Announcing The Summer Book Club 📚

We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a brand new Summer Book Club this year, both here on The Moon Child Blog and on our Instagram @bellalunatoys. Join us each week as we share eight of our favorite picture books, some old and some new.

Many of us are looking for ways to keep our children active and engaged this summer, so we decided to set up our book club in a way similar to how Waldorf lessons are taught. On day one, we will read the story and discuss what we took away from it. On day two, we will write or draw from a prompt inspired by the book. Day three will be an activity or craft that connects with the story. Reading stories in this way helps children to really grasp and more deeply comprehend what they've read, while also giving those little hands and minds something to engage with.

A stack of childrens picture books sits on top of a wooden stool in front of a toy shelf. The book on top of the stack is standing up. In red letters it reads Farmhouse and has a big white house illustrated under the title.

Beginning June 13 we will post the activities here on the blog on day one of the book club each week, so you will be free to engage however you choose. Maybe you'd like to read the story and make the craft on the same day. Or perhaps you don't have the book, but you'd love an idea for something you and your children can make together. We encourage you to use these eight weeks of activities in whatever way works best for your family. If you chose to follow the three day set up, please do join us on Instagram as we discuss the books, authors, and crafts!

Click here to download The Summer Book Club Reading & Activity List

Week One - Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

A beautifully illustrated tribute to the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and his family throughout the seasons. As the wind blows, the fog rolls in, and icebergs drift by, the keeper boils water for tea, lights the lamp’s wick, and writes every detail in his logbook.

Week Two - In The Palm Of My Hand by Jennifer Raudenbush

On a slow ambling walk, a child discovers that by exploring nature’s smallest details, they learn that even the tiniest of things, including themselves, contain unlimited potential.

Week Three - Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl - The Lazy Day

In "The Lazy Day" Little Witch Hazel feels like the only one in the forest who has things to do until she boards a raft with her friends and learns that not everything has to get done right away! Follow Little Witch Hazel on a magical forest adventure where rich illustrations and nature themes rule supreme.

Week Four - First Blade Of Sweet Grass by Suzanne Greenlaw & Gabriel Frey

In this sweet, authentic Own Voices Native American picture book, a modern Wabanaki girl is excited to accompany her grandmother for the first time to harvest sweetgrass for basket making.

Week Five - Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

Relish in an enchanting visit to the daily life of a farmhouse and the family that lives there, rendered in luminous detail. Based on a real family and an actual farmhouse, readers will experience an enchanting visit through time to a place that echoes with stories.

Week Six - Berry Song by Michaela Goade

Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade's first picture book is a beautiful celebration of the land she knows so well and the deep and abiding wisdom of elders. This book celebrates the bounty of nature and all the treasures that emerge from connection.

Week Seven - The Maggie B by Irene Haas

In this whimsically illustrated story, young Margaret Barnstable wishes to sail away on a boat named after her. When she drifts off to sleep her dreams come to life and an adventurous journey at sea ensues!

Week Eight - Miss Maple's Seeds by Eliza Wheeler

Celebrate the wonders of nature with this enchanting picture book about Miss Maple, who collects and cares for seeds before they sprout and teaches them all they need to know before sending them into the world to grow into the beautiful plants she knows they'll become.