Fun Father’s Day Reads

Forget about the tacky tie, fluorescent golf balls, and the tennis racket-shaped bug zapper. What Dad really wants this Father’s Day is some quality time with the TV remote, his trusty recliner and a plate of bacon. Of course, what Dad wants for the upcoming holiday and what his enthusiastic young offspring want for him may be vastly different. Fortunately, the following Father’s Day reads may be the key to compromise. Kids can cuddle up with Dad on his favorite chair and share quality time reading the delightful holiday-themed page turners… while Mom cooks a pile of pork products for a post-story time … Continue reading →

Picture-Perfect Mother’s Day

What are you asking for this Mother’s Day? A clean basement? Not if your husband’s idea of “cleaning” is tossing out all of your stuff. An expensive vacuum? Not if you have to use it more to justify the price. Breakfast in bed? Not if it means doing damage control in the kitchen until dinner. What about a peaceful day surrounded by the people whose existence affords you membership in the sweetest sorority on earth? This Mother’s Day consider cuddling up with your kiddos and enjoying a quiet moment with these picture-perfect holiday reads: The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our … Continue reading →

Emeraldalicious

Who says it’s not easy being green? How about going green? Just in time for Earth Day, everyone’s favorite pink-tastic princess puts her rosy stamp on a disgusting dump to show young readers the benefits of recycling. Emeraldalicious starts off with Pink and her little brother Pete heading to their favorite park. They frolic for a bit on the lush lawn crafting a cape and crown from colorful flowers, but soon the brilliant green grass gives way to a stinky garbage-filled space void of flora and fauna. Fortunately, Pinkalicious is able to piece together an extra-special wand from stray sticks … Continue reading →

Affordable Easter Treats That Won’t Cause Cavities

When Peter Cottontail’s cousin comes hopping down the bunny trail this Easter he’s sure to leave behind a smorgasbord of sugary treats, much to the delight of your children… and their dentist. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with indulging in a few Easter goodies, parents may want to supplement their kids’ saccharine-laced haul with a couple of holiday treats that won’t cause cavities. Easter-themed books starring popular children’s literary characters are a wonderful alternative to gigantic jelly beans, colossal chocolate creatures and marshmallow menageries. What’s more, you won’t have to go into debt purchasing these fun-filled page turners that are … Continue reading →

Love Between the Pages

… or sheets… or blankets… or flannel footie jammies. There’s no better excuse to snuggle up with your child than storytime. And there’s no better type of book to curl up with as we countdown to Valentine’s Day than a love-themed read. As February 14th nears, consider cuddling up with your little sweetie and embracing these kid-friendly Love Day titles: Splat the Cat: Funny Valentine The black furball with a heart of gold is at it again. Splat wants to give his teacher a special Valentine’s gift and enlists the help of his friends to execute his plan, but will … Continue reading →

Cuddle Up With a Classic

Nothing fosters a sense of security for a child more than snuggling with his parent. This winter, add a book to the mix. After all, cuddling up with a children’s classic is one of the best ways to bond when the weather outside is frightful. And by classic, I’m talking about stories that transcend time and space. The ones that kids want read to them over and over again because their melodic words bring a sense of peace and comfort. Titles like: Goodnight Moon Margaret Wise Brown’s sweet tale, featuring a little bunny in striped pajamas saying goodnight to … Continue reading →

Charlie and the Christmas Kitty

If your children asked for, but didn’t receive the puppy or kitten they placed on their wish list to Santa, this book might work as a consolation present. Maybe. Sure, Charlie and the Christmas Kitty may be a far cry from an adorable tail-wagging, face-licking bundle of fluff that would follow your child around the house and potentially run for help should he fall down a well, but, hey, Santa’s not perfect. Still, you can’t deny the cuteness contained in this festive holiday read, even though the story’s clueless main character doesn’t realize it’s Christmas: “Why is there a … Continue reading →

Christmas Unplugged

Forget about dreaming of a white Christmas this year, most parents I know are hoping for an unplugged version of the holiday; a Christmas void of blaring televisions, raucous radios and vociferous video games. How likely are you to enjoy a genuine silent night this Christmas? If you want to know how to make your dream a reality, take some advice from the Bear family. In The Berenstain Bears’ Old-Fashioned Christmas, Brother, Sister and Baby Honey Bear get a taste of what the holiday was like pre-TV, when they travel to Grizzly Gramps and Gran’s house. After rolling up in … Continue reading →

Inexpensive Secret Santa Selections

Take the stress out of Secret Santa gift swapping by wrapping up these interactive holiday page-turners that won’t break the bank: Santa on the Loose! A Seek and Solve Mystery It’s the Christmas version of Where’s Waldo. Only, pint-sized bookworms are not hunting for a geeky-looking kid wearing a striped shirt. Rather, youngsters must read clues, don their detective hats, and find Santa to solve the mystery of the missing Christmas toys. Is the toy thief Emo the unhappy elf, Loki the dissatisfied reindeer, Roz the ravenous polar bear, Softy the sneaky snowman or Arlo the deceivingly cute penguin? Kid … Continue reading →

It’s Christmas!

The countdown to Christmas is on and parents the world over are feeling the heat. With Santa coming to town in just a few days, St. Nick’s mom and dad helpers are scurrying to prepare for his arrival. Around here that means stocking up on stocking stuffers. One seasonal surprise my 8-year-old will be waking up to on December 25th is a delightful book filled with festive poems. It’s Christmas is a collection of whimsical prose that are silly, sweet and perfect for the season. Author Jack Prelutsky does a phenomenal job of making merry with his hilarious takes on … Continue reading →