Children's book illustrator and author, Melanie Hope Greenberg designed the snow globe ready for kids to fill it! Kids can do their own drawings on the snowy landscape or cut out and place the included assortment of decorations the globe.

Snow Globe Coloring Page Craft How-To

The snow globe craft makes a fun boredom buster at home on a wintery day or an easy library story time craft.

Materials

Snow globe coloring page

• Print it out here (By clicking on the following link you agree to our terms of service* see end of post) -->: snow globe coloring page

Coloring pencils, crayons or markers

Scissors

Tape or glue stick

Optional craft material: glitter, glitter glue, stickers, sequins, etc.

Optional: Cardboard

Instructions

Print out the snow globe coloring page and color as desired. Draw inside the globe, or leave it blank to add cut-outs.

Cut out objects and snowflakes from around the globe that you wish to place inside the snow globe. For a bit of whimsy, cut out a small photo of yourself and add inside the globe!

Glue objects in place as desired and use optional materials to jazz up the snow globe scene.

If desired, cut out the main snow globe and glue onto cardboard. Next, cut around the globe and prop up on a bookshelf for all to admire!

About the Illustrator

Melanie Hope Greenberg loves to shake snow globes. She also leads excellent workshops about the process of making children's books! Learn about how to bring her talk to your library or school, or request teacher's guides for her books at her blog here.

Melanie is an award winning author and illustrator of more than 15 children’s books. She was an Artist-In-Residence at the Eric Carle Museum and her books have been featured as a NY Times Great Children's Read. Her cheerful, vibrant illustrations can be found in books such as Mermaid Parade, Good Morning, Digger, Down in the Subway and A City Is, all of which take place in the city!

*Terms of Service: this coloring page is used with permission from Melanie Hope Greenberg and is for non-commercial use ONLY. You many print out as many copies as you like for personal, library or classroom use. If you would like to share this coloring page, you MUST link to this blog page. It is expressly forbidden to link directly to the coloring page pdf file.

The post Snow Globe Coloring Page and Craft appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Even if you live in the desert I bet you find it so comforting and magical to look at children's books filled with snowy landscapes! Whether you favorite winter activities are ice skating and sledding, or building snowmen and snow forts, these titles will inspire your kids to actually bundle up and go outside!

So read aloud to your children during the short winter days and long winter nights. Because before you know it, spring will be here, and you'll be checking out one of these spring family read alouds!

(Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

The Magical Snowflake by Bernette Ford, illustrated by Erin Robinson. Ori and her friends eagerly await the arrival of snow so they can build snowmen, throw snowballs and enjoy wintery white fun. Then, a single, magical snowflake begins the transformation of the community, culminating in the cheerful wishes of a "merry winter."

MORE: Picture books about snow

Winter: A Solstice Story by Kelsey E. Gross, illustrated by Renata Liwska. In this beautifully illustrated selection, the animals of the woods gather to share a story of hope, kindness and friendship on the longest night of the year.

I'm Going to Build a Snowman by Jashar Awan. When a boy wakes up with the excitement of fresh snow he jumps at the chance to build the best snowman ever! As he gets ready to go outside he declares his intentions again and again. Enthusiastically, he perseveres and although when readers are presented with the best snowman ever, their opinions may differ. But their smiles will be big.

Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Park. Two children go for a walk to explore nature as they experience the transition from fall to winter. The see animals preparing for the cold, the trees dropping all of their leaves. Back at home and snuggled safe in their beds the snow begins to fall and upon waking they rediscover the landscape, this time blanketed in snow.

MORE: Picture books to inspire a love of nature

Cold Snap by Ellen Spinelli, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman. The days are getting colder and colder, the icicles getting longer and longer. The people of the town are getting fed up with the frigid weather! But then, the whole community gets together for a winter surprise orchestrated by the mayor's wife.

A Perfect Day. Carin Berger's concise text about a sublime day of snowy play is paired with creative collage illustrations. It's hard to beat this joyful winter picture book depicting a diverse group of children frolicking in a winter wonderland.

Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. I know, it sounds crazy to set up a lemonade stand in the snow, but these young entrepreneurs will not be dissuaded. Your kids will be singing a catchy little tune, setting up their own stand and counting their change by the time you finish reading.

The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi. Kikko follows her father through the woods with a pie that her father has forgotten on the way to grandmother's house. Along the way she stops for a tea party with the woodland animals. The real star of this winter picture book is the illustrations.

MORE: Books about Tea Parties

The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming is a fun diverse winter picture book to add to your preschool bookshelf. Fleming's signature torn paper collage illustration sparkle in this cumulative tale about a boy joyfully building a snowman.

Iguanas in the Snow: And Other Winter Poems / Iguanas en la Nieve: Y Otros Poemas de Invierno by Francisco X. Alarcón is a bilingual collection of poems, part of a four book series spanning the seasonal year. Each short, free verse poem is in both Spanish and English, presenting snapshots of a diverse group of children enjoying wintery life to the fullest.

MORE: Winter Poetry for Kids

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. What can I say about this wonderful classic winter picture book? If by some chance you haven't already read it to your kids, rectify that error immediately!

Immi's Gift by Karin Littlewood. This is a lovely story about how people in distant locations can still be connected, and how when it is winter one place, it's not winter in another! Immi goes fishing and pulls out a little wooden bird on her line. She gets a new surprise every day which connects her to a faraway boy on a sunny beach.

