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Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

The Best Butterfly Books for Babies

March 25, 2022

Maybe it’s their colorful wings, sweet nature, or magical transformation from a caterpillar, but butterflies have always captivated little kids!

We’ve gathered some of the best butterfly themed books for babies and toddlers!

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.

J. Richard Lessor

Butterflies make an excellent theme for spring or summer reading. When I was a preschool teacher, we would incorporate butterflies into our spring unit.

As a stay-at-home-mom, I create little weekly themes for my baby. We then check out books from the library and do activities based on that theme. We are definitely having a butterfly week this spring!

Why should you read to your baby?

According to Zero to Three (click for link):

Reading together when babies are as young as 4 months old increases the chances that parents continue reading to babies as they get older. Beginning early is important because the roots of language are developing in a baby’s brain even before he can talk! The more words your baby hears over time, the more words he learns.

Zero to Three, “Read Early and Often”

Is a butterfly a caterpillar?

This one stumped me. Here’s an answer from Science ABC that sums it up more efficiently than I could!

Is a butterfly the same as a caterpillar? Well, allow me to answer that question with another question! Is an adult the same as a child? Perhaps you see where I’m going with this. A child and an adult are both humans, just at different stages of life. Similarly, a butterfly and a caterpillar belong to the same species (organisms belonging to the same taxonomic group), but are at different stages of their life. Just as a child slowly grows into an adult, so too does a caterpillar grow into a butterfly, albeit at a much faster rate. Basically, at some point in time, every butterfly was a caterpillar.

Science ABC, “Is A Butterfly The Same As A Caterpillar?”

What are the best butterfly books for babies and toddlers?

Below are some of the very sweetest butterfly books for babies and toddlers! Butterfly Colors and Counting is my favorite on the list!

The Best California Books for Babies and Toddlers

Butterfly’s Marching Band by Little Hippo Books

Little Butterfly: Finger Puppet Book by Chronicle Books

Butterfly Colors and Counting by Jerry Pallotta

Butterflies and Moths by Scarlett Wing

How Does a Butterfly Grow? by DK

Butterflies Soar by Amber Hendricks

Let’s Count Butterflies by Susan R. Stoltz

My, Oh My–A Butterfly!: All About Butterflies (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library) by Tish Rabe

Ten Magic Butterflies by Danica McKellar

Flutterby Butterfly: A Slide-and-Seek Book by Emma Parrish

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle


So, there are some of the best books on butterflies for babies and toddlers!

Does your little one like butterflies? Are they interested in caterpillars?

Are you familiar with any of these books?

Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • How to Create a Home Learning Corner for Your One-Year-Old
  • Sunday Night Routine for a Successful Week
  • 7 Things I Do Every Day as a Stay at Home Mom
  • How to Survive Your 1-Year-Old’s First Blood Test

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 3 Comments

The Best Spring Books for Babies

February 28, 2022

Spring is in the air! What better way to celebrate the change of seasons than with these awesome spring themed books? 

The season is all about baby animals, plants and flowers, and new life! 

Keep reading to see the best books to share with your little one this spring.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

What is the Vernal Equinox?

According to the Franklin Institute (click for reference):

Vernal Equinox occurs when the tilt of the Earth’s rotational axis reaches a particular position. We’re all aware of the imaginary axle the Earth spins around once every 24 hours. While we might imagine that axle to be vertical – that is, perpendicular to Earth’s orbital plane – the axle is tilted 23.5 degrees from vertical. It’s this tilt, not our proximity to the sun, that causes our seasons.  Let’s see what this might look like if we could be far enough out in space. 

The Franklin Institute, “What is Vernal Equinox?”

When is the first day of spring 2022?

The first day of spring is March 20th, 2022. Spring will end on June 21st, 2022.

How do I celebrate spring with my baby?

A great way to start off your spring celebration is with some bunny shaped pancakes. Taking a family walk and looking out for bunnies, budding flowers, and other signs of spring is a wonderful tradition as well. We love to celebrate the first day of each season! We write down the traditions on an index card so we’ll remember them year to year.

What are the best spring themed books for babies and toddlers?

Keep reading to view the best spring themed books for babies and toddlers! If you don’t feel like buying them, check out your local library!

Planting a Rainbow is my favorite on this list. The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle comes with actual seeds to plant! Let me know at the end if you’re a fan of any of the books on this list!

