The Laughing Giraffe Says....

We've Moved!

2011-11-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

It has been ages since my last post, and all for a good reason. We have rethought, redesigned and relocated our blog, all with the purpose of providing you with the best tips, tricks and information focused on children's literature and reading.

We offer our latest blog post just in time for the holidays-

Book Gifts for Children: 4 Guidelines for Selecting the Perfect Title.

Please visit our new blog to read this timely article. If you like what you read, be sure to follow us!

Thank you!

PS- This is the last time we will post to this blog. Be sure to follow our new blog today so that you don't miss a thing.

October Giveaway: Follow and Win!

2011-09-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

Trick-Or-Treat!

We are celebrating Halloween all month long! During the month of October, all followers of this blog will be automatically entered in a random drawing to take place on October 31st.

The winner will receive:

Monster Mayhem

A monster sized collection! Meet Frankenstein, ogres, and the elusive "monster at the end of the book." Learn how to scare a monster, care for a monster, and all about how a monster is born. Monster Mayhem is a collection of 7 ridiculously funny books perfect for the monster aficionado.

This gift collection includes: 6 hardcover and 1 paperback picture books and Laughing Giraffe Books; exclusive motivating game, all of which will arrive beautifully wrapped. Upon completion, kids will enjoy receiving a pair of Monster Feet in a separate package. Retails for $114.

To enter, select either of the following options located on the right hand side of the blog:

Follow by e-mail:

Enter your email in the space provided. Don't forget to forward your verification message to CustomerService@LaughingGiraffeBooks.com to complete your entry.

Join this site:

Click this option and sign in using Google, Twitter or Yahoo! This is the only step you need to take.

And, don't forget to comment on our posts for extra chances to win. Each appropriate comment is an additional entry.

Pass it on!

Timeless Authors, New Tales

2011-09-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone can name a book or two that they remember fondly from their childhood. For many, these were written by prolific authors including Shel Silverstein, Maurice Sendak and Dr. Seuss. Lucky for us, each of these authors has released a new book within the past month - some posthumously- to delight and inspire us. Take the time to revisit these favorite authors from your childhood, or to introduce young readers to these new tales.

Shel Silverstein (1930-1999)
A poet, singer-songwriter, musician, composer, cartoonist, and screenwriter, Silverstein was best known for his children's books. He is the author of "The Giving Tree," "Where the Sidewalk Ends," and "A Light In the Attic" among others.

His newest collection, released September 20th, features never before seen poems and drawings carefully selected by his family from his personal archives.

"Every Thing On It"

Learn about the 28 uses for spaghetti, what happen when a hair dryer runs in reverse, and the symptoms of the disease "lovetobutcants." This newest volume of poems and illustrations by Silverstein will amuse and delight as much as his much loved classics.

Maurice Sendak (1928 - )
Maurice Sendak is an author/illustrator of children's books and a producer of operas and ballets for both television and stage. Best known for his books "Where the Wild Things Are" and "In the Knight Kitchen," Sendak has written and/or illustrated an impressive number of memorable children's books.

"Bumble-ardy," released on September 6th, is the first books that Sendak has both written and illustrated in 30 years. The story evolved from an animated segment on "Sesame Street" that originally aired in the early 1970s.

"Bumble-ardy"

Bumble-ardy has missed his first eight birthdays due to his parent's dislike of anything fun. Living with his aunt-divine, Adeline, on his ninth birthday, Bumble-ardy is determined to celebrate. He rounds up every grubby-swine he can find and parties while Aunt Adeline works at Smith & Klein. How will it end? Humorous rhyming verse and animated pictures will have children delighting in the antics of the birthday pig.

Dr. Seuss (1904-1991)
Theodor Seuss Geisel was a writer, poet and cartoonist who often wrote under the pen names of Dr. Seuss and Theo LeSieg. The author of 46 children's books, Dr. Seuss counts "Green Eggs and Ham," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and "Horton Hears a Who!" among his works. His most famous work is arguably "The Cat and the Hat," a children's primer created using only 225 "new reader" vocabulary words.

His most recent book, released posthumously in September 2011, features 7 rarely seen stories originally published in magazines between 1950-1951.

"The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories"

A collection of seven original stories from one of America's favorite authors. Children and adults will delight on the stories of scheming cat engaged in tricking an innocent duck, a boy with "far-flung career fantasies," and the story that was the inspiration for the bathtub-ring scene in "The Cat and The Hat Comes Back."

Happy Reading!

Rosh Hashanah: Books to Celebrate With

2011-09-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Sundown on Wednesday, September 28th signals the start of Rosh Hashanah, one of the most important holidays in the Jewish tradition. A celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah is full of symbolism, sweet treats, and reflection. Here are a few books perfect for introducing young children to this important holiday:

Happy Birthday, World: A Rosh Hashanah Celebration by Latifa Berry Kropf

This board book focuses on the parallels between a little boy and The World celebrating their respective birthdays. On your birthday you eat cake, blow out candles and get birthday presents. On The Birthday of the World, Rosh Hashanah, we eat apples dipped in honey, light candles and give presents (or tzedakah). A unique spin on the holiday that young children can relate to.

It's Shofar Time! by Latifa Berry Kropf

Filled with full-color photographs, this informative book focuses on the symbolism of Rosh Hashanah. Learn about the sounds the shofar makes (translated to mean "Listen!," "Get ready for the new year!" and "Let's make this year a good one!); the tradition of tashlich (throwing crumbs into the water to say "I'm sorry"); and why we eat sweet foods (for a sweet new year). Preschoolers will enjoy learning about this important celebration.

Sammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah by Sylvia A. Rouss

Sammy the spider learns all about Rosh Hashanah by watching the Shapiro families' preparations. He admires the beautiful cards the family receives, the round challahs Josh and his mother bake, and the apples and honey the Shapiro's will eat for a happy new year. What will happen when Sammy gets too close to the honey?

Shanah Tovah! Happy New Year!

Playing With Color

2011-09-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

Children are back to school, Fall activities have started up again, and the focus is once again on the ABCs and 1,2,3s. Take advantage of a few minutes of afternoon downtime to focus on colors with these charming books and fun activities.

BOOKS TO ENJOY:

Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh (Ages 0-3)

Three white mice find some jars of red, blue and yellow paint. The mice have fun playing with the paint and learning about colors.

My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss (Ages 0-4)
Colors and moods are paired together in this creative book by prolific children's author Dr. Seuss. A great springboard for talking about feelings.

Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni (Ages 3-8)
Little Blue and Little Yellow are best friends who hug each other so hard they turn green! What will they do when their parents don't recognize them?

