Happy Birthday America! Top 4th Of July Books For Preschoolers

Ahhhh Summer.

The time of year where we get to play at the pools, beaches, eat massive food at cookouts, and celebrate our Independence. Chances are, with the children being home for summer vacation, you'll take trips to the Library and book stores.

We have a nice list of fun reads for you and your child to enjoy.

1 - 

The Night Before the Fourth of July

The twentieth title in the bestselling Night Before series is the perfect summer treat! 

It's the night before the Fourth of July and all across the United States people are getting ready for hot dogs and fireworks. Decked in red, white, and blue, a family heads to a parade, hosts a backyard BBQ with friends and family, dodges an afternoon thundershower, and of course, watches a fireworks show. The Night Before the Fourth of July captures all the fun, excitement, and pride of the best summer holiday!

2 - 

Corduroy's Fourth of July 

Celebrate summer with a Corduroy board book adventure!

Today is the Fourth of July, and Corduroy and his friends are having a fun-filled picnic. They eat tasty treats and play games in the hot summer sun. Then it’s time to cool down with a dip in the pool. Next they take part in an Independence Day parade! Scruffy Pup bangs the drum, Checkerboard Bunny plays the flute, and Corduroy carries the American flag. Once it’s dark outside, the friends gather to watch an amazing fireworks display.

This sturdy, brightly colored shaped board book is perfect for the youngest fans of Corduroy, one of the best-loved characters in children’s books for nearly 40 years.

3 - 

The Story of America's Birthday

This little book presents the story of the founding of America in words that are simple enough for a toddler to understand. Vibrant illustrations paired with the text help to create the connection between the story of the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution and today's Fourth of July festivities. Parents can use this book to introduce little ones to the history and meaning behind Independence Day. Ages 2-5.

4 - 

Apple Pie Fourth of July

Shocked that her parents are cooking Chinese food to sell in the family store on an all-American holiday, a feisty Chinese American girl tries to tell her mother and father how things really are. But as the parade passes by and fireworks light the sky, she learns a surprising lesson. 

5 - 

Eloise and the Big Parade

Eloise and Nanny are going to a big parade!

6 - 

Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney!

It's the 4th of July and all over town, people are getting ready. Jenny Sweeney gives her dog, Rags, a bath. All the preparations lead up to the big parade and a night of bright fireworks. It's a great day. "Happy Birthday, USA!"

7 - 

F Is for Flag (Reading Railroad)

June 14 is Flag Day, but with so many American flags proudly displayed, every day seems like Flag Day. Perfect for reading together with a young child, F Is for Flag shows in simple terms how one flag can mean many things: a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder that-in good times and in bad-everyone in our country is part of one great big family.

8 - 

L Is for Liberty (Reading Railroad)

For more than a century, the Statue of Liberty has stood proudly in New York Harbor, welcoming people from near and far. Perfect for reading together with a young child, L Is for Liberty uses simple language and bold illustrations to celebrate the statue, her history, and the freedom she stands for.

9 - 

A Is for America: A Patriotic Alphabet Book

Little ones will love learning American history in Tanya Lee Stone's latest alphabet book. Rhyming couplets that flow through the alphabet help kids celebrate everything from the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to Thomas Jefferson and Harriet Tubman!

10 - 

The Berenstain Bears God Bless Our Country (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights)

The Bear family and their Bear Country neighbors celebrate the Fourth of July with a big parade. But not before the cubs get a lesson about the blessings of freedom for their country.  Features 12 full-color stickers.

Educational Websites for Preschoolers

We know how much kids today love to have their "screen time." Whether you give them 20 minutes a day, 30 minutes a day, or more. Why not make it educational AND fun for them? There are many websites out there that want this very combo for your children. They understand the importance of keeping them engaged while learning.

Here are some of our favorites:

1. www.abcya.com/

Here you will find free games and apps for kids. Games such as connect the dots, Bingo, letter and number tracing, and more.

2. www.abcmouse.com

This site offers Reading, Math, Music, Art, and other easy to use content for preschoolers. They offer a paid subscription, but you will find plenty of great games for free.

3 - www.funbrainjr.com

The fun and vibrant games you will find here will help children ages 2 - 6 years will help them build early learning skills in math AND reading!

4 - www.pbskids.org

Learn about letters and the alphabet and play games with some of your favorite PBS Kids characters.

Fun Summer Activities To Do With Your Children

IT'S SUMMER. AHHHHHHH!!!

The air is vibrating with excitement. The kids will be home from school and you are wondering what in the world you can do to keep them entertained. We have compiled a list of activities for you to consider throughout the season to be enjoyed by the whole family.

1 - Local Library

Most libraries have weekly events planned throughout the year and especially in the summer when everyone is off of school.  Look online for your Library's list of fun and educational plans.  Also, don't forget to sign them up for the summer reading program. Not only does this come with a few perks, but you will also find a list of recommended reading for all ages.

2 - Local Parks

Parks aren't just for jungle gyms.  Many will orchestrate family-friendly fun for you as well.  And, most of the time they are FREE events.  Fireworks for the 4th of July.  Performances at the pavilion. Concerts on the lawn. Nature tours.  So cool!

3 - Local Town Centers

So many of these shopping centers offer family-friendly activities such as concerts and outdoor movie nights.  What a great way to enjoy an evening with your loved ones than a nice meal and community?

4 - Free or Deeply Discounted Movies

Did you know that over the summer, some movie theatres have children's movies for $5 or less? Whaaaaaaaat???  I knooooooowww!  Companies like Regal have them on Tuesday mornings.  Every year they put out their list of films and the schedule for which it will be released throughout the summer break.

Kids have all of the fun 😒

5 - Visit the Farm

Most Farms are free to visitors.  Many offer activities that are free or low in cost, such as hayrides, arts and crafts, milking the cows, and so on.  Make an afternoon of it by packing a picnic lunch. Some farms offer strawberry and blueberry picking along with general stores where you can purchase local honey, jams, and baked good.

Last but not least, don't forget to check around your town for free attractions.  You might be able to find smaller museums that have free entry.

Another idea would be to explore a nearby town or city.  Summertime is chock full of festivals with rides, music, games, and delicious foods.