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Books

Books to Read: June 2024 Edition

I’m obsessed with reading, and I try to instill a love of reading in my kids. My daughter seems to be following in my book-loving footsteps, but my sons aren’t quite on the same path. My youngest (he’s 7 right now) likes some books, specifically books about how things work, but he has to be reminded to read. However, my oldest (he’s 10) really resists reading unless he has a graphic novel or something funny in hand. Plus, we’re always excited for books about America this time of year since the 4th of July is coming soon! With these major differences between my three kids, I’m always on the search for books they’ll love.

Since books are such a passion of mine, I wanted to bring it to the blog and do a monthly post about books we’re all loving right now. Some are old favorites that we still turn back to, and others are new hits we’re excited about.

*This post contains affiliate links.*

Best Kids Books to Read For Summer

EXPLORE! AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS

My kids and I love learning about places in the United States, and National Parks are high on our list. All three of my kiddos have loved “Explore! America’s National Parks” since we got it and regularly turn to it during reading time. They love to show me things they enjoy in the book and are now asking to visit specific national parks.

Explore America's National Parks

SECRETS OF THE SEASHORE – SHINE-A-LIGHT

The Shine-a-Light Paperpie books are some of our favorites! You use a flashlight with these books, shining a light through the back of the page to see otherwise hidden images. We have a handful of them, and my kids love how they can use a flashlight to see things as they learn more about the topic.

book about the sea shore

BILLIE B. BROWN, THE BAD BUTTERFLY

Billie B. Brown books are some of my daughter’s favorites! The books are relatable and have positive problem-solving tactics throughout. The life lessons for kids are perfect and the creative illustrations throughout the book help hold their attention.

Billie B Brown books for girls

Best Adult Books to Read For Summer

The God of The Woods

This psychological thriller by Liz Moore is so good! I loved every bit of it, and I think you will, too! The God of the Woods is so much different than the plots of many other thrillers I’ve read recently, so it was nice to have something fresh to look forward to.

The God of the Woods, Psychological thriller

The Paper Palace

I hadn’t heard of The Paper Palace before I ordered it, so I almost passed on it initially. However, it’s such a good read that I’m thankful I followed my gut. It’s a great summer read!

Sandwich

When you read Sandwich, you’ll laugh, you might cry, and you’ll definitely feel happy. It’s the perfect book to read while relaxing at home or enjoying a day at the beach.

Sandwich, books to read

Final Thoughts on Books to Read in June

These are some of the books we’re enjoying at my house this month. What have you and your kiddos been reading? Let us know in the comments.

Categories
Big Kid Big kid fun Craft Family Activities Gifts Holiday How To Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Learning Life Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

8 Fun Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids: Non-Toy Gifts for Kids

Instead of buying toys for special days, you can consider monthly subscription boxes for kids. These non-toy gifts for kids are fun and won’t clutter up your space as much as toys do.

Helping kids recognize and develop their skills at an early age can give them an advantage later in life. They are already scientists, explorers, cooks, bakers, artists, and many other things. The best thing you can do for your kids is to provide them with what they need to learn and grow in these areas.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

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Monthly Subscription Boxes For Kids

1. Green Kid Crafts

Green Kid Crafts is a nature-based STEAM subscription box for kids aged 2-10. The activities included in the box inspire creativity, discovery, and learning about the world. This monthly box can be the perfect arts and crafts gift for kids.

You can shop by theme on the Green Kid Crafts website, too. The themes include:

  • Arts and crafts kits and projects
  • Fun science experiments
  • Exciting animals and ecosystems
We Craft Box

2. We Craft Box

We Craft Box is geared toward kids between the ages of three and nine. If you have a younger child, they’ll need more help. As kids do the themed monthly project, they’re experiencing creativity and making memories.

All of the materials the child will need, except water and scissors, are included in the box. My favorite part is that each kit comes with enough material for two kids, so it’s perfect for sharing.

Each We Craft Box comes with a story about the project, which helps get your child inspired and feeling creative. It also includes photo instructions that are easy to follow.

We Craft Box, We Craft
subscription box for kids
craft box

3. Bookroo

Bookroo is a monthly subscription book box for kids ages 0-10. It is super simple to sign up, and you can count on awesome books being delivered for your kids. There are three different book clubs you can join including:

  • Board Books (ages 0-3)
  • Picture Books (ages 3-6)
  • Chapter Books (ages 7-10)

Since March is reading month, you could consider starting the subscription box as a way to make National Reading Awareness Month even more exciting.

