Crafty Moms Share

Glory Be -- a Middle Grade Novel Review

2026-03-12T06:00:00.079-04:00

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

Life can be hard. It is extra hard when your dog is gone. You are not sure where, but he is gone. Was he stolen? You best friend doesn't seem to care and is acting strange. Perhaps the friendship is over. Oh, and your father is on one of his disappearances again too. Yup, life can be hard in the middle grades. This is the middle grade novel we are sharing today. It is called Glory Be by Jamie Sumner. It is written in verse. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Ultimate Discovery T. Rex -- a Board Book with Sliding Tabs Review

2026-03-11T06:00:00.024-04:00

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

Calling all dinosaur lovers!! Young kids seem to go through a dinosaur phase. I know several who are in them. Their moms work at our school and during teacher workdays they often have a play date, and the hallway becomes what we lovingly call Jurassic Park. They can tell you all about the different dinosaurs! Today we are sharing a board book with sliding tabs to make the dinosaur move about the ever-popular T. rex. It is Ultimate Discovery: T. rex by Raphaële Glaux and illustrated by Amélie Falière. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3 but I would say probably through age 5 will enjoy it!

Ramadan Rain

2026-03-10T06:00:00.028-04:00

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

What is the most important gift for a child? Is it toys or new clothes? Today we are sharing a new picture book about Ramadan and what a young girl prays for and really wants for EID. The book is Ramadan Rain by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Aliaa Betawi. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Navigating Night -- Picture Book Review

2026-03-09T06:00:00.036-04:00

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

Have you ever thought about what it might be like to be an immigrant? How about an immigrant child? Often the children of immigrants have to take on a role of translator, navigator, and advocate. Today we are sharing a new picture book (releasing tomorrow) that shares the special bond that is often formed by immigrant parent and child. The book is called Navigating Night by Julie Leung and illustrated by Angie Kang. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

What Can You Make with a Cardboard Box? -- Cardboard Creations Crafty Sunday

2026-03-08T06:00:00.173-04:00

What can you create from a cardboard box or two? This is what we asked our students for the last two weeks in February. Our school stops academics for two weeks and offers mini courses. One mini course is always for the theater department to prepare for the METG drama festival. For the non-theater kids, we change the course offerings each year, and they pick two classes--one for each week. This year I was offering Cardboard Creations with the physics/chemistry/math teacher. The first week is four days because of Presidents' Day and the second week was supposed to be five days, but we had a blizzard so it turned out to be only three days.

I started each week by showing the kids videos from this handout--Cardboard 101. I also shared the handout digitally with them. I also gave them a bunch of links to ideas for cardboard creations. The first video showed the strength of cardboard and talked about how corrugated cardboard was strong in one direction but not the other. We had to remind students of this fact a couple of times. I also showed them the video on rounding and folding cardboard. The school had purchased Makedo Tool Kit for a previous time this class was offered, but most of the kids were not very interested in it. One student did try out the screws that came with it and the most useful tool in the tool kit for my kids was the scoring wheel and the point on all the tools that could be used to poke a hole in the cardboard.

Supplies:

We gathered cardboard and many parents were happy to bring in their boxes for us. We had scissors and box cutters. The art teacher also provided some mats to use the box cutters on without damaging my desks. We also used hot glue guns and bought a box of glue sticks. We also bought quick dry clear craft glue, paint and paint brushes. Then it was up to the kids to decide what to make.

Projects:

Week 1:

I decided to make a project each week with the kids. I find if I am doing it the kids can get more into it too. Most of the kids came in with an idea of what they wanted to make. The first week we had many big projects including a set of shelves that I forgot to get a picture of and a tower and a human size key character from a video game.

I decided to make a three-dimensional giraffe picture. My inspiration came from My Art Lesson's post called Cardboard Project Inspiration. The three-dimensional part was using layers to have it coming off the page. I used two pizza boxes and a few other things like a tissue box to create this.

One student decided to make a suit of armor with sword and shield. He later painted it green, so we call it his goblin outfit. But he kept the shield with the pizza box logo.

I also have a student who really wants to live in the woods in Northern Maine. He came in wanting to create a map of Maine on the flag of Maine. It came out pretty good.

Another student made this house/village. The house has furniture inside, but they didn't tell me they needed lights until Friday, or I would have brought them in for the display. The details are amazing!!

Some of the other projects include this lion dance mask which has fabric attached to cover the body and a piece of modern art that never got painted. The village above eventually sat inbetween them.

Here is a model of a student's house as well as the green goblin armor and the tower.

Week 2:

Our second week had students who wanted Cardboard Creations as their first choice. They were given the second week because it was supposed to be five days. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not agree and sent the Blizzard of 2026 which gave us two snow days. However, the kids came in ready to create. We started in the same way. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but one of the artistic kids who is close to me suggested I do a cardinal. They even drew me a sketch to start planning my project.

I worked with it and did my own thing. It included some papier mache. Several of the kids wanted me to teach them to papier mache this week.

I struggled with trying to get the coloring right, but I think I did all right. After I finished her, I wanted to give her something to stand on because she was not very stable. I found a small box that was perfect.

