L•M•N•O•Play

There’s something extra special about a story shared out loud.

A familiar favorite, a new voice, a room full of little ones leaning in… this is the kind of moment that sticks. :-)

“Stuck!” by Oliver Jeffers brings the laughs every time, but it’s the connection around the story that really matters.

We love seeing our Play Packs make their way into classrooms, carried in by parents, shared with friends, and brought to life in new ways.

Wishing the very happiest of birthdays to my amazing business partner and friend. 🎂

Where to start??? Rachel is the hardest-working and smartest businesswoman you will ever meet. Proof? In the last couple of years alone, she has learned how to build a website. I am not just talking plug n' play. Rachel now knows how to code, and not on one or two but three different platforms, figuring it all out as she goes. She has organized our business and is an incredible bad** at getting things done. She could file taxes for the whole state of New York, start an LLC, manage relations with a dozen publishers, run social media campaigns, write originacurriculum, hire and work with a lawyer to acquire trademark status. Rachel can interview people, be on a podcast, and network with friends and strangers. She is fearless, focused, driven, curious, and just so accomplished.

But even more importantly, she is a great friend. Rachel is fiercely loyal to the people she loves, and she cares for the children and adults in her life with kindness and devotion. Importantly, when the work hours are over, she really knows how to have fun.

How lucky we all are to have another trip around the sun with her.

Wishing you the happiest of days, partner.

xx, Annie

Just saying hey!

If your Sunday needs a little lift, try something silly. A funny voice, a made up game, a moment that turns into laughter.

See where it goes and enjoy the journey!

Play is where it all comes together.

In the middle of building, pretending, negotiating, and starting over, little ones are doing some of their most important work. They are learning how to connect, how to navigate big feelings, how to solve problems that matter to them.

It may look simple on the surface. It is anything but.

This is the kind of learning that sticks because it is lived, felt, and discovered in real time.

Less directing. More space.
Less perfection. More presence.

That is where the magic is.

🐻📚 NEW ON THE BLOG

A toddler favorite we keep coming back to… "Where’s the Bear?" Fair warning, this book is out of print but you can find it places like Ebay or Abe Books and we PROMISE it's worth it!

In our newest post, we’re sharing why this simple, playful book works so well for little ones and how it invites connection, curiosity, and joyful repetition (again and again and again 💛). Plus, it was my son, Teddy's favorite when he was small - fitting right?!

If you have a toddler in your life, this one is worth a look.

Read more on the blog ✨

💛📚

We adore this lovely picture book, "Before She Was My Grandmother," mostly, because it is one of those quiet, special books that really stays with you.

This intergenerational story gently reminds us that the people we love have whole lives that came before us, with dreams and experiences we may never fully know, but can begin to imagine together.

It would be a perfect read for any grandmas and grandpas out there looking to connect with their grandchildren. ✨

✨ PLAY TIP

“Toys” don’t have to be toys.

This little moment was sparked by a thrift store find — old wooden candlesticks and curtain rings turned into something entirely new in the hands of a child. No instructions, no right way, just space to explore.

Play like this is simple, regenerative, and full of imagination. All it really asks of us is to gather a few interesting objects and step back.

Give them time. Give them space. Let them discover.

That focus, that curiosity… it says everything 💛

Book Recommendation: “George and Martha” by James Marshall

Some books never lose their charm, no matter how many times you return to them. “George and Martha” by James Marshall is one of those treasures.

This classic collection of short, funny stories about two best friends captures so much of what friendship really looks like. The kindness. The honesty. The little annoyances. The quiet ways friends care for one another.

James Marshall’s simple illustrations and gentle humor make these stories endlessly readable for little ones. Each chapter is short and satisfying, which makes it perfect for early readers or cozy read alouds.

It is a beautiful reminder that good friends do not have to be perfect. They just have to show up for each other.

A true picture book classic that belongs on every family bookshelf.

Pi Day play idea: Make your own pies!

Play dough pies.
Paper plate pies.
Mud pies if the weather allows.

Add a rolling pin, some loose parts for “fillings,” and let little bakers get to work. Cutting slices, sharing pieces, and serving their creations to everyone around.

Math, imagination, and a whole lot of pretend baking.

Happy Pi Day from L•M•N•O•Play!

Big feelings are part of childhood. Joy, frustration, excitement, anger, pride. Little ones feel it all, often in big and surprising ways.

Our job is not to shut those feelings down. It is to help children learn what to do with them.

When we make space for feelings while still holding clear, loving boundaries, children begin to understand themselves and others a little better. They learn that emotions are welcome, but kindness and safety always matter.

This is the slow, important work of growing up. Feeling deeply, learning gently, and practicing how to be a good human in the world.