Amazing books kids love!

4. Coding Subscription Box

This monthly subscription box is best for ages six through 12. The child will receive monthly coding projects, learning how to make video games, simulations, greeting cards, and so much more.

One of the best parts is that each box comes with a guide for grownups and unlimited email support. You won’t have to worry about getting stumped when there’s help and references readily available.

monthly subscription boxes for kids

5. Highlights Magazine Subscription Box

The Highlights subscription box is available for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders. They offer a fun way to learn skills based on their age group and skill levels. Using this box for only 15 minutes a day can improve your child’s skills, and you can track the changes on included progress sheets.

6. History Subscription Boxes

Suitable for ages six through 11, this history box is perfect for kids who love history. Kids can learn about the world around them and other cultures with the included activities. Some of the skills it’ll help children improve are literacy, geography, STEAM, history, and vocabulary.

monthly subscription boxes for kids

7. Monthly Subscription Box for Tweens or Teens

Many of the subscription boxes target younger kids, but tweens and tweens can enjoy this Strong self(ie) monthly subscription box. The tween box is geared towards eight to 12-year-olds, while the teen box targets 13-17-year-olds.

Examples of Tween Boxes

monthly subscription boxes for kids
monthly subscription boxes for kids

Examples of Teen Boxes

monthly subscription boxes for kids
monthly subscription boxes for kids

8. Baketivity Monthly Subscription Box for Kids

The Baketivity subscription box involves a monthly recipe and includes pre-measured ingredients. Each recipe is easy to follow and has illustrations to help the child along.

One of my favorite parts of this subscription box is that the kids can watch and follow a chef creating the recipe. It also comes with a chef hat and apron so your child can embrace every aspect of being a baker.

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Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids

Monthly subscription boxes for kids are the perfect solution to having too many toys. Birthdays and holidays don’t have to be all about toys, and these subscription boxes are the best gifts for kids.

What subscription boxes for kids do you love? Leave a comment and let me know!

If you want an adult subscription box, check out my post 10 Reasons to Try Bean Box Award-Winning Coffee.

Categories
Craft crafts Infant/Toddler Learning Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

Tear Art – Little Red Riding Hood

This tear art based on the book Little Red Riding Hood was so much fun for my daughter! It was easy, allowed her to be creative, and can be done over and over again with different books. Before I get into the details of that craft, let’s catch up!

I hope you are all having an amazing summer! I know things are a little different this year since lots of things are closed/canceled. Plus, the things that aren’t canceled or closed likely have new rules and guidelines to follow.

It definitely takes some getting used to, but we’re still enjoying all of our favorite activities! We’ve spent a lot of time at the Lake (Lake Michigan is our favorite), and spent time exploring places we’ve never been before.

The kids have loved it and they haven’t even complained about missing out on things we would normally do.

It’s been rainy here lately, though, so we have been stuck inside a little more than we’d like. That’s been fine, though, because it gives us plenty of time for reading stories and making crafts.

Little Red Riding Hood Tear Craft

My daughter is obsessed with wolf stories, which has been a theme for her for more than a year now. Lately, we’ve been reading Little Red Riding Hood over and over again.

So, when she wanted to read it for the fourth time in a row the other day, I came up with a better idea. We decided to make a craft based on the book! I love to do that anyway, so this was a perfect time.

My little lady is currently grounded from scissors (a few too many mishaps with her hair, her Barbie’s hair, and now her toy horse’s hair… along with clothes and anything else she found). I wanted to stick to my guns on this one, so we settle for tear art.

Tear crafts are awesome anyway because they help with fine motor skills and using pinching skills. This one was even more fun because we had to copy the book while tearing our paper.

Plus, when you do a craft based on a book, it will help the child remember the book better. That means, if there are any lessons involved in the book, the child will remember those better, too.

Materials:

Directions:

  • Read the book
  • Choose a part your child wants to re-create
  • Gather the necessary colors of construction paper
  • Begin tearing out the shapes
  • Glue them to the paper
  • Use crayons, a pen, or a marker to add final details if necessary
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Use Tear Art to Occupy Kids While You Work From Home

So, I’ll be completely honest here. One of the reasons I’m trying to get my kids to enjoy tear art based on books is because I often work from home. As many of you are probably realizing, working from home when you have kids is incredibly difficult.

