Importance of Reading with your Child from an Early Age

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post

Princess Cupcake Jone's is the perfect book for any child at any age. We all know reading to our kids is a good thing—but are you familiar with the specific advantages your toddler or preschool-age child can receive by being exposed to the merits of reading? Below are some benefits that highlight the importance of reading to your child between the ages of two and five.

1. A stronger relationship with you. ​Snuggling up with a book lets the two of you slow down and recaptures that sweet, cuddly time you enjoyed when he was a baby. Instead of being seen as a chore or a task, reading will become a nurturing activity that will bring the two of you closer together.
2. Academic excellence. One of the primary benefits of reading to toddlers and preschoolers is a higher aptitude for learning in general. Numerous studies have shown that students who are exposed to reading before preschool are more likely to do well in all facets of formal education.
3. Better communication skills. When you spend time reading to toddlers, they’ll be much more likely to express themselves and relate to others in a healthy way. By witnessing the interactions between the characters in the books you read, as well as the contact with you during story time, your child is gaining valuable communication skills.
4. Enhanced concentration and discipline. Toddlers may initially squirm and become distracted during story time, but eventually they’ll learn to stay put for the duration of the book. Along with reading comprehension comes a stronger self-discipline, longer attention span, and better memory retention, all of which will serve your child well when she enters school.
5. The knowledge that reading is fun! Early reading for toddlers helps them view books as an indulgence, not a chore. Kids who are exposed to reading are much more likely to choose books over video games,

Alongside writing Prince Cupcake Jones and the Missing Tutu & Princess Cupcake Jones Won't Go To School books, Ylleya also created children’s products to enhance the magic of each story. These items include Princess Cupcake Jones plush dolls, tutus, t-shirts, book bags and gift baskets which can all be purchased on their interactive website www.princesscupcakejones.com/shop.

150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids by Asia Citro; Adams Media

                       

Disclosure: Items mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes only. All opinions are 100% honest and my own. :)

Bring back playtime, all the time! Dive into a bubbling swamp world. Drum on an Outdoor Sound Wall. Explore the gooeyness of Glowing Slime.

With the one-of=a-kind projects in 150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids, your family will rediscover the spirit of imaginative play! These fun activities help develop your child’s creativity and skills- all without a screen in sight. Featuring step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs, each budget-friendly project will keep your child entertained, engaged, and learning all day long. Best of all, no one will complain about turning off the TV or computer with such entertaining activities!

• Natural Dye Fingerpaints
• Taste-Safe, Gluten-Free Playdough
• Erupting Volcano Dinosaur World
• Fizzy Rainbow Slush
• Taste-Safe Glow Water

Complete with dozens of exercises for babies, toddlers, and school-aged children, 150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids will help your family step away from your devices and step into endless afternoons of playtime fun!

 

My kids get to watch TV and play games at times, but I limit the time on it. There are tons of educational games and shows, but kids these days need to do MORE and watch LESS. The cold weather keeps us from playing outside as much, so this book is perfect for the colder months.

This is a definite must-have for any parent, teacher, or grandparent. This book is filled with ideas and projects to get the kids excited. It’s split into chapters about making Slime, dough, paint, small worlds, sensory activities, and DIY Toys.

The first chapter is dedicated to explaining how to use the book. Asia explains “I know activity books can seem overwhelming- there are so many choices and perhaps you don’t have all the materials yet. So my challenge to you is just try one thing. Everyone has water, so check out Chapter 6: Simple Sensory Activities, and look at my water play activities.”

That’s what I love about this book! There are so many activities to try, yet most don’t require a ton of supplies. She even has all the supplies you need listed at the very beginning so you could get it all in one or two trips to Walmart or Dollar Tree. Nothing on the list costs very much, containing items like cornstarch, flour, baking soda, vinegar…

The memories that come from crafting and creating with my kids is what I love best. I want them to be able to look back and remember the things we did and the things they learned. We have craft night every Saturday (or every other depending).. but my kids LOVE it.

