Category: books

40 St. Patrick’s Day Books for Kids

Are you excited about St. Patrick’s Day? Would you like to engage in a simple yet enjoyable activity with your children? Visit your nearby library or bookstore to discover St. Patrick’s Day-themed books. Dedicate an afternoon to reading together. If you need some suggestions, here are a few wonderful titles to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with kids.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income on qualifying purchases.”

A colorful children's book cover titled 'I Spy with My Little Eye: Leprechaun Luck & Find', featuring a large green shamrock and various illustrated characters, including leprechauns, a unicorn, and other whimsical elements.
  1. “I Spy With My Little Eye Leprechaun Luck & Find” (2022) – Cottage Door Press
  2. “How to Catch a Leprechaun” (2016) – Adam Wallace
  3. “Wilford and Blue, Paddy’s Day Pincher” (2022) – Rebecca McDonald & James McDonald
  4. “It’s Laugh O’Clock – Would You Rather? St Patrick’s Day Edition” (2022) – Riddleland
  5. “Liam the Leprechaun Loves to Fart” (2021) – Humor Heals Us
  6. “Happy Leprechaun” (2020) – Cottage Door Press
  7. “Valerie Fox and the Leprechaun’s Box” (2022) – K.A. Devlin
  8. “The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day” (2009) – Natasha Wing
  9. “Spot’s Lucky Day” (2022) – Eric Hill
  10. “Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Crayons” (2024) – Drew Daywalt
  11. “The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day” (2021) – Mike Berenstain
  12. “Thing One, Thing Two and the Leprechaun” (2022) – Dr. Suess
  13. “Leo the Farting Leprechaun and the Great Rainbow” (2022) – Emma Sill Publishing
  14. “Silly McGilly” – A Big Treasure Publication
  15. “The Itsy-Bitsy Leprechaun” (2018) – Jeffrey Burton
  16. “Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Curious George” (2014) – H.A. Rey
  17. “Timmy Green Hands and the Leprechaun’s Gold” (2026) – Johnathon Vine
  18. “Whiskers Finds His Luck” (2024) – Shana Gorian
  19. “I Spy St. Patrick’s Day: Find Leprechauns, Shamrocks & Magical Treasures” (2025) – Marlies Larch
  20. “Elmo’s Lucky Day” (2020) – Andrea Posner-Sanchez
  21. “The Mysterious March Wind” (2025) -Jessica Bryan
  22. “St. Patrick’s Day” (1994) – Gail Gibbons
  23. “Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato” (1997) – Tomie dePaola
  24. “Saint Patrick’s Day Unscrambled” (2026) – Pamela Pettyfeather
  25. “The Secret Life of Leprechauns” (2020) – Luna James
  26. “Rosco the Rascal at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade” (2017) – Shana Gorian
  27. “The St. Patrick’s Day Rescue (PAW Patrol)” (2026) – Random House
  28. “St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning” (1983) – Eve Bunting
  29. “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover!” (2012) – Lucille Colandro
  30. “Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland” (1992) – Tomie dePaola
  31. “That’s What Leprechauns Do” (2009) – Eve Bunting
  32. “Luck from The Very Hungry Caterpillar” (2026) -Eric Carle
  33. “Pout-Pout Fish: Lucky Leprechaun” (2019) – Deborah Diesen
  34. “The Friendly Leprechaun” (2026) – Eloisa Desmond
  35. “Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase” (2019) – James Dean
  36. “Why Leprechauns Pee Green” (2025) – Jackie Case
  37. “Ten Lucky Leprechauns” (2013) – Kathryn Heling
  38. “Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk” (1992) – Gerald McDermott\
  39. “Lucky Day” (2020) – Matt Donnelly
  40. “The Leprechaun Who Stayed for The Day: A St. Patrick’s Day Family Tradition” (2026) –  Cydney Gregware

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy reading!

