Our Reading Nook 📚

Because every good mess deserves a little science behind it. Especially if it’s a cozy and empowering read. 💖

Here’s what’s on our bookshelf (and sometimes in our diaper bag).

🌟 For Parents

Books that are light, uplifting, and actually fun to read. These aren’t “fix your kid” manuals. They’re spark-makers.

🧪 Sensory Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Casey Patch)
AMAZING guide to easy, sensory play at home that builds fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and early math/science concepts. The book is beautiful with full color pictures on every page and an easy favorite of ours. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🎨 Messy Play in the Early Years (Sue Gascoyne)
Your “yes, it’s okay to get messy” permission slip. Playful, validating, and packed with fizz, foam, and slime ideas.

⚡ The Whole-Brain Child (Siegel & Bryson)
How your toddler’s brain works + 12 tools to help them calm, learn, and connect. Helps kids (and parents) bounce back when things feel big.

✨ The Art of Tinkering (Exploratorium Team)
Beautifully photographed, hands-on projects that encourage curiosity and experimentation. Feels like a maker museum in book form. It’s perfect for inspiring STEM play at home.

💖 Brain-Body Parenting (Mona Delahooke)
Gentle, science-backed strategies for supporting big feelings by starting with the nervous system. Connection regulates everything.

🌈 The Power of Wonder (Monica Parker)
How awe and curiosity transform stress, creativity, and joy. Reads like coffee chat + brain science.

🧪 For Professionals (OTs, educators, and learning enthusiasts)

Research-rich reads that fuel our Bright Sparks approach. These go deeper into resilience, regulation, and lifelong learning.

⚡ Ordinary Magic (Ann Masten)
The science of resilience, reframed as “everyday strength” all kids carry.

✨ Lights On Learning (Julia Black)
Frameworks for flipping the switch from compliance → curiosity. A roadmap for executive function and self-directed learning.

💖 Altered Traits (Goleman & Davidson)
What sustained mindfulness really does to the brain. Essential for parent calm = child calm, and stronger co-regulation.

📝 Note

Some of these books are well-worn and dog eared, others are still waiting in the stack (you know the one).

We share them here because they line up with Bright Sparks values: 🧪science,⚡ resilience, 💖 connection, ✨ curiosity, 🌈 joyful learning.

If you’re reading too, let’s swap notes over coffee ☕ 💖