Books and Giggles
I have two friends whose kids adore making all kinds of slime. I can’t believe we waited as long as we did to try mixing up our own. It wasn’t nearly as messy as I expected, and my kids enjoyed it. Right away I realized how slime could be an activity to go with children’s books….
These printable polar bear hats are perfect for motivating children re-tell the story Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle. (Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees…
These books about the months of the year can help spark children’s interest in learning about dates, calendars, and the seasons. They’re also just fun to read, especially at New Year’s or back to school time. (Disclosure: Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program…
This DIY trivet hot plate is a practical yet sentimental gift for kids to make. And, of course, it’s inspired by a book! (Disclosure: Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising…
These “Peace on Earth” ornaments are fun and educational to make at Christmas or even Earth Day! They can go along with a new book that I think you’ll love. (Disclosure: Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites…
I love seeing smiles on kids’ faces when they receive a new book. Add a toy that enriches that book, and my heart swells even more. With the holidays fast approaching, I’ve spent hours searching for perfect book-toy pairs so that you can feel that joy of giving too. …Or at least the joy of…
These 10 engaging Halloween books for preschoolers are perfect for October storytime. Count, rhyme, and giggle together as you look forward to the big day! The apples have been picked and the leaves have fallen off the trees. It’s now time to stock up on candy, carve our Jack-O-Lanterns, and get ready for Halloween. We’ve…
This fish theme felt board activity was inspired by a wonderful story for preschoolers called Fish Wish. The book is filled with simple text and large colorful images that take you on an ocean adventure with a little friendly fish. Extend the story with this fun, hands-on activity on the felt board. My house…
Spring is finally here in full force, and I’ve been thinking about Earth Day activities for kids. These kid-created, storybook-inspired wildflower field guides were a lot of fun for all 3 of my elementary aged children. (Disclosure: Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed…
This crafty fine motor activity for the book If You Give a Mouse A Cookie will be just right for you if your kids love stories, pretend play, and crafts. Join along with us! (Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites…
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TheNewFanFavorites #CollectiveBias My daughter had a burning question. “When’s kickoff, Mommy?” I’d never heard those words from her lips before, and I knew my plan was working. I’m excited that the Big Game will be here in Texas…
Today we’re joining the Book + Craft Ideas Week to share another fun book extension activity. The picture book Strictly No Elephants is a charming story about friendship, fitting in, and embracing differences. (Disclosure: Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising…
If you’re looking for an easy way to give your kids the chance to hammer and saw, for not much money, this easy kids’ pallet project may fit the bill. It all started when we visited an old friend who’d moved across town. She’d had something delivered that arrived on a wood pallet. Rather…
The picture book One by Kathryn Otoshi has a simple yet powerful anti-bullying message. While it’s appropriate for younger kids, the concepts are a little abstract. Here is an activity box that children can use to retell the story and begin to internalize its lessons. I remember when Liam first started kindergarten at our local public school….
Inside: 8 fun and educational activities to do after reading the book If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff. If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff is fun for kids of all ages. The story is a sequence of events that fall in place like a row of dominoes set…
If you have a preschooler, you may be starting to think about how to help your child succeed in school. Reading aloud is always a great place to start. You can get a lot of mileage out of well-chosen books.Today I’m sharing five kinds of books you can read aloud to your preschooler. The variety…
The notable children’s book If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson is a sweet story that teaches kids about kindness. To go along with the book, you may like to do a special kindness activity. This one is perfect for spring. (Or even late winter.) (Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services…
Today I’m sharing a Valentine box inspired by favorite children’s book character Pete the Cat. Making it was easier than it looks, and I’ve put together a free printable template for the hardest part. In case you don’t know, Valentine boxes are a fun tradition in U.S. schools. Every child decorates a box for…
Today I’m sharing an easy dog craft based on one of our favorite storybook dogs. It’s a simple activity great for preschoolers, but also fun when adapted for toddlers or kindergartners. I counted 8 different Muddypaws books on Amazon. Each is written by a different author, but all are sweetly illustrated by Simon Mendez. (Books and Giggles…
Where we live in Texas, it almost never snows. My kids have learned more about wintry weather from Frozen than from being frozen. And they’ve learned more about snow from Frosty the Snowman than from making snowmen. Although… last weekend we went to a local festival. The big draw? A pile of fake snow. My kids…
Today I’m sharing simple Popsicle stick ornaments for kids to make this Christmas, and a story to go with them. You can make the ornaments without the story, or read the story without the ornaments – but they’re fun to do together. The story is Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney (affiliate). It’s about a Mama llama…
We do a lot of picture book-inspired crafts here, but this Christmas one is special. On one hand, it’s a fun holiday craft for kids. On the other hand, it’s a lesson in art and observation. (Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to…
If your toddler or young preschooler loves The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, I have a fun, educational toddler Christmas activity for you. It will help them learn about numbers and one-to-one correspondence. It will also introduce them to Christmas and winter themes. (Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,…
I’m excited to share another children’s story and craft combo with you. This gingerbread house craft is made with popsicle sticks and decorated with easy-to-find embellishments. Yes, you can leave it up the entire holiday season. You can even save it to put up year after year. And, to make this gingerbread house craft more meaningful, I’ve found…