Lisa’s Blog

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 a fun andContinue 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, or gettingContinue 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 live on YouTubeContinue 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 create cozy memoriesContinue 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 perfect last-minute surprise!Continue 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 reading time funContinue 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 perfect for littleContinue 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, shapes, numbers,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 Activity Book! CrosswordsContinue 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 activity is yourContinue 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 BIG difference. FamiliesContinue 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 to celebrate joy,Continue 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’t entered yet,Continue 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 that bring BIGContinue 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 ages 4-8. DesignedContinue 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 celebrating every day.Continue 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 them how thankfulContinue 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, and shine.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 early next year!Continue 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 shape how youngContinue 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 into compassionate, confident,Continue 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’re celebrating allContinue 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 helps kids strengthenContinue 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! 🦩💖 NovemberContinue 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! 🍭💖 WishingContinue 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 their own voice!Continue 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 time of dayContinue 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 about geography, movement,Continue 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 kids (and ourselves!)Continue 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 with encouragement, connection,Continue 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 for Kids series.Continue 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, what’s yourContinue 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 activities on ourContinue 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’re a teacherContinue 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 that make learningContinue 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 many ways:🧠 CognitiveContinue 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. 🦩💖 Our booksContinue 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, Kami isContinue 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/grandparent wanting screen-freeContinue 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 easy ways toContinue 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 Teachers Pay Teachers,Continue 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 HUG move inspiredContinue 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 and love. WithContinue 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. 📚✨ Reading together: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, and teachers toContinue 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. Both remind kidsContinue 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 ✅ Crafts ✅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 HUGS for KidsContinue 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 power of BOTH-readingContinue 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. That’s whereContinue 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 child with aContinue 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. 🦩✨ This seriesContinue 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’d love toContinue 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 the perfect travelContinue 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 when they feelContinue 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? 💖 👉 Drop your answerContinue 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 🍓), but todayContinue 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, our pink-featheredContinue 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 wind down, sparkContinue 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-inspired BIG HUGContinue 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, and heart-centered fun,Continue 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?Swipe up toContinue 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 HUG that’s fullContinue 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, happy birthday month!Continue 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, and theContinue 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 up with love,Continue 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?🌈 Rainbow sprinkles🍓 StrawberriesContinue 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-grandmas too)! Here’sContinue 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? Connecticut isContinue 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! 🦩💫 JoinContinue 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 something bigger thanContinue 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 bigger than IContinue 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 along a belovedContinue reading “National Give Something Away Day”

Every author starts with a blank page.And if you’re dreaming of writing children’s books, here’s the advice I wish someone told me: 💡 Write like you’re speaking to a childContinue reading “Author Advice”

🥳 BIG NEWS: Books 1–4 are now BEST SELLERS!My heart is bursting with gratitude 💖 Thank you to every parent, teacher, grandparent, book-lover, and little reader who has hugged, giggled,Continue reading “Best Sellers!”

🎆🎉 Happy 4th of July from Kami and the BIG HUGS crew! 🇺🇸💙 We’re celebrating independence, joy, and the freedom to be uniquely YOU! 🦩💫 Whether you’re watching fireworks, havingContinue reading “Happy 4th of July!”

🎉🎂 Calling all July birthdays! We’re celebrating BIG this month, because it’s Kami’s favorite time of year AND… it’s my birthday too! 🥳💖 Whether you’re a fireworks baby, a sunshineContinue reading “July Birthdays”

✨ Choose Your Adventure! 🦩✨ Join Kami on her epic journey and help decide where she goes next! 🗺️ 📍 Vote now: What state should Kami visit next? 🏞️🏙️ YourContinue reading “The Next Adventure…”

Shades on, BIG HUGS out! 😎💖Kami and I are celebrating #NationalSunglassesDay with sunshine, smiles, and style! ✨ 📸 Join the fun: Snap a selfie in your favorite or most fabulousContinue reading “National Sunglasses Day”

Physical activities offer numerous benefits for children. Here are three key ones: 1. Improved Physical Health: Regular physical activity helps children build strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight,Continue reading “The Benefits of Big Hugs for Kids”

Yesterday was International You Being You Day! 🦩 Celebrate the joy of being uniquely you! 🩷 YOU be YOU – BIG HUGS brings America to life, fostering imagination, nurturing aContinue reading “YOU BE YOU🩷”

🌵 National Arizona Day is tomorrow! 🌵 Celebrate with Book 2 of the BIG HUGS for Kids – Learn and Move Series! 📚🦩 Join Kami, the Flamingo, as she visitsContinue reading “National Arizona Day🌵”

🌟 “Learning is a journey, not a destination.” 🌟 Experience the Ultimate Adventure Across America with BIG HUGS for Kids! 📚✨ The Learn and Move Series: Where Every Move InspiresContinue reading “Inspirational Quote🩷”

Smile Power Day was yesterday. 😄 Smile Challenge! How many people can you make smile today?Light up your home, your community, your world, just by being YOU.Let’s do this.

👔 Shout out to Father’s Day coming up this Sunday! Let’s honor our dads and all the love they give us daily. 💖 Celebrate the amazing fathers in our lives who support,Continue reading “It’s almost Father’s Day!”

🌸 National Making Life Beautiful Day – Beauty comes in all forms! 🌸 Celebrate the uniqueness of YOU BE YOU! 🦩 Embrace your individuality and let your true self shine.Continue reading “National Making Life Beautiful Day”

🩷 National Children’s Day was yesterday (2nd Sunday of June)! 🎉 Let’s celebrate with BIG HUGS for Kids! 📚✨🦩 Parents, join Kami, the Flamingo, on an epic adventure across America!Continue reading “National Children’s Day!”

👓 National Eyewear Day – Embrace your glasses, YOU be YOU! 💖 Kids often feel self-conscious about wearing glasses, but it’s totally okay! 🌟 🎉 National Oklahoma Day on JuneContinue reading “National Eyewear Day + National Oklahoma Day”

🍅 National Ketchup Day was June 5! 🍅 Check out this fun video of knights doing a The POUR at the AZ Author Book Festival. Did you know the largest ketchup bottleContinue reading “National Ketchup Day🥫”

🎉🎂 June Birthdays! 🎂🎉 Wishing everyone a fantastic and joyful birthday this month! ✨💖 AND… 📚✨ Price Drop Alert! ✨📚 Books are now just $11.99 (was $14.99) Activity Books areContinue reading “June Birthdays🎂”

National Creativity Day 🎶🎭🎨✍️ Today is all about embracing your unique creativity and having fun! 🎨✨ Whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, or any other creative endeavor, let your imagination runContinue reading “National Creativity Day”

📚 Coming up next: Payson Book Festival! 🌞 Escape the heat and dive into the world of books at the 10th Annual Payson Book Festival on July 19, 2025. JoinContinue reading “Payson Book Festival”

On Memorial Day, we honor the heroes who sacrificed for our freedom. Enjoy your day and remember their legacy. Fun fact: Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1971! 🇺🇸❤️🙏

Celebrate National Road Trip Day with BIG HUGS for Kids! National Road Trip Day, celebrated on the Friday before Memorial Day, is the perfect kickoff to an adventurous weekend acrossContinue reading “National Road Trip Day”

Meet the Author: Lisa Galdos I created BIG HUGS for Kids – Learn and Move Series to inspire kids ages 3-7 to embrace movement and self-confidence while exploring the wondersContinue reading “Meet the Author: Lisa Galdos”

Took this video of my book being read at the Arizona Author Book Festival! So fun!🩷 Thank you to everyone who came out and said hi🦩

Tomorrow is National Idaho Day! 🩷🇺🇸 Did you know Idaho is featured in Book 1 of the BIG HUGS for Kids – Learn and Move Series? 📚✨ Check out “KamiContinue reading “Idaho Day! 🇺🇸”

Sneak Peek Alert! ✨ 🦩🩷 Dive into the magical world of “Kamis Activity Book” with these exclusive teasers! 📚✨ From thrilling adventures to fun educational activities, there’s something for everyone.Continue reading “Activity Book Sneak Peek!”

🌸 Happy (Belated) Mother’s Day! 🌸 I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day yesterday! Moms are truly incredible—they give so much of themselves every single day, nurturing, loving, and supporting usContinue reading “Happy Mother’s Day (Yesterday)”

Happy Alphabet Magnet Day! 🎉 Explore the fun alphabet page on my website, under the resources tab. If you don’t have magnets to play with, print out paper versions instead!Continue reading “Alphabet Magnet Day!”