tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808113884984533562024-03-14T07:30:02.724-06:00wise owl baby: chubby cheeks and picture booksAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-50272802772577311312012-12-11T23:55:00.001-07:002012-12-11T23:55:59.985-07:00Winter Gift Guide: Picture Books Picture books are my go-to gift. Here are three ideas that follow the <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2012/07/book-themed-gift-combinations.html" target="_blank">Read-Wear-Play</a> magic formula.<br />
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18-months+:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA4BakEMEaYlntvn98mAQgVjhcVjG6jKqxHad-57r9DDm5goGwVQihpqOKlbqiwYQnhPajlFRNCuiUVbx3EyCdylctNVG20zqEhMPaJw6vg13OqRaXqmHFA4qWcjcceShDsqj4vY7yxRP/s1600/gg_threesnowbears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA4BakEMEaYlntvn98mAQgVjhcVjG6jKqxHad-57r9DDm5goGwVQihpqOKlbqiwYQnhPajlFRNCuiUVbx3EyCdylctNVG20zqEhMPaJw6vg13OqRaXqmHFA4qWcjcceShDsqj4vY7yxRP/s1600/gg_threesnowbears.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<b> The Three Snow Bears</b> by Jan Brett (a<b> </b>heartwarming Inuit variation of <i>Goldilocks and the Three Bears</i>; recently published in board book form) <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Youth-Slippers-Small-Medium/dp/B007K838Y0/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1355248359&sr=1-1&keywords=polar+bear+slippers" target="_blank">Sea World Polar Bear Youth Slippers </a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carters-Footed-Pajamas-Blanket-Sleeper/dp/B007TZ1UQ2/ref=sr_1_19?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1355247079&sr=1-19&keywords=polar+bear+toy" target="_blank">Carter's Footed Pajama Blanket Sleeper 24 months- Polar Bear </a><br />
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Newly Literate+:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n4lH2U_Ex35Rb7q5ptyv63p09Nj3arvZFHDHHVI3M2-RBBu4E4INiFrW4i2m3uo8jhcH6jCHy6EyC2mrECE4zJnOJns69Yu7DdH6KEXk74kDD7EJUPfx0HNCZOWNyT7a26Hs7_h3m_QD/s1600/gg_iwantmyhatback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n4lH2U_Ex35Rb7q5ptyv63p09Nj3arvZFHDHHVI3M2-RBBu4E4INiFrW4i2m3uo8jhcH6jCHy6EyC2mrECE4zJnOJns69Yu7DdH6KEXk74kDD7EJUPfx0HNCZOWNyT7a26Hs7_h3m_QD/s1600/gg_iwantmyhatback.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>I Want My Hat Back </b>by Jon Klassen (<i id="yui_3_7_3_1_1355257629165_1935">New York Times</i> Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2011;<i> </i>2012 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book)</div>
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<a href="https://www.krochetkids.org/shop/the-thomas-jr/" target="_blank">Krochet Kids The Thomas Jr.</a> (<a href="http://www.krochetkids.org/" target="_blank">handmade</a> in Uganda) </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Travel-Memory-Game/dp/B000VO1CIE/ref=sr_1_12?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1355259598&sr=1-12&keywords=memory+game" target="_blank">Melissa and Doug travel-size Flip-to-Win Memory Game</a> (because in the book, the bear "remembers" and "forgets" the rabbit...) </div>
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Tween+ (including grown-up mid-century modern fans and Finlandophiles):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUOA9vfdstJH885-45nTPojEJO4pR9n92RsZBPVq3-pgk_esxevNtA4cFg7G7sc3EBaL3pcYGGDIBsEP5pAF87rsVhpZ4ku77Hu1EWskSSLvdrR5LCWmHAC7Tw-qb472KftGzGOyWhmSS/s1600/gg_moomincompletecomic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUOA9vfdstJH885-45nTPojEJO4pR9n92RsZBPVq3-pgk_esxevNtA4cFg7G7sc3EBaL3pcYGGDIBsEP5pAF87rsVhpZ4ku77Hu1EWskSSLvdrR5LCWmHAC7Tw-qb472KftGzGOyWhmSS/s1600/gg_moomincompletecomic.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moomin-Book-Five-Complete-Jansson/dp/189729994X/ref=pd_sim_b_4" target="_blank">Moomin: The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip: Book 1</a></b> (the five books in this series contain comics originally published in <i>London Evening News</i> in the mid-1950s)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dmobile&field-keywords=moomin%20earbuds" target="_blank">Moomin Character Earphone Jack Accessory</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117274594/tuuli-canvas-pencil-pouch-purse-black?ga_search_query=pouch" target="_blank">Marimekko Tuuli Canvas Pencil Pouch by hannasboutique</a> (use it for pencils/pens, snacks, hygiene/grooming kit, etc.)<br />
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I should mention, I got the idea for Read-Wear-Play themed gifts from Gabrielle of <a href="http://www.designmom.com/2011/11/ask-design-mom-christmas-morning/" target="_blank">Design Mom</a>--Santa brings her six children using that formula. I should also mention that I collected these images and links for fun and for your friendly use, and I am not affiliated in any way with any of the products or sellers. <br />
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What's your gifting formula? What books are on your wish list, or gift list? <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-18721199505947547922012-11-04T14:16:00.000-07:002012-11-04T14:16:13.338-07:00DIY Book Costume: Flower from The Tiny Seed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRZCTKuietTS8PRP8fwUYRQWO08wg9C7jmwFjpjriNwJU-edcGPohPmfZTKlxhe8xoYIHMPDfJn7rOX7rI6xRmfurhTtwoEPn3x2CimucguktPglBxmnyi6yv3i96kADdWtc9qdvzrewk/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRZCTKuietTS8PRP8fwUYRQWO08wg9C7jmwFjpjriNwJU-edcGPohPmfZTKlxhe8xoYIHMPDfJn7rOX7rI6xRmfurhTtwoEPn3x2CimucguktPglBxmnyi6yv3i96kADdWtc9qdvzrewk/s1600/053.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This girl has loved Eric Carle's <b>The Tiny Seed</b> for over a year. She can "read" it by quoting and paraphrasing the story. I wouldn't have thought this dramatic, vaguely-anthropomorphized life cycle/season story would hold the attention of a toddler--but it does. Over and over again. It reminds me that she (and other children) should continue to get broad exposure to literature. A picture book "above" or "below" their development level may scratch a curiosity itch we didn't even know they had. And generally, I think two-year-olds are underestimated--they are often absorbing more patterns and cues, social-emotionally, scientifically, and otherwise, than we realize. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you're curious, here's how my mom and I threw together this Tiny Seed-inspired flower costume in half an hour for $10. (When I say half an hour, I am minusing hours of deliberation and over-thinking, window shopping, and a failed paper-mache project.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKscZNy_c0RF7BPWgw9mTiuTXc5_ZSK2ylI1kiryTvdW7tHz80cq3Ys99HQKa6Ip8XNiBx4nxUMIi0H4eyXl8B78oA46z7o3QxcRiMSL4VJMXlDp7lRR_w1PMZCQrHq5jWjXz9XqrTYzr/s1600/WP_000107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKscZNy_c0RF7BPWgw9mTiuTXc5_ZSK2ylI1kiryTvdW7tHz80cq3Ys99HQKa6Ip8XNiBx4nxUMIi0H4eyXl8B78oA46z7o3QxcRiMSL4VJMXlDp7lRR_w1PMZCQrHq5jWjXz9XqrTYzr/s1600/WP_000107.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We free-handed some leaves out of printer paper and wrapped them in duct tape. We ran a "stem" down a black shirt and pants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRu24Tb4G5pnMwPgTagQJoD7XmTuOc-RXinTC00C05JRMrnJTyUZMWTohNNqOowCEbAUjNw_H7UkwYFH0ZCwM55FOq-LXK_QJoPdGTUzWgPCNakBSgaa8o7voHp8E0__WWS0wutd9Kc1O9/s1600/WP_000104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRu24Tb4G5pnMwPgTagQJoD7XmTuOc-RXinTC00C05JRMrnJTyUZMWTohNNqOowCEbAUjNw_H7UkwYFH0ZCwM55FOq-LXK_QJoPdGTUzWgPCNakBSgaa8o7voHp8E0__WWS0wutd9Kc1O9/s1600/WP_000104.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We cut eight petals from foam paper. (After I cut the first one, I moved it around the ring to make sure it would fit an even amount of petals. Luckily, I picked just the right width for the bottom of the petal.) We popped out the inner ring of a 9-inch cross-stich hoop and hot-glued the petals onto it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIe1kMHkH-nhKE6Hq4O5ra3VcQGCgEXJ57abjNnWWS0qFIDgEjBBD45La_f5-JAQ_43XENcjyPvmjxx-QwcylbqkFPjSIEDZU6rF1qrsLP0ys2HZ2yUq6v55boMVicoRJrpSBLN4jOmUEi/s1600/WP_000105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIe1kMHkH-nhKE6Hq4O5ra3VcQGCgEXJ57abjNnWWS0qFIDgEjBBD45La_f5-JAQ_43XENcjyPvmjxx-QwcylbqkFPjSIEDZU6rF1qrsLP0ys2HZ2yUq6v55boMVicoRJrpSBLN4jOmUEi/s1600/WP_000105.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We hot-glued a plastic headband on an angle (30 degrees?), so that the petal ring would go around her face when the headband was on her head. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMByfqnQ0TqxiR3wZTs7x8zCSqEMOtvOWyLjfZPrvLqNqarZWSomEm_ke1L6yF1gETM__Xtm2lGdsu2TiVuuhx-tsiCgizGOyRW5vJMjEgmA-aKsCW2OriC0WZbWiGlRisbmAvaHr7YZF/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMByfqnQ0TqxiR3wZTs7x8zCSqEMOtvOWyLjfZPrvLqNqarZWSomEm_ke1L6yF1gETM__Xtm2lGdsu2TiVuuhx-tsiCgizGOyRW5vJMjEgmA-aKsCW2OriC0WZbWiGlRisbmAvaHr7YZF/s1600/054.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is the only time she's kept a headband on for more than five minutes. She hates headbands, but LOVES being a flower. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Did you celebrate Halloween in a book-inspired costume? I'd love to see pictures!</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-40798955790219546882012-10-15T10:57:00.001-06:002012-10-15T10:57:43.929-06:00Halloween: Book Costumes and Other Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mjQEZW-deIc9sGh81bb4OCAQ-nv40aZ7YsE9hZsV8U_wFOt-h_PfFj-IuJlDBka86HS6wmsrqKnc9ZBv7LSu3-Yr_RQXVoVfStXDnpxaXNr9-6DtRamEXywIH_zNLmWBUmjZ_AyXE5nI/s1600/Halloween+2011+015(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mjQEZW-deIc9sGh81bb4OCAQ-nv40aZ7YsE9hZsV8U_wFOt-h_PfFj-IuJlDBka86HS6wmsrqKnc9ZBv7LSu3-Yr_RQXVoVfStXDnpxaXNr9-6DtRamEXywIH_zNLmWBUmjZ_AyXE5nI/s1600/Halloween+2011+015(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A friend of mine crafted this typewriter (to attach to a cow costume) out of a Cheerios box! Her six-year-old was definitely the cutest union member of <b>Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type</b> (by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin). <br />
