We are huge fans of reading, and I am happy to say so are all of our kids here at You Brew My Tea.  That’s why I wanted to share some of our Top Kids Book Club Books & Top Picks for Tween. This list has great options you can use for group reading with friends, or a formal book club.

This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a commission on purchases made via these links.

Best Pick for All Ages:

Even if you don’t read to your child every day, reading is an important part of your routine.  We started reading at an early age with our son, and pretty soon he could pick the books he loved and bring them to us to read.  That includes some of these popular items on this list, as well as some we had handed down from parents and grandparents.  We hope the lists below help you with your kids and potential book clubs in the future!

Infant/Toddler

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
2. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
3. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin Jr
4. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
5. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
6. Fox in Sox by Dr. Seuss
7. Go, Dog. Go! By PD Eastman
8. The Pokey Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey
9. Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
10. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Preschool

1. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2. The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone
3. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
4. The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper
5. Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel
6. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
7. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
8. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
9. The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Don Wood
10. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

School Age

1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
2. Charlottes Web by E.B. White
3. Corduroy by Don Freeman  
4. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
5. A Wrinkle in Time Quintet by Madeleine L’Engle
6. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
7. Holes by Louis Sachar
8. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
9. The Boxcar Children Set by Gertrude Chandler Warner
10. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

Pre-Teen

1. Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
2. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
3. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
5. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
6. Divergent by Veronica Roth
7. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
8. The Giver by Lois Lowry
9. The Secrets Realm by Bev Stout
10. The Selection by Kiera Cass

Young Adult

1. War Storm by Victoria Aveyard
2. A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
3. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
4. The Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir
5. Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
6. Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi
7. Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare
8. Obsidio by Amie Kaufman
9. Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas
10. Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Take advantage of our favorites list to create a kids book club books list that you can work through with your children.  These are all perfect for reading in leisure time or for educational purposes if you are a homeschooler!

Top Picks For Tween Must Reads

The Wee Child is truly a book worm.  In fact, he has been devouring books this year like crazy. Any parent would love that he is asking for more books instead of toys or video games.  It is so much fun seeing his mind growing and his views expanding.  As a result of his reading habits, I have come up with a great list of what I believe are the top books for tweens to read.

If you have a book worm, or are longing to create a book worm in your child, this list is a great place to begin.  Some of these books are well known, while others seem to be a bit less popular but just as great.  In fact, a few of these authors are my friends and I am so happy to share their books here because not only do I love supporting my fellow authors, but I also know that these books are truly amazing.

Stuart Gibbs: This author is known for his middle grade books.  While many are familiar with his animal-themed series, the Wee Child especially loves his space and spy series listed below. In fact, we preorder almost every  book he puts out.

• Space Case
• Spaced Out
• Spy School
• Spy Camp
• Evil Spy School

J. Scott Savage: I actually reviewed the Farworld series a few years ago, and introduced them to my son recently.  He fell in love with them and recently began the Cove of Mysteries series of books.  They are full of fantasy and science fiction themes that appeal to any reader who likes things that involve dragons, adventure, and imaginary worlds.

• Farworld: Water Keep
• Farworld: Land Keep
• Farworld: Air Keep
• Farworld: Fire Keep
• Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention
• Mysteries of Cove: Gears of Revolution (released 9/20/16)

Katie Femia: If you like dystopian novels, this is the book for you.  Her second book is in the process of editing, so I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!

• Peacock Swamp: Nine

Peter Lerangis:  The Seven Wonders books have kept my son tucked into a book throughout our recent road trip.  I loved that there are not just the books, but fun addendums to them that make the adventures go on for longer.

• Seven Wonders: The Colossus Rises
• Seven Wonders: Lost In Babylon
• Seven Wonders: The Tomb of Shadows
• Seven Wonders: The Curse Of The King
• Seven Wonders: The Legend Of The Rift

Brandon Mull:  Fablehaven is perhaps the most well known, but this author most definitely has the key to encouraging kids to read.  From younger grade to teens, these stories are full of fantasy and drama that keeps the pages turning.

