tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44644791199355017642024-02-21T08:11:36.202-08:00Picture Book MamaOne Mom's Review of What She Reads With Her KidsMarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-2909673690830641932012-01-26T13:07:00.000-08:002012-01-26T13:07:50.105-08:00The Tooth Fairy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00mprEmBLC-eKI790o_Mf1ypCZn5zLyPeDaf45G54pcY5hg536QV99Ecy2QkFtR1BLVWmP-BWPAKRCUn3LBAx5i2ekmeA_vs1cU7I8VLfoWrhHsoLCSfw5MQwzF5LgxHlxJfMWFASX08o/s1600/9780679871682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00mprEmBLC-eKI790o_Mf1ypCZn5zLyPeDaf45G54pcY5hg536QV99Ecy2QkFtR1BLVWmP-BWPAKRCUn3LBAx5i2ekmeA_vs1cU7I8VLfoWrhHsoLCSfw5MQwzF5LgxHlxJfMWFASX08o/s1600/9780679871682.jpg" /></a></div>by Peter Collington<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">*****</span><br />
<br />
I discovered this enchanting wordless picture book one day last week, while at the local library with my girls. They begged me to "read" it to them that night for their bedtime book. I started to object...it wasn't really something I could <i>read</i> since there were no words, but instead sighed and opened its pages. Then, we were all whisked away into the secret life of a humble, yet magical creature we call the tooth fairy! I felt like a visitor in her sweet home as I peeked into her life to discover how it all works. The details on each page kept all of ours eyes moving from one corner to the next, as we smiled, giggled, and "ohhh"ed at the whimsy. This is exactly the fairy that I would want to visit my house deep into the night. I would gladly give her all my lost teeth, even without the payment of her priceless, handmade coin, just to know that my teeth would be used in such a brilliant way! You'll have to check this book out to realize just how clever and endearing this little fairy is.Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-83348660842363074482011-10-20T14:59:00.000-07:002011-10-20T15:00:52.360-07:00Friday My Radio Flyer Flew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aUjdeYkm4h2W36mugPaz_ESR3WybN8jd-zG7nfj3Fbw6MXeL4C4pClkvgqGsdiRDT9pbrHgR1xRnJem0_ZoeEKnGlZlzJqMqBcI_PrjeCGMHH5p6pbvVOefD-zuE-uYMZsaJrclWLe3P/s1600/002c9bt8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aUjdeYkm4h2W36mugPaz_ESR3WybN8jd-zG7nfj3Fbw6MXeL4C4pClkvgqGsdiRDT9pbrHgR1xRnJem0_ZoeEKnGlZlzJqMqBcI_PrjeCGMHH5p6pbvVOefD-zuE-uYMZsaJrclWLe3P/s320/002c9bt8.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> by Zachary Pullen </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">*****</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one will bring anyone back to their childhood! We have all either had our own Radio Flyer, knew someone who had one, or at least dreamed of riding on one! As I read, I felt the anticipation of each day leading up to the big fly on Friday. I especially loved the role the boy's dad played in making his dream happen. Though the words and concept were fairly simple, the illustrations took it to another level. This book is a reminder that anything can be achieved through a child's healthy imagination.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-64452396866063942912011-08-01T16:43:00.000-07:002011-10-20T15:01:25.008-07:00Fairly Fairy Tales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXSsfwrnX-qtzQI7HOyf3MmOCsusxhx10GJaHIbTz7esMHfE86jHEg8nqrLowCEYiS6_-eVqjVhZq3ukyDCKYzS2YRrnNgSgy9ABHyeDmscLtqO75Hjt_zJssqQc5eeNWVgGe1oAXc3RM/s1600/fairly-fairy-tales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXSsfwrnX-qtzQI7HOyf3MmOCsusxhx10GJaHIbTz7esMHfE86jHEg8nqrLowCEYiS6_-eVqjVhZq3ukyDCKYzS2YRrnNgSgy9ABHyeDmscLtqO75Hjt_zJssqQc5eeNWVgGe1oAXc3RM/s400/fairly-fairy-tales.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>by Esme Raji Codell<br />
pictures by Elisa Chavarri<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">****</span><br />
<br />
