The Little Book Nook

2009-03-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

THE READING MOTHER
BY STRICKLAND GILLILAND

I HAD A MOTHER WHO READ TO ME
SAGAS OF PIRATES WHO SCOURED THE SEA,
CUTLASSES CLENCHED IN THEIR YELLOW TEETH,
"BLACKBIRDS" STOWED IN THE HOLD BENEATH

I HAD A MOTHER WHO READ ME LAYS
OF ANCIENT AND GALLANT AND GOLDEN DAYS;
STORIES OF MARMION AND IVANHOE,
WHICH EVERY BOY HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW.

I HAD A MOTHER WHO READ ME TALES
OF CELERT THE HOUND OF THE HILLS OF WALES,
TRUE TO HIS TRUST TILL HIS TRAGIC DEATH,
FAITHFULNESS BLENT WITH HIS FINAL BREATH.

I HAD A MOTHER WHO READ ME THE THINGS
THAT WHOLESOME LIFE TO THE BOY HEART BRINGS-
STORIES THAT STIR WITH AN UPWARD TOUCH,
OH, THAT EACH MOTHER OF BOYS WERE SUCH.

YOU MAY HAVE TANGIBLE WEALTH UNTOLD;
CASKETS OF JEWELS AND COFFERS OF GOLD.
RICHER THAN I YOU CAN NEVER BE --
I HAD A MOTHER WHO READ TO ME.

2009-03-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

I saw this cute google logo yesterday and I wondered the reason. This is what I found. Oh, and here is a picture of the logo in case you missed it. Way cute and we love this book around my house. :)

Google paid tribute to Eric Carle's children's book the Very Hungry Caterpillar by changing the logo on its home page.

The book, published in 1969, still sells one copy every 30 seconds in the world, 40 years after it was originally published.

Written and illustrated by Eric Carle (a graphic designer who later became art director of an advertising agency before moving into book illustration), it has sold more than 29 million copies, and is published in 47 languages.

Mr Carle, who turns 80 this year, said he got the idea from a hole puncher.

"One day I was punching holes with a hole puncher into a stack of paper, and I thought of a bookworm and so I created a story called "A Week with Willi the Worm". Then my editor suggested a caterpillar instead and I said "Butterfly!" That's how it began," he said.

"I think The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a hopeful story, because it says 'you too little caterpillar can grow up, spread your wings and fly'. I think it is this message of hope that resonates for many readers."

Mr Carle has written and illustrated more than 70 picture books.

Gotta love your babies.

2009-03-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

by Sherry North, Marcellus Hall

An imaginative and heartwarming ode that celebrates a parent's affection for a child

If I were a skywriter, I'd write your name up high
In sparkling golden loop-the-loops across a summer sky.

Colors add so much

2009-03-19T10:04:00.001-07:00

by Nancy Tafuri

Farmer Gray's homestead is as colorless as his name-even the sky and grass are gray. So, while he's away for the day, Blue Goose, Red Hen, Yellow Chick and White Duck get some paint and undertake a barnyard makeover. This is a fun different way to introduce colors and color combinations.

Here's a cute one.

2009-03-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

by Trudie Trewin

This book is so stinkin cute.

"Where do you find kisses?"
"What do kisses look like?"
Matilda Rose loves to kiss. But one day, something goes terribly, horribly wrong. She loses her kisses, just before her daddy is going to come home. Matilda goes on the hysterical and thoughtful search to find her kisses.

Dr. Seuss...

2009-03-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I forgot to post on his actual birthday but I wanted to do a post with some of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes. I'm hoping you will share some of yours. Thanks Dr. Seuss, you had an awesome imagination!

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.

I meant what I said and I said what I meant.

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.

You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.

Just tell yourself, Duckie, you're really quite lucky!

I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells.

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.

"You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!"

So you see! There's no end to the thing you might know, depending how far beyond Zebra you go.

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try.

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.

You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you will be the guy who'll decide where you'll go. Oh the places you'll go.

When you think things are bad, when you feel sour and blue, when you start to get mad... You should do what I do.

"A person's a person, no matter how small."

"If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too."

"Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more...."

