Reston Mom

the great big veg challenge

Still trying to entice your kids to eat their veggies?  Still trying to get up the courage to eat them yourself and set a good example?  Here is an idea that I love!  Charlotte Hume has written The Great Big Veg Challenge - a book which provides simple, fun, and non-intimidating recipes for vegetables from A to Z.  Each letter features a couple of vegetables and several recipes which are appealing to kids and adults alike. Challenge your family to the goal of eating their way through the alphabet by trying a new vegetable each week.  Try attempting at least two recipes per veggie before ruling it out as a continued addition to your diet.  Make it fun and have the kids help prepare the dishes and then rate them.  Keep a list of all the veggies you try on your fridge and watch as the world of veggies expands beyond carrots and corn.  This book may offer a way to take the stress out of exploring and eating vegetables in your house and make it a fun and anticipated part of mealtime.  (You can follow Charlotte and see how she implemented this challenge with her 7 yr. old son at her own great blog.)

Cooking with Mollie Katzen

I finally got my hands on a book that I'd been anxious to have: The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without by Mollie Katzen.  I can't wait to add some simple new flair to the veggies at our table. But, as I researched a bit more about Katzen (who is famous for her The Moosewood Cookbook), I happily discovered that she has written three cookbooks for kids.  Salad People (preschool and up), Pretend Soup (preschool and up), and Honest Pretzels (8 and up).  Each book is unpretentious, based on good food and real techniques.  I'm anxious to get my hands on Pretend Soup for which each recipe has two layouts:  the first detailing ingredients, safety tips, and a familiar version of the recipe (for the adult) and the second is pictoral with a few easy words (for the child).  The books are vegetarian and so if you are looking for a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, appreciating good healthy foods, eating more veggies, and having fun - these might be a good place to start!

Animalia

I can't say enough good things about a favorite book find - Animalia by Graeme Base.  It took Base more than three years to complete the GORGEOUS illustrations for this sophisticated and whimsical alphabet book.  Each page is an alliterated sentence based upon the letter for that page...and I've LOVED reading this aloud to my girls because it is just so fun to say and the vocabulary is brilliant, try: Unruly Unicorns Upending Urns of Ultramarine Umbrellas or Zany Zebras Zigzagging in Zinc Zepplins.  The phrases themselves are not only delightful to the ear but visually beautiful and artistic, each craftily presented in it's own "font" or style - fitting for a book of simply STUNNING illustration - colorful, full of detail, amusing... I could spend hours just looking at every page finding all of many little pictures and minutiae (all beginning with the letter for that page) hidden within the greater illustration. As an added hide-and-seek, Graeme Base as a boy is hiding in every illustration. Each page explodes the imagination and draws you into a beautiful world of fantastic settings.
There is actually a website dedicated to listing every item which can be found on each page here.  There is even a television series based on the book - here is the official website for that. And my favorite find concerning this treasure of a book, is that Base released a coloring book version for kids to color the illustrations themselves - hey, I would love to color in this book myself!

art for the young and young at heart

I found this book at the library and was instantly attracted to it.  I brought it home and Matt said, "We should buy that book."  The book is Tell Me a Picture.  It's by Quentin Blake, whom you will recognize as an illustrator if you are familiar with Roald Dahl books.  The premise is simple: Blake has chosen an array of paintings which he introduces in an alphabetized manner by the name of the painter (one piece of art per letter of the alphabet).  Turn the page after viewing the painting and you'll find Blake's own characteristically simple cartoon-like sketches who conversationally pose a couple simple observations or questions about the art.  The idea is to encourage youngsters to enjoy the art by looking for the stories each piece tells....to observe and wonder.  I love the idea of this and that it is not a passive book, but one that promotes conversation, intrigue, and appreciation.  The variety of paintings is outstanding and the book would be great for a range of ages to enjoy over and over again.  It's not just for children, I'd leave this one on my coffee table. (National Gallery, Tell Me a Picture Exhibit)

Mother Talk

I found this handy little site called Mother Talk.  Basically they host reviews for lots of books and other items like music, movies, etc....   It is difficult to know which books are actually worth reading, so this might be really helpful if you've heard of something and want to hear more.  Or, in the case of just wanting to find a great new album for your tot or book for you, this might help get the ball rolling towards making a good decision.  Have fun!

