Lisa’s Blog

The 2026 Big Hug Challenge starts March 1st! How many states can you visit in 8 months… without leaving your home? We are officially launching the 2026 BigContinue reading “50 States Challenge”

Reading habits start early, and every minute counts. How many minutes does your child read each day? Vote in the poll below and let’s see where everyone isContinue reading ” How many minutes does your child read daily?”

Discover adventure, movement, and learning all in one! Kami’s Collection: The Ultimate Adventure Across America brings together 3 best-selling BIG HUGS for Kids books in one exciting volumeContinue reading “Kami’s Collection”

Behind the scenes question: How do I choose which states I feature in my books? Every setting has a purpose. Sometimes it’s tied to history. Sometimes it connectsContinue reading “Behind the Scenes”

Parents, save this 💡 Need a screen-free activity? Visit the Resources page on my website for book-based ideas that support early readers and curious kids. Visit: https://bighugsforkids.com/resources-quick-tips/  #ScreenFreeKidsContinue reading “Need a screen-free activity?”

Tomorrow we celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day 🤗 A smile. A thank you. A helping hand. What’s one small way you can show kindness tomorrow? #RandomActsOfKindnessContinue reading “National Random Acts of Kindness Day”

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day 💕 Today’s reminder is easy: share a BIG hug with someone you love. A partner, a friend, a child, a parent, or even yourselfContinue reading “Valentine’s Day”

Why do I love writing for kids? Because children’s books can ignite a child’s imagination. I hope my stories foster a love of reading and bring joy, laughter,Continue reading “Why do I love writing for kids?”

Valentine’s Day is almost here 💕Make it extra special with a BIG HUGS for Kids Kami Valentine! Print, color, and share these kid-friendly Valentine cards with classmates, friends,Continue reading “DIY Valentine’s Day Cards”

Fun Fact Friday! 🎉🦩 Did you know flamingos can stand on one leg for a really long time, and they love hanging out in groups called flocks? FlamingosContinue reading “Fun Fact Friday!”

📚🦩 BIG NEWS! The Hardcover Collection is out now!  Kami’s Collection: The Ultimate Adventure Across America is officially available — bringing together three best-selling BIG HUGS for KidsContinue reading “The Hardcover Collection is out now!”

🎉🦩 Happy February Birthdays! 🦩🎉 Sending BIG HUGS to all of our friends celebrating a birthday this month! February is a great time to celebrate kindness, confidence, andContinue reading “February Birthdays”

🎨Tomorrow is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, and it’s the perfect reminder that creativity helps kids express who they are. Coloring, drawing, and crafting are wonderful screen-freeContinue reading “Inspire Your Heart with Art Day”

Today’s reminder for every little learner: the world doesn’t need another copy – it needs the amazing YOU. 💛🦩 Being yourself is your superpower. Let kids know thatContinue reading “Today’s Reminder”

❄️💙 Winter wellness reminder: reading plus movement helps keep kids energized, focused, and happy during the colder months. A short story, followed by a BIG HUG move, isContinue reading “Winter Wellness Reminder!”

In honor of National Compliment Day, let’s spread some BIG HUGS through kind words! Tag a friend in the comments and leave them a compliment. A few positiveContinue reading “National Compliment Day”

📝 Activity Idea: Write a Compliment A simple compliment can brighten someone’s entire day. Help your child write a kind note to a teacher, grandparent, friend, or familyContinue reading “Activity Idea!”

Happy National Imagination Day! 📚✨ Books open doors to new worlds, new ideas, and endless creativity. When kids read, they aren’t just learning words – they’re imagining places,Continue reading “Happy National Imagination Day!”

Today’s reminder for our little learners: you are brave, you are kind, and you can do hard things. 💛🦩 Sometimes all it takes is one encouraging message toContinue reading “Today’s reminder for our little learners”

Snow days are made for books! 📚❄️ When school is cancelled and kids are home, BIG HUGS for Kids is the perfect way to turn a snowy dayContinue reading “Books are perfect for snow days!”