Chapter One

2009-02-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I posted my latest finds. It's not because we haven't been making our weekly trips to the library - you all know how it is, life's busy. So I apologize for the marathon post, but here are our favorites so far this year.

BELINDA THE BALLERINA

We love Amy Young's ballerina books. The first one - Belinda Begins Ballet - starts out with Belinda as a little girl. Because of her enormous feet she's cast as a clown in the school's talent show. But Belinda sees one of the older students dancing and soon falls in love with ballet. This book is followed by three more ballet adventures - Belinda The Ballerina, Belinda and the Glass Slipper, and Belinda in Paris. All cute stories that my two year old LOVES! Of course they include a good plug for following your dreams too.

How Do Dinosaurs....?

Wow - who'd have thought that dinosaurs could be such good teachers? My daughter loves these manners books. Her favorite is of course "How do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?" but she enjoys all the others: ...Go To School? ...Play with their Friends? ...Learn their Colors? ...Say Goodnight?

Daisy Duck
If you can't tell, I love it when I find a good "series". Jane Simmons has some really cute books and we especially like the ones about Daisy. She's a cute little duck learning about the world around her. We really enjoy "Daisy and the Beastie" but there are several others we like: Daisy says "if you're happy and you know it"; Quack, Daisy, Quack; Daisy's Hide-and-Seek; and Go to Sleep Daisy. And there's several more we haven't read yet.

The Midnight Unicorn

Absolutely loved the illustrations in this book. It's a cute story about a little girl and where her imagination takes her, her dog, and her favorite unicorn.

The Whistle on the Train

Wow! This is an amazing pop-up book - and so detailed. You could spend a whole hour just looking at it. The words aren't all that great, but the pictures definitely make up for it.

Duck, Duck, Goose

2009-01-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

These adorable Duck & Goose books by Tad Hills are definately ones you schould check out.

The weather outside might be frightful...

2009-01-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

But this book is so delightful. :)

Snowmen at Night
by Caralyn Buehner

Better Late...

2009-01-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Okay so I went out of town and didn't get all my books posted. So here are the last few I had planned to post.

Opps

2008-12-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

Book#22
Twelve Hidden Days of Christmas
by Macky Pamintuan

This is a fun interactive type of book. And it might even keep kids busy for a few minutes. :)

Book #21
The Crippled Lamb
by Max Lucado

This book was read and one of my Christmas parties and I thought it was really sweet and touching. It's about a lamb who has always felt different and sad because of his black spots and his limp, but he feels his true worth when he is called upon to help keep the baby Jesus warm.

Book #20
Santa's Secrets Revealed: All Your Questions Answered about Santa's Super Sleigh, His Flying Reindeer, and Other Wonders
by James Solheim

After Stevie tells a reporter that he does not believe in Santa Claus, Santa himself pays him a visit, takes him to the North Pole to show him his operation, and proves that he uses magic as well as science.

Book #19

2008-12-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

Santa's Favorite Story
by Hisako Aoki

The forest animals are alarmed when it appears that Santa might be too tired to make his Christmas rounds, until he recounts for them the Nativity story which gives the holiday its true significance.

Book #18

2008-12-18T11:25:00.001-08:00

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
by Dr. Seuss

You gotta love this grumpy green grinch and his story of finding the true Christmas spirit.

Book #17

2008-12-18T11:20:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas, Curious George
by Margret Rey, H. A. Rey

My little boy really likes Curious George so I had to throw this one in for him.

Book #16

2008-12-16T10:52:00.001-08:00

Drummer Boy
by Loren Long

From the Publisher

In a wintry little town, a drummer boy appears on a child's doorstep. And when it is still and quiet, the drummer boy plays, boom pum pum boom pum, and warms the child's heart. But one day the drummer boy is accidentally knocked into the trash, sending him on a journey he never imagined-a journey on which he continues to play his drum, warming the hearts of others, from a rat to an owl to a snowman. And in a touching conclusion, his own heart is warmed as he plays to his most perfect audience: the baby in a manger.

I really like the illustrations in this cute little story.