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I love seeing little Halloween costumes based on book characters! Last year, Baby A was <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2011/11/gosling-sighting-and-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">Gossie</a>. And I can't decide what she'll be this year--Peter Rabbit? Pooh? Clifford/Emily Elizabeth? Or a fluffy monster? Time is running out! What are your costuming plans? Did you prepare weeks ago, or do you wait until the week before (like me)? I have been <a href="http://pinterest.com/annakitchens/halloween/" target="_blank">pinning</a> book character costume ideas, if you still need them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRsIp9619I2LJwHDXC1Gc2L-NOpudrxhD-TVSojLVZLUtvyix9wW8_u1JrRRLbuAG1m1pLIVbRwPmL8Ov-YDCtJxCIJWwz8qWsl3r56mh8yvbhBZC_bqIsMFP_XTcr79p4Bpq37KhIKcT/s1600/little+goblins+ten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRsIp9619I2LJwHDXC1Gc2L-NOpudrxhD-TVSojLVZLUtvyix9wW8_u1JrRRLbuAG1m1pLIVbRwPmL8Ov-YDCtJxCIJWwz8qWsl3r56mh8yvbhBZC_bqIsMFP_XTcr79p4Bpq37KhIKcT/s1600/little+goblins+ten.jpg" /></a></div>
Our favorite Halloween book this year has been <b>Little Goblins Ten</b> by Pamela Jane, illustrated by Jane Manning. The lyrics come off charmingly without ever trying to "force" a rhyme. It's a counting book, without feeling predictable. And the illustrations are part-lovely and part-creepy--definitely not too scary, but not cutesy, either.<br />
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My husband, 2.3-year-old, and I went to see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0837562/" target="_blank"><b>Hotel Transylvania</b></a>, and we were surprised at how much we all liked it! Next week, we'll be screening the classic <b><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=charlie+brown+and+the+giant+pumpkin&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=charlie+brown+and+the+giant+pumpkin&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=5T9&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvnso&source=univ&tbm=vid&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=tDl8ULqsBumiyAHqtIHADQ&ved=0CEcQqwQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=e1758d7d1ffbdcd&bpcl=35277026&biw=1280&bih=584" target="_blank">It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown</a>.</b><br />
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What are your Halloween traditions? Or are you trying something new this year?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-86283884318978690572012-08-10T17:02:00.000-06:002012-08-10T17:02:12.657-06:00Mathematic Picture Books<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Have you heard of <b>Wumbers</b>? Amy Krouse Rosenthal wrote, and Tom Lichtenheld illustrated, a punny book that will stretch your brain!</div>
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I've always liked number patterns and words, but when I thought I wasn't "good" at math in 5th grade, I threw myself into the world of words. Now, I don't think in terms of Numbers vs. Words, and I love to see adults and children nurture a love of both. </div>
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Here's a list of counting and other <a href="http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org/resource/readlist/favmath.php" target="_blank">math books</a>! And another extensive list of <a href="http://childrenspicturebooks.info/articles/picture_books_for_math.htm" target="_blank">math-related picture books</a> organized by subject! </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And here's a list with descriptions of </span><a href="http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6727275.html" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">how to use picture books to teach math</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Happy weekend! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-90416576112118768492012-08-01T00:01:00.002-06:002012-08-01T00:01:39.499-06:00Timeless Summer Children's Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3PbJonJPeYQuMcFIARKGIyXVi91ebMq37sQPobKoBGr4vbVYMsZS4aJtyQe41rG5TngXq-_s56JmDAoujeKxRRteo6rQXSaLvEPqSqxhtMfntjxCwj5KQ2lkR6a4Oy3ciCQIMmlvYkOh/s1600/20120405111355_00292A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3PbJonJPeYQuMcFIARKGIyXVi91ebMq37sQPobKoBGr4vbVYMsZS4aJtyQe41rG5TngXq-_s56JmDAoujeKxRRteo6rQXSaLvEPqSqxhtMfntjxCwj5KQ2lkR6a4Oy3ciCQIMmlvYkOh/s400/20120405111355_00292A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I was a kid, there was no summer bucket list. </div>
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If I was in Finland, I knew I'd be picking berries, visiting a cabin in the woods, and running back and forth between the sauna and the ocean. </div>
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If I was in Virginia, I knew I'd be at the pool six days a week, riding my bike to my best friend's house, and devouring a million Otter Pops on my cousin's front porch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bToHSJ_FTs0m7i6J2m_u68z1BOOpMweQFvPkyLtZWTyFXZJlQ80YzG2yr7igE07hR7k0iV74l1hKWN-qFFLO8pTx3z2a77DrgBLzt9eb6aR5VjNmJNyFxFxyTpqocCo8zFmUmpQEUMsO/s1600/20120405111355_00499A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bToHSJ_FTs0m7i6J2m_u68z1BOOpMweQFvPkyLtZWTyFXZJlQ80YzG2yr7igE07hR7k0iV74l1hKWN-qFFLO8pTx3z2a77DrgBLzt9eb6aR5VjNmJNyFxFxyTpqocCo8zFmUmpQEUMsO/s400/20120405111355_00499A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every summer also included a curl-up with a book in a backyard hammock.</div>
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<a href="http://static.sf-cdn.com/232323232%7Fngo83;2%3Erdeduvgwu%3Eg9e%3Ec%3C7%3Ee8f%3E8eh%3E64g%3E8;f%3E852%3E636%3Eee5%3E3;4%3Ee4=ot1lsi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://static.sf-cdn.com/232323232%7Fngo83;2%3Erdeduvgwu%3Eg9e%3Ec%3C7%3Ee8f%3E8eh%3E64g%3E8;f%3E852%3E636%3Eee5%3E3;4%3Ee4=ot1lsi" width="326" /></a></div>
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All these summer joys are timeless, don't you think? Do you read in a hammock?</div>
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Try these classics to soak up one more month of summer:</div>
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<b>Roxaboxen</b> by Alice McLerran, illustrated by Barbara Cooney, is <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2011/07/roxaboxen-my-childhood-outdoors.html" target="_blank">my favorite</a>. McLerran and Cooney capture the magic of imagination that turns a field of broken glass and stones into a lifelong memory of a beautiful society of neighborhood friends.</div>
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<b>Amos and Boris</b> by William Steig was just published in 2009, but the enduring tale of friendship and simply sweet illustrations will make it a classic. </div>
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<b>The Wind in the Willows</b> by Kenneth Grahames was written as a lovely escape from Grahame's difficult life, and it is now a gift of fantasy to everyone who reads each adventurous chapter.<br />
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P.S. last year's <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-books.html" target="_blank">summer book picks</a></div>
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first two photos: my childhood</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">third photo: </span><a href="http://www.snapfish.com/Life/fe/p/ext/life/LifeCom?q=image_source%7ELIFECOM%5Eimage_id%7E50645397" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">source</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-71175554297358734602012-07-24T22:29:00.000-06:002012-07-24T22:29:46.352-06:00Utah's Pioneer Day: Festival and Books<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Today was <a href="http://saltlakecity.about.com/od/arts/tp/Salt-Lake-City-July-24th-Pioneer-Day-Events.htm" target="_blank">Pioneer Day</a>, <strike></strike><i>the</i> Utah state holiday.</div>
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Baby A and I hooked up the bike trailer and met some friends at a pioneer monument park turned festival. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9kiyOW_hkmAU6hMoXqZDk3WZHjl8ccW-rE6d2dApo_Rj20rj7puGBfi-pGkVEquWBPLARHvkUUS4fn98R4EV6gIDG7jajFfRoHeJmM7LPozxF33mwh6sZRtEJTGuWybVfY2IbWtddJs4/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9kiyOW_hkmAU6hMoXqZDk3WZHjl8ccW-rE6d2dApo_Rj20rj7puGBfi-pGkVEquWBPLARHvkUUS4fn98R4EV6gIDG7jajFfRoHeJmM7LPozxF33mwh6sZRtEJTGuWybVfY2IbWtddJs4/s400/DSC_0061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Baby A and I sat in a 1917 fire truck. The owner lent me his antique firefighter cap! Classic cars and fire trucks don't have much to do with Utah's history in particular, but Utah sneaks classic cars in to any summer festival. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A0rFUCbAzuXDWMNDJM6-4ojg5-cxssyauQ1HNA6tejCwWvd-P8mtKmsrjV1Ju9tt9otw1FHU7F3tnUuslgYxPhI_uuo00C8IA28eaS-UUY3qG1mI8a_56qAOEhiT0Tikk1pkl7hsmN6g/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A0rFUCbAzuXDWMNDJM6-4ojg5-cxssyauQ1HNA6tejCwWvd-P8mtKmsrjV1Ju9tt9otw1FHU7F3tnUuslgYxPhI_uuo00C8IA28eaS-UUY3qG1mI8a_56qAOEhiT0Tikk1pkl7hsmN6g/s400/DSC_0066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Utah's festivals aren't complete without some farm animals, either. The calf brayed (it hadn't mastered the moo) so loudly it frightened the young children.</div>
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The most relevant photo to Utah's history is of Baby A in a teepee. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VGZFWN8ABczDxLgCd4j9mCH0pVYazX3Ryekp2QVSCpsKvy89DFpMKI0mL7yEG_65R8wRS0sOwEodxlAed2zg2zcSFyuKO6gchV1eAelZ5icq0vJeCiCIm-M5zG_kOk5NcPdH33lXq5u_/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VGZFWN8ABczDxLgCd4j9mCH0pVYazX3Ryekp2QVSCpsKvy89DFpMKI0mL7yEG_65R8wRS0sOwEodxlAed2zg2zcSFyuKO6gchV1eAelZ5icq0vJeCiCIm-M5zG_kOk5NcPdH33lXq5u_/s400/DSC_0064.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Not pictured: 12 craft stations, food stands, live bands on stage, pioneer museum, and a mass of face-painted children ushered through lines by their parents and grandparents. Oh, and posters with fun facts, like that Utah's state fish is the Bonneville Cutthroat Trout.</div>
