Top 10 Thanksgiving Books To Read With Your Children 2017

1 ~ Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks! (Reading Railroad)

Sure, Thanksgiving is about pilgrims and history--and turkey, of course!--but most importantly, it's a holiday all about everything that we are thankful for. Cheerful, colorful illustrations accompany the simple text in this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday that brings them all together.

2 ~ Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving

Join Pete in New York Times bestselling artist James Dean's Pete the Cat picture book series as Pete celebrates Thanksgiving in this groovy lift-the-flap book!

Starring in the school Thanksgiving play would make even the coolest cat nervous. But when Pete the Cat gets onstage, he makes learning the story of the first Thanksgiving fun. With thirteen flaps that open to reveal hidden surprises, this book is sure to be a holiday favorite for every Pete the Cat fan.

3 ~ Turkey Trouble

Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it's almost Thanksgiving . . . and you're the main
course. But Turkey has an idea--what if he doesn't look like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead?
After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever!

4 ~ Llama Llama Gives Thanks

In Llama Llama Gives Thanks, it's Thanksgiving time for Llama Llama and his family! That means yummy foods and autumn leaves and being thankful for everything from pumpkin pies to blue skies. Thanksgiving may only come once year, but in Llama's family, giving thanks is always here!

With short and simple rhyming text, the Llama Llama board books introduce Llama Llama to babies and toddlers before they’re ready for longer full-length stories. And their small size and durable pages are perfect for little hands.

5 ~ The Night Before Thanksgiving

Everyone’s favorite fun-filled, family-filled, food-filled holiday is almost here! Follow along as the feast is prepared, cousins are greeted, and everyone gathers around the table, all with an extra helping of holiday fun.

6 ~ Five Silly Turkeys

Toddlers will love the silly Thanksgiving turkeys in this fun counting book full of silly turkeys doing very silly things!  From twirling on a dance floor to being chased by a bee to tanning in the sun, these are no ordinary Thanksgiving turkeys. This shiny fabric–tabbed book is a holiday treat that is sure to be gobbled up quickly.

7 ~ 10 Fat Turkeys

This silly rhyming story about ten turkeys teaches children how to count backwards.

"Looky!" says a silly turkey swinging from a vine.
Gobble gobble wibble wobble.
Whoops! Now there are nine.

8 ~ There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! 

The old lady is at it again, and this time she's swallowing a Turkey . . . she's always been quirky! 

You won't believe why this old lady swallowed
a turkey, a ball, a hat, a balloon, a boat, some wheels, and
a horn of plenty!

Read this book and find out why!

9 ~ The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks

The Berenstain cubs act out the first Thanksgiving complete with costumes, props, and a full Thanksgiving feast. But will Sister Bear’s pet turkey play the part of dinner? The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks teaches how God provided for the pilgrims and reminds children of God’s many blessings.

10 ~ T is for Turkey: A True Thanksgiving Story 

Little ones will love learning about Thanksgiving in Tanya Lee Stone's newest shaped alphabet book. Join in as the elementary school puts on a play that tells the true story of the first Thanksgiving. Rhyming couplets that flow through the alphabet help kids celebrate everything from Harvest to Pilgrims to Turkey.

Top 10 Children's Books To Read For Fall

Fall is FINALLY here!  And your local libraries are showcasing all of the best Fall time reads.  Here are our Top 10 Children's books for the Fall season:

1 ~ The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages

This story by Leo Buscaglia is a warm, wonderfully wise and strikingly simple story about a leaf named Freddie. How Freddie and his companion leaves change with the passing seasons, finally falling to the ground with winter's snow, is an inspiring allegory illustrating the delicate balance between life and death.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf is a warm and thought-provoking story and both children and adults will be deeply touched by this inspiring book. This 20th anniversary edition of this beloved classic has helped thousands of people come to grips with life and death.

2 ~ Llama Llama Gives Thanks

From beloved storyteller Anna Dewdney comes the perfect way to give thanks: a Llama Llama Thanksgiving board book!
 