ACTIVITIES TO COMPLETE:

Finger Paint: Place a dollop of blue, yellow and red paints on a paper plate. Give children a large piece of easel or butcher paper and encourage them to mix the three primary colors to create new colors. When the paint has dried, be sure to label each new color with its formula (i.e. red + yellow = orange).

Make A Mood Collage: Select a piece of colored construction paper to represent a favorite mood. Create a collage using images from magazines and other sources that you believe fit with your chosen mood. For example a collage of rainbows, beaches, birthday hats and dogs mounted on yellow construction paper might represent "happy." Be sure to label your collage.

Mix Frosting: Begin with a few small containers of white frosting. Carefully add drop of food coloring to the frosting, making sure to stir after each addition. Let children experiment with adding different colors, different quantities of food coloring, and mixing the jars of food coloring together. For extra fun, be sure to use your new frosting colors to decorate cookies, cupcakes or cake.

Remembering September 11th, 2001

2011-09-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

As the decennial anniversary approaches, we are surrounded by reminders of September 11th, 2001. TV stations replay horrifying footage of the plane hitting the twin towers, newspapers are filled with personal recollections of the day, and follow-up stories on the families of victims populate the web. So vivid are our recollections, that many of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing at 8:46 that September morning.

But, what about our children who weren't around on that fateful day 10 years ago, yet are still privy to these circulating images and stories? Children who may not be familiar with the tragic events, or who might be confused by the sniptets they have overheard. How do we broach the topic of 9/11in an informative way that is age appropriate and not overly graphic?

The following two stories focus on touching responses to 9/11 that treat the destruction and devastation of the day as a background story, not as the main topic. As a result, you can determine how deep you want to delve into the events of 9/11, and adjust to your child's needs and reactions.

"14 Cows For America," by Carmen Agra Deedy and Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah

This story focus on a Maasai tribe member who happened to be studying in New York City in September of 2011. Haunted by the devastation and injustices of the day he returns to his tribe for permission to gift his cow- a symbol of life- to America in an international show of support. Not only does the council grant Kimeli's request, but gifts an additional 13 cows.

While the story focuses on Kimeli's trip back to Kenya and the gifting of the cows, the events of 9/11 are referenced. Kimeli speaks of an event that "burned a hole in his heart," refering to "buildings so tall they can touch the sky," "fires so hot they can melt iron," and "smoke and dust so thick they can block out the sun." These descriptions provide a spring board for discussing the tragic event, but do not make them the focus of the story.

"Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey," by Maria Kalman

Past its prime, The John J. Harvey is pulled from his duty as New York Harbor fireboat, slated to be scrapped. A group of eight friends, eager for a piece of history, save the historic fireboat and work to restore it to its former glory. Now a pleasure vessel, the Harvey is well known in the rivers it frequents. On September 11th, when firetruck scramble to fight the flames at the World Trade Center due to damaged and destroyed hydrants, the John J. Harvey answers the frantic call for help. For four days and nights Harvey helps to fight the flames along side New York's remaining two fireboats.

Although the story mentions to destruction and devastation of the day- "The sky filled with fire and smoke. The buildings exploded and fell down to the ground. Many people were hurt. Many lives were lost."- it focuses on the response of the people, and the heroic role of the John J. Harvey as they all came together to help in the aftermath of the tower collapse.

These read alouds provide a perfect opportunity to discuss the events of September 11th, 2001 in a safe, comforting environment. References to the events of that day encourage conversation and discussion, but are truly just a sidebar to the heartwarming central stories. Just be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby!

7 Essential Skills Every Kindergartener Needs: The Role of Children's Books

2011-08-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

As Labor Day approaches, and the end of summer draws to a close, our thoughts turn to the first day of school. And while parents of children of all ages worry about their kids as a new school year begins, parents of soon to be kindergartners are particularly susceptible. For many, kindergarten is the official start to their academic career and will set the pace for how they progress through school. The good news is that one of the best ways to prepare our children for kindergarten is through exposure to books and read alouds, something many parents have likely been doing since their children were born. Here is a look at seven essential skills every kindergartner needs, and how children’s books play a critical role in helping to build those skills.

ENTHUSIASM TOWARD LEARNING
Teachers at every level look for students who ask questions and are eager to explore and discover. Picture books play an essential role in helping develop this curiosity in young children. Start by reading books focused on your child’s favorite topic, and follow the connections and tangents that organically occur. For example, an interest in Cinderella might lead to reading about Cinderella stories from other cultures and countries, which in turn might lead to learning about those countries or plotting them on a map. It might also lead to an interest in other fairy tales- classic and modern versions as well as fractured fairy tales. Or, it might spur an interest in ballerinas, leaning about ballet steps and terminology, and discovering the stories behind the classic ballets. Exploring a variety of books and topics is a fun way to build enthusiasm towards learning.

LISTENING ABILITY
Reading (and read alouds) is the perfect way to develop the attention skills necessary for success in kindergarten- the ability to listen to the teacher, follow directions and focus on learning. These skills are learned through time spent with parents enjoying books, and are built up gradually. Do you remember the first time you read to your child? Think of how far you have come! Children who enter school without these skills are at a distinct disadvantage, both academically and behaviorally.

A WORKING VOCABULARY
Exposure to children’s books and read alouds is essential for vocabulary development. At its most basic, the more you hear words, the better your vocabulary, and the easier it is to learn new concepts and information. On a deeper level, books expose us to a different and more specialized set of vocabulary words than we hear during every day conversation. For example, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, includes the word “cocoon.” When was the last time you worked cocoon into a conversation with your pre-schooler? The more books you expose your children to, the better prepared they will be for kindergarten.

AN UNDERSTANDING OF BASIC CONCEPTS
Books are a fun, non-threatening way to foster basic letter and number recognition, as well as introduce shapes and colors. Favorites such as “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” and “Mouse Paint” directly teach young children these basic concepts. However, these concepts are also learned indirectly through repeat exposure to the printed word and spoken word. Again, children who enter school without being exposed to the above are at a disadvantage compared to their peers.

PRE-READING SKILLS
This is the most obvious benefit from early exposure to children’s literature, an intuitive understanding of how books work. How do you hold a book? Which way does a page turn? Pre-readers must understand that there is a word / text correspondence (what you are reading is what is written) as well as a picture/text correspondence (the words directly reflect the pictures). These are essential pre-reading skills that are easily picked up by children who are frequently exposed to books.

PHONEMIC AWARENESS
Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and break down the subtle sounds in words. The foundation for this skill is built through exposure to rhyming and repetitive refrains. Dr. Seuss’ nonsense words help children focus on the individual and changing phonemes of each word. And, repetitive refrains in nursery rhymes and books based on favorite songs allow children to accurately predict the next word or rhyme. By calling attention to the subtle sounds in words, we are teaching our children valuable skills for reading and academic success.

