Crafty Moms Share

Fun Animal Themed Books

2026-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Spring has sprung and to me that means animals return. Some animals stay through the winter, but many migrate or hibernate. I love seeing the animals. This year we had baby foxes living in our yard. Today we are going to share three books (one board book and two picture books) that are animal themed. And let's face it, most kids love animals! We will start with the board book. It is Maxine the Dog Gets a Job by Alexandra Garyn and Bryan Reisberg and illustrated by Susan Batori. It is recommended for ages 3+.

Tall as the Sun -- Book Review & Giveaway

2026-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with Stephanie Henson and The Children's Book Review to bring you this post.

Little kids always want to be taller. Think about it. When they are surrounded by adults or older kids, they cannot see above the people. It must be a bit frustrating. I think this is why so many of them want to be picked up or carried on someone's shoulders. Imagine the change in view when they are on someone's shoulders. It would be like climbing a ladder or perhaps even like being on the balcony of the penthouse of a high rise. Today I am sharing a fun book about a young girl and her imagination when her father puts her on his shoulders at the beach. The book is Tall as the Sun by Stephanie Henson and illustrated by Yasmin Akhtar. This review has a giveaway at the end of it!

Books for Bedtime and More!

2026-05-13T21:36:38.806-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

At bedtime, I always loved reading a book about going to bed or with characters going to sleep at the end of it when Hazel was little. I always felt like it was the perfect way to lead to turning off the lights. Today we get to share three very different books of this type. One is about noise. One is a Korean folktale, and the final one is about a sleepover! We will start with The Very Noisy House by Sally Nicholls and illustrated by Gosia Herba. It is recommended for ages 2 to 5.

Books About Kindness, Culture, School, Family, & Friends

2026-05-12T06:00:00.074-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

As spring goes on and the school year gets closer to its end, there are some fun new books that are great for teacher gifts, story time at home and so much more! Today we are sharing three books -- a board book and two picture books -- that share kindness, culture, family, friends and school. We will start with the board book. It is ABCs of Kindness at School by Patricia Hegarty and illustrated by Summer Macon. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3 and is part of the Books of Kindness Collection.

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny -- Picture Book Review & Giveaway

2026-05-11T06:00:00.041-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with Evelina Ruimy and The Children's Book Review to bring you this post.

Spring has sprung here. Have you been seeing any bunnies in the yard? We haven't yet but that may be due to the foxes that moved in. Bunnies are seen as such cute animals and tend to be a sign of spring. Today we are sharing a beautiful picture book about a bunny. It is Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny by Evelina Ruimy and illustrated by Siska Kalla. There is a giveaway at the end of this post.

Celebrate Mother's Day with These Fun Books!

2026-05-08T06:00:00.003-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Mother's Day is on Sunday!! How are you celebrating? When Hazel was young, I loved all the school Mother's Day events. Now she has big shows every Mother's Day, so I don't really get to see her. This year I am going to visit my mom. However part of what I loved about when she was young were the books, the cards and crafts, songs, etc. Today we are sharing two books perfect for kids to show how much they love mom and see a bit about what Mother's Day is about! The first book is from The World of Eric Carle with some of his beautiful illustrations! It is Thank You, Mom! from Baby Bear and Friends by Eric Carle and Odd Dot. It is a board book and recommended for babies to three.

Black, Brown and Beautiful --- Review of Two Picture Books Celebrating Black Children

2026-05-06T06:00:00.050-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

In our society we are taught that white means good. White is beautiful. White is pure. The good guy wears the white hat or rides the white horse. Brides wear white historically to show purity. Black is seen as the bad guy's hat or the color to wear when mourning. These messages are slowing leaving our society, but they still exist and send messages to our kids. I shared my heartbreaking story several years ago of witnessing a young Black girl say the white Barbie was prettier than the same Black Barbie. Same dress and everything but the skin color and hair color were different. It broke my heart. It is because of stories like this that I feel it is important to have books like I am sharing today. The two picture books for today are celebrating how amazing Black children are. The first one is Black Girl, Bloom Bright by Mahogany L. Browne and illustrated by Sawyer Cloud. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Fun Board & Picture Books That Are Educational

2026-05-05T06:00:00.209-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

There are so many amazing books coming out these days. Today we are sharing four--two board books and two picture books that are being released today! Each book has its own lesson from STEAM lessons, friendships, and rhyming words there is fun packed into these books! We will start with the STEAM board books! The first is Manny Matches the Weather by Jenny Lacika and illustrated by Antonieta Muñoz Estrada. It is part of the STEAMWORKS series and is available in English and Spanish. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3.