Adorable pictures and amusing twists on several classic fairy tales. Few words and fun illustrations make it great for the very young (with short attention spans) as well as older children (who are sure to get a good laugh!) For full appreciation of this book the readers should be familiar with the tales of "The three Pigs," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Cinderella," Hansel and Gretel," and "The Three Bears."Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-88103291840303417392011-08-01T16:26:00.000-07:002011-10-20T15:01:41.411-07:00Me and You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPUaj7v2rG0uN0gkm4poaw05JODaKWyFC8Hy9mUZ6UaxuLIHVXlD_DVEhjVvC5wGrbTDy0kHz-yo-c3iKRHG777NRuBELkY4nyQbxwJ-Pw6M6tIvibUz32tzN7XCW9kqMe9jxjsEJqeaQ/s1600/6686915-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPUaj7v2rG0uN0gkm4poaw05JODaKWyFC8Hy9mUZ6UaxuLIHVXlD_DVEhjVvC5wGrbTDy0kHz-yo-c3iKRHG777NRuBELkY4nyQbxwJ-Pw6M6tIvibUz32tzN7XCW9kqMe9jxjsEJqeaQ/s400/6686915-L.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>by Anthony Browne<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">*****</span><br />
<br />
I love this artistic version of Goldilocks and the three bears. It takes place in a modern, urban setting where the human-like bears seem to coexist with people. It is told from the baby bear's colorful perspective, but we also get Goldilocks's angle through black and white pictures. Their two stories collide as color meets black and white. I love the deeper meaning in this book...the pictures tell a story that goes far beyond the expressed words.Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-7224175486948713772010-10-07T23:08:00.000-07:002012-01-26T13:10:46.380-08:00Sector 7<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7tmCkk2-ZvquflPzrjI0xvAwqdDsqAV0kXpQ13o9gjFaBXCKdXeKkhzy_l5OE9LD-yKRg7kvYZ7Z9Nj4HGC8HJyCrhYXAav8H7Pd3TkwHbW8Z3NOk7eR2nIpL0rmhyNBskuh_is4cSEn/s1600/Sector-7-9780395746561.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525553201224858050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7tmCkk2-ZvquflPzrjI0xvAwqdDsqAV0kXpQ13o9gjFaBXCKdXeKkhzy_l5OE9LD-yKRg7kvYZ7Z9Nj4HGC8HJyCrhYXAav8H7Pd3TkwHbW8Z3NOk7eR2nIpL0rmhyNBskuh_is4cSEn/s400/Sector-7-9780395746561.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 349px;" /></a>by David Wiesner<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 180%;">*****</span><br />
<br />
I haven't found a David Wiesner book that I haven't loved. Words are unnecessary in his books. As you turn the pages of his masterpieces you can't help but be drawn into the extraordinary and compelling stories he tells with his illustrations alone. This book is no different. He once again shows his creative genius with the whimsical story of a boy and a cloud that meet on the observation deck of the Empire State Building and create an unlikely friendship. I wish I could give it six stars!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-35308019325250336122010-09-12T22:28:00.000-07:002010-09-12T22:43:20.723-07:00Jim Copp, Will You Tell Me a Story?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONGKt5tl0rId1IpfzG7ZgeSeOdAQkRePIkdJQ5Ptz7bWQinvGk1O42U4-mtGvdx_2gfGIKYgENTALosUM9P_f3MOoddzR6p7tNsze1kAo3Co0J3Ce_zxrYA7Wu7VonpNlAGK5EmznNyqr/s1600/book.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONGKt5tl0rId1IpfzG7ZgeSeOdAQkRePIkdJQ5Ptz7bWQinvGk1O42U4-mtGvdx_2gfGIKYgENTALosUM9P_f3MOoddzR6p7tNsze1kAo3Co0J3Ce_zxrYA7Wu7VonpNlAGK5EmznNyqr/s400/book.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516265897579332258" border="0" /></a>by Jim Copp<br />pictures by Lindsay duPont<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">*****</span><br /><br />So this one is for all of you out there who like quirky. These three tales come from Jim Copp's original recordings from the 1950's. Those of you who don't know anything about Jim Copp have got to listen to him tell these stories before you can fully appreciate them in book form. This collection of three of his stories came out in 2008 and includes a CD with the original recordings. The pictures are comical and fit in well with Copp's humorous style.Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-47614441827881423362010-06-16T21:27:00.000-07:002010-06-16T21:31:41.322-07:00Today I Will Fly!