Tag Archives: imagination

Trust Me, Mom! – Angela McAllister

It happens to all of us – at some point, we become old enough to start doing things by ourselves. But that transition from young child to older child can be rough, especially on moms. In “Trust Me, Mom!” we meet Ollie. Today he is going to cross the street all by himself and go to the store. His mother has prepared him in every way she can think of. She even put on glasses and a fake nose to teach him about avoiding strangers. She warned him of every eventuality. And, she reminds him to only buy cheese. She … Continue reading →

Olivia Saves the Circus, Olivia and the Missing Toy – Ian Falconer

Our precocious little pig is back in two more adventures, “Olivia Saves the Circus,” and “Olivia and the Missing Toy.” Let’s take a look and see what Olivia’s up to now. In “Olivia Saves the Circus,” we find Olivia getting ready for school. First she helps her mother by feeding her brothers. I’m using the term “help” loosely here. Then she gets dressed in a really boring school uniform, which she accessorizes with big red bows and striped tights (tre chic!) Riding her scooter down the street, she gets to school on time to participate in show and tell. Today … Continue reading →

Lottie’s Princess Dress – Doris Dorrie

In this darling picture book, Lottie is sound asleep in dreamland and does not want to get up, despite the fact that her mother will be late for work. In her dreams, she’s a princess, going to school in the castle, making crafts, and she does not want to leave her project behind. Finally and with great reluctance, she gets up, but she doesn’t want to wear her boring old clothes. She would much rather wear her princess dress! Never mind that her dress is thin and it’s starting to snow. It’s the perfect day to dress like a princess. … Continue reading →

Olivia – Ian Falconer

Olivia is a simply adorable little girl pig. Full of spunk, personality and imagination, she’s the sort of pig who will appeal to everyone, parents and children alike. On the first page, we are introduced to Olivia, and we are told that she is good at lots of things. She happens to be singing, holding up a book called “40 Very Loud Songs.” I don’t know if children will appreciate the humor in that, but the parent reading the book aloud to their child will get a chuckle out of it. On the next page we are told that she … Continue reading →

Consulting the Dream Book

For several years, we have had a family “Dream Book”–it has become a worn, oft-consulted manual with soft, slack binding. I’m certain I picked it up off one of the clearance stacks at a book store and brought it home to add to our already overflowing shelves of books. I thought it might be a fun book to have around. For once, I was right. Consulting the book of dream symbols has become a common activity and a great conversation starter–even on those grumpy, hormonal and stressed mornings that occur far too often around here. As a family who likes … Continue reading →

Gnomes – Wil Huygen and Rein Poortvliet

My husband brought this book home from the library on a whim, and I found myself instantly enchanted with it. Perhaps that was a pun, but it’s so applicable to the situation, I’ll let it stand. “Gnomes” is an art book which documents the mythical beings from a standpoint that you would swear you were reading about a creature or person who actually existed. It is a chance to suspend your disbelief and allow yourself to sink into a world where absolutely anything is possible. We start with a quote from the flyleaf: “To my amazement, I have heard that … Continue reading →

Anne of Ingleside and Rainbow Valley – L.M. Montgomery

For the first five books of the “Anne” series, our favorite redhead is the star of the show. We see her escapades, we meet her friends, we fall in love with Gilbert right along with her. In the two volumes I’m reviewing today, the focus shifts dramatically from Anne to her children, and if you’re not prepared for that shift, these books could prove to be disappointing. In “Anne of Ingleside,” the Blythes have purchased a large home in Glen St. Mary and are the parents of five, expecting their sixth. The insufferable Aunt Mary Maria has come for a … Continue reading →

A Mouse Told His Mother – Bethany Roberts

Easily one of my favorite picture books, “A Mouse Told His Mother” by Bethany Roberts is a tender story of an imaginative mouse who does not want to go to bed, and a supportive mother who will do whatever it takes to get him to. With each getting-ready-for-bed activity, the mouse imagines that he’s on a great adventure, and his mother urges him on from thing to thing, the end goal being a quiet mouse house when she’s done. A mouse told his mother, “I am going on a trip.” “It is bedtime,” said his mother. A mouse told his … Continue reading →

Engage In Pretend Play

Pretend play is valuable for children and adults benefit from entering a child’s imaginary world as well. When your child engages in pretend play they often mimic the adult world. They learn to understand responsibility. They try on different roles and explore a variety of careers. Children often mimic the adult world that they experience. You will see yourself in your child as they play. Once I caught my two-year-old daughter putting her doll in time out. Then she picked up the doll, gave it a hug, and said, “I still love you.” As children immerse themselves in pretend play … Continue reading →

More Dress up Stuff

Playing dress up is so much fun, and it is a good opportunity for children to use their imagination. Encourage your children to play dress up and help them create a special wardrobe. Dress up is not just for girls either. Although I’m not suggesting giving little boys high heels and dresses, there are plenty of ways for boys to do their own dress up thing, even if they want to call it something else. Check Thrift Stores You can find some of the coolest stuff in thrift stores. Prom dresses, old tuxedos or suits, briefcases, sports jerseys, aprons, uniforms, … Continue reading →