Book #15

2008-12-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

Frosty the Snowman
by Steve Nelson, Jack Rollins

Everybody's favorite snowman comes magically to life in the pages of this picture book. Featuring the festive spirit and rollicking lyrics of the original song, it's the great read-aloud.

Book #14

2008-12-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

Beyond Bethlehem: A Book of Mormon Christmas
by David Bowman

My little boy loves the David Bowman books. This durable board book takes children back to the days of Samuel the Lamanite and the great sign of Jesus' birth that was given in the ancient Americas.

Book # 13

2008-12-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

The Polar Express
by Chris Van Allsburg

This one probably doesn't need any explaining but it is one of our favorites and Melanie posted it as one of her family's as well. The bell still rings for my family. :)

An internet find.

2008-12-12T12:49:00.000-08:00

I found this cute little book on Looky Book. I didn't check it out but I read it on the net. I thought it was cute, it made me smile.

This sweet, quirky tree-trimming adventure delivers a message about teamwork, friendship, and the importance of never giving up.

Book #12

2008-12-12T09:43:00.001-08:00

Creature Was Stirring
by Carter Goodrich, Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, and in this great house the creature who stirred was a boy, not a mouse. Really cute spin off of the loved classic.

You better watch out...

2008-12-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting my little book nook, so in honor of my favorite time of year and some of my favorite books; I'm going to post one for every day in December. This first post is going to be kind of lengthy since I'm 11 days behind. :) I just love Christmas and I love collecting Christmas books and reading them each night leading up to the big day. Please share some of your favorite Christmas books with us. I really would love to hear some of your favorite treasures.
Okay, Lets get started.

Book #1
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
by Alan Benjamin

Well the reason I started the books off with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is because when I was a little girl my parents would ask me what songs I would like them to sing me before going to bed, well I guess for me Rudolph wasn't seasonal. I asked them to sing it all year long. So, I thought I would start off with a book about my favorite little Reindeer. You all know the story, who can resist it?

Book #2
The Nutcracker
by Susan Jeffers, Mary-Claire Helldorfer

Susan Jeffers has created a Nutcracker unlike any that has gone before, with a lovely spare text based on the ballet. Everyone who has seen the ballet will enjoy this book--as will as anyone who enjoys stories where love triumphs.

Book #3
Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Christmas
by Charles M. Schulz

'Tis the season to be jolly, but Charlie Brown is feeling blue. Setting off in search of a prop for the big holiday pageant, our hapless hero finds a bedraggled tree…and the real meaning of Christmas. I'm sure most of you have seen or read this one, but still a good one.

Book #4
The Legend of the Candy Cane:
The Inspirational Story of Our Favorite Christmas Candy
by Lori Walburg, James Bernardin

Here's a fresh Christmas story full of wishes and tradition. Magical paintings tell of a stranger who comes to town one snowy November. Everyone wonders what kind of shop he plans to open. It is the children who get their wish, but everyone gets a wonderful new gift that will last for all Christmases to come.

Book #5
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
by Laura Numeroff

This was the storytime book at my little boys library this month. He enjoyed the crazy trail mouse took us on. Another great "if you ... a mouse" book. :)

Book #6
Who Is Coming to Our House?
by Joseph Slate, Ashley Wolff

A beautiful book with a simple sweet story told in rhyme, stable animals ask ``Who is coming to our house?'' `` `Someone, someone,' says Mouse.''

Book #7
Santa's First Flight
by Sam Beeson

It's Santa's first Christmas, It's Santa's first flight,And eight chubby penguins launch into the night. Grab this cute book to see what happens next. :)

Book #8
I Believe in Santa Claus
by Diane G. Adamson

This is one of my favorite Christmas books. It is a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and why I still believe in Santa Claus.

Book #9
S Is for Star: A Christmas Alphabet
by Cynthia Furlong Reynolds

Learn the origin of many holiday traditions through this fun Christmas Alphabet book.

Book #10
Christmas in the Manger
by Nola Buck, Laura Godwin

This board book tells the about the birth of Jesus. From the star on high that shines over the stable, to the animals who shared the humble abode, and finally to the baby asleep in the hay. Great for the really little book worms that need board books.