MORE: Books about the Northern Lights

When This World Was New by D H Figueredo, illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez. Danilito and his family have immigrated to the United States from their warm Caribbean home. The family faces common anxieties of moving to a new country such as the search for work, learning a new language and adapting to new customs. When it begins to snow, their anxieties are suspended. The novelty of snowfall for the first time lifts up everyone's spirit and fills them with the hope of new beginnings.

Snow in Jerusalem by Deborah da Costa, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright. Avi lives in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem and Hamudi in the Muslim quarter. Unbeknownst to each other, they each take care of the same white cat which has been travelling between the two homes. When the cat disappears, each boy worries. Avi ends up following the cat's trail to Hamudi's home. When they meet, the boys bicker over ownership. However, when a rare snowfall begins in Jerusalem, the boys put aside their differences to look for the cat.

Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee. I love this little book about a girl following tracks in the snow. I can recite the rhythmic text almost from memory I read it so many times!

The post 15 Winter Picture Books for Kids (Diverse Picks) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

But you don't need to be an interfaith family to enjoy this book list! Along with our favorite Hanukkah books, and multicultural Christmas books, these titles can be enjoyed by kids and families of any faith.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Books about Interfaith Families

You don't need to be part of an multicultural and interfaith family to appreciate these books as long as you remember: Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas!

Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this cheerful story, a young girl describes her family's unique traditions like caroling to the neighbors, telling stories about both the Maccabees and the manger, and making latkes to leave for Santa. Family members from both sides come together for one large celebrations than having separate events for each holiday. There is also a recipe for Cranberry Kugel stuffing: the ultimate interfaith side dish!

The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

As Trisha prepares for Hanukkah with her family she learns that the neighboring Christian families are affected by a scarlet fever epidemic. Unable to enjoy the holiday celebrations while their neighbors are suffering, Trisha’s family work together to help them. A wonderful, positive story about finding joy in giving to others.

The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Lisa Brown

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Tongue-in-cheek humor and an anthropomorphic potato pancake make this hilarious book one of my holiday favorites. After escaping from a hot frying pan, a Hanukkah latke runs through a forest encountering various Christmas icons like candy canes and holiday lights. Each one tries to convince him that Hanukkah is “just like Christmas, only different.” Eventually the frustrated latke finds his place with an understanding Jewish family. Unfortunately, they are just sitting down to dinner...

Light The Lights! A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah And Christmas by Margaret Moorman

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

For those looking for a secular exploration of the two holiday traditions, this book fits the bill. In a simple story, a girl describes how her family prepares for the two holidays.

My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story by Danielle Novack, illustrated by Phyllis Harris

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

At school, Sammy worries that his friends won’t understand his interfaith family. Although it is hard to imagine anyone being embarrassed about celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah, this is a nice, short story for teaching kids about the joys of practicing multiple religious traditions.

My Two Grandmothers by Effin Older, illustrated by Nancy Hayashi

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Grammy Lane lives in the country, Bubbe Silver lives in the city. Their granddaughter loves both of them and their respective traditions but this year she decides it’s time to bring everyone together.

Elijah’s Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

This is a beautiful and moving story about religious tolerance. An African-American barber gives a Jewish boy a carved wooden angel. Michael worries that he will offend his parents and God if he keeps it. When he tells his parents of Elijah’s gift they share with him the joy of having friendships that transcend religious boundaries. The illustrations are gorgeous. Due to some sensitive subject matter, I recommend this book for ages 7+.

Eight Candles and a Tree by Simone Bloom Nathan

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Sophie tells her friend Tommy about how her family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. In doing so, they learn the most important thing about the holidays is spending time with family.

Nonna's Hanukkah Surprise by Karen Fisman, illustrated by Martha Graciela Avilés

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Rachel is headed to Italy to visit her grandmother. She worries that she will miss Hanukkah and takes along her menorah. When she forgets her menorah on the airplane, her non-Jewish grandmother steps in to save the day.

December's Gift: An Interfaith Holiday Story by Ashley Smith-Santos and Stasie Bitton, illustrated by Sandra Salsbury

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Clara spends December with her two grandmothers, baking Christmas cookies with one and frying latkes with the other. Like most of the books on this list, the overriding lesson is that holidays are about family above all.

MORE: Want more holiday picture books? Try one of these Multicultural Winter Holiday Picture Books.

Books about Community Hanukkah and Christmas Celebrations

The following books are not about interfaith families per se, but about the co-existence of Hanukkah and Christmas. Also check out our favorite winter picture books.

Red and Green and Blue and White by Lee Wind, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This picture book is based on a 1993 incident in Billings, Montana. In a neighborhood adorned with red and green lights, one house stands out with its blue and white lights. Isaac's family celebrates Hanukkah and his friend, Teresa, who lives across the street celebrates Christmas. After Isaac's house is targeted in an anti-semitic attack, Isaac's family continues to light the menorah rather than hide. In solidarity, Teresa draws a menorah and places it in her window. The paper menorah becomes a catalyst for community solidarity. Includes author's note about the real life events.

MORE: Picture books about standing up for others

The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol by Arthur A. Levine, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Think of this as a pourquoi tale for Hanukkah gifts! Nate Godol is a spirit who uses his magic to make things "last as long as they needed to." He loves bringing small joys to others as well as solving larger problems. In 1881, Nate Gadol watches the immigrant Glaser family suffer through a cold and hungry winter. But then he meets his old friend, Nick, whom he knew from "way, way back." Nick is having trouble with his sleigh and the two realize that if they help each other, they can bring joy to all families.

