Kids' Books Gift Guide: Picture Books

I love, love, love me some picture books.  I used to sneak back to the kid's department while at work and read them when no one was looking.  It was pretty easy - booksellers seem to have an overall aversion to the children's department.  It might be all the children that are usually there...


Moving on, here are some of my all-time favorites, in no particular order.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Ok, this one is in a particular order.  This is my favorite picture book.  Of. All. Time.  Shel Silverstein is a brilliant, brilliant writer, (he wrote the lyrics to Johnny Cash's classic song A Boy Named Sue, you know).   This book is about selfishness, and selflessness, and I cry at least every other time that I read it.  You know what?  Forget it.  Don't buy this as a gift.  Go out and get yourself a copy.  Today.  Thank you.

The Sneeches and other Stories by Dr. Seuss

Ok, here's another true confession moment: I don't love Dr. Seuss.  It makes me want to stab myself in the eye! Oh, what a wonderful way to die!  But... for the Sneeches, I'll make an exception.  It's a great story about being different, and conforming, and acceptance.  It also makes "theirs" rhyme with "stars," which makes me relatively insane.  

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

The story of the little nut brown hare (not to be confused with the little brown nut hair - long story) is super sweet.  Zj and I borrow from it all the time when trying to one-up each other in the love department.  "No, I love you more." "Well, I love you all the way to the moon and back.  So there. I win."  

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

This is the story of Stellaluna, a little fruit bat who falls from her perch, loses her mother, and is adopted by birds.  It's a sweet story of adoption, acceptance, and eating worms when you really don't want to.

The Olivia books by Ian Falconer

Olivia is by far and away the best pig ever.  She's precocious, and smart, and smart-alecky, and sort of like a real kid.  She can be a brat, and she can get into mischief.  The illustrations are great, and I enjoy these as much as my kids.  

The Skippyjon Jones books by Judy Schachner

Skippyjon is a little Siamese kitty who thinks he is a brave Chihuahua.  He goes on a ton of adventures, mostly in his own closet, and this one is a fun one to read aloud, because you can practice using your best Cheech & Chong voices.

Tuesday by David Wiesner

This Caldecott winner has been one of my favorites for years.  It is a nearly wordless story, told in beautiful illustrations, about frogs descending a town because it's Tuesday.  Aside from the plague-like implications, it's a great book to help your little one develop his or her own storytelling skills.  Zj tells me a different story every time we read it.  

The Fancy Nancy books by Jane O'Connor

Nancy is a diva in training, and endeavors to make her family as fancy as she is.  She's a bit of a drama queen, and little girls love to love her.

The Pigeon books by Mo Willems

The Pigeon is flippin' hilarious.  He will try to get you on his side.  See, he wants to drive the bus, and he spends the entire book trying to convince, bribe, beg or cajole you.  I enjoy these books as much, if not more, than my kids do.  And really, isn't that what it's all about?

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

There are two sides to every story, and this story of the three little pigs is told from the wolf's perspective.  Turns out, he's just misunderstood.  Why of course, aren't we all?   All Mr. Scieszka's books are delightful, and his Trucktown series is especially great for little boys who are obsessed with things with wheels.

Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis

I absolutely did not understand the whole "celebrities as children's book authors" phenomenon that popped up a few years ago.  Just because someone can act doesn't necessarily qualify him to write a kid's book.  Most were ghost-written, and many just weren't very good.  However, the picture books by Jamie Lee Curtis proved to be an exception to that.  Great, bright illustrations and simple rhyming sentences make these a winner.  Plus, she's always got a good moral or lesson in each one.  Our favorite is Big Words for Little People, and because of this book, zj was using "inappropriate," "privacy" and "patience" correctly in sentences by the age of two.

The llama, llama mad at mama by Anna Dewdney

Llama simply cannot understand why he is snatched up from playing, strapped into a carseat, and forced to go shopping with Mama.  Sounds like real life, huh?  Llama gets madder and madder until he has - you guessed it - a full blown tantrum in the grocery.  As a Mama who has been there, done that, this book is a good reminder about why it's important to make these mundane trips fun for the little people, as well.  Either that, or hire a sitter.  Totally worth the $30.  The whole series is a ton of fun.

The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth

This retelling of a Tolstoy short story appeals to the book nerd in me in ways that are difficult to describe.  Beautiful illustrations and a wonderful story make this another of my favorites.

Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown

When Lucy the Bear finds a little boy in the woods, she brings him home, determined to keep him as a pet.  However, Mama Bear thinks children make terrible pets.  Well, I could have told you that, Mama Bear.  Funny stuff.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

This book has been around almost as long as I have, but it still ranks as one of my favorites of all time.  This one has an easily-reachable spot on zj's bookcase, since we read it so often.  

If You Give A... series by Laura Numeroff

This is another oldie but goodie.  The demanding little mouse reminds me of zj sometimes...  

Pinkalicious by Victoria & Elizabeth Kann

The little girl in this story loves pink more than anything in the world - sound familiar?  She eats so many pink cupcakes that she turns pink herself.  This book series is perfect for the girly-girls in your life.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Here's another one that makes me cry about every other time I read it.  Maybe I'm just overly emotional, no?  Anyway, when raccoon goes off to school, he's worried about missing his Mama.  His Mama has a solution - the Kissing Hand.  Perfect for kids with separation anxiety or Mamas with the same.

Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle

Ok, I'll be the first to admit, I'm not really a fan of potty humor myself, but I challenge you to find a child in the 4-8 year old age range who is not.  Walter is a great dog, except for his gas issue.  Fortunately, you can scare away burglars if your gas is... gassy enough.  Flatulence for the WIN!

It's a Book by Lane Smith

In the age of iPads, Twitter and video games, the main character in this book reminds us that books are really just for reading.  No charging necessary.  

 Ok, I'll stop now. 

Really, I could go on for days...

Don't forget to drop back by on Wednesday to find out what beginning reader titles I'll recommend.

I know you're on the edge of your seat.

Kids' Books Gift Guide: For Toddlers

It's nearly Christmas, people.  Get up off the couch and go buy these books for the toddlers in your life.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

I read this book to zj so many times I can still recite it.  "In the great green room there was a telephone and a red balloon and a picture of a cow jumping over the moon."  See?  This is the perfect bedtime story book for tired Mamas everywhere - sweet, and most importantly, short.

The "That's not my... series" by Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells

This touch and feel series is perfect for little hands.  The words are simple and sing-songy, and there are tons in the series to choose from.  That's not my monster and That's not my robot are favorites in the J house, but there are also girl-friendly options like That's not my dolly and That's not my princess.  There are seasonal ones for every holiday as well.  

The DK My First series by Dorling Kindersley Publishing

I cannot say enough good things about DK books.  They use actual photography instead of cartoon illustrations and kids love it.  The Body Board Book is cj's current favorite, and we are using it to learn all the parts of the body.  

The My First Noisy Bath Book Series by Caroline Davis

These waterproof books are virtually indestructible - a real plus at 154 Hidden Court - and and the bright, colorful illustrations are very good for toddlers.  Also, these books have some sort of rattle built into them, so just shake for added fun and noise, because there can never be too much noise, right?

My First Taggies Series - Various authors

Zj was obsessed with tags.  Tags in clothes, tags on blankets, tags on pillows.  More than once I ripped tags out of RJ's shirts and sewed them onto zj's favorite blankie when the original fell off.  These books are perfect for the tag-obsessed toddler in your life.  The books are made of a soft cloth material, and all around the edges are, you guessed it, tags!   The stories and illustrations aren't bad, either.

The Wheelies Series

It's a book!  It's a toy car!  It's both!  These cool board books have wheels attached so your toddler can play with it when you're too drunk busy to read aloud.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

I love Eric Carle's stuff in any size or shape, but this one really translates well to board book format.  The hungry caterpillar eats his way through the book, and if you choose the board book option, your toddler can, too.

Freight Train by Donald Crews

This Caldecott Honor book is another one that is great in any format, but really works well as a board book.  Bright colors, and every little boy's favorite - trains - makes it an easy choice.

Mommy Hugs & Daddy Kisses Boxed Set by Anne Gutman

These super-sweet books feature Mommies and Daddies, in animal form, snuggling with their babies.  All together now... "Awwwwwwww."

The Where is Baby's series by Karen Katz

True confessions moment: When I first saw these books a few years back, the weird, round-headed babies in the illustrations sort of freaked me out.  However, the words are cute, and the lift-the-flap aspect was a big hit with zj when he was a toddler.  Cj is now a huge fan as well.  If I can overlook the freakish looking babies, so can you.

Ok, there ya go - my top ten in toddler books.  Tune in again tomorrow when we hit my favorite category - picture books.  

I can't promise I'll be able to limit it to just 10.

If you have kids, and they need books for Christmas, you probably should read this.

The only job I've held in my adult life was selling books.

I sold books for nearly 17 years.

I love books.

Plus, it makes me sort of an expert.

So, since it's Christmas, I've decided to do a series this week on the best books to buy for your kids.  And by best, I mean books that I like.

You're welcome.

In order to add some semblance of organization to this list, which has been flowing out of my head all willy-nilly, I'm dividing it up by age group.

You're welcome again.

Here's what you can expect:

Monday - Board books, bath books, and other toddler appropriate books that can be chewed on
Tuesday - Picture books.  My favorite category by a mile
Wednesday - Beginning reader and early chapter books (ages 5-7ish)
Thursday - Young readers (ages 8-12)
Friday - Teens, and no, this will not be a Twilight fest.  The esteemed Ms. Meyer splits infinitives all over the place, and there is nothing I hate more than a split infinitive.
Saturday - If you still can't decide, I'm going to show you all the reasons why nookcolor, with it's interactive kids' books, it the best choice of all.

Tune in all week and get some great gift ideas for the little readers (or listeners) on your Christmas list!

The one where I almost got accidentally famous.

A few weeks ago, Angie at The Jammie Girl wrote this post, which I took as the challenge it was meant to be.

So in response, I wrote this post.

In case you can't be bothered to click all those links, the posts were about our redneck roots and families.

Pretty funny stuff.

All true.