The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall

Some Bugs (Classic Board Books) by Angela DiTerlizzi

The Tiny Seed: With seeded paper to grow your own flowers! (The World of Eric Carle) by Eric Carle

Spencer Knows Spring: A Charming Children’s Book about Spring by Tiffany Obeng

Springtime Babies by Danna Smith

The Little Gardener by Jan Gerardi

Spring in the Forest by Rusty Finch

Bright Baby Touch and Feel Spring by Roger Priddy

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

Little Blue Truck’s Springtime by Alice Schertle

When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes


How do you welcome spring with your little one? Are you looking forward to the season change?

Are you familiar with any of the books above?

Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Sunday Night Routine for a Successful Week
  • Our Experience with Baby Led Weaning
  • Your Baby Doesn’t Need to Sleep Through the Night
  • The Best NYC Books for Babies

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 4 Comments

The Best St.Patrick’s Day Books for Babies

February 25, 2022

St.Patricks Day is almost here- what better way to celebrate with you baby then with these charming books!

Picking up a new book is a special way to mark your little one’s St.Patricks Day.

Keep reading to see the best titles for the holiday!

When is St.Patrick’s Day?

St.Patricks Day is on March 17th, 2022. It will be on a Thursday this year.

Is St.Patrick’s Day always on March 17th?

Yes! St.Patrick’s Day is always on March 17th.

Who was St.Patrick?

According to History.com (click for reference):

“St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures. But for all of his prevalence in culture—namely the holiday held on the day of his death that bears his name—his life remains somewhat of a mystery. 

He may be known as the patron saint of Ireland, but Patrick was never actually canonized by the Catholic Church. This is simply due to the era he lived in. During the first millennium, there was no formal canonization process in the Catholic Church. After becoming a priest and helping to spread Christianity throughout Ireland, Patrick was likely proclaimed a saint by popular acclaim.”

History.com, “Who Was St. Patrick?”

What is St.Patrick’s Day about?

“St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast–on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.”

History.com, “History of St. Patrick’s Day”

How do I celebrate St.Patrick’s Day with my baby?

There are so many ways to celebrate St.Patrick’s Day with your little one! If they are eating, why not start the day with shamrock pancakes? You can then read some of the books below to stay on theme. Cutting up a small portion of corned beef and cabbage works too.

What are the best books on St.Patrick’s Day?

See below for the best books on St.Patrick’s Day for babies and toddlers!


I’m a Leprechaun by Mallory Loehr

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover! by Lucille Colandro

How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace

Baby’s First St. Patrick’s Day (Baby’s First Holidays) by DK

Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase: Includes 12 St. Patrick’s Day Cards, Fold-Out Poster, and Stickers! by James Dean

The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day by Natasha Wing

The Itsy Bitsy Leprechaun by Jeffrey Burton

You’re My Little Lucky Charm by Natasha Marshall

The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day by Mike Bernstain

Jack and the Leprechaun by Ivan Robertson

Do you celebrate St.Patrick’s Day?

Are you familiar with any of the books on this list?

Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • 10 More Mom Influencers to Follow for Inspiration
  • How to Create a Home Learning Corner for Your One-Year-Old
  • How to Take Care of Your Baby When You’re Sick
  • 5 Blogging Lessons I Learned in 2021
  • Little Things I Do To Make my Baby Feel Loved

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

The Best Airplane Books for Babies and Toddlers

December 10, 2021

Does your little one love to watch planes pass by? Check out these books on airplanes to share with your baby or toddler!

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

Maybe you live near an airport or have an abundance of airplane toys – whatever has piqued your little one’s interest in planes, inspire them with these books!

The Little Airplane by Lois Lenski

Planes Go by Steve Light

Good Night Planes by Adam Gamble

Planes by Byron Barton

Amazing Airplanes by Tony Mitton

Playtown: Airport by Roger Priddy

Where Do Jet Planes Sleep at Night? by Brianna Caplan Sayres

Maisy Goes on a Plane by Lucy Cousins

I Wish I Were a Pilot by Stella Blackstone

Airplane Flight by Susanna Leonard Hill

I Am an Airplane by Ace Landers


Do you like to fly? Do you think your little one would enjoy any of these books? Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • The Best Dog Books for Babies and Toddlers
  • Zero Waste Laundry with Kind Laundry
  • The Best Chanukah Books for Babies and Toddlers
  • The Best NYC Books for Babies

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 2 Comments

The Best Books about Snow for Babies

December 8, 2021

Brrr! Winter is coming.

If your baby is interested in winter then these books could be a great place to start!

