Digger Man

I had such idealistic aspirations for raising my children. I wanted to defy stereotypes and gender biases yet no matter what, my daughter likes princesses and dolls and my son likes trucks and construction.  Yesterday we went to Kroger and took advantage of their "free balloon."  Molly requested a pink one and Connor requested a blue one. Does it get anymore stereotypical?  Despite my best efforts to push dolls on my son, he tosses them aside (or throws them violently!) for a giant truck that makes obnoxious noises. Molly will barely play with trucks.  What am I doing wrong? 

The truth is, probably nothing. Some studies show that we are genetically wired and predispositioned  to conform to these gender stereotypes; it's built into our genes.  In typical "boy" fashion, Connor is completely enthralled with Digger Man by Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemsha.  We must have read it 1,000 times. We've read it so many times that he has it memorized and if I leave out the last word, he'll finish the sentence for me.  It's adorable! 

This story in particular is a great one because it's also about a relationship between siblings. A little boy who loves diggers is going to buy a digger one day, and teach is younger brother to use a digger too! My favorite part is them cuddling in bed together at the end of the book. Perhaps that's the female in me, bringing relationships and love into a book about diggers. Perhaps that's what makes this book great -- it plays to both genders beautifully. 

Do you know a little boy who loves trucks, construction and diggers like my son? This one is for you! Buy it now here on our blog for 10% OFF or come into The Storybook Shoppe in Bluffton, South Carolina to get it and many others like it.  We have a "construction" shelf that little boys go crazy for.  Happy reading to your little boy or girl! 

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The Troublemaker

My two year old son, Connor, has become a real challenge. Extremely energetic, curious, daring, and bold, Connor is into everything he shouldn't be and keeps us on our toes.  I recently had a break down in our pediatrician's office.  "I'm tired!" I told him.  "He's so hard! He doesn't slow down!" My daughter, Molly, was incredibly easy by comparison.  She'd sit and play quietly with her babies, blocks, and "read" books at this age. Thankfully, our doctor gave some great advice about discipline and raising boys, and I feel like we are on the right track.

There's one time of day that I really cherish with this energetic wild man of mine. Two or three times a day, when Connor himself has gotten tired, we sit down for "buddy and milk."  Buddy is his treasured blanket and he likes to sit on my lap, drink milk, and read books. It's the best part of my day.

I've said it more than once, but I feel so blessed to get incredible book recommendations from Miss Nancy and her wonderful staff at The Storybook Shoppe.  It's clear that they read all the reviews, read the books when they come in, and know just what to recommend.  I was in the other day and Miss Bonnie recommended "The Troublemaker" by Lauren Costillo.

In this simple but beautifully illustrated hardcover book, a little boy is bored so he steals his sister's treasured rabbit.  When his mother makes him return it, his favorite toys start to disappear. Who is making all the mischief?  You'll have to find out! It's incredibly cute and teaches a quick lesson on not taking what isn't yours.  (Without being overly preachy!)  Taking toys from his sister is something that Connor does (though don't all two year olds?) and I liked this message.

Would you like this book in your home? You can buy it here on the blog, without having to leave your computer! We will ship it to your door. Check out below using Paypal or major credit card.  Enjoy this one!

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Summer Activity Books

When school is out of session and there are limited camp and daycare options, summer can be a challenging time for parents.  So far this summer, my daughter, Molly, has attended a myriad of fantastic camps. From a week long cooking camp and art camp at Sea Pines Montessori to an acting camp at Savannah Country Day School, she's having an action packed summer.  But most of the camps don't last all day and we come home at noon, or 2:00 pm, with not much to do.  There are only so many days you can go to the pool in this heat! And since we try very hard to limit TV (a losing battle sometimes, I fear), we are always on the look out for great activities.  Miss Nancy at The Storybook Shoppe recommended these vacation activity and creativity books. The Princess one has been a huge hit!  It's provided us with hours of activities. She has a wonderful selection of activity books for boys and girls (be sure to check out the Pirate one for your little Captain Hook!)

From stickers to fold out scenes, stencils to photo hunts, make your own crowns and games, this one is FULL of activities Molly has truly loved. Here's the happy customer busy at work.

Molly really enjoyed learning how to draw a princess... 

Matching games with beautiful shoes were also fun!

Once I showed her how to use a stencil, Molly loved that she could make castles, dragons, and princesses all by herself.

What fun we are having with this!

So if you are looking for something for your kids to do this summer while you are in between camp, the pool, or have run out of activities, I highly recommend picking up one of these activity books at The Storybook Shoppe!  The vacation one just might be what you need for that long car ride as an alternative to the DVD player or when you grow tired of "I spy!"

You can buy it now, right here on our blog for 10% OFF and we will ship it directly to your door. They make great gifts for birthday, too! 

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Brownie & Pearl Go For A Spin

Miss Nancy at The Storybook Shoppe is so good about recommending a variety of books to our family. Last week it was an educational book about Abraham Lincoln (click here in case you missed the post!) and this week it's was a fun and whimsical treasure that my daughter, Molly, just loved. 

The series "Brownie and Pearl" by Cynthia Rylant and pictures by Brian Biggs are tales about a girl and her cat.  In this one called Brownie and Pearl Go for a Spin,  the duo goes for a ride to the mailbox in Brownie's car. They get the mail, deliver it and drive back home. Except Pearl doesn't want to get out of the car when they arrive.  She enjoyed her spin and wants to drive more!  Until Brownie gets her a special snack. 

That's it. It's quite simple actually. 

So why did we like it? Because it's cute! The words are easy, the story is simple, and there's nothing complicated about this book.  There's no underlying message. No deep rooted lesson. No history.  And that's okay! It's purely fun. 

This series is beautifully illustrated, much like the TV show La La Loopsy, my daughter pointed out. It's bright and cheery and upbeat.  And sometimes, that's all you need for a great children's book! 

You can buy this book right here on our blog -- you don't even have to leave your computer! Check out using Paypal below.  We will give you 10% OFF to defray the cost of shipping and as a thank you for supporting our local bookstore.  

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The Girl and The Bicycle

I love seeing my children's imagination run wild. I love when my nearly 5 year-old daughter, Molly, does a puppet show, or puts on a play for me. Seeing her imagination and her story telling develop has been incredible over the last two years. She's becoming creative, dynamic and artistic. 

This book recommended to us by Miss Nancy at The Storybook Shoppe is called The Girl and The Bicycle. It gives my daughter an opportunity to tell a story and push her imagination and creativity.  There are no words in this book -- it's entirely pictures. 

A little girl sees a beautiful shinny green bicycle while walking down the street with her brother.  She immediately runs home to see if has enough money in her piggy bank. 

When she discovers doesn't have enough money, she figures out innovative ways to make some, including working for an older woman raking leaves, shoveling snow and planting flowers.

In the spring, when she finally has enough money to buy the bike, it's not there! What happens next is the most endearing act of kindness between a sister and brother, and then the older woman and little girl. 

Because of the way this story is drawn, my storytelling daughter was able to tell me all this incredibly well! Page by page, vignette by vignette, Molly was able to articulate exactly what was happening on the page. 

I suspect it's tremendous not only for her story telling and imagination, but for her language development as well.  I am not kidding when I tell you I cried at the end of this story, and if you are sentimental at all, my guess is you will too.  It's a fabulous book and I highly recommend it.   Buy it now right here on our blog, for that story teller you may know! We will give 10% OFF to help defray the cost of shipping. 

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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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