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And here are a couple of fun books that celebrate Utah:</div>
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<b>Dinosaur Mountain: Digging Into the Jurassic Age</b> by Deborah Kogan Ray digs into the history of the "Bone Wars", and the monumental discovery of an enthusiastic paleontologist, Earl Douglass, in Utah's rocky northeast.</div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=367072" target="_blank"><b>Good Night Our World</b> series</a> by Adam Gamble, illustrated by Anne Rosen is a great introduction to the highlights of the states. </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think I'll get it as a keepsake for Baby A--she's been to all the places featured in the book!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Does your state or region have a holiday?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-18081967767009410252012-07-16T15:56:00.000-06:002012-07-16T15:56:41.226-06:00Book-Themed Gift Combinations<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Turning 3 is a rite-of-passage, don't you think? Suddenly, a 3-year-old is mature enough for a million toys with parts that their 2-year-old self apparently couldn't handle safely. A three-year-old is ready for their very own cubby at their very own pre-school! A three-year-old picks out their own big-kid underwear. Their world is blown wide open with possibilities! (I'm not being sarcastic; I am just simultaneously amused and terrified for the much-too-soon day when my daughter will somewhat officially make the leap from toddler to kid.)</div>
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What should you give in celebration of this auspicious birthday? I suggest the Magic 3 Combo: something to READ, something to WEAR, and something to PLAY with. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm not suggesting that
one person ought to give three things--themed gifts like this would be
perfect from a group, from all the aunts and uncles, for example. </span>But if you're picking just one, go with something to read, because books are sadly under-represented at kid's birthday parties.</div>
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The Magic 3 Combo works for anyone at any age at any occasion, but here are 3 examples for a 3-year-old (with an <i>estimated</i> total price):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJOSb56Kv0Mhl3DYUk3Zy1GA4LfC7dkigGslfHMVvqBz-9VrE0L7PXZNhjZVmsOaHZtsSEWSiPzZU1ABvCfyvlx2e3Jayn0H2OpTTLkpLMiZSLeEy4Oor-a4XEDDES5xTQo_irsD_GD-z/s1600/RWP+monkeys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJOSb56Kv0Mhl3DYUk3Zy1GA4LfC7dkigGslfHMVvqBz-9VrE0L7PXZNhjZVmsOaHZtsSEWSiPzZU1ABvCfyvlx2e3Jayn0H2OpTTLkpLMiZSLeEy4Oor-a4XEDDES5xTQo_irsD_GD-z/s400/RWP+monkeys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1.</span><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Eight Silly Monkeys</b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> illustrated by Steve Haskamp; </span><a href="http://craftsuppliesforless.com/kidscraftsupplies_foamiesstickerpacks.html" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Foamies Monkey Stickers</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">; </span><a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=monkeys+in+a+barrel&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=4jq&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1244&bih=550&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=14608796311361762758&sa=X&ei=wF4EUMj0EKOL2AWCsLnJBQ&ved=0CF8Q8wIwAA" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Barrel of Monkeys</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. <b>Miss Spider's New Car</b> by David Kirk; </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pluie-Kids-Green-Rain-Boots/dp/B004W4TO16" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Pluie Pluie Kids Green Bug Rain Boots</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> (sizes Toddler 5- Kid 2); </span><a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=toy+car&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1244&bih=550&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=2793951793671559846&sa=X&ei=ZWcEUJnQGqWO2QXL7OHMBQ&ved=0CHgQ8wIwAw" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Hot Wheels Dirt Track Race Toy Car 5 Pack</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(The boots are the bulk of this price estimate, on sale for $37.99 as I type. I'm bugging out, they're so cute.) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7ddP2qwu2-nmSYGnHBJ_-rDXk8UCTuv0kn7msAgr5JmWY7Br_XT6RFrF_tzplDZ3_A-d5_zk6wPVEWBcioM9WFGPIpsrz7WdG9bTO0TYGg-X_AF4cw0Dy5m0dtvr2gqMdFqbq8S78WYQ/s1600/RWPchickachicka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7ddP2qwu2-nmSYGnHBJ_-rDXk8UCTuv0kn7msAgr5JmWY7Br_XT6RFrF_tzplDZ3_A-d5_zk6wPVEWBcioM9WFGPIpsrz7WdG9bTO0TYGg-X_AF4cw0Dy5m0dtvr2gqMdFqbq8S78WYQ/s400/RWPchickachicka.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. <b>Chicka Chicka Boom Boom</b> </span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">written by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert; <a href="http://seewhatwedidtoday.blogspot.com/2010/08/beaded-backpack-key-rings.html" target="_blank">pipe-cleaner-and-bead backpack name label</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">* (you can make it with the child in 5 minutes!); <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-83-Alphabet-Art/dp/B000GKI89O" target="_blank">Melissa & Doug Alphabet Art</a> puzzle</span><br />
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<a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=163129" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">*beads</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/6mm-animal-multi-chenille-stems/" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">pipe cleaners</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> and lanyard hook shown are from Hobby Lobby</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What do you think? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This post was not sponsored (although, I wish that it had been) and contains only my personal opinions without guarantees.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">P.S. If you want to play with me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/annakitchens/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, that would be cool.</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-83571389699326022542012-06-28T16:16:00.000-06:002012-07-31T23:59:00.565-06:00Summer Reading Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://kidsdreamgym.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/kids-hammock-IRI-sq2-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://kidsdreamgym.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/kids-hammock-IRI-sq2-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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Do you read more when school is out? </div>
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Maybe it's the long pool days or the slow pace I feel summer demands, but I have always read less in the summer. A shame, I know! But I "signed up" my daughter for our library's reading program, and we have been reading together every day. Probably, we would've read together every day anyway, but I get a silly satisfaction out of checking off another day. </div>
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Our library's program requires reading for whatever amount of time you set for yourself, six days each week, and attending eight library activities (craft time, story time, or special events). At the end, finishers get a free book and a pool party! I'll admit: we'll never make eight activities in time. Luckily, A is too young to be disappointed.</div>
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Are you doing, or have you done, a summer reading program? Or, have you just made a standing date with your hammock and a stack of books?</div>
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I'm not convinced summer needs a lot of structure. But these program ideas look FUN:</div>
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<a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/summer-reading-star-free-exclusive-printable" target="_blank">summer reading BINGO </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/article/23428/" target="_blank">brain games for summer break</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570/" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble summer reading program</a> (free book!)</div>
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P.S. my <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-books.html" target="_blank">summer book picks</a></div>
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<a href="http://kidsdreamgym.com/products-page/therapy-swing-hammocks-categories" target="_blank">top image: Papagayo Hammock</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-68996110702763808692012-06-20T13:05:00.001-06:002012-06-20T13:05:29.346-06:00Summer Solstice Books + Activity Ideas<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Summer Solstice feels magical, don't you think? As a child, I spent nearly every other summer in Finland, and on <i>Juhannus</i> [Midsummer's Eve] the sun really never set. At midnight, everything looks dusky, but not dark. Everyone stays up all night, celebrating with friends and family by visiting their summer cabin, grilling at a fire pit, going between the sauna and a swim in a river, drinking, dancing to a live band, and watching a huge bonfire float on the river. (Everyone does some of those things, at least!)</div>
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<a href="http://sbbracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Summer-Solstice-21-1024x423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://sbbracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Summer-Solstice-21-1024x423.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7188026861_ae7ed0f223_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7188026861_ae7ed0f223_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In Utah, we haven't done much to acknowledge Midsummer's Day, but this year, I'd like to do something fun. Do you celebrate the longest day of the year?</div>
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I checked out a couple of non-fiction picture books from the library for celebration inspiration.</div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUswHG8qvuNRRWXZCxzDXpQD1lRI8Vz3Z__VAi3QSRLBjcgVD0Yw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUswHG8qvuNRRWXZCxzDXpQD1lRI8Vz3Z__VAi3QSRLBjcgVD0Yw" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>The Summer Solstice</b> by <a href="http://www.ellenjackson.net/" target="_blank">Ellen Jackson</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.jandaveyellis.com/" target="_blank">Jan Davey Ellis</a>.</div>
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<b>The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice</b> by <a href="http://www.childrenslit.com/bookingservice/pfeffer-wendy.html" target="_blank">Wendy Pfeffer</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.lindableck.com/" target="_blank">Linda Bleck</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Each book explains the science of Summer Solstice, and the history and celebration of it around the world. </span><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Summer Solstice</b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> is longer, with more challenging vocabulary, best for ages 7 and up. </span><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Longest Day</b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> has 3-6 sentences per page, and seems best for ages 4 and up. Each book has several activity ideas in the back, all fun, educational, and inexpensive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In case you can't get the books in time for Midsummer's (Friday and Saturday!), I found some similar activities around the web:</span><br />
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<a href="http://thehairpin.com/2011/06/how-to-make-a-handmade-midsummers-floral-wreath/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">flower crown wreath </span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sidewalk-chalk-sundial-123625" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">sidewalk sundial</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://creativepreschoolresources.com/2012/06/04/summer-made-simple-hot-rock-art/" target="_blank">hot rock art</a> </span><br />
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<a href="http://blog.rockart.me/" target="_blank">summer solstice snake image (fascinating link!)</a></div>
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<a href="http://sbbracing.com/?page_id=865" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">trees image</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-52705084400774602322012-06-11T22:51:00.000-06:002012-06-11T22:51:56.276-06:00Book-Themed Birthday Parties<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I gathered up a lot of ideas for Baby A's 2nd birthday party </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/annakitchens/alexandra-s-birthday/" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" target="_blank">on Pinterest</a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">, and finally decided to go with the theme of her favorite book in the weeks leading up to her birthday: </span><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Very Hungry Caterpillar</b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> by Eric Carle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Do you have any book-themed birthday party links to share?</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-49917427509665999132012-06-01T01:58:00.002-06:002012-06-01T01:58:39.214-06:007 Books to Give a Two-Year-Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since Baby A is two, I thought this list would be easy for me to put together--but it was tough! A lot of her current favorites (<b>Peter Rabbit</b>, <b>Jamberry</b>) are books I've mentioned recently, so I skipped my recent recommendations and pulled out a variety that cater in distinct ways to some of the curiosities and development milestones of typical two-year-olds. These seven picture and board books are both toddler-approved and grown-up-approved: chock full of humor, learning, and interest-led education.</div>
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<b>Should I Share My Ice Cream?</b> by Mo Willems. <a href="http://ccaapps.childcareaware.org/en/subscriptions/dailyparent/volume.php?id=31" target="_blank">Sharing out of friendliness or fairness</a> may not develop until well into a child's fourth year, but it certainly doesn't hurt to build sharing habits much earlier. And who better to broach the topic than witty Mo Willems?</div>
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<b>Bread and Jam</b> for Frances by Russell Hoban, pictures by Lillian Hoban. After bread and jam only for six meals straight, Frances might change her resolve and try something new. This classic reminds parents to go ahead and indulge some of the stubborn streaks that don't hurt anything in the long-term. It also sets up young children to come to their own conclusion about breaking a stubborn streak.</div>
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<b>Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book of Moods</b> by Sandra Boynton. The very first trait of two-year-olds that pops into my mind is moodiness! They often feel so intensely and freely. Grown-ups can help toddlers by validating those feelings, and by giving them communication and coping tools, including introducing labels for feelings.</div>
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Oh, if only validating were so simple when I react to Baby A's high-pitched scream spurred by her frustration that the shoes (that I asked her to keep on) are difficult for her to take off. </div>
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<b>Whose Eyes Are These?</b> (also in this series: Whose Ears/Tail/Feet [...]) by Claire Belmont. Two-year-olds pick up on patterns, like that people and tigers and owls and rabbits all have eyes. This lift-the-flap book features ever-popular animals with clues for guessing which peepers belong to which creepers.</div>
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<b>Let's Learn to Count!</b> illustrated by Gill Guile (pictured in Finnish--like the one we have). Each page shows the number filled with a farm animal (one dog, two horses, three cows...), with a sidebar of numbers 1-10, the featured number hi-lighted. The text is one line of fun information about the animal. After number 10, there are two two-page spreads with scenes and questions for loads of exploration and learning. It is designed to grow with a child, and the overall feeling is fun, fun, fun. <br />
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Baby A loves to practice counting, and she finds numbers everywhere while we're out and about. She most often points out number 7--I wonder why?<br />
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<a href="http://bks7.books.google.com/books?id=B36UgaEZQc4C&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&edge=curl&imgtk=AFLRE72zVMEKbsbTOKoakjkJEGRh0J8ScwiYsjZ3xck_9o4SE2niMbnXBDJSJr8YH-Z0wfCPoHqUu2PkQh2Yjdhu5rQ-QoRceSucXn-49zyV3aUOK8Rc-RwyySr-uI2fUdZemoWdjiup" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://bks7.books.google.com/books?id=B36UgaEZQc4C&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&edge=curl&imgtk=AFLRE72zVMEKbsbTOKoakjkJEGRh0J8ScwiYsjZ3xck_9o4SE2niMbnXBDJSJr8YH-Z0wfCPoHqUu2PkQh2Yjdhu5rQ-QoRceSucXn-49zyV3aUOK8Rc-RwyySr-uI2fUdZemoWdjiup" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>How Loud is a Lion? </b>by <a href="http://www.clarebeaton.com/books.php" target="_blank">Clare Beaton</a>, contributor: Stella Blackstone. The books in this series are made with felt, and they are charming, portable, and pleasant. The text is appealing to toddlers, because it asks repetitively How loud is a lion?, and gives rhyming retorts with bits of information about several jungle animals. Repetition, rhyme, quirkiness, and instruction: all in one book!<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTYHYovOKvPxOaa5iDX7nZ9MuLsGcUNnLAX9fe5zkVvkZVdgkw8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTYHYovOKvPxOaa5iDX7nZ9MuLsGcUNnLAX9fe5zkVvkZVdgkw8" /></a></div>
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<b>My Busy Day: 15 Tiny Books</b> by Pat Hegarty, illustrated by Amanda Gulliver. Toddlers are particularly drawn to tiny things and collections. Tiny stuff makes them feel big, and it tucks away into pockets, bags, drawers...or wherever they are stashing. These miniature books cover common situations with cute, simple illustrations.</div>
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Baby A is really into stashing. I find things in the most curious places. Unfortunately, she doesn't stash her toys and books as often as she stashes my jewelry, the remotes, and kitchen utensils.</div>
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I've noticed that attention span ebbs and flows at this stage--sometimes, a two-year-old will focus on one book, reading it over and over, for half an hour. Other times, a two-year-old only gets through the first three lines of a six-line book before another activity calls. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What are your favorite typical or non-typical two-year-old traits? Have you noticed a link between quirks and favorite books?</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-74267973346997649712012-05-22T06:00:00.000-06:002012-05-22T06:00:07.451-06:00Ladybug On the Move: Extension Activities<i>Today I’m participating in the <span class="il">Ultimate</span> <span class="il">Blog</span> Swap.
You’ll find me posting over at </i><a href="http://www.bringingthesunshine.com/2012/05/a-day-with-carl-crafting-with-kids/" target="_blank">Bringing the Sunshine</a><i> about an art project you can play with inspired by <b>Good Dog, Carl</b>, and I’m excited to welcome Kris from </i><a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/" target="_blank">Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers</a><i> to </i>wise owl baby:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">There’s nothing
quite like enjoying a good book with a child. That enjoyment can be made even
more special with extension activities that help the story come to life for him
or her. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">One of my kids’ all-time favorite books
(and mine, too!) is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ladybug on the Move</i>,
by Richard Fowler</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">. We
discovered this gem during our local library’s story time when my oldest (now
almost 17) was a preschooler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Part of the fun of this
visually-appealing book is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">die-cut
ladybug that is included</b>. She comes out of her little clear pocket on the
front cover so that she can take the journey in and through – literally – the
pages of the book with the reader.</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg3sCvbpNUIp0BSw6SruEmffPbLJualk3QVVrEawfcn8cgEJ8E32cLyfHoQ-R-ltMcunrOqp6nkEl9RVpYK98COU9sW87dLjWb4Vw3BidaOiSHgLEI-EAd0Zs2sjrTfKswoinqTvwGivh/s1600/Ladybug+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg3sCvbpNUIp0BSw6SruEmffPbLJualk3QVVrEawfcn8cgEJ8E32cLyfHoQ-R-ltMcunrOqp6nkEl9RVpYK98COU9sW87dLjWb4Vw3BidaOiSHgLEI-EAd0Zs2sjrTfKswoinqTvwGivh/s400/Ladybug+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Ladybugs – and
insects, in general – are such a high-interest topic with kids that it’s easy
to come up with lots of fun related activities to move the story off the pages
of the book. First, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">explore facts about
real-life ladybugs with your child using a book such as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Are You a Ladybug</i></b>, by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries (the whole
Backyard Books series is incredibly well-done). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Enjoy some fun
and tasty ladybug snacks together, such as:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><a href="http://sarabakescakes.blogspot.com/2008/08/elizas-ladybug-cupcakes.html"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Ladybug cupcakes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/ladybugs-on-a-stick-683790/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Ladybugs on a stick</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span></div>
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</span></span><a href="http://www.mamajennblogs.com/2010/05/ladybug-snack.html"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Apple ladybug snacks</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Enjoy making
ladybug-themed crafts:</span></div>
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</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Variety
of </span><a href="http://www.dltk-kids.com/Crafts/insects/crafts-ladybug.htm"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">ladybug craft ideas</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Adorable
</span><a href="http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/ladybugcrafts.html"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">ladybug rock</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> (be sure to scroll down to look at the
ladybug salad idea)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><a href="http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/puppets/paperplateladybug/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Ladybug paper plate puppet</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span></div>
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</span></span><a href="http://theadventuresofbear.blogspot.com/2011/03/ladybug-ladybug-fly-away-home.html"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Ladybug (or insect) sensory box</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> (this links includes lots of other great
ladybug-themed ideas)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">You can even
order live ladybugs to observe for a little while or catch your own and observe
them in a </span><a href="http://www.squidoo.com/backyard-fun-how-to-build-a-ladybug-habitat"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">ladybug habitat</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Have you done any fun
ladybug crafts or enjoyed any unique ladybug snacks lately? Do you have any
great resources for more ladybug extension activities?</span></i></b></div>
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<i>Visit <a href="http://blogging.yourway.net/ultimate-blog-swap" target="_blank">Life</a></i><i><a href="http://blogging.yourway.net/2nd-annual-ultimate-blog-swap" target="_blank"> Your Way</a> to see all of the Ultimate Blog Swap participants!</i></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-24594370056883137522012-05-17T23:40:00.001-06:002012-05-17T23:40:40.613-06:007 Books to Give a One-Year-Old<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What do you give a one-year-old on her or his birthday? A book, of course!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These seven books are bound to become favorites for any tiny tot. They're just right for short attention spans and budding senses of humor, and they have room to grow with the lucky little sophomore.</span><br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLDIqIpHQFH9P3K8cnIWd7fLyTN-3E7lhOGS9HD-H5UzT4W9EVvA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLDIqIpHQFH9P3K8cnIWd7fLyTN-3E7lhOGS9HD-H5UzT4W9EVvA" /></a></div>
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<b>We're Going On A Bear Hunt</b> written by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. This book can be read or sung; Oxenbury's timeless charm illustrating the delightful lyrics are a shot of sunshine.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sandraboynton.com/sboynton.com.data/Components/Large%20Book%20Gifs/bellybuttonbook.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sandraboynton.com/sboynton.com.data/Components/Large%20Book%20Gifs/bellybuttonbook.gif" /></a></div>
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<b>Belly Button Book!</b> by Sandra Boynton. One-year-olds often get excited about identifying a few body parts, and what's cuter than a toddler's belly button? Boynton is (always) hilarious, and the words transition well into play.</div>
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<b>Yummy Yucky</b> by Leslie Patricelli. As one-year-old diets (hopefully) expand, and mouthing (if you're lucky) begins to be the less-frequent form of object study, this book is a fun way to identify what's good to eat, and what to keep out of that curious mouth.</div>
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<b>Is Your Mama a Llama?</b> written by Deborah Guarino, illustrated by Steven Kellogg. This classic book explores animal mamas. One-year-olds are often just starting to look beyond their nucleus at the world, and this book reinforces categorization skills in a heartwarming, animal-focused form.</div>
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<b>Dear Zoo</b> by Rod Campbell. Doesn't it seem that going to the zoo is a rite of passage for the under-twos? There are zillions of zoo books, but this is an award-winning lift-the-flap book that will be reached for over and over again. </div>
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<b>In the Town</b> by Roger Priddy. Lift-the-flap books are exciting to one-year-olds practicing their fine motor skills. One-year-olds are busy building associations all day (and night), but this bright, real-world shadow book (or any of the <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Roger-Priddy-shadow?store=ALLPRODUCTS&keyword=Roger+Priddy+shadow" target="_blank">others</a> in the series) won't feel like work to anyone.</div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sergio Makes a Splash!</b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> by <a href="http://www.drawger.com/edel/?article_id=7917" target="_blank">Edel Rodriguez</a></span>. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">All the exploration in the big, wide world can start to give famously bold one-year-olds a few fears. Sergio, an Argentinian penguin, is an endearing example of how to overcome fears and enjoy life, in cheerful, popping illustrations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In case you missed it:</span><br />
<a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2012/04/baby-shower-books-for-babies-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7+ books to give at a baby shower (or anytime!)</span></a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-49294202445516883852012-05-11T12:02:00.000-06:002012-05-11T14:39:26.163-06:00For All Babies and the People Who Love Them<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
I have a mild obsession with hearing birth and adoption stories. I read stories on blogs, I ask my friends for the long version and how they felt, and I reminisce about the ups and downs, the terror and gratitude and peace I felt when my own daughter joined my family. My two favorite picture book stories of family growth are: </div>
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<b>I Love You Like Crazy Cakes</b> by Rose Lewis, illustrated by Jane Dyer. Lewis says it best (on <a href="http://www.roselewisbooks.com/RoseLewisBooks.com/About_Me.html" target="_blank">her website</a>), "I received so many heartfelt letters from all kinds of families who understood '...Crazy Cakes' was not just a story about adoption, but about falling in love with a child no matter how he or she comes to be part of your family."</div>
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<b>On the Night You Were Born</b> by Nancy Tillman. The illustrations are fascinating, and the poem celebrates the entrance of a soul into a world with a grace that makes anyone tear up.</div>
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When I read or hear family growth stories, I imagine that visceral and spiritual moment when a mother or father feels, </div>
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I will love you always. I will protect you, and teach you, and delight you, and I will send you out into world with all my love and worry pinned to you.</div>
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Not every family's story is happy, and no family says it is easy. Sometimes, a baby comes to the world with challenges, or leaves the world far too soon. A baby needs parents who will love always, but a baby also needs people who pass in and out to give a moment of health, or happiness, or comfort.</div>
