Crafty Moms Share: 2025

Two Books for 8-18 Sharing About Life with Disabilities

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When you hear disability what do you think of? Many of us have been programmed to go to someone in a wheelchair and with mental issues. While this is a true disabled person there are many of other types of disabilities and some cannot be seen. July is Disability Awareness Month or officially National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Some places even call it Disability Pride Month and have parades. This year we are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, so it is extra special! Today I am two books that share what life is like with different disabilities and a bit about loving someone with a disability. One book is a middle grade graphic novel, and the other is a young adult nonfiction book sharing real stories from couples of different abilities. We will start with the graphic novel. It is Mixed-Up by Kami Garcia with art by Brittney Williams and lettering by Tyler Smith. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The start of school is fast approaching and that means time to think about back-to-school. For some kids this is very stressful. School can be very tough for the kids who are different. They may be quiet and shy or outspoken and dress uniquely. At some point someone may bully them, and the truth is there is only so much the adults in kids' lives can do to help end bullying. Schools have rules and states have laws but the enforcing of either can be difficult. It is important for kids to be able to be themselves at school and be comfortable. If they are not comfortable, they are not going to really learn at school. Today we are sharing a fun picture book about a young boy finding the courage to be comfortable with himself and have the bullying end. The book is Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses by Randy Rainbow and illustrated by Jaimie MacGibbon. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Shenandoah Chefalo to bring you this post.

There are many different types of loss, and each one tends to hurt. However, the death of a loved one especially a caregiver can be extremely tough. Today we are sharing a beautiful picture book about a young girl dealing with the death of her grandmother. It is a wonderful resource for any child going through the death of a loved one. Last week I also shared a middle grade novel about dealing with loss as well for older kids. Today's review also includes a giveaway at the end of the post and is part of The Children's Book Review Virtual Book Tour.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We are sharing our final summer theme for this year!! And it is one of my favorites. I remember doing this theme when Hazel was much younger and the truth is we often explore this theme in different ways at different ages. We will be reviewing a book for ages 9 and up but there are so many resources in our roundup for younger children as well as teenagers! It is such a versatile theme. The theme is exploring color!! To begin this theme, we are going to share Fun with Colors! Easy Painting Activities for Kids by Azabu Atelier. Again it is recommended for ages 9 and up.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

How is your summer going? Mine has been good and relaxing. I am trying to make a dent in my summer reading pile but have not gotten very far. It has grown since I last shared it. And I have two more that are coming out in August!

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

In this chaotic time many people feel a bit helpless. We see the news and all the changes and don't feel like our actions make a difference. Imagine what it must be like for the children if adults are feeling this way. Today we are sharing a new picture book about a young girl who decides to take action to try to save the community center. The book is Anjali Can! by Sheetal Sheth and illustrated by Lucia Soto. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8 and is the third book in the Always Anjali Series.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When Hazel was young, we did a lot of exploring the world and different cultures from home. We participated in blog group series like Around the World in 12 Dishes and Global Learning for Kids as well as the various cultural heritage months series with Multicultural Kid Blogs. But one of Hazel's favorite things to do was read a collection of folk tales and fables from other countries. She would have loved today's book when she was younger. The book is Children's Favorite Arabic Stories: Fables and Folk Tales from Across the Arabic Speaking World by Jehanne Moharran and illustrated by Chaymaa Sobhy. It is recommended for ages 5 to 13 and it is part of the Children's Favorite Stories series.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Are you a baseball fan? Or any sports fan? Sports have gotten pretty intense in the past couple of decades, especially youth sports. Most athletes play one sport all year long now. This of course has plusses and minuses. Athletes are really honing their skills, but they are also more prone to serious injuries since they are using the same muscles over and over like never before. Today I am sharing a new novel with you about a high school baseball superstar and how he and his community struggle with the societal pressures that come with great skill. the book is The Right Call by Tommy Greenwald. It is a Game Changer Companion Novel. I have not read Game Changer, so I do not know how closely they are related but this book stands on its own. The book is recommended for ages 10 to 14. I would like to add adults into this category or say 10+. I think anyone working with (parenting, teaching, coaching, etc.) a youth athlete could get a lot from this book.