In Llama Llama Gives Thanks, it's Thanksgiving time for Llama Llama and his family! That means yummy foods and autumn leaves and being thankful for everything from pumpkin pies to blue skies. Thanksgiving may only come once year, but in Llama's family, giving thanks is always here!

With short and simple rhyming text, the Llama Llama board books introduce Llama Llama to babies and toddlers before they’re ready for longer full-length stories. And their small size and durable pages are perfect for little hands.

3 ~ Mouse's First Fall 

Lauren Thompson and Bucket Erdogan show what makes fall so much fun in Classic Board Book edition of Mouse's First Fall!

One cool day Mouse and Minka venture out to play. From leaves of all colors—red, yellow, orange to brown—to leaves of all shapes and sizes—Mouse learns what makes fall such a special season! Before their fun, fall day is over, Mouse takes a big "leap!" Now featuring the newly redesigned Classic Board Book logo, this sturdy book is perfect for little ones learning about the seasons!

4 ~ I Love Fall!: A Touch-and-Feel Board Book

From plump orange pumpkins to crunchy leaves, readers will love all the textures fall has to offer in this delightful touch-and-feel board book.

From woolly scarves and plump orange pumpkins to crunchy leaves and smooth wicker baskets, readers will delight in all the different textures fall has to offer. With simple, rhyming verses and sweet, vibrant illustrations, youngsters can celebrate the season with this touch-and-feel board book that's perfect for small hands.

5 ~ The Busy Little Squirrel

The leaves have started to fall. The air is cold. Squirrel needs to get ready for winter. He cannot nibble with the mice. He does not have time to hop with the frogs or run with the dogs. Will this busy little squirrel ever slow down? 

Focusing on all the charming features of the fall season, this sweetly illustrated story features country animals, pumpkins, leaves, apples and other signs of autumn. Now available as a sturdy board book, the newly redesigned Classic Board Book logo calls out this title's seasonal theme on the front cover.

6 ~ There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves!

Our favorite old lady is back and swallowing autumn items!

That wild old lady is back swallowing fall-themed items. What can you make from leaves, clothes, a pumpkin, and rope? That's right, a scarecrow!

Perfect for back-to-school time. 

7 ~ Apples and Pumpkins

A young girl spends a glorious fall day picking apples and searching for the perfect pumpkin in this refreshed classic.

"When red and yellow leaves are on the trees," a little girl goes with her parents to a farm where they pick apples and choose "the best pumpkin of them all." Back home, she helps to carve a grinning jack-o'-lantern face on the big orange pumpkin, which guards their doorstep on halloween night while her mother hands out shiny red apples and she and her father go trick-or-treating with the neighborhood ghosts and goblins.

8 ~ Fall Mixed Up 

"Every Septober, Every Octember, Fall fills my senses with scenes to remember." "Bears gather nuts. Geese hibernate. Squirrels fly south in big figure eights." Fall is all mixed up in this silly book from Bob Raczka! Can you find his mistakes in the words and pictures?

9 ~ Why Do Leaves Change Color?

It's fall! The leaves are changing color. This Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book explains the magical process of how leaves change their color in autumn.

Now rebranded with a new cover look, this classic picture book features graceful text and simple, fun diagrams to explain concepts like photosynthesis and the different types of leaves. This book also includes simple activities to do with leaves like leaf rubbings. Both the text and art were expert-vetted for accuracy.

This is a Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores more challenging concepts perfect for children in the primary grades and supports the Common Core Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Let's-Read-and-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.

10~ Little Critter: The Fall Festival (My First I Can Read) 

Join Little Critter^® and his family on their exciting road trip to the Fall Festival! From apple picking to hayrides, discover how fun the harvest season can be.

Cooking Projects For Preschoolers

Ok, let's get down to the good stuff.  We know how much children love to do the things us adults do. We also know how picky our little ones can be when it comes to food.

