Crafty Moms Share

Pip & Pals Book #1: Otter Space -- Emerging Reader Graphic Novel Review

2026-07-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

What are your thoughts on graphic novels? I know many kids who love them. Many of them are quite good. I think they help kids who don't love reading get into books. My personal thoughts are that anything that gets kids reading and enjoying it is a good thing. Today we are sharing one for young readers--age recommendation is 6 to 9. The book is the first book in a new series. It is Pip & Pals #1: Otter Space by Jen de Oliveira.

Picture Books About Giving Back to Those Who Help Everyone

2026-07-16T11:05:06.394-04:00

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

Do you know someone who helps everyone? Whatever is needed they are there. What happens when they need help? Today we are sharing two picture books about such "people". The first book is Big Rig Pig written by Claire Tattersfield and illustrated by Rob Sayegh, Jr. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Happy Summerween! -- Monsters, Pumpkins and Costumes all in July!

2026-07-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

Are you a fan of Halloween? Do you like the spookiness or just the fun? This year consider celebrating Summerween! Today we are going to share three books recently released (or re-released) that have a Halloween theme. One however introduces Summerween. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing more Halloween themed books so get ready for Summerween or in our case Halloween in July! The first book is actually a Summerween story. It is But I'm a Pumpkin!: A Summerween Story by Kat Choppy and illustrated by Heidi Moreno. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

My Pony Wonder -- Picture Book Review

2026-07-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

Do you know a young horse lover and/or rider? After all the old adage is all young girls want a pony for their birthdays. Today we are sharing a newly released lyrical picture book about a young rider and how she cares and loves her horse. It is My Pony Wonder by Jessica Milo and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitki. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Yeti Is Not Ready for Game Over -- Picture Book Review

2026-07-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

As a parent I have always worried about screentime. When Hazel was young and we had her going to a Waldorf School, we had agreed to no screentime however Steve and his mother were not good at keeping this agreement. There are so many studies showing that our kids are getting too much screentime, yet most parents still let them have it. Today we are sharing a new book about some of the benefits for everyone to take breaks from screens. The book is the second in the Yeti Is Not Ready Series. The book is Yeti Is Not Ready for Game Over by Leigh Anne Cater. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Sharks in Kansas -- Picture Book Review

2026-07-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

What did North America look like 85 million years ago? We shared a book about there being rhinos in Nebraska 12 million years ago. However, 85 million years ago there was a sea going through the center of North America. Today we share a picture book that shares about the various animals that lived in central North America 85 million years ago as well as what happened to them and how we know. The book is Sharks in Kansas by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. The book is recommended for ages 4 to 8. And it is out just in time for Shark Week later in July!

The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever -- Picture Book Review

2026-07-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

What makes a story great? What makes one the greatest? Some answers are probably the same like good characters and a good storyline, but others will depend on who you ask. Some people like a love story and others like a humorous story or action filled. Today we are sharing a book called The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever and is by Jessie Sima. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. It is about the greatest bedtime story ever but does not claim to be the greatest.

Mrs. Gourd -- a Picture Book Review & Giveaway

2026-07-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

Do you have bedtime troubles? You know those nights when the kids won't listen and certainly won't calm down. How do you get them to bed on those nights? Today we are sharing a fun book filled with what seems like bedtime magic. It is the perfect tale to get those kids tucked in! The book is Mrs. Gourd by Jody Catherine Bucher and illustrated by Asha Butler and Monica Joy. After my review is a giveaway!!