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In honor of your baby, your mother, your father, and the people who have lifted your burdens, lift the burdens of babies born sick, or too soon, by <a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/s_team_page.asp?seid=1764666" target="_blank">donating</a> to March of Dimes. I am a volunteer for March of Dimes: <a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/s_team_page.asp?seid=1764666" target="_blank">March for Babies</a> because the research and work they fund makes a real and tangible <a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/why.aspx" target="_blank">difference</a> to the half million babies born prematurely each year, and allows for all babies to have the best chance to go home healthy.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Happy Mother's Day! Thank you.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-52589188426116344762012-05-04T14:48:00.001-06:002012-05-04T14:48:55.800-06:00Living in a Picture Book<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://katerenvalldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/04/happy-arbor-day.html" target="_blank">My mom</a> was telling me about a book she read as a child, in which she pictured herself living. She can't remember the name of the book, but she remembers feeling right at home in that fantasy.</div>
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Have you ever imagined yourself living in a picture book? </div>
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1.<b> Angelina Ballerina</b> (<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Vpj&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1280&bih=558&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=xp91Iovv75jWyM:&imgrefurl=http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANGELINA-BALLERINA-Angelinas-House-Playset-MATTEL-/320863092298&docid=d4-cE5IgVv0uQM&itg=1&imgurl=http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net/22001127/images/matt8663.01.jpg&w=485&h=485&ei=LSukT9SkMOmSiQKaqbTKAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=96&vpy=123&dur=990&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=144&ty=125&sig=111270546072457816969&page=1&tbnh=113&tbnw=136&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:75" target="_blank">toy house</a>) [illustrated by Helen Craig, written by Katharine Holabird]</div>
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2.<b> Cat in the Hat</b> crashes that house [by Dr. Seuss]</div>
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3<b>. Peter Rabbit</b>'s tree burrow [based on original by Beatrix Potter]</div>
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4. <b>Fancy Nancy</b> house [illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, written by Robin Preiss Glasser]</div>
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5. <b>Curious George</b>'s urban balcony (picture from the TV show) [<a href="http://curiousgeorge.com/#/tv-shows" target="_blank">PBS show</a> based on books by H.A. and Margaret Rey]</div>
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I'm partial to Curious George's lifestyle--an apartment in the city and a monthly weekend stay in the country.</div>
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Do you live in any spaces inspired by book illustrators or authors? I'd love to take a peek!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-70786913227890297222012-05-01T22:56:00.000-06:002012-05-01T22:56:25.354-06:003 Gifts to Thank Teachers<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Happy May Day!</div>
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I love May! It is full of fun holidays: May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, loads of birthdays, and Memorial Day. </div>
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And a week from today (May 8th) is National Teacher's Day--did you know? I picked a few gifts especially for your favorite teachers:</div>
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<a href="http://top10giftbooks.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/teacher-new-yorker.jpg?w=300&h=300" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://top10giftbooks.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/teacher-new-yorker.jpg?w=300&h=300" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Teacher Vintage Dictionary Pendant Necklace by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kraftykash?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">kraftykash</a> </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The New Yorker Book of Teacher Cartoons</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">a book for the classroom, such as </span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Blue Chameleon </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">by Emily Gravett</span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Who are your favorite teachers? And why?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-49335863888088777782012-04-27T00:30:00.000-06:002012-04-27T00:30:05.079-06:005 Tips for an Easier Move With Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7efiWrTxtOjzmg0pipB6L6W-SKBSkGKDPvd7ejucQIk2I1BcoSs7b-6Tq4R3mAFGw99NEsU6_JjkXWgrXNdJetSorfKbYo051qoQQnmL4SwIZIWXSCQUcWZ-QZig0DuB4eDsusJeRphq/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7efiWrTxtOjzmg0pipB6L6W-SKBSkGKDPvd7ejucQIk2I1BcoSs7b-6Tq4R3mAFGw99NEsU6_JjkXWgrXNdJetSorfKbYo051qoQQnmL4SwIZIWXSCQUcWZ-QZig0DuB4eDsusJeRphq/s400/028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have had one messy move with one almost-two-year-old. I'll be moving twice more this year, so I'll share any wisdom I gather. But for now, learn from my mistakes and lucky guesses with these five tips:</div>
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1. <b>Pack the children's rooms last.</b> They'll feel more secure if their belongings are in order, and it may help them sleep better leading up to moving day.</div>
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2. <b>Let them help you pack their own things</b>. If they are putting their toys and other things into boxes, and watching you, they'll feel less worried that all of their things are being taken away. Even if young children are unpacking as much as you're packing, they'll feel included. Reassure them that they are being put into boxes so that they can be taken to the new home, and that they can be played with on [x date].</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1MGgr_v3guJ3LDLzUr8UHoUTis2zScWHOUxBGwOGLpL4NcHkv9bXfWGN9zPFTjvYtwskUEwrP-tn7ca4z6uOv4fRbGjjjgzfY7mqJSGW5tPVFDyzUmHjyBXOT95wMn-ksF2Ox_W-7Q2a/s1600/048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1MGgr_v3guJ3LDLzUr8UHoUTis2zScWHOUxBGwOGLpL4NcHkv9bXfWGN9zPFTjvYtwskUEwrP-tn7ca4z6uOv4fRbGjjjgzfY7mqJSGW5tPVFDyzUmHjyBXOT95wMn-ksF2Ox_W-7Q2a/s1600/048.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-5ovEg6wu9X-Ih9hNJAkaueFYPcDOyaLYs0FZGC4bJGj194mNbDWdp95rBApqRO9D0dkvlciu05N5q6LsM-gX15IU0GTacgPEY2cd1QuEeEa3R1Y8KpY1XBL-4MhWZgjeH1hgZ12lMhI/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-5ovEg6wu9X-Ih9hNJAkaueFYPcDOyaLYs0FZGC4bJGj194mNbDWdp95rBApqRO9D0dkvlciu05N5q6LsM-gX15IU0GTacgPEY2cd1QuEeEa3R1Y8KpY1XBL-4MhWZgjeH1hgZ12lMhI/s320/DSC_0086.JPG" width="320" /></a>3. <b>Try to have fun.</b> Everyone would likely agree that the process of moving brings frustrations. Children are known for finding the joy in simple things. Join them. Let them draw pictures or scribble on boxes*, and save on big empty box as a fort.</div>
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4. <b>Keep a suitcase of must-haves with you on the move.</b> This may be a bag for each child, with their special security item (blanket, stuffed animal), their bed linens/pillow/blanket, and night routine supplies (toothbrush, pacifier, pajamas, diaper, night light), plus a snack and a change of clothes. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5. <b>Set up the children's rooms first.</b> Before unloading, give the house a proper greeting and tour. Bring in the beds as soon as possible, and make them right away, so that bedtime goes as smoothly as possible. If the furniture is placed, the bookshelf is stocked, and a few toys are put in place, the room will feel more familiar at bedtime, and the children will have a place to play while everything else is unloaded and organized.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">* Dry-erase markers wipe right off of skin (more easily than washable markers) and usually wash out of clothes. Hilighters stain everything, like the couch, the recliner, clothes, unpacked dishes....</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-20105964172064336902012-04-25T16:41:00.000-06:002012-04-25T16:41:50.053-06:00How to Pack Books for a Temporary Move<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our new home is a summer sub-lease, and we're not sure where we'll be in the fall. This made packing extra tricky, but I was glad for the chance to go through all of my books.</span><br />
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I knew I wanted Baby A to have access to a lot of picture and board books, but we have enough to fill <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-support-bookshelf-entitlement.html" target="_blank">her bookshelf</a> five times (I keep them in a closet for rotation), and storage space at the summer apartment is limited. I had to choose carefully what to bring along.</div>
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If you ever find yourself in a temporary move or extended vacation, here's a smart way to pack up your books:</div>
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1. <b>Figure out how many books you would like to bring with you</b>. If you are on an extended vacation, consider the weight they will add to a suitcase, and how quickly you or your child may tire of the book.<br />
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2. <b>Sort all books by season.</b> Make separate piles for <i>summer</i>, <i>fall</i>, <i>winter</i>, <i>spring</i>, and <i>all/no specific season</i>. Seasonal books were not restricted to holiday or with a season theme--any books with storylines specific to a time of year were placed in the appropriate pile. Ex: <b>Jamberry</b> by Bruce Degen is a picture book poem about berries, inspired by Degen's berry-picking childhood summers, so it was placed in the <i>summer</i> pile. The <i>all/no specific season</i> will most likely be much larger than the rest, so you may want to break it into sub-categories, such as <i>animals</i>, <i>bedtime</i>, <i>counting/colors/shapes</i>, etc.</div>
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3. <b>Choose books</b> from the <i>all/no specific season</i> pile that you'd like to bring with you. Combine those with the books from the season most appropriate to your new home. Add or take away from the pile based on the number (or poundage) of books you've decided to bring with you.</div>
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4. <b>Prepare the boxes.</b> If using a cardboard box (I prefer diaper boxes for books), tape the bottom of the box with three slightly overlapping strips of tape along the bottom and halfway up each side. Line the bottom of the box or the entire box with plastic bags, or stack the books in plastic grocery bags before putting them into the box. Top the box with a plastic bag, as well. This will help protect them from water and dust. </div>