AN ABILITY TO THINK CRITICALLY
Through the sharing of books at a pre-reading stage, children learn to think critically at a very basic level. Modeled by their parents, and reinforced through discussion, they learn to ask themselves questions such as: What do you think happened? How would you feel if that happened to you? The ability to ask and answer these questions builds the foundations for more complex critical thinking skills.

Whether you are preparing to send your child to kindergarten next month, or in a few years, you can be confident in knowing that the time spent browsing through libraries and books stores, the nights curled up re-reading a favorite story, and the hours spent searching for yet another book about trains have been wisely spent. Children’s books are an essential element in the preparation for kindergarten. So, the next time your child asks for “just one more story” be sure to say yes!

The Scary Man With the Ladder

2011-08-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

In our family, we are big believers in books on tape for car rides of any duration. This past Fall, the book du jour (EVERY "jour") was Tikki-Tikki-Tembo written by Arlene Mosel and narrated by Marcia Gay Harden.

Trips to the grocery store and library were punctuated by scenes of Chang falling into the well, and longer trips were an endless cylce of Tikki Tikki Tembo running to his honorable mother for help. It was a rare night that I didn't fall asleep to the refrain of "Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo" running through my head. Alas, we have since moved on to other audiobooks. The impact of this story on my children, however, will not soon be forgotten. As evidence, I offer the following comment from my three year old, uttered months after Tikki Tikki Tembo was ousted as our road trip favorite:

"Mommy, when I fall to the bottom of the well (notice that in her mind this is a definite occurance and not simply an eventuality), I want you and daddy to get me out. The Old Man with the ladder is scary!"

I can only hope that this was an off-the-cuff remark, brought about by a string of random recollections and not a scenario that keeps her up at night. Either way, I have promised that my husband and I be the first to her rescue, and I am a little more aware of any wells in our vacinity.

Why Does Laughing Giraffe Books Include A Game and Prize With Every Collection?

2011-07-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Prize rewards. The food industry has long used this tactic- think Cracker Jacks or cereal boxes, collectible yogurt lids, or hidden numbers on soda bottles that may be redeemed for BMX bikes or additional cans of soda. Marketing experts know all too well that the promise of a prize can be very titillating for the consumer, and can help provide the encouragement for them to eat, drink, or use their way through a specific product.

In my experiences as a special education teacher and reading specialist (and even as a parent!), I learned that the power of external motivators is just as effective for getting a child excited about learning as it is for getting consumers to choose a specific product. This sentiment is clearly echoed throughout the field of education where children are often rewarded with gold stars, “way to go” stickers, and decorative pencils.

In creating Laughing Giraffe Books, I found a unique way to couple my experiences as an educator with insights gleaned from the consumer industry, and put them to use in my mission of developing a love of reading in children. Our exclusive game and prize component is the result, and is an essential part of the Laughing Giraffe Books reading experience. And, the best part is that you can benefit from it in your own home!

Laughing Giraffe Books starts by offering only the most carefully selected book choices, both modern favorites and classics, which are guaranteed to appeal to children of all ages. Then, we compile them into collections based around favorite age and gender specific themes. This allows our customers to easily choose the most compelling books for the special children in their lives, and makes it significantly more likely that the ensuing reading experience will be a pleasurable one.

Next, we include our exclusive search-and-find game in every Book Bundle and Book of the Month collection that we offer. This fun peel- and-stick game contains a single question for each of the books contained in the collection. The game, and promise of a later prize, provides a compelling reason for children to open the books. And, because our books are so carefully selected, we are confident that once begun, the books will be enjoyed to the end.

The games are designed to be completed by any age, and with any level of help. Games accompanying the collections for the first year feature fun activities to complete with baby. The games for toddlers focus on locating easy to find pieces of information, where as the books for slightly older children ask them to look a little deeper. The games are also easily adapted so that they can be done independently or with varying degrees of help from an adult. Finally, by requiring a signature on the completed game board, we are providing parents with an additional opportunity to discuss the books, questions and answers with their children. These are very important steps in the promotion of a lifelong love of reading.

Finally, the prize. The promise of a fun, theme-related toy or game, is an effective way to encourage children- especially reluctant or struggling readers- to begin to enjoy books. The perfectly themed collections help to hold their interest in the books. The game encourages them to finish the books leading to a sense of pride in completing both the books and game and, most importantly, an understanding that books can be enjoyable. And finally, the anticipation of the arrival of the prize coupled with the enjoyment of receiving (in the mail!) and opening of the hard earned prize seals the deal.

During this process, with the help of all of the game and prize, and with each positive reading experience, the shift is made from reading for a prize (external motivator) to reading because it is enjoyable (internal motivator) and the foundation is set for developing a lifelong love of reading!

That is why Laughing Giraffe Books includes a game and prize with every collection!

"Strega Nona" In The Shower

2011-07-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, a favorite book in our household was "Strega Nona" by Tomie dePaolo. This original tale features an Italian "grandma witch" who cures the simple ailments of the townspeople. She also happens to be in possession of a magic pasta pot.

The climax of the story occurs when Big Anthony, Strega Nona's helper, "borrows" the pasta pot to impress the villagers. Having failed to pay attention previously, Anthony is unable to stop the pot from cooking, and the entire village is in danger of being swallowed up by the never ending pasta. Fortunately, Strega Nona returns from her visit at just the right time, the pasta pot ceases, the village is saved, and Anthony is forced to eat all of the pasta as punishment.

Although I love the story, I find that one of the best parts of reading it aloud is the fun of trying an Italian accent (albeit a terrible one), and letting the name Strega Nona roll off my tongue. My girls always enjoyed this part of the read aloud as well, laughing at my comical accent and trying versions of their own.

FLASH FORWARD. It is now a few months later, and my daughters have developed an extremely odd ritual. Every once in a while, when pressed for time and faced with grubby children, I will throw my children in the shower. After the water has stopped running, and prior to drying off, the chanting begins. At the top of their lungs, and in their very best Italian accents (which are as terrible as mine!), the girls begin a chorus of "Strega Nona...Strega Nona." Sometimes, they even crouch down, put their faces against the stone, and yell their refrain into the floor.

I can only imagine that this little ritual continues due to the fun of saying "Strega Nona," coupled with the fantastic acoustics the bathroom provides. What originally inspired the odd pairing of the shower and Strega Nona? To that I am clueless! Instead, I find myself rolling my eyes in befuddlement in those post-shower moments, looking on as my children try to outdo each other in a volley of terrible Italian accents. It is a sight (and sound) to behold!

