FEB 15 2013 - BOOKS FOR KIDS, VOLUME 1
All I seem to be able to read these days are books for kids... go figure. I’m very happy that my 15 month old is finally interested in them though so I’m content to read to him, even if it is the same book over and over again. Here are my 10 favourite board books, should you be looking for some gifts or new books for your little ones. These are not necessarily my son’s favourite books but hey, I’m the one doing the picking right now.
Two by Julia Donaldson: The Snail and the Whale; The Gruffalo. The Snail and the Whale is about the desire to explore and understanding that even though the world is big (and you are small) you can still make a difference. The Gruffalo text has great rhythm and Alex Scheffler's signature artwork and there’s a smart little mouse.
My Friends by Taro Gomi. This one has super cute artwork and is a nice story about all the things you need to learn in life and maybe where you can find them.
The Birthday Box by Leslie Patricelli. This one is a current hit with my little one. A fun story about something every parent has experienced: playing with the box the gift came in, not the toy itself. I love her artwork and have a number of her other books too.
Two by Sandra Boynton: The Going to Bed Book; But Not the Hippopotamus. Overall her books are fun but some seem like you should be singing a song (that you don’t know the tune to) not reading a book. These ones need no singing, just a nice little story about getting ready for bed and how everyone seems to be busy and included except the (SPOILER ALERT: included in the end) hippopotamus.
Three by Amy Krouse Rosenthal: Little Hoot; Little Pea; Little Oink. Super cute and detailed illustrations in all three of the books (you can buy them as a set too). These are reverse psychology tales to try and get your kids to (a) go to bed early (Hoot), (b) eat their vegetables (Pea) and (c) clean up their rooms (Oink). Clever and likely good for years to come (i.e. suggest your 7 year olds read them too)!
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers. His art work is fun and the stories profound (sometimes I don’t even get them) but this one is pretty simple - friendship may find you in unlikely places, so don’t assume you always need to do something to fix the situation.
The Monster At the End of This Book by Jon Stone (a Sesame Street book). A giggle inducing story (especially if you read it in character) about Grover trying to stop you from reading the book as there is supposed to be a monster at the end. This may have made the list just because it was a favourite of mine from childhood but regardless, I think it’s worthy.
Happy bedtime reading!
Two by Julia Donaldson: The Snail and the Whale; The Gruffalo. The Snail and the Whale is about the desire to explore and understanding that even though the world is big (and you are small) you can still make a difference. The Gruffalo text has great rhythm and Alex Scheffler's signature artwork and there’s a smart little mouse.
My Friends by Taro Gomi. This one has super cute artwork and is a nice story about all the things you need to learn in life and maybe where you can find them.
The Birthday Box by Leslie Patricelli. This one is a current hit with my little one. A fun story about something every parent has experienced: playing with the box the gift came in, not the toy itself. I love her artwork and have a number of her other books too.
Two by Sandra Boynton: The Going to Bed Book; But Not the Hippopotamus. Overall her books are fun but some seem like you should be singing a song (that you don’t know the tune to) not reading a book. These ones need no singing, just a nice little story about getting ready for bed and how everyone seems to be busy and included except the (SPOILER ALERT: included in the end) hippopotamus.
Three by Amy Krouse Rosenthal: Little Hoot; Little Pea; Little Oink. Super cute and detailed illustrations in all three of the books (you can buy them as a set too). These are reverse psychology tales to try and get your kids to (a) go to bed early (Hoot), (b) eat their vegetables (Pea) and (c) clean up their rooms (Oink). Clever and likely good for years to come (i.e. suggest your 7 year olds read them too)!
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers. His art work is fun and the stories profound (sometimes I don’t even get them) but this one is pretty simple - friendship may find you in unlikely places, so don’t assume you always need to do something to fix the situation.
The Monster At the End of This Book by Jon Stone (a Sesame Street book). A giggle inducing story (especially if you read it in character) about Grover trying to stop you from reading the book as there is supposed to be a monster at the end. This may have made the list just because it was a favourite of mine from childhood but regardless, I think it’s worthy.
Happy bedtime reading!
Jan 9 2013 - First Read of the year
Based on the title, maybe this should go under "socialize more"?
Upfront disclaimer: I don't watch a lot of TV, actually almost none.
For some unknown reason (OK, we finally got a DVR) I decided to watch this new show called "the Mindy Project". I think it's funny and has some fun characters. Apparently Mindy Kaling has been on other things (US version of The Office?) and has been writing for various shows for years now... goes to show how out of the TV loop I am.
This led me to buy her book (OK, ask for it from my mom for Christmas). Anyway, this book of essays is pretty funny. I'll update you further when I get to the end of it.
Upfront disclaimer: I don't watch a lot of TV, actually almost none.
For some unknown reason (OK, we finally got a DVR) I decided to watch this new show called "the Mindy Project". I think it's funny and has some fun characters. Apparently Mindy Kaling has been on other things (US version of The Office?) and has been writing for various shows for years now... goes to show how out of the TV loop I am.
This led me to buy her book (OK, ask for it from my mom for Christmas). Anyway, this book of essays is pretty funny. I'll update you further when I get to the end of it.