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If you are packing books into a suitcase, line underclothes/socks along the bottom of the suitcase, and pack books on top of them. Try to create a flat surface. Keep lightweight and activity books in your carry-on bag.</div>
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5. <b>Pack up the books:</b> 10-20 pounds of books in each box, with a detailed label of what kind of books are in each box. Cover the label in tape so that it does not smear. <b>Color-code</b> the box(es) going with you with duct tape so that they are easy to spot should they become mixed with storage boxes.</div>
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Luckily, we are storing the books we did not bring with us at my parents' house, so Baby A will still enjoy them whenever we visit them.</div>
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I also happened to score this little cardboard display shelf at my recycling center! Now Baby A's <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2012/01/rotating-home-library.html" target="_blank">books can be rotated</a> between her bookshelf and this (which is tucked out of sight) to keep her books exciting this summer. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you sort your books by season? Do you have any book-packing tips?</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-16508275283939619552012-04-20T10:53:00.000-06:002012-04-20T10:53:00.489-06:00Earth Day Art Map and Arbor Day Book<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
How will you be celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd, and Arbor Day on April 27th?</div>
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Since I'm moving on Earth Day, I decided to celebrate a little early. I collaged this map, and wrote a couple of my favorite author's sentiments about Earth onto it.</div>
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Here's a simple how-to:<br />
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1) Tear scrap paper into a variety of strips. </div>
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2) Brush a thin, even layer of mod podge onto the cardboard rectangle, in sections, and quickly form continents and oceans with blank strips.<br />
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While I did that, Baby A 'painted" (brushed water onto her own scrap paper).</div>
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3) Write the quote(s) on the map.<br />
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I wrote my quotes across like a banner, but it would also be fun to write the words onto strips and paste them on for a patched look. I wish I had written them larger, in a more interesting color. </div>
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4) Gloss the entire map with the mod podge. </div>
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The quotes I used:<br />
"All things of the universe are miracles, each as profound as any."<br />
-Walt Whitman<br />
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"Earth laughs in flowers."<br />
-Ralph Waldo Emerson </div>
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For Arbor Day, I recommend reading <b>Grandpa Green</b> by <a href="http://www.lanesmithbooks.com/LaneSmithBooks/Books.html" target="_blank">Lane Smith</a>. Grandpa Green artistically carves out his life legacy. This might be my favorite Lane Smith book, though as a child I pouted and cried in the car until my parents went back into the book fair and purchased <b>The Stinky Cheese Man</b> for me. (I still feel guilty; it was totally uncharacteristic for me to whine like that, and for my parents to give in like that.) I won't throw a fit for Grandpa Green, but I will add it to my pretty-pretty-please-it's-almost-my-birthday list.</div>
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Don't you think that <a href="http://www.arborday.org/takeaction/index.cfm" target="_blank">planting, saving</a>, or appreciating a tree is one of the best ways we can build a legacy for our future generations?</div>
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P.S. more <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2011/03/spring-picks-pics.html" target="_blank">springtime and Earth Day books </a></div>
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P.P.S. Does your library <a href="http://www.earthday.org/Reading" target="_blank">read for the Earth?</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-53849047204629884952012-04-14T15:47:00.001-06:002012-04-14T15:47:05.814-06:00Visiting Little Treetops<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.322658687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.322658687.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95925753/thank-you-i-am-also-smart-bodysuit-you" target="_blank">Thank You, I am also smart.</a></td></tr>
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Friends of mine have co-founded a delightful online shop: <a href="http://littletreetopsbaby.blogspot.com/2012/04/six-first-picture-books-for-baby.html" target="_blank">Little Treetops</a>. Vintage-inspired and forward thinking words and images are hand-screened onto cotton onesies. I'll bet you can't pick just one. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm excited to be a guest over there today, so hop on over to </span><a href="http://littletreetopsbaby.blogspot.com/2012/04/six-first-picture-books-for-baby.html" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">read my secret to building baby's first book collection</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, and have a look around the shop.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-16214507785141045822012-04-10T17:45:00.000-06:002012-04-10T17:45:34.267-06:00Baby Shower: Books for Babies and Parents<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
If you know someone who is having a baby this summer (two of my sisters-in-law are having girls!), here are seven (okay, twelve) books sure to be treasured by baby and parents.</div>
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<b>Duck and Goose</b> by Tad Hills. There are lots of <a href="http://tadhills.com/" target="_blank">Duck and Goose books</a>, but in this original, Duck and Goose have rivaling ideas of what is best to do with the egg they find together. In the end a surprise leaves them both happy. It is a subtle reminder not to sweat the small stuff and to stay on the same team in parenting, although the book is about the silly adventures of two friends. </div>
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<b>Seven Hungry Babies</b> written by Candace Fleming, pictures by Eugene Yelchin. This tale of a nearly indefatigable mama bird feeding her chicks one by one is lyrical, funny, and relatable. This book would be especially appreciated by a mom of multiples or subsequent children, though I appreciated it when my mom gave it to me while I was pregnant with my first (and only).<br />
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<b>Goodnight Moon</b> by Margaret Wise Brown, pictures by Clement Hurd. I almost didn't include this because it's on every list out there, but I couldn't help myself, because it was the first book I bought Baby A while I was expecting her. The soft rhymes are soothing to newborns, and really, to anyone. It's nearly impossible to read it without lowering your voice, slowing down, and feeling calm. Buy it from a bookstore nearby, with the receipt taped inside, so that if they get a duplicate you can exchange it for another book on their list (or this list).<br />
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<b>Pat the Bunny</b> by Dorothy Kunhardt. Another obvious choice, I know! This makes a great first interactive book, because there aren't parts that tear off, and it has a little mirror. If you'd like to spice it up, go for <b>Pat the Cat</b> or <b>Pat the Puppy</b> by Edith Kunhardt. My copy did not hold up very well (the pages tear away from the binding and the ribbon comes right off the bunny). Although it is a board book, it is a thinner cardboard than other board books, so it will not withstand any mouthing. But because it is so beloved, it is always in stock--so, easily replaced. Another fun texture book: <b>Tails</b> by Matthew Van Fleet.<br />
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<b>My Animals</b> by Xavier Deneux. The simple white-on-black illustrations are visually stimulating, particularly for newborns, but have details for older babies. Also: the <b>Elmer</b> books by David McKee are like a visual festival for newborns. </div>
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<b>The Very Hungry Caterpillar</b>
by Eric Carle. This book truly grows with the young reader, and is educational for newborns and first graders alike. Baby A and I enjoy this book in the oversized board book version. If the parents already have this Eric Carle book, go for the less popular, but also beautiful <b>Mister Seahorse</b> or <b>The Tiny Seed</b>.</div>
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<b>Winnie the Pooh</b> by A.A. Milne, illustrated by E.H. Shepard. There is a reason this book first published eighty-six years ago is enduring--it is as touching and relatable now as it was then. It is a chapter book, but it is never too soon to collect classics for a nursery.</div>
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What would you add to this list? Do the soon-to-be-parents you know register for books? </div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-25286483281124374202012-04-05T08:05:00.000-06:002012-04-05T08:05:40.523-06:00Easter Basket Books<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
If you're playing Easter Bunny this year, stock your baskets with some sweetness that can be enjoyed over and over again.</div>
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For the one in perpetual motion:</div>
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<b>Peepsqueak!</b> by Leslie Ann Clark</div>
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For the detail-oriented and/or the artist:</div>
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<b>The Easter Egg</b> by Jan Brett. You can also <a href="http://janbrett.com/mural_easter_egg/easter_egg_mural_main_page.htm" target="_blank">make a mural with the illustrations.</a></div>
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For anyone past the phase of ripping pop-up books:</div>
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<b>Peter Rabbit Easter Egg Hunt</b>. It's a gorgeous interactive pop-up adventure based on Beatrix Potter's original illustrations.</div>
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For everyone remembering the true new life of Easter:</div>
