Tag Archives: how to

Baby, You’re a Firework!

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Call it a milestone! In twenty years of story time crafting, we never thought to do a light up hat. This illuminated chapeau was incredibly simple to put together, but judging from the kids’ reactions, it might just win most popular craft for 2026!

We read Fireworks, written by Matthew Burgess, and illustrated by Cátia Chien (Clarion Books, 2025). It’s a special summer night in the city, and from up top of the building, the sun sets and the firework show begins. Artistically written and boldly illustrated, more than one parent told us they wanted to add this picture book to their home library.

Huzzah! Fireworks won the 2026 Caldecott, congrats to Mr. Burgess and Ms. Chien!

You’ll need:

  • 1 plastic fedora hat
  • 1 strand of LED lights
  • Sparkle stems
  • Metallic embossed paper, cellophane, and Mylar for fireworks
  • Star stickers
  • Poster board hatband (preferably gold metallic)
  • Scissors and tape for construction
  • Metallic markers for decorating

We had a bunch of shiny purple fedora hats in the art cabinet, and they turned out to be perfect for this project (I believe they were originally from Oriental Trading Company). We also had a bunch of LED light strands from the discount holiday section at CVS.

For best results, we recommend you use the thin wire LED lights (not the wires covered in thick plastic). First, tape sparkle stems around the crown of the hat, then wrap the wire lights around the stems so they are elevated above the hat – the messier the lights, the better! Tape the LED battery holder to the back of the hat for easy access:

Next, use embossed foil paper, cellophane, and mylar to make bursts of fireworks, and tape them to the wire and sparkle stems. Decorate a poster board hat band with metallic markers, then finish the look with star stickers around the hat brim.

And remember, when it comes to firework hats, it can’t be too tall or too fancy! Go BIG!

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Bread? It’s in the Bag!

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It’s been a little while since Pop Goes the Page’s test kitchen rolled out a post (see: Bridgerton cream puffs). So today, Katie’s combining a recipe test, story time, kitchen science, and simple project all in one!

The test recipe was first met with incredulity. Bread in a bag? Really? Could you make bread that easily? Ice cream, sure. But bread? The potential for fail seemed likely. Hmmmm. Take it away, oh brave Katie!

There’s nothing more delicious than a slice of fresh warm bread slathered in your favorite jam or jelly. It’s even better if what you are eating is homemade bread. And not much can beat an easy recipe that has few ingredients and simple instructions. But a recipe designed as a kid friendly activity that you can mix, bake and enjoy together with your little ones? Priceless!

I fully admit I was skeptical when I discovered Susie at Busy Toddler’s Bread in a Bag blog post, but that skepticism definitely made me want to try out this unique recipe. I already had all of the ingredients in my kitchen, so I was ready to bake a fresh loaf of bread – in a bag – to welcome my college-aged kid home for the summer.

Under the careful supervision of my curious pooch, who probably would have helped squish and smoosh the mixing bag if I had let him, I put the ingredients together and made bread. The instructions were clear and straightforward, and the bread came out of the oven perfectly baked. It was super easy and surprisingly fun!

The only step I probably didn’t follow precisely was kneading the dough long enough before letting it rise prior to baking. My loaf of bread was a little denser than expected, but it didn’t make it any less delicious.

For families with young children who are eager to help in the kitchen or for adults who are kids at heart, this bread – in a bag – recipe is fantastic and one I highly recommend!

As it turns out, there are a number of fabulous books to pair with this delightful exploration of bread. Here are a few (with projects!) from our blog!

Bread is Love by Pooja Makhijani, illus by Lavanya Naidu (Roaring Book Press, 2026) Sun Bread by Elisa Kleven (Dutton Children’s Books, 2001)
Hooray for Bread by Allan Ahlberg, illus by Bruce Ingman (Candlewick, 2013)
Nanette’s Baguette by Mo Willems (Hyperion, 2016)
Toasty by Sarah Hwang (Margaret Ferguson/Holiday House Books, 2021)

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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