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

As the summer goes on my middle grades and young adult pile to read seems to be growing. However, this week I have two new picture books to share with you. Each was released this week, and they both are multicultural. Each is special in its own way. The first book is A Día de Muertos Story. Although the young boy in the story is preparing for the Día de Muertos, the book is not necessarily just about a Día de Muertos (a Day of the Dead) but the characters look like the traditional painted skeletons. The book is This Moment Is Special by John Parra. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Herald Press to bring you this post.

Has your community or family suffered from gun violence? I feel like all the school shootings and random shootings are make us apathetic unless it is in our circle. I remember when the Columbine school shooting happened. Do you? It was one of the more significant school shootings that really changed how school shootings were covered. I was teaching in public school in Massachusetts then, but it was a school vacation week. I remember watching it on television and yelling at the reporters and cameramen to stop and help the kids running out of the school instead of sharing the story. As a teacher I couldn't imagine adults not caring for the kids who just went through this awful experience. When we got back to school, we had to address it. Kids were telling me their parents helped them plan out escape routes from any class they had. Now I feel like we hear about a shooting at a school, a mall, etc. and we may say a prayer for the victims, but it is not as big of a deal. Even the media doesn't cover it like they covered Columbine. Hazel has brought up what it is like to be growing up in this time of school shootings. We tried to hide it from her when she was young, but as grew older and the shootings became more commonplace, she heard about them. Today we are sharing a powerful book about a community finding a way to spark peace after some gun violence. The book is Sparking Peace by Teresa Kim Pecinovsky and Hannah Rose Martin and illustrated by Gabhor Utomo. At the end of this post there is a giveaway as well!

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Summer is always full of fun, but there are those days when the weather doesn't agree with getting outside. It can be too hot or too wet. And kids can get bored inside. Personally, I have always loved origami. It can be made as a lesson, I use it in my geometry class all the time, as part of a gift or craft, or just for fun. Today I am sharing some new origami resources for different ages and abilities as well as roundup of resources we have reviewed previously. Today's new resources include four books and three packs of origami paper. We will start with the book that comes with its own paper and is for ages 6 to 9. It is The Origami Kid: A Paperfolding Adventure by Robert McGuire. The previous review roundup includes over 100 products and projects!

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Independence Day is past. Summer is quickly passing. Kids are enjoying their break from school as are teachers. But what is happening to your kids' math ability this summer? According to Learner.com, 70-78% of elementary students experience a decline in math skills over the summer. (Source) Most schools now assign summer reading to prevent the summer slide in literary skills, but does your child's school assign summer math? Most high schools do these days. Now I am a huge advocate for a break! I love summer! It is my favorite season, and I remember the days of having nothing to do and being able to hang out with friends and relax. However, summer slide is real. (There is a slide after any vacation and the longer the vacation the more skills lost.) There are things to do to help with the math summer slide even if your child does not have math summer work. Today I am going to review two great resources for different ages to help with the summer slide or just give extra practice to two ages groups: middle grades (8+) and high school. These books are amazing resources to help with math skills and also can give students extra practice or a leg up on the upcoming math year. At the end of the post, I have a roundup for different ages math products and activities to try this summer to keep your child's brain thinking mathematically.

Disclosure: I was sent these products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Ready for another summer theme? It is a good one--artists. Art and artists are a fun summer focus. You can read books, watch videos, do crafts and visit museums. It is so fun!! Today we are going to focus on the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. At the end of the post will be a roundup of resources on Hokusai as well as a roundup of resources on other famous artists. Today's products are not completely books. The first is Hokusai Prints Sticker Book: A Collection of Over 160 Removable Color Stickers by the Great Artist compiled by Tuttle Studio and illustrated by Katsushika Hokusai.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Have you seen all the social media posts about how we are killing off the bees and other insects as well as birds and other animals that eat the insects? Or maybe the one about how we spend so much time and money on our lawns, yet it is what is not native or healthy for our environments to have the green lawns. Today I am going to share a magical new book (released yesterday) with you about a little girl who decides to help nature rewild her neighborhood. The book is Daisy Rewilds by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Kerascoët. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

