Pumpkin Time! Teacher/Librarian Appreciation Gift

Every year in the United States the National PTA sponsors PTA Teacher Appreciation Week. It's an opportunity for us parents to thank the many teachers, administrators, and support staff that educate our children and enrich their lives. For the 2014-15 school year, the PTA Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8, 2015. It's never too early to start thinking about ideas and that's why I've put together the Pumpkin Time! Teacher/Librarian Appreciation Gift inspired by the picture book Pumpkin Time! by Erzsi Deak, illustrated by Doug Cushman (Soucebooks, 2014). A book for all seasons!

The Jacket Flap says:

The day the cows strolled down Main Street in fancy hats...Evy didn't notice. 
What was Evy doing? 

Evy is so focused on watching her garden grow that she misses all the silliness going on around her--pigs dancing, donkeys flying, and sheep having a picnic. But after Evy's spent all year taking care of her garden, everyone's invited to pumpkin time!

Isn't that what teachers do? Take care of our children. Cultivate our children. Nurture our children. I thought this book would serve as a lovely addition to teachers' classrooms and the perfect gift to say thank you no matter what time of year it is.

Pumpkin Time! Teacher/Librarian Appreciation Gift

Supplies you will need:

Picture book Pumpkin Time! by Erzsi Deak and Doug Cushman
Cardstock
Scissors and 1/2 inch hole punch
Twine
See-thru plastic wrap
Any kind of vegetable or plant seeds
Gardening gloves
Gardening shovel or rake
Plant stand or pot

Step 1. Using your computer or handwrite "Teachers plant the seeds of knowledge that will grow forever" on your card stock. Then cut out your card using scissors and decorate. You can punch a tiny hole in the card and string some twine through. This will allow you to attach the card to the gift.

Cardstock

Decorated Card

Step 2. Roll out some of your see-thru-plastic wrap and assemble your plant stand, gloves, rake, seeds, and picture book in the center of the plastic wrap after you've cut it to the size you need.

Plant stand turned upside down with supplies inside

Seeds, gloves, rake

Step 3. Pull up all four corners and bunch together in the middle. Tie your string around the plastic wrap to secure it. Then attach your card.

Deliver to your favorite teacher or librarian! We appreciate them. We really do!

ReaderKidZ - This Orq. (he cave boy.)

It's hard to believe we're into the middle of September already! I hope many of you have had a soft launch re-entering the school year and no major hassles or hang-ups. At our house, it's been an exciting few weeks. Middle school for the almost 12-year-old is cool with the addition of a locker and  having a special space at school to call her own. The 5th-grader loves his new teacher and all the prestige and responsibility that comes with being the "leaders" at the school. I can remember when he was the smallest and youngest back in kindergarten and it's so nice to see him watching out for and making friends with the incoming kindergartners.

Speaking of friends, over at ReaderKidZ, friendship is the theme of the month. They're welcoming parents, educators, librarians back for another year of great books geared to the K-5 crowd. Check out   these two wonderful books mirroring friends who always have each other's back!

Read the ReaderKidZ review HERE for This Orq. (he cave boy.) by award-winning author David Elliott, illustrated by Lori Nichols.

Read the ReaderKidZ review HERE for Maggie and Milo by debut author Juli Brenning, illustrated by Priscilla Burris.

Be certain to check out all the books being reviewed by the talented crew over at ReaderKidZ who volunteer their time to inspire and foster a love of reading in kids K-5.

Happy September!

Texas Lifestyle Magazine - Tuesday Travels - Hyatt Regency Lost Pines and Spa

The summer is coming to an end but fall is just beginning. I love September. It's the start of a new school year and fresh beginnings.

I've been busy writing, working on publicity campaigns for my clients, and booking author visits. But during that time, I also managed to sneak a day or two off to see some of Texas with the family.  The visit to Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa was so memorable that I decided to write about it for Texas Lifestyle Magazine. Click HERE to read "Tuesday Travels: A Wilderness Escape in the Lost Pines Region." It's the perfect place to recapture those last moments of summer and anticipate the arrival of a new season.  There's truly something here for everyone; choose an adventure or relax and rejuvenate!

Happy September, everyone!