Book #11
A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story
by Berkeley Breathed

I love this author/illustrator, he makes me smile, he makes me cry and always takes me on an adventure and this story is no different.

Albuquerque Turkey

2008-11-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

by B. P. Ford

I Thought this would be a fun book to start the November books off with. I'm originally from New Mexico so that is probably why this one caught my eye.

Albuquerque is a turkey.
And he’s feathered,
And he’s fine…
(sing to the tune of “My Darling Clementine”)
This is a heartwarming story about the friendship between a man and his pet turkey. As the Thanksgiving gets closer Albuquerque starts to get nervous. Will he end up as dinner? You better check it out to see.

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving books or books about fall. Let me know so I can check them out and post about them.

We're off to Find the Witch's House

2008-10-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

Simple rhyming text follows a groups of children as they creep down the streeet, passing frightening creatures, on their way to see the witch. This book helped my daughter learn about all the traditional Halloween characters - ghosts, mummies, witch's and more - without all the scary stuff. A great one for Halloween and trick or treating.

Ten Naughty Little Monkeys

2008-10-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

A twist on the classic. Emily has always loved "No more monkey's jumping on the bed" so when I saw this at the library I had to get it. It's nice to have a change and Emily now says "No more monkeys" about everything.

BOOoook #6

2008-10-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

by Julia Donaldson

This is a really fun, clever Halloween book. There are many layers to the rhymes, and lots of different voices to have fun with. It is a story about being kind to others, and how that kindness is returned. Such a clever and fun presentation of a simple moral code. This book is a great read-aloud book.

BOOoook #5

2008-10-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

by J.otto Seibold

Dagmar is not like other vampires. He's shy, he's afraid of humans...and he's a vegetarian! But even more than he likes vegetables, Dagmar loves candy. And when he hears about all the treats he can get on Halloween, he knows he has to be brave and venture out into the human world. A wonderful new book from the author and illustrator of Olive, the other Reindeer.

This book will not be scary for most children as it is filled with good-hearted characters and has a message of accepting differences and making new friends.

BOOoook #4

2008-10-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

by Janet Schulman

10 trick-or-treaters
on a dark and spooky night
out to get some candy
or give someone a fright.

This not-too-scary Halloween counting book features the bright, bold artwork of Linda Davick and the comforting, lively rhythms of Janet Schulman.

BOOoook #3

2008-10-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

By Michael Rex

Goodnight monsters everywhere, in this parody romp with its own special twist!

"Goodnight tomb. Goodnight goon. Goodnight Martians taking over the moon."

A beloved classic gets a kind-hearted send up in this utterly monsterized parody; energetic art and a hilarious text will have kids begging to read this again and again.

BOOooo k #2

2008-10-20T14:05:00.001-07:00

by Jon Stone

This is also a fun classic. The good thing is instead of being scared you are laughing by the end. Plus the interaction keeps the child's attention.

Halloween BOooooo ks

2008-10-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well I thought I would start with the classic. "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. I'm sure you already know if you like this one or not.

Duck on a Bike

2008-10-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Another good one by David Shannon. The illustrations are great - lots of bright colors and animation. Duck decides to learn how to ride a bike and soon all the other farm animals want to join the fun. This is one we read over and over again and one my two year old has memorized and "reads" by herself.

2008-10-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite book. My Aunt told my mom about it and she told me and I'm so glad they did. It is so fun to read out loud. It is about a Siamese kitten who is convinced that he's really a Chihuahua in disguise. With a little imagination and a whole lot of fun, this frisky cat dons a mask and cape and takes on a bad bumble-beeto to save the day. And along the way, he'll be sure to steal young reader's hearts, yes indeed-o! Here is a little taste . . .

My name is Skippito Friskito. (clap clap)

I fear not a single bandito. (clap clap)

My manners are mellow,

I'm sweet like the Jell-O,

I get the job done, yes indeed-o. (clap clap)

p.s. You might have to read through it a couple of times to get all the rhyming rhythm down. But ounce you do it is a really fun read.