The Christmas Mitzvah by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated by Michelle Laurentia Agatha

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Mitzvah is the Hebrew word for a good deed that is done to fulfill a commandment from God. In this inspiring story, Al Rosen, a Jewish man, performs mitzvahs for his neighbors every Christmas by working their shifts so they can celebrate their Christmas holidays at home. The neighbors return the favor on the Jewish High Holidays of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. Gottesfeld based his story on the real-life Al Rosen who performed the mitzvahs for many years, beginning in 1969. Includes author's note. Ages 5 and up.

Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift by Dara Goldman

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Goldman's story about two bears is a retelling of O. Henry's short story, "The Gift of the Magi." Boris, who celebrates Hanukkah and is from Russia, and Stella, who celebrates Christmas and is from Italy are neighbors and friends. Each wants to get the other a special holiday gift, but both have limited funds. This is a sweet story about two individuals who seek to show kindness to each other.

Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein by Amanda Peet and Andrea Troyer, illustrated by Christine Davenier

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Rachel is Jewish but she really wants to celebrate Christmas like her classmates so she secretly writes a letter to Santa. Santa doesn't visit, however. When Rachel's family has their Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant, she finds other families that also don't celebrate Christmas.

The Only One Club by Jane Naliboff, illustrated by Jeff Hopkins

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Jennifer is the only Jewish member of her school class. When her classmates want to join her "only one" club, everyone discovers their individuality.

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon and Richard Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A boy arrives in New York after living through Kristallnacht. It is the 7th night of Hanukkah as well as Christmas Eve and he must walk 100 blocks to find his aunt. Along the way he sees the holiday sights of the city, encounters people who show him kindness, and passes landmarks which inspire him to reflect on his circumstances.

Don't miss our printable interfaith ornament!

The post Holiday Picture Books about Interfaith Families (Hanukkah and Christmas) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

This selection of Hanukkah books includes the traditional story of the Maccabees, as well as some fanciful tales. Many of the titles reflect diverse Jewish communities and the different ways Jews around the world celebrate Hanukkah. So gather around the menorah, fry us the latkes, eat those sufganiyah and spin the dreidel!

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Hanukkah Picture Books

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Your favorite family is back in this picture book based on Sidney Taylor's beloved novels. In this short story, the girls and their mother cook up a batch of latkes. Four-year-old Gertie desperately wants to help but when she throws a fit, mother sends Gertie to her room. When Papa comes home, he uses his fatherly love to tempt her out from her hiding spot and the whole family gather around to light the menorah. This picture book is a wonderful addition to your eight days of reading.

Hanukkah Upside Down by Elissa Brent Weissman, illustrated by Omer Hoffmann

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Here in the northern hemisphere we associate Hanukkah with wintery scenes. But children in New Zealand experience the holiday differently, as this picture book reminds us. Cousins Nora and Noah decide to have a contest to see which Hanukkah is better, the winter one or the summer one. A delightful and humorous story that compares and contrasts Hanukkah traditions.

Eight Nights of Lights: A Celebration of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Hilli Kushnir

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this cute, interactive book, readers read a story over the course of the eight days of Hanukkah. When opened, the book reveals a menorah in which each of the candles is actually a mini book that readers remove and read. The mini books tell a story of a girl decorating and celebrating Hanukkah, while also teaching about the meaning behind the holiday. After reading the mini book, readers flip it over and reinsert it to create a "lit" candle.

The Mexican Dreidel by Linda Elovitz Marshall and Ilan Stavans, illustrated by Maria Mola

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

It's so important to read books that reflect how diverse the Jewish community actually is! Danielito goes to visit Bobe, where the kids are playing with trompos (Mexican tops). Danielito joins in with his dreidel. Afterward, he invites them to join in his family's Janucá celebrations where they eat latkes and buñuelos, light the candles and play dreidel.

The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol by Arthur A. Levine, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Think of this as a pourquoi tale for Hanukkah gifts! Nate Godol is a spirit who uses his magic to make things "last as long as they needed to." He loves bringing small joys to others as well as solving larger problems. In 1881, Nate Gadol watches the immigrant Glaser family suffer through a cold and hungry winter. But then he meets his old friend, Nick, whom he knew from "way, way back." Nick is having trouble with his sleigh and the two realize that if they help each other, they can bring joy to all families.

The Ninth Night of Hanukkah by Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Shahar Kober

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this charming and utterly heartwarming story, siblings Max and Rachel are excited to celebrate Hanukkah. Their family is still unpacking from a recent move and they can't locate their traditional holiday supplies. With some help from a diverse group of neighbors, the family celebrates and when the eight nights are over, the children decide to have a "ninth night" to thank the neighbors.

The Eight Knights of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A “dastardly dragon named Dreadful,” is interfering with the kingdom's Hanukkah festivities, so eight diverse knights set out put things right. They help prepare new sufganiyot, replace ruined dreidels, clean the castle and perform mitzvah. But there is a surprise waiting for them because the dragon is not all that it seems. This is truly a fun and unique Hanukkah story you won't want to miss!

