New Children’s Books to Read in the New Year

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2020. Can you believe it is on our horizon? Just saying it seems a bit surreal! As we look ahead to new beginnings, let’s cozy up with our little ones while reading these exciting new children’s books that are perfect for a chilly winter day.

Disney Stories for 3 Year Olds

By Studio Fun International

From Peter Pan to 101 Dalmatians, three-year-olds will be introduced to wonderful Disney adventures in Disney Stories for 3-Year-Olds! This treasury includes fourteen classic Disney stories retold and simplified for a younger audience. With the same spirit as the extended versions and paired with colorful illustrations, this book is perfect for parents introducing their children to classic Disney adventures or retelling favorites With fourteen stories to choose from, your little ones will love to snuggle up to a favorite Disney classic story anytime!

Yum Yummy Yuck 

by Cree Lane and Amanda Jane Jones

In their hip and often humorous Instagram accounts, Amanda and Cree Jones invite the world into their life with two young kids. Now, the Joneses are sharing another experience–the struggle to keep their kids from putting everything they see into their mouths. Using simple, bright illustrations, irresistible colors, gentle repetition, and a lighthearted tone, this stylish board book teaches babies and toddlers what they should and shouldn’t put in their mouths. Delectable treats like an ice cream cone, a pear, and a donut are interspersed with not-so-yummy things kids find irresistible–like coins, boogers, and sand. Facing pages display the correct use of these items– boogers go in tissues, coins in a piggy bank, and sand in a bucket. Designed to appeal to modern parents, this durable and attractive book will have kids and their parents going back to it and sharing in the fun of all the delicious and disgusting things kids like.

Taxi Ride with Victor 

by Sara Trofa and illustrated by Elsa Klever

This sci-fi inspired taxi trip will have kids roaring with laughter. Victor is everyone’s favorite extraterrestrial taxi driver, but he has a big problem. His memory is terrible! He can never remember his way around the galaxy. When he drops off his passengers at the wrong locations, there are some unexpected and hilarious high jinks. Elsa Klever’s wonderful drawings incorporate every day experiences–like going to the dentist, the library, or the post office–into otherworldly scenes with friendly aliens, talking clouds, grumpy ghosts, and an enormous octopus. The book offers gentle lessons about friendship and opportunity, and children will want to join Victor again and again on his funny, mixed-up, and carefree rides.

A Dragon on the Roof 

by Cecile Alix and illustrated by Fred Sochard

A brave young girl, a whimsical house, and a ticklish dragon help young readers see the world through Gaudí’s eyes. Set in Casa Batlló, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most renowned buildings, this joyful story introduces young readers to the architect’s work, inciting their curiosity and imagination along the way. While her nanny is sleeping, young Paloma hears a noise. She climbs the stairs of her house until she reaches the roof, where a dragon is perched. Unafraid, Paloma reaches out to pet the dragon–but he is ticklish, and as he laughs, he spews a myriad of sea animals that he had unwittingly swallowed. The house is transformed into a dreamy aquarium and the dragon settles into a deep sleep on the roof. Cécile Alix’s playful story and Fred Sochard’s boldly graphic illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to Gaudí’s exuberant vision. As readers make their way through Paloma’s home, they are introduced to its fabulous elements–columns shaped like elephant legs; marine-inspired tiles, glass, and ironwork; and of course the spectacularly undulating, iridescent roof, which resembles a sleeping dragon. The end of the book includes a brief history of Gaudí’s career and provides helpful background to Paloma’s story. Kids will want to linger over the pictures and imagine what their own house would be like if a dragon were living on their roof.

What’s Cooking at 10 Garden Street 

by Felicita Sala

This delightfully illustrated children’s cookbook offers a global menu of dishes to share with friends, family, and neighbors. Something delicious is cooking in the old apartment building on Garden Street! Pilar is mixing gazpacho, Monsieur Ping is stir-frying broccoli, Señora Flores is preparing a pot of beans, and Josef and Rafik are rolling meatballs. Other neighbors are making mini-quiches, baba ganoush, dhal, and peanut butter cookies. When they’re all finished cooking everyone gathers in the garden to enjoy a delicious meal and each other’s company. Each inviting spread in this storybook offers a recipe from a different culinary tradition. Dishes that kids love, like guacamole, spaghetti, and banana bread are interspersed with others that include less familiar ingredients, such as mirin, tahini, and turmeric. The recipes explain how each dish is made and come with fun and detailed illustrations. Combining simple, fresh flavors with recipes from around the world, this book will nourish and inspire budding cooks while whetting the appetites of their more experienced helpers.

Frankie’s Food Truck

By Educational Insights and Illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti

Frankie’s Food Truck serves a different shape of food every day. On Mondays, Frankie serves squares. What kinds of foods are shaped like a square? Lift the flaps to unveil all sorts of tasty treats, learning about shapes and days of the week as you go. From a square piece of toast to a slice of watermelon in the shape of a triangle, readers are invited to see how many shapes and foods they can find on each spread.

Peg + Cat: Up a Tree

By  Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson

Peg has a BIG PROBLEM. She is up in a tree with her yo-yo and can’t get down! Luckily, Cat is down below and eager to help. He finds two long poles and some short pieces of wood and ties them all together. But when his makeshift ladder sways and falls, Peg has to pull Cat up, and now they have an even bigger problem. Can their friend Ramone make the ladder’s vertical sides go up and down and the horizontal steps go straight across so they can get down safely? Could Peg’s yo-yo skills come in handy after all? What goes up must come down — somehow — as Peg gets stuck high in a tree and Cat and Ramone try to come to the rescue.