• Fablehaven: The Complete Series
• Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders
• Five Kingdoms: Rogue Knight
• Five Kingdoms: Crystal Keepers
• Five Kingdoms: Death Weavers

Holly Black:  Magical creatures and people are woven throughout her books.  I love the ideas and themes, and while she has multiple series, she also has great stand alone books.  Not only does the Wee Child love these, but I find myself sneaking his books to read when he is done.  Being a book worm is obviously something that runs in the family

• Doll Bones
• The Darkest Part Of The Forest

Jules Vern:  Classic literature begins with the fantasy of Jules Vern.  There is nothing better than watching your kids minds explode while reading the tales that take them through time and into a fantasy land.

• The Collected Works of Jules Vern

As you try to encourage your child to read more and become a book worm, this list is a great place to start.  I love appealing to the Wee Child’s love of fantasy and science fiction.  These books are a perfect way to do just that!

Are you looking for more homeschool support?  Come join our Homeschooling Lazy Parent Style group today!

More Great Ideas for Kids: 

• 25 Book Worm Top Picks for Tween Must Reads
• The Minions Movie Bookmark
• Best Gifts for Boys who Love Robots
• Homeschooling Tips for Learning Language Arts with Literature

Summer break is quickly approaching. For kids (and hopefully grownups too), summer means fun. The hard part is a lot of these fun summer things either cost a lot or, all the small things add up and before you know you could have bought a new car (or at least it seems that way). This doesn’t have to be the case though. There are plenty of summer bucket list ideas that you can do with your kids for FREE!

25 Summer Bucket List Ideas for Kids

• Have a picnic: You don’t even have to drive anywhere to do this one. Just put a blanket out in the yard and enjoy lunch or dinner. If the weather isn’t cooperating, bring the blanket into the living room and have an indoor picnic.
• Hang out at the Library: Spending anywhere from a few hours to a whole day at the library can be lots of fun. Of course, you will find a bunch of books but, many libraries have kid sections with activities for the younger ones. Areas like these entertain my kids for hours in between reading the random books they pull off the shelves. Most libraries also offer a summer reading program for your kids.
• Scavenger Hunt: There are a couple ways you could do this.
  • Use pieces of paper and write clues on them. Hide them around the house or the yard. Each clue leads them to their reward/treasure. Could be something as simple as extra screen time or the winner picking dinner.
  • You could also make a list of things for your kids to find.  
  • Check out this list of 75 Printable Scavenger Hunts that may be perfect for your kids!
• Game Day: This is great to save for a rainy day. Take the day to play board games you already have at home. You can also ask to borrow games from friends and neighbors too.  We love SkipBo and Monopoly the best!  A second runner-up in our home is to play with LEGO kits and build fun things!