Backseat Reading

2011-07-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

While putting together my baby registry, and many times since then, my mother could be heard chorusing the refrain "its a miracle you all survived." From debates over whether to put bumpers in the crib, discussions considering the merits of swaddling blankets versus sleep sacks, or searching for bottles that are BPA free, it is clear that there are significantly more rules, regulations and guidelines governing child rearing today.

And, none are more apparent than those concerning automobile safety. Seat belts, monstrous car seats and boosters alone have made car pooling a logistical nightmare. A few short years ago (cough, cough) we would load our cars with whoever fit in, and then some. There were lap sitters, hump sitters, and sometimes double-decker lap sitters. My siblings and I would spend our frequent car trips stretched out in the "way back" of our family station wagon. Lying among the suitcases, I would pass the 2 hour car rides with a copy of "Archie" in one hand and a "Mad Magazine" in the other. Even my frequent bouts of violent car sickness didn't put a damper on these trips.

Today my daughters ride securely strapped into their car seats instead of sprawled comfortably. However, I still strive to take advantage of time spent in the car running errands, commuting, and visiting family to sneak in a little extra reading time. My 6 CD changer holds a variety of audio books and the pockets of the back seats are filled with worn copies of our favorite stories. Currently its "Clifford", "Crazy Hair Day" and "Tikki Tikki Tembo." Maybe in a few years our collection will also include the latest "Archie" or "Mad Magazine."

Thank goodness my daughters don't seem to be prone to the same bouts of motion sickness their mother was!

Grandparents: Reading MVPs

2011-07-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

Whether you go by "Grandma," "Grammy," "Nana," "Nini," "Grandpa," "Papa,"or "Gramps," you are likely a very important person in the life of a special child (or children!). Grandchildren adore their grandparents, eagerly awaiting their visits, clinging to them when they are around, and shedding a tear at their departure. And, more often than not, they can easily be swayed towards doing something in a way only a grandparent can bring about. Why not harness the unique position of being a grandparent in an effort to encourage enjoyment in reading?

7 Ways Grandparents Can Help Build Lifelong Readers:

SHARE
Share your favorite titles from when you were little, or from when your child (their parents) was younger. Do you have an old, much loved copy of a favorite story, or perhaps a classic title not easily found at the local bookstore? Share it with you grandchild in a special read aloud. They will delight in the connection to the past.

RECORD
Armed with an inexpensive tape recorder you can make your own audio book recordings. Children will love hearing the stories narrated by loved ones as they run errands around town or enjoy quiet time in their rooms. You can even make a recording of the two of you reading the book together. After all, what child doesn't love to hear their own voice! Alternately, there are an increasing number of recordable books that allow you to record your voice directly onto the book itself. Hallmark has a number of great options worth checking out.

READ
Read a book simultaneously with your grandchild. Did you love the "Secret Garden" growing up? Give your grandchild a copy and enjoy rereading it yourself. Remember to check in frequently with your thoughts, questions and insights. You may be surprised by what your grandchild has to say!

ASK
Take an interest in their reading in general. Ask what they are reading and what they are looking forward to reading. What is it about those books and characters that they like or dislike? Let them make recommendations for your reading list. Share your favorite children's titles, but also tell them about what you are reading on your own. Most importantly, let them see you reading and enjoying books.

VISIT
If you are lucky enough to live near your grandchildren, plan regular trips to the library or book store. Take advantage of the lap sits, read alouds and other events offered, or go just to browse and enjoy the comforts of the air conditioning.

GIVE
Give the gift of books. Literally! Books are perfect for gift giving. There is a story to compliment every age, reading level, interest or occasion; and they are easy to share, wrap and ship. Books are perfect for birthdays, holidays, special occasions (first day of school or arrival of a baby sibling), or just to say "we're thinking of you." A wrapped book received as a gift, either in the mail or in person, is a great way to build excitement with reading.

INSCRIBE
Include an inscription, in the form of a personalized note or bookplate, in the front of each book you gift. Every time your grandchildren reads that story they will be reminded of you and of your connection to the tale.

Take advantage of the special relationship between grandparent and grandchild, and help play a pivotal role in the raising of life long readers. It is a role unique to grandparents, that can be filled by no other. And, if all else fails, sweeten the deal with some of your famous fresh baked cookies!

Reading In the Dark

2011-07-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

When our youngest turned 18 months, a time when most people are packing away their baby paraphernalia, my husband and I purchased our first video monitor. We had managed to resist the temptation of until then, relying on a standard monitor with terrible reception at first, and soon after, on our children's lung power to alert us to any problems.

At 18 months, however, our daughter began experiencing febrile seizures - an unwelcome side effect of preschool, a developing immune system, and a tendency towards ear infections- and our nights of being blissfully unaware of what was going on behind closed doors were over.

As I knew would be the case, my husband and I were immediately and completely addicted to the video monitor, checking it every few minutes, reacting to every sound, and reveling in how adorable our children are in sleep (even if they aren't always when awake!).The unexpected bonus of our new video monitor, however, was our new found ability to witness our 18 month old's nightly ritual.

Bathed in a neon green light, our child places "Zebra" (her lovie) gently on the pillow beside her, and makes sure that her baby doll is resting comfortably nearby holding its own lovie. Next, she picks up her two blankets, methodically tucking all three of them in. Finally, and most delightful of all, she picks up a books and performs a dramatic read aloud for her nighttime guests!

For the next half-hour or so, our monitor broadcasts a constant stream of gibberish punctuated by clearly enunciated tidbits like "moon," "hush" and "mush." Our 18 month old flips the pages forwards and backwards, sometimes page by page and other time in large sections, as she angles the pictures towards her "babies" and points out important details in the accompanying pictures. Surprisingly, my child who can barely sit still for a pre-bed reading of her favorite book, reads herself to sleep.

And all of a sudden, the ridiculously expensive and addictive video monitor is worth it!

Storybook Travels

2011-06-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Summer is synonymous with travel. Great weather and three fun-filled months without school make it the perfect time for vacations, staycations, road trips, and sightseeing. Whatever your vacation plans, summer is also a great time to build excitement in reading by incorporating books into your activities.

When my nieces were little, we spent an afternoon at the Boston Public Garden retracing the path of the Mallard family from Robert McCloskey's Make Way for Ducklings. We walked the same path in front of the Four Seasons Hotel as Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack, scoured the pond for safe places to build a nest, and searched for the kindly policeman who stopped traffic for Mrs. Mallard and her brood. We scanned the rooftops of the buildings surrounding the park for the rounded dome of the Capitol Building, and enjoyed a rereading of the story seated under a weeping willow tree. To end our adventure, we visited the bronze tribute to McCloskey and his wonderful book, where the girls posed for some photos with the Mallard family.