KeeKee’s Big Adventures in London

by Shannon Jones

Join KeeKee, the globe-trotting calico kitty, on her latest brilliant adventures in London. Along with her friend Willamb Sheepspeare, she whisks readers through the majesty of England’s capital city—from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace to a proper English tea. Explorers big and small will have a jolly good time trying out fun British expressions, peeking into royal culture, and navigating London’s beautiful streets on a double-decker bus.  What’s meaningful to me is that I have been to London many times, so sharing this book with my children has been incredibly exciting as we pore over the pages. Plus, the author lives in our current city!

BigFoot Activity Book: Wacky Puzzles, Coloring Pages, Fun Facts, & Cool Stickers

by D.L. Miller

Have a BigFoot fan in your home? Following the success of D.L. Miller’s BigFoot seek-and-find books, publisher Fox Chapel Publishing, under the imprint Happy Fox Books, is proud to introduce a new BigFoot activity book aptly titled BigFoot Activity Book: Wacky Puzzles, Coloring Pages, Fun Facts, & Cool Stickers. The author notes, “It’s not just an activity book—it’s a way to teach children about the world through recreational learning.” 

Ultimate Slime: Extreme Edition

by Alyssa Jagan

Yes, your kids can take their slime to the next level! In Ultimate Slime Extreme Edition, you’ll find 100+ new, awesome, borax-free slime recipes and projects from slime master Alyssa J of @CraftySlimeCreator!

Frozen 2: Make Your Own Bath Bombs

by Jennifer Malone

Frozen fever is real again after the hit movie came out a few weeks ago! Learn formulas, practice ratios, combine chemicals, and use the scientific method to form bath bombs that are uniquely Frozen 2 and uniquely yours!

Learn to Draw: Frozen 2

by Walter Foster Junior Creative Team

So simple and fun, the step-by-step drawing exercises in Learn to Draw Disney Frozen 2 will have you drawing Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven, and the new characters from Disney Frozen 2 in no time!

*Books were generously provided for review. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Last-Minute Subscription Gifts for Kids

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Need an exciting last-minute gift for a special little one this holiday season? Any of the brilliant subscription services below for kids will make an excellent stocking stuffer, and can be ordered today or even tomorrow for easy peasy gift-giving.

GIRLS CAN! CRATE

I’ve got a strong, fearless 6 year old daughter… and I want to encourage those traits as she grows. One awesome gift idea for girls ages 5-10 is GIRLS CAN! CRATE, a subscription box that celebrates bold, fearless women who have helped to make our world a better place. I love that each crate teaches my daughter that if she puts her mind to it… she can do & be anything!

Each GIRLS CAN! CRATE includes a 20-page GIRLS CAN! Activity Book telling her unique story, 2-3 hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities related to her field, a creative play prop, a featured character trait that helped her succeed and 2-3 practical tips for parents to easily foster that trait.

What makes this an even more throughful gift is that GIRLS CAN! CRATE donates 10% of the proceeds from every crate purchased to nonprofit organizations working to empower women and girls.

Any gift subscription ordered now through the 31st will start with the January CRATE. You can order a gift subscription to GIRLS CAN! CRATE at https://www.girlscancrate.com/.

Little Passports

Perfect for ages 3-12, this subscription service brings the world home to your child! Encouraging the love of travel and opening their eyes to the world around them, Little Passports has been a favorite in our home for a few years now. With 4 exciting, unique and creative ways to explore the world, there is something for everyone!

Choose from Early Explorers (3-5), World Edition (6-10), USA Edition (7-12), and Science Expeditions (9+)… all come with creative, hands-on activities to encourage learning. We have tried both the Early Explorers kits and the World Edition kits, and both have kept my little ones busy for hours.

Little Passports be ordered now and you will get a printable gift certificate to place in a stocking or under the tree. Visit https://www.littlepassports.com/.

KiwiCo Crates

For difficult to shop for teens, KiwiCo launched a new line of monthly projects called Eureka Crate. Getting kids off of their screens and devices, Eureka Crates are designed to inspire them to think about the engineering behind the objects all around them. Made for ages 14+, each Eureka Crate engineering project is functional upon completion including a desk lamp, electric pencil sharpener, and working ukulele. Check out Eureka Crates here.

There is something for everyone from KiwiCo from ages birth on up! My two year old loved creating an adorable farm & vegetable garden with his Koala Crate… and keeps calling it his ‘farmo.’ Additional DIY ideas can be found for each crate on the KiwiCo website.

My six year old is into anything craft-related, so the Kiwi Crate is perfect for her! She loved making the Arcade game with her crate! While she did need a little assistance from Mom & Dad, she was able to read the directions with ease.

KiwiCo’s crates are subscription-based and you can choose 1, 3, 6, or 12 months of deliveries. These make excellent gifts for anyone, whether for the holidays, a birthday, or just because! Learn more at KiwiCo.com.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Tiny Green Mom’s Top Toys for 2018

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Tiny Green Mom’s Top Toys for 2018

We’ve searched high & low the past few months to compile the latest and greatest toys for a variety of ages… from toddlers to elementary school-aged children. These our our top picks… and yes, some are still available to order in time for Christmas!

bbluv Mülti Reversible Playmat

Super-soft, cushioned and big enough to grow from baby to toddler, the Mülti Reversible Playmat is an ideal playspace for your little one. Roll it up for on-the-go or leave it open for hours of fun at home. It is waterproof, reversible and made from non-toxic and easy-to-clean material. My two-year-old LOVES this mat… he can stretch out and play with all his vehicles on the roadways for hours.

