Out of the Best Books

There is nothing better than reading a good book! Reading with your children not only provides quality time for bonding, but it opens up opportunities for discussing various topics.

I invite you to take a look at my sister  (in-law) Jessica’s blog called Out of the Best Books… She has posted reviews of books that she has read recently. Her little daughter also helps with the reviews of the children’s books. I think it is a really neat thing that the two of them work on together and I know it has brought them closer to each other. Just go to the labels on the side to see the reviews of kids books and reviews by little Lydia herself.

Here are some of my favorite children’s books:

The Tale of Despereaux

The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear

Where the Wild Things Are

Owen

I Spy

Frog and Toad

Note: Some communities participate in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.  This program, set up by Dolly Parton, mails a free book every month to children under 5. Click on this link to see if you are eligible to sign up.

What are some of your favorite children’s books? Leave a comment.

Recycled Chunky Crayons

I got this idea from my sister in-law, Lydia. She is such a fun mom! She posted this idea on her cooking blog (check it out by clicking here).

Lydia says, “It is a great way to use up all those broken crayon bits and the kids can help. My daughters were busy peeling crayon wrappers for almost 2 hours straight! It kept them very busy and they were quite determined. :) Their little fingernails were just stubs by the end, but they thought it was worth it. My oldest said that, "This is the best day of my life!" It doesn't take much to please them, does it? They love their new crayons- their favorite feature is that they stack. Easy project and your kids will love you for it! :)”

Instructions:

1. Find all your broken, stubby crayons and remove the wrappers. Break them into smaller pieces. Have your kids do this part.

2. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and fill each cup with crayon pieces. Feel free to mix and match colors. Use could also use mini muffin tins, cookie cutters, or silicone ice cube molds or candy molds.

 

3. Preheat the oven to 274 F. Bake for abou7-8 minutes or until melted. Carefully remove from oven and let them cool completely. Pop them in the freezer to cool faster.

4. Tap the back of the muffin tin to pop the crayons out.

5. Color away!

Note: Use old muffin tins or ones you find at the thrift store if you are worried about eh crayons leaving wax residue. They do leave a little bit of a waxy film. Or use silicone muffin tins.

Idea from Put A Lyd On It ( originally from Make and Takes and Kiddin Around)