🏡📚 Homeschool Hack: Incorporate BIG HUGS into Your Weekly Lesson Looking for a simple way to add movement, confidence, and learning into your homeschool routine? Try building BIGContinue reading “Homeschool Hack”

📚❄️ Winter Reading Tip #2: Create a Reading Basket ❄️📚 Make reading extra inviting this winter by creating a special reading basket for your child. Fill it withContinue reading “Winter Reading Tip #2”

💛📝 Activity Idea: Write a Kindness Note One of the simplest ways to teach gratitude and empathy is by helping kids write a kindness note to someone theyContinue reading “Activity Idea: Write a Kindness Note”

Happy National Bird Day! 🌟🦩 Today we’re celebrating Kami the Flamingo and all the wonderful birds that make our world colorful and full of life. Birds remind usContinue reading “Happy National Bird Day!”

🎉🦩 Happy January Birthdays! 🦩🎉 Sending BIG HUGS to all of our friends celebrating a birthday this month! January is the perfect time to start fresh, dream big,Continue reading “January Birthdays!”

Happy New Year’s Eve! 🎉✨As we say goodbye to this year and welcome a brand new one, I want to thank you for being part of the BIGContinue reading “Happy New Year!”

This year has been filled with learning, movement, kindness, and connection — and none of it would be possible without you. From parents and grandparents to teachers andContinue reading “Thank you for sharing BIG HUGS with kids and families everywhere! 💛🦩”

Did you know today is National Thank You Note Day? 💛📝It’s the perfect time to slow down after the holiday excitement and help kids practice gratitude in aContinue reading “National Thank You Note Day”

Merry Christmas Eve! 🎄✨Wishing you a cozy, joyful day filled with family, laughter, and the little moments that make this season so special. Whether you’re baking, reading together,Continue reading “Merry Christmas”

It’s almost Christmas, and we’re celebrating with a fun way to move, learn, and get those wiggles out! 🎄🦩Our “12 Days of BIG HUGS” video is now liveContinue reading “12 Days of BIG HUGS”

What’s your favorite holiday story to read with your kids or class? 🎄📚Whether it’s a classic you grew up with or a new family tradition, holiday stories createContinue reading “What’s your favorite holiday story to read with your kids or class?”

🎁✨ Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? ✨🎁 If you’re still looking for a meaningful, screen-free gift for little learners, BIG HUGS for Kids makes the perfectContinue reading “Holiday Shopping”

Winter Reading Tip  Winter break is the perfect time to slow down, get cozy, and keep little minds engaged through reading. Here’s a simple way to make readingContinue reading “Winter Reading Tip “

BIG HUGS Holiday Craft Time! 🎄🦩 Our DIY paper flamingo ornament is now available to download and print on the website! It’s a fun, screen-free holiday activity perfectContinue reading “DIY Paper Flamingo Ornament”

🎄🦩 Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? BIG HUGS for Kids books are the sweetest surprise for little learners ages 4–8! From movement and confidence to learning letters,Continue reading “Stocking Stuffers!”

🧩✨ Happy National Crossword Solvers Day! ✨🧩 If your little learner loves puzzles, challenges, and brain-boosting fun, they’ll love the crossword inside the BIG HUGS for Kids ActivityContinue reading “National Crossword Solvers Day”

🎄✨ Christmas Favorites Poll! ✨🎄 – on my Instagram as well! The holiday season is full of traditions and fun moments, and we want to know which activityContinue reading “Christmas Poll”

🌟 Yesterday was Giving Tuesday, and we’re keeping the giving season going! 🌟 This month, let’s teach our kids how small acts of kindness can make a BIGContinue reading “Giving Season”

🎉✨ Happy December Birthdays! ✨🎉 To all our BIG HUGS friends celebrating this month – we’re sending you the biggest birthday HUGS! December is a beautiful time toContinue reading “December Birthdays!”

🎁✨ Last Day to Enter! ✨🎁 Today is the final day to join our BIG HUGS for Kids Holiday Giveaway during this beautiful giving season! If you haven’tContinue reading “GIVEAWAY REMINDER”

Tomorrow we celebrate one of the best reminders of all, gratitude. 🦃💛As we gather with family and friends, let’s take a moment to appreciate the little things thatContinue reading “Thanksgiving is tomorrow!”