Veggie Farm Sorting Set

Encourage a love of vegetables (and growing them!) through this adorable Veggie Farm Sorting Set! From Learning Resources, this educational and engaging playset encourages the development of matching, color recognition, sorting, and early counting skills. My daughter loves to help her little brother sort and count through the vegetables… such a cute and educational activity. It’s not too big, so can be tucked away easily, too! Order today on Amazon.com and it will arrive before Christmas!

1,2,3 Build It Rocket, Train, Helicopter

Have a little one obsessed with vehicles? Then this toy is perfect! Best for ages 2+, the 1,2,3 Build It Rocket, Train, Helicopter helps to develop fine motor skills as your child builds and rebuilds three different vehicles with a kid-sized wrench. Colorful and easy-to-handle, the set encourages both creativity and matching skills. This set is just adored by my son, who needed a bit of help at first to use the wrench and put the pieces together. Once together, he likes to play with the helicopter the most! Order today on Amazon.com and it will arrive before Christmas.

Green Toys™ Ambulance & Doctor’s Kit

Eco-friendly, imaginative play… what’s not to love!? The Green Toys line is a must-have in our home, especially since the vehicles are incredibly sturdy and durable! So much to our excitement, this popular line recently introduced an Ambulance & Doctor Kit that comes with everything needed to play doctor, nurse, EMT – or all of the above! Made in the USA from super-safe, 100% recycled plastic, this 10-piece set encourages motor skill development, imaginative play, and pro-social behavior, while also helping to ease anxiety about doctor visits by making the components of a check-up familiar and fun. The ambulance has the features, size, and durability of a classic Green Toys truck, as well as lights that flip-up into a handle to create a unique carrying case. All the pieces included in the set – a stethoscope, reflex hammer, syringe, forceps, thermometer, and otoscope, as well as a doctor’s notepad and two sheets of assorted stickers – can be stored in the back of the ambulance for quick, eco-friendly transport to the next emergency. No BPA, phthalates, or PVC. Dishwasher safe. Packaged with recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. For ages 2-8… and definitely popular with our 2 year old son. Best part? Order today on Amazon.com and it will arrive before Christmas!

Green Toys™ Elmo & Friends Dough Activity Set

What’s not to love about dough? For your Sesame Street obsessed little ones, the Elmo & Friends Dough Activity Set comes with everything needed to create your favorite furry faces – out of dough! Use the tools to create the shapes and figures, then finish off your creation with the pop-out features. The safe, non-toxic dough is made in a food-safe facility from organic flour (which we love!), and easily wipes off the activity card. This 12-piece set promotes sensory exploration, develops fine motor skills, and encourages creativity and imagination. The set includes 1 star extruder, 1 spaghetti extruder, 1 scraper, 1 knife, 1 roller, 1 rolling cutter, 1 scissors, 1 two-sided activity card, 1 pop-out features sheet, and 3 dough tubs. This set is simply adorable and we love that the dough is made from better-for-you materials! Want it before Christmas? Order on Amazon.com.

Lakeshore Take-Along Train Station

So… Lakeshore really gets it right with this Take-Along Train Station! Whether you fold it up for on-the-go or set it up for play at home, this durable wooden set boasts all the features of a lively travel town! From a bank and post office to road signs and trees, your future engineer will adore this train station! My son loves any and all things that have to do with trains, so this is a tried & true favorite currently!

Lakeshore Precious Ponies Playset

Have a budding equestrian on your hands? Here’s everything your little one need to feed, groom and train 2 show horses, including a feeding trough, a grooming brush and 2 jumping gates. Exercise the horses in the corral, or put them in stalls with real-working doors. All 13 pieces even fit inside the stable for on-the-go fun! This set is just too cute… and my 6 year old has been really enjoying it!

Clicformers 25Pc Set h

Do your kiddos love to build and create? Then Clicformers is a neat option for truly endless building possibilities! The Clicformers Car 25Pc Set racecar lets you design race cars and trucks with the 18 building blocks and 7 accessory pieces… or simply come up with your own designs! All Clicformers sets are compatible. When playtime is over, we love that you can simply stack and store!

Kanoodle Head to Head Game

My 6 year old daughter is obsessed with games… and winning! So, to challenge her a bit, we checked out the Kanoodle Head to Head Game where you go head to head with friends or family in the Kanoodle puzzle challenge for two! Challenging for her… but fun for mom and dad to get in on the action, the game enhances problem solving skills, develops spatial reasoning, and encourages critical thinking. For the ultimate check-mate, with the simple press of a button, you can launch your opponent’s pieces! We love that this packs up easily for travel, too!

PlayFoam Pals

Voted as one of Amazon’s Top 100 Toys of 2018, it is no secret why PlayFoam Pals are super popular! Kids get to dig and search through foam material to discover a tiny hidden collectible inside! Then, you can play with the foam, molding new shapes and designs. With so many sets, your kiddos can create a collection of figurines pretty quickly! Best for ages 5-10. These are a hot item right now for my 6 year old daughter! The Snowy Friends set is perfect for the holidays, and is still available on Amazon.com with delivery in time for Christmas!

