I remember reading about the Berenstain Bears when I was growing up, and reading them to my son when he was younger. He still has a couple of the Berenstain Bears books, and picks them up once in a while to re-read the stories, even though he’s on to chapter books these days.

It’s fun to learn that many of the Berenstain Bears stories are based on real life experiences. Since we just got back from a beach vacation, I was extra interested in the story behind The Berenstain Bears Go On Vacation. The book was based on the Berenstain’s real …read more

My husband takes our triplets to the library every week.  The kids love it, and we discover a lot of cool books that way.  For example, we found the Good Night Our World book series from our local library.
If you’re not familiar with the Good Night Our World series, it currently includes 33 titles each dedicated to a different city, state or area.  The books are all set up the same, with children saying good night to various landmarks, animals and more related to the location in the title.  For example, the “Good Night Florida” book says good night to …read more

Have you been introduced to Jack and Annie and their Magic Tree House? The Magic Tree House series, written by Mary Pope Osborne, is one that my daughter was introduced to last year. The series follows Jack and Annie, siblings, who find themselves on a variety of adventures through different times and destinations, beginning and ending at the Magic Tree House.
In addition to the series itself, there are Research Guides that include additional facts to the times, places, and situations that Jack and Annie have experienced. My daughter enjoys these as well, but the …read more

I have to say, I’m so very excited to have a child who loves to read! Okay, so the other two may have that also, but being that they’re only 2 and 3, I’m not sure, yet, whether they’re going to share with me that insatiable desire to have a book in hand at all times.
My daughter, though, shares my passion for reading. And because she does, it’s getting to be more of a challenge to keep her supplied with books that push the limits of her reading level while keeping her entertained. (Love the library!!!)
I’m thinking …read more

One of the first books we received for my daughter upon bringing her home from the hospital was Dinosaur’s Binkit by Sandra Boynton. My daughter fell in love with this book (as did her mom and dad), and it has been well used through the infancies/toddlerhoods of both of her brothers as well. The text and the illustrations of the book are fun to read and look at, and lend really well to being expressed and acted out! This is one of my favorite kids’ books of all time.
Looking for other books to share with …read more

What was your house like growing up? Was every room in the house fair game for kids’ toys, books and puzzles? Was the living room mascot more likely to be identified as Strawberry Shortcake or G.I. Joe than Hummel or Lenox?
I’m really surprised anymore at how many times I hear of houses being built or bought specifically with a play room in mind. An entire room just for the kids to use to play with and store their toys. In addition to the toys in their rooms and, very often, also spread around the house. …read more

We recently picked up a copy of Pattern Bugs by Trudy Harris, illustrated by Anne Canevari Green, from the library. The illustrations are colorful and lively. Each bug that’s introduced demonstrates a new or different pattern through the words of its rhyme, and each rhyme allows for a turn-of-the-page pause to give the child a chance to complete the last bit of the pattern themselves. The colored blocks around the pages match the pattern of the bugs’ rhymes as well.
Very cute book. Too bad real bugs don’t seem nearly as cute and appealing as …read more

Bald Man wrote a bit about this book a few months back, and then my kids found it at the library. The oldest thought the cover was hilarious and had to bring it home.
Where Did Daddy’s Hair Go? by Joe O’Connor, illustrated by Henry Payne, shares a fun story of little Jeremiah and his dad. It begins with Jeremiah’s realization that his dad is, in fact, bald. You then get to go on the search for his dad’s hair, Jeremiah’s imagining of what his dad would look like with hair (love the illustrations there!), and his …read more

We were back to the library today for storytime and were introduced to a fun book entitled If You’re Happy And You Know It: The Jungle Edition. You can probably get the gist of the storyline, but there are “jungle specific” indicators of happiness throughout the book for parents and kids to exhibit together. There are several steps that involve getting up and moving, and the kids loved it!
What are your favorite books based on kids’ songs?

Okay, so, Maricar tagged me on June 13th, and I’m finally getting around to keeping up my end of the deal (less than a month later—woohoo!). Basically, it’s a Seven Random Facts About Me kinda thing. I figure I’ll do my best to relate it to playtime.
1. I used to hate to play outside as a kid. Hated it. Would always prefer to be in my room reading a book.
2. If my mom did kick me out, my friends and I would play Barbie for hours. My friend had the inflatable furniture, …read more