15 Children’s Books About the First Day of School

August is back to school month! Do you have a little one starting school for the first time? Being nervous and little scared is normal for a child attending school for the first time. Reading books about the first day of school is a fantastic way to reduce anxieties. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following children’s books about the first day of school.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. “Archie and Pip First Day of School” (2024) – Zoe Wodarz (Author), Mari Richards (Illustrator)
  2. “The Berenstain Bears Go to School” (1978) – Stan Berenstain (Author), Jan Berenstain (Author)
  3. “My First Day of Kindergarten” (2023) – Louise Martin (Author), Joanne Partis (Illustrator)
  4. “First Day Jitters” (2000) – Julie Danneberg (Author), Judy Love (Illustrator)
  5. “Butterflies on the First Day of School” (2019) – Annie Silvestro (Author), Dream Chen (Illustrator)
  6. “Little Critter: First Day of School” (2009) – Mercer Mayer (Author, Illustrator)
  7. “Time for School, Mouse!” (2019) – Laura Numeroff (Author), Felicia Bond (Illustrator)
  8. “The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” (2019) – Mo Willems (Author)
  9. “Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten” (2001) – Joseph Slate (Author), Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)
  10. “Alex Axolotl’s First Day of School” (2024) – Angelrae Thompson (Author), Chalani Wasala (Illustrator)
  11. “Waffles the Chicken Classroom Jitters” (2021) – Ken Matthews (Author), Ashley Matthews (Author)
  12. “Dancing Dinos Go to School” (2006) – Sally Lucas (Author), Margeaux Lucas (Illustrator)
  13. “The Day You Begin” (2018) – Jacqueline Woodson (Author), Rafael López (Illustrator)
  14. “The Queen of Kindergarten” (2022) – Derrick Barnes (Author), Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator)
  15. “The Night Before Kindergarten” (2001) – Natasha Wing (Author), Julie Durrell (Illustrator)

Here’s wishing everyone a fantastic school year! Do you have favorite back-to-school book not on the list? Let me know in the comments!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Nature Lovers

Christmas is getting closer!  Are you ready? Are you still checking off your Christmas gift list? Is one of your Christmas gifts for a nature lover? If you are searching for some Christmas gift ideas for nature lovers, check out the following.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income on qualifying purchases.”

  1. Hiking Gear: Lightweight backpacks, trekking poles, or a durable water bottle are perfect for outdoor adventures.
  2. Bird Watching Kit: A set with binoculars, a bird identification book, and a bird feeder. These tools can attract birds to their backyard. This is a great way to start bird-watching.
  3. Nature-Themed Books: Books are always a great idea. Consider books on wildlife, nature photography, hiking guides, maps, or guides to local flora and fauna.
  4. Camping Equipment: Does your loved one like to camp? Consider buying a portable camping stove. You might also get a compact sleeping bag. You could choose a comfortable camping chair. Another option is a tent for sleeping outdoors under the stars.
  5. Outdoor Apparel: A warm fleece jacket, socks, or a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection are great Christmas gift ideas.
  6. Gardening Tools: Consider high-quality hand tools, gloves, or a starter kit for indoor herb gardening.
  7. Eco-Friendly Products: Consider reusable beeswax wraps, stainless steel straws, or a solar-powered phone charger.
  8. Nature Art Prints: Prints or paintings of landscapes, wildlife, or botanical illustrations are other options.
  9. Subscription Box: A monthly box that delivers items like seeds, gardening tools, or eco-friendly products.
  10. National Park Pass: An annual pass for access to all national parks, perfect for someone who loves exploring the outdoors.

Think outdoors when purchasing a gift for a nature lover. Have fun! Merry Christmas!

Back to Hogwarts Day: 10 Magical Ideas for Wizarding Celebrations

Fans of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series recognize September 1st as Back to Hogwarts Day. In the Wizarding World, students go to Platform 9 3/4. They catch the train to Hogwarts every first of September. This marks the beginning of another school year. Celebrating Back to Hogwarts Day can be so much fun! Here are some ideas to make the day special.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Wizarding Attire: Encourage everyone to dress up in their favorite wizarding attire. Whether you wear your robes, scarves, or house colors, your attire sets a magical mood right from the start.
  2. House Sorting: Sort yourselves into Hogwarts houses. You can use online quizzes or create your own sorting ceremony with a Sorting Hat (or a makeshift one).
  3. Magical Feasts: Prepare a magical feast inspired by the food in the Harry Potter series. Think butterbeer, pumpkin pasties, chocolate frogs, and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.
  4. Potion Making: Set up a potion-making station with different colored drinks or mixtures that resemble potions from the series. Let everyone create their own magical concoctions.
  5. Wizarding Games: Organize games like Quidditch. This version is adapted for ground play. You can also have a scavenger hunt for magical items. Additionally, you can host trivia quizzes about the Harry Potter universe.
  6. Movie Marathon: Watch the Harry Potter movies together. You can do a marathon of all the films or select your favorites.
  7. Crafts and Activities: Have fun with crafts. You can make wands using chopsticks and craft supplies. You can design Hogwarts acceptance letters. You can create magical artwork.
  8. Harry Potter Read-Aloud: If you enjoy reading, gather to read passages from the books aloud. You can also listen to the audiobooks together.
  9. Decorate: Transform your space into a Hogwarts common room. You can also create a Great Hall atmosphere. Use themed decorations like house banners. Add floating candles (safely done). Include magical creature figurines.
  10. Share the Magic: If you have friends who love Harry Potter too. Consider celebrating together virtually. You can also celebrate in person for a larger magical gathering.

