Do you like books? Are you looking for ways to extend them with your child at home this summer?
We are so thrilled to bring you 36 Bloggers who are sharing their favorite Pictures Books and Activities. Right now they are sending packages all over the world as a participants in the the “Love Books” Summer Book Exchange. All summer long they will inspire us with their creative ideas for things that we can do to encourage our children to fall in love with books. We’d love for you to join us as we share our ideas! We’ll be sharing tips all month long of how to participate in your own home and community too!
We’ve gone Global! Here are all of our participates from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Switzerland! We encourage you to check out their sites and follow them as they bring you amazing ideas for your kids! There will be no summer boredom with these top Moms with you!
2013 “Love Books” Summer Book Exchange Participants
First of all a huge thank you to Amanda who created this idea in the Spring of 2012
Amanda author at The Educators’ Spin On It
Book Package Received: Lion Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Post: Spring Love Books Exchange
Favorite Book Related Post: Spring Love Books Exchange
Hi, I am Amanda at the Educators’ Spin On it. My family is an active / book loving family and we love all sorts of adventures. Just last week we were caving with friends, bowling, swimming and more. My oldest will be attending 2nd grade at our local school, but I “afterschool” with lots of science, art, history, geography and more.
Cassie author of 3 Dinosaurs
Book Package Received: Rain Forest Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Top 10 Book Related Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Top 10 Book Related Activities
Cassie is a mom of three stomping, romping, and roaring girls.
She blogs about fun art and craft activities and printables she make. She includes the odd review of products every now and then.
Krissy Author of B-Inspired Mama
Book Package Received: VanGogh Inspired Museum Art Projects
Favorite Book Related Activity: King Jake and the Dragon Castle Craft
Favorite Book Related Activity: King Jake and the Dragon Castle Craft
I’m Krissy. After earning my Master’s Degree and teaching art for a few years, I became a full time mama. Now I’m a work at home mama authoring B-Inspired Mama to share simple ideas for kids crafts, learning fun, family recipes, and creative parenting.
Theresa author of Capri +3
Hi! I’m Theresa, Mama to four 2.5 year old toddlers (three boys and a girl). Raising four little ones who are all the same age is quite an adventure. We feel very fortunate to go from the two of us to a family of six and enjoy the abundance of sharing our lives with our four leaf clover (the Sugar Snaps).
Marnie author of Carrots are Orange
I write Carrots Are Orange, a blog for parents and educators focused on Montessori inspired activities and ideas in the home and classroom. Although I spent ten years in the financial world and have a graduate degree in business, I am pursuing Montessori certification with the intention of homeschooling my two young sons full time. I live in North Bend, WA with my two young sons and husband, Tim.
Megan Author of Coffee Cups and Crayons
Megan is the creator of Coffee Cups and Crayons, a blog that shares fun kids activities and useful ideas for modern parents. She believes that intentional acts of kindness (and really good coffee) can change the world.
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Crystal author of Crystal & Co.
Favorite Book Related Activity: Best Children’s Books
We are a large family of all boys (except for the mama). We live in Texas and homeschool.
My boys love getting dirty and anything that involves a project with glue and scissors. They are all very creative.
Tara author of Feels Like Home
Book Package Received: Rainbow Fish Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: 100 Picture Books to Read Before You Grow Up
Favorite Book Related Activity: 100 Picture Books to Read Before You Grow Up
After teaching high school astronomy for 10 years, Tara decided to teach her own children and blog professionally. On her site, Feels Like Home, you’ll find everything from kids’ activities to recipes to healthy living. She works full time from home and homeschools her 6-year-old while her 2-year-old sister runs amok.
Elizabeth author of Get Busy Living
Book Package Received: Yoga for Kids Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Pipe Cleaners Gone Wild
Favorite Book Related Activity: Pipe Cleaners Gone Wild
Last year I was a first-time teacher to kinders, and now am a stay-at-home mom. I just got into the blogging world and am trying to find fun, educational activities for my 2 year old son.
Jodie author of Growing Book by Book
Book Package Received: Shout Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: 5 Tips for a Successful Trip to the Library with a Toddler
Favorite Book Related Activity: 5 Tips for a Successful Trip to the Library with a Toddler
Jodie- I’m a mom, blogger and educator. I have over 17 years experience in early childhood and elementary education. I now stay home with my two boys and blog at Growing Book by Book.
Michelle author of Having Fun at Chelle’s House
Book Package Received: Alaska Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Big Fun with the Lorax
Favorite Book Related Activity: Big Fun with the Lorax
Follow @ Facebook& Pinterest
I’m a Mom who loves to have fun with her littles.
Mandy author of I can do that! So can you…
Follow @ Pinterest
My name is Mandy. I am a former teacher who now stays home with my two girls.