Ripples -- Picture Book Review & Giveaway

2026-05-04T06:00:00.116-04:00

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Earth Day is April 22. However, I feel that as a world we need to celebrate Earth Day every day. Spring seems like a perfect time to think about cleaning our planet. Whether it is helping pick up trash on a street, trail or beach or even a water way, every little bit helps. Today we are sharing a wonderful picture book about how one act of kindness can create a large effect. The book is Ripples by Katie Yamasaki. At the end of my review there is a giveaway too!!

Aya and Her Magic Cat -- Graphic Novel and Origami Tutorial

2026-05-03T15:05:00.000-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I love origami and love teaching it to kids. Origami is something for hands to do when they need to fidget. It is also something that can teach things like math. It can allow kids to create their own toys, games and so much more! Today we are sharing a new graphic novel with origami tutorials in it. The book is Aya and Her Magic Cat by Sam Ita. It is recommended for ages 8 to 14.

The Genie Game -- Middle Grades Novel Review

2026-05-02T20:03:00.003-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

In this day and age, there seems to be a lot to talk about. There are the environmental issues around the world. There are rights and protections that seem to be in the possibility of being lost. Today we are sharing a magical middle grade novel that could lead to discussions about some of these issues. The book is The Genie Game by Jordan Ifueko. It is recommended for ages 10 to 14.

Van Gogh's Dog -- Creative & Fun Picture Book

2026-04-29T06:00:00.029-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Who is your favorite painter? Or what is your favorite type of art? In elementary school I had an amazing art teacher who took the fifth grade to New York City to go the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts. First, you had to pass a test though. The test was on the Impressionists. I have loved Impressionist art ever since. Monet is my favorite and then probably van Gogh or Degas. Have you ever wondered what inspired them to paint their masterpieces? Today we are sharing a new picture book that is fictional but shares a thought about what may have inspired some of van Gogh's famous paintings. It is called Van Gogh's Dog by Georgia Larson and illustrated by Grace Helmer. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Asian Folktales for Children

2026-04-28T06:00:00.016-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When Hazel was young, she loved having me read folktales from different countries. She also loved fairy tales (and somewhat still does). These tales allowed us to travel with our imaginations and learn about different cultures and countries. May is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and today's book is perfect for it and coming out just in time! It is Asian Folktales for Children retold by David Conger, Liana Romulo, Joan Suyenaga, and Marian Davies Toth and illustrated by Patrick Yee. It is recommended for ages 5 to 14.

Black Hands: Builders of Our Nation -- Picture Book Review

2026-04-27T06:00:00.005-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

On the Fourth of July, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday. We've already reviewed a fun picture book perfect for little ones getting ready for the festivities and have many more piled up and waiting for a roundup. However today we are going to share a book that isn't just for this big birthday but is a piece of history many people do not think about, forget or do not want to think about. And to me this is a book that should be included in everyone's celebration as it is important to remember the people who helped build our great country but often do not get the credit for their work. There are many groups that can be included but today's book focuses on Black people. The book is Black Hands: Builders of Our Nation by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Girl of Lore -- Spooky Fantasy Horror Novel for Ages 10+

2026-04-24T06:00:00.065-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I love a good mystery. I even enjoy some fantasy and a little horror. Today we are sharing a book that is a bit of all of this. It has monsters and vampires and all sorts of demons. It also has a long history of this evil. And, of course, a group of high school students who need to fight the evil and save the town and possibly the world. It is recommended for ages 10+ but think it is better for a bit older. The book is Girl of Lore by Melanie Dale.

Fun Easy Reader Chapter Books

2026-04-23T06:00:00.040-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Do you have an emerging reader who wants to try chapter books? Today we are sharing two new easy reader chapter books that will entertain the new readers. The first is Penelope Positano Sees It All by Katie Cotugno and illustrated by Amy Jindra Hodgson. It is recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Earth Day Book Extravaganza for Ages 2 to 12

2026-04-22T06:00:00.335-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Happy Earth Day 2026! There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day! One is learning about the Earth and the life on it. Another is doing something to help our world. Today we are going to share a roundup of books from board books to a middle grade book on topics including animals, plants, gardens, and being eco-friendly. We will start with the two board books from the same series. They are You Are a Garter Snake! and You Are a Robin! by Laurie Ann Thompson and illustrated by Jay Fleck. They are part of the Meet Your World Series. The series is recommended for ages 2 to 5.

