"Let heaven celebrate! Let the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it roar! Let the countryside and everything in it celebrate! Then all the trees of the forest too will shout out joyfully" ​Psalm 96:11-12
 
Welcome, Fall!
Soon the leaves will turn brilliant colors, the air will become crisp, and the cozy scents and sounds of autumn will charm us once again. Autumn is the perfect time to dive into nature and marvel at God's incredible creation. 
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This exciting fall sensory scavenger hunt is perfect for adults to help their children appreciate the beauty of this captivating season. Every rustling leaf and chattering squirrel is part of a grand symphony, celebrating the glory of the Lord. By jumping into this activity, you're not just enjoying the season but also engaging in a joyful form of worship, recognizing and honoring the Creator through His wondrous handiwork. Let's get started!

Have you ever been blessed by a stranger who just likes to spread happiness? Meet Peggy Hruska—grandma, educator, and crafting wizard. In a world that can sometimes be a bit of a mess, Peggy finds joy in performing random acts of kindness, bringing smiles and story adventures to kids she’s never even met with her handmade crocheted octopus finger puppets.

Peggy's Pocket Octupi
“I stumbled upon a post on Facebook from Random Acts of Crochet Kindness. People were making these cute crocheted items like bookmarks, worry worms, and octopi, and leaving them around for others to find,” Peggy recalls. Each little treasure comes with a tag telling the finder they can keep it and inviting them to share their discovery on the Facebook page.

​Welcome to a World of Fun and Learning!
 
Hey there, fabulous readers and adventure seekers! I am excited to announce the launch of my new website page, where you can now book an author visit or dive into my unique Step into Story Reading Adventures for kids grades PreK – 1st grade. If you're looking to add a sprinkle of excitement and a dash of adventure to your classroom, library, church event, or children’s party, you've found the right place. This page is designed to make it super easy to request a visit. Let’s embark on a magical journey together!

Why Focus on Kids' Mental Health?
First of all, it's Mental Health Awareness month. We talk a lot about mental well-being these days -- a subject that definitely impacts many people and deserves attention. But kids often get overlooked. Ignoring their mental and emotional health can hinder their growth, making it hard for them to handle negative emotions. But don't worry! You can help your child manage their mental health in so many ways! And one is through creating interactive story adventures. 

The following is a list of some of the elements you can tie into story adventures or just utilize à la carte, along with their benefits to your child's mental health.
 
Give Journaling a Try
According to Standford Medicine Children's Health, journaling is a fantastic way to kickstart your child's mental wellness journey. Writing down thoughts and feelings helps kids process their emotions better. Plus, it boosts self-esteem, confidence, and communication skills. It's not just about the words—they'll also improve their fine motor skills and handwriting. 

​My last post featured books that impacted my kindergartners and prompted insightful experiences. (But) books also changed our world outside the classroom. The fenced area beyond our back door was originally designated a playground. Thankfully, children, parents, and school personnel advocated for a “Storybook Garden” instead.

​Why A Storybook Garden?
 
What could be better than a children’s place featuring kids’ favorite books? Some of our purposes were to: