Lisa’s Blog

Taking a short pause on social media to focus on creating more meaningful content and exciting new books for your little learners. This time allows me to pour creativity intoContinue reading “Pausing Social Media”

As the school year begins to wind down, it’s the perfect time to thank a teacher 🍎💛 Teachers do so much more than teach – they inspire, encourage, and supportContinue reading “Thank You Teachers!”

Celebrate Earth Day with movement, imagination, and fresh air 🌎💚 Take your Big Hugs outside today and turn nature into a fun, screen-free activity for kids. Try buzzing like aContinue reading “Earth Day”

How is your 50 States Big Hug Challenge going?! We’re checking in and cheering you on! This is such a fun way for kids to stay active, learn about allContinue reading “Big Hugs Challenge”

Tomorrow is National Exercise Day, and it’s the perfect reminder that movement and learning can go hand in hand. Get kids up, active, and having fun by combining reading withContinue reading “Tomorrow is National Exercise Day “

Turn one night this week into a Family Reading Night and watch the magic unfold. Unplug from screens, grab your child’s favorite books, and create a cozy space where storiesContinue reading “Family Reading Night”

Even miles apart, storytime can still bring you close. For grandparents who live far away, reading a book together over a video call is a simple and meaningful way toContinue reading “For Grandparents…”

Every book a child opens is a doorway to imagination, learning, and adventure. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a quiet afternoon read, books help children explore new worlds, buildContinue reading “Every Book a Child Opens is a Doorway to Imagination!”

“A book a day” can make a bigger difference than you think. Even just a few minutes of reading each day helps build vocabulary, imagination, and a lifelong love ofContinue reading “A Book A Day”

National Library Week is the perfect time to celebrate the magic of libraries and the important role they play in childhood literacy. Libraries open the door to imagination, curiosity, andContinue reading “National Library Week”

Good Friday is a time to pause, reflect, and remember the meaning of faith, love, and sacrifice. It’s also a gentle opportunity to share these values with the children inContinue reading “Good Friday”

April birthdays are here, and there is so much to celebrate. A very special shoutout to my great-granddaughter on her 1st birthday, such a sweet and meaningful milestone. If youContinue reading “April Birthdays!”

How is your 50 States Challenge going? 🇺🇸 We’re checking in! Have you and your child been reading along, moving along, and exploring each state together? Whether you’re just gettingContinue reading “50 States Challenge”

Something new is coming… 👀 Kami is getting ready for another adventure, but this time there’s a special guest joining the journey! This upcoming book is full of movement, learning,Continue reading ” Book 5 Teaser”

🌸 Hop into Easter fun! 🌸 Easter is just 2 weeks away, so don’t forget to grab your basket goodies that last longer than candy! 🐰✨ Dive into Kami’s ActivityContinue reading “Easter Basket Idea!”

Fun Friday time 🎉 Can you guess the book from these emojis? 🦞🌲🥫 Drop your guess in the comments before you swipe ➡️ This one might be trickier than itContinue reading “Fun Friday!”

Tomorrow is Absolutely Incredible Kids Day It’s the perfect reminder to celebrate the amazing kids in our lives. Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest impact and help childrenContinue reading “Absolutely Incredible Kids Day”

Reminder: The 2026 50 States Challenge is happening now. Families across the country are exploring the United States from home by watching the state videos on the Big Hugs forContinue reading “50 States Challenge Reminder”

Tomorrow is National Children’s Craft Day Looking for a fun and creative activity to do with your child? Celebrate National Children’s Craft Day with simple crafts that inspire creativity, imagination,Continue reading “National Children’s Craft Day”

Creating a daily reading routine helps children develop strong literacy skills, build imagination, and form healthy habits that last a lifetime. Just a few minutes of reading each day canContinue reading “Reading Routines”

Book 2 is the perfect addition to a St. Patrick’s Day basket! Add a little green, a lot of movement, and a meaningful story to your child’s celebration this year.Continue reading “St. Patrick’s Day Basket!”

“Books give children the freedom to imagine beyond what they can see.” – Unknown One of the greatest gifts we can give a child is imagination. Through children’s books, kidsContinue reading “Quote of the Day!”

March Birthdays are here! Celebrating kids, teens, parents, grandparents – everyone of all ages born this month. There is something special about a March birthday, whether you are turning 5Continue reading “March Birthdays”

Happy Read Across America Day! Celebrate by reading a favorite children’s book with your child today and build a lifelong love of reading. Looking for an engaging, educational book seriesContinue reading “Read Across America Day”

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 Big Hug Challenge,Continue 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 is at. WhetherContinue 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 volume for agesContinue 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 connects to familyContinue 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/  #ScreenFreeKids #ScreenFreeActivities #ParentResourcesContinue 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? #RandomActsOfKindness #KindnessMatters #SpreadKindnessContinue 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 yourself – loveContinue 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, and connectionContinue 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, or family.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? Flamingos are knownContinue 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 Kids stories inContinue 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, and being YOU.Continue 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-free ways toContinue 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 that who theyContinue 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, is a simpleContinue 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 positive words canContinue 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 family member andContinue 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, characters, andContinue 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 to help aContinue 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 day into aContinue 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 BIG HUGS intoContinue 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 with your favoriteContinue 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 they appreciate –Continue 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 us to standContinue 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, and stepContinue 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 BIG HUGS forContinue 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 and homeschool families,Continue 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 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!”