For the last four months, my kids make their way down our stairs every time the mail person arrives. They are totally obsessed, waiting for the next delivery of L•M•N•O•Play! A delightful book club that’s part magic, part education, and all fun.
The concept is simple: each package includes a carefully selected book, a hand full of colorful pom-poms and activity cards. These activities are designed to be open-ended and can be enjoyed by children of various ages, from 2 to 7, and beyond.
Our latest arrival, Odd Dog Out, has been wildly popular with the kids (and perfect for pride month 🏳️🌈!)
I had the pleasure of chatting with the dynamic duo behind this brilliant initiative, Rachel Rubin and Annie Dycus, both seasoned teachers who have managed to blend play and learning into a seamless, joyful experience.
Rachel and Annie have been educators for decades, initially hosting in-person read and play book clubs. When the pandemic hit, they pivoted online, discovering their true passion: merging children’s literature with playful learning. They realized their "special sauce" was bringing books to life through play, and they wanted to make this magic accessible to more families. Thus, the L•M•N•O•Play! Book Club was born—a unique combination of books and play, delivered straight to your doorstep.
So, what sets L•M•N•O•Play! apart from other book clubs? Unlike other services that simply send books, L•M•N•O•Play! interweaves books with play. It’s not about reading a book and then doing a separate activity. The activities are directly linked to the book’s content, allowing children to dive deeper into the story and characters they love. This method not only enhances their learning but also makes reading an immersive and interactive experience.
Check out our favorite activity card from Odd Dog Out:
Plus this awesome Playlist Catwalk Confidence.
An essential aspect of L•M•N•O•Play! is empowering children to see themselves as readers and learners. Even if they can’t decode text yet, they can explore books, look at pictures, and create their own stories. This independent interaction with books is a powerful way to foster a love for reading and learning.
Rachel and Annie also shared some valuable tips for parents. They emphasize that books are not just for bedtime. Books can be part of playtime, car rides, or even bath time! It’s about integrating books into everyday life and showing kids that books are an endless source of adventure and creativity. Show your kids that reading is part of everyday life. Read recipes, lists, newspapers, or even the cereal box! It’s important to model that reading is everywhere and a fundamental part of navigating the world. This not only shows the practical importance of reading but also demonstrates that it’s a skill that’s constantly used and valued.
In a world where screens often dominate, L•M•N•O•Play! brings back the magic of books and the joy of play. It’s a refreshing reminder that learning can be fun, interactive, and deeply meaningful. So, if you’re looking to spark your child’s imagination, encourage a love of reading, and create special moments of play and learning, L•M•N•O•Play! is the way to go.
Check out L•M•N•O•Play! website for more details on how to get started and join the fun.