Hanukkah in Little Havana by Julie Anna Blank, illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Here's something I learned in the last few years from reading children's books: there is a significant Jewish diaspora in Cuba, resulting from the influx of refugees from Europe during WW2. Blank's book takes place in Miami, and calls attention to the Cuban Jewish population there. The young narrator describes a family road trip from Maryland to Florida where the family spend the holiday with their grandparents. Hanukkah in Little Havana means celebrating with oranges, beach time, and traditional cooking. Lots of fun.

Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Kris Easler

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The Menashe family is looking forward to their traditional Hanukkah celebration, as well as the yummy meal of latkes and applesauce. But there's a problem! A snowstorm has prevented the harvest of apples and potatoes. Nevertheless, the family moves forward with lighting the menorah, and playing dreidel. Each night the family counts their blessings and hopes for a change in their fortune. Little do they know, two helpful animals will bring forth a small miracle. Delightful.

Light the Menorah! A Hanukkah Handbook by Jacqueline Jules

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

I love this Hanukkah book so much! Following a short introduction and the candle blessing, Jules offers up a short poem and a reflection to read aloud for each night of Hanukkah. The readings teach about the rituals of the holiday and connect them to wider tenets shared by many faiths, such as the virtues of kindness and tolerance. The book also includes the Hanukkah story, crafts and recipes. A wonderful book for families to read and share together.

MORE: Most winter holidays are in some way a celebration of light. You can expand your child's understanding by reading the titles on our diverse winter holiday book list.

Way Too Many Latkes: A Hanukkah in Chelm by Linda Glaser

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

My kids and I love stories of Chelm! In Jewish folklore, Chelm is the village of fools and tales from Chelm are inevitably silly and giggle-inducing. This Hanukkah, Faigel has forgotten how to make latkes so he asks the rabbi how many potatoes, eggs, etc. she needs. He tells her "All of them." She follows his instructions and ends up with oh-so-many latkes! Obviously there is only one solution–and it is a delicious one!

Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a delightful book for preschoolers. The elderly, sight-impaired Bubba Brayna is getting her home ready for the holiday. When a great big bear knocks on her door, she assumes it is the rabbi and invites him into her home. She and the bear celebrate with latkes, a dreidel game and lighting the menorah. After the bear leaves, human guests arrive and the children recognize bear tracks. The mistake is revealed and everyone has a good chuckle.

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon and Richard Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A boy arrives in New York after living through Kristallnacht. It is the 7th night of Hanukkah as well as Christmas Eve and he must walk 100 blocks to find his aunt. Along the way he sees the holiday sights of the city, encounters people who show him kindness, and passes landmarks which inspire him to reflect on his circumstances.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a must-read classic Hanukkah picture book! On the first night of Hanukkah, Hershel, a traditional Jewish folk hero and trickster, arrives at a village and finds goblins wrecking havoc and preventing the villagers from celebrating and lighting the candles. Hershel uses clever tricks to defeat the creepy goblins one by one. It's a lengthy read but kids will be riveted.

Hanukkah Moon by Deborah Da Costa

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

I love this book as a way to introduce children to Latin-Jewish culture. Isabel goes to her Aunt Louisa's house to celebrate Hanukkah. Isabel's father tells her that they will celebrate the "Hanukkah moon" at her aunt's house, who has recently immigrated from Mexico. Isabel learns about Sephardic Hanukkah traditions, as well as breaking a dreidel piñata and going out into the night to welcome the “la luna nueve.”

Hanukkah in Alaska by Barbara Brown, illustrated by Stacey Schuett

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Readers outside Alaska will be fascinated with some of the unique aspects of life in the northern most state, like having to watch out for moose in the backyard, or dealing with extremely short daylight hours. The moose is a constant presence throughout the story, even watching the family through the window as they light the menorah! On on Hanukkah night, the family bundles up and heads outside (moose still in the backyard!) to watch the showy aurora borealis, their own Alaskan "festival of lights."

MORE: Picture books about the northern lights

Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

This is another great book to show that there are many ways to celebrate Hanukkah and while most blended-family holiday books focus on Hanukkah-Christmas families, Ehrenberg shares a lively story of how a diverse family shares in their non-Jewish heritage during Hanukkah. In his Jewish-Indian family, a boy looks forward to making their family's dosas (an Indian dish) at Hanukkah but he is wary of letting his little sister help.  But he finally learns the trick when he invents a new version of the "dreidel song."

Jeremy's Dreidel by Ellie Gellman

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

At the Jewish community center, Jeremy and his friends learn about the lessons of Hanukkah and the game of dreidel. All the children bring their own supplies to create one-of-a-kind dreidels. Jeremy creates his own special top out of clay and presses the Hebrew letters in braille. Jeremy explains that his father is blind and the raised letters will allow him to read the dreidel with his hands.

MORE: Hanukkah books for blended families: Interfaith holiday picture books (Hanukkah-Christmas)

Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a cute Hanukkah-themed adaptation of the classic Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale.  Little Red Ruthie is on her way to Basha’s for latkes when she meets the wolf. Actually, she walks right into the wolf's mouth! Summoning up the bravery of the Maccabees, she convinces the wolf to let her go, promising to be much tastier and plumper after filling herself with latkes. At Bubbe's, Ruthie fries up the tasty pancakes and regales the wolf-dressed-as-Bubbe with the story of Hanukkah, thus distracting him from his original goal. A very cute story.

