The end of summer approaches, and it’s time to start thinking about school! At least, that’s what I gathered the last time I went to the store and saw all the back-to-school supplies. I shall make school my unofficial theme this month. These are all more tangentially related to school though, so you don’t have to think about it too much if you don’t want to. Just sit back and enjoy a new book with your last days of summer!
Picture Books
“A Place For Us” written and illustrated by James E. Ransome
I love wordless picture books for the way they strengthen visual literacy, and this one will also foster empathy. A boy’s mom picks him up from school with a big hug, then the two head to a restaurant for some fast food. Afterwards, they spend time at the library together, where the boy diligently does homework while his mom reads a novel. They stay there until the library closes, and it’s then that the reader realizes they have nowhere else to go. They spend the night on a park bench, the boy’s head resting in his mom’s lap with her sweater as his blanket. The sun rises and she gently wakes her boy. After a clean shirt, combed hair and tooth-brushing in a park fountain, he’s ready for another day of school. The watercolor illustrations are gorgeous and poignant, and the love between mother and child is tangible. This will make an excellent and thought-provoking conversation starter. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: August Favorites 2025”
Back-to-School season can be exciting, nerve-wracking and expensive! Several community organizations have come together to host back-to-school events to support our students and their families.
Voluntary Action Center Back to School Program
July 21-August 29
VAC will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies for K–12 Boone County students to families who meet the income requirement (200% of the federal poverty guidelines). To apply, you can call 573-874-2273 or visit the VAC office at 403A Vandiver Drive during business hours to check your eligibility and sign up. Continue reading “Back-to-School Fairs 2025”
Do you need a book to read under a shady tree this summer? Or under a shady…air conditioner vent? No judgment! Either way, try one of these new books. My unofficial theme this month is siblings, so maybe share that perfect reading spot with a sibling—or at least share a favorite book if you both would rather have your own space!
Picture Books
“I Got You” written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Ever since Rasheed can remember, his big brother Anthony has been there for him. Anthony taught him how to build, demolish and rebuild block towers, and how to button his own shirt for church. He comforted him during thunderstorms and showed him how to ride a bike. Anthony has always been there, reassuring him with the words, “I got you.” As the boys grow older, Rasheed learns that it’s okay if they don’t spend all their time together; their love and bond will still be strong. When their parents announce a new addition to the family, Rasheed is thrilled to become the kind of steady and loving big brother that Anthony has always been for him. I feel like there are a lot of books out there about resolving sibling conflict, but I love that this book focuses on secure, joyful connections. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: July Favorites 2025”
With summer school coming to an end, your kids might incessantly be asking about the daily schedule. They’re used to knowing what to expect from a school day, so adjusting to a new daily rhythm at home might lead to constant questions about “what are we doing today?” Or just the universal favorite “I’m bored!” If you have a clock in a common area, making a new face for it would help with the adjustment to a new summer routine by making it visual.
For this craft, you will need:
-ruler
-something to write with
-something to color with
-paper
-a clock (or something to track time/activities) Continue reading “DIY Summer Routine Clock Face”
Have you been searching for a screen-free way to keep your kids entertained for a while? I have a STEAM activity that can keep your little engineers occupied with independent play from items that you probably already have on hand.
For this activity, you will need:
- paper tubes
- tape
- marbles
- scissors (optional)
Continue reading “Marble Racing: A STEAM Activity”
Summer is (unofficially) here! If you haven’t already started your Summer Reading, make sure you do so. As always, a good book is its own reward, but we also have some fabulous prize drawings to offer a little extra motivation. And if you need book ideas, I’ve got some wonderful new books coming out this month!
Picture Books
“There’s Something Odd About the Babysitter” written by Elayne Crain and illustrated by John Ledda
Freddie is tired of a long string of lackluster babysitters. Whether too strict or too uninvolved, Freddie hasn’t liked a single one. So he doesn’t have high hopes for the evening, until he takes a closer look at the new babysitter. There’s something odd about them, but at least they’re not boring! After seeing them wash their hands in the dog’s bowl before preparing a dinner of garbage, Freddie realizes the new sitter might need a little help. Together, they turn the evening around and turn the sitter’s first job into an unqualified success! While the sitter is literally three raccoons in a trenchcoat, the narration never explicitly states this, and kids will love being in on the joke. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: June Favorites 2025”
You know the old rhyme . . . April showers 
bring May flowers 
! But sometimes, despite how very pretty these May flowers might be, they are also chock-full of pollen that can make you and your loved ones absolutely miserable. 
So, if you’re wanting to spruce up your space with some blooms that won’t immediately attack you — or you’re wanting to send flowers that will last for more than a week — read on for a fun flower craft that is endlessly customizable and, for the most part,* allergen-free! 
*Definitely make sure you aren’t allergic to yarn (synthetic vs natural fibers or both) before attempting this craft! 
I’ve got some great new books for you this month! I always like to look for accidental themes in my picks, and this month it’s family. From learning to take on new roles and responsibilities to appreciating time with loved ones, these books all touch on the importance of family.
Picture Books
“Little Big Man” written by Varian Johnson and illustrated by Reggie Brown
Elijah is looking forward to flying his new kite with Daddy this weekend! But a newborn baby in the house means everyone has a bit more work to do — and Daddy asks Elijah if he can be his helper. The little big man steps up and helps Daddy as they complete various jobs around their house and for their neighbors. Finally, Elijah reminds Daddy that it’s important to take breaks sometimes, too, and the whole family enjoys time outside together flying their kite. A lot of new sibling stories focus on feelings of jealousy or uncertainty, but I love that this book addresses positive ways to take responsibility and show love to others. The father is a fantastic role model for his son, guiding him adeptly through big life changes.
Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: May Favorites 2025”
I hope you all enjoyed your spring break! Or if you didn’t get a break, I hope you’re at least enjoying spring. If the month of April starts to feel too interminable, try reading one of these new books!
Picture Books
“Feelings Are Like Farts” written by Christopher Willard and Tara Wosiski and illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura
I really couldn’t resist this one! The funny title will draw kids in, but this feelings primer is surprisingly tasteful and insightful. The authors compare feelings and farts, pointing out that you might want them to be private, but they don’t always come out that way. If you pay attention to your body it might tell you what’s coming, and you don’t want to hold them in too long. I was charmed by the illustrations that delicately avoid potty humor, and lean into the social-emotional aspects of farts and feelings. This would be perfect for older elementary-aged kiddos, who can appreciate all the double meanings and benefit from the advice. But I may still share it with my three-year-old!
Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: April Favorites 2025”
