The Bookshelf

I was looking around for some new books to get the boys, I'm just tired of the usual, and nothing I have looks interesting.  I was thinking about different types of books I could start reading with C now that he's oder and really starting to get into books and asking questions.  The idea of chapter books came to mind.  I think he's still a little young, but wanted to see what others thought, so of course, I googled!

I came across this site DaddyRead.  It has some great information about reading to children, starting with the itty-bitties, and continuing to lower elementary kids.  I found some great book ideas, and am excited to hit the bookstore to get some!  I also got some great gift ideas new babies!

The Bookshelf

My niece is having a baby and I am thinking of all the things I want to get this very special first time mom. On the top of my list is books.  Here are a few books I love to give to new parents.

My absolute favorite kids book is actually one that I discovered when C was a couple months old.  I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt.  A mom in my moms group mentioned it, so of course I went and got it (based on the name alone!)!  It is a cute book about a mom putting her child to sleep and going through silly scenarios to describe how much she loves him.  I don't mind reading this book every night, multiple times.  It's fun to make up your own fun scenarios after reading the book, great for the imagination!

Source: amazon.com via HC on Pinterest

Another book is a classic, and while everyone probably know this book, it has to be mentioned!  Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.  Who doesn't know this book?  It's a great book that should be on the bookshelf of every little girl and boy.  

Source: amazon.com via HC on Pinterest

I don't think Sandra Boynton has written a bad book.  I love Snuggle Puppy and love giving this book to new parents.  It's a fun book that you can read or sing, but just try reading it without singing the words!  The best part is that everyone sings the story just a little different, which means the possibilities are endless! 

Source: amazon.com via HC on Pinterest

Good Night, Baby! holds a special place in my heart.  We did some baby signs with C, and this was the first time he really used signs and we could tell they had meaning to him.  It's a very sweet book that walks the baby through his day and getting ready for bed.  It's also a very nice board book, which is perfect for little hands!

Source: us.dk.com via HC on Pinterest

The last book for tonight, was one of C's favorites.  Little Feet Like... by Giggle & Grow.  I think another company puts this book out as well, but this is the version we have.  It's a wonderful touch and feel book with a cute twist.  Each page has something that "little feet like", like grass, but it's meant to be felt with feet!  C used to take the book, sit on the floor, and rub his feet all over each page!  So, cute!  The best thing about the copy we have, is the size.  It's a bigger board book, which makes it a little harder to put on the bookshelf, but makes it great for little hands....and feet!  

Source: amazon.com via HC on Pinterest

These are just a few of my favorite books to buy for others.  Do you have any books you like to buy new parents?  Or read yourself?

The Bookshelf

Reading is a big part of my life.  I've loved reading books for as long as I can remember.  I love reading to C and N, however, I get bored easily with some kids books...especially some of the ones that C is showing a big interest in right now.

That brings me to The Bookshelf.  A series that I thought might be fun to start.  Just a way for me to share what we're reading over here, the good and the bad (or uninteresting to me), and hopefully help someone that might be in a reading rut with their kids.  Feel free to let me know what you are reading as well!

As a way to broaden our reading library, I signed up for a program called Blogging for Books.  I'm still learning more about the program, but am really happy with the 1 book I've requested so far.

Grab a cup of joe, sit back, and learn about a book being read around our house!

God Gave Us Two

by Lisa Tawn Brown

art by Laura J Bryant

We love this book.  It's a great story about a little bear who is getting ready to have a little brother or sister.   Little Bear expresses her worries about how things will change when the new baby comes.  Her parents are quick to reassure her that everything will be okay because they are both gifts from God.  This book is a great way to address fears older children might have when a new baby is on the way.  The pictures are wonderful and my son loves just looking at the pictures.  God Gave Us Two is often requested in our house.  

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  Thoughts and ideas about the book are my own.*