Winter Gift Guide: Picture Books

Picture books are my go-to gift. Here are three ideas that follow the Read-Wear-Play magic formula.

18-months+:

 The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett (a heartwarming Inuit variation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears; recently published in board book form)
Sea World Polar Bear Youth Slippers
Carter's Footed Pajama Blanket Sleeper 24 months- Polar Bear

Newly Literate+:

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen (New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2011; 2012 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book)

Krochet Kids The Thomas Jr. (handmade in Uganda)  

Melissa and Doug travel-size Flip-to-Win Memory Game (because in the book, the bear "remembers" and "forgets" the rabbit...)

Tween+ (including grown-up mid-century modern fans and Finlandophiles):

Moomin: The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip: Book 1 (the five books in this series contain comics originally published in London Evening News in the mid-1950s)
Moomin Character Earphone Jack Accessory
Marimekko Tuuli Canvas Pencil Pouch by hannasboutique (use it for pencils/pens, snacks, hygiene/grooming kit, etc.)


I should mention, I got the idea for Read-Wear-Play themed gifts from Gabrielle of Design Mom--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.

What's your gifting formula? What books are on your wish list, or gift list?

3 Gifts to Thank Teachers

Happy May Day!

I love May! It is full of fun holidays: May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, loads of birthdays, and Memorial Day. 

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:

 

Teacher Vintage Dictionary Pendant Necklace by kraftykash 
The New Yorker Book of Teacher Cartoons
a book for the classroom, such as Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett
 
 
Who are your favorite teachers? And why?

Valentine Picture Books Hot Off the Press

Six more weeks of winter. Oi! But February does have that light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel feeling, and splashes of pink and red everywhere!

Even though I like pink, I've always thought Valentine's Day was silly, what with all the sexism. But maybe my true reason for resistance is because there isn't Valentine-y food to win me over?...unless red velvet cupcakes are officially adopted as Valentine cupcakes.

I cut hearts from layered scrapbook paper and strung them on little hooks across the mirror above my mantle, so I guess that means I'm on the Valentine cheer team this year. That "You've got me hooked" Heart String (I just made that up!) is not a fun activity idea for toddlers, by the way. I don't know if I waited too long or not long enough to introduce paste, but Baby A would not stop rubbing it on her face, deeply convinced that it was lotion.

But whatever your stance Valentine's Day, you won't be able to resist smiling at these new, sweet picture books.

For Anyone/Everyone:

Plant a Kiss (December 2011) written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated bv Peter H. Reynolds. See the beauty and power of one kiss, planted with love and patience. 

Love Is You and Me (December 2011) by Monica Sheehan. Love is defined, not only in cuddles or elaborate outings, but in daily kindness, as illustrated by this bright book. Also by Sheehan: Be Happy!

For Sweethearts:

Mr. Prickles: A Quill-Fated Love Story (December 2011) by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Scott Magoon. A rejected porcupine loner finds love at last. It reminds me of this relationship graph I saw at Cup of Jo, by GraphJam. Don't be frightened of those glaring woodland creatures--Mr. Prickles' story has a feel-good conclusion.

Snowy Valentine (November 2011) by David Petersen. This bunny husband makes you say awwww. On a quest for advice on a good gift for his wife, he inadvertently creates a perfect token of his love. This is David Petersen's first picture book, and I look forward to more in the future.

P.S. Last year's February, and last year's valentine.

P.P.S. I liked these ideas for using conversation hearts, especially using them for practice writing sentences, and as BINGO markers. If you ask me, conversation hearts are super entertaining, but not delicious.

ABC Gifts

There are so many alphabet-related books and resources. I just gathered up a few special ideas for gifts, or just for fun:

P is for Paintbrush mural:

This is a one-of-a-kind, handpainted watercolor, in an 8x10 frame. Can you find all the a words? I'll give you a clue: there are eight, not counting Alexandra nor and. The artist of P is for Paintbrush is Baby A's Auntie Jenna, and if you'd like to order one, email me, and I'll send you her contact information.

Baby shower activity:

 I recently attended a baby shower for my cousin, and each guest colored and wrote at least one letter for her baby's first alphabet book. How neat! He'll get clever messages from people who love him. This was a scrapbook kit plus markers--easy peasy! And it's fun for people whether or not they like cheesy baby shower games.

Alphabet book that's not just for tinies:

Alison Jay's A Child's First ABC Alphabet follows an adventurer through vibrant and full illustrations with a vintage flair (soft crackle paint look). But the grown-up readers can have just as much fun searching for patterns--a clue about the next page is in every picture. This book was suggested by a friend of mine who bought it at BYU Museum of Art, and when you see it, that seems fitting.

Fun words and animals alphabet book:

 I saw this suggestion at Design Mom, and I trust her taste. I haven't found it yet, but I will! Here's her review of it.

If you're bored of the standard alphabet song, here's a quirky one from none other than our Canadian friends, the Barenaked Ladies', kids' album:

Who would you give these to? (In my head, I'm saying, Actually, I think it is: To whom would you give these? because, yes, I'm crazy.)

W is for Wishing you a Wonderful Weekend!

Friday Friend: Emily Frame Growing a Family in Style

I'd like to start introducing you to my friends who work, blog, and make beautiful online. First on Friday Friend: 

Emily Frame

I met Emily while we both wrapped up our BA in English Literature at Utah Valley University; we were both pregnant with our firsts. She kindly gave us a peek into her home with her husband + one-year-old son Hayes + baby on the way:

Introduce yourself and your work:
I made the decision to always be home with Hayes so any work or projects I take on, I make sure I can do them from home. I run Bijou Market - a handmade event - twice a year. Between organizing the event and filling up a table of my own handmade goods, we're pretty busy the months before, during and after the event.  In between I do freelance styling for the website Twenty First and Ivy. Then I write my own blog Ruffling Feathers, which is more fun than work.

What are 3 things you do with Hayes every day?

Hayes loves bath-time, reading books before bed, and when he wakes up from naps he loves to throw out all his stuffed animals, I throw them back in, he throws them out and so forth. He laughs hysterically.  
 What is Hayes' favorite book? favorite game/song?

Hayes loves his books. We have a stack of 10+ favorites that we read every night. He definitely loves The Eye Book by Theo LeSieg (Dr. Suess' real name). We love reading Sandra Boynton books to him, they're quirky and funny but not over his head. He loves singing songs and doing actions with them like "Patty-Cake", "Itsy Bitsy spider" and "The Wheels on the Bus."

What is your favorite book of Hayes'? 

My favorite kids book author is Mo Willems, he's so funny, maybe Hayes will get the jokes in a few years. There's a book called My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story by Jamie Lee Curtis and illustrated by Laura Cornell, it's a really validating book to read as a mom, I tear up every time. 

Does he read with his dad, too?

Reading has always been something he does with his dad. They do it every night and as he's gotten older he likes to read during the day too, so I finally got in on that action.  

And what's your favorite book of your own?

I read Matilda by Roald Dahl for the first time when I was 8 or so. I distinctly remember the moment I read that the Trunchbull was Miss Honey's Aunt. I gasped out loud. That was the first book I really connected with and I've read it every year since. It's definitely a favorite.  
How are you preparing Hayes for the arrival of his little bro?

Hayes is so young, it's hard to know how to prepare him. We got him a newborn looking baby doll that he loves to hug and kiss on. We refer to my stomach as "little brother."

Thanks, Emily!
And everyone, if you're in Utah today or tomorrow (April 8th and 9th), you must stop by the Bijou Market! 

{Read more about introducing a new sibling and get more book suggestions from Barnes and Noble.}