I did this craft with my daughter, but I’m hoping that it’ll help her stay occupied on her own when I’m working. Since the materials are basic, you’ll be able to feel comfortable that your child won’t hurt themselves without your guidance.

They can choose any book they want, even ones they haven’t read before. This opens the door to so many ideas and possibilities. You’ll be able to suggest tear art next time your kids are bugging you while you are busy with work.

Your kids don’t have to only create the characters in the book, either. They can re-create the scenery or any other aspect of the book. I think rainbows and other nature-related themes would be so much fun to re-create!

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Final Thoughts on Tear Art – Little Red Riding Hood

This is a craft that kids of all ages can do. They get to use their creativity to create what they are seeing in the book.

It doesn’t matter how close your child (or yourself) gets to an exact re-creation. Just going through this process will help them remember the book and the lessons it has taught.

It’ll also keep your kids busy for a while, and they can do this craft without scissors.

What book would you want to recreate with your child? Tell me about it in the comments!

Check out this similar craft:

Big Bad Wolf Paper Plate Craft

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Big Kid Big kid fun crafts Family Activities How To Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

5 Fun Ways to Celebrate National Reading Awareness Month

National Reading Awareness Month is one of my favorite times of the year. I don’t know what it is, but it’s a good mix of many books with excuses to read. Plus, the weather is slightly warmer, so I’m feeling good all around. Then, the kids get to dress up in fun outfits each day for school, making the month that much more exciting.

Since the school celebrates so heavily and has the kids dress up for National Reading Month, I wanted some fun ways to celebrate at home, too. Participating outside of school ensures that our kids understand reading is important (and fun!) at home AND school. It’s also a way for younger children to participate if they haven’t started school yet.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

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Ways to Celebrate National Reading Month

1. Make it memorable and fun

Making the book and reading experience memorable is easy to do. You can do crafts related to the book, make snacks, or do any other activity that will help engrain that book into your child’s mind. Not only will they remember the book better, but they’ll have fun while doing it, encouraging more reading.

Other ideas to make a book memorable include acting them out or having your child re-tell the story. Drawing the story also helps and allows your child to get creative.

Check out these crafts based on books that my kids have done:

2. Make each book a learning opportunity

Try not to read a book and forget it right afterward. Find ways to help your child learn from the book. You can do this by discussing themes in the books such as kindness, trying again after failure, and others you notice or want to touch on.

Another simple way to make sure the learning aspect sticks is to talk to your kids about it. I like to do this while I’m tucking them in at night, but you can bring it up anytime. You can recall the ideas you learn from a story in any situation, and it helps your child make a connection and understand the lesson.

3. Read in different ways during Reading Awareness Month

Switching up the reading methods helps the story stick in their head. Some of the different ways to read include having the children read the book aloud or taking turns reading (I read a page, the child reads a page, etc.). Another fun method that kids seem to like is listening to the story on YouTube while seeing the words on the screen. Of course, it’s best to read with them as a bonding experience, too, but videos can be highly beneficial.

You can also build a fort with the child and then read books inside the fort. Another idea is to have the child read to a pet or stuffed animal. The possibilities for reading in different ways with your kids are endless.

4. Dress up as favorite book characters

This fun way to celebrate National Reading Awareness Month is probably my absolute favorite. Help your child pick out some clothes or accessories to dress up as a favorite book character or even as a character from a brand new book that you’ve just read together. You don’t have to have the exact costume, so be creative in making the look come to life.

Parents and older siblings can get in on this one, and it’s fun for everyone! I’ve been obsessively referring back to a blog post about a teacher who dressed up as a different book character every day. If you’re interested, check it out by clicking this link: PHraseD

5. Surprise your kids with a new book or two

As a kid (and even now, let’s be honest), nothing got me more excited about reading than getting a new book. My kids are the same way. You can take them to the store and let them choose their own, or you can surprise them with a new book that you picked out!

My kids and I are obsessed with Bookroo, a book subscription service for kids. They offer options for all ages and reading levels, including chapter books for middle grades. It’s so much fun and gives your kiddos something to look forward to even after reading month is over.

New favorites delivered monthly!