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

I can’t wait until the day that my backyard is covered in snow and I can show my daughter the magical quiet of winter. I love how snow decorates the world around me. I love being snowed in, warm and cozy inside.

If your little one loves to read and is curious about the snow, check out the books below!

Babies in the Snow Chunky Lift-a-Flap Board Book by Ginger Smith

Mouse’s First Snow by Lauren Thompson

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Dream Snow by Eric Carle

Bright Baby Touch and Feel Winter by Roger Priddy

Ten Sparkly Snowflakes by Tiger Tales

Biscuit’s Snowy Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

The Mitten by Jan Brett

The Itsy Bitsy Snowman by Jeffrey Burton

Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer


Do you like the snow? Do you have a favorite book on this list?

Let me know below!

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

The Best Car Books for Babies & Toddlers

December 3, 2021

Beep beep!

Does your baby or toddler love cars and trucks? Why not encourage their interests by introducing some books on the topic!

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

Reading is so important for babies brains. Books are also a great add-on to a nighttime or nap routine. We love using board books in our house because they are pretty much indestructible and withstand cleaning.

These books would make an excellent baby shower gift or stocking stuffer for the holidays! One of the best things about books as a gift is they are educational and last a long time. I know we began reading to our daughter when she was in-utero and she still enjoys the same books today, as a one-year-old!


Here are 10 books on cars and things that go for your little one’s bookshelf!

Red Car, Green Car by Priddy Books

Counting Cars by Priddy Books

First 100 Trucks by Priddy Books

Go, Go, Cars! by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

My Car by Byron Barton

Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks from A to Z by Richard Scarry

Race Car Count by Rebecca Kai Dotlich

Here We Go! by Eric Carle

Toot Toot Beep Beep by Emma Garcia

First 100 Trucks and Things that Go by Richard Priddy


Does your little one love cars and things that go? Do they have any of these titles already? Do you think they would enjoy the books on this list?

Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Autumn Themed Books for Infants and Toddlers
  • The Best Books for Baby’s First Birthday
  • The Best Dog Books for Babies and Toddlers
  • The Best NYC Books for Babies

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

The Best Christmas Books for Babies

November 11, 2021

The holiday season is a special time for families, and what better way to celebrate than by introducing your little ones to the magic of Christmas through books? Even the youngest readers can get in on the festive fun with these best Christmas books for babies.

Whether you’re looking for classic tales or new releases, these books are sure to delight and entertain your little ones with bright colors, cheerful illustrations, and heartwarming stories. So snuggle up with your baby, grab a cup of cocoa, and enjoy the holiday season with these must-read Christmas books.

Read more

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

The Best Dog Books for Babies and Toddlers

October 18, 2021

Baby M is obsessed with dogs! She has no fear when it comes to the furry beasts. Since I was the world’s biggest dog fanatic as a child, I naturally supplied her with puppy books since birth.

Here are the best dog themed board books for babies and toddlers!


This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.


1. Doggies by Sandra Boynton

2. Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

3. Go, Do. Go! by P.D. Eastman

4. Puppy Love by Cottage Door Press

5. The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey

6. Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day

7. Touch and Feel Puppy by DK

8. Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

9. Babies Love Puppies by Scarlett Wing

10. Snuggle Puppy! by Sandra Boynton


Does your child have an interest in dogs or a favorite dog book?

Let me know below!

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 8 Comments

Halloween Books for Infants and Toddlers

October 7, 2021

Halloween is just around the corner! Here are 10 Halloween books for infants and toddlers to welcome the spooky season!

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

1. Find Spot at the Halloween Party by Eric Hill

2. Spooky Little Kitten by Rosa Vonfeder

3. Corduroy’s Best Halloween by Don Freeman

4. Babies Love Halloween: A Lift-a-Flap Book by Scarlett Wing

5. The Itsy Bitsy Pumpkin by Little Simon

6. Little Blue Truck’s Halloween by Alice Schertle

7. Froggy’s Halloween by Jonathan London

8. You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie by Natalie Marshall

9. Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

10. Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton


Did you have a favorite halloween book as a child? Let me know below.

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 1 Comment

Hi there!

Leaf and Steel is a collective on all things motherhood, growth, and living. Read More…

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2023’s word of the year is “peace”. The purest, simplest way to incorporate peace is by being in nature. We are incredible excited to try to spend #1000hoursoutside this year. ❄️🌻🌲 #getoutside #leafandsteel #nature #toddlerlife
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Up on the Blog: Here’s Why Christmas Season is the Best
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