• Joke Competition: Set a timer for a specific amount of time. Each person in the house finds jokes they think will make everyone laugh (pick up some joke books while you are at the library!). After the timer goes off, each person brings their list of jokes and does their whole family laugh. The person who makes everyone laugh the most wins.
• Park Bingo: Print off our free Park Bingo and fill in all the parks in your area that you want to visit this summer. The goal is to have the whole board marked off by the end of summer.
• Movie Day: Another great rainy day activity. Spend the day watching movies you already own or, something you can borrow from friends or the library.  I love using Amazon Prime for streaming movies, but you can rent, buy, or check out from the library!
• Walk/Bike: Go for a walk or a bike ride. Let the kids lead though. Have them decide the route you take. You can even have them make it out before you leave.
• Make a Movie: Collaborate with your kids. Write a script with them and then invite friends and neighbors to help make it. At the end of it, sit down with everyone and watch it.
• Zoos and Museums: Often times Zoos and Museums offer free admission days. Take advantage of them and go visit them.
• Fly a Kite: I’m sure most of you have kites sitting around the house or garage that don’t get used much. There are usually plenty of days that have enough wind to fly them so, put everything aside and spend a few hours flying the kites!  We love this two-pack kites on Amazon for a great deal on quality kites that last longer than the cheap ones at the dollar stores.
• Dance Party: Invite friends, family, and neighbors over for a dance party. This can be held inside or outside and is sure to be lots of fun.
• Trivia Night: Spend a few hours gathering interesting trivia facts either from books you got at the library or, what you found online. Either do this as a family or, invite people over to have fun with you.
• Play in the Rain: This is my kid’s favorite thing to do. If it is warm enough outside and a semi-warm rain I’m all for them playing in the rain. They wear sandals and I meet them at the door with towels when they are done. So much fun.
• Get Muddy: After the rain is done, there is sure to be mud somewhere. Why not let them jump in it and get messy? Muddy puddles are the best and occupy my kids for a long time. The smiles and memories are well worth the mess.

• Acts of Kindness: There are so many kind things you and your kids can do without spending any money at all. Leave nice notes for people to find, smile at someone, help someone and compliment someone are just a few ideas to get you started.
• Backyard Games: Invite the neighbors, friends, and family and have the grownups teach the kids the outside games you used to play growing up. In return, have the kids teach you games they play with their friends. (Think things like freeze tag, flashlight tag and red rover)
• Cloud Watching: When I need to slow down and enjoy the moment my kids and I will lay and watch the clouds. They love telling me all the clouds they see and trying to find what I see too.
• Read-a–thon: Have each person keep track of how many books they read in the chosen time period. Winner picks dinner or dessert. (Bonus: if you signed up for the summer reading program at the library this will count towards that too!)
• Cook: Let your kids join you in the kitchen and learn to cook with you. Cooking is an important skill they will need to know and who better to learn from than their own family.  I love Raddish Kids as a paid subscription box that helps kids learn to cook safely! 
• Fishing: If you don’t already have a fishing license, every state offers a few days of free fishing so you are still able to get out and enjoy it.
• Splash Pads: Most splash pads are free to use and it is easy to spend at least a few hours there.
• Bowling: Kids Bowl Free partners with several bowling alleys locations all over the US. By signing your kids up for the program they will get two free bowling games a DAY at a participating location near you. It should be mentioned that shoe rental is extra.
• Geocaching: This one may be best to be done with older kids but, it is super fun. All you need is an app or GPS device where you can enter coordinates and you are ready to go.
• Pajama Day: There is honestly nothing better than lounging around the house in your pajamas all day every once in a while. No set plans, just relaxing. Have a nice hot breakfast and see where the day takes you.

There really is nothing better than spending time with your kids. These are all fun and free ways to have a good time with them and make a whole bunch of new memories that they will never forget. So, unplug and have a great time with your kids!

More Summer Tips for Kids:

• Summer Fun in the Petoskey Area of Northern Michigan
• 50+ Summer Fun Ideas for Kids
• Summer Activities to Get Kids Away from the TV
• Fun Things to do in the Summer with Kids
• 18 Ways to Include Education into Summer Vacation
• What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
• Best Family Friendly Resorts in Wisconsin
• Tips for Camping with Toddlers

It’s that time of year again, and this list of 101 Summer Fun Ideas for Kids is a must in my book.  We love including great items we’ve reviewed, as well as ideas that don’t cost a thing.  Our family is excited, especially this year, to get out and have summer fun in our new state.  With so many great ideas on this list, you too will find wonderful and fun things to do with your kids!