Have fun! Act like a kid again. Enjoy Back to Hogwarts Day! Take lots of photos and share online with other Potterheads.

12 Effective Ways to Save on Last-Minute Back-to-School Supplies

Are you still searching for back-to-school supplies for your children but your budget is tight? For many school is already in session while others will start shortly. Finding everything on your child’s school supply list is essential for a successful academic year. Here are some tips if you are searching for ways to get deals on last-minute back-to-school supplies.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income on qualifying purchases.”

  1. Check Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Walmart, and Target often have sales and discounts on school supplies. These discounts are especially common closer to the start of the school year.
  2. Sign Up for Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters of your favorite stores or online retailers. They often send out exclusive deals and discounts to subscribers.
  3. Use Price Comparison Tools: Websites and apps like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, or ShopSavvy can help you compare prices. These tools allow you to find the best deal across different retailers.
  4. Utilize Cashback and Rewards Programs: Many credit cards and online shopping platforms offer cashback or rewards points for purchases. Take advantage of these to save more on your purchases.
  5. Look for Coupons and Promo Codes: Websites like RetailMeNot or Honey can help you find coupons and promo codes. These can be applied during checkout for additional savings.
  6. Shop Local and Dollar Stores: Sometimes local stores or dollar stores offer competitive prices on school supplies. It’s worth checking these out for basic items.
  7. Timing is Key: Retailers often mark down prices on school supplies closer to the start of the school year. They do this to clear out inventory. Keep an eye out for these markdowns.
  8. Buy in Bulk: If you have multiple children, buy in bulk. If you know others who need supplies, buying in bulk can often save money per unit.
  9. Consider Used or Refurbished Items: For items like calculators or electronics, consider buying refurbished products from reputable sellers. This can save money without sacrificing quality.
  10. Price Match Policies: Some stores offer price match guarantees. If you find a better deal elsewhere, they may match the price or even beat it.
  11. Ask on Social Media: Make a post on your Facebook page to inform your friends and family. Ask if anyone has a calculator or spare laptop to sell at a discount price. If your child is going to be in the marching band, sports, or other extracurricular activities, inform them. Ask for supplies.
  12. Attending Community Events to Save Money: Many non-profit organizations or charities host community events aimed at providing back-to-school supplies. These events often include giveaways of backpacks, school supplies, socks, and shoes. Some organizations even offer free haircuts for students. Be sure to take advantage of these community events to save on back-to-school items.

By combining these strategies, you can often find good deals on last-minute back-to-school supplies without breaking the bank.

Engage Your Children in Conversations About Bullying Through Books

August is Back-to-School month. Do you want to discuss bullying with your children? Reading is a great way to bring the subject of bullying into a conversation. If you are searching for children’s books about bullying, check out the following options.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying orders.”