Chapter 2-Slimes

Slimes stretch, ooze, and goop and can be made in a variety of ways. I love that I can play guessing games with my kids before they use the different slimes they made. I can ask them questions like how far can it stretch, can it be cut with scissors, or if it can be rolled into a ball and bounced.

The slimes will usually last a week or more if sealed in a plastic bag. There are 11 different types of slime to DIY from this book. There is the simple two-ingredient slime, the polka dot slime, and even a glowing slime. They are all non-toxic and dye free, so most are even safe for babies. It tells on the page which ages can use each slime recipe.

Chapter 3-Doughs

There are an assortment of dough recipes, all of them can be stored in airtight containers to keep them from drying out. Playdough isn’t only fun, it helps with fine motor skills as well. Depending on your kids age she gives amazing ideas for learning/playing with the dough. Making or building different things or if your child is small- they can squish, pull, and roll it.

The classic playdough recipe in this book is cheap and lasts 4-6 months when stored at room temperature. Instead of paying money for plastic kid tools, use items you already have laying around you house. Keys, marker tops, toys, or kitchen gadgets (rolling pin, etc)

There are recipes including foam dough,salt dough, moon sand, play clay and so many more. There’s absolutely no dyes or chemicals in these recipes, so they are perfect for kids allergic to gluten, eggs, soy, and nuts!

Chapter 4-Paints

My kids love to paint, so I was glad to see a chapter dedicated to making our own. There are plenty of different paints, which are even safe for babies to fingerpaint with. Gel paints, glitter paints, puffy paints, sidewalk paints and even glowing paints! Love it!

Chapter 5-Small Worlds

My kids love imagination play and this is a cool way to boost their imagination. This chapter focuses on helping your child build small worlds to interact with. This included instructions on frog world, dinosaur rescue world, dragon world, ocean world,swamp world, insect world, and so many more!

These different little worlds are absolutely amazing and so cute. There’s nothing better to a kid to have their own little world where they can play and discover. Some of these do require stuff like water, dirt, and rocks—so you need a plastic see-through bin to create the worlds.

Chapter 6- Simple Sensory Activities

Simple sensory activities will help develop your child, their senses, and fine/gross motor skills. Sensory play includes a lot of pouring and scooping, filling different sized containers, and moving/selecting large and small bits of materials.

These activities do include senses such as touch, smell, and sight. They get to play in a variety of items such as colored water, colored pasta, colored beans, soap foam, colored salt, coffee grounds, shaving cream, flour, or sugar. This lets them touch and play with materials that all have a different texture when touched.

Chapter 7-DIY Toys

These toys are amazing for smaller kids and toddlers as well as babies. Making DIY toys with your children will be so much fun for them. This chapter features awesome stuff like DIY Cardboard Butterfly Wings, Foam Reusable Bath Sets, and a Recycled Car City. For babies they have PomPom Straw Push Toy, discovery bottles, and sensory boards.

We are in love with this book. I love how Asia (the author) doesn’t just help give me fun ideas to share with my kids, the materials are cheap and easy to find as well. The items can be found at Dollar Tree or WalMart and don’t cost an arm and a leg like some craft books for kids.

What are some of your favorite kid craft books? 

 

About the Author>

                 

Asia Citro, MEd, creator of the popular blog, Fun at Home with Kids, has a strong science and education background, and is an experienced teacher and mother of two. Fun at Home with Kids launched in 2013 and has been featured on Babble, Red Tricycle, Disney Baby, Apartment Therapy, and MSN.com, among others.

She lives near Seattle with her wonderful husband, two awesome children, and two destructive cats. She started writing Fun at Home with Kids in February of 2013 and has since spent many late nights experimenting with new play recipes and sensory materials.

150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids: the best and easiest playtime activities from FunAtHomeWithKids.com is her first book and is jokingly referred to by family members as her third child. To read about her most recent late night discoveries or to see more photos of her adorable kids at play, visit www.funathomewithkids.com.

