Picture book, 32 pages. Published in 2008 by Blue Sky Press.
Using toys wisely
Every parent knows their kiddo has toooooooo many toys. This book is a laugh out loud joy to read alone - or with your child.
And it's not just the number of toys Spencer owns, but who gifted the toy, how often it is tripped over or stepped on and the hilarious back-and-forth bartering between Spencer and his Mom over which ones to give away which makes this book perfect! The book is not preachy, but a realistic view of how a child's life is tied up with his toys, but also what happens when he can let go. Ideas for Making it Real
There's oodles of research about the importance of toys and play in healthy child development and plenty of recommendations about the types of toys and play which best facilitates this development. But we also know from experience that there are many toys which don't measure up for one reason or another and languish under foot all the time.
Parents know that once a toy enters their home it becomes incredibly difficult to remove it. But there are a few basic questions to ask your kiddo - and yourself -before adding a toy to a give away box:
Picture book, 32 pages. Published in 2018 by Picture Window Books.
Using Food Wisely
It was a difficult, but I chose to use Too Many Carrots as part of March's focus on simplicity rather than as part of April's curated books focused on laughter. And, yet, it may just show up next month as well - it's that laugh out loud funny!
This is one of the most visually cheery, humorous picture books I've read in a while. Rabbit's friends are kind and long-suffering in his quest for a home that will hold his hoard of carrots and allow him to sleep comfortably! In the end, Rabbit decides sharing is far more valuable than collecting carrots - especially after his carrots have decimated the homes of his friends Turtle, Bird, Squirrel and Beaver! Ideas for Making it Real
Carrot soup is excellent to share with a few friends! Here's a simple recipe your kiddos can help to cook. Add a loaf of bread, some friends and read Too Many Carrots over dinner - be sure to offer napkins, the laughter will definitely cause some carrot-soup-mishaps!
Picture book, 32 pages. Published in 2008 by Holiday House.
Wonder at the Magnificence of Vegetables!
Gail Gibbons is a master at illustrating information books with lush, accurate pictures. Children will marvel at the beauty of peppers, beans, corn and peas. And they will learn how these veggies grow, how they get to the story and some really weird trivia, too! Do not be surprised if you child wants to grow her own vegetables after reading this book.
Ideas for Making it Real
Take your child with you to the grocery store or the local farmer's market to choose the week's vegetables. Take your time with this activity - if a child can touch, smell and choose the fresh vegetables for the family meals, they are much more likely to eat them!
Bonus activity: ask you kiddo to help you cook the vegetables he so carefully selected! |