50+ Summer Fun Ideas For Kids

This list includes various items that are affiliate links.  That means I may earn a commission through purchases made via the link, or I may have received a sample of the item to review.  Despite the compensation, I only include items we love!  So, check out our list and enjoy some amazing summer fun with your kids this ye

• Visit the library and sign up for the annual summer reading program.
• Learn how to ride a bike, scooter, or use a pogo stick.
• Read a series of books together as a family.
• Attend free or cheap kids movie programs at local theaters.
• Learn how to knit, crochet, or embroider.
• Buy science kits to use with your kids.  We love the Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Science Kit as well as the 4M Crystal Growing Experiment.
• Use beads to create fun jewelry items for yourself and family.
• Set up a booth at a local farmers market to sell homemade products or produce.
• Learn how to can fresh produce like salsa, cucumbers, or tomatoes.
• Make bubble solution with dish soap and water and see how big you can make a bubble without it popping.
• Set up sprinklers in your yard and have fun in the water.
• Go to your local community pool, beach, or splash pad.
• Join a local kids theater group and act out a play.
• Play board games together like Monopoly, Parcheesi, Clue, or Chutes and Ladders.
• Try ice cream at all the best places in your region.
• Host a backyard explorers club with neighborhood kids.

Summer Fun Ideas don’t have to be just for the kids.  They can include the entire family!

• Play fun outdoor yard games like badminton, hopscotch, or horseshoes.
• Learn how to make your own butter and bread.
• Teach your kids basic kitchen skills like how to clean and sanitize, properly use a knife, and even basic cooking.
• Use fun craft kits like the Paper Punk My Life Fashion Designer or the Paper Punk Graffiti Blocks kits for some imaginative play.
• Build elaborate sand castles at the beach.
• Go to a drive-in movie.
• Visit a local amusement park.
• Play Pokemon Go in your local neighborhoods and parks.
• Organize a neighborhood yard sale to earn money for a special day out.
• Have video game competitions with Mario Kart or Donkey Kong.
• Go to a local arcade to learn how to play old school video games.
• Build your own robot using a Raspberry Pi Robot Kit.
• Learn how to use a Frisbee properly.
• Go to a local history museum or science museum that has kid-friendly attractions.

• Go to the local park and climb, swing, or play tag.
• Plant your own garden with flowers or vegetables.
• Host a tea party with tea, finger sandwiches, and special cakes or cookies.
• Make homemade ice cream and share with friends and neighbors.
• Explore your area for beautiful wildflowers to pick a bouquet.
• Build a tower with LEGO’s or another building block system.
• Learn how to make balloon animals.
• Put together a fun puzzle.
• Learn how to make origami.  We love the Star Wars Origami Kit.
• Have an all day movie marathon with Disney cartoons.

More great Summer Fun Ideas from fellow bloggers:

Summer Activities to Get Kids Away from the TV

Fun Things to do in Summer with Kids

Easy Summer Homeschool Ideas

18 Ways to Include Education During Summer Vacation

100 Fun Ideas for Your Summer Bucket List

Summer Reading Activities and Ideas For Kids

How to Save Money on Entertainment for Kids

Free Things to do in Houston

Over 150 Free Things to do in or around Lansing, MI

102 Summer Bucket List Ideas

Don’t forget to think of others during the summer as well.  We have shared our own tips and lists of Things Homeschool Shelters Need in the Summer.  This is a great place to begin in teaching your children compassion during the summer months.

I’ve always loved the idea of Spring Cleaning and my spring cleaning tips are much needed for busy moms like you and me.  It’s a way to get rid of all of the junk in the house and it means sunshine is on its way. However, cleaning with kids at home can be a true nightmare. Not to mention, I’m super busy, so it’s not always easy to get things situated and ready for cleaning. Over the years, I have found some tricks though and I hope they make spring cleaning easier for you like they have for me!

5 Spring Cleaning Tips For Busy Moms

This post contains affiliate links.