 

 

Follow along to see the newest releases..

“With over 300 books in 25 categories, our benchmark Everything series offers all you need to tackle a difficult project, gain a new hobby, or comprehend a fascinating topic. The Streetwise series is a one-of-a-kind line dedicated specifically to the informational needs of the small business person”

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Beast Quest Series by Adam Blade

Disclosure: Stylish Southern Mama was provided books to review, all opinions are completely honest.

We were sent 3 Beast Quest Series books for review. My son is 7 and can’t really read chapter books yet, so I read them to him. It’s a great way to spend time together and he loves the stories. My stepson is 12 and can read them without help, and he loves them too.

We loved reading about the different characters and the journey of Tom. Inside the book are amazing little drawings which gave my kids a hint as to what they look like. It isn’t a picture book, but the illustrations throughout the book are amazing!

The stories are filled with fun adventures and tons of action. These book series totally make my seven year old want to read a little faster so he can be like his big brother. This thrills me to no end, I want my kids to love reading and these book series really help. It shows them that books are journeys into another world and is fun. These are just the right length for their age. It isn’t too long, but keeps them entertained and wanting to turn the next page, and the next.. they are very addicting. Plus, each book has 4 trading cards in the back… how cool!

 

These short chapter books center around Tom, the courageous boy hero, Elenna, his strong-willed friend and expert archer, and their trusted companions, Storm the jet-black steed and Silver the danger-sniffing wolf, as they venture across the Kingdom of Avantia.

Within each subseries, Tom and Elenna encounter new worlds, dangerous challenges and deadly Beasts cursed by the Evil Wizard Malvel’s power.  Although the series is numbered, each book is a stand-alone story and comes with a collectable trading card perfect for engaging reluctant readers, encouraging conversations with friends or just getting kids excited about the next Beast Quest book.

The Warlock's Staff Series 9#52 Silver The Wild Terror

         

Malvel's evil knows no bounds. He has used his dark magic to turn Elenna's faithful wolf, Silver, into a terrifying Beast. Can Tom and Elenna rescue their friend, or will they lose him forever?

 

The Warlock's Staff Series 9 #53: Spikefin The Water King 

      

Malvel has created another deadly Beast to stop Tom from saving the realm of Seraph! Spikefin is a vicious sea creature who drags his victims to a watery grave. Is this the end for Tom and his perilous Quest?

 

The Warlock's Staff Series 9 #54: Torpix the Twisting Serpent

             

Tom's quest reaches a terrifying climax! If Malvel takes the Warlock's Staff to the Eternal Flame, he will rule all lands forever. But there is one more Beast to battle: Torpix the Twisted Serpent! Only by defeating both Torpix and Malvel will Tom fulfill his quest.

The entire series is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for under $6. It would be the perfect stocking stuffer!

Adam Blade is in his late twenties, and was born in Kent, England. His parents were both history teachers and amateur artists, and Adam grew up surrounded by his father's paintings of historic English battles - which left a lifelong mark on his imagination. He was also fascinated by the ancient sword and shield that hung in his father's office. Adam's father said they were a Blade family heirloom.

Stay tuned for the Giveaway… 3 winners will win 3 books!

 

 

 

 

The Good Dog Book by Todd Kessler

            


The Good Dog by Todd Kessler is an amazing book, written by Todd Kessler who is a co-creator of the popular show Blue Clues!

Ricky Lee was riding his bike down a hill when he spotted a box spilled over on the side of the road. He peeks inside and realizes to his amazement that there is a puppy inside. He brings the puppy home and claims him as his own, naming him Tako.

    
Ricky’s parents only had one condition if he keep Tako- that he must be a good dog. Tako was very thankful that he now had a forever home and tried his best to be a “good dog”. He loved the family for letting him have a chance, so tried to be on his best behavior. It’s hard to manage when you have other factors pulling you to be curious, but he continued to be a good dog.