I got some round black beads for her eyes from the art teacher. Her wings actually flap too! Here is her face.

Now, the student who made the sketch for me is very into oceanography. They made two different sharks and a sea star. Plus, an apple shelf!! There was a shark made the first week, but the student got sick and painted it at home.

The student told me the specific species of the sharks made but I don't remember. The sharks required papier mache.

The apple shelf was a quick project while waiting for the papier mache to dry. All four of these projects were made in three days!

Another student made this deer head. This student is very into taxonomy. I love how the deer head came out.

It looks even better from the side!!

This student also made a nice front of a castle. I somehow didn't get a photo of it though. Another student worked on this sword that is from a video game. A student wanted to be knighted with it so that happened.

Another student did several projects but I loved the creativity of this TV head. The black and white screen is a mesh that got painted.

Another student made this spaceship. He also had made one of the Star Wars like creatures using the Makedo tools!

There were also masks made as well as some fun creatures like a cow and Snoopy. This boat that is from Percy Jackson was one of my favorites from the week. It wasn't completed with painting yet.

So, what can you create with a box or two? This was a fun project, and it was really interesting to see the kids create such different things! Plus, it was a great use of all those Amazon boxes that came in and the pizza boxes from Friday Pizza.

The Big Bad Wolf Murder -- A Fun & Deadly Twist on a Fairy Tale

2026-03-06T06:00:00.061-05:00

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

Do you love a good mystery? Did you know February 26th was National Tell a Fairy Tale Day? As a lover of fairy tales and mysteries today's book is perfect for me. I am describing it as a Little Red Riding Hood meets The Hunger Games mystery. It is recommended for ages 10-14 and I have to say older readers will enjoy it too. I know I did. The book is The Big Bad Wolf Murder by P.G. Bell.

Squirrel Lock Holmes Book #1: The Pet Rock Mystery

2026-03-05T06:00:00.072-05:00

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

Do you have a 6- to 9-year-old who is interested in graphic novels? Perhaps they are reluctant to read chapter books but need to shift away from picture books? Or perhaps you just know a mystery lover. Today we have the perfect newly released book for you. It is the first book in the Squirrel Lock Holmes Series. It is The Pet Rock Mystery by Ashley Belote. It is recommended for ages 6 to 9.

New Picture Books About Growing Up

2026-03-04T06:00:00.041-05:00

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

A lot can happen as you get older. Especially in the younger years. Today we are sharing two new picture books released this week about some of those moments of becoming a big kid and standing out. The first book is Bartleby by Matt Phelan. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6.

New Board Books with Special Features

2026-03-03T06:00:00.060-05:00

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

Board books are often thought of just for babies and toddlers. However, board books are also the books that have lift flaps, pop-up art, and more fun features that can be ruined pretty quickly by a young child, so they are better for older kids who understand how to be gentle. Today we are sharing two new board books with special features. One is recommended for ages 0 to 3 and the other is for ages 6+. We will start with the one for 0 to 3. It is Clickety Clack: Clack-Clack, Little Crab! by Amy Blay.

Wrong Friend -- Middle Grade Graphic Novel Review

2026-03-02T06:00:00.048-05:00

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

Friendship can be hard when growing up. People mature at different times and can grow apart, but each friend is not always aware. It is even worse when there is an age difference between the friends. Today we are sharing a book with the narrator being the younger friend when the friendship breaks. It is a middle grade graphic novel called Wrong Friend by Charise Mericle Harper and illustrated by Rory Lucey. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Craft Book to Easily Sew Cute Plushies and Mochi Dolls -- a Crafty Sunday Review

2026-03-01T12:03:00.001-05:00

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

Do you know anyone into the Manga and Kawaii Characters? I have students who love them and create their own in their artwork. Today I get to share a craft book with you that makes it pretty easy to sew your own plushie or mochi doll in this style. The book is Cute Plushies and Mochi Dolls: Sweet Manga-style Kawaii Characters to Sew by Eriko Teranishi. Don't know how to sew? Don't worry there are tutorials in the book! And how cute would these be in Easter baskets, May Day baskets and more!!

Pop Manga Paint and Ink Coloring Book -- A Relaxing Friday Review

2026-02-27T06:00:00.037-05:00

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

It has been a very long time since I have done a Relaxing Friday Review! I remember when I did them regularly. However, I have not been getting many adult coloring books to review recently, and I guess the adult coloring trend died down a bit. If you go back to my first Relaxing Friday Review, you will see some ways coloring as an adult can help with your thinking skills. There are advantages to it and I am happy to start doing it again. Today we are sharing a newly released coloring book. It is Pop Manga Paint and Ink Coloring Book by Camilla d'Ericco.