Becky author of Kid World Citizen
Favorite Book Related Activity: Cinderella Story Around the World
Follow @ Google+, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter
Becky Morales is a mom to 4 bilingual, multicultural, active kids ages 4-7; she and her husband are doing their best to raise them as compassionate world citizens, and lifelong learners.
She founded kidworldcitizen.org, where parents and teachers can find global activities to do at home that help enrich little minds.
Jacquie author of Edventures with Kids
Book Package Received: Owl Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Why Every Home Needs a Map
Favorite Book Related Activity: Why Every Home Needs a Map
Jacquie is an educator, nature lover and mom to two curious kids. She is passionate about encouraging families to explore new places together and enhancing creativity in children. Jacquie creates enrichment activities and writes about children’s literature, family travel and fun ways to learn at Edventures with Kids.
Giselle Shardlow author of Kids Yoga Stories
Giselle Shardlow is the author of Kids Yoga Stories. Her yoga-inspired children’s books get children moving, learning, and having fun. Giselle draws from her experiences as a teacher, traveler, yogi, and mom to write the stories found at www.kidsyogastories.com or on Amazon (amazon.com/author/giselleshardlow) worldwide.
Ashley River author of Me & Marie Learning
Book Package Received: Strawberry Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Matching Games with Books
Favorite Book Related Activity: Matching Games with Books
Ashley Rives is the owner of Me & Marie Learning, a blog all about early learning.
She has taken some time off teaching in a traditional setting to be at home with her young children. Ashley is now an in-home childcare provider, teaching her own and other children in her preschool room. Ashley has a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education with a Master’s Degree in Reading and Literacy.
Laura author of Play Dr Mom
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Laura (PlayDrMom) … Mother of 2 who’s also a psychologist specializing in children and Play Therapy.
Samantha author of Stir the Wonder
Book Package Received: Garbage Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Red Leaf Yellow Leaf Sensory Bin
Favorite Book Related Activity: Red Leaf Yellow Leaf Sensory Bin
I’m Samantha, 28yo, SAHM, currently living in RI. We love playing outside & exploring nature in new places. I also enjoy crafting & sewing when I get the chance. We are moving this summer (hopefully) so I am looking forward to a fun package we get to unpack, instead of packing all our fun up!
Karen Author of Teach Beside Me
Book Package Received: Shark Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: The Sword in the Stone
Favorite Book Related Activity: The Sword in the Stone
My name is Karyn. I blog @ Teach Beside Me. I have three kids boy (8), girl (6) boy (2).
We homeschool & live in UT. We love all things book related! We live on a mountain.
Kara Fleck author of Dynamo Rhino
Book Package Received: Diego Rivera Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Backyard Chemistry
Favorite Book Related Activity: Backyard Chemistry
Kara, I’m the editor of SimpleKids.net and the mama behind the Dynamo Rhino homeschool blog. I live in central Indiana with my husband and our four children.
Carolyn author of The Pleasantest Thing
Book Package Received: Dinosaur Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Duck! Rabbit! Puppets
Favorite Book Related Activity: Duck! Rabbit! Puppets
I’m Carolyn, the mom to 2 playful boys. I write at The Pleasantest Thing, focusing on play, laughter, and learning
Laura Eldredge author at The Seeds Network
Book Package Received: The Year of Ms. Agnes Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Counting and Literacy with Pete the Cat
Favorite Book Related Activity: Counting and Literacy with Pete the Cat
Laura Eldredge (blogs for The SEEDS Network (www.theseedsblog.com). Co-founder of The SEEDS Network, Early Childhood Educator, Blogger and mom of 3. I love children’s books and combining activities to go with them! We have lots of early literacy activities and information on our website and blog, and enjoy supporting early educators and parents in this way.
Dusty author of To the Moon and Back
Follow @ Facebook,Pinterest,
My name is Dusty and I am a SAH homeschooling mom to 3 children. We are expecting our fourth child at the end of the summer! We live in the foothills of the NC mountains and love to spend time outdoors. We are avid readers and picture book connoisseurs.
Kristina Buskirk author of Toddler Approved
Favorite Book Related Activity: David Goes to School
Kristina is a mom of three and a former Special Ed teacher for children with communication disabilities. She blogs at Toddler Approved as she looks for ways to make life a little more fun and creative with her kids while embedding learning into everything that she does.
Lauren Frank author of Tutus and Tea Parties
Book Package Received: The Little Mouse Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Clouds Watching with a Book and Activity
Favorite Book Related Activity: Clouds Watching with a Book and Activity
My name is Lauren and I’m a mom to an almost 4 year old girl.
We both share a love for books, learning & love playing outside! We are very active and enjoy the little things in life
United Kingdom Friends Joining the Fun!