This fun activity was the perfect way to bring Make Way For Ducklings to life as we did some sightseeing around historic Boston. The added bonus was that we were able to reinforce the joy of the story, and as a result reading in general, taking us one step closer to growing lifelong readers.

Although McCloskey's story is particular to Beantown (and I encourage you to try this activity if you are visiting this summer!) there are likely lots of great children's books that will be a perfect enhancement to your vacation (or staycations) plans:

Bring the story of the precocious Eloise, hotel dweller and mischief maker extraordinaire, to life by enjoying an afternoon of tea at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and participate in a scavenger hunt to find Jackson Pollock's Autumn Rhythm #30 and Edgar Degas' Ballet Rehearsal on the Set, the two paintings featured in Olivia by Ian Falconer. Older children can retrace the steps of Claudia and her younger brother from E.L. Konigsburg's From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

Read Diary of a Worm or Yucky Worms and then dig in a garden or explore under a rock to examine the real thing.

Pore over Sky Boys: How They Built The Empire State Building by James E. Ransom, then take an elevator to the observation deck of the Empire State Building.

Prior to visiting Maine, read One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey (can you tell he is a favorite?), The Little Island by Margaret Wise Brown or Going Lobstering by Jerry Pallotta to get a feel of this unique New England state.

A trip to the ocean wouldn't be complete without a reading of Hello Ocean by Pam Munoz Ryan, Flotsam by David Weisner or Ladybug Girl at the Beach by David Soman.

Prepare for a ball game, or the start of little league season, with a rousing reading of Zachary's Ball by Matt Tavares, Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, or Take Me Out To The Ball Game by Jack Norworth.

Get creative - even your mode of transportation is a starting point - and find clever ways to incorporate picture books into your summer plans. Not only will you be enhancing your "sightseeing' experience, but you are reinforcing the idea that reading is enjoyable, informative and relevant. A perfect way to encourage lifelong readers!

Our Latest Obsession: Earthworms

2011-06-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

My pink and purple wearing, tiara sporting princess has a new obsession - EARTHWORMS! I might have expected this from my youngest, a truck obsessed, dirt loving tomboy (amusingly also dressed in a tiara!), but from my 3 year old who runs for cover at the sight of a solitary ant? Never!

This fascination is the result of their most recent preschool unit. The girls eagerly start their morning sifting through newspaper ribbons, old coffee grounds and table scraps to wake up their beloved earthworms and to study them with magnifying glasses. And, under the direction of their teachers, have spent time observing the worms, making compost, playing in the garden and even creating earthworm inspired paintings.

How do I show my support for this new found interest? Head to the library for books on my daughters' favorite annelidas, of course! After a morning browsing through a surprising number of books on the topic, I found these three charming books worthy of reading together:

Yucky Worms! by Vivian French
A grandmother introduces her grandson to her helpful "friend," the earthworm.

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
An amusing and informative series of diary entries from the point of view of a school-age worm.

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals
A rhyming recipe for making a batch of Compost Stew from scratch. Great illustrations!

After your interest in piqued by these great books, enjoy these ideas for indulging in earthworm inspired exploration and fun:

Draw a picture of an earthworm and label its parts. See Yucky Worms (p. 4) for help.

Go exploring! Look for worms in your garden, under rocks, or on the sidewalk after it rains. Has it been dry? Make it rain using a hose or watering can, and then sit back and watch the worms come to the surface. (Yucky Worms, p.20)

Place a worm on a piece of paper and hold it to you ear. The faint scratching sound you are hearing is the noise made by the bristles on the earthworm's belly as it moves. (Yucky Worms, p.25)

Start a compost pile of your own. Refer to the last page of Compost Stew for more information about what you can and can't put into your compost.

Create art! Dip string or yarn into brown paint and drag it across a piece of green construction paper, emulating the way a worm moves. Label your art work "Worms in the Grass". (Idea compliments of Smart Start Learning Center, Sherborn, MA)

I hope next month's unit focuses on something a little less slimy. Butterflies, perhaps?!

Welcome to Laughing Giraffe Books (VIDEO)

2011-06-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

Alexandra Morrill, founder of Laughing Giraffe Books, introduces unique themed book bundles and book of the month collections designed to encourage a lifelong love of reading in children.

http://youtu.be/U8TvtlNCOmQ

Strawberry Picks!

2011-06-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

It's finally here. The short lived and highly anticipated u-pick strawberry season. My favorite early-summer activity ever since I was a child and lost one of my moccasins on a berry picking (or more precisely, eating!) excursion. In anticipation of this year's upcoming trip, I offer a compilation of all things strawberry.

STRAWBERRY FUN FACTS:

Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
The average strawberry has 200 seeds.
Strawberries are a member of the rose family
If all the strawberries produced in California, in one year, were laid berry to berry, they'd wrap around the world 15 times.
Strawberries are believed to have been cultivated in ancient Rome, in the 12th Century BC
A French noblewoman at the time of Napoleon, Madame Tallien, used to bathe regularly in strawberry juice.

BOOKS ABOUT STRAWBERRIES:

The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear, by Audrey Woods (0-4)
The delightfully amusing story of a little mouse who would do anything to protect his precious strawberry, and the big hungry bear who will go to lengths for a taste!

Jamberry, by Bruce Degen (3-6)
A boy and his bear go on a rhyming adventure through the land of berries where strawberry ponies abound, and elephants skate on raspberry jam.

Jam and Jelly by Holly and Nellie,
by Gloria Whelan (5-10)
A young girl and her mother make jam in order to save for a coat to warm the winter commute to school.

Molly and the Strawberry Day, by Pamela Conrad (4-7)
A little girls comes up with some very creative uses for the abundance of strawberries she brings home from the fields.

STRAWBERRY INSPIRED ACTIVITIES:

Make strawberry jam, strawberry shortcake, strawberry rhubarb pie, or chocolate dipped strawberries.
Plant your own strawberries in a garden, pot, or window basket. Or, use the prepackages kits sold in stores.
Draw a gigantic strawberry using paints, watercolors, or markers. Then, look through magazine ads to find a pair of glasses for your strawberry to wear - just like the one from "The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the The Big Hungry Bear."

You are now ready to take advantage of the fleeting u-pick strawberry season, armed with stories, fun facts and activities. And remember, be sure to select shoes that fit firmly on your feet!

Side Stepping the Summer Slide: How to keep kids reading once the school year ends

2011-06-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

Ahh…summer. Trips to the beach, nights catching fireflies, BBQs and ice cream cones, and… the “summer slide”?! This catchy phrase describes the inevitable back slide in academic achievement students experience each summer. A regression that the National Summer Learning Association has conservatively estimated to be equivalent to about 2 months of what they learned during the previous school year! Fortunately, one of our best defenses to defeating the slide is to keep our children reading throughout the summer.