Anyway, that was weeks ago.  I went on with my life and gave it not too much more thought at all.

Until yesterday.

Apparently, you never know who might stumble across your blog while Googling "redneck family stories."

I got a Facebook message from my cousin Deb late yesterday afternoon.  Apparently, all my cousins were burning up Facebook and text messaging trying to find out about the new reality show I was going to be on.

Wha?

I forwarded the message to my Sis B, asking her if she could help me decipher.

She called me immediately.   The surprise had been ruined, and my chance at fame, shot to hell with a double barrel 12 gauge shotgun.

My sis B and several of my cousins had been approached by a production company who had run across Angie's post, then read my post, and determined that my redneck family might make for good reality tv.

Why of course it would.

Here is part of the message my Sis B received:

"I am contacting you beacause I am with CMT Television casting and I am trying to cast MJ in a new reality show that documents a family reunion. Please do not tell MJ that I have contacted you because this reunion should be a surprise. The shows description is below.

The hour-long special, hosted by Tom Arnold, will reunite one redneck family with a big-city slicker relative for a family reunion they’ll NEVER forget. If you and your family would like to reconnect Mary Jo with her country roots we can help! 

I would love to chat with you, I am reaching out to your family on Facebook."

Um, yeah.

A whole bunch of my family got the same message.  So did several of my Facebook friends who share my fairly common maiden name, but who were no relation to me or my redneck family.  Bet they were confused.

The funny part, really, is that I was pegged as the city slicker in the family.  My Sis B and I got a good laugh at that, until we tried to think of a more citified relation.  Sadly, none could be found.

 

My Sis B contact the nice CMT lady and let her know that the cat was out of the bag, and my chances of being a reality show star washed away, just like that.

Oh well.  I'd really hate to give up Moon Pies, anyway.  Even for fame and fortune.

On running. And running. And running...

A few months ago I quit my job to be a stay at home Mama, and one of the deals I made with myself was that I would find a way to lose some weight, get in better shape, and deal with the constant lack of energy that had been plaguing me for the better part of the past 36 years or so.

Enter running.

Running and I got off to a bit of a rocky start.

After I healed, I attacked it again.

I even made some grand internet promises that at least two people heard about.

I've gotten all the cool running gadgets and gear.  I love me some Nike, and the Nike + iPhone ap and sensor are too cool for words.  If you ever plan to run, or jog, or even walk really fast, you HAVE to have one of these.

I've been through four pairs of running shoes before finding some that fit my fat, gnarled feet.  Thank goodness for Road Runner Sports' very generous exchange policy.

I've been walking shuffling jogging running for going on four months now.

But today, for the very first time, I actually felt like a runner.

I set a goal.

I beat it.

I felt the burn.

I pushed through it.

My muscles are still protesting.

It's a really great feeling.

Now don't get me wrong.  I realize I'm nowhere near fast.

My stamina still needs a LOT of work.

I have a lot more work to do.

But it's ok.

I'm a runner.

And runners can push through anything.

Christmas card photos - the outtakes.

Because it's a tradition.

It's been a tradition for years.

And years.

"You have to keep your hat ON your head, baby.  Please, honey?  For Mama?"

"No, no zj.  Get close to your brother, but not ON your brother.  Please? For Mama?"

"No, no cj.  Please leave your hat on.  Zj, smile for Mama. Please."

"No no baby.  On. Your. Head.  For Mama. Please?"

"Zj, tongue in your mouth! Hands down! For Mama? Please?"

"Yoo hoo?  Boys?  Look at Mama.  Please?  Over here, please.  Boys? At Mama.  Look. At. Mama. Please?"

"CJ. SIT. DOWN.  CJ.  SIT. FOR MAMA. NOW."

"CJ. SIT. NOW. ZJ. LOOK. AT ME. NOW."

"Baby, Mama's sorry.  Mama didn't mean to yell. Mama's SO sorry.  Come here.  We don't need any silly Christmas cards anyway."

With both of my regular blog readers the entire blogosphere as my witness, I'm taking these children to Wal-Mart next year and paying $39.95 for the deluxe Christmas photo package.

Pretty soon there's gonna be one of those 12 ft. Abominable Snowman things in my yard. You know, the ones that light up and spin around.

Around this time last year, I wrote a blog post about how I really, really, don't get into holidays much.

Really, nothing's changed.

Oh wait.

Except one thing.

For years, my excuse for not participating in outdoor Christmas decorating revolved around the fact that I, as a retail manager, worked approximately 26 hours a day pretty much every day from Black Friday until New Year's Day.

A few months ago, as you might recall, I quit my job to be a full time stay at home Mama to my boys.

Well, shit.  There went that excuse.

The truth is, my idea of perfect holiday decorating looks something like this:

However, for the first time ever, I have adorned the exterior of 154 Hidden Court.  With lights.  And weird fake spiral-y Christmas trees.  And more effing lights.  And oddly, every time I walk into a store, I gravitate toward the giant snowglobes.  Must. Resist.

So now, 154 Hidden Court looks sort of like some elves drank too much eggnog and vomited up lights on my house:

I can only imagine that an Easter egg tree isn't far off...