Break Away Ballz™

From Alex Brands comes a new take on the ‘surprise inside’ trend! With Break Away Ballz™, each 5” ball consists of 8 identically sized foam pieces that break apart when thrown against a hard surface, revealing a 2” bouncy ball surprise inside. We know how much kids love bouncy balls! The identically sized pieces allow your child to easily piece everything back together…and even hide something else inside! There are 6 available to collect. Amazon.com still has some available to ship in time for Christmas.

Cupcake Surprise Series 3 Minis

Like the regular sized doll, the Cupcake Surprise Minis transform from cupcake to a tiny beautiful doll. They are available in many new styles and 6 different delicious scents, such as strawberry, vanilla, and lemon… and come with their own hairbrush! Your little one will want to collect them all! They are perfect companions to the regular sized Cupcake Surprise dolls. Ages 3 and up. There are a variety of Cupcake Surprise Dolls available on Amazon.com with delivery before Christmas.

Razor Berry Kick Scooter

So… my daughter made the cutest little video for Santa and she said she didn’t want much, just a skateboard and a new scooter! The skateboard threw us for a loop, but she’s in luck because The Razor Berry, with its skateboard-style plastic deck and vibrant color combo, will be making an appearance under the tree this year! Available in a variety of bold colors and at a price point that is extremely affordable, this is a hot ticket item this year!

Razor Jr. Lil Kick Scooter

Now little brother can kick it with his big sister! For junior riders, Razor Jr. Lil Kick Scooter offers larger urethane wheels and a wider deck, made especially for little riders learning to balance and steer. The Lil’ Kick Scooter is designed for stability, and will give your little one hours of fun in style.

Cuddlekins Unicorn Plush

Plush & adorable, your unicorn-obsessed child will love the latest addition to Wild Republic’s popular Cuddlekins line. Irresistibly soft, the Unicorn is perfect for snuggles and cuddles. The plush is available in two designs, white starsor pink hearts.

Li’l Fairyland Cuties

These make an ultimate stocking stuffer…especially since they are already wrapped so beautifully! Another super cute take on the surprise trend, Li’l Fairyland Cuties, is a line of cute collectible fairy dolls wrapped in three layers of shiny foil for the ultimate “surprise” fairy fun. Your little one will love unwrapping each layer of foil to reveal all-new surprise accessories to decorate the fairy doll. There are 14 fairies to collect and trade with friends. Discover the 7 surprises featured in each Fairyland Cutie, including the doll, wand, gemstone stickers, fairy hair accessory and collector sheet with stickers. Appropriate for ages 4 & up. Want it before Christmas? They are available on Amazon.com!

The World of Eric Carle Let’s Feed The Very Hungry Caterpillar Game

A bright, beautiful board game based on Eric Carle’s best-selling book, the Very Hungry Caterpillar, children ages 3 & up will love to transform their caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly with this fun game of counting, collecting, and building! For 2 to 4 players. There is still time to order this educational game on Amazon.com in time for Christmas delivery!

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Exciting Ways to Encourage Learning at Home

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Exciting Ways to Encourage Learning at Home

Now that school has started, we are finding new ways to bring lessons to life at home! We are learning and growing together with a little help from some fantastic companies who make learning engaging, interesting and FUN for everyone!

Teach My Learning Kits

Whether your little one is headed off to preschool or kindergarten, or still at home with Mom or Dad, Teach My Learning Kits help little ones to be academically ready! Screen-free and designed for specific developmental stages, each set in the kit is fully coordinated to encourage matching, repetition and parent engagement… all in 20 minutes a day.

We received the Teach My Toddler Kit for our two year old son, and he has started to master his letters, numbers, shapes and colors with ease using the sets in the kit! We’ve had a blast bonding, playing and learning together with the simple, straightforward lessons in each set! The teaching tools included are fully coordinated to encourage repetition, interaction and make learning fun. According to the website, Teach My Toddler is designed around the concept of matching to encourage pre-reading skills.

The Teach My Toddler set includes 4 Board Books, 4 Full-Size Posters, 5 Foam Puzzles, 50+ Flashcards, Teaching Guide, and a handy Storage Case.

For ages 6 months to 6 years, the Teach My Kits are available nationwide online at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Staples, Bed Bath and Beyond and Teach My.

Edushape Magic Shapes

Let your child’s imagination run wild with Magic Shapes! Small pieces featuring magnetic edges stay together allowing little ones to build, design and create with ease. The platform included in the set makes it like doodling in 3-D! Magic Shapes are fantastic for developing gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and logic & reasoning in little learners, and I love that STEM is being encouraged through play. My kiddos have had so much fun stacking, building and more with this open-ended play set!

What’s neat about Magic Shapes is that they pack up easily for use while traveling or visiting grandma’s house, too!

Little Passports

Have a budding globetrotter at home… or want to instill the love of world travel in your children? It’s easy to introduce your little ones to geography, science, world cultures, the arts and more with the monthly educational subscription service, Little Passports. Bringing these lessons home, Little Passports is simply ingenious, encouraging children to learn about the world around them in a fun and engaging way. My 1st grader loved receiving the adorable suitcase in the mail with her first lesson from the World Edition, and now that she is reading, she has had so much sharing the lessons and activities with her younger brother!

In this subscription, your child will explore the world with new pen pals, Sam & Sofia. The first month, an adorable blue suitcase arrives, packed with everything needed to take off on an exciting adventure, including a passport, wall-sized world map, stickers, photos, activity sheets, and more! A different country is featured each month, with more activities, photos, stickers, souvenirs, and games to pique your child’s interest… and a fun new adventure to look forward to receiving!