4 Suggestions to combat the “summer slide” and to keep your child reading during the summer:

READ FOR FUN

Children spend nine months of the year focused on the technical aspects of reading. Summer is the perfect time to highlight the enjoyable side of reading. Allow your child to read multiple stories simultaneously, revisit a favorite over and over again, or devour an easier book purely for the enjoyment of the story. Stay up late reading under the stars, in a tent, or under the sheets with a flashlight. Spend the whole of a rainy day curled up with a good book, and be OK with relegating reading to bedtime during a spectacular day. Allow your child’s interests to inform book choices- whether it’s ancient Egypt, princesses or earth worms.

EMBRACE ALL FORMS OF READING

While board books, picture books and chapter books are fantastic and should be promoted at any opportunity, embrace reading in all of its forms. Books on tape are perfect for road trips, and magazines and comics are quick, enjoyable and highly motivating reads. Pour through cook books with your children – The Barefoot Contessa and Ronald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes are equally good choices. Even the TV with close captioning on and the volume off is a way to promote reading!

TAP YOUR RESOURCES

Take advantage of the programs offered at your local library and book store. Many offer story time, frequent readers programs, author visits and more. Even the act of browsing the shelves is an activity! The air conditioning alone should provide plenty of incentive to pepper your child’s summer vacation with regular trips to the library and books store.

THINK THEMATICALLY

Weave books into the fabric of your daily life. Read Mouse Paint and follow up with an afternoon of finger painting and color exploration. Explore the Boston Common with a copy of Make Way for Ducklings, picking out familiar landmarks from Robert McCloskey’s delightful illustrations. Read Diary of a Worm and go on a post-rain search for earthworms or Compost Stew and start a compost pile with your children. Read Holes or The Chronicles of Narnia, then watch the movie and compare. Going on a trip? Prepare by reading books that take place in that area, or focus on the landmarks or sites.

Children (and parents!) work too hard during the school year to allow 22% of it to dissipate during the summer. Instead of drills and flash cards, come up with creative ways to make reading a part of your daily activities to encourage kids to participate and even learn to like reading. In September, your child will return to school tanned, refreshed, and exactly where they were the previous year (if not ahead!).

PRESS RELEASE: Laughing Giraffe Books Introduces New Custom Book Baskets

2011-05-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

Customer selected gift set sets ensure each book bundle is unique to each young reader

05.11.2011– May 11, 2011 – Boston, Ma – Today Laughing Giraffe Books announced a new option for parents, grandparents and gift givers looking to purchase high quality children’s book baskets. Starting today, Laughing Giraffe Books customers will be able to customize book baskets and book-of-the-month club selections. Each gift set will still feature the same high quality children’s literature and unique search-and-find game and themed prize that customer’s love about the Laughing Giraffe Books product.

This week only, create a custom book basket at LaughingGiraffeBooks.com and receive 10 percent off your order. Visit www.laughinggiraffebooks.com/FAQs to learn more.

In addition to the custom book baskets, Laughing Giraffe Books has also introduced gift cards. These new options are designed to fit any budget and help customers give the gift of books for special days or any day! Former reading specialist and founder Alexandra Morrill is available to offer guidance and suggestions for each custom gift set. Customers can be sure that each selection has been thoroughly researched and sure to inspire, motivate and captivate young readers.

Comments from the founder, Alexandra Morrill
“Our customers spoke and we listened! We are thrilled to offer custom book bundles in addition to our popular themed book sets. Now no matter the occasion, the child’s interest or your budget we are sure to find the right stories to fill their imagination with wonder and develop lifelong readers.”

Laughing Giraffe Books is different than other book bundle gift sets:
• Our book bundles are backed by research and experience, delivering books that are high quality children’s literature, wrapped and ready for gift giving
• Each comes with a themed seek and find game and corresponding prize to encourage and motivate young readers
• Our all inclusive pricing really does include EVERYTHING – shipping, games, prizes and packaging – there are no hidden fees or surprises at checkout

Connect with us!
• On Facebook
• Visit our blog
• Sign up for our newsletter

About Laughing Giraffe Books
Laughing Giraffe Books provides themed book bundles or book of the month gift collections for children, ages newborn through eight years. Founded by a former reading specialist, we research and select high quality books for young children, bundle and wrap them in gift sets and include a search-and-find game and themed prize. Each of these elements is incorporated in our all inclusive pricing. To learn more and start encouraging the little readers in your life visit www.laughinggiraffebooks.com.

5 Great Picture Books To Inspire Little Gardeners

2011-04-29T04:55:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung, and a season of warm weather, outdoor activities, and fresh produce is upon us. For many, weekends are now devoted to the garden: raking, weeding, planting and pruning in hopes of a bumper crop of tomatoes, cucumbers and squash. For others, Saturdays and Sundays are a time to browse local farmers markets or gambol in city parks filled with blooming cherry trees and dogwoods. For everyone, Spring is the perfect time to introduce young children to the wonders of nature and the delights of gardening. Enjoy this list of 5 great picture books to share with your budding gardener.

THE CURIOUS GARDEN, Peter Brown
One day, while exploring his dreary town, a little boy makes the amazing discovery of an abandoned railway. With a bit of patience, some ingenuity, and a lot of hard work, Liam transforms the unsightly railway (and the town) into something special.

THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart
During the Depression, Lydia Grace is sent to the city to live with her Uncle Jim. Far from her beloved gardens, she spends her time helping in the bakery, working on her "secret place," and trying to get her uncle to smile. Will her big surprise finally result in that coveted smile?

MISS RUMPHIUS, Barbara Cooney

MY GARDEN, Kevin Henkes
A little girl dreams of a garden with chocolate rabbits running wild, tomatoes as big as beach balls, and flowers that grow back again as soon as they are picked. What would your dream garden look like?

THE TINY SEED, Eric Carle
Prolific children's book author, Eric Carle, follows a tiny seed on it's journey through the four seasons. Follow along as it narrowly escapes the dangers of the hot sun, unmelting ice, and the dry desert. Watch from safety as the tiny seed avoids mice, birds and playing children to grow into a giant flower. What do you think will happen when Autumn returns?

Additional links:
*To view our collections featuring these books
http://www.LaughingGiraffeBook.com/glimpses-of-nature
*For information on our monthly contest featuring these books
http://www.LaughingGiraffeBooks.com/monthly-contests

Connect with us:
*Find us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages.Laughing-Giraffe-Books/110928195626425
*Follow us on Twitter
http://twitter.com/LaughingGBooks
*Sign up for our newsletter
http://www.LaughingGiraffeBooks/form/6221982

To learn more and to start encouraging the little readers in your life visit:

www.LaughingGiraffeBooks.com

What Can I Do With Duplicate Copies of a Book?