Through the Black Gate -- Review of Middle Grade Graphic Novel

2026-07-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

There are many believes about what happens after death. Many cultures believe in an afterlife. Even going back to the myths there are stories of the underworld. We have shared a few books that share different views on the afterlife. Today we are sharing a new middle grade graphic novel about two kids who venture into the Land of the Dead to find loved ones. The book is Through the Black Gate by Alfredo Cáceres. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

The Big One -- Fun Picture Book About a Fishing Tale

2026-06-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

Do you have a fish tale? You know about catching the big one? Or perhaps you have heard one or two? Today we are sharing a picture book about a small girl and old woman and their big fish story! It took a lot of determination, friendship and fun. It is The Big One by Dashka Slater and illustrated by Myo Yim. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

U.S. History for 250th Celebration: WHO HQ Graphic Novel

2026-06-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

It is hard to believe that the United States is celebrating 250 years this week! We have been sharing a bunch of different books for different ages that are perfect for celebrating and learning more about the United States. Topics include Independence Day, individual states, historical figures and events and so much more! Today we are sharing a second book from the Who HQ Graphic Novel series. (You can read about the first one here.) Today is our final book in this collection but we are sure there will be many more books about the United States over time! The book today is Who Was Accused in the Salem Witch Trials? Tituba by Insha Fitzpatrick and illustrated by Rowan MacColl. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12 and is a graphic novel.

The Adventure of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil -- Book Review & Giveaway

2026-06-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

Do you have a reader who loves graphic novels? Perhaps you want him/her to read more educational themed books? Today we are sharing a fun middle grade graphic novel about climate change and in particular about the Amazon Rain Forest and climate change. It is the fifth book in The Adventures of Captain Polo Series. The book is The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil by Alan J. Hesse. After my review is a giveaway for the whole series so far!

Last Kiss of Summer -- YA Novel Review

2026-06-24T11:26:31.066-04:00

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

Summer is here and that means various things to different people. But many include days sitting on the beach or by the pool and reading! Do you have a good summer read for this year? How about your teens? Today we are sharing a heartwarming and heartbreaking young adult novel perfect for the summer. For me the fact that it takes place on Cape Cod mostly pulled me right in. The book is Last Kiss of Summer by Jessica M. Felleman. It is recommended for ages 16+.

A Cozy Summer Day -- Picture Book Review

2026-06-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

Summer is officially here! Summer is a time many people find time to just relax. It usually means more outdoor activities and more time with family and friends. Who is ready for those hot days where you do something outside and then find a way to cool off? Join the animals of Acorn Village as they enjoy a beautiful summer day!! We are sharing A Cozy Summer Day by Eliza Wheeler today. It is recommended for ages 2 to 5. I would guess some older kids would enjoy it as well.

Fun New Board Books That Teach Lessons

2026-06-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

I always love books that teach something. Today we are sharing two new board books that teach lessons about shapes, colors, and more in fun ways! The first book is We See Triangles by Andrea Pippins. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3. I however would consider using it with my high school geometry students!

Perfect Picture Books for the Upcoming New School Year

2026-06-18T21:23:08.592-04:00

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

As schools are closing down for the school year, teachers across the country are cleaning their classrooms and ready for the much-needed rest and recovery summer brings. In the back of every teacher's mind is next year. Questions like what should I do the first day, what books should I read, does the curriculum need adjusting and more are circling through their brains. Yes, as one year finishes, teachers often have an eye on the next one even though they badly need the rest that summer can bring. Today we are sharing two new books that are perfect for the new year and make amazing end of the year gifts for teachers or start of the year gifts for next year! The first book is Welcome to Our Classroom! by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman. It is part of the All Are Welcome series and recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Simon the Scared Rottweiler -- Book Review & Giveaway

2026-06-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

Are you anxious? Or is your child? Anxiety is a real thing and for some it can disrupt their lives. I have seen it in students who just shut down when they are anxious. It can cause missing out of fun things, not completing work, and many arguments. Today we are sharing a fun book about a dog who is anxious. He learns some coping skills, and they are even tutorials later in the book for the reader to try. The book is Simon the Scared Rottweiler by Nicole S. Kluemper, Ph.D. There is a giveaway at the end of the book.

I Am Teddy Roosevelt -- Ordinary People Change the World Series for the United States 250th Birthday

2026-06-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

This year the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary/birthday! To get ready for the BIG celebration, we are sharing various books about the United States and some famous Americans. Today we are sharing a new book from the Ordinary People Change the World Series that was one of Hazel's favorites when she was younger. The book is I Am Teddy Roosevelt by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. It is recommended for ages 5 to 9. After our review of this book, we will be sharing links to our past reviews of these books about some amazing Americans!