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ztCRWsgyPaDZwTjgRd0Ov7o28O06laMaYl1P0_gwdmZAehzGmqQrrtchYL9DSt31fEGigLEOjRmYld_bFomyEXXBV1CYV3847KMO_rkPW-8k44N5YzRnWy2NM6He8BcdLCc3uPb80Dua/s1600/9781406314670.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ztCRWsgyPaDZwTjgRd0Ov7o28O06laMaYl1P0_gwdmZAehzGmqQrrtchYL9DSt31fEGigLEOjRmYld_bFomyEXXBV1CYV3847KMO_rkPW-8k44N5YzRnWy2NM6He8BcdLCc3uPb80Dua/s400/9781406314670.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483594884887902018" border="0" /></a><br />by Mo Willems<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">***</span><br /><br />This is a simple book with very few words...great for a reader who is just starting out, but the message is a great one. And it is presented in such a funny way! Worth checking out.Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-8755676537252151722010-05-08T22:25:00.000-07:002010-05-10T11:13:03.813-07:00Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisehoO_li2BfLvHCdiOkNI5YQMy5njaM3egOPYcQ9e147MiQtgDW-tE2HjAl8m8wb7giUxEFJ0tUyuZaG56us7-9R5II0vW_higIFvsu8PtmRukoMCnn-LBntcnr7rlLSiLYKKsQd09DKh/s1600/animals+should....jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisehoO_li2BfLvHCdiOkNI5YQMy5njaM3egOPYcQ9e147MiQtgDW-tE2HjAl8m8wb7giUxEFJ0tUyuZaG56us7-9R5II0vW_higIFvsu8PtmRukoMCnn-LBntcnr7rlLSiLYKKsQd09DKh/s400/animals+should....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469137297821493426" border="0" /></a>by Judi Barrett<br />pictures by Ron Barrett<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />*****</span><br /><br />This one definitely made me laugh hard! The author came up with some very funny scenarios of animals in clothes and why they would just not work! The illustrator matches the author's hilarity with his comical drawings! A good one to have on your home-library shelf for a day you need a "pick me up!"Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-4033199104737681022010-04-01T17:16:00.000-07:002010-04-01T17:34:20.533-07:00Princess Hyacinth (the Surprising Tale of a Girl who Floated)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ4C0hJYMb9b4PCCHo4wMQBrXLrIE-BH-YsrAHHAer9m6D42nntO-rkFPdaiuLOi9vpQwcqtUjvadRCm63dza5WStfg5nKExuRBIUb8mZruPU3pJpN2f3tTjgPqY5vd4klJHf14-jvoDH/s1600/princess-hyacinth.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ4C0hJYMb9b4PCCHo4wMQBrXLrIE-BH-YsrAHHAer9m6D42nntO-rkFPdaiuLOi9vpQwcqtUjvadRCm63dza5WStfg5nKExuRBIUb8mZruPU3pJpN2f3tTjgPqY5vd4klJHf14-jvoDH/s400/princess-hyacinth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455328015350007314" border="0" /></a>by Florence Parry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Heide</span><br />pictures by Lane Smith<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">****</span><br />This princess faces an unexpected <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dilemma</span>: For some unexplained reason, she floats! So she spends her days literally tied down to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">furniture</span> or weighed down with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">extremely</span> heavy clothing. She is the quintessential confined princess, until one day (against all caution) she removes her clothing and lets herself float away. Her adventure not only leads her to a new friend, but to a new way of life! Funny pictures and clever text make this a great read. I also really liked the hues in the artwork and the page layouts...different (which I like.)Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-36109199731536356642010-01-20T13:39:00.000-08:002010-01-20T13:59:21.554-08:00The Pink Refrigerator<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD3JgVFAdt0J8Mcit8TxEvaYPlWAZzKypl0kSMU8-mi_Nsw8Fo96k1-P92dpR_-QTQnK8lnDT0_JKJQiq8esZGj_qvWLD6SV0L6HKKO-EUpbjViadM-8oyLtGEZcK_3XMn_RGHIlBktRi/s1600-h/the+pink+refrigerator.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD3JgVFAdt0J8Mcit8TxEvaYPlWAZzKypl0kSMU8-mi_Nsw8Fo96k1-P92dpR_-QTQnK8lnDT0_JKJQiq8esZGj_qvWLD6SV0L6HKKO-EUpbjViadM-8oyLtGEZcK_3XMn_RGHIlBktRi/s320/the+pink+refrigerator.