4 affordable Little Passports subscriptions are available, depending on your child’s age and interest, including Early Explorers (3-5), World Edition (6-10), USA Edition (7-12) and Science Expeditions (9+).

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Back-to-School Lunch Gear Guide

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Back-to-School Lunch Gear Guide

School is in session…. and I don’t know about you, but I need to get more organized than I already am when it comes to prepping lunches! I have found a few exciting reusable items that have been game-changers in our lunch game, and we know you will find them super useful, too!

JOY Deluxe Insulated Lunch Cooler Tote Bag

We adore this reusable lunch cooler that transports your food and beverages in style! This fashionable insulated tote is cleverly designed, from the water-repellant exterior, to the handy hook-and-loop handle closure and exterior storage pocket, to the easy to wipe clean insulated interior, it is ideal for tweens and teens who want to carry a healthy lunch to school but want something more fashion-forward. It is available in a variety of gorgeous color combinations, such as Purple/Lavender/White and Mint/Black/White.

bblüv’s Döse Multi-Purpose Stackable Containers

Pack it up & stack it up! Available on Amazon, Döse Multi-Purpose Stackable Containers are an easy, hassle-free, and mess-free way to bring along cut-up fruits, trail mix, and other healthy snacks to school! It is compact enough to fit anywhere and is also easy to clean and can be sterilized. It’s the perfect solution for snack organization… plus little ones like to help pick their favorite items to place inside. Plus, it even features a funnel cap for easy pouring of juice, milk or water. Stackable and interchangeable, featuring 3 compartments with a large storage capacity of 4oz. Dishwasher safe (top rack) BPA, Phthalate and PVC free.

ZizzyBee Bags®

Get organized as the school season starts… whether you need a bag for art supplies, pencils and pens, crayons and markers, an extra change of clothes, or snacks in your child’s lunch… ZizzyBee Bags® are a perfect fit for anything and everything! Each bag features an easy handle for hanging up on a hook, and are made of breathable, washable mesh. The bags are available in a selection of bright prints, too!

Yumbox

Making packing a lunch for your child easy… and fun to eat! We are simply loving these reusable bento style lunchboxes from Yumbox! Plus, it saves you money by completely eliminating the need for plastic bags, multiple containers, or plastic wrap…making it a breeze to pack a waste free lunch. The lid is leakproof, and the insert can be completely removed to wash it easily. Yumbox is made from food safe materials, and is both BPA-free and phthalate-free. Did we mention how cute they are… and that dip container in the middle is giving us all the heart eyes!

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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18 Healthy Lunchbox & After School Snacks for Kids

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18 Healthy Lunchbox & After School Snacks for Kids

Time for a lunchbox makeover as the school year starts! Ditch the junk and sugar-laden snacks, and tuck these healthy items into your child’s lunchbox instead!

1. Slammers Super Food Snacks

Fuel for school! Perfect for lunches and after school sports, Slammers Super Food Snacks were created to be delicious & instant organic fuel for active kids. Packed with superfoods, two of the flavors (Watermelon Kiwi Burst and Pomegranate Grape Crush) contain 7 grams of protein for growing bodies. In addition to these two flavors, Slammers Super Food Snacks offers 3 additional tasty varieties, EPIC (mangoes, bananas, oranges, carrots, Greek yogurt & real vanilla), AWESOME (bananas, blueberries, strawberries, beets, acai, & amaranth) and CHILL’N (bananas, blueberries, butternut squash, Greek yogurt & yumberry). Slammers Snacks can be purchased nationwide at Target, Safeway, Kroger, Costco and Walmart.

2. Rule Breaker Snacks

Rule Breaker Snacks harness the power of beans (yes, beans!) along with oats and other wholesome ingredients to create truly delicious, indulgent and guilt-free goodies. That’s right, Rule Breaker Deep Chocolate Brownies and Chocolate Chunk Blondies are made with chickpeas (they are the first ingredient!), but you’d never know it from the rich delicious flavor and texture. Perfect for anyone looking for a treat they feel better about eating, Rule Breaker snacks contain 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and are gluten-free, 100% plant-based (vegan), nut-free and top 8 allergen-free.

3. Banana Wave

Created from one of nature’s most universally-loved fruits, the banana, BANANA WAVE bananamilk is a delicious, creamy and nutrient-filled new option. Derived from an ancient African recipe that has been passed down for generations, BANANA WAVE bananamilk begins with a universally loved fruit that is a staple in most households – bananas. Because BANANA WAVE bananamilk begins with pure banana puree, one serving contains as much potassium as a small banana, 330 mg, and also contains 29 vitamins and minerals and 1200 mg of Omega-3s per serving. BANANA WAVE bananamilk is vegan, all natural, dairy, gluten and GMO-free.

4. Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter

Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter is an award-winning peanut-butter alternative made from naturally sweet and “nutty” tasting golden peas (with yes, more veggie protein!), but without a trace of peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, or soy. Available in Creamy and Chocolate (which has more protein and half the sugar of other chocolate spreads!), Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter is so good everyone will love it allergies or not.

5. Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars

Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars, available in Strawberry Banana and Pineapple Passionfruit flavors, are dual-flavored, triple-layered fruit snacks produced in a nut free facility, making them the ideal on-the-go, allergy-friendly snack for kids and families! Compared to other mainstream fruit snack brands that may contain artificial additives and preservatives, Pure Organic takes a cleaner and more transparent approach, using all organic fruit and vegetable juices and purees with no artificial flavors, preservatives, or synthetic colors. Both kids and adults love them!