So, this week's summer theme is rocks. Let's face it you can find rocks just about everywhere--the beach, a river, a lake, your backyard, etc. Every year we do some craft from our treasures found at the beach but not everyone has a beach to go to each year. So, rocks are a perfect substitute plus there is the STEM behind rocks. I know digging in my garden I often find many rocks. Today I am going to share two new books with you (one released today) as well as a roundup of other rock resources and crafts. The first book is a picture book that teaches readers all about rocks, minerals, gems, and fossils in a fun way. The book is Talking Rocks and Minerals: Fact-Packed Guide to Geology by Paige Towler and illustrated by Matthew Carson. It is recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Have you ever thought about how important your name is? Which part is most important to you? I remember changing my name when I got married (which I do sometimes regret) and trying to figure out what I wanted my full name to be. I decided to drop my maiden name and keep my middle name. One of my sisters often uses my first and middle names when talking to me so it felt right. Of course, with the ideas of requiring IDs to vote and in some states the requirement of having a birth certificate with the same name, makes me question anyone changing their name ever. But I won't get political today. Today I get to share a beautiful new picture book about the importance of a name. It is My Name is Ai Lin by Maria Wen Adcock, blogger over at Bicultural Mama, and illustrated by Yu Ting Cheng. It is recommended for ages 5 to 8. And it is being released this week!!

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

New York City is a special place for Hazel and me. At a young age, she wanted to see the Statue of Liberty. I have been lucky enough to take her on several trips to New York. And we are going again this summer for my birthday!! I promised to take her to see a Broadway show. After all her dream is perform on Broadway some day and she has never actually been. As we are planning our weekend away, these two new books arrived and only added to my excitement for our trip! The first is a beautiful book called Unknown New York: An Artist Uncovers the City's Hidden Treasures by Jesse Richards. This is not a children's book but is also a book that could be read with a child to learn more about the city.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you have an explorer on your hands? You know the child who wants to be outside exploring everything. The kid who wants to check out nature, hike, fish, and more? Getting outdoors and trying some of these activities is an amazing summer theme, and I have an amazing book to share with you to help them try some of these activities with an adult or on his/her own. The book is Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars by Steven Rinella. This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12. At the end of the post I will share even more resources for this summer theme!

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this sticker book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Are you a Swiftie or have a Swiftie in your life? The Eras Tour may be over but there are fun Taylor Swift things to do besides listening to her amazing music! Today I am going to share a fun new sticker book perfect for the Swiftie in your life. It is Unofficial Taylor Swift Eras (The Sticker Version) by Workman Publishing and illustrated by Brooke O'Neill. It is recommended for ages 7 and up. Yes, that can include adults!!

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Lately I feel women's rights are under attack. They overturned Roe vs. Wade which started it all spiraling. The stories I have read from states where abortions are now against the law are shameful. I think the worst is the one from Georgia about a woman declared brain dead who had to be kept alive because she was pregnant and the doctors could not harm the baby. Think about the poor family and the poor baby! Then they have been cutting research for women's health. Women in general were not included in healthcare research until 1993. (Source) Now the government is taking away funding for it. It is scary. It is obvious there is a portion of men in this country who still want to control women. It is on this premise that I feel it is more important than ever to focus on women and women's history. It is important for us to remember how hard the women before us fought for our rights and how it is now our turn to step up. With that on my mind, I am excited to share a book with you today. It is The ABCs of Women's History by Rio Cortez and illustrated by Lauren Semmer. It is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Kathleen Welton to bring you this post.

Happy First Day of Summer!! To kick off this season I get to share a fun book about sea creatures. Every summer Hazel and I always studied something about the ocean/beach. We always have a beach trip since we get the Cape house for a week. Plus, there are always great crafts to do with the treasures you find on a beach. So, to go with today's book I am sharing a roundup of sea star themed crafts! The book today is Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star by Kathleen Welton and illustrated by Chau Pham.

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books and song/video in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This year I have been sharing some summer themes to explore with your kids and keep them off screens, get outside and family time! One of my favorite topics for summer themes or even any time of the year theme. It is food! With food you can talk about growing it, cooking it, different cultures, and where it comes from. Last month I shared a review of my favorite book of 2025 thus far, The Traveling Taco by Mia Wenjen. I'm not the only one who loves this book!! In fact Mia actually asked Daria to write a song to go with the book! Daria shared her fun song, "The Traveling Taco Song," with me and asked if I would share it with you!! Check out her new video that goes with it too! You can stream the song here.