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428941942163509506" border="0" /></a>by Tim Egan<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">*****</span><br />The greatness of this find was very unexpected. My four-year-old daughter picked it out from the library shelf, because who wouldn't love a story about a pink refrigerator? (ask any four-year-old girl!) Upon reading it we discovered a valuable message about the importance of learning, exploring, and trying new things. <br /><br />Dodsworth is a mouse who finds a new note on an old pink refrigerator each time he visits it, but the most exciting discovery is what's inside! This is a new favorite of our whole family (including my husband!)Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-88114933546689400892009-12-09T13:02:00.000-08:002009-12-09T13:10:03.631-08:00Duck on a Bike<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvaNJvAjcblHRbqO_oYAxJtGdZhchv2X2uDzTfYEAI5nxWTN9iFjKd5hYGVImRWAc2rvp4PWQY2YnY1muE96eEL7ICiFLtU-RjMhQlanjNNdKf5J0VH3AmZLAUKfKtzvpYMw3xjkvs75I/s1600-h/duck-on-a-bike2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvaNJvAjcblHRbqO_oYAxJtGdZhchv2X2uDzTfYEAI5nxWTN9iFjKd5hYGVImRWAc2rvp4PWQY2YnY1muE96eEL7ICiFLtU-RjMhQlanjNNdKf5J0VH3AmZLAUKfKtzvpYMw3xjkvs75I/s320/duck-on-a-bike2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413345351403198050" border="0" /></a><br />by David Shannon<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">*****</span><br /><br />My four-year-old picked this one out at a book fair, and I am so glad she did! Its a hilarious story that satisfies even the keenest of imaginations with its wonderful imagery of farm animals riding two-wheelers! Shannon's bright colors and comical style make this story a keeper.Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-28159948481231243262009-11-16T20:57:00.000-08:002009-11-16T21:18:45.949-08:00When Lightning Comes in a Jar<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ub6n6hPdVBxtlAJN2P2BFDQ3XR7n71nMO03ozv0FwkmeEJh1bDTyaXsi_aGjruP-fP4pRt4URjJL-XUDXvQfnZkFVGmMsAdBTFfoZ-rPn8rpUL4HngUeeLigkq-HTsL0c-AgQx1UzcuW/s1600/51NQHYdyizL._SL500_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ub6n6hPdVBxtlAJN2P2BFDQ3XR7n71nMO03ozv0FwkmeEJh1bDTyaXsi_aGjruP-fP4pRt4URjJL-XUDXvQfnZkFVGmMsAdBTFfoZ-rPn8rpUL4HngUeeLigkq-HTsL0c-AgQx1UzcuW/s320/51NQHYdyizL._SL500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404932790407384338" border="0" /></a><br />by Patricia <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Polacco</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">*****</span><br /><br />I actually got this recommendation from a <a href="http://foothillsvalley.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html#789077640767301191">fellow blogger</a> who also enjoys reading books with her kids. Its amazing how many extraordinary <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">children's</span> books there are out there. I loved this one! I've read Patricia <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Polacco</span> before, but I've never happened upon this gem. It made me wish to be transported to this simpler time of listening to old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">relative's</span> stories, having sack races, and catching fireflies in a jar. It truly made me long to be a kid again.Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-19195060421473299722009-10-24T17:10:00.000-07:002009-10-24T17:22:57.055-07:00Babies Don't Eat Pizza<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWS022U2KpD0q7lM4hKMs6p_vxggpa8y3byQWvkVhEKTE_I0Lqpsco4MT6DPssdl6P76EZ2dJLgJfg_EcvkUHPm2W4Uwrx1HQuWB0mBkhSYFP5AWqn2K5qMPap5iGzHRJEjyXHFqr58F9/s1600-h/162-7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWS022U2KpD0q7lM4hKMs6p_vxggpa8y3byQWvkVhEKTE_I0Lqpsco4MT6DPssdl6P76EZ2dJLgJfg_EcvkUHPm2W4Uwrx1HQuWB0mBkhSYFP5AWqn2K5qMPap5iGzHRJEjyXHFqr58F9/s320/162-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396326109257090754" border="0" /></a><br />by Dianne Danzig<br />pictures by Debbie Tilley<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">***</span><br /><br />With a brand new baby at our house we have checked out about every children's book on the subject of newborns, being a big sister, and how to adjust to a new life with baby. There have been some good ones, but I think this is my favorite. It speaks to kids in a comical way about what to expect with a new baby. It discusses everything from the funny way babies look when they come home from the hospital (i.e. misshaped head, peach fuzz, peely skin) to their noisy cries, to the large amounts of stinky diapers. It is filled with colorful pictures that show how fun a new baby can be, as well as some things to look out for!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-85383708191118504872009-09-22T20:12:00.000-07:002009-09-23T16:29:18.317-07:00Manfish, A Story of Jacques Cousteau<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3YaFpLka85YYCOy1QYmIujtsG5-wEsHkNPSHI_8wjxfbWTIDwQHt149I5pq9vd28B1KfJOLUi3FBA3HKVR9gbCJgoEHjBOxHQAv2CBnIzowmw_th0pL_y11LDMLVXgIRr83O1MJ9imNw/s1600-h/nBNVb8JgColbgjts5yuTjUhMo1_500.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3YaFpLka85YYCOy1QYmIujtsG5-wEsHkNPSHI_8wjxfbWTIDwQHt149I5pq9vd28B1KfJOLUi3FBA3HKVR9gbCJgoEHjBOxHQAv2CBnIzowmw_th0pL_y11LDMLVXgIRr83O1MJ9imNw/s320/nBNVb8JgColbgjts5yuTjUhMo1_500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384496576898437890" border="0" /></a>by Jennifer Berne<br />pictures by Eric Puybaret<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />****</span><br /><br />This book did a great job of telling who Jacques Cousteau was and what he did for the sea and our understanding of it today. The story format and beautiful pictures really appealed to both me and my kids. What I liked best about it was how it intrigued them to learn more. They asked a lot of questions about Cousteau and expressed interest in seeing his early films about the sea. So I found a video at the library featuring one of his films...and I've already placed it on hold! I just love learning <span style="font-style: italic;">with </span>my kids!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-7719637276865764082009-09-12T20:30:00.000-07:002009-09-12T20:36:57.377-07:00The Curious Garden<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdeS2jDukv2Sp5MooQckBJwyagZY2vqDojnjnq7jswvH2P2ZZpi3s9rogN_pg7PxEUZwfdNfd6tV-AQbLRjNEFaRZI3ZEnRpW3HascbsrFu7veBW7Egh__fKowBmd6P9wH4baW1mMbeMF/s1600-h/9780316015479_388X586.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdeS2jDukv2Sp5MooQckBJwyagZY2vqDojnjnq7jswvH2P2ZZpi3s9rogN_pg7PxEUZwfdNfd6tV-AQbLRjNEFaRZI3ZEnRpW3HascbsrFu7veBW7Egh__fKowBmd6P9wH4baW1mMbeMF/s320/9780316015479_388X586.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380789427998543538" border="0" /></a>by Peter Brown<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">*****</span><br /><br />It's been a while since I reviewed what I consider a five star book (or reviewed any book for that matter.) This one definitely deserves it! It's one of my new favorites. I really like the determination of the main character and the pictures are absolutely fabulous. My girls and I have read this book over and over, and I honestly don't get tired of it. This one is worth checking out!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-91274785684866682092009-08-09T22:26:00.000-07:002009-08-09T22:39:55.399-07:00The Birthday Tree<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCug3McAxJbLQre6vGiV3O81vyGrwWN3EEqye0XrwSM_U7h44hsYs0F93XfCfwHo-VaBiYi06tsmPfgGKNYhm0sPFYV03mcvXfNb8ApMrCshThRnzXuRB7m5QId_vzmanJvKCSIOUFWHAz/s1600-h/510Jpnhd9GL.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCug3McAxJbLQre6vGiV3O81vyGrwWN3EEqye0XrwSM_U7h44hsYs0F93XfCfwHo-VaBiYi06tsmPfgGKNYhm0sPFYV03mcvXfNb8ApMrCshThRnzXuRB7m5QId_vzmanJvKCSIOUFWHAz/s320/510Jpnhd9GL.