Kate's Book Corner - Back to School Edit

August 15, 2018 by Katie Wilson

I have always loved fall and the back to school season. Back to school shopping may have been one of my favorite things as a child. Special outings with my grandmother for a new outfit and a pair of shoes and then a family trip for supplies at Target. I'm sure my mother secretly loathed the trips where I insisted on all new supplies and then spent hours organizing them in my backpack when I got home. I now get to do it with my two oldest which is extra special. Unfortunately, this time of year isn't pleasant for everyone so I thought I would share some books that we have read over the years to help us with the transition.

The nine books in my Back to School Edit are appropriate for kids aged 2-8 but enjoyable for kids (and adults) of all ages. School's First Day of School is beautifully illustrated and all about first day jitters from varying perspectives. Our daughter's is nicknamed Birdie so we love Birdie's First Day of School and I can't get over her mother's chic wardrobe. Goodbye Brings Hello is a new addition this year and it helps to teach children to accept various change in their life like a new school, a new home or a new sibling. Miss Nelson is Missing was one of my favorite books as a child. In fact, the entire collection is fabulous and if you don't know who Miss Viola Swamp is please add this book to your must-read list! A Bad Case of Stripes is a clever story about learning to be your authentic self which is an important lesson for the 1st grader in our home. If you're looking for a board book A Day At School has been a much loved book in our home for years. It's perfect for children in daycare or those starting preschool. flap books have been long standing favorites for years in our home. The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade shares powerful message about how one person can make a difference and it's authored by one of our favorite children's singers Justin Roberts! We love to collect Berenstain Bear books and The Berenstain Bears' Go To School is all about sisters first time at school. Finally, our son is entering preschool this fall and we couldn't be more excited to we have been reading this preschool appropriate book on repeat, Maisy Goes to Preschool.

Happy Reading!

The Back to School Edit

Kate's Book Corner - The Easter Edit

March 09, 2018 by Katie Wilson

I have many fond memories of Easter growing up. It often coincided with Spring Break and meant a trip to Florida but it always meant milk chocolate covered marshmallow eggs. I still devour these every year. Does anyone else have a favorite Easter candy? As a parent Easter is without a doubt, one of my favorite holidays. I can't get over dressing the kids up, dyeing eggs, putting together baskets and of course, hiding the Golden Egg!

My love for a holiday always translates to an obscene amount of holiday-themed children's books. I counted. I have 24 Easter books but I narrowed it down to my top ten for the edit. The ten books in my Easter Edit are appropriate for babies up to 8 year-olds. The board books lend themselves better to the younger demographic whereas the hardcover books are much preferred by my older children. Not to say that my oldest won't read through all of the books because she will. As soon as I bring up new holiday books they will all pore over them for hours.

I'm a freak for any books about a Golden Egg, Bunnies, and Curious George and luckily my children don't object. However, my absolute favorite Easter book since childhood is The Country Bunny And The Little Gold Shoes. I think when I was little I was memorized by the Mother Cottontail, her many children, and the pastel-colored illustration but as an adult, I read this book and think, this author was progressive! The message in this book is so poignant and so relevant. It shows children that their mothers can raise children and through hard work accomplish their dreams - they can have it all and so can you! So it's safe to say this book will remain my top choice for years to come.

Happy Reading!

The Easter Edit

Kate's Book Corner - The Thanksgiving Edit

November 05, 2017 by Katie Wilson

The Halloween Hangover is upon us but we're slowly trying to get into the spirit of thankfulness. Our Halloween decorations have come down and the small collection of Thanksgiving decorations have gone up. My husband is already in a festive mood...he loves Thanksgiving and is already working on his menu. Naturally, I am thankful for his cooking prowess but need something extra to get me in the mood. A collection of newly unearthed (from a bin in the closet) Thanksgiving themed children's books should do the trick!

We don't have quite as many Thanksgiving books as we do other holidays but these are our most treasured ones. We've read The First Thanksgiving flap book to all of the kids when they were younger. Thanksgiving Day is great for a bit of history of the holiday and Balloons over Broadway tells the true story of the puppeteer from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And for those of you, with kids in primary school The Great Thanksgiving Escape is the perfect maturity level for their sense of humor. Happy Reading!

The Thanksgiving Edit

Kate's Book Corner - The Halloween Edit

October 28, 2017 by Katie Wilson

I am OBSESSED. You can ask anyone that knows me really well. There isn't one thing that I splurge more on for my kids than children's books. You should see me at a book fair; I LOVE children's books! They are magical. And who doesn't want an escape from reality these days? I can often be found reading; a passion that started when I was young and I hope to foster that same love of reading in my own children. So it's safe to say this obsession of mine won't be going anywhere.

I thought I would use the blog to introduce a series called "Kate's Book Corner." Here I will share my take on my families favorite children's books throughout the year as well as links to purchase if your in the market for something new.

We have a reading corner in our home with a set of acrylic display shelves that I use for some of our children's books (mostly hardcover). I switch these books out seasonally to keep the kids interested in reading AND to keep my husband and I from reading the same books night after night.

This month we're reading mostly fall and Halloween themed books. Check out the edit below of our nine favorite books starting with something we read our infant "Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody" ending with our Kindergartener's new favorite "Creepy Pair of Underwear!" There's still a few days left before Halloween. Happy Reading!

The Halloween Edit