Tiny Spark, Soft Return

Hello friends! 

It’s been a little while.

Sometimes, we need to step back to breathe… to dream… to wonder. And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.

I’ve spent the past few months quietly refilling my creative well—taking walks, reading magical stories, and scribbling what ifs in the margins of notebooks. I’ve also been cheering on writer friends, celebrating big (and small) kid lit moments, and remembering why I started this blog in the first place.

Swirl & Spark has always been about inspiration, stories, and discovering joy in our creative pursuits—together. Whether it’s a book that makes us feel something or a team-building activity that sparks laughter in a classroom or on a field, this space is meant to shine a little light on the magic of connection.

So, today, I’m lighting a tiny spark and stepping gently back in.

My goal this summer is to share short & sweet posts, each one a pairing of…

magical middle grade books with wonder prompts & whimsical activity sparks – to get imaginations swirling!

Ready for the first one? Okay! Here we go…

The Book: Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry
Set in Edwardian London, this delightful story follows Maeve, a headstrong boarding schoolgirl who uncorks a grumpy genie and sets off on a magical misadventure full of wishes, cleverness, and friendship.

This book feels like:

A sky full of floating lanternsBubble wishes and sky high dreamsThe whoosh of wind when you spin in a circleA whispered dare that turns into the best day of your life

Wonder Prompt:
If you had a magical wish that could only be used to help someone else, what would you wish for?

Activity Spark: “Wish Jars” (Teamwork + Kindness focus)
Give each student/ summer camper or group/ team a small jar (or paper cup with a lid) and a few strips of colorful paper. Ask them to write down 3 wishes—one for a friend, one for their team, neighborhood, or community, and one for the world.

Then take turns reading the wishes aloud and encouraging others to grant small ones if they can—whether it’s smile at Stella today or leave a kindness note or clean up the art shelf/ practice field. 

Activity twist: Create a Genie of the Day role where one student randomly draws a wish from the jar to grant with their entire team.

If you’re a teacher, librarian, parent, coach, camp counselor, writer, or spark-seeker—welcome back. I’ve missed you!

Thank you for still being here with me after all this time.  

With sparkle & gratitude,