Summer Reading - Narwhal's Sweet Tooth

As I wrote yesterday, Penguin/Random House Canada/Tundra sent me books for my Summer Reading Reviews. Today I'm happy to let you know about Narwhal's Sweet Tooth, by Ben Clanton. When my grandsons were young, the loved the books in the Narwhal and Jelly series, so when I saw this one, I knew I wanted to include it in my Summer Reading Reviews.

Summer Reading - Fluffle Bunnies - Buns Gone Bad

Yesterday I received a package of wonderful books from Penguin/ Random House Canada/Tundra and so for the coming week I will share about one book with you each day. As I have been saying, one of the best and most important things we are able to do for the children we love is to surround them with books from their youngest ages, read to and with them, because when we do they will begin talking sooner, they will have a larger vocabulary, will begin reading sooner, and will do better in school. Plus, all this reading and spending time together will help build strong relationships with you and the children you love.

So, this Summer be certain to surround the children you love with books - such as Fluffle Bunnies - Buns Gone Bad by Anna Humphrey and Irma Kniivila.

Make Time for What Really Matters

Yesterday I was thinking about when my grandsons were younger, they spent a lot of time at my house - sleepovers and when their parents were working. Now they are older, so while they still come over nearly every weekend for a sleepover (I am SO blessed!), they do not typically come over in the summer. However, the past couple weeks, on one of the days when both of their parents are working, my youngest grandson - nearly 11 - has wanted to spend the day at my house! Did I mention I am SO blessed!

Pure Joy . . . & Raspberries!

Since yesterday I wrote about the National Day of Joy, today I'm happy to share with you about a time when there was much joy at this grandma's house. Years ago, decades ago, when we moved into the house we live in, my sister (who lived down the street and around the corner at the time) gave me several raspberry bushes to plant in our new backyard. Through the years these bushes produced many, many berries which were enjoyed by my children . . . and then my grandchildren.

Today is the National Day of Joy!

Yes, while it is a wonderful thing for us to experience joy each and every day, apparently today, June 26th, is the National Day of Joy with a focus upon helping us, "enjoy everyday moments to improve our general well-being." So, what is joy?

One of the Most Important Things I Do as, "grandma"!

We are almost through the month of June; it won't be long and it will be July! This is one of my favorite times of the year! Why, you ask??? Because all the, "back-to-school" sales will be starting!

The Best Baby Shower Gift!

I've been writing about the wonderful books Candlewick Press sent me to review - I absolutely believe surrounding our children and grandchildren with books is one of the best things we will ever do for them. The Summer is beginning, so get a new book, or two, or more, and surprise the children you love with them. Books are wonderful resources to use on rainy days, before bedtime, to start the day - at any time!

Summer Reading - Gray

Candlewick Press sent me several books which I've shared with you - today I'm very happy to let you know about my favorite one - Gray by Laura Dockrill and illustrated by Lauren Child.

Summer Reading - Under the Table

For the past several days I've been sharing with you some of the wonderful books Candlewick Press sent me for review - I have two more, so today I'm very happy to let you know about a book which is so silly and fun, the children you love are sure to enjoy it - Under the Table by Alan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman will have you all laughing!

Today is National Arizona Day

Today is National Arizona Day, so of course we will take a look at some of their silly laws and some interesting facts about this State - be sure to share with the children you love. Did you know . . .

Summer Reading - Yippee! Rabbit

Candlewick Press sent me several books for review, so today I'm happy to let you know about one which will delight the young children you love - Yippee! Rabbit by Jo Ham.

Summer Reading - Bear and Bird

Reading to and with the children we love is one of the most important things we are able to do to help them when it comes to talking, developing a vocabulary, and reading on their own, so let's be intentional about surrounding them with books! One book you might consider for the young children you love is Bear and Bird the Picnic and Other Stories by Jarvis from Candlewick Press.

Summer Reading - Blue Stars: Mission One - The Vice Principal Problem

The other day I received a package of books from Candlewick Press - one of them is a graphic novel which my youngest grandson finds interesting. I love it when he finds books interesting! Today I am happy to let you know about the book - Blue Stars: Mission One - The Vice Principal Problem, by Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Molly Murakami - maybe a child you love will find it interesting, too!

Summer Reading - Keep Up Duck!

Summer may officially be a few days away, but here in Michigan it is in the 90's and humid - not very comfortable for sure. But warm or not, Summer is the perfect time to engage the children we love in reading books. Studies consistently show if we begin reading to children when they are babies they will begin to talk sooner, will have a larger vocabulary, will read for themselves sooner, and will do better in school. Even one of these reasons for reading to children are enough of a reason to do this, but all four make it clear - reading to and with the children we love is something we are able to do which truly matters.

So, over the coming weeks I'm going to share with you about some wonderful books you could get to read to and with the children you love. Today I'm very happy to let you know about Keep Up Duck! by Ivan and Rachel Bates, published by Candlewick Press.