Books to Celebrate the USA and Learn More About It

2026-06-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

Independence Day is quickly approaching! It is a special year for the BIG celebration of 250 years!! We have been sharing nonfiction books for different ages to help celebrate the big anniversary. Today we are sharing another group of books to help celebrate and learn more about the country and states. Several were released last week! The first book is 250 Facts About America by J. D. Forester and illustrated by Risa Rodil. This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Centerpieces for a Celebration of Life or Other Type of Celebration -- Crafty Sunday Post

2026-06-14T16:50:53.920-04:00

My father passed away in January. He had suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for over ten years. It was hard to watch his decline all those years. When he died, I truly felt he was finally in a better place. However, the Friday he died was right before one of the big snowstorms we had this past winter. My mother had just gotten out of rehab for her latest hospitalization and was still struggling. We decided to put off any services for our dad. We wanted our mother to be healthier and thought the springtime would be better as Dad loved flowers. We talked about where we wanted to have a celebration of life for him. I came up with the idea of a park, Elizabeth Park, in Hartford/West Hartford because it was a special place for our family growing up. We would ride our bikes there and my father loved the rose garden. In fact, my sisters and I wonder if this is where his love of roses came from. It is the oldest municipal rose garden in the United States and the third largest. Everyone loved the idea. Then came the question of having it at the restaurant/facility center there or outside. We decided to have it at the Pond House Cafe there. It was a beautiful setting and close to the rose garden in case anyone wanted to visit. In fact, I took Hazel and Steve to the rose garden before we began setting up for the celebration.

Picture Books Perfect for Flag Day, Independence Day & More!

2026-06-13T22:24:47.322-04:00

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

June 14th is Flag Day in the United States. It is a day to remember the adoption of the red, white, and blue flag on June 14, 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. I liked to celebrate Flag Day with Hazel by reading books about the flag and doing flag crafts. Today we are going to share two picture books themed around the flag. One relates the flag to our country with colors and words. The book is Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Emilia Wishing -- Picture Book Review

2026-06-10T21:10:36.359-04:00

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

It has been said that we should appreciate what we have instead of wishing for more. There are many versions of this. Sometimes we spend time wishing for something instead of realizing how great what we have is. Today we are sharing a picture book about a young girl wishing for things but realizing how special her life is with what she has. The book is Emilia Wishing by Belen Medina and illustrated by Magdalena Mora. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Books for World Cup Fever with Soccer Craft Roundup

2026-06-04T21:44:15.969-04:00

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

Have you caught World Cup Fever? I feel like every time I turn around, I am hearing about it or seeing merchandise for it. It is on the news almost daily and of course with some of the games being in the Boston area, it is all anyone is talking about. The first game in Boston is about a week away and people are getting excited for it, or they are dreading it because of the crowds that will be coming this week. However, I am looking at it like the Olympics. It is a positive time where countries gather and compete in a friendly way. Our world needs more friendly. The first book is a picture book. It is The World's Game by Yamile Saied Méndez and illustrated by Andrés Landazábal. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Thank You for Being a Friend -- Picture Book Review

2026-06-03T21:43:06.751-04:00

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

What does friendship mean to you? What would you do for a friend? We all know the words to the song and it probably brings back memories of The Golden Girls. Today we are sharing a book based on the words of the song by Andrew Gold. The book (and song) is Thank You for Being a Friend illustrated by Sanne Dufft. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Alice Piper Speaks Up -- New Middle Grade Book About the Fight for Equal Education

2026-06-02T21:42:42.192-04:00

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

Just about everyone knows about Brown vs. the Board of Education, but there were people who fought for equal education before this case. They just didn't make it to the Supreme Court. Today we are sharing a new book, released today June 2, 2026. It is the story about a Native American, Alice Piper, and her fight for equal education. The book is Alice Piper Speaks Up by Sage Andrew Romero and Loralee Sepsey and illustrated by Morgan Thompson. June 2nd is Alice Piper Day! This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12.