Book Wish Foundation

I received a message from Logan Kleinwaks about his Reston-based non-profit organization and thought it was such a worthy cause that I definitely wanted to share it with you all.  The Book Wish Foundation provides books, reading glasses, libraries, and school supplies for Darfur refugees.  We so often take our education and access to all kinds of resources, such as books, for granted - you can hardly imagine the difference that these materials are making in the lives of children and people elsewhere. It isn't just about the books....but the hope of a better future.  Hope is a powerful thing and the most amazing gift.   It would be great if you would just take a minute to read more about this organization, and more importantly about the people who are benefiting from it.  You can check out the recent article in the Reston Connection here, or visit the Book Wish Foundation website. 
(this picture taken from the BWF website shows children hungrily learning in 113 degree heat - now that's dedication!)

It's Just a Plant

I got the scoop on this book over at Mom Logic.  The self-published work by Ricardo Cortes titled "It's Just a Plant" "is an illustrated children's book about marijuana. It follows the journey of a young girl as she learns about the plant from a diverse cast of characters including her parents, a local farmer, a doctor, and a police officer."
Here is a quote taken from near the beginning:
"One night, Jackie woke up past her bedtime.  She smelled something funny in the air, so she walked down the hall to her parents' bedroom. "What's that, Mommy?" asked Jackie.  "Are you and Daddy smoking a cigarette?"  "No, baby," said her mother.  "This is a joint. It's made of marijuana."
I haven't had a chance to read the whole thing yet, but I believe it does go on to say that marijuana is illegal. I definitely think that parents need to be talking with their children about drugs and drug use, but I'm not sure that the picture-book method (at least not with this book) is the route I would take. 
What do you think?

My Beautiful Mommy

Got the scoop on this one from my friend Kirsten - a children's book aimed to help children understand and resolve fears about their mom's plastic surgery!  While I applaud the intent of the plastic-surgeon-father-of-six-author to communicate clearly with children, console fears, and explain why mommy "looks different" (some plastic surgeries are necessary and/or beneficial of course), I have to shake my head again at a society that measures worth by beauty and measures beauty by false and unrealistic standards.  What about a book that teaches that my mommy is beautiful because her nose is unique and her hips are curvy and she bears the loose skin and stretch marks of delivering a few kids?  I suppose the issue isn't really the book...but becoming mothers who understand true beauty and worth, exhibit self-confidence regardless of physical attributes, and teach future generations to do the same. 

Horton Hears A Who

Today was dreary and chilly and so we decided to take advantage of the yet unused movie tickets that had been given as a Christmas gift to all of us.  We took the girls on our first full-family visit to see a movie and watched Horton Hears A Who.  It turned out to be a rather relaxing way to spend the afternoon.  Popcorn is always a hit with our girls who sat on our laps, and despite already having had a morning nap, Maddie fell asleep during the movie.  Hope enjoyed the movie and I'll agree that it was pretty good. I'm always a little skeptical to allow my girls to watch something I haven't already seen, but this turned out well and was a really nice way for the family to just chill out and enjoy a drizzly afternoon together.  If you aren't familiar with the Dr. Seuss book, it's a good one - one I've enjoyed reading to my young girls as the theme-line is "a person's a person no matter how small." 

Where Fish Go in Winter....

