Virtual Program: Cozy Cuddles Storytime

 For another December virtual program, I enjoyed putting on a Cozy Cuddles storytime. This storytime was for everyone to snuggle up together with their stuffed animals and get warm and cozy with some theme-liked books.

The first book I read was Penguin in Love by Salina Yoon. This is an adorable book about a penguin who finds a lost mitten and is trying to find its owner. The pictures are so cute and is a book that warms your heart.

The next book I read was appropriately called So Cozy by Lerryn Korda. I like this book because it's about a dog who is trying to get cozy and take a nap when other animals come along and want to join him. Perfect for kids to practice naming the animals in the book.

In between the two books, I did a quick flannel board activity using flannel mitten cutouts and a rhyme for those to follow at home to practice their colors. 

At the end of storytime, I suggested a simple mitten craft that kids can do at home using paper, glue, cotton balls, and string. 

Another great book to read for a cozy cuddle storytime is William's Winter Nap by Linda Ashman. Perfect selection to read right before bedtime.

Keep cozy!

Book of the Month: Night Wishes

Night Wishes, poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, was chosen as my December Book of the Month. This book has been on various poetry lists for children and I can see why with it's gliding words and beautiful artwork by Jen Corace. 

Summary: How would a clock, nightlight, or teddy bear say good night? In this enchanting poetry collection, Lee Bennett Hopkins and thirteen other poets imagine the wishes whispering through a young girl's bedroom as she falls asleep. 

Ages: 4-8 years

"Night melts your room into shadows and ink. Think of my pages, O Dreamer, just think..." ~Excerpt of the poem Book by Joyce Sidman

This is the perfect poetry book for bed and encourages readers and listeners alike to make their own poems about what is in their bedroom and how would they imagine these things would say goodnight. 

Each poem will inspire imagination and calmness for the perfect nighttime slumber.  

Book of the Month: Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Say Good Night

I thought it was time to review another picture book bedtime story so for October's Book of the Month, we have Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Say Good Night by Lauren H. Kerstein and illustrated by Nate Wragg. As far as children's books go, you can't go wrong with a story about a boy and his pet dragon.

Summary: Rosie the dragon's bedtime routine has been a little bumpy lately. but not to worry! Charlie is prepared with his lists, rules, and fire extinguisher--everything a boy needs to help his pet dragon (and best friend) to a peaceful night's sleep.

Ages: Kindergarten to age 2

"Bedtime has been a bit challenging lately, so tonight I'm prepared. Bedtime will be a dream! I check my list and gather supplies."

If your child loves dragon books and the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie series, they will surely enjoy this book. Perfect for bedtime, especially for the little dragon who always seems to have a hard time getting in bed, this will be a cute and relatable story to read and will hopefully get them in bed in no time. 

A cute and helpful idea would be to use Charlie's bedtime list for Rosie on your little one. 

This is an overall adorable story about a dragon, his best friend Charlie, and the antics of bedtime. 

Book of the Month: Underwear!

So I thought since I chose a somewhat sad and touching book last month, that I would go with something totally silly this time. For this month's Book of the Month, I chose Underwear! by Jenn Harney.

Summary: So begins the dialogue between a tired bear dad and a rambunctious bear cub who would rather play with his tighty whities than get into bed. Undewear makes great hair. It can even turn one into a superbear, or a goggle-wearing swimming bear. But beware of a big scare! Rhymes, homonyms, and conjunctions abound in this book that could be used to teach reading, but its primary purpose is to make bedtime fun.

Ages: 2-5 years

"Stop right there! You should be wearing underwear!!!"

What I loved about this book is it took a boring subject about learning how to put on underwear and made it hilarious for both parent and child to read. Of course I enjoyed the silly rhyming in this book and the cute pictures. It was also nice how this was all tied-in with bedtime. If you're looking for a funny bedtime book that you wouldn't mind reading over and over, here's the book for you. 

Book of the Month: A Loud Winter's Nap

I was looking for a picture book that would get me more excited for winter and came across A Loud Winter's Nap by Katy Hudson.

Summary: Unmoved by his friends' attempts to draw him out with singing classes and snowball fights, Tortoise tries to settle down for his annual winter nap and instead stumbles into a wonderfully icy experience.

Age Range: 3-5 years

"Tortoise had just snuggled in for his long winter nap when..."

This is another great book from the bestselling author of Too Many Carrots. I like how this book can be used for kids to read about winter, animals, and sleeping. 

Tortoise is the grump in his group of friends for not wanting to enjoy and play during the winter. But he quickly realizes just what he's missing out on. 

I had to chuckle because he just can't get any sleep, and most of us grownups can relate to that. The way tortoise finds out just how fun winter can be is a funny and cute tie-in to the story. This is a wonderful picture book read for the winter!