2011-04-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here are 8 great suggestions for utilizing duplicate copies of favorite books-

Keep a copy in your purse or diaper bag for doctors visits (waiting room books are full of germs!), restaurants, or other times when you need to wait quietly.
Car trip will be much more enjoyable with a copy of a favorite book within reach. Keep extra copies in the seat pockets, or in a bag set aside for that purpose.
Make use of wasted time- keep a selection of books by the potty.
Enforce the idea that reading is an enjoyable pastime. Store a selection of books among your child's other toys for easy play time access.
Cut down on sibling squabbles by providing each child with a copy of the same book.
Don't let a business trip get in the way of your bedtime routine. Pack an extra copy of a book in their suitcase, and travelling parents can read a nighttime story over the phone.
Send a copy to grandma and grandpa, or another long-distance relative. Children can follow along as they hear the story over the phone or via Skype.
Encourage independent reading! Parent and child can each read a copy of the book on their own, sharing comments and insights as they arise.

Do you have any other great ideas for extra copies of books? Send us an e-mail, we would love to hear from you!

5 Simple Steps to Encourage Your Child to Read

2011-04-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

Children who are reluctant readers typically struggle for two reasons; either they experience difficulty with one or more of the technical aspects of reading (decoding, fluency, comprehension etc.) or they find it boring. While each can seem daunting for parents and children to overcome, with a little planning, creativity and perseverance, you can help jump start your child’s interest.

5 Simple Suggestion to Get Your Child Reading (Yes, your child!):

RECONSIDER YOUR DEFINITION OF READING

Allow your child to base reading choices on what captures his/her interest- whether it is a friend’s recommendation, an interesting topic, colorful cover or catchy title. Getting caught up in reading levels will only succeed in squeezing the fun out of reading! And, consider non-traditional reading sources. Magazines, cookbooks, comics, books on tape and television with the closed-captioning feature activated and the volume off are great ways to build interest in reading.

KEEP BOOKS EVERYWHERE!

Books should be prominent throughout your house! Keep a well stocked bookcase in your child’s room, their play area, near the living room armchair, and beside the potty. Keep a stack of books by your bedside table to entertain early-risers while you try for a few more minutes of shuteye. Stuff the backseat of your car with books for road trips and errands and your purse for trips to the doctor’s office or restaurants.

TAILOR THE EXPERIENCE TO YOUR CHILD

Allow your child’s interests to inform their book choice. Do you have a daughter who loves Disney’s Cinderella? Use that as a springboard to explore Cinderella stories from other cultures and fractured fairy tales based on Cinderella, as well as other classic fairy tales. Encourage your budding reader to explore books in a way that is comfortable for them. Do they choose to ask “why” at every opportunity, flip through pages in random order, focus solely on the illustrations, or move around while you are reading? Let them!

CREATE VALUE IN BOOKS

Give books and books become desirable! Take every opportunity to alter your child’s mindset so that they begin to view books as a welcome and coveted commodity. Subscribe to a monthly magazine, join a Book-of-the-Month Club, and take regular trips to the library and book store. Use books as a reward or bribe! Allow children to stay up a little later as long as they are reading. Build an association between reading and coveted time with a parent.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Let your children see you enjoying books! Read aloud to them at night, giggle with the absurd rhymes of Dr. Seuss, bring to life the voice of Eloise, and revel in the magic of Harry Potter. Build a fort of pillows to curl up in, read under the sheets with a flashlight or in a tent outside. And, be sure to let children see you enjoying reading. Curl up with a novel in the evening or flip through the newspaper after breakfast. Enjoy a magazine article about your favorite sports team, share books with your friends, and discuss favorite stories with anyone who will listen! Children who see their parents derive enjoyment from reading are more likely to pursue reading themselves.

If you try all of these strategies and are still faced with a reluctant reader, don’t disparage. Growing lifelong readers is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep at it and your child will eventually come around. Happy reading!

Princess Mania: Good? Bad? Or Ugly?

2011-03-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

My daughters are princess wanna-bes. The rooms in our house are filled with a dazzling array of sequined ball gowns, plastic heels, purses and other princess-related paraphernalia. However, despite favoring pink as a wardrobe choice for my eldest ( it complemented her coloring perfectly!), I didn't do much to encourage this love of all-things princess. Instead, their knowledge of princess culture came from outside the home. As many parents of young children can tell you, "princess mania" is similar to a virus, running rampant through daycares and preschools, infecting children in epidemic proportions. And, truth-be-told, although I didn't actively encourage their interest in all things princess, I really enjoy this stage of their childhood.

That was, of course, until the recent frenzy surrounding Peggy Orenstein's book, Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches From The Frontlines Of The New Girlie-Girl Culture**, forced me to question my stance. In her book, Orenstein questions whether our fascination with princess culture is a "gateway drug," leading to a later obsession with our body, low self-esteem, and low aspirations (she later concludes that this is not the case). The resulting media buzz has focused on highlighting the perceived drawbacks to exposing our young girls to princess culture. In an effort to counterbalance this, I thought I would share a few of the positive impacts the inevitable "princess culture" has had on my daughters.

I have been able to use my daughters' love of Disney's Cinderella as a spring board to introduce other versions of the story. We have read An Egyptian Cinderella, A Korean Cinderella, and their current favorite, Cendrillion: A Caribbean Cinderella. In addition to introducing them to different cultures and dialects, it has provided us the opportunity to compare and contrast multiple versions of the same story.

My oldest daughter's initial interest in Princesses and ball gowns has morphed into an obsession with ballerinas. Her prefered activity these days is to dress up in her tutu and dance along to a ballet video on the television (a great way to burn off extra energy during the New England winter!). Not only is this a great form of physical activity, but she is regularly exposed to stunning examples of classical music and choreography. We are even reading summaries of "Swan Lake," "La Fille Mal Gardee" and "Coppelia" in order to better understand the ballets she is dancing to.

Because my children will eagerly devour any princess book, I have been able to introduce them to some great examples of 'anti-princesses'- plucky, independent leading ladies who create their own destiny! We have moved away from the classic stories of young women waiting in towers to be rescued, in favor of heroines whose quick thinking saves the day, or who rebel against the confines of castle living.

As with anything, princess mania has both its benefits and drawbacks. My advice would be to embrace this fleeting stage while you can, and use it as a springboard to other interests, books and ideas.

Click here to view Laughing Giraffe Books' collections featuring some of the books mentioned above.