🎁🎉 Holiday Giveaway – it’s the giving season! We’re celebrating with gratitude by giving away 3 copies of the BIG HUGS for Kids Activity Book, perfect for agesContinue reading “GIVEAWAY!”

Let’s wrap up this week with a BIG HUG of gratitude. 💖When we focus on helping others, we discover our truest selves – and that’s something worth celebratingContinue reading “Attitude of Gratitude”

Gratitude grows when we share it! 💖This month, let’s celebrate the people who make our days brighter. Whether it’s a friend, teacher, or family member – tell themContinue reading “Gratitude Video”

🍎💖 It’s American Education Week (November 17–21)! This week, we celebrate the amazing educators, parents, and mentors who dedicate their time and hearts to helping kids grow, learn,Continue reading “American Education Week”

🦩✨ Exciting things are in the works! We’re still hard at work preparing for our BIG HUGS for Kids launch on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) – coming earlyContinue reading “TPT Reminder!”

🌎💖 In today’s global world, it’s more important than ever to help children understand and celebrate diversity from an early age. Children’s books have the power to shapeContinue reading “Celebrate Diversity!”

💬 How do you teach kindness and respect in your home or classroom? Kindness and respect aren’t just good manners-they’re life skills that help our kids grow intoContinue reading “Question!”

🍎💖 Tomorrow is National Parents as Teachers Day! Parents are a child’s very first teachers, helping them learn kindness, curiosity, and confidence long before school begins. 🦩✨ We’reContinue reading “National Parents as Teachers Day”

📚🦩 National Family Literacy Month is here! Reading together isn’t just about learning new words, it’s about building connection, confidence, and memories that last. Each story shared helpsContinue reading “National Family Literacy Month”

🎉🍂 Happy November Birthdays! 🍂🎉 To all our amazing readers, parents, grandparents, teachers, and little learners celebrating this month-BIG HUGS for Kids wishes you a joyful, love-filled birthday!Continue reading “Attitude of Gratitude”

🎃🦩 Happy Halloween from BIG HUGS for Kids! 🦩🎃 Kami’s all dressed up as a BIG HUG today, complete with her favorite treat from Book 1… a lollipop!Continue reading “Happy Halloween!”

📖✨ Hey Homeschoolers! Here’s a Great Way to Get Kids Engaged While Reading! ✨ Want to make reading time more fun and interactive? Try giving each character theirContinue reading “Hey Homeschoolers!”

Reading together builds confidence, imagination, and connection, but when do you fit it in? Morning? After school? Before bed? 🦩✨ We want to know:👉 What’s your favorite timeContinue reading ” Parents, Let’s Talk Storytime!”

Big news, BIG HUGS for Kids is coming to Teachers Pay Teachers early next year! 🦩💫 We’re so excited to bring you classroom companions that make learning aboutContinue reading “📣🍎 Hey Teachers!”

💖✨ Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken! ✨💖 We just celebrated National Youth Confidence Day (10/20), and one of the best ways to build confidence in kidsContinue reading “Inspire!”

💪🦩 It’s National Youth Confidence Day! 🦩💪 Today we celebrate the power of self-belief, courage, and confidence in every child. 💖 Confidence doesn’t just happen, it grows withContinue reading “National Youth Confidence Day”

📖✨ Integrating Literacy + Movement: How BIG HUGS for Kids Does Both! ✨🦩 Kids learn best when they move, and that’s the heart behind the BIG HUGS forContinue reading “Integrating Literacy + Movement”

🍂✨ Let’s Talk Fall Fun! ✨🍂 The air is cooler, the leaves are changing, and it’s the perfect time to make memories together! 🦩💖 We want to know,Continue reading “Fall Activity List”

🍁🦩 Fall Break Fun Starts Here! 🍁 Looking for creative, screen-free activities to enjoy with your kids this Fall Break? We’ve got you covered! 🎨✨ Find free activitiesContinue reading “Fall Break Resources”

🍂✨ Kami’s Activity Book: Your Fall Essential! ✨🍂 Fall is the perfect time to spark creativity and connection, and Kami’s Activity Book makes it easy! 🦩💖 Whether you’reContinue reading “Your Fall Essential”

📣🍎 Hey Teachers!Big news, BIG HUGS for Kids is coming to Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) early next year! 🦩💫 We’re so excited to bring you classroom companions thatContinue reading “TPT x Big Hugs for Kids”

Happy National Child Health Day! Did you know that reading isn’t just fun, it’s healthy for kids, too? 🦩✨ When we read together, children benefit in so manyContinue reading “Happy National Child Health Day!”