Picture Books About April Holidays

2026-02-26T06:00:00.044-05:00

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

Last week was the beginning of Lent. That means Easter is coming! This year it is in April. Passover is also in April. But do you know about Qing Ming? It is another holiday in April. Today we are sharing new picture books about Easter and Qing Ming. We will start with the book about Easter. It is E Is for Easter Egg Hunt by Brittany J. Thurman and illustrated by Derick Brooks. It is an alphabet book and is based on the original podcast: Quentin and Alfie's ABC Adventures. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Newly Released Board Book Roundup

2026-02-25T06:00:00.091-05:00

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

Board books are great for different ages. Babies can't harm them too much and as kids get older, they can handle the flaps and such. Today we are sharing a roundup of board books. They range in recommended ages from 0 to 7. A couple are being rereleased and the others are new this month. The first book is 123s of Kindness at Bedtime by Patricia Hegarty and illustrated by Summer Macon. It is part of the Books of Kindness Collection and is recommended for ages 0 to 3.

Two New Picture Books Reminding Readers They Matter and There Is a Place for Them

2026-02-24T06:00:00.094-05:00

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

Everyone wants to have a place they feel like they belong and matter. Today we are going to share two new picture books (released today) that share messages of belonging and mattering. The first is You Matter, Luma by John R. Miles and illustrated by Nejla Shojaie. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: The Ostriches -- Book Review & Giveaway

2026-02-23T06:00:00.185-05:00

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 The Children's Book Review and Jennifer Ussi to bring you this post.

I love stories that are fun to read and teach about different places and animals. They are even better when they have life lessons in them as well. Today we get to share the sixth book in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: The Ostriches by Jennifer Ussi and illustrated by Lekshmi Bose. We shared our review of the first book in this fun series previously. This post has an amazing giveaway at the end of it!

Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom -- Middle Grade Book Review & Giveaway

2026-02-19T19:31:00.002-05:00

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 The Children's Book Review and Claudia Mills to bring you this post.

When your life feels like it is falling apart where do you turn? How do you pull it together? In today's book, our orphaned sixth grader turns to Greek philosophy. She tries to find wisdom to change so she can keep her dog and not get in trouble as much. The book is Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom by Claudia Mills. There is a giveaway after my review!

New Picture Books About Courage, Imagination & Changing One's Ways

2026-02-19T06:00:00.064-05:00

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

There have been so many amazing picture books released lately. Today we are sharing two new ones that focus on imagination and stepping out of one's comfort zone. The first book is Maya's World by Andrea Pippins. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Houdini's Library

2026-02-18T06:00:00.063-05:00

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

Name a magician. Most people tend to name Harry Houdini, even today. He is that well known. Over the years Hazel and I have explored Harry Houdini, but I don't know that much about his life. Today we are sharing a wonderful new picture book biography on him and his love of books. The book is Houdini's Library by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Mar Delmar. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8, but I would say it is on the older side of that maybe 6 to 10.

Lionborn -- Middle Grade Fantasy Novel Review & Giveaway

2026-02-17T06:00:00.044-05:00

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

Have you ever wondered if there are other realms out there? Today we are sharing a middle grade fantasy novel with different realms and a group of kids who travel between them to save the universe. The book is Lionborn by Sharique Zea. There is a giveaway after my review.

Celebrate Nowruz A Persian New Year Holiday to Honor Spring

2026-02-16T06:00:00.036-05:00

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

The Lunar New Year begins this week! 2026 will be the year of the horse. We have done quite a bit with the lunar new year in the past. Today we are looking at a Persian New Year Holiday that honors spring. It is Nowruz. This year it will be March 20, 2026. It begins at the precise time spring begins every year. To learn about it we are sharing a newly released book called Celebrate Nowruz! A Persian New Year Holiday to Honor Spring by Zohreh Ghahremani and illustrated by Susie Ghahremani. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Two Picture Books by Jacqueline Woodson About Family & Love

2026-02-15T20:06:00.003-05:00

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

Family is important. Family is love. For most family is safety. Today we are sharing two beautiful picture books by Jacqueline Woodson about family with very different messages. The first book is Our Gracie Aunt by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Monica Mikai. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Books for Young Ones with a Garden Theme

2026-02-14T13:10:00.004-05:00

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

With the mounds of snow and below 0 temperatures, I have to say I am dreaming of springtime. Today we get to share three books released this week that bring a little spring to our winter freeze. Two are board books and one is a picture book with an Easter theme. All three books have to do with gardens! Both of the board books are from the Baby Botanicals series. The first one is Good Morning, Garden! by Jillian Miao and illustrated by Riley Samels. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3.

Picture Books with Animals Sharing Friendship, Community & More

2026-02-12T18:33:00.000-05:00

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

There were many books released this week. Today we are sharing four of them about animals, community, friendship and more. They are all picture books, and each has a lesson in it. We will start with one about a hummingbird's annual migration. It is Hummingbird's Big Trip by G. Brian Karas. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

In My Mind -- Picture Book Review & Giveaway

2026-02-11T06:00:00.049-05:00

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 The Children's Book Review and Carmen Hernández to bring you this post.

Are you or your child a person who lives a bit in his or her head? Perhaps you or your child have ADHD. Or perhaps you are just an overthinker. It can be hard to go someplace new when you are. Other people may not understand your hesitation or behavior. Today we are sharing a picture book that shares how a young boy is feeling about the first day of school and how his ADHD sometimes controls his behavior. The book is In My Mind by Carmen Hernández and illustrated by HV Helmut. There is a giveaway at the end of this post.