Books for your kids!

We are definitely a library family. Last summer we would visit there often. Once a week they would have a program for children aged 3-6... a magician, storyteller, balloon maker, actor... all for free and such a great experience for her to check out live entertainment. Now with dance lessons every week in the larger city, we like to stop at the library to pick out some awesome books. Usually I just pick books displayed on top of the shelves that look fun. A. usually finds Henry and Mudge books, holiday books, or books filled with a picture and what the word is.

Lately I have come across some fun ones. I hope if you get a chance you can check them out- at the library or on Amazon.

The Squeaky Door is a fun book for children. There is some repetition which is fun for younger children to join in. A. will gladly make the sound SQUEEEEEK at the right places in the book. The story is of a young boy who spends the night at Grandma's house. Grandma asks if he will be afraid and he assures her he will not be... that is until Grandma closes the door and it squeaks. Soon all kinds of animals are sleeping in bed with him (including a pig and horse) but the squeak sound is still quite scary. See how Grandma eventually solves the problem.

When I first picked up this book I was nervous that she would find it scary- but instead she finds it very fun to read. She is currently reading it to her stuffed animals as she tries to fall asleep!

Thank goodness the library recommended this one. I wish I could best describe what this story has in store for you. The cats are talking to you, the reader. They ask you to turn the page, participate in a pillow fight, open flaps of boxes, and much more. Though it is a book, it was very interactive and a lot of fun to read. I intend to see if there are other books by this author. Even if you don't LOVE cats, I am sure you will like this book.
I am constantly recommending this book to other moms- especially my elementary teacher friends. I have read multiple books by Todd Parr and though I am impressed with them all, this is still my favorite. What book is better than one that reminds kids that It's okay to be different- whether you are different or someone else is. The book is full of bright colors and silly drawings. A.'s favorite line is, "It's okay to eat macaroni and cheese in the bathtub." Some are more serious- about what you look like or how your family is made up. We also discovered at our Family Video store that there are a lot of Todd Parr's "Todd's World" movies. They are very similar to the books and have such a wonderful message about acceptance and love of others. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, grandparent, or just looking for a positive book- please check it out (the books or the videos). This book was a gift given to us at a baby shower- and though it is hard cover and a large book for a baby, it is an awesome gift that our family has enjoyed again and again!

I hope that you can find some time this week to sit and read with your child or a young friend. Thankfully A. just loves to read- Sunday night we sat and read for over 30 min- about twelve books! Reading is an activity I am enjoying because I can be actively involved with her- without having to crawl around like a pet or play house. Sometimes, at 35 weeks pregnant, all I want to do is sit- and thankfully I think we both find it to be quality time together. Have fun reading!