So, why not get creative? Two birds. One stone.

We find that when planning and executing cooking projects in the classroom and at home it helps them to be more willing to try the food they are preparing. They yearn to do these "adult" tasks with us. My favorite way to entice them to try new things is to offer the cooking project as a lesson; but they can only do the lesson if they take a bite.

You would be surprised how many children will try new foods this way.  Slicing cucumbers and carrots? No problem. Cutting celery and bananas? Yes please.

We've even had parents come in with foods from home that their picky eaters refused to give a second glance, and beg that we somehow, someway turn them into believers. I would have to say that by the end of the school year, we had a 90% success rate.

Try it out!  If it doesn't work, at least you have fun activity ideas to share with your children. Trust me, cooking is a great bonding experience 😉

1 - Pizza Bagels!

(Image courtesy of YouTube)

Oh man, is this a good one. Kids love making these so much that they go home and immediately send their parents out for the ingredients to make with them. We make these every year at the beginning of the school year to break the ice with our students. I mean, who doesn't like pizza? Or bagels? This is easily one of their favorite projects.

What you will need:

Plan Bagels, of course (cut in half) For children we use mini bagels, but you can can use any

1 - jar of your favorite pizza sauce

Your favorite toppings (optional)

Mozzarella cheese (grated)

Directions:

You can do this one of two ways; Bake or microwave. We prefer to microwave here at school.
If baking, set your oven to 375.

Spread pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half.

Add toppings and cheese

Microwave on high for 25 seconds or bake for 10 minutes (or until cheese is a bubbly gooey goodness)

Voila.

2 - Piggy Pancakes

(Image courtesy of Allrecipes)

This goes perfectly after reading, "If You Give A Pig A Pancake" by Laura Numeroff.

What you will need:

Your favorite pancake mix. Hint: Frozen pancakes will work in a pinch if you don't feel like cooking 😉

Blueberries or chocolate chips for the eyes and a banana for the snout

Directions:

Prepare pancakes according to package instructions. If you prefer to add ears you can cut a prepared pancake into ears.

Place one small pancake in the middle of the place for the face.  Add the banana for the snout and blueberries or chocolate chips for the eyes.

And just like that, you have a piggy pancake. Top with syrup if you so choose and enjoy!

3 - Eggs In A Mug

(Image courtesy of frugalhausfra.com)

What you will need:

An egg, because what would eggs in a mug be without the egg 😄 Though, if you so desire use egg whites

A mug

Veggies and or meats (cooked) of choice (Optional)

Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)

Cooking Spray

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Lightly spray the inside of the mug

Crack egg into mug and microwave on high for 1 minute.  Add desired veggies, meats, and cheese. Return to microwave and cook for another 30 seconds or until eggs are cooked through.

Let cool and chow down!

4 - Easy Cheesy Quesadilla

(Image Courtesy of AllRecipes.com)

What you will need:

(2) Tortillas

Shredded Sharp Cheddar.

Cooking Spray

Directions:

Lightly spray your plate

Top one tortilla with as much cheese as your little heart desires

Feel free to add meats or veggies if you see fit

Cover with second tortilla

Microwave on high for one minute or until cheese is melted

Cut into fours and it's always wise to have sour cream and or salsa on hand.  They are a nice touch to an already fabulous munchie.



Enjoy!

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.

Earth Day Books To Read With Your Children

There is a children's book out there for EVERYTHING!  Earth Day not to be excluded.  Take these wonderful opportunities to spend time with your children by reading.  They grow so fast.  So, enjoy this time with them.

Below are our good reads picks.

I Can Save The Earth:  One Little Monster Learns To Reduce, Reuse, And Recycle

A new “green” series!: Little Green Books will educate children on what they can do to be more eco-friendly. The books in this line will be made from recycled materials, and the storylines will cover subjects such as improving the environment, learning about endangered animals, recycling, and much more. 