Be sure to check out the other Skippyjon Jones books that are avaiable. :)

No More Cookies

2008-10-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

A random find at the library turned out to be one of our favorites. Imaginitive little Florence and her toy monkey Arnold try to persuade her mother to let them eat more cookies. But mom always has a reason to say no. If you're feeling ambitious it also gives you an activity to do afterwords. My daughter still talks about making Magic Monkey Bananas.

Dino-Hockey

2008-09-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

By Lisa Wheeler

My little boy likes dinos so that might be why he liked this one so much.

This delightful rhyming book describes the dino hockey match as it happens play by play. (which might make it easier to get dad to read it :))The verse flows smoothly. The details in the illustrations include different dinosaurs sitting in the stands, a score keeper, and even the names of the dinosaurs on the back of the jerseys. The text and illustrations are a wonderful combination, complementing each other well. This picture book will bring smiles and enthusiasm to young children.

I told you W was a good section. :)

Scaredy Squirrel

2008-09-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

By : Melanie Watt

Here is another couple of books from the W Section.
I really enjoyed these books. I think I enjoyed them more than my two year old. I copied the following reviews off of the Barnes and Noble website and they recommended it for ages 5-9. I found that my little boy liked the second book better than the first. Let me know what you think. :)

(Scaredy Squirrel)
The format is a bit unconventional, with charcoal-outlined illustrations that are reminiscent of cartoons and coloring books, as well as lists, plans, schedules, and other nonlinear text elements. Scaredy Squirrel, who is afraid of everything and goes to great pains to avoid contact with the dangerous outside world, eventually encounters a situation he had not prepared for, reacts instinctively, and discovers he can fly—literally. The nice allusion of jumping on faith and learning that you have wings will be over kids' heads, but they will love Squirrel's sense of adventure, curiosity, and excitement upon being freed from his fears. Ages 5 to 9.

(Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend)
That lovable little worrywart is back. And he's as scaredy as ever! In his latest adventure, Scaredy Squirrel sets out to make The Perfect Friend. And once he's spotted a perfectly safe candidate (with no teeth), Scaredy's ready. Armed with a name tag, mittens, a mirror and a lemon, he's prepared to make The Perfect First Impression. But just when every detail is under control, Scaredy's Action Plan takes a surprising -- and "toothy" -- turn ... Will he survive this ordeal? Will he find his kindred spirit? Will he discover the true meaning of friendship? Read Scaredy's nutty story to find out ...

MO WILLEMS

2008-09-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

Okay here is the next great author I found in the "W" section. I love his Pigeon books and so does my 2 year old. He likes "Don't let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" fun and interactive and he cracks up when I read him "The Pigeon Finds A Hot Dog". (Plus with Football Season in full swing I love the quote that a hot dog "is a taste sensation".) He is also the author of Knuffle Bunny. This book is a little too true for any of you that have misplaced your child's favorite toy, blanket, etc. Plus the illustration in Knuffle Bunny is very unique. So go check out Mo Willems. There are more pigeon books and a Knuffle Bunny II so let me know what you think.

The "W" Section

2008-09-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well this time at the library I decided that I didn't want to drag my book bag all over so I parked it in the "W" section and "W"ow what a section it was. So for the next little while I will be posting books that are from authors in the "W" section. :) I already posted the first one "Waking Beauty" by Leah Wilcox and so I'm going to post another one of her books because it is just as clever. It's called "Falling for Rapunzel"

The prince is hoping to fall for Rapunzel, but since she can't quite hear what he asks for, everything but her hair gets tossed out her window. Instead of her curly locks, she throws her dirty socks. And you can predict the guaranteed-to-crack-kids-up clothing she sends down when the prince simply says hair. . . .

Finally Rapunzel heaves out something that makes all the prince's dreams come true, showing how misunderstandings can lead to happily-ever-after.

Hilarious text, clever page-turns, and vibrant, eclectic art make this a non-traditional Rapunzel kids will want to read about again and again.

Another School Book

2008-09-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

By David Shannon

This book was a suggestion from Ashley under the comment section of the back to school books but I wanted to make sure everyone saw it because it is a cute one. Enjoy.