Anne-Marie author of Child-Led Chaos
I’m Anne-Marie, mum to two girls and live in Oxfordshire, UK. We LOVE picture books and read hundreds every year. I ramble about books, education, parenting and random things
Cerys author of Rainy Day Mum
Favorite Book Related Activity: The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Cerys is a former marine biologist and teacher turned stay at home with two children, she shares crafts, play ideas, fun learning and activities for babies, toddler and preschoolers on her blog Rainy Day Mum.
Emma author of Mummy.. Mummy.. Mum
Favorite Post: Google Buns
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Emma is a stay at home mum with three children under 7. Emma’s blog Mummy..Mummy..MUM!! is full of funny anecdotes, and fun craft and activity ideas. You can also find her at Science Sparks, which has lots of great science based activities for all ages
Hannah author of Making Boys Men
Book Package Received: Up and Down by Oliver Jeffers Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Cat in the Hat Story Sack
Favorite Book Related Activity: Cat in the Hat Story Sack
My name is Hannah, I’m a stay at home mum to three boys (5, 3.5 and 19mths).
I blog at Making Boys Men about the play, fun and adventures we have together.
Jenny author of the gingerbread house
Book Package Received: Alien Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Small World Play and the Little Poppets
Favorite Book Related Activity: Small World Play and the Little Poppets
My name is Jenny and I blog at the gingerbread house. I have an 18 month old daughter and 3 year old son who both love books and crafting
We live in London, UK, and also enjoy baking, playing outside and having fun.
Rebeccah author of Here Come the Girls
Book Package Received: Ladybird Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Threading
Favorite Book Related Activity: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Threading
I live in the UK and blog at Here Come the Girls a kids activity blog full of crafts, cooking and learning activities. I am a teacher and passionate about teaching a love of reading.
Canadian Friends Joining the Fun!
Erin author of The Usual Mayhem
Favorite Book Related Activity:
Erin D is a mother to three, a major insomniac, and a lifelong bibliophile. She writes at various sites including PreK and K Sharing, B-Inspired Mama, So You Call Yourself A Homeschooler,
Enchanted Homeschooling Mom, Mummyology, Serenity You, and the Canadian online magazine Homeschool Horizons as well as teaching a monthly online nature study class at SchoolhouseTeachers.com. If she isn’t at one of those places, she’s probably hunched over her 10th cup of coffee for the day or hiking with the kids…….sometimes both simultaneously.
Jen Farr Author of Kitchen Counter Chronicles
I’m a SAHM, with 2 daughters and a dog. On my blog, Kitchen Counter Chronicles,
I write about everything that lands on our kitchen counter; crafts we’re making, what we’re growing in our garden, the books we are reading and the food we are eating.I also love sharing our eco-friendly lifestyle philosophy and how we are playing and learning outdoors.
German Friends Joining the Fun!
Heather Aliano author of Only Passionate Curiosity
Book Package Received: Color Themed Activities
Favorite Book Related Activity: Kid’s Caricature Sculptures in the Style of Honore Daumier
Follow @Google+, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter
Favorite Book Related Activity: Kid’s Caricature Sculptures in the Style of Honore Daumier
Follow @Google+, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter
I am Heather Aliano. I am a military wife and homeschooler who happens to be stationed in Germany. We love traveling and learning about other cultures. I teach art to local kids in my free time. We are history and nature junkies.
Switzerland Friends Joining the Fun!
Ariadne author of Positive Parenting Connection
I’m mom to three spunky and curious children aged 7, 5 an 3 years. I’m also a certified parenting educator and a facilitator for a summer program called Art in the Park
and a weekly playgroup for children 0-3 years. Currently we live in Switzerland a top a beautiful mountain with our dog Murph and one blue fish.
I write all about parenting and positive discipline at Positive Parenting Connection.
You’re Host for the “Love Books” Summer Book Exchange 2013
Kim Vij author at The Educators’ Spin On It
Favorite Book Related Post: How to Change the World with Weezer
Kim Vij is the co-author of The Educators’ Spin On It. As an early childhood teacher and a mom of three, she’s learned many tips and tricks of parenting and teaching along the way in the past 20 years. She shares her “Educator’s Spin” on parenting issues and how to make learning playful and playtime meaningful.
Get Inspired by the Summer 2012 Exchange includes 20 Pictures Books and Activities
This Summer it will be 36 Picture Books and Activities, we invited you to follow along!
PLUS a few Hangouts on Air & Givewaways from special guests!
Oh wow! This s brilliant. So great to see everyone on one page and find out who is taking part!
Reminds me I need to get a new photo taken – mine is kind of out of date now.
Thanks so much for hosting this fun event!
What an incredible list of women!:)
Such a great group of bloggers are involved in this! Jealous!!
Mark your calendar for next Summer Jennifer and join us!
It really is a fun group, can't wait to see what they share!
You're welcome, I'm so glad you're joining us. Feel free to send me a new photo anytime and I can change it.
We are so excited to be participating this year! Thank you so much for hosting this wonderful exchange.