**Orenstein, Peggy. Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches From The Front Lines Of The New Girlie-Girl Culture. New York: HarperCollins, 2011.

Boys And Reading: A Lesson From Cinderella?

2011-01-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

One of my guilty pleasures is listening outside my daughters' bedroom door on the nights my husband puts our girls to sleep. Emanating from the crack under the door, come the voices of Anastasia, Drizella, and the Stepmother brought to life in full animation. I live in a story-book bubble where fairy godmothers, talking animals and imaginative characters preside, and where two pint sized tots trot off eagerly to bed for some cuddle time and a nightly story. It makes me wonder if I would have been so lucky had fate filled our household with individuals carrying the XY chromosome instead.

Sadly, it seems I may not have been. Unfortunately, the above scenario does not play itself out as easily when testosterone is the prevailing hormone, with much of the existing research and anecdotal evidence suggesting that boys are less likely to enjoy the pastime of reading. Consider this alarming statement in Jim Trelease's authoritative book, The Read-Aloud Handbook**:

"...as early as second grade, fully 25 percent (of boys) had developed a negative attitude about reading." (Trelease, p.156)

For a variety of reasons related to development, temperament, environment and otherwise, boys tend to fall behind when it comes to reading and enjoyment. A worrisome trend for fifty percent of our population! Fortunately, there is hope. And, the researchers have provided two very simple suggestions helping to help alter this statistic:

1. Supply more positive reading role models that boys can identify with (dads, male teachers and community leaders). (Trelease, p.156)

Who knew that my emoting husband was ahead of the curve? The simple act of curling up at night with his children and a book provides a very clear message that books and reading are for men as well. The fact that he turns the read-aloud into a performance meant to send my children into fits of laughter only emphasizes the idea that books can be fun. Imagine if all fathers, step-father, grandfather and brothers read Jon Scieszka's Smash! Crash! aloud to an eager audience, loudly emphasizing the sound of fender on fender or the squeal of brakes on pavement. Picture a scene where these same male role models spend the time before bed quietly reading side by side with older children. These scenarios play themselves out night after night in many households, often with mothers leading the charge. Isn't it time we shake things up?

2. Allow them to choose books that are decidedly "in-group" for males. (Trelease, p.156)

A quick perusal of the children's section at bookstores finds images of princesses, ballerinas, heroines and more. I could likely pick any book off the shelf and my daughters would happily flip through the pages. It is often a little harder to pinpoint a books that will immediately hook children of the opposite gender. Fortunately, with a little searching and a willingness to consider less typical sources of reading, exciting and motivating choices can be found. Consider some of the following suggestion:

Books geared towards typically male interests:

Books featuring quirky personalities:

Books staring Male Characters:

Less typical reading materials:

Men, pull a book off the shelf, sharpen your dramatic tendencies, and read to your boys. Who knows, perhaps you will find your equivalent of my husband's "Cinderella." Aren't our sons, step-sons, grandsons and nephews worth it?

Click here to view collections offered by Laughing Giraffe Books created specifically for boys.

** Jim Trelease, The Read-Aloud Handbook, Fifth Revised Edition (New York: Penguin Books, 2001)

Mommy, There's A Lizard Outside!

2011-01-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

As I sit here typing away on the computer we are in the midst of a blizzard -"there's lizards outside," my three year old informed me, the snow plow was forced to give up half way through plowing my driveway, and I am beginning to fear that I may be trapped inside with my two children until Spring.

As the winter weather hits, it becomes increasingly difficult to ensure that our children get the daily dose of activity that keeps them, and as a result the adults who love and spend time with them, healthy and sane. Afternoons at the park, daily walks around the neighborhood and even the relief of daily errands give way to dreams of afternoons at the park, yearnings for daily walks, and surprisingly, even longings for the relief of daily errands.

In an effort to counter the winter-inflicted doldrums, Laughing Giraffe Books offers the following suggestions for books to help encourage young children to wiggle, spin, thump, jump and shimmy their extra energy away:

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton (infants and preschoolers)
A rhyming, lively book that inspires young children to square dance with a group of spirited barnyard animals. Do-si-do, swing your partner, and "scramble with the little chicks- cheep, cheep, cheep."

Boing! by Nick Bruel (4-7)
A mother kangaroo, with the help of a frog, grasshopper and rabbit, tries to teach her baby to jump. Children will be inspired to jump, leap and boing all the way to the surprise ending.

Can You Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas (infants and preschoolers)
A bossy ladybug leads young children on a wiggling, blowing, leaping, chicken-dancing adventure. Be prepared for lots of laughs....

Clap Your Hands by Lorinda Bryan Cauley (3-6)
Full of reasons to get up and dance, this board book will have youngsters stomping, wiggling, roaring, and spinning along with a menagerie of zany animals.

Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitton (3-6)
Gleeful rhymes encourage children to "shake, shake, shudder," run, boom and shake with a variety of dinosaurs at a wild, earth-pounding party.

From Head to Toe by Eric Carle (2-6)
Young children will copy the antics of a variety of animals as they shout the refrain, "I can do it!" Kick like a donkey, thump your chest like a gorilla, and banish the bad weather blues.

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae (infants and preschoolers)
You are invited to the Jungle Dance, where "warthogs waltz, the chimps cha-cha, and the lions tango." Children will be inspired, along with Gerald the Giraffe, to boogie to their own tune.

How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle (3-6)
Children will have a "shimmy-shakin', be-boppin'" good time as they explore a lively city neighborhood. How do YOU "wokka-wokka"?

Like A Windy Day by Frank and Devin Asch (5-7)
Discover what the wind can do..."by dancing, whirling, and playing along with it!" Children will blow through tons of energy during this exciting windy-day adventure.

Move! by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page (Infants and preschoolers)
"Animals move! Follow them as they swing, dance, float, leap, and slide from page to page, then learn why these animals move the way they do."

Shake My Sillies Out by Raffi and Allen Allender (infants and preschoolers)
Children will shake, clap, jump and wiggle along with Raffi's version of this favorite childhood song. With any luck your children will be yawning as they reach the end of this musical book.

Wiggle by Doreen Cronin (2-4)
"Do you wake up with a wiggle? Do you wiggle out of bed? For energetic toddlers (are there any who aren't?), here's a book that invites them to wiggle along with the story. Told in rollicky, wiggly rhyme that begs to be read again and again, Doreen Cronin's latest romp will have toddlers wiggling, giggling, and then (hopefully) falling into bed, blissfully exhausted!"

The above mentioned books can be found in the following collections offered by Laughing Giraffe Books:

Books for Little Hands, For Movers and Shakers, Little Books, Big Fun, Tickle, Spin and Hop, and Wiggles and Giggles.