Children's Books
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Back to School Picture Book Reads
Back to school time is here! I like to start off the school year with a healthy mixture of themed picture books. “Starting school” is the obvious choice, and I always include a few books on the topic in the bunch. I also like to share picture books with other important themes such as friendship, self-esteem, manners, and also books that are just pure fun. Here are five of my favorites. I love sharing Clifford the Big Red Dog with children, especially when he is a not-so-big puppy, just like them. Jane Yolen’s ‘How Do Dinosaurs’ books are always delightful reads that deal with relevant concepts for 3-6 year old…
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Library Days: Rancho Santa Margarita Library
My latest library visit led my to Rancho Santa Margarita Library in you guessed it — Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. This visit happened shortly after the LA13SCBWI Summer Conference, so I was really in need of a decompression day. I started my day with a manicure at the Luxe Organic Nail & Spa and had my nails painted with my latest color obsession — mint! I love that they use organic products and natural cleaning products. Not all of their polish is organic but they do have some options that are. Then I headed for a sushi lunch at Sake Sushi. Can you see the steam rising from my lightly…
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Hats, hats, and more hats…
Today I spent a relaxing Sunday in Del Mar, CA with my sister and her fiance. We had brunch at The beautiful Brigantine situated adjacent to the Del Mar Race Tracks. They are preparing for the first horse race of the season. I spent much of my youth in San Diego and not once have I headed out to the races. That is going on my bucket list for sure! After brunch, we made our way to the Cedros District. And we could not help but try on all the gorgeous hats! We can’t show up to the races without fabulous hats after all. Several wonderful picture books featuring hats…
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An awesome place to read Children’s Books Online: We Give Books
I have recently discovered a wonderful resource for children’s books online called “We Give Books,” a relatively new digital initiative that allows anyone with internet access the ability to read a large, quality selection of children’s book titles. Check out there video below to find out more. So far I have read and loved the following stories: Goodnight iPad by Ann Droyd – A witty, modern day parody of a classic picture book. Start Saving, Henry by Nancy Carlson – A fun tale that illustrates the benefits of saving vs. spending. Dog Wants to Play by Christine McDonnell – Sparse with words, but fun and slightly rhyming. Follows dog on a search…
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Library Days: Laguna Beach Library
Today, the hubby and I spent the day in Laguna Beach. A cozy breakfast at Heidelburg Cafe followed by a casual stroll and a breezy ride on the free shuttle. I took many deep breaths of salty, fresh-sea air. And then do you know where I wanted to go? The library, of course! We both brought our laptops and found comfy chairs to lounge in. We had a lovely ocean view. The sunscreeny smell throughout constantly reminded me that the beach was only yards away. We stayed for hours. I explored the children’s book section and found so many amazing picture books to read. Like these ones. All the new…
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Pick of the Month: February 2012
I have been plugging away at my 75 Book Challenge. I have read 26 books so far. Awesome — yes! But, I still feel behind. Will I make it to 75 by the end of the year? I hope so! It’s been fun so far. Here is my favorite read from February 2012. Picture Book: Lost Boy: The Story of the Man who created Peter Pan by Jane Yolen This is lovely picture book biography about the life J.M. Barrie, author of “Peter Pan.” At 2990 words, this is probably not the best choice for a one-night bedtime story for young children. It might work if you spread it out over…
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Free Kindle Children’s E-Books
My hubby got me a Kindle Fire for Christmas! I am loving it. I’ve also been anxious to read more children’s books on e-readers in full color. I get to do research while enjoying beautiful covers and illustrations. There are some great FREE kindle children’s books. Here are a few worth checking out: Snowed in Together by Ann Herrick – YA, (free for a limited time.) Garbage! Monster! Burp! by Tom Watson – Picture Book. A fun story with environmentally friendly theme. It is told in verse and very charming. There’s a few words and phrases that might be over the head of its audience, but they can be explained easily…
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Fairies on the brain: A book review and book trailer
It’s no secret that I’m a little obsessed with fantasy books. One of my favorite types of fantasy characters to read about are fairies. Give me evil fairies, quirky fairies, invisible fairies, or MC’s that are part fairy (like Sookie Stackhouse) and I am instantly intrigued. My latest read was Justine Larbelstier’s How to Ditch Your Fairy. This book fulfilled my fairy craving and thensome! It is a quick read, centered around a teen girl who is trying to ditch her parking fairy in lieu of something better — like the clothes-shopping fairy her best friend has. I love how Larbelstier’s pulls you into a world where fairies exist (or…
