Although the Summer’s heat keeps popping up to visit Mid-Missouri, these crisp mornings are welcomed with open arms for those of us who enjoy spending time outside without it feeling swampy. These cooler temperatures make it easier to get together outdoors, but this time of year brings with it a lot of events and celebrations.
It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with all of the obligations, the things you “should” do during this busy season. In these moments, it’s important to take a step back and figure out your priorities for your family in this season of the year and your life. An easy way to slow down and bond with your loved ones is by visiting a nature spot to observe the changes of autumn (or any season) and spend time just being in nature. Continue reading “Mindfulness for Children (and Everybody Else): Meditations in Nature”
Does it feel like fall yet? I’m writing this in September, with the temperatures still raging in the nineties! Hopefully by the time you’re reading this, I’ll need a hot mug of tea to ward off the chill in the air. Though let’s be honest, I’m having tea either way. Whatever your cozy drink of choice, snuggle in and try some of these seasonal reads!
Picture Books
“Three Little Witches and the Spooky Old House” written by Peggy Archer and illustrated by Gaia Bordicchia
The book opens with a spooky and derelict Victorian mansion. The three little witches move in and get to work! They sweep the house, build a roaring fire, and cook up a surprise in a giant cauldron. The colors in the illustrations gradually become brighter and more welcoming, and by the time guests arrive, the house is ready for a party!
Traditional Halloween monsters are welcomed in for hot apple cider and popcorn from the cauldron. Reassuringly cozy for little ones that might not want the scares, this book also uses plenty of onomatopoeia to make for a great read-aloud. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: October Favorites 2026”
Welcome to fall! I’d like to say that I have lots of happy books this month about crunching leaves and sipping hot cider, but my picks this time are a bit heavier. I guess you could say my themes are about belonging and death? If you’re just looking for cozy things, I get it! Ask a librarian for recommendations, and they can give you all the options! But if you’re ready for something deeper, read on.
Picture Books
“I Will Eat You in the End” written by David Duff and illustrated by Marianna Coppo
I’ve got the perfect book to finish off our dinosaur-filled summer! Spoilers ahead, because this book is about death and I think it’s important for you to know the story going in. A large dinosaur accidentally squashes a worm. The worm’s friend, a bowler-hatted worm named Frank, chides the dinosaur for not being more careful, then nonchalantly says not to worry about it because “my buddies and I will eat him later.”
The dinosaur is shocked and apologetic, and Frank candidly explains the role that worms play in the circle of life. By eating everything that dies, worms create nutritious soil for more life to grow. Frank and the dinosaur form a deep friendship, and when a meteor is spotted in the sky, the dinosaur has one last request. “If something does happen to me, after you eat me, can you turn me into something nice?” The worm replies, “You got it, big guy.”
An epilogue set millions of years later reveals the dinosaur’s fossils beneath a field of beautiful yellow flowers. There are a lot of books out there about death and grieving for kids, but this book is one that you can read any time, not just after the loss of a loved one. The refreshing lack of sentimentality makes a great jumping-off point for discussing death in a factual context.
Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: September Favorites 2026”
September is National Library Card Sign-up Month! Whether you’ve had your card since your 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten journey, or you’re a new cardholder, this craft is the perfect way to show your card some extra love. These critter-shaped card holders will also keep your card (and checkout receipt) safe between visits to your local library!
What you’ll need:
- Felt sheets
- Felt adhesive (felt glue, tacky glue or even hot glue could work for this project)
- Scissors
- Optional: googly eyes, permanent markers, puffy paint, or anything else you need to make your furry friend!
Continue reading “DIY Library Card Holder”
I hope you all enjoyed your summer! It’s just about time to bid farewell to those lazy days, because my theme this month is all about persistence and determination. These protagonists are ready to achieve some dreams, whether that’s getting dressed all by yourself, keeping a pony in your apartment or becoming a professional athlete. But make sure you balance all that hard work out with some fun! And what could be better than curling up with a good book?
Picture Books
“Owl By Myself” written and illustrated by Pete Oswald
Little Owlet wakes up and is determined to spend the whole day doing “everything…OWL BY MYSELF.” A familiar refrain to parents of toddlers everywhere! He cleans his room, gets dressed and makes breakfast without the help of his parents, and with varying degrees of success. Littles will delight in seeing his messes and mishaps paired with his triumphant narration. When he gets to school, he enjoys being by himself but still working together with friends too. By the book’s end, he’s willing to allow his parents to tuck him in, acknowledging that “owl by myself” can still involve other people. A wonderfully relatable tale of exploring independence.
Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: August Favorites 2026”
You know I always have fun looking for accidental themes in my blogs. I think this month my theme is appreciating each moment of time, whether that’s spent pursuing your passions or connecting with a friend. As always, enjoy!
Picture Books
“The Skeleton and the Cat” written and illustrated by Brandon James Scott
The Skeleton loves to garden and enjoys a cozy mug of tea with a good book. Her life is comfortable and predictable, so when the Cat arrives at her doorstep, she’s reluctant to let him in. But with cheerful persistence on the part of the Cat, the two quickly become friends. We watch their friendship unfold over a series of five short stories as the two spend the day together. From sandwich lessons (the Skeleton is terribly confused about how to eat a sandwich) to dancing through the garden, to reading and stargazing together, they have a beautiful start to their friendship. Though a skeleton and black cat may seem spooky, the illustrations are cheerful and bursting with color and light. Perfect for fans of cozy friendship stories, especially new readers who are ready to tackle a slightly longer book. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: July Favorites 2026”
With school winding down and summer ramping up, there are a lot of opportunities for mindfulness amongst the chaos this change of season brings. One of the easiest ways (in theory) to welcome more moments of mindfulness into this time of year is by making a conscious effort to notice all the shifts happening around us. Fragrant flowers bloom, green grass grows tall, trees full of leaves wave in the wind, the weather heats up and the sun sets later. Making an effort to observe the ebb and flow of this season on your own will help when showing little ones how to practice the art of noticing. Continue reading “Mindfulness for Children (and Everyone Else): Noticing”
Are you ready for an adventure? I could make this a longer intro, but why not just dive in and see what I mean?
Picture Books
“Find the Sun” written and illustrated by Andy Harkness
Eddie hates Mondays. And this Monday sweeps in with a raging thunderstorm, which is enough to drive Eddie back to bed. Clutching his yellow bunny stuffie, and with his eyes closed tight, Eddie wishes the day could just pass him by. When he opens his eyes, his bedroom has fallen away, and he’s alone in a stormy landscape. Well, almost alone. Rabbit has come too, and invites him on an adventure to “find the sun.” Together the two sail on clouds, race down a river and through a cave, finding and appreciating light along the way. Rabbit is a comforting guide as Eddie faces his fears, offering wisdom and reassurance until Eddie is ready to face the day. The story and message are wonderful, but the illustrations are what truly make this one stand out. Digitally sculpted in a Claymation style, the pictures are unique and immersive, using deep blues and buttery yellows to great effect. The perfect choice for any anxious littles needing some encouragement. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: May Favorites 2026”
What is the attitude of gratitude? Why is gratitude important? How can I teach gratitude? These are all important questions to address when raising children. Ingraining the concept of gratitude into young minds is something that can be worked on a little every day; through your own actions, those of others, as well as through stories. When it comes to teaching children, it is often best to start by modeling the behavior you’d like them to adopt. By narrating your grateful thoughts, you can plant the seeds of gratitude in their minds and keep tending to them.
One of my favorite mind shifts that adopting a gratitude practice has given me is to think about how I “get” to do something instead of I “have” to do something. I get to go to the gym and take care of my body to help it stretch and get stronger. I get to load the dishwasher after a yummy meal shared with my loved ones. The shift in mindset helps reframe my thoughts to those of gratefulness and leads me to reminisce on other things that made my day easier or more enjoyable.
Now, how does one go about starting a gratitude practice on their mindfulness journey? By following the Four A’s of Gratitude, of course! Continue reading “Mindfulness for Children (and Everyone Else): Gratitude”
You may remember that I love an accidental theme for these blogs. Instead of leaning into spring (though obviously I’m delighted at its arrival), my books this month are all about family. So whether you’re outside in the sunshine or inside listening to the rain, check one out and enjoy with the whole family! I’m a firm believer that kids are never too old to enjoy a family read-aloud.
Picture Books
“While We’re Here” written by Anne Wynter and illustrated by Micha Archer
A mother and daughter, dressed in their best party clothes and clutching a wrapped gift, rush to get out the door. They race through the city, down the subway steps, and across the park. “Hurry hurry…we have somewhere to be!” But when they arrive, there’s only a lone leftover balloon, and they realize Mama got the date wrong. Instead of succumbing to disappointment, they discover what a gift it is to have nowhere to be. The two linger in the park, enjoying all the things they had to rush past before. The vibrant collage illustrations are wonderfully immersive, and the pacing of the text transitions beautifully from frenzied rushing to relaxation. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: April Favorites 2026”