Meet Max the Little Monster. He is a cute, furry green monster who is an environmental nightmare. Among other things, he leaves on all the lights, keeps his computer plugged in, blasts the TV, hoards his old toys and uses so much toilet paper it clogs the toilet until finally, his excessive ways cause a power outage. With no TV to watch, computer to play on, video games to play with, Max finds there is a whole big world outside that he can make a difference in the environment.

Kids can follow Max the Little Green Monster's journey to environmental awareness and learn tips on how they can become little green monsters themselves. A kid-friendly glossary of terms is included in the back of the book.

I Am Earth:  An Earth Day Book For Kids

I Am Earth introduces kids to the basic concepts of earth science while also encouraging the importance of taking care of our special planet through environmental awareness and sustainability. Keeping Earth a happy and healthy place to live is important for everyone big and small. 

In this Earth science book for beginners, kids learn what makes our planet so uniquely special and how people can work together to keep it a healthy home.I Am Earth is a great way to start children at an early age to care for the environment by understanding why the environment is so important and what they can do to help keep nature in balance, like recycle, reuse and conserve.

 For all living creatures that call planet Earth home, every day is Earth Day!Bright, vivid illustrations will capture kids' attention and keep learning fun. 

"Keep Earth a happy, healthy place to live!"

Biscuit's Earth Day Celebration

It's Earth Day!

Join Biscuit as he helps take care of our green world. From planting seeds to cleaning up, Biscuit's celebration is an exciting adventure for Earth Day and for every day!

Woof!

Have more fun with Biscuit!

The Three R's:  Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

Attractive color illustrations and easy-to-follow text combine to present factual information that younger boys and girls will readily absorb and understand. The Three R's: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle is one in a series of four entertaining What Do You Know About? books, for very young children. It describes the ways in which kids and their families can avoid waste and be environmentally conscious. Four pages presenting activities for children appear at the back of the book, followed by a two-page section for parents, with tips on explaining the subject in more detail.

Michael Recycle

Just in time for Earth Day on April 22, Michael Recycle tells the adventures of a young superhero whose power allows him to teach people about recycling. After cleaning up a town, the people declare: "To Michael Recycle! The green-caped crusader, our super-green hero, the planet's new savior!"

Let's Explore...Ocean

Lonely Planet Kids' brand new series of sticker activity books, "Let's Explore", is perfect for any child with a sense of adventure. With fascinating facts, puzzles to solve and pages to colour and complete, little explorers aged 5 and up will love discovering the amazing environments of our planet.

Let's Explore Ocean takes you under the waves and into a whole other world. Dress the explorers in their diving gear, learn how to make a submarine-style periscope, decorate reefs with colourful coral, and loads more. An undersea adventure awaits. Let's explore! Includes over 250 stickers. Perfect for on-the-road entertainment.

The Berenstain Bears:  Don't Pollute (Anymore!)

Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Brother is doing a report about endangered species, so he and Sister visit the museum to talk to Professor Actual Factual about what they can do to help save the environment. This beloved story is a perfect way to teach children about caring for the planet. Includes over 50 bonus stickers!

The Giving Tree

'Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.'

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

It's Earth Day!  (Little Critter)

Little Critter is on a mission! After watching a film about climate changes at school, Little Critter decides to do his part to slow down global warming. With the help of his family and friends, Little Critter begins to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Together they learn about the importance of not wasting water or energy. Join Little Critter as he plants a tree, makes a climate control machine, and helps the polar bears.

The Adventures Of A Plastic Bottle

Learn about recycling from a new perspective!  Peek into this diary of a plastic bottle as it goes on a journey from the refinery plant, to the manufacturing line, to the store shelf, to a garbage can, and finally to a recycling plant where it emerges into it's new life...as a fleece jacket! 

Told from the point of view of a free-spirited plastic bottle, kids can share in the daily experiences and inner thoughts of the bottle through his personal journal. The diary entries will be fun and humorous yet point out the ecological significance behind each product and the resources used to make it. Readers will never look at a plastic bottle the same way again!