We discovered this book which is simply great for curious little minds - Where Fish Go in Winter and Other Great Mysteries by Amy Goldman Koss.  The book is a Puffin level 3 easy-to-read and does a straightforward job of answering questions such as why does popcorn pop?  What do clouds feel like? Why do leaves change color? Do spiders stick to their own webs? What is the sound inside a seashell? and more.  Each question is answered in rhyming poetry and accompanied by brilliantly colored illustrations. For young children who are in the "why? why? why?" phase, this is a fun and captivating choice - and it's sure to develop a greater interest in noticing and understanding the world around them for any child. 

WIN this book!

For five years I lived next door to a woman who was not just a friend but someone who profoundly affected my faith and the mother I am today.  I am sure she has not known this - but simply observing her and her family was so meaningful and helpful to me that I still think of them often.  Recently, realizing that her eldest daughter must now be graduating from college, I was curious to touch bases with them again.  I was excited but not surprised to find that Janell has published this book. I am so thrilled to be able to GIVE AWAY a FREE copy (you know you want it :) and to highly recommend it as a must read.  Just leave me a comment on this post between now and April 1 and I will randomly draw a winner and send a free book. 

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

It is so easy to fill your life with drama, stress, and frustration - and having kids running around can only seem to compound our feelings of uncentered frenzy.  In general, I'm not a big connaisseur of self-help type books - but I flipped through this one on several different occasions and decided I had to have it.  Don't Sweat The Small Stuff; and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson was on the NY Times bestseller list for 100 weeks - and you'll see why as soon as you peep inside.  It is a small, unassuming book filled with 100 bite-sized chapters that show you how to "stop blowing things out of proportion, stop worrying about things that might happen, stop obsessing about things you can't change or that don't matter - and start living!"  It's full of simple, gentle, stress-reducing suggestions. And I've really grown very fond of it. I definitely recommend it to everyone.

Kirsten on Natural birth, part 2

So You Want to Be a Natural Woman…

Like any birth choices, deciding whether or not to labor naturally is a very personal decision.  Arm yourself with information, and then go with what makes you feel comfortable.  If you do plan to labor naturally, more power to you!  Here are a few suggestions to help you out: 

Prepare.  Research and practice natural methods of pain management such as positioning, counter-pressure, water labor/birth, and massage.  Mentally, you will also need an extra dose of preparation to help carry you through.  My husband and I took Bradley classes, which encourage a natural, husband-coached childbirth.  We also have memorized Hebrews 12:2 as a theme verse for labor.  It talks about fixing your eyes on Jesus, who endured the suffering of the cross for the joy set before him. I hope in labor to remember this verse, being reminded also of the joy set before me:  meeting that baby! 

Find a Supportive Environment.  At your home, this is easier, because it’s your environment and you set the tone.  If you’re laboring naturally in a hospital, make sure you communicate your desires to the staff.  Every few minutes you don’t want someone poking their head in asking, “You sure you don’t want that epidural?”  Do whatever it takes to make your laboring space comfortable and stress-free. Play music, dim the lights—whatever takes you to your happy place. 

Find a Supportive Birth Team.  This starts with your husband or partner and the midwife or doctor you choose.  If you plan to have other friends or family members present, again make sure that everyone is aware of your desire to labor naturally.  Most importantly consider hiring a Professional Labor Assistant (also called a doula), whose job it is to assist women in labor. Studies show that mothers who use a doula had shorter labors, needed fewer medical interventions, and had a lower cesarean rate.  To locate a doula, check www.dona.org, the website for the Doulas of North America. 

Maggie Tales

Maggie Tales instant storytime offers a great solution to waiting in lines, riding on planes or in automobiles, awaiting food at restaurants or any time your fidgety child needs something to grab their attention. The digital children's books, available on your computer, can also be downloaded to your iPhone, iPod, Sony PSP, Smartphones and more.  The Storytime library is updated weekly with new content for ages 2-8. 

