? series) and Melissa Castrillon have put together an incredibly beautiful storybook filled with contrasting tones of  blue and orange. Each page features a sweetly drawn little girl set in fanciful scenes of plants, flowers, and nature. The text focuses on each small dream this young girl might have- a little brother, a garden, a bicycle. Beautiful metaphors and descriptive language bring her dreams to life, and add importance and substance to each seemingly simple dream. A chair may seem like a simple wish, but within the words of this story, it becomes significant.

    
If I had a little chair,
I would name it Strong.
Strong would hold me when I needed rest,
until friends came along. 

I found the page regarding a dream of a  little brother particularly poignant and touching, in relation to my own life experience. #thebigone was so thrilled to become a big brother when #myrunawaybunny was born. He quickly went from being excited to welcome a new baby to learning how to be a big brother to a baby we told him ‘lived on the clouds now.’

 
If I had a little brother,
I would name him Sky.
Sky would be the air I breathe,
together we would fly. 

The book page touched me deeply as well. It’s a beautiful characterization of how significant a role books can play in our lives and our happiness. Young and old alike can find comfort, compassion, and a sense of belonging within the pages of a powerful read. I love the way If I Had a Little Dream presents this idea.

If I had a little book,
I would name it Friend.
Friend would go wherever I went,
Our story would never end. 

So, let’s Make something Bright & pretty!

I was inspired by the gorgeous colors and nature themed illustrations running throughout the book. I put together a simple but engaging project that can require little true artistic ability. This makes it great for the kids who say they can’t draw, or their pictures never come out right. (Everyone comes across one or two of those at some point, right?!). A little confidence goes a long way in budding artists, so a project that leaves kids feeling capable is a great thing.

You Will Need:

1. Drawing printable or writing printable.
2. Faux flowers- shades of orange and blue will best emulate the style of the book, but feel free to get creative with your kids when choosing. (Alternatively, flowers cut from colored construction paper would also work well).
3. Craft glue. (Hot glue is another option, dependent on your child’s abilities).
4. Strong shears or wire cutters. (You may be able to just pull flowers off their stems, depending on how they are made).
5. Pencil or pen.
6. Crayons, markers, colored pencils. (Optional, for kids who prefer drawing over writing.)

I’ve created 2 free printable options to use for this project. One includes a smidge of writing, and the other is great for pre-writers who may want to only draw instead (still great for pre-writing skills). On the writing sheet, the text for the child to fill in is minimal, and an adult can always step in to write their ideas if early or pre-writers need assistance. You might consider writing their thoughts lightly in a dotted line and allowing the child to trace their words as well.

#thebigone is currently obsessed with pangolins– so much so that he’s asked me to start calling him Pangolin instead of his name. So it makes perfect sense that he’s dreaming of a little ‘penglin’- named ‘Penley’. 

The printables show an oval encircling the text or drawing area, mimicking the framed style found on many pages of the book. The simplest first step is to complete either the writing or drawing in the center of the oval first- it will be trickier to complete when the project is closer to the end, or will require significant drying time first. So just get that taken care of early on.

Encourage your children to use trimmed faux flowers, leaves, and petals to create a beautiful three dimensional frame along the oval. Craft glue (or hot glue, if your child is older and well supervised) work well for attaching the flowers. These can be as simple or as ornate as they would prefer. It’s a good idea to have If I Had a Little Dream available for them to reference for inspiration while they are working.

Once the glue has fully dried, your family will have a gorgeous representation of your child’s inner dream, created in the style of If I Had a Little Dream.

What sort of little dreams did your children have? Share them with me in the comments below!

Last March, I discovered that my mother-in-law shares a birthday with the prolific children’s book creator, Dr. Seuss. Since I am a total kid’s literature nerd, I found this coincidence pretty exciting. (Let’s be honest, it’s more fun than Edward James Olmos, who I share a birthday with!) Last year, I popped some Cat In The Hat style hats on both boys and snapped a few photos for their Nana. We often create hand print and foot print art as gifts for family, so we decided to try our hands at a Dr. Seuss themed gift for her birthday this year. (hands…get it?! HA!)

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post (at no additional cost to you), which allows me to continue providing free content on the blog.