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<b>If the Savior Stood Beside Me</b> by Greg Olsen. This is a compilation of Olsen's paintings, mostly of Jesus with children, with text inspired by (but not really quoting) the <a href="http://www.defordmusic.com/ifthesaviorstoodbesideme.htm" target="_blank">song by Sally DeFord</a>. I'd like to make it a tradition to put a book in Baby A's Easter basket each year, and this year I chose this book. I prefer portrayals of Jesus to be realistic (as opposed to cartoonish) and I especially like to see portrayals of Jesus with children of diverse physical attributes and cultural backgrounds, because an overwhelming majority of portrayals that I've seen showcase only white, sandy-haired children. Any suggestions?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What are your Easter basket favorites? Have you been reading any Easter books this week?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">P.S. A tip: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Baby A is still playing with the plastic eggs my mom gave her last year. Opening and closing the eggs is great for fine motor skill development. Sometimes, when we're going somewhere she needs to stay seated, we put a tiny surprise in a plastic egg and pull it out when she gets antsy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-71466140271691923492012-03-28T17:51:00.000-06:002012-03-28T17:51:17.787-06:00Pictures Books About Moving<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/250/draft_lens12280001module111404361photo_1279811847Half_a_world_away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://i2.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/250/draft_lens12280001module111404361photo_1279811847Half_a_world_away.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Pardon my absence; I've been trying to organize my thoughts before I pack up for a move. </div>
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We've lived in this apartment for three years. We brought our baby home here. We watched her grow curious and talkative in this living room. She cut teeth in that bedroom. She sits back with a book in that nook. We greet the ducks in the pond in the spring, and worry about the fish in the pond all winter. </div>
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I have been thinking of ways to ease the transition away from this living room and this bedroom and this pond to the three new homes we'll make in the coming year. I suspect the transition(s) will be much more difficult for me than for almost-two-year-old Baby A. </div>
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Of course, there are books for that. I've been trying to keep Tsh
Oxenreider's advice in <a href="http://simplemom.net/organized-simplicity-launch/" target="_blank">Organized Simplicity</a> in mind as I decide what I
want waiting for me in storage during the upcoming summer sub-lease and
fall internship. Picture books can guide me to comforting pictures and words to give Baby A and myself, and maybe my husband, too. </div>
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Are you planning a move?</div>
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A New York Times article suggests <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/13/books/review/picture-books-about-moving.html" target="_blank">two recently published picture books</a> about reluctant movers. </div>
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And this squidoo article lists <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/picture_books_about_moving" target="_blank">ten picture books</a> about moving (giving a review of eight), so the angle you and I may be looking to take is sure to be illustrated in one of them.</div>
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It seems most picture books about moving are directed at bike-riding, best-friend-making six-to-nine-year-old children. Do you think that's the toughest age for moving, or just the easiest age period for which to articulate a picture book? </div>
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I would guess teenagers would have the toughest time--do you think a teenager would secretly appreciate a picture book about moving (particularly one <i>not</i> featuring a little kid)?</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">image: cover of <b>Half A World Away</b> by Libby Gleeson, illustrated by Freya Blackwood</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">P.S. I'll be back in the swing of things here next week. Happy reading until then! Err...and after then, too. </span></div>
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-7974583097018975602012-03-20T20:38:00.000-06:002012-03-20T20:38:07.278-06:00Springtime Traditions<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Happy Spring! I thought it was fitting to kick off the official start of spring by hanging out some hope in the magic of nature--I made my second annual <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2011/03/last-week-of-winter-and-list-about.html" target="_blank">tree wish</a>. I use only ribbons and things around my house, and write my wish on a scrap of paper. I try to make it appealing to birds, in the hopes that they'll steal the ribbon for their nests, which I'm sure would be extra good luck. This year, I hung it two-and-a-half-stories high in the tree by leaning over my stair well.</div>
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(Can you spot my escaped, barefoot toddler?)</div>
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<a href="http://katerenvalldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/03/washington-d.html" target="_blank">My mom</a> reminded me that this year is the centennial celebration of Washington D.C.'s cherry blossoms. I grew up near D.C., and both the cherry blossoms and dogwood blossoms bloomed divinely for weeks.</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'd love to add these books to my collection as a reminder of my fourteen years in Virginia. </span><br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kdWpsMJlL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kdWpsMJlL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ZdahHKIgL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ZdahHKIgL._AA160_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Remarkable Trees of Virginia </b>illustrated by Robert Llewellyn and written by Nancy R. Hugo<b> </b></div>
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<b>Eliza's Cherry Trees: Japan's Gift to America</b> written by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Ju Hong Chin<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Don't you think a book collection can tell a version of a person's life? And isn't springtime a perfect time to both reminisce and look forward with hope? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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P.S. Tell me if you make your own tree wish--I'd love to see!</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">P.P.S. <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2012/03/three-picture-books-to-welcome-spring.html" target="_blank">my springtime book picks </a></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-880811388498453356.post-36137510299593165032012-03-15T10:17:00.000-06:002012-03-15T10:17:26.461-06:00Pre-Literacy: Phonological Awareness<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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Phonological
Awareness--meaning, an understanding of how sounds are organized and
used in language--is fostered both overtly and subtly in education.</div>
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Overtly, speech pathologists (and other educators) use <a href="http://preliteracy.com/using-speech-cue-cards/39-home-preliteracy-education/51-how-to-develop-preliteracy-in-the-home.html" target="_blank">speech cues</a> to help students recognize sound/speech patterns. I am fascinated by the patterns, and if you are, too, you can study these <a href="http://preliteracy.com/images/Printables/speech%20cue%20cards.pdf" target="_blank">speech cue cards</a>. </div>
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Subtly,
there are a world of silly songs and poems and stories that foster
phonological awareness. Do you remember singing, "I like to ate, ate,
ate, aples and baynaynays [...] eat, eat, eat, eeples and beneenees..."
("Silly Song" by Raffi)? It turns out that silliness had a secret
mission.</div>
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What books help teach phonological awareness?<br />
<br />
There are so many
fantastic rhyming books! Baby A is far from making rhymes or recognizing sound cluster patterns,
but she currently has an obsession with "Pop a Pop", otherwise known as <b>Hop on Pop</b> by Dr. Seuss.<br />
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My sister is an avid reader and all-around
intelligent person, so I trust her (and millions of others') childhood favorite wordsmith <a href="http://www.shelsilverstein.com/indexSite.html" target="_blank">Shel Silverstein</a>. And it's no secret I'm a huge <a href="http://www.sandraboynton.com/sboynton/index.html" target="_blank">Sandra Boynton</a> fan.<br />
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But not all of Silverstein's or Boynton's or other excellent author's books rhyme, and many good books that don't rhyme are great for practicing phonological awareness. Read books that are charming, and curiosity will lead to learning.</div>
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Once a child knows how to read, it is still useful and fun to practice phonological awareness, and its cousin, spelling. I like the <a href="http://www.myactivitymaker.com/?q=LetterRocks" target="_blank">letter rocks</a> pictured up top, and I've seen some with clusters like "ing". </div>
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Here's the rest of the Pre-Literacy series:</div>
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<a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2012/02/pre-literacy-vocabulary.html" target="_blank">Vocabulary </a><br />
<a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2012/02/pre-literacy-print-motivation.html" target="_blank">Print Motivation</a></div>
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<a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2012/02/pre-literacy-print-awareness.html" target="_blank">Print Awareness</a></div>
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<a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2012/03/pre-literacy-letter-recognition.html" target="_blank">Letter Recognition</a> </div>
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<a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2012/03/pre-literacy-narrative-skills.html" target="_blank">Narrative Skills</a><br />
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(To clarify, pre-literacy skills develop at different paces, and
not necessarily in a particular sequence, for each person.) <br />
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<br />
P.S. <a href="http://www.myactivitymaker.com/?q=LetterRocks" target="_blank">letter rock games </a><br />
P.P.S. <a href="http://annaculpwriting.blogspot.com/2012/03/st-patricks-day-party-atypical-books.html" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day book + party ideas</a><br />
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Have a lucky weekend!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16722228285986947583noreply@blogger.com0