1.  Truck Jam by Paul Stickland.  This is an AMAZING pop-up.  The words and phrases on each page are easy enough for young kids to mimic, and the rhyme and rhythm creates a wonderful atmosphere for reading and singing it again and a again.  The pop ups are amazingly intricate with a dump truck that dumps, a fire truck ladder that extends and a hood you can peek through to see the engine!

2.  Elmer’s New Friend by David McKee.  We received this book and accompanying stuffed “Elmer” doll as a new baby gift from a family friend.  I put it on a shelf, not giving it much thought, but my younger son was immediately drawn to the colorful elephant.  The mirror in the back of the book is all but destroyed from being kissed and hugged, colored on and painted.  It is a refreshingly sweet book to read aloud, and the pictures are bright and colorful.

3.  Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.  I haven’t found an Eric Carle book yet that my boys don’t like (we even have two copies of A House For Hermit Crab to accompany our hermit crab pets), but this one is definitely one of my youngest’s favorites.  We even play “caterpillar” when we’re eating, and sometimes it is a great way to get him to eat things he wouldn’t otherwise try!

4.  Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr. Seuss.  Full of sounds and poetry, this is a GREAT read-aloud book.  It is verbal and loud, and it is a wonderful way to awaken your child to the noises and sounds around them.

5.  Put Me In The Zoo by Robert Lopshire.  While this one is listed and number five on the list, it is certainly not the least.  My son can recite this one, word for word (just like Mr. Brown Can Moo).  We are now on our second copy, and I’m sure the third will be forthcoming as well.  The simple words and bright colors make it appealing to young readers.  Besides, who doesn’t love a bear-ish creature with spots that change color?

What are your child’s favorite reads?  leave a comment and let us know!

Wash.  Rinse.  Repeat.  It is the same thing just about every night at our house.  Oh sure, every now and then we have company or we’re out of town (or something like that), but for the most part, the boys’ bedtime routine stays the same.  Read more…

My younger son was the proud recipient of a bubble machine for Christmas.  I’m not big on bubbles, mainly because of the mess.  We learned early on what bubble solution will do to carpet (acts as a dirt magnet and leaves polka-dots all over the place!), children WILL spill the bottle (I think it is a requirement for childhood), and of course, the drips from the dipstick leave a lovely, slick track of solution wherever you are.  Then there’s the whole “blowing” issue - I just about pass out after a dozen blows on the wand (because my three year old hasn’t figured out how to blow on the stick himself!).  Sure, my kids love bubbles, but I don’t necessarily share in their enthusiasm. Read more…

1. Toy Racing Cars Recalled by OKK Trading Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

After I wrote my post Monday, I had a conversation with a good friend of mine regarding sleepovers.  She has a daughter, age 5, who LOVES the idea of sleepovers, but she isn’t quite ready for it - nor are her friends.  Each child reaches that point of being able to handle the overnight separation at their own pace; to deem a specific age as the “ready age” for spending the night away from home is impossible.  Nevertheless, her child was convinced that she NEEDED a slumber party for her 5th birthday (don’t you love the influence of older siblings???).  Genius that my friend is, she came up with a solution - the fake sleepover. Read more…

1. Shims Bargain Recalls Pacifiers Due to Choking Hazard

Today is a school holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr, so last night ended up being the perfect time to offer up a sleepover.

We have had sleepovers in the past with Travis - either friends coming here for Travis going there.  And, when I think back on it, it seems strange to have “boy” sleepovers.  When I was little, I had tons of slumber parties and friends spending the night.  My brother?  Not so much.  In fact, my mom and I can’t remember a single time my brother had a friend stay over for the night.  I, however, was a regular on the sleepover circuit.  So, at least I have my own experience to draw upon for ideas. Read more…

Its time to get a head start, thinking about that all-important February 14th.  Here’s a terrific quick tip I learned about creating a unique and original Valentine greeting.  Apply lip gloss or lipstick to your child’s lips, then have them kiss a piece of white paper.  Turn it into a Valentine card to give to grandparents, siblings, or just about anyone.  Sign it “Hugs and kisses”!