The Postman Always Rings Mice

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It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood as you deliver some very special mail to some very special houses!

We read Mr. Postmouse’s Rounds by Marianne Dubuc ‎ (Kids Can Press, 2015). Diligent and determined, Mr. Postmouse piles his little wagon with letters, packages, parcels and baskets to deliver to the critters along his route, saving the best for last! From underground lairs, to high treetops, to deep ponds…this charmingly illustrated adventure is a wonderful read, with cute touches to keep you revisiting the pages!

The hands-on portion of our story time was very simple. We found these DIY paper mailboxes in the depths of our craft drawers, and the kids decorated them with markers and designed 6 custom mini postcards using this template.

Next, we gave each kid 6 pieces of construction paper “mail” to deliver to 6 different houses using a color-coded mail route list! Each of the domiciles had a mailbox with a delivery slot. And, just like the book’s illustrations, we made sure each house was unique to its owner!

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Cotsen Makes Jersey’s Best!

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Dr. Dana and Katie hit the small screen in this absolutely wonderful feature by Jersey’s Best magazine!

When the talented Kendal Lambert reached out to us about a Jersey’s Best magazine article and a Just in Jersey video feature, we were thrilled! We really think she captured the fun and playful nature of our literacy work, and we can’t thank her enough. And she looks fabulous with The Very Hungry Caterpillar…

If you’d like to read the article, you will find that here. For the video, follow this link.

Once Upon a Time…in a Galaxy Far, Far Away…

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The tale of Cinderella takes an intergalactic spin with this charming paper cup rocket. Never underestimate the power of a space ship. The story time kids LOVED this project!

We read Interstellar Cinderella, written by Deborah Underwood, and illustrated by Meg Hunt (Chronicle Books, 2015). When Cinderella, our tool-handy heroine, is kept from attending the Prince’s Royal Space Parade, she is visited by her Fairy Godrobot. Cinderella arrives to the parade just in time, as the Prince’s ship is malfunctioning and only she can fix it! Cinderella and the Prince have a blast talking mechanics, but she flees at midnight, leaving behind her sonic socket wrench. The Prince circles the galaxy, intent on finding the only person who can fix his ship. It’s Cinderella, and no, she doesn’t want to get married. She wants to be his chief mechanic!

You’ll need:

  • 1 paper cup
  • Space ship decor
  • Scissors, tape, and glue for construction
  • Markers for decorating
  • Hot glue

As you can see, this rocket is a paper cup propped up on little legs. We had some extra Petri dish lids (leftover from this Hobbit door project) that made terrific windshields, but that’s totally optional!

For decor, we offered embossed foil paper, color mirror board, twisteez wire, star stickers, large gemstones, metallic mesh tubing, plastic cup boosters with tissue paper flames, and little plastic blocks for landing gear.

Ready for take off!