Hanukkah: A Counting Book In English - Hebrew - Yiddish by Emily Sper

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

I adore this counting book. Colorful candles appear one by one with die-cut pages. Each page spread gives the English, Hebrew and Yiddish translations of the number plus the object (e.g. one menorah, four dreidels, etc.).  A simple explanation of the holiday can be found at the end. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, but fun for older kids to practice the translations, too. For reasons I cannot begin to fathom, this book is out of print. However, it should be available at your library.

MORE: Book list of Jewish folktales for children

The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This book is exactly what the title says. Adler’s text gives a clear and straightforward account of the miracle in the Temple of Jerusalem. After the account of the historical story of the Maccabees, Adler ends with a brief look at how Hanukkah is celebrated today. This is a great book to read to introduce kids to the holiday.

Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Karla Gudeon

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

This is a fun take on telling the story of Hanukkah. Each night of the festival of lights gets its own short poem. The pages are stepped for each day which gives the book an interactive element. I love the illustrations which take the readers on a whirlwind tour while at the same time teaching us about the eight day celebration.

Elijah’s Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

This is a beautiful and moving story about religious tolerance. An African-American barber gives a Jewish boy a carved wooden angel. Michael worries that he will offend his parents and God if he keeps it. When he tells his parents of Elijah’s gift they share with him the joy of having friendships that transcend religious boundaries. The illustrations are gorgeous. Due to some sensitive subject matter, I recommend this book for ages 7+.

The post Hanukkah Children's Books to Make You Believe in Miracles appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Step by Step

1. Place a large sheet of wax paper or parchment paper on your work surface.

2. Squeeze the glue onto the paper in the shape of a snowflake. If kids want to make other shapes, including abstract shapes as my son did, let them! This should be a fun, creative project for kids, not a quest for perfection.

3. If desired, sprinkle wet glue with glitter.

4. Allow to dry. Drying time will depend on how thick the glue is. I recommend allowing the DIY clings to dry overnight.

5. Once the clings are dry, peel off the paper and press them onto clean glass. In order to prepare the glass for the best possible adhesion, spray with a solution of vinegar and water and wipe dry.

The nice thing about window clings made with glue is that you can reposition them again and again. Be aware, however, if the window glass is not clean, re-adhesion will be negatively affected.

Tips

We found plain white glue window clings to be satisfactory, but in subsequent years we tried new techniques that produced slightly better results. So if you don't have the success you want with white glue try these tips:

• Use puffy fabric paint instead of glue. This produced a very good, long lasting DIY window cling.
• Apply a solution of water and dish soap to the glass before applying the window clings.
• Moisten the back of each window cling with water before applying to glass.
• Instead of squeezing out plain glue, pour glue into a paper cup, add a few drops of dish soap, mix. Brush the glue mixture onto your paper to make designs You will want to paint the designs thickly.

More DIY Snowflake Decorations

Don't limit your winter decor to glue-made window clings! Here are some more EASY ideas!

Cut snowflakes from cellophane and adhere to windows with a solution of dish soap and water. Follow our easy snowflake "stained glass" instructions here.

Every year I go nuts making paper snowflakes and use them for a variety of purposes, like our DIY wall-papered Christmas tree and paper snowflake wreath. Read about other ways to incorporate paper snowflakes into your winter crafting fun.

If you have a package of Wikki Stix, they make great rainbow snowflakes for the window! Take a look at how my kids fashioned them:

The post DIY Snowflake Window Clings (Winter Kids Craft) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Playing with snow indoors is a great indoor winter nature activity and is easier and less messy than you think.

Playing with Snow Indoors

We recently had a snowstorm that dropped 10 inches of snow! However, the weather was still very gusty with severe wind chill temperatures so I didn't want to take a 4 year old and a baby outdoors. However, if you didn't have a big snowfall, you can always make it look like you did with a DIY snowflake "stained glass" window!

What you need

Snow! Of course!

Mittens, in case your child's hands get cold

Waterproof mat

Towel, for clean up

Instructions

Place the waterproof mat on your play area. We used an large piece of a shower curtain that I had cut up. I secured it to the table with large binder clips.

Bravely open the front door and fill a bucket or your food containers with snow. Bring the snow inside and place the containers on the mat.

Now is the easy part! Let your child explore playing with the snow using the kitchen items. Yes, the snow will begin to melt, but that's okay. Rest easy, knowing that it melts into water, easy to clean up with a towel.

My son loved making snow muffins by using an ice cream scoop to ladle the snow into a muffin tin. (Do you call a silicon muffin pan a "tin"? I doubt it.)

Idea first published 2009, updated 2023.

The post Indoor Winter Activity for Kids: Play with Snow Inside appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

If you're like most people, you dream about one day seeing the phenomenon known as the northern lights. Even if you can't get to a northern latitude anytime soon, these gorgeous picture books about the northern lights will set you and your family dreaming of the colorful spectacle.

These children's books are all fiction picture books, and some of them include informative end notes about the science behind the aurora borealis. For further nonfiction reading, your library will have good selections.

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Children's Books about the Aurora Borealis

Seeking an Aurora by Elizabeth Pulford, illustrated by Anne Bannock

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

A child and their father head out into the night to seek the aurora borealis. The child doesn't know about the polar lights, or what they are and as they trek across the landscape, they pepper the father with questions. Once they reach an open area where they can see the vast sky, they can finally witness the swirling, colorful majesty of the aurora borealis. The text is spare, but the illustrations dance gracefully across the pages. An end notes gives scientific information about the northern lights. Ages 3 and up.