Giddy-up for a good children's book

I was in Barnes & Noble today, where I met a very nice woman and also got to check out a really great book. Gallop!: A Scanimation Picture Book by Rufus Seder had both of my girls and the other woman's little boy captivated.  And I must say, I thought it was really cool. Each page has a picture of an animal which moves by that great scan-art technique - and I mean, really moves - lots of movement, it's great! Definitely something new and fascinating to add to any kids library.  I would even say that babies too will really enjoy seeing the black and white figures run, crawl, and do whatever they do.  If you are headed to B&N soon, be sure to check it out, it's something you need to see in person.

Pottery Barn Book - get it today!

Pottery Barn Kids is having a 3-day sale with up to 65% off.  Here's a great find from the sale:
Pottery Barn Kids: Kids Rooms.  Get the book for $9.99 and be inspired to create great spaces for your kids, learn imaginative ways to organize everything, and revel in the stylishness of it all! 

Deceptively Delicious scores pretty well

I posted a while ago about the book Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld - no doubt many of you are familiar, but for those who are still wondering whether the recipes are feasible and tasty...here's my take.
I've finally tried out a handful of them, and most of them went over well.  The pureeing really doesn't have to be time consuming at all, which is a good thing.  My girls loved the pink pancakes (which are really super pink! so no surprise that they liked 'em), the tacos, the tortilla cigars and the Peanut Butter and Banana Muffins (which are rich but come out with a really tasty crunchy top exterior). I haven't tried any of the desserts yet, but my friend Kate tells me that donuts were a hit in her household.  My kids aren't picky eaters and love veggies, so I just let them help me make it and they don't seem to think it is strange. Mostly, I've loved that the book has gotten my creative juices flowing so that I can create my own recipes that pack a more nutritious punch.  I'd love to take a look at The Sneaky Chef (the book from which J.Seinfeld was accused of plagiarism) for more ideas.  And I hear that the author, Missy Chase Lapine, will soon have another book published for The Sneaky Chef: How to Cheat on Your Man (In The Kitchen!): Hiding Healthy Foods in Hearty Meals Any Guy Will Love.

This ABC book rocks!

I just have to say that I LOVE this book-The Alphabet Room by Sara Pinto.  It might seem unusual at first, but I'm intrigued by just how ingenious the design is.  It's your basic ABC book - a big bright letter per page, plus one word that begins with that letter - on the opposite page is a picture of that word on a "door" flap - open the door to view a room that contains that object.  Each new view into the room contains all the objects previously listed - but rearranged each time in really interesting ways, extremely creative conversation fodder! If you are an artist or a "conceptual" kind of person, you'll just adore it!  Kids will never get tired of opening the doors to spy inside and talk about what the characters are doing and how they are rearranged, or simply searching to locate each of the objects afore-named. A truly inspiring and unique look at the alphabet!

Looky Book

There's been lots of talk about this site, and I can see why - it's great! Looky book allows you to view picture books from cover to back!  You can enjoy the books on site, read some reviews, and decide whether you want to purchase it for your own home library.  And it's free! So long as you have your laptop and internet access, you can take a library of books for the kids with you wherever you go.  There is nothing quite like the feel of a good book in your hands, but this is an awesome resource!

What to expect guide to a healthy home

From the best selling author of "What to Expect When You're Expecting" comes a new guide: "What to Expect Guide to a Healthy Home."  You can go here to order a free copy while supplies last, or you can download it for free as well. 

Does birth order matter?

Do a search on "birth order" and you'll find endless hits, or just read The New Birth Order Book by Kevin Leman for example - but what's the big deal? Does your position within your family really matter that much? As an only child, I never really gave much thought to it - until my second child was born. She is totally different from her older sister - I'd easily say I could see personality differences almost instantly from birth, but I have to admit - there are some things in both of my girls that already seem to line up with the generalized characteristics attributed to birth order. More and more interest is being generated towards this field of study, but it is a very difficult area due to so many factors. Interestingly, back in June a group of Norwegian scientists released a study which showed that first children tend to have higher IQ's than any siblings born after them. But what does this mean to me? Can so much of our choices and tendencies really be attributed to birth order? Can knowing these trends help me to help my children be the best they can be? Or is it all just something interesting to ponder, but nothing that carries any stock? What do you think? (interesting articles on birth order: CNN.com, TIME magazine, Adlerian overview of characteristics)