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368202323498197554" border="0" /></a>by Paul Fleischman<br />pictures by Barry Root<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">****</span><br /><br />I thought this was a beautiful story, but it went a bit over my kids' heads. The author drew a parallel between a boy, Jack, and the tree his parents planted when he was born. After he left home his parents were able to know how Jack was, based on the tree's appearance (sounds weird, but I promise it's better than I'm making it sound!) My kids did enjoy it when I read it to them, even though they did give me a few puzzled looks and said, "what?" more than once! I guess some books were intended more for the pleasure of the parents reading them...and there's nothing wrong with that!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-45148516035825165912009-07-16T17:59:00.000-07:002009-07-16T18:22:04.514-07:00How Mama Brought the Spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAbGsNPbAgt8l-RmRj5ybRRkjBD8x9aAkwxz9yXxDPe5naFRt0HPCjnxBbHn5UJhBkoRb1lf_Jl4CYLpv1X_kBu06fJ1RN4iSgLblyv6VWBvdBWcSPhDipBa28kSRpyW3JniEGokda1c1/s1600-h/51EhyyiCTdL.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAbGsNPbAgt8l-RmRj5ybRRkjBD8x9aAkwxz9yXxDPe5naFRt0HPCjnxBbHn5UJhBkoRb1lf_Jl4CYLpv1X_kBu06fJ1RN4iSgLblyv6VWBvdBWcSPhDipBa28kSRpyW3JniEGokda1c1/s320/51EhyyiCTdL.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359227907239311122" border="0" /></a>by Fran Manushkin<br />pictures by Holly Berry<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">****</span><br /><br />This book, with its wintry setting that turns spring, is not exactly what you'd expect kids to pick out in the hottest part of the summer, but mine did! I think it's a manifestation of the power a book can have in carrying us off to another world (a snowy day in Minsk is just about as distant as you can get from a scorching hot day in Central Valley, California!)<br /><br />This is a lovely story of a mother who tells her daughter a tale from her own childhood in Minsk, in order to motivate her out of bed on a freezing Chicago morning. I can imagine the imagery of her own mother's magical blintzes (a cheese-filled breakfast pastry) warming me and my girls on a cold day. I definitely want to check this one out again when that time comes and I am longing for warmer days. I'll probably even try the recipe for "Mama's Cheese Blintzes" found at the back of the book!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-15137266134965862822009-06-27T15:03:00.000-07:002009-06-27T15:20:08.148-07:00The Big Tidy-Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7vZWWl_iHnRgopsaMIWfjHCLZQMRs8ef314V1voERwweNUGNx2dSGtxaJQ4nmWOfG85ch3_yiGfb1TbRKnREZwJEvHh1ECbto_fn-ZXMks_5vMHEDqU7VbmlkrtGB2z9E2V80yLwyBQr/s1600-h/thebigtidyup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7vZWWl_iHnRgopsaMIWfjHCLZQMRs8ef314V1voERwweNUGNx2dSGtxaJQ4nmWOfG85ch3_yiGfb1TbRKnREZwJEvHh1ECbto_fn-ZXMks_5vMHEDqU7VbmlkrtGB2z9E2V80yLwyBQr/s320/thebigtidyup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352132016455112386" border="0" /></a>by Norah Smaridge<br />pictures by Les Gray<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">****</span><br /><br />For spunky, spiky-haired Jennifer cleaning her room is just not a priority. She finds it convenient to throw her hat on the ivy plant and store pie under her pillow for a bed-time snack. When her mom declares her room a "Keep Out" zone, Jen delights in her mess and passes her time there quite happily...that is until she realizes she is tired of living in chaos and clutter! Jennifer decides the only way out is to do a BIG tidy-up. <br /><br />My kids have asked me to read this one over and over again in the two weeks we've had it from the Library. They enjoy the colorful pictures and methodical rhymes. Unfortunately it hasn't sparked a "big tidy-up" of their own...yet!