Once upon a Northern Light by Jean E. Pendziwol, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This lovely, lyrical lullaby opens with a sleeping boy. The story conveys the way winter nights are full of life and movement, although somehow still silent. The overall feeling when you read this book is cozy and warm, despite the wide open spaces and frosty scenes on the pages. The illustrations are soft, with blacks, whites and grays but the northern lights fill the sky with color. Ages 3 and up.

The Lights that Dance in the Night by Yuval Zommer

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This story separates itself from the rest of the books about the northern lights in that the aurora borealis is the narrator! A plethora of wildlife and Indigenous peoples gaze in wonder as the lights describe how they move across the sky and create magic on their journey. Luminous. Ages 4 and up.

Mika: The Bear Who Didn't Want to Sleep by Erik Kriek

Find it: Amazon

Don't you love the retro look of this book? This Dutch import is simply wonderful. Mika doesn't want to hibernate! The young bear wants to stay awake and see the Northern Lights. Sneaking out at night he asks the other animals where he can find the lights. Finally, with the help of the Old Owl, he reaches his goals and basks in the colorful glow, just in time for his parents to find him.

SkySisters by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illustrated by Brian Deines

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Two Ojibway sisters bundle up and head outside where they observe and appreciate the winter nighttime landscape. As they travel across the snow, they take delight in their footprints, the taste of icicles and the animals they see. As the wind rises and they dance and make snow angels, they are finally rewarded by the colorful showing of the SkySpirits. Wonderful, a must read. Ages 5 and up.

In the Sky at Nighttime by Laura Deal, illustrated by Tamara Campeau

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Repeating the phrase, "In the sky at nighttime..." the lyrical narration describes a wintery night in a far northern village, including the northern lights. This gentle bedtime story will send your kids off into a deep slumber. Dreamy. Ages 3 and up.

Kisimi Taimaippaktut Angirrarijarani / Only in My Hometown by Angnakuluk Friesen, illustrated by Ippiksaut Friesen

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

A young girl describes life in her Inuit hometown, Nunavut. She describes daily activities, as well as the coming of the northern lights in the dark nights. Readers will be able to feel the affection the narrator has for her home, and reflect on what makes their own hometowns special, too. The text is written in both English and Inuktitut. The Inuktitut text is written out in both syllabics and Roman characters. Ages 4 and up.

Hanukkah in Alaska by Barbara Brown, illustrated by Stacey Schuett

Find it: Amazon | Your Library

A Hanukkah book featuring the northern lights? Yes, please! Readers outside Alaska will be fascinated with some of the unique aspects of life in the northern most state, like having to watch out for moose in the backyard, or dealing with very short days. The moose is a constant presence throughout the story, even watching the family through the window as they light the menorah! On on Hanukkah night, the family bundles up and heads outside (moose still in the backyard!) to watch the showy aurora borealis, their own Alaskan "festival of lights." Ages 4 and up.

Under the Night Sky by Amy Lundebrek, illustrated by Anna Rich

Find it: Amazon | Your Library

One dark winter night a boy waits for his mother to arrive home from work. When she does, she tells him to get on his warm clothes, because they are headed outside to meet with the neighbors. This is a surprise, as the boy is used to his mother sticking to a regular routine. Outside, they watch the northern lights dance across the sky and share a touching moment of togetherness. Ages 4 and up.

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We've had several sessions of playing with snow indoors over the years, and by far the favorite is a sensory snow tray traffic jam! Because any time you can add toy vehicles to an activity, it's sure to be a hit! 

I scooped up some snow from the fire escape, brought it inside and spread it out on baking sheets. The boys created a snowy world for their transportation.

The trucks with plows or scoopers saw a lot of action! Be sure to set towels down, but don't worry, it's just water so clean up is easy.

(In order to make you feel good about your own laundry skills I used the grungiest towels I could find for this photo.)

If you don't have snow where you live, you can still recreated this activity. Try a rice sensory tray with cars, a shaving cream traffic jam, or an exploding car wash.

If for some reason, toy vehicles aren't your child's thing, you can use toy animals or blocks. However, sometimes you only need a few items for your kitchen. My son had a great time making snow muffins!

They look yummy, right? Best of all, they are no-bake muffins.

MORE: 18 Snow Day Activities for Kids

Benefits of indoor snow play

This indoor snow play is beneficial for kids!

Free: no fee for the white stuff!

Sensory Exploration: snow is cold and wet!

Observation of Nature: snow melts into water when you bring it inside.

Parent-free Entertainment: I love to enjoy my morning tea in peace with just a little background noise, don't you?

Teaches Responsibility: kids can clean it up themselves.

Of course every indoor snow activity needs a little reading time, wouldn't you agree? Take a peek at our favorite snow books for kids.

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When your kids are stuck inside and getting cabin fever, heat up some cocoa and pick one of the indoor winter activities. When the weather is fine, bundle up, get outdoors to play in the snow and try one of the outdoor ideas!

BONUS! Get the printable list of all these fun winter activities for kids and check them off as you do them! Scroll down to the end of this post to get it!

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

Winter Pretend Play Ideas

Spark your child's imagination with these wonderful winter-themed play ideas or go on a field trip in your own home!

SNOW PLAY TRAY. If you've got snow outside, scoop some up and place on a baking tray on in a large shallow container. Add in some toy vehicles or other small, waterproof toys for a snowy pretend play scenario. Concerned about spillage? Place a large towel underneath the play zone. No real snow? Consider using insta-snow (not for children' who put things in their mouths) or shaving cream.

