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WINTER TODDLER BOOKS FOR A COZY STORYTIME

It’s officially cold. My flipflops are put away and I’m wearing a jacket every morning, which, if you know me, means it is cold out. It also means, it’s time for us to put away the fall books and refresh our nighttime book stack for stories about snowflakes, snowmen, and snuggly animals.

  1. The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats): This timeless classic captures the simple joys of a snowy day. The beautiful illustrations and gentle storyline make it a perfect read for little ones discovering the wonders of winter.
  2. Bunny Slopes (Claudia Rueda): We love this book because it’s interactive. You can shake, tap, and turn the book to follow the storyline. There’s also a few other books in this series, but this is our pick for winter.
  3. Ten on the Sled (Kim Norman): This one is super cute and a great way to work on numbers as ten friends tumble off teh sled one by one. Lots of rhyming makes it a fun read.
  4. Walking in a Winter Wonderland (Based on the song by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith, Illustrated by Tim Hopgood): The illustrations in this one are gorgeous and a really beautiful way to bring this song to life.
  5. Little Owl’s Snow (Divya Srinivasan): This guy is so cute. Little Owl experiences his first snowfall and all the curious wonders that come with it. This book is great for teaching about the changing seasons and the beauty of nature in winter.
  6. Bear Snores On (Karma Wilson): In this charming story, Bear sleeps through a party in his den. Various animals gather, enjoying food and company while Bear snores on. It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship and fun. It’s one of our favorites.

Do you have other books that make your winter book stack? Share yours in the comments.

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Life With Kids, Uncategorized

Best Night Light Options For Toddlers

We have recently learned that toddlers do not, in fact, like the dark. Who knew?

Ok, for real though. We know we are not the only one struggling with littles who won’t stay in their beds. Sure, you can use wall plug ins, but we’ve found that’s not quite enough for our kiddos.

Here’s what we’ve found works for us.

  1. Glow-in-the-Dark Stars: A nostalgic pick for many parents. Stick them to the ceiling, and give your child a mesmerizing starry experience every night.
  2. Squishy Touch Lamps for Kids: Great for children who like being in charge. We really love the squishy ones because our littlest likes to take it into bed with them. The USB charged ones we find are the best and we don’t have to waste batteries.
  3. Year-Round Christmas Lights: This one was because my bonus child was having trouble at night when she was six. We had some Christmas lights laying around after the holidays and she’s kept them up since.
  4. Bedtime Projector Nightlights: This is one of our favorites to calm down at night. We usually grab some blankets and pillows, lay down and put one of these on. We really like this one that you can play music with: Projector NightLight.

Seeing our kids in distress is never easy. So I hope some of these options help!

Bedtime Projector Nightlight

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Toys to Burn Off Toddler Energy onn Rainy Days
Life With Kids, Toddlers

Toys to Burn Off Toddler Energy on Rainy Days

Rainy days and toddlers. Together, they make me go crazy. With two under four, I’m constantly trying to find ways to get their energy out.

If your little rascals are bouncing off the walls and the weather is less than delightful, I’ve got a bucket full of activities to help get that energy out. Here’s my magic list, each item handpicked to keep the fun flowing indoors:

The Floor is Lava with Toddler Steppingstones: Get creative and challenge your kiddos to move from one side of the room to the other without touching the floor. Toddler steppingstones are a hit in our house. They can be arranged in countless ways, ensuring a new challenge every time! These ones are our favorite because they stack for easy cleanup: Balance Stepping Stones.

    Little Tikes Indoor Trampoline: Okay, this was a game-changer for us. Perfectly sized for toddlers, it’s their very own jumping paradise. Safety barriers ensure they can bounce away to their heart’s content.

    Blow Up Tents: My boys are obsessed with this one. Their grandfather got them one and all you need is a box fan. Yes, we have the barn one, its our favorite. And it can be put up and down in seconds. Throw a few books inside or ball pit balls, and its loads of fun. This is the one we have: AirFort Blow Up Barn.

    Dance Parties: Throw on some catchy tunes and let loose! Not only is this a great way to get moving, but it’s also a surefire way to get some giggles out. Plus, it’s FREE. We usually luse tunes from the Laurie Berkner Band. “We are the Dinosaurs” is always a hit!

    Keepy Uppy: Blow up some balloons and use them for a gentle game of catch or volleyball. The slower motion of a balloon versus a ball gives those tiny arms and legs a good workout. Anyone Bluey fans?

    DIY Bowling: Set up some empty water bottles in a hallway and use a soft ball to knock them down.

    Bubble Wrap Stomp: If you’ve got some leftover bubble wrap, lay it out on the floor and let them jump and stomp on it. It’s strangely satisfying.

    Rainy days don’t mean fun’s canceled. With a bit of creativity and the right gear, your house can be a hub of giggles, jumps, and delightful memories. Happy indoor adventuring!

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    Halloween Toddler Books for a Spooky Storytime
    Life With Kids, Toddlers

    Halloween Toddler Books for a Spooky Storytime

    Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get your little ones into the spirit than with some enchanting Halloween-themed books? This month, we’re diving into the world of witches, pumpkins, and friendly ghosts. If you’re looking to add a touch of spooky fun to your toddler’s reading routine, here are our top 10 Halloween picks:

    1. Spooky Pookie (Little Pookie): I love this quick read. It’s so cute and is a great way to talk through making decisions.

    2. You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie: The illustrations alone area adorable, but this is a great Halloween book for snuggling with your little.

    3. Little Blue Truck’s Halloween: My boys are obsessed with cars and truck, plus is a lift the flap book and filled with fun characters and playful rhymes that toddlers will adore. Cannot go wrong here.

    4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Creepy-Crawly Halloween: Another lift the flap book, but this time with a classic character. Really cute and fun to search through the book with your little.

    5. The Hallo-Wiener: This one is really sweet and tackles bullying. I found it by accident at the library and picked it up because we love dachshunds. It’s a heartwarming story of a dachshund who overcomes teasing and discovers that being different can be a superpower during Halloween.

    6. Room on the Broom: This one is just silly and we love reading it over and over again. It’s a whimsical tale of friendship and adventure. We follow a kind witch, her cat, and some unexpected friends they meet along the way.

    Let me know what you guys think of these picks. Each of these books offers a unique take on Halloween, ensuring that your little one’s story time is filled with magic, wonder, and a touch of spooky fun. Happy reading!

    Every link clicked and a purchase made helps support our reading journey, so thank you!

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