Kid friendly magazines

My mom ordered Highlights High Five magazine for Hope and she just got her first issue this month.  I had fond memories of Highlights magazine from my own childhood and was pleased to see this version for ages 2-6.  Hope loves it too and has looked through it and had me read it all to her several times.  Plus, what kid doesn't like to get mail? I also discovered this magazine recently: National Geographic Little Kids designed for ages 3-6.  I love National Geographic Magazine and have been very excited about National Geographic Kids...but now with a preschool version there's no need to wait! But hold on, I also like Playroom Magazine, and I love Zootles magazine (the preschool version of the great Zoobooks magazines) and Your Big Backyard (the preschool version of the also great Ranger Rick magazines). And then there is Kids Discover Magazine for ages 6 and up and Creative Kids Magazine for 8 and up. With all of these great options, it is so difficult to choose! We read so much around here, I'd love to have them all.  A great magazine is just one more way to get kids excited and interesting in reading and learning.     

Great Christmas books!

I love holiday books - and especially with the cold weather outside, it is nice to curl up with the kids for some great reading.  Here are a just a very few of my favorites - they'd sure make special gifts too!
B is for Bethlehem, Isabel Wilner: Rhyming verses introduce the letters of the alphabet and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.  The illustrations are spectacular!!! mixed-media collage using watercolor, cut paper and the artist's own drawings.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, Susan Wojciechowski: a touching story with some of the most beautiful and extraordinary illustrations!
The Legend of the Candy Cane, Lori Walburg: sweet and meaningful story again with absolutely lovely illustrations!
Mary Engelbreit, The Night Before Christmas: the original poem ensconced in brilliant, colorful, whimsical illustrations.
I SPY Christmas, Wick and Marzollo: search for various treasures hidden in seasonal collage pictures - makes for challenging fun for anyone and special together time for parents and kids.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson: if you haven't read it, you must! A classic! A short chapter book to be shared over and over!
I'm always looking for a great book, what are your Christmas faves?

The Vaccine Book

I hear this is a good resource and a pretty un-biased book.  I can't give you my personal opinion since I haven't read it yet, but since it is a pretty hot pick among moms right now, I figured I'd put it out there: The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears

May I pet your dog?

While we haven't yet added a furry friend to our home, our girls are still big fans of dogs.  My husband and I both grew up with a family pup, there was not a time as a child that I can remember being unfamiliar with a canine pal.  In either case, even children who are growing up with a pooch as well as those who are not should be taught how to handle dogs that they might meet anywhere - on a walk, in the park, other people's homes, etc.....  In order to better ensure your child's safety, your child should be well equipped with knowledge of when to leave dogs alone and how to safely approach a dog only after they have asked the owner if it is okay.  Over-exuberance or fear can easily be turned into a calm confidence that will allow your children to have wonderful and safe encounters with our furry friends.  A quick search will reveal all the tips you need to know, but May I Pet Your Dog? by Stephanie Calmenson, told from the first-person perspective of a friendly Dachsund, is a great book - a fun and wonderful resource for teaching your child. 

Funny is as funny reads

Kids naturally have a great sense of humor.  Hope loves to combine funny syllables and words and then laugh at her "joke."  The sounds of language are fun to play with...and of course, with a maturing sense of humor, so are the meanings.  I like to try to pick a few books during our library selection that offer a bit of preschool-sized humor.  Here are a few recent picks that my girls have really enjoyed, I know your kids will love them too!
Cock-a-Doodle-Moo; a Mixed Up Menagerie by Keith DuQuette (oh this book is fabulous! and spurs creativity too!)