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-62432954747539771792009-06-16T16:54:00.000-07:002009-06-16T17:05:11.459-07:00Courage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ6tHszl97fHZib5OI6yN-cCATvlewJfofuMLwm87L-nrsY7unNC4vHKxcz9DO3UsFhubX4xGjNq_pEivsPA28V0jQnLDGPf9YjNmn6sBJLJUkqKsyKaxglRzpRRRaRvygvqxO-Y4VHms/s1600-h/courage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ6tHszl97fHZib5OI6yN-cCATvlewJfofuMLwm87L-nrsY7unNC4vHKxcz9DO3UsFhubX4xGjNq_pEivsPA28V0jQnLDGPf9YjNmn6sBJLJUkqKsyKaxglRzpRRRaRvygvqxO-Y4VHms/s320/courage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348078902843960578" border="0" /></a>by Bernard Waber<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">****</span><br /><br />Courage takes many forms, and Bernard Waber does a great job depicting these through words and pictures. My favorite of his explanations include: "Courage is tasting the vegetable before making the face" and "Courage is explaining the rip in your brand-new pants." My kids really enjoyed his many definitions of courage...and even added on a few of their own!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-79098392216291365312009-06-09T18:19:00.000-07:002009-06-09T18:30:38.175-07:00A Friend Like Ed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlUt_8BWiq8Myu50r1hXLKr-jp0n57KD-Qhe1yeiw71qOfssVefU9BgoA4YEqqgGqywCkqeV1x9ya2CTGAgcGHP0lsjoRQlYP0O1zx6gtyqD4MZUpV5A0zFLT4xBd3Yx46Q3ee7Htrh51/s1600-h/5129980PX5L._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlUt_8BWiq8Myu50r1hXLKr-jp0n57KD-Qhe1yeiw71qOfssVefU9BgoA4YEqqgGqywCkqeV1x9ya2CTGAgcGHP0lsjoRQlYP0O1zx6gtyqD4MZUpV5A0zFLT4xBd3Yx46Q3ee7Htrh51/s320/5129980PX5L._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345503476741890882" border="0" /></a>by Karen Wagner<br />pictures by Janet Pedersen<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">***</span><br /><br />This is a cute story about a mouse named Mildred and her quirky best friend Ed. Ed collects buttons and pencil stubs, invents things like a string bean picker, and recites poetry about everything (all things which embarrass Mildred.) Mildred decides that she needs a more "normal" friend who won't embarrass her, but in the end finds that Ed is the best friend for her.<br />Ed is a good reminder that being yourself is the best way to be!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-17946791162079994272009-05-18T10:34:00.000-07:002009-06-27T15:22:28.948-07:00Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Le2QKdhRq9bS_DcvPP5nWYTf0L0fN5hY8By38bJg8G-WYbAFAGs63qIlEJvpWJolz3fEbQPNqIEsHKJFQlp4uakOFKlERNg3WQ0sP8CRJEgURnyBEn0hMS6qMNiZ0ySwh4p6HytjAfGN/s1600-h/mufaros_daughters_cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Le2QKdhRq9bS_DcvPP5nWYTf0L0fN5hY8By38bJg8G-WYbAFAGs63qIlEJvpWJolz3fEbQPNqIEsHKJFQlp4uakOFKlERNg3WQ0sP8CRJEgURnyBEn0hMS6qMNiZ0ySwh4p6HytjAfGN/s320/mufaros_daughters_cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337219092255848866" border="0" /></a>by John Steptoe<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">*****</span><br /><br />This book was inspired by old African folktale collected in the late 1800's from people living near the Zimbabwe ruins. It is the story of two very different sisters. Although both are extremely beautiful, one is kind and selfless while the other is bad-tempered and prideful to a fault. After a series of unknown tests, the girls' true characters are revealed and rewarded accordingly. The illustrations are beautiful, and are based on actual ruins and vegetation in Zimbabwe.Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-72468109870825445172009-05-07T10:13:00.000-07:002009-05-07T10:23:44.671-07:00Road Trip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K0R50-Ae1rHiim8zOuGuWUlXAFaAuFTsKcfieB0YkP6pFxu71PG2Va9rsAZDPvm8LvhyphenhyphenxrIMTHnELV-9RNNfmCKWlqXB4NEQwLHvBQLPedb-Tbi3qHwTvvAXCigDO0oXoK2peivzA__M/s1600-h/RoadTrip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K0R50-Ae1rHiim8zOuGuWUlXAFaAuFTsKcfieB0YkP6pFxu71PG2Va9rsAZDPvm8LvhyphenhyphenxrIMTHnELV-9RNNfmCKWlqXB4NEQwLHvBQLPedb-Tbi3qHwTvvAXCigDO0oXoK2peivzA__M/s320/RoadTrip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333131819472766274" border="0" /></a>by Roger Eschbacher<br />pictures by Thor Wickstrom<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />****</span><br /><br />I really enjoyed reading this fun book of "road trip" poetry aloud with my kids. I really like how this compilation of poems tells one larger story and how each poem leads into the next. Although told in a series of poems, it documents one family's two day trip across country to Grandma's house. It honestly made me want to pack up the car with my family and head east for a on-the-road adventure!