Middle school is an exciting time for young readers. Their interests are changing, their reading skills are growing, and they are starting to discover the stories they really enjoy. Some kids love fantasy worlds and big adventures, while others like mysteries, graphic novels, funny school stories, or books about real people and events.     Finding the right books for middle schoolers can be tough, especially when you are shopping for kids ages 11 to 13. They are often Read more [...]

This 'Pirouette Kids Musical Books Review & Giveaway' post contains Amazon affiliate links.  As always, all opinions are my own. Pirouette Kids Musical Books Review & Giveaway Screen-Free Gifts That Introduce Little Ones to Music I’m always on the lookout for gifts for little kids that are both fun AND offer something beyond another toy for the playroom. Books are one of my favorite gifts for all ages.  But I especially love them for babies and toddlers when you add music Read more [...]

Thanks to Donner for sending me this amazing drum kit! As always, all opinions are my own. Our 10-year-old son has recently decided that learning to play the drums sounds like fun! And while I love the idea of encouraging his interest in music, I have to admit that the thought of a full drum set banging away in our house isn't quite as exciting to me. That's why I think the Donner DED-200 Series Electronic Drum Set is such a great option! It gives beginners the chance to experience playing the drums Read more [...]

It’s wonderful to see a child find a book they just can’t put down. Whether they’re laughing at a silly character, solving a mystery, learning something new, or diving into an adventure, the right book can make reading something they look forward to. But finding books that elementary school kids want to read isn’t always easy. A six-year-old just starting to read on their own has different interests and abilities than a ten-year-old ready for longer chapter books. That’s why I’ve Read more [...]

Thanks to Raddish Kids for sending me kits in exchange for sharing about what they offer! As always, all opinions are my own. If you have a child who loves helping in the kitchen (I've got two!), Raddish Kids is a fun way to encourage that interest while teaching valuable life skills! Raddish Kids offers cooking and baking kits designed to get kids excited about preparing delicious food, trying new recipes, and becoming more confident in the kitchen. Their hands-on approach combines cooking with Read more [...]

Curling up with a holiday book is a cozy family tradition. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply enjoy snowy days, reading together helps you slow down and create special memories with your kids. These books, from classics to new releases, celebrate gratitude, kindness, giving, family, and the magic of the holidays. They are perfect for bedtime, classroom reading, Advent traditions, or as gifts for young readers.   Thanksgiving & Gratitude Thanksgiving Read more [...]

Grandparents usually don’t want expensive gifts. Most say they care most about spending time with family and receiving presents made with love. A homemade Christmas gift doesn’t have to be perfect to be priceless. Whether it’s made by kids, teens, or adults, a thoughtful handmade gift shows time, effort, and love. That’s something you can’t buy in a store. If you want meaningful Christmas gifts that are also affordable, these 24 homemade gift ideas are sure to make Grandma and Read more [...]

This 'Fairy Tales Hair Care Review & Giveaway' post contains Amazon affiliate links. Fairy Tales Hair Care Review & Giveaway When people hear that we have six kids, they usually consider us a big family. And with three girls in the mix, all sporting longer hair, you can imagine just how much shampoo, conditioner, and detangling spray we go through! But our hair care experience goes beyond our own children. Over the years, we've also opened our home to foster children.  Through Read more [...]

I received these books in exchange for sharing about them with our readers. As always, all opinions are my own. There are affiliate links in this post. One of the things I miss most about working in a daycare is reading adorable picture books to little kiddos! While my kids are graduating into graphic novels and chapter books, I'm delighted to have a new nephew who I can read picture books to again. Check out some of these Halloween favorites from Sourcebooks, and pick overnight shipping on Amazon Read more [...]

This giveaway prize is being provided by Emberly Personalized Books. Emberly Personalized Books: The Night You Saved Christmas + Giveaway There is just something magical about a personalized book.  My kids LOVE seeing their names incorporated into a story.  But when the character actually looks like them too?  It takes the experience to an entirely different level!  Enter: Emberly Personalized Books! Rather than asking you to build a character by choosing from a collection Read more [...]