  1. “Bye-Bye Bully: A Story about Finding Your Voice, Courage, Kindness and Empathy” (2023) – Stacy C Bauer (Author), Eduardo Paj (Author)
  2. “What YOU Can Do About Bullying by Max & Zoey” (2024) –  Ari Magnusson (Author), Greg Marathas (Illustrator)
  3. “Dragon and The Bully” (2018) – Steve Herman (Author)
  4. “Link Takes a Stand: A Story about Bullying and Kindness” (2023) – Anders Grit (Author), Vivi Grit (Author)
  5. “Monty the Manatee” (2018) – Natalie Pritchard (Author), Natalie Merheb (Illustrator)
  6. “What Should Danny Do? School Day” (2018) – Adir Levy (Author), Ganit Levy (Author), Mat Sadler (Illustrator)
  7. “The Kids’ Book of Anti-Bullying” (2024) – Catherine Stephenson (Author), Hiruni Kariyawasam (Illustrator)
  8. “The No More Bullying Book for Kids” (2018) – Vanessa Green Allen MEd NBCT (Author), Emmeline Pidgen (Illustrator)
  9. “The Mean Bean” (2021) – Sonica Ellis (Author), Nejla Shojaie (Illustrator)
  10. “Weird!: A Story About Dealing with Bullying in Schools” (2013) – Erin Frankel (Author), Paula Heaphy (Illustrator)

Happy Reading!

Enhance Your Child’s Back-to-School Experience with These 15 Books

Do you have a child starting school this year? Or one who is a little anxious to go back to school? Books can be a powerful tool to help communicate and navigate emotions with your child during this transitional period. If you are looking for inspiration, consider exploring the following back-to-school books tailored for kids.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. “The Crayons Go Back to School” – Drew Daywalt (Author), Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator) (2023)
  2. “My First Day of First Grade: A Sweet Back-to-School Picture Book for Kids” – Louise Martin (Author), Denise Hughes (Illustrator) (2023)
  3. “Time for School… No Worries!“- Make Believe Ideas (Author), Lara Ede (Illustrator) (2021)
  4. “If You Take a Mouse to School” – Laura Numeroff (Author), Felicia Bond (Illustrator) (2002)
  5. “The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” – Mo Willems (Author) (2019)
  6. “Time for School, Little Blue Truck: A Back to School Book for Kids” – Alice Schertle (Author), Jill McElmurry (Illustrator) (2021)
  7. “The 12 Days of Kindergarten: A Book for Kindergarteners” – Jenna Lettice (Author), Colleen Madden (Illustrator) (2017)
  8. “The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes: A Growth Mindset Book for Back to School for Kids” – Mark Pett (Author), Gary Rubinstein (Author) (2011)
  9. “The Day You Begin” – Jacqueline Woodson (Author), Rafael López (Illustrator) (2018)
  10. “Froggy Goes to School” – Jonathan London (Author), Frank Remkiewicz (Illustrator) (1998)
  11. “Llama Llama Back to School” – Anna Dewdney (Author), Reed Duncan (Author), JT Morrow (Illustrator) (2022)
  12. “The Berenstain Bears Go to School (First Time Books)” –  Stan Berenstain (Author), Jan Berenstain (Author) (1978)
  13. “I’m Going to Kindergarten!: A Book for Soon-to-Be Kindergarteners (Little Golden Book)” – Andrea Posner-Sanchez (Author), Joanie Stone (Illustrator) (2022)
  14. “My First Day of Kindergarten: An Encouraging Back-to-School Picture Book for Kids” – Louise Martin (Author), Joanne Partis (Illustrator) (2023)
  15. “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes: A Back to School Book for Kids” – James Dean (Illustrator), Eric Litwin (Author) (2011)

Happy Reading!

World Book Day

Do you love to read? Did you know today, April 23, 2024, is World Book Day? The day is perfect for all book lovers! Celebrating World Book Day can be exciting! If you are searching for ideas, consider the following activities for World Book Day.

pile of books
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
  1. Book Exchange: Organize a book exchange with friends, family, or colleagues. The concept is simple. Everyone brings a book or two that they love and swaps for another one.
  2. Reading Marathon: Challenge yourself to read as many pages or books as possible in one day. Set up a cozy reading corner with snacks and spend the day immersed in books.
  3. Literary Costume Party: Plan and organize a book-themed party. Dress up as your favorite book character and host a costume party. Ask guests to guess each other’s characters.
  4. Book Club Gathering: If you are currently part of a book club, celebrate World Book Day by discussing your favorite books over snacks and drinks. If you do not have a book club, organize one.
  5. Community Storytelling: Host a storytelling event at your local library, school, or community center. Ask people to share their favorite passages or stories. If you cannot organize an in-person event, ask the question on social media.
  6. Support Local Bookstores: Visit a local bookstore and purchase a book or two to support independent sellers.
  7. Donate Books: Collect gently used books and donate them to schools, libraries, or shelters in need.
  8. Write Your Own Story: Encourage creativity by hosting a writing workshop where participants can write their own short stories or poems inspired by World Book Day. The workshop can be in-person or online.