Best Books for Kids of All Ages to Celebrate National Reading Awareness Month

If you need some ideas, some of my favorite children’s books include:

For more ideas (specifically throwback books) that you and your child would love reading together, check out my post 10 Nostalgic Books to Read With Your Kids (or Alone).

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Final Thoughts On Fun Ways to Celebrate National Reading Awareness Month

Reading month is so much fun for me, but I know that it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Luckily, there are fun ways for everyone to celebrate National Reading Awareness Month, even those who don’t love to read.

With this month being all about reading awareness, it’s the perfect time to teach our kids the different ways they can make reading fun. What are you doing to celebrate reading month? Tell me about it in the comments!

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Big Kid Craft crafts Free Activities Holiday Teenager Toddler and Preschool Age Fun

Valentine’s Crafts Based on the Book Hedgehugs

When my son brought the book ‘Hedgehugs’ home from school last year, I was so excited. I’d never heard of it before and it quickly became a favorite. While deciding on some Valentine’s Crafts, this book immediately came to mind.

It’s a cute story about a couple of hedgehogs that want to hug but can’t find a comfortable way to do so. By the end of the story, the hedgehogs find a way to hug by wiggling into the end of a torn sock. The sock covers their sharp parts so that they can share their love.

With National Hugging Day on the 21st and Valentine’s Day less than a month away, I figured it was the perfect time to have some fun with this one. If you want to buy this book for your home library, you can get it on Amazon by clicking HERE or by clicking on the photo below.

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This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.

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Valentine’s Crafts 1 – Paper Hug

This craft is SO easy and we had everything on hand to make it ahead of time. Even more exciting, our teenager participated in this one!

Materials

Directions

  1. Cut a large heart onto pink paper.
  2. Using any of the three colors of paper, cut a long, skinny piece and fold it up like an accordion.
  3. Put white paint on one of the child’s hands and have them make a handprint on red paper.
  4. Do the same with the other hand so that you have 2 handprints for each child.
  5. Have the child cut around their handprint and glue one handprint to each arm.
  6. Glue the other end of the arm to the large heart.
  7. Using markers, draw a face on the heart.

Valentine’s Crafts 2 – Hedgehog Hugging a Heart Craft

Materials

Directions

  1. Draw or print a large oval onto white paper and have your kids paint it brown.
  2. Draw or print a medium-sized oval, a medium sized heart, two small ovals for feet, and two long, skinny ovals for arms. At the end of each long, skinny oval, make it flat instead of rounded. (I know, this isn’t an oval anymore).
  3. Mix brown and white paint to make a light brown or tan color. Then, paint the rest of the shapes with this color.
  4. Then, cut out a couple of hearts onto pink or red paper.
  5. Once all of that is done, assemble the hedgehog by beginning with the large brown oval. Using glue, add the medium-sized tan oval next, more toward the bottom of the large oval leaving about half an inch of space at the bottom.
  6. Then add the tan heart so that the top half of the heart is on the brown oval and the bottom half is on the tan oval.
  7. Next up are the feet, which should be put on the very bottom.
  8. Finally, add one of the red or pink hearts right into the center of the tan oval and put the arms so that the flat side of the arms are on the edge of the oval and the rounded parts are overlapping the red or pink heart.
  9. Add a second red or pink heart overtop of the first one and add the googly eyes to the tan heart.
  10. For the final steps, add a pom-pom to the point of the tan heart to make a nose and add claws to the feet using a black marker.

That’s it!! You’re done and you’ve created a cute hedgehog hugging a heart.

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Final Thoughts on Valentines Craft Based on the Book Hedgehugs

Valentine’s Day is such a fun holiday to celebrate with your kids. It’s a good time to teach kids fun ways to celebrate rather than spending money to celebrate.

Which craft are you going to do with your kids? Let me know in the comments!

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While you’re at it, parents, go ahead and treat yourself this Valentine’s Day with some pampering and self care.

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Big Kid Big kid fun Family Activities Parenting Teenager Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

10 Nostalgic Books to Read With Your Kids (or alone!)

Think back to your childhood… which books did you LOVE to read? Which ones were you extra excited to see at story time? As you got older, which books captured your attention the most?

I have ALWAYS been a reader and can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t love books. Instilling that passion in my kids is something I’ve always tried to do. This means that I buy them books at any chance I get, and if I see an old favorite of my mine, we’re reading it that day for sure.

