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!

Library Picks: I Love Trucks & Alice the Fairy

Alice the Fairy by David Shannon
I was so happy to find a David Shannon book this week that we hadn't read before. On top of that, this really appealed to Peanut due to his recent obsession with fairies. Alice is a very confident preschooler who truly believes she is a fairy with magical powers. But admittedly, she needs to work on the spells to make her dog do tricks. If you love David Shannon books like we do, check this one out.

I Love Trucks by Shari Halpern
While Peanut loves books and always has, Sprout would rather play with his toy cars or climb on the furniture. But finally, I found a book that he wants to read! I guess I should have known he'd eventually be drawn to a book about things that go (he is obsessed with cars, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, etc.). The pictures are bright and colorful. The text has a very simple and cute rhyme. Just about perfect for a 20-month-old.

Library Picks: Pigs & Produce

Toot and Puddle - You Are My Sunshine by Holly Hobbie
While at the library recently, another mom said that if my kids like Olivia we should really check out Toot and Puddle. So check out Toot and Puddle we did. Peanut was so into the story, I was shocked that he didn't make the expected fart joke over one of the character names. Not to mention that my Hubby has yet to make the expected joke about where Toot and Puddle live (Woodcock Pocket...no seriously). But I digress. This is a very sweet story about Puddle trying to cheer up his dear friend, Toot, who is feeling blue. He tries everything he can and nothing works. Eventually a big rain storm helps little Toot feel like himself again. I love the message in this book that everyone gets sad sometimes and there isn't always a reason for it. Sometimes you just have to wait for the rain to pass. We will definitely be checking out more Toot (teehee) and Puddle.

Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z by Lois Ehlert
Sprout pulled this book off the shelf and it was instantly a winner in my mind. A colorfully illustrated book that teaches the alphabet AND a love of fruits and vegetables. Ka-ching! Peanut is going through an "I hate anything green" stage and Sprout, well...Sprout does with his brother does. I love that this book makes healthier foods seem fun and appealing. Instead of C being for cookie, C is for carrot, cabbage, cherries, etc. Delicious!

Library Picks: Preschool & Jazz

All Winners This Week!

My Preschool by Anne Rockwell
What a cute and simple primer for a future preschooler! Peanut starts preschool in the fall. He is equally excited and nervous. He loves to read this book and talk about all of the things the kids are doing like painting, circle time, etc.. I think the best part of the story is when two boys have a squabble over a toy, they get mad at each other, but are friends again within minutes. Especially for my ultra-sensitive little guy, I love that this book shows you can argue with your friends and still be friends. Any little one who is anxious about starting preschool will be comforted by this story.

This Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt
This book is commonly known in my house as "Jass Maaaa!" It is Sprout's favorite book and has been for almost a year. I'm not sure what it is about this book, but both boys love it! The illustrations are beautiful and the story is fun to read. We like to sing it to the tune of "This Old Man" to make it more fun. Each page features a famous jazz musician from Charlie Parker to "Fats" Domino. Every time we read this book, Peanut's job is to find the little gray mouse hidden on every page. This is the kind of book I'll buy for future birthday presents.

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Mommy Confessions: I Am My Mother

#11 Hubby and I once watched an episode of Yo Gabba Gabba after the kids went to bed. What?! Jack Black was the special guest!

#12 Recently, I've heard myself say "Wait until your dad gets home!" and "When your dad gets home he is not going to be happy about this!"

#13 I hide toys and books I can't stand (especially the noisy ones). When the boys have forgotten about them I donate them to the Goodwill.
Want to share one of your own Mommy Confessions? Post a comment!

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Library Picks (We heart David Shannon!)

We discovered a lot of great books this week. In fact, our "losers" aren't as bad as usual! I think we also found our new favorite children's book author in the process. Next week we are going to check out some toddler cookbooks. I can't wait!

BOOKS

The Winners

No David by David Shannon
When I first saw this book at a local toy store when Peanut was a baby I was a little freaked-out. The cover features a bald toddler with sharp jack-o-lantern teeth grinning an evil grin. But now that Peanut is a rambunctious, trouble-making, independent preschooler I can very much relate to this book. Apparently, so can Peanut. While little David gets in trouble with his Mommy all day, the lesson at the very end is that his Mommy still loves him no matter what...and she is always there to give him the hugs he needs.