It’s National Book Month! We’re celebrating a whole month dedicated to the magic of reading, and BIG HUGS for Kids is here to make storytime extra special. 🦩💖Continue reading “National Book Month”

🎉🎂 Happy October Birthdays! 🎂🎉 BIG HUGS to all our October birthday friends, parents, grandparents, teachers, and little learners. 🦩💖 Whether you’re celebrating with cake, balloons, or storytime,Continue reading “October Birthdays”

🍁✨ Why Kami’s Activity Book is Perfect for Fall ✨🍁 Whether you’re a teacher looking for engaging classroom resources, a homeschool mom planning fall lessons, or a parent/grandparentContinue reading “Kami’s Activity Book is Perfect for Fall”

🦩✨ 3 Ways to Use BIG HUGS at Home! ✨🦩 BIG HUGS for Kids isn’t just for classrooms, it’s a tool for families, too. Here are three easyContinue reading “3 Ways to Use BIG HUGS at Home!”

📣 Shout out to all you amazing teachers, classroom & homeschool alike! 🦩✨ I’m thrilled to announce that I’m launching BIG HUGS for Kids Classroom Companions on TeachersContinue reading “Teachers Pay Teachers!”

🗽✨ National New York Day was yesterday! ✨🗽 In BIG HUGS for Kids – Book 4, Kami the Flamingo travels to New York and discovers a BIG HUGContinue reading “National New York Day!”

How to Use BIG HUGS in the Classroom or at Home 🫂📚 Pairing reading + movement can transform storytime into an engaging, active experience that kids remember andContinue reading “How to Use BIG HUGS”

💖 National Care for Kids Day is coming up this Saturday! 💖 One of the simplest-and most powerful-ways to care for kids is by reading with them. 📚✨Continue reading “National Care for Kids Day is this Saturday”

🦩✨ One BIG HUG = So Many Benefits! In just 5 seconds:✅ Movement✅ Confidence✅ Smiles✅ Learning BIG HUGS isn’t just a book-it’s a tool for parents, grandparents, andContinue reading “One BIG HUG = So Many Benefits!”

🙌💖 Happy National Hug & High Five Day! 💖🙌 Today we’re celebrating the power of connection, whether it’s through a warm hug or a joyful high five. BothContinue reading “National Hug and High Five Day!”

🖍✨ Screen-Free Fun After School ✨🖍 When you need a quick activity to keep little hands (and minds!) busy, Kami’s got you covered! 💕 ✅ Coloring pages ✅Continue reading “Free Activity!”

📖✨ Story time Tip for Parents & Teachers!Want to make reading with kids more fun and interactive? Try using a different voice for each character! In BIG HUGSContinue reading “Reading Tip!”

📖☀️ Two BIG reasons to celebrate this weekend: ✨ National Read a Book Day ✨ Play Outside Day At BIG HUGS for Kids, we believe in the powerContinue reading “Read Outside!”

😅 When the wiggles hit… it’s time for a BIG HUG brain break! Teachers + parents, we all know those moments when kids just can’t sit still anymore.Continue reading “Wiggle Break”

🎉 Happy September! 🎂 We’re starting the month with double celebrations-Labor Day 🇺🇸 and all of our amazing September birthdays! 🥳 To every parent, grandparent, teacher, and childContinue reading “Happy September!”

💖 You make this journey so sweet.Every kind message, every photo of your little ones with BIG HUGS, every share and every read-it all means the world. 🦩✨Continue reading “Thank you🩷”

✏️📚 Parents, how are you feeling about back-to-school season?It’s that time of year again-new routines, new classrooms, and maybe a few jitters (for kids and parents!). 💖 We’dContinue reading “How do you feel about your child going back to school?”