A Pocketful of Nonsense by James Marshall
(A peanut sat on a railroad track. His heart was all a-flutter. The five-fifteen came rushing by - toot! toot! Peanut butter!)

Oh Say Can You Say? by Dr. Seuss (wonderful nonsensical tongue twisters!)

home library habits

I've developed two library habits sort of unintentionally but it has turned out to be a great thing for us.  We visit the local library every couple weeks or so...at which time the girls and I check out about forty books from the children's section. Well, it is so much that I can't carry it and the stroller gets relegated to a book cart.  And, I do get funny looks from some parents who apparently think it is improper to check out more than a book or two per child.  Still, I've been given an unlimited check-out and we really do read ALL the books so many times until I can't stand it and can't wait to get back to the library within about two weeks - our turn over is quick.  It's like a great big treasure when we get home and spread out all the books and start to read.   We choose a wide variety of books to suit both Maddie and Hope and I also particularly choose a whole handful of books on a topic. For instance, we recently had about 6 books - story-based, factual, and crafty - about pumpkins, and we currently have a good collection of Thanksgiving themed books.  I take this collection and display them standing on a children's table we have in the play room.  It's a great way to bring a bit of the bookstore or library into our own space.  It inspires great topical conversations between my girls and I, seasonal projects, and more.  The covers add a great little boost of color and decor to the room and inspire my girls to think of books as a great option for their time along with their toys.

Before Five in a Row

  I've just received a package that I couldn't be more excited about! It is a program for learning that I am enthralled with so much so that with all the endless resources and learning tools and books out there, I am recommending you check out this one! It is so very unique, easy, brilliant, helpful, and appealing.  I would love to tell you all about FIve in a Row in this post, but I think it is best captured and explained by the website.  What I ordered was Before Five in a Row, tailored for preschool aged children.  While it is also used by homeschooling parents, this would make an awesome summer resource for kids enrolled in school throughout the year.  With over 50,000 testimonies to the simple but extremely effective nature of this resource, you'll want to check it out.  "Five in a Row produces extraordinary results for ordinary moms in the real world."  You and your children will never look at books and reading the same way again.

simple secrets to getting your kids to eat good food

Jessica Seinfeld (yes, Jerry's wife)  has recently appeared on the Today Show and Oprah to discuss her new book "Deceptively Delicious".  The book is filled with kid-tested, nutritionist-approved, easy recipes that include a hidden secret ingredient (veggie purees) as a means to deliver those extra important nutrients to children who might not be so apt to eat their veggies.   While Jessica suggest that you still serve a side of veggies with every meal to teach your children that they are important, she has developed an index of recipes, even luscious desserts, that pack the power of veggies into scrumptious taste.  I was curious to thumb through the book during a recent visit to Barnes and Noble, but apparently all of the first press editions immediately sold out and bookstores everywhere are currently awaiting a second printing.  I'm curious to give some of the recipes my own taste test.

Amazing Alphabet Books - not just for toddlers!

I LOVE these alphabet books by Jerry Palotta.  Each one presents great factual information that would be interesting to a wide range of ages (my Hope especially loves the Butterfly Alphabet book).  Palotta has teamed up with Ralph Masiello who brings amazing and gorgeous brightly colored illustrations to make these books a truly spectacular find.  There is sure to be one that will fascinate your child - including alphabet book subjects Frogs, Ocean, Underwater, Icky Bugs, Butterflies, Airplanes, Furry Animals, Dinosaurs, Boats, Dessert, Flowers, Icky Reptiles and more! These would be a great resource for introducing sciences like biology to kids.  I might have to start a wish list just so I can add this collection of books to it. 

 

move the playdate into the kitchen

Thought this looked like a great book - Kitchen Playdates: Easy Ideas for Entertaining that Include the Kids by Lauren Deen. It first caught my husband's eye on the Today Show this morning, so I listened in to the segment for a bit and really liked some of what I heard. The concept is really great. You can check it out for yourself [here].

