Library Picks: First Human Body Encyclopedia

photo from barnesandnoble.com

First Human Body Encyclopedia by DK Publishing

As I am sure most almost-four-year-olds are, Peanut is fascinated with anything regarding the human body. When he started asking a lot of questions like, "How come by bones don't fall down when I stand up?" or "What's that funny thing hanging in the back of my mouth for?", I did what I always do...I went to the library. The fabulous children's librarian helped me choose this book. At first I thought it might be a little too graphic for a kid so young, but he loved the detailed drawings and photographs. The book explains everything from what your bones are made of to how your taste buds work. It doesn't make for the best bedtime book, but it is excellent for answering nonstop questions about body parts...in an age appropriate way. We have renewed this book twice and I think we'll be making it a permanent part of our home library.

Library Picks: Chihuahua Cats, Dinos & Madeline

Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Believe it or not, my gynecologist recommended this book. I am not kidding. I told her our almost-4-year-old was a total book worm and she said that we HAD to get a copy of Skippyjon Jones. She was right. It is just as fun for us to read out loud as it is for Peanut to listen to. The illustrations are really funny. Skippyjon is a little Siamese cat boy who believes he is a chihuahua. He finds adventures in old Mexico by simply entering his bedroom closet. So cute. So funny. You'll find yourself (& your kids) saying "Holy Guacamole!"

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
We've hit a serious dinosaur phase in our house. What we can't make up for in dinosaur toys, we are making up for in dinosaur books. This particular gem attempts to teach preschoolers table manners. Do dinosaurs bubble their milk or throw their food? Of course not! That would be rude. All of the books in this series are great...I only wish they had How Do Dinosaurs Get Dressed and Out the Door So We Aren't Late.

Madeline's Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans
Madeline is probably not new to some of you, but we just recently started reading these books. I found a mint copy Madeline at the Goodwill and Peanut was instantly hooked. Madeline's Rescue is the latest one we've brought home from the library and the boys love it. The rhythm is superb, the illustrations simple & lovely. Little Madeline once again finds herself in trouble, this time rescued by a dog. The boys love that the story ends with each little girl getting their own puppy!

Mommy Confessions: Vacation & Summer

#26 Sometimes I am a little resentful of vacation. How did I end up being in charge of packing for myself, packing for the boys, packing food, arranging for pet sitters, etc. Hubby only has to pack his one little suitcase! At least he drives on road trips.

#27 I am loving summer so much that it's making me quite lazy. Most evenings I'd much rather be outside watching the boys play than worry about fixing dinner. We've been eating a lot of left overs, quesadillas, sandwiches and nachos.

#28 We bought Peanut a LeapFrog Tag for our various road trips this summer. So far it seems like a really great gadget that might actually help him learn to read. But I must admit that it totally intimidates me. I had to download software & it comes with a USB cable. What happened to the simple Speak & Spell I had as a kid?!

Oh yeah, there's more.