6. Wicked Crisps

Wicked Crisps, a surprisingly healthful snack with an irresistible taste, are chock full of nutrition from veggies, herbs and spices. A guilt-free treat for taste buds, Wicked Crisps are available in seven delicious flavors like Cheesy Cheese Pizza, Spinach Parmesan, Spring Vegetable Medley, Sweet Potato Soufflé and Red Curry Hummus (our daughter’s fave!), that combine the protein and goodness from vegetables in a crisp that is formulated without GMOs, gluten or non-organic ingredients. Wicked Crisps are deliciously deceptive nutrition!

7. Kalot Superfood

Kalot Superfood offers nutritional nut and seed butters blended with fruits, spices and a custom vitamin blend that provides up to 50% of the Daily Value for a nutrient-rich and tasty treat that can be seamlessly incorporated into hectic routines to keep bodies full, fueled and healthy. Kalot Superfood is available in nine delicious varieties including Almond Butter blends: Blueberry Cinnamon Walnut; Cherry Vanilla; Dark Chocolate Coconut; Espresso Hazelnut; Chia Cashew Butter Blends: Blueberry Vanilla; White Chocolate Strawberry; Chocolate Chip and Sunflower Seed Butter Blends: Cinnamon Apple; Chocolate Cherry.

8. HEROFUEL

Need a quick, protein-packed snack for your child’s after school sports game or activity? HEROFUEL has 10g of protein, only 6-8g sugar, the right amount of fiber and carbs for kids playing sports, or just being active! It’s the first and only sports bar made specifically for kids! Kids love the taste, parents love the nutrition. Available in kid-sized portions in two delicious flavors, Chocolate Chip Brownie and Cookies & Cream.

9. Nature’s Crush

Nature’s Crush Microwave Popcorn is a revolutionary new all-natural microwave popcorn. Different because it uses real herbs and spices, not artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, to create a gourmet popcorn experience. Nature’s Crush is whole grain, gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes and parties, Nature’s Crush fills the whole house with the aroma of delicious goodness. Nature’s Crush microwave popcorn is making microwave popcorn a pantry must-have once again.

10. Cherryvale Farms

Cherryvale Farms is a pioneer in 100% plant-based baking and a family business that drew inspiration from their own small farm in Santa Cruz, California to create delicious baking mixes everyone can enjoy at home. All Cherryvale Farms baking mix products are 100% plant-based, egg-free, dairy-free, nut-free and free from preservatives and artificial colors and flavors, making them an excellent option for those managing food allergies or intolerances. New Cherryvale Farms Instant Indulgence Individual Mug Cakes are perfect for middle or high school lunchboxes – or for Mom or Dad to keep in their drawer at work for a sweet treat!

11. Ceres’ Smoothie to Go

Ceres’ Smoothie to Go pack the heavenly taste of perfectly ripe, organic fruit into a healthy, sippable snack that is filled with the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients your body craves without any fillers, GMOs or added sugars. Packed at the peak of freshness to preserve the pure, crisp taste of exotic real fruit, Smoothies to Go are the ideal way for your littles to get their “five-a-day” recommended servings of fruits and 100% of daily Vitamin C. Each smoothie contains small chunks of luscious real fruit. Available in three mouthwatering flavors, Mango, Tropical with Guava, Mango and Passionfruit, or Apple Berry blends. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.

12. MadeGood Snacks

My son’s favorite… especially the Strawberry Granola Minis! These healthy, delicious granola-based snacks are made in a dedicated facility free from the eight common allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, sesame, fish and shellfish. MadeGood snacks are also organic, gluten-free and non-GMO project verified, making them the perfect school-safe snack. Choose from a variety of yummy, pint-sized snacks perfect for little ones, including Soft Baked Cookies, Crispy Light Granola, Granola Bars, Granola Minis (found at Costco!) and Crispy Squares.

13. Tree Top Clear Applesauce Pouches

Elevate kids’ back-to-school lunch game with Tree Top clear applesauce pouches! Tree Top’s new line-up of transparent pouches includes seven healthy, on-the-go fruit options. Yummy varieties include Apple, Mango, Cinnamon, Strawberry, Mixed Berry, Tropical, and my favorite, Organic. Along with being delicious, Tree Top’s pouches are also healthy: they are made with 100% American apples, and have no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors and colors. With each pouch at 40-60 calories, parents can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their kids aren’t filling up on empty calories.

14. JUNKLESS Chewy Granola Bars

Seeking a snack option that your kiddos will love to find tucked in their lunchbox? JUNKLESS Chewy Granola Bars are family-friendly, better-for-you snacks that are minimally processed, contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, are Non-GMO Project Verified, and contain 6 grams of sugar or lower. No junk, and they taste good! The four flavors include Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, 100% REAL Strawberries and Cinnamon Roll. JUNKLESS Chewy Granola Bars are available nationally on Amazon and in select grocery stores around the country.

15. Popcornopolis Nearly Naked Popcorn

When you want to provide kids of all ages with a healthy snack they are sure to love, Nearly Naked Popcorn is a sure thing! This healthy snack contains nothing more than freshly popped American-grown gourmet popcorn tossed in a touch of coconut oil and a sprinkle of salt. One cup of Nearly Naked popcorn contains just 33 calories! This whole grain, gluten free snack is available in .55oz snack size bags that are ideal for lunch boxes, class snacks, field trips, road trips, movie nights, and more.