🚗✨ Labor Day is coming up! That means long weekend road trips, family time, and kids with lots of energy to spare. 💕 Kami’s Activity Book is theContinue reading “Upcoming Holiday…”

The first day jitters? Let’s hug them away… 💖 Heading back to school means new routines, new faces, and big feelings. And that’s okay! Kids shine brightest whenContinue reading “🎒📚 Back-to-School with BIG HUGS!”

🌟 My child lights up when… 🌟Parents + grandparents—let’s celebrate those magical little moments. ✨What’s something your child/grandchild does that makes your heart absolutely glow? 💖 👉 DropContinue reading “My child lights up when…”

🍦🥧 Happy National Ice Cream Pie Day! 🥧🍦Summer + ice cream = the perfect BIG HUG combo. 💖 Kami LOVES ice cream (her favorite flavor is strawberry 🍓),Continue reading “National Ice Cream Pie Day!”

🦩 Fun Fact Friday – All About Kami the Flamingo!Get to know the star of BIG HUGS for Kids a little better… 💖 1️⃣ Flamingos can fly! ✈️Yes,Continue reading “Fun Fact Friday!”

🌙⭐ Parents -let’s talk bedtime stories! What’s your go-to book to read with your little one before lights out? 📖💤 Bedtime stories aren’t just cozy-they help children windContinue reading “Hey Parents! Quick Question…”

🦩 Yesterday was National Connecticut Day! Connecticut is one of the first stops in BIG HUGS for Kids – Book 1, where Kami the Flamingo learns a state-inspiredContinue reading “Connecticut Day!”

📚 Calling all book lovers!Tomorrow is National Book Lovers Day, and we’re getting ready to celebrate BIG! 🦩💖 If you love picture books that inspire movement, learning, andContinue reading “National Book Lovers Day”

📚 Hey educators!As we head into a brand-new school year, I’d love your input… What do you find most helpful to encourage learning in your classroom or homeschool?SwipeContinue reading “Quick Question…”

🐸 BIG HUG of the Week: Georgia Edition! In celebration of National Georgia Day (August 3), Kami the Flamingo is hopping into the Peach State for a  BIG HUGContinue reading “National Georgia Day!”

🌞 Hello, August! A fresh new month = a fresh new chance to lead with  kindness, joy, and BIG HUG energy. 💖🦩 To all our August birthdays, happyContinue reading “August Birthdays”

💖 Happy International Day of Friendship! Friendship is one of life’s BIGGEST hugs-whether you’re 5 or 95. It’s in the shared giggles, the honest talks, the silly dances,Continue reading “International Day of Friendship”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Yesterday was National Parents Day-but let’s be honest… parents deserve to be celebrated every day. 💖 To the moms, dads, step-parents, grandparents, and caregivers who show upContinue reading ” National Parents Day was Yesterday!”

🍨 Happy National Hot Fudge Sundae Day!Kami the Flamingo is scooping up BIG smiles today, and you better believe her sundae has flair! 🦩✨ Her go-to toppings?🌈 RainbowContinue reading ” National Hot Fudge Sundae Day”

👵💖 Happy National Gorgeous Grandma Day!Today we’re celebrating the women who give the best hugs, tell the best stories, and love with their whole hearts, GRANDMAS (and great-grandmasContinue reading “National Gorgeous Grandma Day!”

🍭 Did someone say LOLLIPOPS?!Yesterday was National Lollipop Day, and we’re sending a BIG HUG shout-out to Connecticut, where the modern lollipop was born! 🇺🇸 And guess what?Continue reading “Lollipop Day🍭”

🎉 Get ready… National Play Day is TOMORROW!But why wait? At BIG HUGS for Kids, we believe every day is a good day to MOVE, LAUGH, and SHINE!Continue reading “National Play Day”

Some days I just pause and think… wow. 💖 What started as a simple idea – to help kids feel seen, confident, and joyful, has grown into somethingContinue reading “Gratitude Post”

Some days I just pause and think… wow. 💖 What started as a simple idean- to help kids feel seen, confident, and joyful, has grown into something biggerContinue reading “Sharing Gratitude”

🎁 It’s National Give Something Away Day!Today’s reminder: Giving doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. 💖 You can donate items you no longer need, pass alongContinue reading “National Give Something Away Day”