PRETEND PLAY STORY TIME. Can't get to the library? Set up a designated story time area in your home. Kids can arrange pillows on the floor, set up dolls and stuffed toys as eager listeners. A grown-up can read the story, or kids can read to their toys. For extra fun, set up a library story time craft with our sledding coloring page and snowflake stick puppets or winter-themed bookmark coloring page.

PRETEND MOVIE THEATER. Look forward to a 90 minute break as your kids make pretend movie tickets, set up a popcorn and candy stand, and arrange comfy chairs for viewing. For tweens, choose one of these best movies for tweens that are based on children's books, or for all ages, expand their viewing literacy with one of these great silent movies for kids.

KATY AND THE BIG SNOW PLAY TIME. After reading Virginia Lee Burton's classic tale, Katy and the Big Snow, sit back and relax with a cup of tea while your kids recreate the story on this diy Katy mat.

Indoor Winter Activities

Getting cabin fever? These indoor winter activities will keep antsy kids busy!

GAMES TOURNAMENT. Kids can spend time organizing and planning a game tournament (screen-free games, of course!). What games will they play, how many rounds? Will they create a bracket or a score board?

PLANT PAPERWHITES. Teach kids that good things come to those who wait! Planting paperwhites in a bowl full of pebbles is easy and no mess. Get the full instructions for how to plant paperwhites here.

WRITE LETTERS. Have your kids written their thank you cards yet? Even if they have, they can still send messages to far away relatives. Even better, get a pack of large index cards and have them make their own postcards!

WINDOW SNOWFALL. Learn how to create unique snowflake window clings with glue on your windows (and they're easy to remove and reposition!). Alternatively, you can brighten up your window with cellophane snowflakes. After you cut out a flurry of flakes, the cellophane will stick to windows with a little dish soap and water. Bonus: your windows will be so clean when you decide to finally remove them! Get the full instructions for the cellophane stained glass snowflake window here.

Winter Nature Ideas

A winter wonderland is a glorious place. Let winter nature inspire you and your children to explore the outdoors and harness the cold temperatures to make unique crafts.

TRACK THE WEATHER. This is a great project for science and eco-minded kids. Get out a large piece of graph paper and label the bottom axis with dates and the side axis with temperatures. Every day, plot the high and low temperature of the day, connecting the high temperature dots with a red line and the low temperature dots with a blue line. At the end of the winter, you will be able to see the general weather patterns.

GO BIRDWATCHING. Sometimes kids need a little encouragement to get outside in the colder weathers. Let them know it's easier to spot birds in trees with no leaves! A good pair of binoculars and a local birding field guide will further inspired them! Get our tips for winter birding with kids here.

MAKE ICE WREATHS. This is one of our favorite winter crafts! Fill a cake pan (a bundt pan will create a center for the hanging ribbon) with water and nature items like cranberries, pine needles, holly, etc. Add a ribbon and freeze until solid. Hang up outside! You can see how we made ice wreaths (without a bundt pan) here.

BUILD SNOW LANTERNS. If you have snow, making snow lanterns is one of the most magical snow crafts you can make. Essentially, you build a handful of snowballs, arrange them in a conical shape and place a light inside. Get the full instructions here.

MAKE FROZEN COLOR GLOBES. For a fun way to liven up the yard in cold weather, you can't beat a collection of colored ice globes. Fill water balloons with colored water and freeze. When frozen, remove the balloon and place globes around your yard in fun designs.

FEED THE BIRDS. Tuppence a bag! (I bet you're singing it in your head, too.) Instead of dumping a pile of seeds into a tube and hanging it up outside, make one of these four clever diy birdfeeders!

Winter Art Activities

Decorate your home with your child's winter artwork!

PAPER SNOWFLAKES. Beware! Making paper snowflakes is highly addictive`. Watch our video to learn how to make them and then read about all the different ways you can use your newly created flurry.

PUFFY PAINT. Puffy paint provides a wonderful way to create three dimensional snowscape art work. Mix up a batch by folding together: 3 parts shaving cream with 1 part water and 1 part white school glue. Put in a plastic bag and squeeze out as you would when icing cookies. It's best to paint on cardboard or other hard paper surface. A full puffy paint tutorial is at Artful Parent.

SNOW PAINTING. Fill a few spray bottles with different colored water (use food coloring or liquid watercolors), put on your snow boots and head outdoors!

COLORING PAGES. When you need a quiet, indoor activity, try some winter-themed coloring pages. Here are some of our favorites:

• Penguin coloring page
• Skating party coloring page
• Four season trees bookmark coloring page

Winter Crafts for Kids

A good winter craft keeps kids occupied and gives them a sense of accomplishment. These are easy winter crafts! Some require adult supervision, but the others can be done all on one's own.

MIX UP WINTER SCENTED PLAY DOUGH. Bring the scents of winter's natural wonder indoors for some pretend play, fine motor exercise and creative fun with winter scented play dough. Use these recipes for pine, mint and hot chocolate scented play dough!

MILK CARTON CANDLES. This old-school craft does take a bit of preparation but the results are well worth it. You can use essential oils that are reminiscent of winter scents and add in broken crayons for a bit of colorful interest. Here are our full instructions for how to make milk carton candles.

PAPER LUMINARIES. Using a hand-held hole punch, punch holes in a paper lunch bag. Insert a battery operated votive candle and voilá, you have a easy diy luminary. Make a dozen of these for a glowing, festive atmosphere. For extra fun, use a snowflake hole punch.