16. TahiniBAR

New from Absolutely Gluten Free, TahiniBAR is a grab-and-go sesame seed snack that weighs in at only 100 calories! Like tahini and its decadent dessert cousin, halvah, the energy bars are made from all-natural roasted sesame seeds. Sesame seeds help boost energy levels and are a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, Calcium, Iron, Zinc and potassium. Much lower in calories than many other bars, this 100% gluten-free treat is available in three delectable varieties, including Cocoa Nibs, Pistachio, and Vanilla, and sold in packs of 7 bars (4.4 oz.). All varieties are certified OU Kosher and dairy-free.

17. NurturMe Organic Ancient Grains Power Blends

These superfruit, veggie and ancient grain meal pouches give little ones a nutrient-boosting tropical snack! Available in 4 yummy varieties, their Pear + Quinoa + Amaranth + Spinach and Strawberry + Banana + Amaranth pouches are my son’s favorite! Easy to tuck in your child’s lunchbox at daycare or preschool, they provide a no-mess option for little hands. Made with no gluten, soy, dairy or egg. Non-GMO.

18. NurturMe Ancient Grain Cookies

Tummy-friendly and good for you, NurturMe has combined 4 nutrient-packed ancient grains to create the perfect organic and gluten-free cookie for little ones! Made with quinoa, amaranth, millet and sorghum, the cookies do not contain dairy, soy or egg. They are available in two delicious flavors, Cocoa & Honey, and their cute shapes promote learning & play! (yes, we think it’s ok to play with your food!) Plus, they are also a complete and balanced protein with all 9 essential amino acids and immune-boosting antioxidants. Non-GMO.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE Giveaway

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Have you ever wanted one thing – just one thing – more than anything else in the world? A toy? A new bike? A computer game? Did you imagine that this one possession would make you incredibly happy – forever? For Benji that one thing is an enormous orange kite. In BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE (Clavis Publishing; August 2018), bestselling author Alan C. Fox tells the enchanting story of a young boy who learns that possessing something is not quite as meaningful as letting it go.

In His Illustrated Children’s Book, BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE, Bestselling Author Alan C. Fox Focuses On Perseverence, Dreams, and Letting Go

BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE, with illustrations by Eefje Jujil, is the second in Alan Fox’s series of picture books. The first, BENJI AND THE 24 POUND BANANA SQUASH, was named a notable children’s book of 2017 by Booklist magazine and has become a much-loved story for youngsters and parents alike.

Alan Fox explains that like all of his books, “BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE is based on a real-life incident. This one happened when I was a child. I decided to tell the story, because I wanted to share the sense of achievement I felt by working hard to obtain something I really loved. But once I saw the kite flying at the beach, I wanted to let it go. My dream had been accomplished. It was time move on to another, new experience. You must always keep going to fulfill your dreams and aspirations.”

Would you like to win a copy of BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE for your family? From August 1st – August 5th, 2018 you can enter to win daily on Tiny Green Mom!

First, leave a comment below to let us know why you would love to win the BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE Giveaway!

To obtain extra entries:

Follow @TinyGreenMom on Instagram. This is only valid for one entry.

Like this post on Instagram @TinyGreenMom. This is only valid for one entry.

Follow @TinyGreenMom on Twitter. This is only valid for one entry.

Leave a comment on another Tiny Green Mom post. Leave a comment below with the name of the post you commented on. This is only valid for one entry.

The BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE Giveaway ends on August 5th, 2018 and is open to the US only. Please make sure to leave a separate comment for every each and every entry that you make so that they will count for you!

Thank you! We can’t wait to announce the winner of this giveaway!

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Tiny Green Mom’s Summer Reading List for Children

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School’s out for the summer, and to help your children stay on track with their reading, we have chosen 5 of our favorites for preschoolers and early elementary school-aged kids. These 5 titles are engaging and enjoyable… and will help pass the time on rainy summer days, too!

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Sesame Street: 5 Little Rubber Duckies

Does your child adore Elmo like my son? Little ones who are a fan of Elmo and the gang on Sesame Street will love this educational counting book for ages 2 and up, as they learn their numbers with Elmo and friends!

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Join Ernie and his friends on Sesame Street as they try to find five cute rubber duckies in this engaging, hands-on board book! With touch and trace elements perfect for little hands and plastic duckies to push and count along, this book is the perfect story time activity for early learners. Also available in Spanish!

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10, 9, 8… Owls Up Late! 

Help your kiddos learn to count with this adorable book filled with gorgeous illustrations! Ten little owls are playing in a tree, hopping and hooting happily. But Mama Owl calls from down in the nest, “It’s bedtime now; it’s time to rest.”

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Peek through the pages and spot the mischievous owls in this fun counting book, perfect for bedtime! Featuring fun rhyming text, funny illustrations and peek-through die-cut pages. Recommended for ages 3-5.

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When Fur and Feather Get Together

Do your children love rhyming books? Then they will fall in love with this newly released title, When Fur and Feather Get Together, by David Margrave!

Complete with rhyming lessons about what groups of animals are called when they get together, children will love learning things like: a group of rhinos is a crash, as assembly of owls is a parliament, and unicorns together are a blessing. At the end of the book, Margrave closes with something that applies to all of the groups, which is the beauty and meaning of family. We had just as much fun learning about the different groups of animals as our son and daughter!

