A (belated) Mother's Day Poem

I love my children for their differences.

My 9 year old, Isaac is all analysis. How does it work? Why does it work?

Leah, 7 years old, is synthesis through and through! She is the artist and poet.

This morning Leah presented me with a belated Mother's Day gift, an acrostic poem using the word MOTHER.

My love lies on you!
Of All that I know I wouldn't be here!
The thing that we love to do can be done with you!
Here the robins sing to the others!
Eggs are what I'll make on your birthday!
Run with me on Mother's Day!

I'm not sure I "get it" entirely, but I sure do love it and her!

My favorite books for little Valentines!

One of the things I have always loved about Barefoot Books is their ability to draw the reader closer to the listener. Or Me as a parent closer to my kids. The language and art give you the feeling you are sharing something magical and special even after the 100th reading!

Valentines Day is a day to get closer to the people you love in your life! And so I humbly present some fantastic books to share with your little (and bigger) loved ones!

The Boy Who Grew Flowers

Written by: Jen Wojtowicz
Illustrated by: Steve Adams

Book of the Year Award Finalist 2005, ForeWord Magazine
One of my all time favorite books! My kids love it, too! Great gift for children and adults!

Princess and the White Bear King

Retold by: Tanya Robyn Batt
Narrated by Miranda Richardson
Illustrated by: Nicoletta Ceccoli

Beautiful gift edition hardcover with CD!
I love to listen to the CD of this story. A great reminder that Love can conquer all!

Someone I Like

Poems About People

Compiled by: Judith Nicholls
Illustrated by: Giovanni Manna

"This book makes a wise assumption: children are intelligent and will take from each poem what they can. Some children will delight in the sounds of the poems, some in the content, and others will find joy in both." - BookPage
Each poem gives me such joy to read aloud. I hope this has contributed to my daughter and son loving poetry and having a great self image, too!!




View all the wonderful recommendations for great February books on our website!!

For the love of Mo Willems!

You may have guessed my favorite children's books come from one particular publisher...wink! But being a teacher, storyteller and of course Mom sends me off looking for books that delight and entertain both my children and myself. It is a very big plus around here when a book can make both the grown ups and kids crack up. This has always been the case with the books of Mo Willems!

We first discovered Mo with his breakthrough Don't let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. A wonderfully energetic and interactive story where the reader/listener is part of the story, stopping the pigeon in question from being naughty! The pigeon stars in more books...our favorite of all being Don't Let the Pigeon Stay up Late! A super bedtime book that gives the kids a taste of the shenanigans they might also pull at bedtime. The pigeon shows up somewhere in almost every book now, he's a sneaky bird, watch out for him!

Mo's sweet tale of Knuffle Bunny (pronounced we are told by Mo as Ka-nuffle) touched us and spoke to us as a family. My now almost 8 year old has clung to his (used to be) blue bunny since he was an infant. Bunny is as much a part of our family as anyone and losing him would be traumatic to say the least. Knuffle Bunny too is a reward to see the child and bunny have matured, of course just as my own bunny lover has done.

As our family is growing up, so is the humor and Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed
did not disappoint. Mo's latest offering had us all giggling.

"There is so much to learn about the fascinating little creatures known as naked mole rats.
But for this story you only need to know three things:

1. They are a little bit rat.
2. They are a little bit mole.
3. They are all naked."

Of course except for one, Wilbur, who is seeking his individuality. A great read aloud for all ages because who doesn't like jokes about being naked?

This past weekend we attended a reading and signing with Mo and had a blast. He is charming and energetic just like his books! He encourages his young readers to not just read his books but to "play" his books, changing the story, growing the characters and making them their own.

When it comes down to it, that's what makes a Mo Willem's book work for kids. They make a connection. Kids feel like they know the Pigeon, as if he was that kid at the playground that always cuts in line or spins the merry-go-round too fast or eats the last cookie. Saying "NO!" to the Pigeon gives them an opportunity to learn about the greater world through a fantastic one. Thank you Mo for giving kids and parents something to play with.

Lots of fun games and information, too at www.pigeonpresents.com