Winners!

The winners of the giveaway to celebrate wise owl baby's 100th post have been randomly selected:

Congrats, CC and Mom's Sewing Vault! 

Email me to tell me which book you'd like!

Isn't it nice to win? Get ready for a segue...

Do you know who won the Caldecott this year?

How about the Newbery?

I don't think I could be on the committee for these awards-- I knew someone who knew someone who was on the Newbery Award committee; apparently it takes weeks of review and voting to pick a winner and the honorable mentions-- not without controversy and perhaps even some politics. The authors/illustrators/books are nominated to be considered. I say I couldn't be on it because I'd never be able to vote between such amazing books! The Newbery is apparently the oldest children's book award; it's been given to the "most distinguished American children's book" published in the previous year since 1922.

What do you think about awards for books? Do you want to read those books now, because they're winners? (I do.) 
Is it a good way to increase exposure for quality books? 
And do you think it's like the baby sibling of a Nobel Peace Prize for Literature-- to pat an influential and dedicated author on the back?

100 Thanks

come so far, so far to go yet

Happy 100th Post to Me! 

Thanks for reading (any) of them. 

To celebrate all that I've learned while remembering that I've still got so much to learn, I'm giving two winners their choice of these adorable counting books:

For a chance to win, just link back to wise owl baby (anywhere-- your blog, facebook, or Twitter) and let me know that you did in the comments. Thanks!

Spring Picks & Pics

I don't usually commit to a favorite, but I will tell you my favorite springtime book is

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (1969). Brilliant and bright illustrations squeeze science, consequences, food, sunshine, humor, and beauty into one classic book. No wonder it's always on the list for teachers, librarians, and parents!

And if you like that, you'd like

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Elhert (1988). A family garden displays the vibrant colors of the rainbow each year. Not only is it a plug for parent-child gardening, but it teaches about the process of planting in just a few words. Anyone can appreciate the illustrations and simplicity, but the concept may be best for ages 3 and up.

Aand if you like that, you'd like

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown (2009). A boy beautifies his own patch of urbania, and the gardening spirit spreads delightfully, shown with almost-whimsical illustrations. A must-read for ages 3 and up, this book inspires readers to see that one little person can make a difference and cultivate beauty and respect in her or his surroundings. The book was inspired by the real-life neighborhood beautification of Manhattan's west side. (Pssst...For "10 Must-Have Green Books for Kids", check out this Groovy Green Living article.)

Aaand if you like that, you'd like 

Rain Brings Frogs: A Little Book of Hope by Maryann Cocca-Leffler (2011).
Nate is always choosing positivity, and you know, it's charming. Spring isn't just for frogs and flowers, but for fresh starts, too. Read the few lines about Nate's sunny-side take on life, and maybe it will be infectious---in a good way.

Aaaand: we've got a winner!

Katriina won  

http://www.kidsource.com/books/images/0061074292.l.gif

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown, pictures by Clement Hurd. This sweet book is by the same team as Goodnight Moon; originally published in 1942, they share the same timelessness. A devoted mother explains that wherever her little bunny runs to, she'll be there for him.

Check out a day in the amazing life of Katriina:

She baked her mother's recipe, crafted, gave a thoughtful gift, re-read a favorite book, and internetted all in one day! Thanks for the peek, Katriina, and thanks for reading.




P.S. Happy St. Patrick's Day! For some book reviews and activity ideas, this site is not bad. 

First Giveaway and Stardom!

Let's just say Happy Fat Tuesday, first. These spring-themed Oreos will help me get fat on a Tuesday, so I'm set. 

They say: Happy Spring, Share the Warmth, Buzzz, and Leap [Frog].

 
I'm SUPER-psyched for the goal of this week (Week 2 of the 3-Week Countdown to spring). Keep your camera handy! Snap a picture of what you’re up to at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. (either throughout one day or patched together throughout the next few days.) It will be like you're famous, except only pictures you approve of are published. (!) Then, just for the heck of it, and to be entered to win a SURPRISE PRIZE, either:
-post your pictures on facebook with a link back here and then leave a comment here, and/or
-post your pictures on your own blog with a link back here and then leave a comment here, and/or
-e-mail me your pics [anna.culpATgmail] and leave a comment here.
-Follow this blog (or, if you already do, leave a comment with some advice for me)

If you fancy, do all of them for quadruple the entry! The deadline is Tuesday, March 8th, and the winner will be announced the following day. I can’t wait to get a peek into your lives! Is that creepy, or nice?

Here's a little peek for you:

kisses, in case you were wondering, caught in the mirror on the floor