Newly Released Picture Books About Family and Friendship

2026-04-21T06:00:00.111-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Spring time seems to mean gatherings with family and friends. There is Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations, showers and weddings. Today we are sharing three new picture books about special ties with family and friends. The first book is about friendship. It is Sheep & Goat Climb the World by A. C. Paolini and illustrated by Monica Arnaldo. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Happy Birthday to US! Book Review & Giveaway

2026-04-20T06:00:00.099-04:00

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Sherry Ellis to bring you this post.

This year is a special year for the United States. It marks the 250th birthday of our country! The day this post is published is Patriots' Day in Massachusetts. That means this long weekend there will be re-enactments of the battles in Lexington and Concord. And as any Bostonian knows, the Boston Marathon will be run. Yesterday was the official 251st anniversary of the "shot heard around the world." Today we are sharing a fun and patriotic book about a boy whose birthday is July 4th. The book is Happy Birthday to US! by Sherry Ellis and illustrated by Nina Hvozdzeva. Throughout the post there will be links to some fun patriotic crafts and activities and at the end there is a giveaway!!

Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything -- Book Review & Giveaway

2026-04-17T06:00:00.079-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post is sponsored by Barbara A. Berger.

Yes. No. Maybe. Three words that have so much meaning and power. They are the options on an evite. They are the answers to so many questions. "Did you do it?" "Do you have it?" "Do you agree?" "Do you understand?" Today we are going to share a book that tells us how those three little words can change everything. The book is Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything by Barbara A. Berger, PCC and illustrated by Brent Pettit. At the end of this post is a giveaway!

New Picture Books About Accepting to Oneself

2026-04-16T06:00:00.121-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Have you ever noticed an animal that doesn't seem to realize what animal it actually is? Or perhaps you have noticed an animal that seems the wrong size for the type it is. Animals just like people have personalities. They show up in so many different ways. I know I see it in my pets. Today we are sharing two newly released picture books about animals who are uniquely themselves. The first book is Gigantic by Rob Biddulph. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

New Fun Graphic Novels

2026-04-15T06:00:00.168-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you read for fun? Do your kids? According to a flyer shared with one of the books: "Reading for fun in the US has fallen by nearly 40 percent!" For many kids reading has become a chore. It is not fun when you don't get to read what you want. For reluctant readers and others graphic novels bring some of the fun back to reading. Today we are sharing two middle grade novels that are fun and interesting and even have some facts in them! The first is A Fishboy Named Sashimi by Dan Santat. This book is recommended for ages 6 to 10 and is the first in a series.

Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians -- a Picture Book Review & Giveaway

2026-04-14T06:00:00.153-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post is sponsored by Lauren H. Kerstein.

Did you know that National Library Week is officially April 19 to April 26 this year? Have you ever thought about the importance of the library? It serves so many purposes for different people from a place to be able to read books for free to a place to use the internet for free as well as a place with heat or air conditioning in different weather. I know some people argue that we do not need the public libraries now that we have digital books and more, but I disagree. I think libraries serve more purposes than ever before. It can be a children's program that helps the new parents or new to the town kids meet others. It can be where the unemployed go to look for new jobs and possibly even get help with their resume. There are many services libraries serve and today we are going to look at a book that shares a very different library service in a different time. The book is Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians by Lauren H. Kerstein and illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. After my review is a giveaway!!

Barbed Wire Between Us -- Picture Book Review

2026-04-13T06:00:00.047-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

April is poetry month and today we are going to share a book written in reverso poetry. They say history repeats itself and today's book illustrates this in a powerful way. The book is Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen and illustrated by Violeta Encarnación. It is recommended for ages 7 to 12.

Books to Gift This Spring & Beyond!

2026-04-12T06:00:00.086-04:00

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these products in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Spring brings many gift giving times. There are the holidays--Mother's Day and Father's Day, graduations, weddings, new babies and more. Today we are sharing some fun books for gifts for these occasions (Father's Day ideas will come later). We will start with ideas for Mother's Day. The first book is a board book. It is World's Best Mom by Lynn Giunta. The recommended ages are 0 to 3.