Category: books

20 St. Patrick’s Day Books for Kids

Are you looking for St. Patrick’s Day children’s books to check out at the library or purchase? Check out the following list for ideas.
St. Patrick’s Day Books
  1. How to Catch a Leprechaun (2016) by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton
  2. Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase: Includes 12 St. Patrick’s Day Cards, Fold-Out Poster, and Stickers! (2019) by James Dean
  3. The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day (2009) by Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer
  4. Pout-Pout Fish: Lucky Leprechaun (A Pout-Pout Fish Paperback Adventure) (2012) by Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna
  5. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover! (2012) by Lucille Colandro and Jared Lee
  6. The Itsy Bitsy Leprechaun (2018) by Jeffrey Burton and Sanja Rescek
  7. The Lucky Leprechauns (2013) by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook
  8. That’s What Leprechauns Do (2009) by Eve Bunting and Emily Arnold McCully
  9. The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever (2008) by Teddy Slater and Ethan Long
  10. Baby’s First St. Patrick’s Day (Baby’s First Holidays) (2020) by DK
  11. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Coloring & Activity Book for Toddlers & Preschool Kids Ages 1-4 (2019) by Green Light Go
  12. Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato (1997) by Tomie dePaola
  13. The Story of Saint Patrick’s Day (2013) by Patricia A. Pingry
  14. Shiny Shapes: Happy St. Patrick’s Day (2019) by Roger Priddy
  15. The Gingerbread Man and the Leprechaun Loose at School (2018) by Laura Murray and Mike Lowery
  16. A Fine St. Patrick’s Day (2008) by Susan Wojciechowski and Tom Curry
  17. The Story of the Leprechaun (2001) by Katherine Tegen and Sally Anne Lambert
  18. Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk (Picture Puffins) (1992) by Gerald McDermott
  19. Little Man of Disneyland (Disney Classic) (Little Golden Book) (2015) by RH Disney and Walt Disney Studio
  20. Lucky Tucker (2008) by Leslie McGuirk

 

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Ways to Celebrate Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice officially occurs on December 21, 2019, at 11:19 pm EST. In the Northern Hemisphere, the astronomical event marks the first day of winter. Knowing as the longest night of the year, the day marks the return of the light. Slowly the days will grow longer and the night shorter.

How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice

People around the globe celebrate the Winter Solstice in many ways. If you are looking for simple ways to celebrate the start of the winter season, consider the following:

Go for a Nature Walk

Even if the sun is starting to set, go outdoors.

  • Dress appropriately. Remember to wear layers to keep warm.
  • Carry your cell phone, but put the device on vibrate.
  • Use a flashlight if needed.
  • Remember to walk in a known location for safety. Walking on a familiar path is essential if the sun is setting.

Go to the Library

On your walk or car ride, go to your local library to check out books about the Winter Solstice. Some quick title suggestion includes:

Your local library, online shopping center, or bookstore has numerous books related to the Winter Solstice.

Eat 

Combine your Winter Solstice celebration with your dinner. Host a special family night, or invite friends over to join you. Some basic ideas include:

  • A hearty Winter Solstice Soup to help you stay warm.
  • Swedish Saffron Buns or create bread in the shape of the sun to welcome back the light-filled days.
  • Mulled Wine, Hot Tea, or Egg Nog
  • Winter Salad
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Butternut Squash
  • Bake a cake in the shape of a Yule Log
  • Use nature and winter-themed items to decorate a cake.

Feed the Birds 

Long winter nights mean less available food for birds. Add extra seeds to your bird feeder. Or decorate a tree with edible food for the birds to enjoy.

Make Nature Crafts

Use items from your nature walk for crafting. Pine cones, small twigs, or acorns are perfect materials for wreaths and other nature-inspired crafts.

The Winter Solstice is a once a year event. Even if you just decide to curl up under a comforter with a good book, take a moment out of your busy work, school, or holiday schedule to celebrate the longest night.

 

 

 

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31 Days of Halloween Fun

Cooler nights, changing leaves, pumpkins, October is the perfect time to enjoy Halloween fun. Whether you participate in activities with friends or family, try out these ideas for 31 Days of Halloween Fun. 

31 Halloween Themed Activities 

  1. Visit a pumpkin patch. Bring home a pumpkin or several 
  2. Decorate for Halloween.
  3. Go to the library or bookstore to find Halloween themed books. 
  4. Make homemade Halloween cards. 
  5. Make monster cookies.
  6. Plan and make a homemade Halloween costume.
  7. Make two loaves of pumpkin bread. One to keep and one to give away to a friend. 
  8. Create a Halloween diorama. 
  9.  Watch classic monster movies. 
  10. Paint zombie, monster, or pumpkin-themed rocks to hide around the neighborhood. 
  11. Make a Halloween themed meal.
  12. Make orange tye-dyed t-shirts.
  13. Go on a haunted hayride.
  14. Walk or drive around to see the different pumpkin and Halloween decorations. 
  15. Tell or write a spooky tale. 
  16. Host a Halloween cartoon movie night. 
  17. Drink freshly pressed cider or warm apple spice cider. 
  18. Create a Halloween playlist. 
  19. Carve pumpkins.
  20. Roast pumpkin seeds.
  21. Visit a haunted house.
  22. Host a Halloween themed craft day. 
  23. Attend a pumpkin weighing contest.
  24. Go through a corn maze. 
  25. Attend a trunk or treat event. 
  26. Go on a haunted tour or ghost walk. 
  27. Host a bonfire night. 
  28. Have a Halloween themed photoshoot for you, your friends, your family, or your dogs. 
  29. Attend a Halloween parade or other community event. 
  30. Host a Halloween party. 
  31. Trick-or-treat. Happy Halloween!

Read A Book Day

Did you know September 6th is an unofficial holiday called Read A Book Day? For avid book enthusiasts, reading a book may be part of a daily routine. Celebrating Read A Book Day provides an extra chance to indulge. Books give readers a chance to escape into a different realm, attend a magical school, go back in time, and much more. Use Read A Book Day as an excuse to get lost in a new novel (or reread an old favorite). 

Visit the Library

Visit your local library for a new book selection. Libraries often display new releases. Ask the librarian for an idea of a newly released book to read. Librarians are valuable resources. Do not be afraid to ask the librarian questions.

Go to Your Local Book Store

Stop by your local book store to pick up a new book or two to read. Browse the aisles of your favorite book store. Often display or book covers will catch your eye. Providing you a chance to learn about a new series of books. Independently owned book stores often display or host local authors. You may find a book by local artists that interest you. 

Read in a Different Location

Do you usually read on your couch under a blanket? Yes, the same location to read for Read A Book Day is excellent. But consider reading somewhere else. 

  • Go outdoors to lounge in a lawn chair. 
  • Head to your local cafe. Enjoy a latte while you read your recent book find. 
  • Read on your lunch hour.
  • Spread out a blanket and read while sitting under a tree. 
  • Make a special snack to enjoy while reading. (Yes, you may go back to your comfy couch).

Read Out Loud

Read a book out loud to your children, grandchildren, or an elderly family member. (Yes, you may read to your dog if you want). Sharing the experience will make Read A Book Day more memorable. 

Read A Book Day is about reading a book. Unplug from your electronic devices and enjoy the comforts of a good book.