This project makes a great homemade birthday gift for any fan of Dr. Seuss or children’s literature in general. It’s also the perfect project to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with your children on March 2. The day has become increasingly popular over recent years, with schools and daycares holding their own special events and celebrations as well. Read on to see how we created our masterpiece- and then give it a shot yourself!

You’ll notice that I completed this project pretty much on my own without #thebigone. That’s only because he was at his dad’s- this is a project he would normally be very capable of working on with me. #thelittleone, not so much!

Ready for some Dr. Seuss Crafting?

supplies:  

1. Canvas (or paper).
2. Red paint.
3. Paint brush.
4. White paper.
5. Beige paper.
6. Black marker.
7. Printed paper.
8. Pom poms.
9. Aqua raffia ribbon. (Yarn, fun fur, paper, etc. will also work well).
10. Scissors.
11. Adhesive tape runner. (Optional- glue is fine also. I just lack the patience for drying time).
12. Craft glue.

Instructions:

I started by using the paint brush and red paint to add each boys’ hand print to the canvas. To get a shape similar to the body of the Things, I added paint to their palm and only four fingers, leaving the middle finger clean. #thebigone is cooperative and helpful with hand prints at this point, but #thelittleone is a different story. I usually have my husband help me when it’s time to tackle #thelittleone’s print. After both prints were on the canvas, I set it aside to let it dry.

Next I traced a roll of washi tape onto white paper twice, to create the Things’ bellies. (See, washi tape has countless uses, which is obviously why I love it so much!). I cut the circles out and attached them to the dry hand prints using the adhesive tape runner. Using a fine black permanent marker, I added ‘Thing 1’ and ‘Thing 2’ to each white belly.

I drew the basic shape of the Things’ faces onto my beige paper free hand. When I had a shape and size I was happy with (it took a few tries), I cut it out and traced a second one. Then I cut that face out as well. I used my phone to pull up some images of the Things. Using those images as reference, I drew their facial features on with the black marker. I also decided to outline the face shape, so that they would stand out a little better against the white canvas.

I cut several pieces of the aqua raffia for each Thing. Ultimately, I used around 5 pieces per Thing, and each piece was  between 1-1 1/2 inches long. I unrolled the raffia tape. Using the adhesive tape, I attached the raffia to the back of each Thing head. Next, I cut the raffia in a fringe manner, to make the hair a little more Thing-like. I used the adhesive tape to attach the heads, with hair, to the canvas. [If you’re using yarn, paper, or fur, you’ll want to adapt this step to better suit your materials].

The project was almost complete, but needed a little something extra to give it a festive birthday feel. I cut 2 small triangles out of a piece of patterned scrapbook paper, and attached one to each head with glue. Finally, I added a small pom pom to the top of each party hat with craft glue, and let the glue dry.

Having a Dr. Seuss Celebration? or is this a Gift for Someone special?

If your family completed this project simply as a fun way to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ special day, you may not want to add a special message. Because we made ours as a birthday gift for my mother-in-law, we added a hand written note to the back of the canvas. After a bit of thought and brainstorming I settled on the Dr. Seuss inspired rhyme ‘Happy Birthday To You From Thing 1 And Thing 2!’ I made sure to add the year as well, so we’ll always know how old the boys’ were when their hands were that little.

Our favorite Dr. Seuss Goodies!

Just in case you need some additional Dr. Seuss themed gift inspiration, I’m sharing some of our favorite finds! Dr. Seuss’ birthday is the perfect opportunity to add a book or two to your home library!

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Are your kids big fans of Dr. Seuss? Which books do they like best? How will you celebrate his birthday?

Fun ideas for more crafts and activities inspired by children’s literature are right here!
Love those little handprints? There’s a project for every occasion!

I’ve said before, blogging about kid’s literature has a few incredible perks. The biggest one is the chance to check out incredible new books- sometimes before they’ve even launched yet! I recently had the privilege of checking out the first book in a brand new science-inspired series set to launch in March. I’m excited to introduce you to “Zoey and Sassafras“‘!

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post (at no additional cost to you), which allows me to continue providing free content on the blog. I received a free copy of the book and a ‘parent launch kit’ to facilitate this review. All opinions here are my own. 