GLASS JAR LUMINARY. This is a classic winter craft for kids and also makes a great gift! Upcycle a glass jar (peanut butter or jam jars work great!) from your pantry. Cut out shapes from tissue paper in a variety of colors. Paint the outside surface of the jar with white school glue and then stick on the tissue paper. You can add in sequins, stickers or other crafty elements. Allow kids the freedom to stick the tissue paper on however they wish, even if it doesn't live up to your high design standards! Insert a battery operated votive candle and admire your child's handiwork!

Outdoor Winter Activities

What kid doesn't love to get outdoors and play in the snow? In some locations, a snowy winter is elusive. But, not to worry! Four out of six ideas can be done, even with nary a snowflake on the horizon.

WRITE SIDEWALK MESSAGES. When outdoor temperatures dip, but the sidewalks are still free from ice and snow, a few positive messages and drawings will put smiles on neighbors's faces. Bundle up and take a bucket of sidewalk chalk outside. Walk around the neighborhood and decorate the pavement with inspiring words and drawings.

GO ON A SCAVENGER HUNT. Grab your clipboard and a pen! You can come up with your own outdoor scavenger hunt or use one of the millions that are on the internet. Here's a cute scavenger hunt with printable from KCEdventures.

MAKE SNOW ANGELS. If you have a snowy landscape, don't forget to do this classic winter activity! Lie back in the snow, move your arms and legs back and forth and admire the angels who visited your yard. And, hey, this counts as exercise.

ICE BOWLING. You don't need snow or cold weather for this game, but a freezer is a necessity. Fill a water balloon and freeze until solid. You could even use one of the frozen colored globes you made (see above)! Then, fill 9 water bottles. Freezing the water bottles is not necessary, but adds to the fun. You don't need plastic water bottles, your reusable ones will work just fine. Head outdoors and set up the bottles in a triangle formation. Step back a few meters and roll your ice ball to knock them down!

SNOW TAG. Running in the snow is a unique experience. Why not turn it into a game of tag? For extra fun, play one of these 10 fun tag versions, or make up a game of snowball tag.

GOURDBALL OR PINECONE BALL. Our family tradition is to play a game of gourdball every year on Thanksgiving weekend when it's time to take down the fall decorations. Kids love to watch the gourds explode when they hit them with a bat! If you don't have gourds, you can use pinecones. It's lots of fun, I promise!

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(Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.)

Here are some of our tried-and-true favorite indoor winter nature activities:

Playing with thin ice. My kids had great fun playing with thin ice. This idea was inspired by a visit to the local lake that wasn't quite frozen over. See how my boys explored a tray of thin ice that we made indoors. I'm a big proponent of free play and this was ended up being a great idea! They used rocks, toys vehicles, and sticks and it was surprisingly entertaining!

Bring the snow inside. See how we brought the snow inside for a winter-y traffic jam. Playing with snow inside is a wonderful and sensory-filled way to pass the time. Place snow-filled trays on a large towel or tablecloth to protect floors from the inevitable melted snow.

Create an indoor snow scape. Make Instant Snow! I realize this isn't exactly "natural," but my kids LOVED it, and it's an especially welcome activity when it is cold outside but there is NO SNOW, which frequently happens here in the Big Apple. Fill up a large, deep tray or tupperware bucket with the stuff, add a few toys and your kids are all set for an afternoon of pretend play. Later on you can repurpose the fake snow in mini winter terrariums like these. (Note: Do not put it down the drain!)

MORE: 28 Winter Activities for Kids with free printable checklist!

Get creative with rocks. I'm willing to bet your kids love playing with rocks. My kids adore throwing them in ponds and rivers. While they can't throw rocks inside, one of the most universally loved indoor nature activities is to decorate rocks. This is an especially good indoor activity for tweens. A kid armed with metallic Sharpies can make some super cool Zentangle rocks! Kids can paint on rocks with tempera paint, melt crayons on rocks, or use puffy paint to create vivid designs.

Show love to winged friends. Make bird feeders to hang out when it's not too chilly to open the door. We have four bird feeder recipes for you. Be sure to make some hot cocoa and pull a chair up to the windows for some indoor bird watching.

Fill your home with sweet and spicy fragrance. Make pomanders with oranges and cloves. It doubles as excellent fine motor practice!

Decorate with nature. Dry and string orange slices. We did this one year and then set them out in a neighborhood tree. We loved seeing it as we walked down the sidewalk and the process of drying the slices makes the house smell yummy. Get the instructions for drying orange slices here.

Set up sensory stations. A super easy way to play with nature indoors is to set a nature sensory bin. If your unfamiliar with sensory bins, here are some great instructions to set up a simple nature bin. Alternatively, make a winter "calm down" sensory bottle for little ones.

Experiment! Why not engage in a little science exploration? Throw all caution to the wind and make evergreen and berry winter oobleck.

Grow something. We plant paperwhite bulbs every year. Follow this simple tutorial for how to plant paperwhites, or grow something from your kitchen scraps. Read about how kids can regrow vegetable scraps. Or, plant items from your kitchen pantry and race to see whose grow the fastest!

Read! When you just want to relax and be cozy, read aloud to the kids. Here are some book lists to inspire you:

• Picture books about snow
• Picture books to inspire a love of nature
• Diverse picture books about winter

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