Peekaboo Baby by Margaret Miller

Title: Peekaboo Baby
Author: Margaret Miller
Age: Birth - 2 years

My 10-month old really enjoys reading this book. He can flip the pages himself and loves to look at other babies. This is one from her Look Baby! Books series – and they have fun baby photographs and bright cheerful pages.

*this post originally written 4/27/2006

Seattle with Kids: Discovery Park

Since we live in the Seattle area, I realized it was about time to mention some of the activities we enjoy with the kids nearby.

A few weeks ago, we headed down to Discovery Park. This is a huge park, the biggest in Seattle with a very long and beautiful coastline. It is definitely worth checking out. And I don't want to forget to mention the wonderful lighthouse right on the point. Such a scenic spot with views on Mt Rainier and Mt Baker!

As you enter the park, there is a very helpful visitors center. Most of the parking requires a hike down to the beach but if you are handicapped, have small children, or elderly with you, then you can get a special pass there that lets you head right down to the beach to park.

Besides the scenic coastline, there are quite a few hiking trails though the park to enjoy, so have a great day!

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Title: The Boxcar Children
Author: Gertrude Chandler Warner
Age: 5+

What a fun book this is to read! I read this one out-loud to my 6 year old son. It is a great read-aloud story. Not only did he really enjoy the story and the exciting happy ending but I really enjoyed it as well. My favorite part was reading about all the ways they "made do" with what they had and set up such a nice house for themselves.

We both looked forward to this story each night. I think boys and girls would like this one from the time they are old enough for a chapter book until age 10.

Who is in the Garden?

Title: Who is in the Garden?
Author: Vera Rosenberry

We've been reading a lot of non-fiction lately and really enjoyed this picture book for a change of pace. The illustrations are beautifully done and we had fun finding and counting all kinds of creatures living in the garden. The text is so well written and flows so pleasantly.

I've been reading a lot of easy readers lately so it was nice to read something with a bit more interesting vocabulary. I needed to explain what some of the words meant and sometimes I let my son guess the meaning by looking at the illustrations. I think this is great for learning new vocabulary.

*this post originally written 6/9/2006

Children's Cookbooks

Title:The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Children's Cookbook

I was inspired by this post on the PlayLibrary blog to look at some cookbooks for children since we enjoy having my son cook with us so much. I really like this cookbook I stumbled across. It has tons of pictures and the instructions for the simple recipes are very detailed and clear. And the best part is that the foods sound yummy to eat.

Many others I have looked at either have unappetizing recipes or are full of junk food.

Anyone have suggestions for other good cookbooks for kids?

*this post originally written 6/6/2006