The Basics

The “Zoey and Sassafras” series is an upcoming creation from The Innovation Press. The books are a series of short(ish) chapter books for kids around 5-9 years old. The stories, written by Asia Citro, focus on young Zoey and her trusty buddy- her cat Sassafras. Together, Zoey and Sassafras encounter magical and mythical creatures who come to her family for help when they are ill. In order to help the fantasic animals, Zoey uses legitimate scientific principles to experiment and find solutions that work. Marion Lindsay’s whimsical illustrations of the wide-eyed characters will capture the attention of readers.

Up First- Dragons and Marshmallows

Asia was kind enough to send me the first book in the series, Dragons and Marshmallows. In this tale, Zoey’s mother reveals a secret to the curious girl. Since she was young, Zoey’s mother has been able to see and communicate with magical animals, and helps them when needed. Her mother leaves this responsibility with Zoey while she’s away, and Zoey jumps in head first. Zoey’s first mythical visitor is a baby dragon, and Zoey must determine how to keep her young charge happy and healthy. Through age-appropriate hypotheses and experimentation, Zoey’s first challenge is ultimately a success.

Young readers will enjoy Zoey’s character and likely identify with her eagerness to think independently and find solutions on her own. Zoey is a curious girl, the sort who is always thinking. That trait resonated with me in comparison to my oldest. I’m sure other readers, young and old, will make the same connection. Parents will be thrilled with the inclusion of ‘true’ science, making the book a perfect introduction to further experimentation and learning. Children will likely not even know they are learning about science while they read. The educational slant of the book is disguised behind the fantasy of helping dragons. There’s nothing dry or ‘school-like’ about this reading, although it does align with common core standards. This makes the book ideal for reluctant readers as well.

One feature of these books that I love is the role of Zoey and her mother as the heroes of the books. Zoey’s mom is employed as a scientist, and Zoey looks up to her for her intelligence and capability. Historically overlooked in science and technology roles in both the ‘real world’ and children’s literature, these books help to normalize the idea that women can be successful in science. Young girls will identify with Zoey and likely find a role model in Zoey’s mom. Additionally, Zoey is successful in her mission based on her thoughts and follow through with experimentation. There’s no mention of what you find in a lot of literature marketed to young girls- shopping, boys, etc. (I’m not saying that ‘girly stuff’ doesn’t have a place in kid’s reading, it certainly does. But balance is a good thing, and that’s what this series provides).

Young boys will have the opportunity to normalize the importance of women and girls within technological fields. The impact on young male readers especially is not likely to be overt. In the way that exposure to an idea over and over normalizes it, reading these books will very gradually remove the distinction between the roles of men and women in science. [And that’s a great thing, in my opinion!] #thebigone read the book, and he had no complaints about it being ‘for girls’. This is a series that will appeal to a wide audience, and benefit a wide audience.

Zoey and sassafras- building on books

Each book/series from Innovation Press has a website that provides ideas for extension activities to help the reading come alive. Discussion guides are also available, to make sure comprehension is strong. Inspired by the book, we set out to create some props to aid us in our future scientific endeavors. If you’re going to be a scientist, you’d better look the part, right?!

Thinking Goggles
When Zoey really needs to think, she wears her Thinking Goggles. We grabbed a pair of safety goggles for ourselves and decided to make them a little bit fancier. (Mainly because we never pass up an opportunity to get a little crafty!) We used puffy paint to add some color to our goggles , and then set them aside for a chance to dry thoroughly. We even added a little ‘thinking’ motivation to ours, but yours will be a blank canvas for your little scientists to fill. (Helpful hint… Steer clear of the vent holes in the goggles!) 

Science Journal
Zoey records her hypotheses, variables, and outcome of experiments in her science journal. We decorated some simple notebooks with permanent markers, science cutouts, and science themed stickers. There’s a lot of flexibility in this project, so do what works for you. Cutting and pasting words or images from magazines would be another great way to decorate your journals. Don’t forget to write your name on the front!

Pair these two accessories with an old white adult size button down shirt (lab coat, anyone?). Your little scientists look the part and be ready to start experimenting! Keep your eyes peeled for dragons!

Gotta Have it?

