I am Abraham Lincoln

Any opportunity for a lesson I will gladly take with my children.  We read plenty of funny and entertaining books and plenty of more serious ones. Rarely does a book come across our shelf that is entertaining, serious, and educational.   Here's one that meets all three and it may even have changed my life (read on....) 

The series "Ordinary People Change The Word" by Brad Meltzer was recommended to us by Miss Nancy at The Storybook Shoppe and it immediately came into favor to read to my nearly 5-year-old daughter, Molly. I am Abraham Lincoln is a children's biography of Abraham Lincoln. It's incredibly empowering. 

Molly identified with Abraham Lincoln, who stood up against a pack of bullies trying to hurt an innocent turtle.  She was confused (but then sympathetic) with a boat-full of slaves that Abraham Lincoln witnessed (and then sought to change.)  She was curious about what it means to be "on a penny" and President of the United States, and interested to hear about the Civil War.  (War is such an unfathomable topic for a child!) It's certainly a book above her head at only 5 years-old, but because of the way it was written, it somehow was understood. At least in part. 

Perhaps more understood by me, and more touching to me, were these words: 

"In life, strength can take many forms. But there is nothing quite as strong as standing up for someone who needs it. No matter where you are from, or how little you have, one thing that can never be taken away from you is your voice.  When you find something you believe in, use your voice. And when you see injustice, speak louder than you've ever spoken before.  When you do....It will never be forgotten." 

These words ring true to me. Over the last few years, I have been busy building a business, raising my children, focusing on my life.  That's the stage I am in and there's nothing wrong with that. Yet, I grew up with a mother and father (and generations before that) who were incredibly giving and active in our community.  My mother was the President of A Better Chance in Winchester, and countless other organizations.  In high school, I volunteered at a nursing home, I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, I traveled to Africa and built homes for people in need.  I gave back.  I feel that over the last few years, I have lost that. And this book truly has reminded me that I am fortunate, I am blessed and it's time to do more for other people. 

Have you ever been inspired like this by a children's book? Or any book at all? How special would it be if we can empower our children at 5 years old? Or 10? I highly recommend this book and this series.  You can buy it here now, without leaving your home or computer!  Check out with Paypal below and we will take 10% OFF. 

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Tools Rule!

What is it about little boys and their fascination with tools and construction? For Connor's 2nd birthday we got him a toy Black and Decker tool set. It's his new favorite toy (along with the pretend vacuum!) The toy drill lights up, the saw actually moves, there's a hammer and plenty of nuts and bolts to screw in.  A real hit! He's so into how things go together, tools and construction, that we threw him a "construction themed" 2nd birthday party.  Here are a few quick photos before my review of Tools Rule, a new book recommended to us by The Storybook Shoppe! 

 

Isn't he the cutest?  Connor just loved Tools Rule by Aaron Meshon. It's a funny mix of adult humor and puns for children that they'll pick up on.  The simple, cartoon like illustrations keep them interested and all the friendly tools come to life.  If you are fan of the book Chopsticks and Spoons, I recommend this one for you and your family! 

Do you have a little boy interested in these topics? If he or she loves tools, construction, and putting things together, definitely check out Tools Rule! Buy it now right here on our blog for 10% OFF and have it shipped directly to your door. 

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The Baby Tree

The question will inevitably come from your young child. It's only natural and in fact, it's very healthy. "Where do babies come from?" is that simple question that adults never seem to know how to answer when a child asks.  When is the right time to explain it? Here's a wonderful book that explains where babies come from simply and effectively.  It's age appropriate for 4 - 8 year old's.

The Baby Tree by Sophie Blackwell is a beautifully illustrated hardcover book that answers one curious boys question, and every child that is reading it. The boy wants to know where babies come from, but he is getting all kinds of confusing answers from the mailman, his teacher, and his babysitter.

He finally gets the answer from his parents who explain that babies come from inside their mom, beginning with a seed from their dad.  I really love that the answer comes from his parents, not the mailman, teacher or babysitter. Here's a good opportunity to also explain that the best information comes from the most trusted source in your child's life: you!

Have you had to have this conversation with your children yet?  My 4-year-old daughter, Molly, asked it when she was just two years old. She brings it up every so often.  Now I have a wonderful book to clearly and simply explain it.  If you have struggled with this topic before like I have, I suggest you get this book! It also makes a great gift for kids who are expecting siblings, since that's a logical question during that time.

You can buy it now, right here on our blog and save 10% OFF the list price. We will ship it directly to your door within days!

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Me and My Dad

Father's Day is coming up in two weeks and this is one holiday that I absolutely treasure.  My husband, Mike, is truly a wonderful father.  He's a bit unorthodox at times but he is 100% devoted to his children.  It's quite clear he would do anything for them and loves them unconditionally.  Because he is happy, outgoing, and loves life -- so do my children.  Their enthusiasm and excitement for life really comes from him and for that I am grateful. 

At The O'Regan household, we are busy thinking of ways to celebrate Dad.  Miss Nancy at The Storybook Shoppe has a great find for Father's Day! Me and My Dad is a keepsake activity book that your children can do with Dad.  Once completed, it will be something that they can treasure forever! I love that they can sit down and do a little at a time, or spend an hour together asking each other question after question.

In this wonderful book, each page is dedicated to documenting things about Dad like where he's from, where's he has traveled, his family tree, favorite games, life aspirations, favorite music, colors, activities and so many other wonderful topics.  The best part is that it's a two way dialogue so your children get to ask questions but also answer them too. It's a great way to document not only Dad's interests and history, but your children's.   How fun it will be to look back in 10, 20 or 30 years! 

This book is a great price --only $7.99 for beautifully illustrated hardcover book.  You can buy it right here on our blog, just check out below using PayPal.  We will ship it right to your door!  Take 10% OFF, too and pay only $7.19 plus shipping and tax.  We think it makes a treasured keepsake that you and Dad will love!

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