So… I’ve been keeping a bit of a secret. A big, FUN secret. And I’m so happy to finally share that secret today.
You guys….. I wrote a book!
I WROTE A BOOK.
Crazy, right?? Now truth be told, *I* didn’t just write the book. Remember the awesome virtual Preschool Book Club Miss G and I were a part of while in Kuwait? The one with Chelsey of Buggy and Buddy, Meredith of Homegrown Friends, Jaime of Frogs, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails, and Colleen of Sugar Aunts? Here are a few of my very favourite Preschool Book Club posts to jog your memory…
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Colourful Painted Handprint Keepsakes to go with I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More
Oops Painting to go with Beautiful Oops
We’re Going On a Bear Hunt Sensory Tray to go with We’re Going On a Bear Hunt
Button Sewing to go with Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
Oh, how I looooove Preschool Book Club! Well, us ladies loved what we had going on so much that we decided to take our concept – super engaging, hands-on activities that bring our favourite children’s books to life – and turn it into a book!!
Enter Exploring Books Through Play: 50 Activities Based on Books About Friendship, Acceptance, & Empathy! Now I realize that I’m 100% biased, but you guys – it’s such a good book. Like ridiculously good. As someone who loves children’s literature and loves doing fun activities with my munchkins, it’s absolutely something I’d pick up off of a store shelf and put in my basket immediately. Without a doubt.
Okay, so what is it exactly? Simply put, it’s a book of children’s activities that go with 10 absolutely fabulous children’s books. Now in order to give it some focus we decided to zone in on children’s books that promote friendship, acceptance, and empathy – three things our homes, schools, and world certainly need more of.
Here are the books we designed our activities around {and I pretty much feel like you should order them from your local library or from Amazon asap – they’re all such wonderful reads}:
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Stead
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems
Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni
The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon
Now for each of these wonderful picture books, our book includes 5 book-inspired activities that are rooted in play and support growth in literacy, mathematics, science, social emotional development, artistic expression, sensory exploration, or gross and fine motor skill development. The activities are perfect for children ages 3 through 8 and can easily be adapted to home, daycare, or classroom settings. Here’s a peek at one of the activities I put together along with the help of my sweet Miss G…
Right now, Exploring Books Through Play: 50 Activities Based on Books About Friendship, Acceptance, & Empathy is available for purchase two ways – as a print book via Amazon.com {worldwide} and as a downloadable ebook {in North America only} via e-junkie.
I genuinely hope you love our new book as much as we do. Please feel free to send me any feedback / ask me any questions you may have!
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We’d love to have you!
Just bought this now, can’t wait for it to arrive. We were in Kuwait at the same time and even went to the same hairdresser. I have been “following” you for a few years now just waiting for you write a book!! Myself and my husband are not creative at all but with the help of your blog we are getting there!!! Can’t wait for the next one… X
Oh, how awesome, Debbie! Thanks so much for following along! I hope you love the book as much as I do. :)
So very proud of you my friend!! I wish you all much success.
Xo
Thanks, love!! <3
Great job looks awesome!
Thanks so much, Naomi! We’re really proud of how it turned out.
This looks amazing Jen!
THANK YOU, Salma!!
Hi Jen,
I’ve just discovered your page this week, and made me think that you have this creative mind of yours. Your ideas are cool and I love your post about bringing your favorite children’s books to life. I’ve been writing blogs about children’s books as well, that’s why your post caught my attention. Parents will surely enjoy your book and have a great time doing these activities with their kids. Keep it up and I will be following your posts from now on!
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My granddaughters want to make the shell mermaid necklace but need to know what we need to make them. Please advise. Love the ideas.
Love your post! Very well written, detailed and informative. Your blog inspire me on how to motivate my kids and bonding with them even if my time are busy. Thank you!
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