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay to bring you this post.

When Hazel was young, she loved when we read books about other places and cultures. She would have loved The Tales of Charlie Wags Series. And guess what? Charlie Wags is back and this time he visits Paris!! The book we are sharing today is The Tales of Charlie Wags: Paris by Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay with pictures by Sanna Sjöström. After my review there is a roundup of Paris-themed crafts as well as other books to learn and explore Paris from home! Plus, there is a giveaway!!

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Expound Publicity to bring you this post.

Do you have little ones wiggling, hopping, slithering around this summer? I have a great book for you all about animals and it is a companion book to a song! I feel like there are a lot of new books about animals these days. I have reviewed several for various age groups recently. Today I get to add one more to the list and this one feels like it should be sung! The book is Animals Are Great by Latifa Kimberly Reeves, Mark Larson, and Lisa Hart.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you have any graduates in your life this year? I know my social media feeds have been full of graduation photos. It is always hard to know what to give a new graduate. Today we are sharing a fun little advice book for graduates. It is the perfect little gift, or it could be added to the gift of cash we all tend to give. The book is Ok World, Here I Come!: Inspiring Advice for the Day After Graduation by Molly Reade.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When Hazel was younger, I loved coming up with different themes to focus some of our books and activities. As she got older, it became themes for the summer. Now she is in high school and I'm lucky to watch television with her. As I was finding products to review, I realized many would lend to fun themes to focus your kids this summer. They range from educational, nature, crafts and more. Today's theme is bird watching! To introduce this theme I am sharing a wonderful book with you. It is Turn This Book into a Bird Feeder by Lynn Brunelle and illustrated by Anna-Maria Jung. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12 but could be for younger kids with adult help! After my review there will be a roundup of DIY bird feeders, bird crafts and other bird books to learn about them.

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and K. Joyner to bring you this post.

Do you know any kids who don't want to try something new, but when they do, they love it? I feel like so many kids go through this stage. It is hard to try something new. It is scary and a bit nerve-racking even for adults. For kids it is easier for them to say no then try it. Today's book is all about this stage. It is I Don't Think So! by K. Joyner and illustrated by Asha Butler. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and aka Associates to bring you this post.

Do you want to keep your kids learning this summer? Or maybe you need something for them to do for a car or plane ride? Or maybe it is just a rainy day, and you are sick of hearing, "I'm bored." Today we are sharing the perfect activity book for your kids. It is Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles by Helene Hovanec. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

On Friday I shared a roundup of books perfect for summer reading for ages 10+ through young adult. (Note all last week I did roundups for varying ages of new books for summer reading. Ages 4-8 and Middle Grades) Four of them did not include reviews because I hadn't read them yet. Today I am reviewing two of them!! I decided to spend my free time this weekend reading the two middle school romance-comedy books. Both of these books are recommended for ages 10+ and both have characters in middle school. The first book is Meet Me at Wonderland by Julia DeVillers.

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

This week has been about roundup of new books for summer reading!! With schools getting out it is time to find books for your kids to enjoy this summer! If you have 4- to 8-year-olds check out this list and 8- to 12-year-olds this list. Today we are sharing books for ages 10+ and young adult! Four of the books are new and I have not yet reviewed and will not be reviewing today. I still need to read them. The other three I will share links to my reviews. They are all new books this year! There is something for everyone here! I am starting with the books I have not read or reviewed yet. I didn't want you to miss the chance to check these books out because of my lack of reading time and speed. The first book is Meet Me at Wonderland by Julia DeVillers. It is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Schools are ending and summer vacations are beginning. But that means summer reading is beginning as well!! Earlier this week we shared a roundup of new picture books for 4- to 8-year-olds. Today we are sharing the middle grade roundup including three new books--two of which will be reviewed today. (The third will be reviewed later this summer!) There is a variety of books here and there is something for everyone in the age range of 8- to 12-year-olds. The first book is the only graphic novel on the list. It is Space Chasers by Leland Melvin and Joe Caramagna and illustrated by Alison Acton.

