For several years now I have participated in the Teal Pumpkin Project. The Teal Pumpkin Project started in 2014 and is the brainchild of the Food and Allergy Research & Education Organization. This is a wonderful movement to make trick-or-treating on Halloween safer for children with food allergies. To do this, Teal Pumpkin Project participants have non-candy treats to give out. Houses with these allergy-safe options display a sign or a painted pumpkin to let trick-or-treaters know safe treats are available.
Not only does the Teal Pumpkin Project make Halloween safer, but it also makes it healthier. When given the choice of a treat or toy, many children will choose the toy, especially if there are a few options to choose from. Parents are often grateful for a baby-safe option as well; something they can give to a little one in a stroller without worrying about choking or a melty mess.
Here are some non-candy treat ideas: Continue reading “Teal Pumpkin Project”
Did you know that our state lies on the ancestral lands of the Chickasaw nation, the Otoe-Missouria tribe, the Illini tribe, the Osage nation, the Ioway tribe and the Quapaw tribe? Because the federal government does not formally recognize any Native American communities currently living in Missouri, we often forget about this part of our state’s history and culture. It’s important to remember that this is the direct result of forced removal and violence at the hands of the U.S. government. Entire thriving nations were forcefully confined to reservations in neighboring states like Kansas and Oklahoma and stripped of their land, language, culture and most basic rights. Continue reading “Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2021”
October is here, and we’ve hit the ground running!
Spooky? Scary? Monsters with sharp teeth?
Monsters are nothing to be afraid of! In these picture books, tackle your fear of monsters and learn to say, “Go away, monster!”
“If You’re a Monster and You Know It” written by Rebecca Emberley, illustrated by Ed Emberley
Turn into a monster with this instant classic!
Based on the tune of, “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” this book invites kids to become monsters and snort / growl / smack / stomp / twitch / wiggle / roar with the other monsters! Continue reading “Not-So-Scary Monsters”
“Old MacDonald Had a Farm” was always a favorite with my kids, and now my grandkids like singing it too! Making animal sounds is so much fun. Want to learn all about farms and farm animals? Here are resources to share about the work it takes to run a farm. I’ve included some fun farm songs and hands-on activities too! Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Farms”
Have you heard all the wonderful things Hoopla has to offer? First things first, it’s free! All you need is a library card.
Hoopla allows you to stream and download audiobooks, comics, eBooks, movies, music and television shows. Here’s some additional info:
- Check out up to 15 items per month.
- Read/watch/listen on the Hoopla app or via computer.
- Movies and TV shows check out for 3 days; music albums for 7 days; eBooks, audiobooks and comics for 21 days.
And the best part — there is a Hoopla Kids option you can click for safe and easy searching for children’s titles.
Below are some spooky Halloween eBooks and audiobooks sure to delight young readers.
Continue reading “Hoopla Halloween: Spooky Books for Kids”
I’m just horn over hooves for all of the fabulous new unicorn books that are magically appearing at the library every day! Unicorns are one of the hot new trends in kids lit right now, and they are soaring off the shelves. Today, I want to take a moment to highlight some of my favorite unicorn books for fantasy lovers of all ages.
Best for Babes
“Uni Paints a Rainbow” written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Brigette Barrager
On a dreary, rainy day, Uni brightens things up with her magic horn. Littles can name the colors of the rainbow with Uni and then celebrate the rain disappearing with a big rainbow. Continue reading “Unicorn Magic!”
Kids love to watch construction equipment in action. My very active grandson stopped what he was doing to just stand and watch a backhoe at work right outside his house. There is something fascinating about big machines and their movements. Even my brother-in-law said he watched a machine working outside his window for at least 30 minutes. If your child loves big machines and trucks, here are some fun resources to enjoy. Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Construction Vehicles & Trucks”
I’ve got some exciting books for you all this month! I’m particularly looking forward to the chapter books, so make sure you read till the end. Even if your kiddo isn’t ready for chapter books yet, you just might enjoy reading them on your own—they look that good!
Picture Books
“Norman Didn’t Do It! (Yes, He Did)” by Ryan T. Higgins
Norman is a porcupine, and his best friend is a tree named Mildred. They do everything together, from chess to deep (though one-sided) conversations. One day, Norman notices a sapling has sprung up next to Mildred, and he is furious at this intrusion. As he watches Mildred and the sapling growing closer, he’s overcome by jealousy and insecurity and digs up the little tree in the dead of night. Norman takes the sapling far away and plants it on a tiny island where it can’t interfere with his friendship anymore. Soon enough he’s overcome with guilt and remorse and returns the sapling to its original home. I love that this book deals with so many big emotions! Toddlers and preschoolers will easily identify with Norman, and his change of heart models how to make things right when your feelings get out of control. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: September Favorites 2021”
I refuse to let go of summer.
Everywhere I go, I see pumpkins, gourds, bats, cats, and other Halloween decorations.
NO.
Denied.
Absolutely not.
It is still September, and, until September 22nd, we shall remain in summer.
As it is still summer, and not Halloween, I hereby declare it is still time to have fun in our yards! Whether that be last-minute gardening, playing on playgrounds or picking up bugs, we are allowed to firmly hold onto the joy of summer before the falling of the leaves and the crisp autumn breezes.
“Singing in the Rain” arranged and illustrated by Tim Hopgood, original lyrics by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown
This book is an excellent way to start out a rainy day! Based on the original song, “Singing in the Rain,” children will love this book because the words are familiar, it’s easy to sing and the actions are fun to incorporate!
Continue reading “Yard Fun Picture Books”
Ugh, I know it’s painful to admit, but summer is almost over! If you love the freedom of long summer days of no school, the transition to fall can be a bit of a challenge. But I, for one, love the approach of crisp autumn nights and the beautiful yellows, oranges and browns of the changing leaves. What is your favorite part about fall — the first days of school, hay rides, corn mazes, apple cider, falling leaves, haunted houses, Halloween, Thanksgiving? It always seems like the autumn months are packed full of so many different things and new experiences, so here are some books, songs, videos and an activity to help celebrate all of the colorful change that autumn brings. Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Autumn”