Happy World Book Day! Enjoy! Happy Reading!

27 Children’s Books to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Are you looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day? Do you want to do an easy but fun activity with your children? Stop at your local library or bookstore to find St. Patrick’s Day-themed books. Spend an afternoon reading books together. If you are searching for ideas, consider the following books for kids to celebrate St. Partick’s Day.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. “How to Catch a Leprechaun” (2016) – Adam Wallace
  2. “Wilford and Blue, Paddy’s Day Pincher” (2022) – Rebecca McDonald & James McDonald
  3. “Liam the Leprechaun Loves to Fart” (2021) – Humor Heals Us
  4. “Valerie Fox and the Leprechaun’s Box” (2022) – K.A. Devlin
  5. “The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day” (2009) – Natasha Wing
  6. “Spot’s Lucky Day” (2022) – Eric Hill
  7. “The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day” (2021) – Mike Berenstain
  8. “Thing One, Thing Two and the Leprechaun” (2022) – Dr. Suess
  9. “Leo the Farting Leprechaun and the Great Rainbow” (2022) – Emma Sill Publishing
  10. “The Itsy-Bitsy Leprechaun” (2018) – Jeffrey Burton
  11. “Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Curious George” (2014) – H.A. Rey
  12. “Whiskers Finds His Luck” (2024) – Shana Gorian
  13. “I Spy St. Patrick’s Day Book: St Patrick’s Day” (2022) – Flora Sootie
  14. “Elmo’s Lucky Day” (2020) – Andrea Posner-Sanchez
  15. “St. Patrick’s Day” (1994) – Gail Gibbons
  16. “Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato” (1997) – Tomie dePaola
  17. “The Secret Life of Leprechauns” (2020) – Luna James
  18. “Rosco the Rascal at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade” (2017) – Shana Gorian
  19. “St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning” (1983) – Eve Bunting
  20. “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover!” (2012) – Lucille Colandro
  21. “Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland” (1992) – Tomie dePaola
  22. “That’s What Leprechauns Do” (2009) – Eve Bunting
  23. “Pout-Pout Fish: Lucky Leprechaun” (2019) – Deborah Diesen
  24. “Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase” (2019) – James Dean
  25. “Ten Lucky Leprechauns” (2013) – Kathryn Heling
  26. “Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk” (1992) – Gerald McDermott
  27. “Lucky Day” (2020) – Matt Donnelly

Enjoy! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Hobbies You Can Start this Winter

Is finding a new hobby on your resolution list for 2024? Hobbies are a fantastic creative endeavor. Since Winter is going strong, starting a hobby today is a great way to pass the time on cold, snowy days. If you are searching for ideas, consider the following hobbies you can start this Winter at home.

selective focus photography of paintbrush near paint pallet
Photo by Steve Johnson on Pexels.com
  1. Knit or Crochet: Both are perfect for cozy winter evenings. If you need instructions, try searching YouTube for ideas.
  2. Indoor Gardening: Start cultivating some plants or herbs indoors. Fresh herbs are wonderful in new recipes.
  3. Cooking or Baking: Experiment with new recipes and warm up your kitchen.
  4. Painting or Drawing: Explore your creative side with winter-inspired art. Start by purchasing basics at your local dollar store.
  5. Reading Challenge: Set a goal to read several books during the Winter. Go to your local library or bookstore to find new Winter reading material.
  6. Yoga or Meditation: Stay active and maintain mental well-being.
  7. Board Games or Puzzles: Enjoy some indoor fun with family or friends.
  8. Writing: Try your hand at short stories, poetry, or journaling.
  9. DIY Crafts: Make handmade gifts or decorations for the season. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter are coming soon.
  10. Photography: Capture the beauty of winter landscapes around you. Step outside and snap a few photos of the fallen snow or icicles. If you do not want to go out, set up a photo booth in your home to take photos of your family and friends. (Yes, photographing your cat is acceptable).
  11. Learn a New Skill: Try a language app, or a class online, or search YouTube for something new to learn.

In the chilly Winter months, everyone cozies up at home for warmth and comfort. Embracing a new hobby is an awesome way to make the most of those blustery, wintry days!