Waking Beauty

2008-09-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

by Leah Wilcox

Everyone knows Sleeping Beauty has to be woken with a kiss, except Prince Charming. Every time the fairies watching over her try to tell him, he interrupts with his ideas of how to wake her. Eventually he gets the message, and his reaction is priceless: "One hundred years of morning breath Wow! That could be the kiss of death!"

This is a great princess book for boys and girls. The boys get a kick out of prince charming because he is being such a clueless boy while the girls still get the fairies and the princess.

Cows are Cute, Right?

2008-08-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well since I'm 36 Weeks pregnant I'm feeling large and in charge. :) I thought it would be funny to share some of my favorite cow books.

By Doreen Cronin ----------------------------------------------------------------------By Margie Palatini---------------------------------------------------------------------By Marsha D. Arnold

These books are all so cute. My little boy laughed during all three of them and he is only 2 1/2. It probably helps that I get pretty animated when I'm trying to make reading fun. :) Anyway, go check these out and tell us what you think. Also let us know if you have any favorite COW books. :p

Calling All Princesses!

2008-08-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

If you have a little girl as into princesses and babies as much as my little girl is, then this is the perfect book for you. She hasn't been too into Katz's other books, but if there's a crown, a pretty dress and a wand she can't seem to turn it down. Her face lights up whenever I pull the book out.

Back to School!!

2008-08-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that it is already back to school time? Me neither. I don't have any kids in school yet but I thought it would be fun to post some cute back to school and first day of school books for everyone to check out. There are tons of these kinds of books out there. If you have any back to school books that are favorites of yours let us know.

By Robert Neubecker
What could be more WOW! than the first day of school? Tag along with Izzy and experience the wonder and excitement of school from a child's-eye view.

By Lauren Thompson
When he goes to school, Mouse finds a world of new objects and new friends.

By Margret & H.A. Reys
George is at it again. See where his curiosity leads him during his first day as a school helper.

By Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
Everyone's favorite dinosaurs are back--and this time they are going to school. More fun dinosaur antics await.

The Furry-Legged Teapot

2008-08-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Retold by Tim Myers
Illustrated by Robert McGuire

In ancient Japan, a young tanaki, a fox that can change shapes, becomes stuck in the form of a teapot. Includes notes on the original Japanese folktale from which this story is derived.

This is a book that my cousin told me about. Thanks, for the book suggestions everyone, keep them coming. :)

2008-08-11T11:04:00.001-07:00

We had a special request for religious books and so I thought I would post this cute little book especially because my little boy asks to sing this song pretty much every night.

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
by Hans Wilhelm

From acclaimed author and illustrator Hans Wilhelm comes a charming picture book for children. Beautifully illustrated and based on the well-known hymn, this book will be read again and again.

You can purchase this book here.

2008 Olympic Games

2008-08-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

As all of you know this weekend is the start of the 2008 Olympic games in China. I was thinking it would be fun to introduce some of that culture to our children through a couple of books that I found. So here you go, flip through the books and let me know what you think.

TIP: Click on the eyeballs to see a larger version of the books. :)

Let us know about any kid friendly books about China or the Olympics that you have come across.

Thanks to my little sister Brittany for telling me about Lookybook and I also saw Lookybook mentioned on Today's Mama.

10 Little Rubber Ducks

2008-08-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

Eric Carle’s cute new book 10 Little Rubber Ducks was inspired by a 1992 incident when a shipment of 29,000 rubber bathtub toys, including ducks, beavers, turtles and frogs, fell overboard from a container ship. Carle takes this concept and narrows it down to ten rubber ducks and what happens to them when they get lost at sea.

It of course has Carle's great illustrations and a "surprise" at the end, which is of course my two-year-old's favorite part.

Snoring Beauty

2008-08-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

By Bruce Hale

A great twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. From a storytelling frog you experience a furious fairy, a cruel curse, and a snoring princess. The illustrations are very colorful and bright and a hard-of-hearing fairy makes all the difference in this classic. Yada yada, hippity-hop

Recommended age: 4 and up.

We've All Got Bellybuttons!

2008-07-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

By David Martin

This book has been a great find. My daughter and I both love it. Various animals invite you to experience what their different body parts can do, including their tickly belly buttons. It's one we read over and over again.