The “Zoey and Sassafras” series is currently set to officially launch in mid-March. Until then, you can pre-order the books online from Amazon via the links below. While you’re there, check out some of the other exciting titles from The Innovation Press. Additionally, the series is available at Indie Bound.

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post (at no additional cost to you), which allows me to continue providing free content on the blog. I received a free copy of the book and a ‘parent launch kit’ to facilitate this review. All opinions here are my own.

How do you get your kids excited to read about science? 

We’ve got kindness on the brain over here, because we’re busy preparing for National Random Acts of Kindness Day. In an incredible moment of serendipity, a copy of The Story of the Kindness Elves arrived at my home for review, just as I was starting to think about my random acts of kindness posts. The book, from authors Anna Ranson and Benjamin Byrne and illustrator Naomi Berry, is a magical tale of mystical little folks that encourage regular acts of kindness and compassion from it’s readers. The Kindness Elves are adorable creatures that live in the clouds, watching the happenings of the world below them as they paint rainbows in the sky.

Disclosure: Although I received a free copy of the book for review, all opinions are my own.
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post (at no additional cost to you), which allows me to continue providing free content on the blog.

Immediately after unwrapping the book, I was first struck by just how sweet and whimsical the illustrative style of the book is. The elves are charming and innocent, and the loose watercolor images throughout the book are bright and colorful enough to engage young listeners during read-a-louds. There’s a bit of a ‘peek-inside’ sort of feeling at points, when the readers are able to peer into the magical world and homes the elves inhabit on the clouds. Readers who love small world and dramatic play will enjoy the illustrations that have an almost dollhouse-like feel at some points, and additionally will likely be enthralled with the houses included with the purchase of a Kindness Elves set. [Seriously, check it out! How adorable is this magical little house?! Not to mention the elves…]

The text is meatier than many average picture books, with a true storyline and multiple suggestions of acts of kindness woven throughout the book. The font is clear, and sized perfectly for newly independent readers looking for something a bit more substantial than early leveled readers. Children can watch as Camelia, William, and the Kindness Elves take on age appropriate gestures of compassion, which will help empower young readers to feel capable of doing the same in their own daily lives. Together the children, inspired by notes from the elves, make simple and actionable steps to spread goodness. They do this through a variety of way, such as playing a board game with an elderly friend and including a lonely child on the playground.

In a sort of ‘Elf On The Shelf gone good’ mentality, the Kindness Elves encourage compassion and kindness through a magical role in the family all year long, not just at Christmas time. Because parents can decide how often their elves have notes to deliver this a much less high pressure endeavor than the typical elf routine. (Which consequently means way less mom-guilt, which is something I am always a fan of!) The Kindness Elves communicate with Camelia and William via postcards. Families will have fun ‘tricking’ the little ones with their own versions of the notes. There’s even a small postcard with the recipe for kindness tucked into a little pocket within the book, furthering the experience of magic for the littles who are reading along.

As a result of the gorgeous illustrations that accompany this sweet story, I was inspired to create our own version of the elves’ magical world in the clouds. I know your family will have as much fun creating it as my family did.

Get Creative!

You will need:
1. Free printable.
2. Watercolor paints, paintbrushes, and water.
3. Mod Podge or other similar glue.
4. Glitter. (Bonus points for hearts and stars!)

We painted our free printable first and let it dry completely. We loosely based our color choices on those found within the book, but there’s no reason to limit yourself. Let your kids paint their cloud worlds in whatever colors they imagine them to be. After the paint was dry, we spread a layer of Mod Podge over the ‘smoke’ from the house, and sprinkled it with glitter to add some extra magic to the scene. We are thrilled with how cute our picture turned out, and hope you will love making yours just as much!

The Kindness Elves book can be purchased here. While you’re there, be sure to check out the elves and other accessories that can make your reading experience truly come alive for your children. Also be sure to check out February’s Kind Words challenge, perfect if you want to do some good but aren’t sure where to start.

Don’t forget! Random Acts of Kindness Day is coming up on February 17th!
Check this out to read about how my family and I are making the day extra special.

More ideas for extension activities inspired by children’s literature can be found here.

Disclosure: Although I received a free copy of the book for review, all opinions are my own.
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post (at no additional cost to you), which allows me to continue providing free content on the blog.