1. Have your spouse take the kids somewhere: If I’m smack dab in the middle of Spring cleaning, I really like it when my husband takes the kids somewhere.  This is one of my favorite Spring cleaning tips because sometimes it is the only way I can get the house cleaned. It’s not always for a super long period of time, but if the kids aren’t in the house, I can get so much more cleaned than ever before.
2. Don’t expect too much: I’ve also learned that when spring cleaning with kids around, don’t expect too much. You can’t possibly get as much cleaning done as you want when your kids are all there. I always start doing one task and finish it before moving onto the next. If my kids have had enough with me trying to clean, then I just stop. No sense in fighting with my kids, all while trying to have a clean house.
3. Clean as you go: One tip I’ve found very helpful while having little ones is to clean as I go. It’s much easier to spring clean while I do my regular cleaning. If I’m putting away laundry, I pull out the clothes that are too small. I even invested in a sorting hamper to help make that easier.  If I’m doing dishes, I try and scrub the cupboards as I go using an all purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth.  These little cleaning tips make it much easier to do a good deep clean later.
4. Schedule in spring cleaning time: One tip you’ll want to take note of is to actually schedule in spring cleaning time. You know, put it on your calendar and in your phone. You certainly don’t want to forget to spring clean your home, especially since it makes your house look and feel so much better.  It’s also the time of year you want to remember to check batteries in smoke detectors and do basic household updates like checking windows and doors for seals and scheduling a check-upfor your air conditioner.
5. Ask for help: Yes, the dreaded “ask for help” is one of the best Spring cleaning tips. You’re only one person with multiple little ones running around, take the time to ask for help. And if all else fails, just hire someone else to do it. I’ve been known to hire help if I can’t get to the task. Why not?

What tips do you have for spring cleaning as a busy mom? I’d love to hear your tips!

Check out some of our other great cleaning and organization tips!

12 Easy Tips To Spring Cleaning

15 Homemade Household Cleaning Agents

Ultimate List of Cleaning Hacks & Tricks

Tips For Organizing Small Bathrooms

Calling all LEGO fans from  beginners to Master Builders! I have pulled together  a collections of 12 Must Have LEGO Items. From T-shirts to Video games and everything in between these are some of the coolest LEGO themed items I could find for your brick addicted kid.  The open ended play of LEGO is a universal hit with boys and girls alike and you will want to add a few of these to your Christmas list.

 12 MUST HAVE LEGO ITEMS

1.  1.LEGO Bricks & More–  A big bucket of basic Lego pieces is perfect for the kid just starting his LEGO collection or one who already seems to have it all.
2. 2.LEGO Building Plate– Building plates are a must have for all types of LEGO building and if you have a fan who has everything this is always a welcome addition to any set.
3. 3.LEGO Ideas Book- I love the open ended play of LEGO but sometimes you need a little inspiration and this book is a great place to start.
4. 4.LEGO Movie XBox– Let them play along with the characters from one of their favorite movies in this LEGO Movie video game.
5. 5.LEGO Creationary Game– A new way to play with LEGOS the object of this game is to build and play to make creations in one of four exciting categories.
6. 6.LEGO Movie DVD– If you have not yet picked up The LEGO Movie for your little brick builder don’t forget to add this to your list.
7. 7.LEGO Advent Calender– Count down the days to Christmas with this super fun advent calender, with a different LEGO themed item to open each day.
8. 8.LEGO Emmet Watch–  The star of the LEGO movie ready to be on hand to tell time and keep your kid stylin’.
9. 9.Darth Vader Minifigure Alarm Clock– Use the force when waking up with this fun Darth Vader alarm clock.
10. 10.LEGO Cardmaking Kit– I love this different way to get your childs mind going but still in the LEGO theme.
11. LEGO Movie T Shirt– Let them show their LEGO pride loud and proud on a t shirt.
12. LEGO Sheet Set– No LEGO themed room would be complete without these cute minifig sheets.

Make sure your Lego fan is happy this holiday season with one or all of these great deals!

**Looking for some LEGO’s used for building? See some amazing Lego Building Games for your kids here!**