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-24552889592341544192009-04-30T17:50:00.000-07:002009-04-30T18:05:59.286-07:00The Gardener<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTKDNJ6LC6Dp9xDMV5OLs91wkPxMd6yNBXLUF9IXSMdilLQPEH1HsB86Qcu5g30sjbJuk4K4WtaAdNTTzBAZkFuBAAekemLcxht_c9kMffZ1C8PacnLDaHUt34pA7HK9yhVhV1m6ZIZze/s1600-h/gardener.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTKDNJ6LC6Dp9xDMV5OLs91wkPxMd6yNBXLUF9IXSMdilLQPEH1HsB86Qcu5g30sjbJuk4K4WtaAdNTTzBAZkFuBAAekemLcxht_c9kMffZ1C8PacnLDaHUt34pA7HK9yhVhV1m6ZIZze/s320/gardener.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330652056886099250" border="0" /></a>by Sarah Stewart<br />pictures by David Small<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />****</span><br /><br />A very cute story told through the letters of little Lydia Grace Finch. She moves to the city to live with her straight-faced uncle, and help in his bakery. While living there she secretly creates a roof-top garden for him in hopes that it will get him to finally smile. This book won a Caldecott Honor in 1998.Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-43245233489353968392009-04-15T16:17:00.000-07:002009-04-15T16:41:18.240-07:00Grasshopper on the Road<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbTnahXpv0nkN_fZshFO0xx54QD-NH_f5xMzd0isS__EWth_LzY2G7pjrhM7H__LGXlf24LO7w4Jjgr8aDz1tBE2povAfKxPPay2hiS7BTNlJX0Gslxw9TntTiXq_zfvs9zb17Nb0Xado/s1600-h/9780064440943.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbTnahXpv0nkN_fZshFO0xx54QD-NH_f5xMzd0isS__EWth_LzY2G7pjrhM7H__LGXlf24LO7w4Jjgr8aDz1tBE2povAfKxPPay2hiS7BTNlJX0Gslxw9TntTiXq_zfvs9zb17Nb0Xado/s320/9780064440943.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325061850055596962" border="0" /></a>by Arnold Lobel<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">****</span><br /><br />This book can be enjoyed on so many different levels. From my three-year-old thumbing through the pages to admire the funny pictures, to my five-year-old sounding out the words on her own, to my own appreciation for Lobel's witty humor and contemplative themes (it's much deeper than you would think an "I Can Read" book would be!) Grasshopper's journey down the road seems to be a metaphor for life, and all the bugs he runs into represent the day to day things that distract us from what's really important (from the narrow-minded beetles who can't accept any view besides their own, to the fireflies who zoom around so quickly that they don't even notice the flowers and leaves.) Anyway, more simply put it is very fun read for kids and adults!Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464479119935501764.post-68940401205757457562009-04-04T23:15:00.000-07:002009-04-04T23:32:23.471-07:00Amelia Bedelia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57EI-KpwfS8I-u5pLlARiuIVgx5x5UlnSs-EOybXSsaMmeHECA05CIFqT90j6lhrKQucobCdlaMTXDdJ4hB9ONOjzpqyJqW6B3bST3vZAMaUdLTt2FwilclI8rqEw7VznNXiRjbTYfnA7/s1600-h/book+amelia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57EI-KpwfS8I-u5pLlARiuIVgx5x5UlnSs-EOybXSsaMmeHECA05CIFqT90j6lhrKQucobCdlaMTXDdJ4hB9ONOjzpqyJqW6B3bST3vZAMaUdLTt2FwilclI8rqEw7VznNXiRjbTYfnA7/s320/book+amelia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321087239739902706" border="0" /></a>by Peggy Parish<br />pictures by Fritz Siebel<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">****</span><br /><br />This story is about an absent minded, yet lovable house maid with a name as silly as she is! She takes her new employers' directions way too literally resulting in things like dressing a raw chicken carcass in trousers with suspenders (her instructions were to "dress the chicken.") Great humor for both kids and adults (although I did have to explain to my kids why some things were funny....they were with Amelia on a few of the things; dress a chicken?!)Marenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978844995506792142noreply@blogger.com0