A Diamond in the Stacks

A few years ago I stumbled onto a little gem in the bookstore and asked my husband to buy it for me as a birthday gift.  It is called Sark's Journal and Play!book, a Place to Dream while Awake.  This book is unlike anything else I have found, and I think it would be fun for any mom who wants to:

1. get their own creative juices flowing
2. feel connected to themselves as a person (not just a mom)
3. have something restful to do during naptimes (besides reading Parenting... again)
4. color in their own coloring book
5. explore a broader expression of journaling

In the author's own words "This journal contains suggestions, inspirations, affirmations and ways to play on paper..." A bit difficult to describe, you will just have to get one for yourself.  Borrow your child's crayons/markers/colored pencils and have fun! This book will definitely bring a smile to your face. 

A few years ago I stumbled onto a little gem in the bookstore and asked my husband to buy it for me as a birthday gift.  It is called Sark's Journal and Play!book, a Place to Dream while Awake.  This book is unlike anything else I have found, and I think it would be fun for any mom who wants to:

1. get their own creative juices flowing
2. feel connected to themselves as a person (not just a mom)
3. have something restful to do during naptimes (besides reading Parenting... again)
4. color in their own coloring book
5. explore a broader expression of journaling

In the author's own words "This journal contains suggestions, inspirations, affirmations and ways to play on paper..." A bit difficult to describe, you will just have to get one for yourself.  Borrow your child's crayons/markers/colored pencils and have fun! This book will definitely bring a smile to your face. 

Everybody poops

Here are a few books that are fun for any child who is into all things bodily or icky... and especially appealing for those who are beginning potty training. Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi - a colorful, animal-filled, simple-text book which shows that no matter whether you live on land or in the sea, have two or four legs, there is one thing we all have in common. Also, Does a Pig Flush? by Fred Ehrlich. This books will bring out the laughter in your kids as they learn about how, why, and where everybody poops.

summer reading

I take the girls to the library every couple of weeks and we check out more books than I can carry, devour them over and over again, and happily return to the library for more. I count it a huge privilege having known friends who grew up in other countries where books were not so readily available. It is also fun to discover all the great kids books out there, and a relief to return the ones that aren't so good after all. Here's some recent ones that really caught my girls' attention:

1. Yes, Please! No, Thank You! by Valerie Wheeler - simple, practical, and Hope found it to be hilarious
2. Summer: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur - maybe better suited for kids slightly older, but a gorgeous book! Each page features a summery word corresponding to each letter of the alphabet and then turns it into an acrostic poem and the pictures are bright and colorful.
3. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak - this is an odd book featuring a innocently naked little boy(which Hope didn't seem to notice or care about), but for some reason Hope has really fallen in love with this Caldecot Honor book and asks to read it alot!

I take the girls to the library every couple of weeks and we check out more books than I can carry, devour them over and over again, and happily return to the library for more. I count it a huge privilege having known friends who grew up in other countries where books were not so readily available. It is also fun to discover all the great kids books out there, and a relief to return the ones that aren't so good after all. Here's some recent ones that really caught my girls' attention:

1. Yes, Please! No, Thank You! by Valerie Wheeler - simple, practical, and Hope found it to be hilarious
2. Summer: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur - maybe better suited for kids slightly older, but a gorgeous book! Each page features a summery word corresponding to each letter of the alphabet and then turns it into an acrostic poem and the pictures are bright and colorful.
3. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak - this is an odd book featuring a innocently naked little boy(which Hope didn't seem to notice or care about), but for some reason Hope has really fallen in love with this Caldecot Honor book and asks to read it alot!

I've got just the book for you....

Here is a fantastic website for finding any kind of children's book you may desire. You can search by holiday, season, even letter of the alphabet and it will pull up a list of books for you to choose from.
If you've got something in particular in mind, or even some vague leaning - here's a helpful tool right at your fingertips - thebestkidsbooksite.com

Cows moo, babies coo

If you are looking for a special book for your baby or as a gift to a friend, there are endless wonderful choices. But, just to make it a little easier on you, I would highly recommend the Dr. Seuss book Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?