Good Boy, Fergus! by David Shannon
I think we are officially David Shannon fans now. Good Boy, Fergus! is HILARIOUS! We all laugh each time we read it out loud. Fergus is an adorable little white terrier that is a terrible listener, doesn't know any tricks and loves to chase cats & motorcycles. Even Hubby, who can't stand little "kick-me" dogs, adores little Fergus.

The Losers

Richard Scarry's Best First Book Ever! by Richard Scarry
I have to say it. As much as I think Richard Scarry books are great for my kids...I can't stand reading them. We must have five Richard Scarry books at home, but Peanut HAD to bring this one home. IT IS NOT A STORY! It is a great big book full of pictures and random vocabulary words. He begs for us to read it at bed time and it's like literary torture. I now refer to it as a "read to yourself" book.

Hoptoad by Jane Yolen
We have some mixed reviews in our house on this one. I think it's sort of cute and the illustrations are really great. Hubby, however, thinks it is dark and teaches a strange lesson about the dangers of cars. I think it teaches some undeniable facts about roadkill. Peanut likes looking at the pictures of the desert. In the story, Hoptoad tries to cross a desert road when a truck comes his way. The driver stops when he thinks he has hit the toad, gets out of his truck & finds Hoptoad underneath...alive. He and his son rescue Hoptoad by placing him on the other side of the road. Okay...now that I've typed out that summary I'll admit it's a little strange.

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Library Picks: Pizza! Pizza!

BOOKS

The Winners

Pete's a Pizza by William Steig
This book gets all of us giggling. Pete's dad pretends that Pete is a pizza to cheer him up. A perfect book for silly boys with a silly Daddy.

Wild About Books by Judy Sierra
I love reading this book to Peanut. He thinks it's hilarious that the animals at the zoo love reading, but especially loves the haikus written by the insects in the zoo. This book is also the perfect length. It ends before I'm sick of reading, but is long enough that Peanut usually won't ask for another one when I really want him to go to sleep.

The Losers (only one this time!)

Meow Ruff by Joyce Sidman
Unique...but maybe better for older kids. I'm tempted to take this back to the library when no one is looking. It might have a great story, but since some of the text is green on a darker green background...I CAN'T READ IT! Meow Ruff? More like Boo Hiss.

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Library Picks: Some Great Books & One Bad DVD

I try to take the boys to the library every couple of weeks. Our local library has a great kids section and a wonderful children's librarian. We'll sometimes spend an hour looking through books, DVDs, CDs, playing puzzles, reading, etc. We usually leave with a bag full of books. Some of the books I choose ahead of time and have the library hold for us. Others are picked at random off the shelves.

I thought it would be fun to share our library picks and what we think of them. Because let's face it...when your 3.5 year old is picking books at random some of them really suck. And sometimes I think I've made the Mom's Choice of the Year and it turns out to be a real stinker. So here is our first edition of Peanut & Sprout's Library Picks:

BOOKS
The Winners

Olivia and The Missing Toy by Ian Falconer
WE LOVE OLIVIA! Olivia can do no wrong in our house. Both boys love her, Hubby & I love her. Great pictures along with witty preschooler humor. Peanut giggles every time Olivia's baby brother William says "Wooshee gaga."

Little Trucks with Big Jobs by Robert Maass
This short little book gives props to the trucks that often go unnoticed. Normally overshadowed by firetrucks and dump trucks, in this book little mail trucks, fork lifts & ice cream trucks get a chance to make their mark on any truck-loving preschooler.


The Losers

Dinosnores by Kelly S. DiPucchio
This one starts out cute with all kinds of dinosaurs sleeping and snoring, but then abruptly ends with something like "but then all the dinosaurs died." Odd. I'm guessing we picked this one off of the shelf at random.

Almost Gone: The World's Rarest Animals by Steve Jenkins
A perfect example of Mommy pushing her opinions about environmental issues...a little too early. This might be a good book for older kids that can more easily grasp the concepts of "extinction", "destruction" and "Australia."

DVDs

Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins
Quite possibly the worst DVD ever made. It seems to be made by Pixar, but lacks the Pixar pizazz. Not to mention it's VIOLENT! Guns, lasers, "brain pickers" with sharp, shiny blades. We turned it off 5 minutes in and watched Cars instead.

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