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It is hard to believe that school is almost out, and summer is almost upon us. We had the high school graduation on Friday. I have some classroom cleanup to do and then conferences next week, but otherwise I am done! Summer means so many things. Of course, there is often a summer reading assignment as well as summer reading programs at libraries and Barnes and Noble. Grades 1 through 6 can read eight books this summer and get a free book at Barnes and Noble. When Hazel was younger, I liked to come up with different themes for us to explore in the summer. This summer I plan to share some themes and resources with you. We will start today with a roundup of new picture books that are perfect for 4 to 8-year-olds. With each book there are ideas of activities or more books to check out with it. Happy reading!

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I always love seeing Black people with braids. I once had some braids put in my hair at a diversity camp. It takes a long time to do them. I cringe when I hear about people not being able to wear their hair in traditional or cultural ways. It saddens me that anyone thinks they should have the power to tell someone how to wear their hair. I understand if you join a group like the military--you know what to expect, but in everyday life like school, kids should get to choose. Today I am going to share a book that spreads new light on the tradition of braids. The book is Oshún and Me: A Story of Love and Braids by Adiba Nelson and illustrated by Alleanna Harris. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Did you know that the dust from the Sahara reaches the United States? Back in March 2023, Hazel and I were visiting my close friend in Amelia Island, Ferdinand, Florida. There are many cool things to see there besides my friend and her husband. (Be sure to check out American Beach if you are there! Talk about history.) However, their condo is on the beach and from the deck you can see the ocean and the sunrise and from the balcony on the other side you can see the sunset. It is pretty cool. We were also able to see the moonrise. Did you know the moon rises? I had never thought about it before, but it makes sense. Anyway, while we were there the moonrise was a red moon. Later in the evening it would be back to a whitish yellow, but it always rose red. (See picture below.) My friend's husband told us this was because of dust in the Sahara Desert. I didn't totally get it but believed him. He is very into knowing things like this.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Are you looking for a summer reading book for your 8 to 12-year-old? I have a wonderful one!! I will also be doing a summer reading list soon. I have to get through a few more of my chapter books to complete it! Today's book will definitely be on it. Last week we shared a book about an animal race and today we are sharing one about an animal sanctuary competition. Both are amazing books and perfect middle grade summer reads. Today's book is Survive This Safari by Natalie D. Richards.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I am sharing a nonfiction picture book that shares the life of a sea turtle. I have always loved these types of books. These books share a story about one animal but also share all sorts of facts and information about the animal within the story. Today's book is The Secret Life of a Sea Turtle by Maddalena Bearzi and illustrated by Alex Boersma. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. I am including a turtle craft roundup to go with the book.

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It is hard to believe it is almost the end of May and thus almost the end of the school year! When are your kids out of school? I only have a week and half left of work with kids in my room. Today I am going to share three new books that have different school themes to them. The first book is Together, a Forest: Drawing Connections Between Nature's Diversity and Our Own by Roz MacLean. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Diana Schaffter to bring you this post.

Are you an animal lover? I find many kids are. I feel like there are some great new books featuring animals as well as climate change. Today I am sharing an amazing middle grade novel that dives into the amazing world of animals and tries to bring to light some of the endangered animals. But it also is a riveting, action-packed story full of relationships and adventure. The book is Armando & the Amazing Animal Race by Diana Schaffter. There is a giveaway at the end of the post to enter!

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Where do tacos come from? What about pizza? We have all heard stories of food coming from one place or another and even some stories about different places claiming the first of a food. Today I get to share a fun new book with you that explores the origins of some of our favorite foods and how they became what they are today. The book is The Traveling Taco: The Amazing & Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods by Mia Wenjen and illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong. Mia blogs over at Pragmatic Mom and is cofounder of Read Your World (formerly Multicultural Children's Book Day). The book is recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Have you ever worked so hard practicing something but still feel like you are making mistakes? Each minor slip up takes away a bit of your self-confidence. Today I get to share a picture book with you about a girl who has a desire to dance but feels like she just can't do it correct until her parents give her a special pair of magic shoes. The book is Ellie's Dancing Shoes by Scott Sollers and illustrated by Bryan Janky. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Amplify Publishing Group to bring you this post.