The Lee Family owned a small bakery in the middle of town. They had competition though- Mr. Prichard. Mr. Prichard is a mean, nasty, greedy man who sells stale goods to make more money without being good to the customers. He gets mad when the Lee Family starts taking all his clients, because they were interested in their delicious home-baked goods.

Mr. Prichard starts being very rude- he breaks in the Lee’s bakery at night planting all kinds of nasty things. Bugs, rats, you name it- he plants it. Tako heard noises in the bakery and goes to check it out. He then has to make a very hard decision. Should he run Mr. Prichard off and then his family think Tako was being the trouble maker? He couldn’t just watch Mr. Prichard plant all those nasty things in the bakery, so he did what a real “good dog” would do and broke bad on Prichard.

We were rooting for Tako throughout the entire book. My kids knew that Tako was doing the right thing in the end, even if it meant standing up only for those he truly loved. We really enjoyed reading this book. The story is thoughtful, delightful to read, and delivers an amazing message. The illustrations are also top notch quality, we loved all the detail within the pictures!

About Todd Kessler:
Todd Kessler is the co-creator and show runner of the highly successful children’s television series “Blue’s Clues”. A signature of Todd’s work is that it has always been developed with the input of actual children (and sometimes dogs and cats too). His artistic and innovative creations have garnered him the prestigious Peabody Award, seven Emmy nominations, two Television Critics Association awards, five Parent’s Choice awards, first place in the children’s division of the Toronto International Film Festival, and a New York Film Festival Cine Golden Eagle. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife.

To learn more about Tako and his creator Todd, visit the website
and follow twitter, facebook, & pinterest


Jessica

Kohl’s Cares: Little Critter Books & Plush Toys Collection #BacktoSchool #Kohls

Get a jump start on back-to-school with the beloved Mercer Mayer storybooks, Little Critter, the newest Kohl’s Cares merchandise collection! Kohl’s Department Stores is offering exclusive merchandise from Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter for just $5 each, available now through September 20

*Through the Kohl’s Cares program, 100 percent of the net profit from the sale of this collection supports children’s health and education initiatives nationwide.

The Kohls Care program has been around for a long time. Each “collection” contains different books with matching character plush toys. Each items is only $5 and all proceeds goes toward helping other kids get the education and health care that they need, yet might not be able to afford otherwise.

This time they’ve chosen Little Critters, which has always been a favorite of my kids. The characters are super adorable, and very soft. They are perfect companions for bedtime or just playing around the house. I don’t know how many “stories” my daughter has made up with dialogue between brother and sister critter.

The books we received were Bedtime Stories & Jack and the Beanstalk. Each book is hardback and fun to read by themselves. The fact that they have toys to match the characters, make it even better. The Jack and the Beanstalk book is a lift-a-flap, which my kids love! Heck, I do too. lol

The Kohl’s Cares collection will include the following merchandise:

· Books:  Little Critter's Bedtime Storybook, Little Critter Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Critter Little Red Riding Hood, Little Critter Hansel and Gretel and Little Critter 3 pack Board Book Set

· Plush: Little Critter, Little Sister, Bear and Wolf

· Etc:  Zoo Matching Game, 2 pack Doodle Book

· Online Exclusives: Little Critter Where's My Sneaker? (a lift-the-flap-book) and Mouse plush

Plus, for adults, The Mom 100 Cookbook and Good Housekeeping Stain Rescue! are available for just $5 each.

 

About Kohl’s Cares

Kohl’s Cares, the philanthropic platform of Kohl’s Department Stores, is committed to giving back to the communities it serves by supporting kids' health and education nationwide, women's health and the fight against breast cancer, and environmental initiatives. Since 2000, Kohl's has raised more than $257 million for kids health and education initiatives through the Kohl's Cares cause merchandise program, recognized more than 19,500 outstanding kids through the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program and donated more than 2.7 million hours of volunteer time through the Associates in Action volunteer program.

 

Have you ever bought anything from the Kohl’s Care Collection before? Have you ever heard of it?

Connect with Kohls Online:

Facebook & Twitter

 

-Jess