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BigFoot Visits the Big Cities of the World

Help your older child avoid the summer slide, and combine reading with learning about the world’s most popular cities! Sharpen your search and find skills by locating BigFoot at his favorite metropolis. It won’t be easy! BigFoot is visiting ten major cosmopolitan destinations, from the Big Apple and London to Paris, Athens, Tokyo, Toronto, and more.

This handsome hardcover book presents each urban oasis as an immense two-page visual puzzle, full of teeming people and creatures. Your task is not only to find BigFoot and his legendary footprint, but also more than 500 other unusual and sometimes unexpected personalities and objects. Fun facts and pictures accompany each scene to help you learn more about the popular cities included in the book.

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BigFoot Goes on Vacation

Remember the Where’s Waldo series of books? The BigFoot series is similar, and just as much fun to read with your children!

In this book, BigFoot is enjoying his holiday in ten different ways, from deep sea diving and joining a balloon festival to taking a cruise, going to the beach, visiting Yellowstone National Park, and more. This handsome hardcover book presents each getaway as an immense two-page visual puzzle, full of teeming people and creatures.

*Companies generously provided review copies and cover images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Free Printable Activities from A Wrinkle in Time

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A WRINKLE IN TIME opens in theaters everywhere this Friday March 9th! For some fun, free printable activities to get your children excited for the movie, download the 3 activity sheets below!

Maze: Wrinkle in Time Maze

Fortune Teller: Wrinkle in Time Fortune teller

Spot the Difference: Wrinkle in Time Spot the Difference

Wrinkle in Time Oprah

Watch the trailer for a A WRINKLE IN TIME here.

Like A WRINKLE IN TIME on Facebook
Follow A WRINKLE IN TIME on Twitter
Follow A WRINKLE IN TIME on Instagram
Visit the official A WRINKLE IN TIME website here

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Top 5 Eco-Gifts for Babies & Toddlers 2017

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It’s that time of the year again! With Christmas sneaking up on us once again, Tiny Green Mom has put together their ‘Top 5 Eco-Gifts for Babies & Toddlers!‘ While the tiniest member of your family may be more intrigued by the twinkling lights, wrapping paper, and boxes, Mom and Dad will appreciate the following gifts for little ones!

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Organic Taxi Lovey by Estella NYC

This adorable and super-soft organic cotton lovey features an iconic NYC taxi, and is made perfectly-sized for tiny hands! With bold black and white stripes, tactile pom poms for the wheels, and a plush knit cotton feel that makes it easy to cuddle and hold, the Organic Taxi Lovey is a fantastic eco-stocking stuffer this holiday season! Hand knit in Peru. Machine wash on gentle. For additional ideas for baby’s 1st Christmas, check out their gift guide, too!

gunapod

Gunapod

A favorite last year, Gunapod continues to make our eco-friendly gift list! With gorgeous new prints and sizes that fit infants to toddlers, your little one will stay toasty and warm all night long in this safe, smart, and extremely soft wearable blanket! (Yes, we wish it came in adult size, too!) Like sleeping wrapped in a cloud, Gunapod features the WONDERZiP® system for easy changing in the night and temperature control to prevent overheating. The WONDERZiP® opens completely from underarm to underarm, with 4 separate pulls functioning in a multitude of ways as you choose. Generously sized for maximum comfort, Gunapod provides baby with plenty of space to fold legs or spread out, as well as move arms freely. In addition, you can unzip the Gunapod® along the bottom to accommodate a carseat or stroller safety strap, which allows your baby to kick freely. Gunapod® adheres to the strictest standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CPSIA. Now that our little guy is a toddler, we love that it prevents him climbing out of the crib, too!

Baby Mum Mum carrot blueberry combo

Organic Baby Mum-Mum

Tuck these favorite teething biscuits into your little one’s stocking! Baby Mum-Mum now offers two new organic varieties…Organic Sweet Potato & Carrot and Organic Blueberry & Goji. These all-natural teething biscuits are always a hit with my little teethers, and now that my youngest is a toddler, the line has Organic Strawberry Rice Biscuits for toddlers! Baby and Toddler Mum-Mums are made without GMOs, artificial flavors and preservatives. Gluten, lactose, egg and peanut-free. Plus, each serving is individually wrapped for convenience, making it a breeze to take a few along in a diaper bag or purse!

Baby Butz

Baby Butz Cream

They may not appreciate it… but mom and dad will! To treat baby’s diaper rash naturally and effectively,
Olen Cosmetics’ Baby Butz cream is a trusted brand, recommended by pediatricians and used in hospital neonatal units. Baby Butz cream is a barrier and a healing cream that prevents and relieves diaper rash in as little as 4 hours. It’s all-natural, free of perfume, alcohol or chemicals. Baby Butz Cream can be purchased on www.amazon.com.

Pure Spoon Butternut

Pure Spoon Fresh Organic Purées

Is your little one learning to self-feed? The gift of Pure Spoon will be a welcome one! Pure Spoon Fresh Organic Purées are 100% fresh certified organic fruits and veggies that are cold pressed, cold packed and delivered right to your door! Yes, your little ones will love them… and you will love that they are nourishing their growing bodies. Flavors available include Apples & Broccoli, Blueberries, Bananas & Apples, Butternut Squash, Apples & Oats, Carrots & Zucchini, Creamy Avocado & Apples, Simply Apples, Simply Carrots, Simply Pears, Spinach, Pear & Bananas, and Sweet Potato & Apples.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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