When I was young, I loved playing make believe. Hazel played in her own way. I always love books that encourage such play and today I get to share one with you. It is the sweetest book. It is I Am NOT Sophie! by Robyn Hodess and illustrated by Terry Kole. At the end of this post is a giveaway!!

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Expound Publicity to bring you this post.

Have you noticed this year seems a bit harder for everyone and especially for moms? I just saw a post on Facebook from The Scary Mommy that talks about how many moms want to be left alone for Mother's Day instead of gathering with family. I have to admit I somewhat want this too. Of course, it doesn't matter much for me since I won't see Hazel. She has things going on at school and can't come home. We will see her Saturday night for a short time after her show. But the truth is I'm exhausted. It is May. School is a bit crazy with the end of the year. This week we had a night open house. Next week we have our spring fling dance as well as spring games. The following week we have our Showcase. Each requires teachers to stay much later than a usual school day. Add in all the things going on at home and Hazel's school and life is crazy!! Plus, the chaos our country is in seems to be affecting everyone and moms seem to be needed more than ever. And quite honestly, we are all trying our best but if you are like me, you worry that you are not doing enough or doing your best. Today I am sharing a book with you for moms who need some reminders of how strong we are! The book is Hope for Moms: It's Tough Out There, But So Are You by Anna McArthur. There is a printable and a giveaway at the end of the post.

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Jill Rosen to bring you this post.

What relationship do dogs and cats have? Typically we say they hate each other, but we all know people who have both animals that get along. Today I get to share a fun book that explores this relationship from the dog's point of view and it is not just any dog but it is a pug. You may remember by review of Ode to a Pug. Well the pug is back and he has a new housemate. The book is Ode to a Pug: That Cat! by Jill Rosen and illustrated by Stephanie Rohr. At the end of this post there is a giveaway!! Be sure to check it out.

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I get to share two children's books that are released today!! One is in the manner of Dr. Seuss and the other gives life lessons from a dog. They are fun and will be loved by kids! We will start with the Seuss Studios book, Gertrude Gish on a Dish on a Fish by Sarah Hwang. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

What makes a place a home? What happens when you move? What about when your family left your home country before you were born? What if your home country is no longer on the map? Today I am sharing some picture books that help to answer some of these questions. One book is about moving and the other is about trying to find Palestine on a map and perhaps help the discussion that is needed with it. The first book is Home Is a Wish by Julia Kuo. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I'm a bit behind in reading my chapter books, but I have finished this one so I have to share it with you. It came out at the end of March. It is a middle grade fantasy novel with Greek mythology references. It takes place in the Underworld. The book is the first in what is called The Underwild Series. The book is River of Spirits by Shana Targosz. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Jeanne Walker Harvey to bring you this post.

What is the most famous art museum in the world? I would say it is the Louvre. I know I would love to go there and see the Mona Lisa in person. How about you? Today I get to share with you a book that tells the story of how I.M. Pei designed and built the glass pyramid entrance to the Louvre. The book is The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M. Pei by Jeanne Walker Harvey and illustrated by Khoa Le. To go with this book, I am sharing a roundup of pyramid crafts and activities and there is a giveaway at the end!

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Does your child have lots of fears? Fears can be crippling especially to our young ones. It can be hard to help little ones overcome their fears or at least face them. Often we find work arounds like nightlights for kids who are afraid of the dark. Today we get to share a picture book about a young boy who has many fears and how he learns to face them. The book is Mikey and the Dragons by Jocko Willink and illustrated by Jon Bozak. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6.

In our chaotic world I have found that I need to craft. In some shape or form crafting relaxes me and helps me feel grounded. For two weeks each February our high school stops all regular classes to teach mini courses. This year one of my coworkers suggested a mini course of designing book nooks. Now I have built dollhouses from kits and made miniatures, but I hadn't explored book nooks yet. I wanted to coteach the course! I bought a kit as well as a blank book nook to play around before the course. I didn't have much time for either of course. But the class got me hooked on book nooks!

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Are you into manga? It seems like manga is a growing artwork. It is originally a graphic novel from Japan. Now we see manga style artwork without the comic part. Today we are sharing some new manga artwork product by Camilla d'Errico. The products are post cards and a sticker book. The post cards are Pop Manga Postcards.

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