It has been a favorite of both my girls. Who can refuse Dr. Seuss' funny illustrations and classic rhymes? Both of my girls have enjoyed trying to mimic the sounds of cows mooing, roosters crowing, corks popping, hands knocking, and more. The book comes in a smaller board-book version - the one handed over to Maddie is tattered from Hope's never-tiring adoration. And, in fact, it is now one of only two or so books that Maddie will actually listen to from beginning to end instead of her usual habit of forcing the book closed and saying "all done."

Baby-Gami

I love this book called Baby-Gami: Baby Wrapping for Beginners by Sarvady, Drillings, and Milne. It would make a great gift for any new parent or parent-to-be. The book is a series of instructions and diagrams that run the gamut from cocoon type swaddles for newborns to wearing older babies in slings. Or you can branch out into more specialized wraps such as the "Picnic Wrap," the "Glamour SLing," or the satin and tulle "Gift Wrap." Plus, there is advice from exerts and real parents, tips on baby-carrying and baby-soothing and even a rundown of items not to wrap your baby in.

Run with it!

Here is a book that I carry with me everywhere. It is small and so it easily fits in my diaper bag.  My sister sent me a copy when I was first expecting Hope three years ago and I have had it with me ever since. Fun on the Run! 324 Instant Family Activities by Cynthia L. Copeland includes sections featuring games for restaurants, cars, waiting rooms, doctor's offices, grocery stores, hairdressers, bus stops, almost anywhere! It also includes baby games, and things for moms and dads to do while they wait for their kids.

It is so interesting that we were using it with our friends even before we could use it with our kids. It is a good trick to pull out of the bag for boredom, fidgetiness, meltdowns, etc... and no props required!

We love Bob!

When Hope began to show an interest in reading, I wanted to encourage and help her to retain that interest and so I invested in a neat little resource recommended by another mom - Bob Books. Each of five box sets contains a number of child-sized, thin, paperback books designed to gently help children master the skills of reading. The very first book is "Mat," after the name of the main character. Each page features a two or three word sentence based on the same letter sounds. For example, "Mat sat," or "Sam sat." 

Each book builds on the previous one, and each set addresses a different stage in a child's reading development. "I read the WHOLE book!" is a phrase coined in conjunction with Bob Books, and is the reward of confidence and pride for the child. Now that Hope has finished her third set, she is interested in including the pre-reader level books that she can now tackle, but mostly can't wait to get the next set of Bob Books. I have loved seeing her succeed and definitely recommend these to any parent whose child is ready for beginning reading. With Hope, I never even really asked her if she wanted to read or practice... I just kept the Bob books available and let her bring them to me whenever she liked (a marshmallow given each time she read one to me by herself didn't hurt much either).   

When Hope began to show an interest in reading, I wanted to encourage and help her to retain that interest and so I invested in a neat little resource recommended by another mom - Bob Books. Each of five box sets contains a number of child-sized, thin, paperback books designed to gently help children master the skills of reading. The very first book is "Mat," after the name of the main character. Each page features a two or three word sentence based on the same letter sounds. For example, "Mat sat," or "Sam sat." 

Each book builds on the previous one, and each set addresses a different stage in a child's reading development. "I read the WHOLE book!" is a phrase coined in conjunction with Bob Books, and is the reward of confidence and pride for the child. Now that Hope has finished her third set, she is interested in including the pre-reader level books that she can now tackle, but mostly can't wait to get the next set of Bob Books. I have loved seeing her succeed and definitely recommend these to any parent whose child is ready for beginning reading. With Hope, I never even really asked her if she wanted to read or practice... I just kept the Bob books available and let her bring them to me whenever she liked (a marshmallow given each time she read one to me by herself didn't hurt much either).