Rocks -- Summer Themes

 

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.

Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars -- All Sorts of Outdoor Activities Summer Theme

 

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!

Summer Theme: Food! Grow It, Cook It! Learn About It and the World!

 

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. 

The Tales of Charlie Wags: Paris -- Book Review & Giveaway with Paris-Themed Craft & Resource Roundup

 

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!! 

Summer Themes: Bird Watching -- Turn This Book into a Bird Feeder -- Book Review with Craft Roundup

 

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.