From books I loved as a young child, to the adventures of big kid books, and then continuing into my teenage years, I literally buy them all. Now, I’m sharing some of our favorites with you! These are ones that I absolutely loved as a child and that my kids enjoyed, too!

Ok, you all should have known that I couldn’t just choose little kid books, big kid books, or books for teenagers, so I made one list of each. I have 3 littles (ages 5, 3, and 2) and 2 big kids (ages 11 and 15), so I have to have a wide range of books for all different age groups.

If you don’t have kids, no worries!! You could use a little nostalgia in your life, anyway! Go ahead and choose a book or two, and relive your childhood.

This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.

Nostalgic books to read with your kids

Nostalgic Books For the Littles

  1. Green Eggs and Ham
  2. Where The Wild Things Are
    Where the Wild Things Are, Nostalgic books for kids, best books
  3. The Giving Tree
  4. Corduroy
  5. The Gruffalo
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  6. The Little Engine Who Could
  7. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
  8. The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales
  9. There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
    There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, Nostalgic books for kids, kids books
  10. Brown Bear, Brown Bear

My personal favorite: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, Nostalgic children's books, books for kids
I was always SO excited when my teacher would pull this book out at school!

Books for Big Kids

Bonus: Every book on this list counts toward AR tests and points. Since school is coming quick, it’s best to be prepared!

I’ve included the recommended grade levels for each book, but remember each child is different. If you want to read a book with your child, it’s OK if it’s a little higher than their grade level, because you’ll be reading with them to help with unknown words and meanings.

  1. Matilda: Grades 3-6
  2. The Witches: Grades 3-7
  3. The BFG: Grades 3-7
  4. Box Car Children: Grades 2-6
    boxcar children, books for kids, nostalgic children's books
  5. The Baby Sitter’s Club: Grades 3-7 **Check out this retro set!!**
  6. Amelia Bedelia: Grades K-3
  7. Ramona Quimby, Age 8: Grades 3-7
    Ramona Quimby, Age 8 - Nostalgic books for kids, nostalgic children's book
  8. The Watson’s Go to Birmingham: Grades 5-8
    The Watsons Go to Birmingham, Nostalgic children's books, nostalgic books to read with your kids
  9. Junie B. Jones: Grades 1-4
  10. Holes: Grades 4-6

My personal favorite: This is too difficult to answer!! I’ll have to choose three – The Witches, The BFG, and Box Car Children.

Books for Teenagers

Depending on the reading and maturity level of your child, these can also be books for preteens. I read many of them when I was a preteen myself including numbers 3, 7, 9, and 10.

I find that it is more difficult to get our teenager to read books than it is to get my younger kids to read, so reading with her or sharing my favorite books with her seems to be the best way.

  1. Anything written by Sarah Dessen – all of her books are nostalgic to me, honestly. I read and loved them all!
  2. The Great Gatsby
  3. Harry Potter
  4. Romeo and Juliet
  5. The Scarlet Letter
  6. In Cold Blood
    In Cold Blood, Truman Capote, book for teenagers, books to read with teenagers
  7. 1984
    1984, George Orwell, Books for Teenagers, Books to read with teenagers
  8. The Bell Jar
    The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath, Books to read with teenagers, books for teenagers
  9. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
    – This may be the best one on the list to read with a preteen or teenage girl. It makes for an awesome movie night after!
  10. The Outsiders
  11. To Kill a Mockingbird

I’m sure you noticed that there are 11 here… just count that as a bonus, because I couldn’t bring myself to eliminate any on this list!!

My personal favorite: The Great Gatsby, for sure!! It’s still my favorite book!

The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald, books to read with teenagers, books for teenagers

Final Thoughts on Nostalgic Books To Read With Your Kids

As adults, we oftentimes find ourselves over-stressed, over-worked, and over-tired. We rarely take the time we need to relax and enjoy ourselves. Having kids, however, allows us a few moments to sit back and pretend we are a kid again while reading books that we used to love ourselves.

So, go ahead and pick out a few books to purchase that you loved as a kid. You won’t regret the time spent with your own children, reminiscing over your own childhood while creating new memories that will last forever.

What were some of your favorite books as a child? What about as a teenager? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!!