With three little ones and one who no longer naps, it is so hard to find quiet time. I’ve been working on getting the kids’ quiet time bins filled and available so I don’t lose my mind. I fill them with a variety of different things that they enjoy, are quiet, and allow me to have a little bit of quiet time to myself during the day.

When I received a set of four Smithsonian Readers books and 2 magnetic kits as well as a card box full of fun facts, I was probably as excited about it as the kids were. I was blown away by how wonderful these books are, and I loved the different levels of the books. What I love the most though, is that my three year old started sitting there and looking through page by page and asking to read “his” book all of the time. World of Wonder Level 3 is not a book I would have pegged for Charlie’s type of book, but I clearly know nothing. He grabbed the book one day, opened it to the mummies and was so drawn in that we read that section over and over every single day. He loves this stuff – it has become a crazy obsession but I’m telling you – my little three year old guy can tell you more about Ancient Egypt and mummies than most people you will ever know. This alone was enough for me to fall in love with the books, but it didn’t stop there.

Each book has quizzes at the end of each section, and fact cards that are perforated and can be torn out. The sections also have a glossary at the end for reviewing new words. I love that the different topics covered in each book are clearly labeled on the front of the books. These books will be a welcome addition to our homeschool library and I can choose the right books to go along with our studies. Our curriculum starts with a unit on habitats and as I look at the topics covered, these books will be out and being used regularly.

While the kids and I love to read, there is more to our quiet bins than just books. The two Smithsonian Magnetic Adventures {Jungle and Solar System} are perfect for our quiet bins and provide tons of entertainment and learning fun for the kids. Not only do we love them during quiet time, but they are perfect for taking along in the car, or for Charlie to play with while Maggie is at dance class and we have time to wait. They are just having fun and have no clue how much learning is actually taking place. The window cling type stickers are a huge hit with my sticker loving kids.

Maggie loves the Smithsonian Sticker Creations: Wildlife because it’s all about the animals. The stickers are almost 3D like and so lifelike that it almost feels real.

While the Smithsonian Everything You Need to Know fact cards are for grades 4-5, Charlie is having so much fun with them, but again – that’s his thing. Facts about anything he decides is interesting and he remembers it all. I won’t lie – I’m learning quite a bit along with the kids, the cards are so much fun. Plus, they are separated by categories {well, were separated, until Charlie pulled them all out to read} so you can easily find the topics you are looking for and learning about.

Smithsonian will be a part of our homeschool library from now on. With engaging pictures, fun facts for the kids to learn and quizzes to see just how much they remember, these books are fun for all. I love that the books advance in reading levels to not only keep your child engaged, but let them do the reading and learning in a fun way. I’m also a huge fan of how easy it is for the kids to tell what topics are in that book even before they can read. The bright, vivid images on the front covers of the books make it easy to find the topic you want. I’m so excited to have found these books, and so our the kids.