In Naughty Toes by Ann Bonwill, Chloe starts dancing school with her sister Belinda. Her sister is a ballerina…Chloe is not. But, what is she then? Well, she is anything but conventional. When the other students choose the standard pink and white for their leotards and tutus, Chloe wants purple and green. When the other students point their toes, Chloe’s naughty toes just won’t listen. Her hair won’t stay in a bun. Her hands won’t shine like spotlights, because they are jazzy. And when her sister Belinda is chosen to play the fairy princess in the show, Chloe is relegated to gray rock. There is only one explanation. Chloe is not a ballerina…because she has all the flare and gusto of a tap dancer! 

This is a really cute story to read to your little ones. When they’re feeling a bit different or unsure about what they may like or excel at, here is a story that shows being true to oneself is what is most important. Chloe never does what the others are doing just to fit in. She dances to the beat of her own drum. It takes a little while for her to realize she isn’t like the others because she is special. While the others have the discipline it takes to be ballerina, she has the jazzy rhythm and sparkle it takes to be a tap dancer.

Aww, what a lovely book this is. It’s one of my favorites. The Fairiest Fairy by Anne Booth tells the tale of Betty, a sweet albeit clumsy fairy.

“Betty was a fairy who just never got things right. She was always in a muddle though she tried with all her might.”

​This story is adorable and super fun to read aloud because it is written in rhyme. The illustrations are colorful and the fairies resemble little kids, making Betty relatable to small children. (Buy it here). Here’s what it’s all about…

Betty goes to Fairy school and tries her best at all the new lessons Miss Petal is trying to teach her. But she just can’t get anything right. All the other fairies are exceling at their lessons, but Betty keeps failing. Unbeknownst the Betty, she is actually good at something after all. She is a star when it comes to helping out animals who are in need of assistance. Then, when it’s time for the King and Queen to choose a student to attend the Fairy Ball, Betty is sure she will never be chosen. That’s when her animal friends come back and repay the favor. Rabbit helps Betty scatter dew drops while he hops. Blackbird helps Betty whistle a tune just like a bird. Butterfly helps Betty paint a rainbow as beautiful and bright as the colors on his wings. To everyone’s surprise, King and Queen choose Betty because “you’ve shown us how to be a friend, and proved that helping others is what matters in the end.” Betty is the fairiest fairy of them all, for she is chosen as the special guest to attend the ball. 

And now for some fun of my own. Where would Betty live? What is the door she flutters through every night? I imagine this one suits her perfectly.

Look Out! It’s A Dragon (Lambert) could not be more in line with the current conversation happening all over our country right now. This is the story about a dragon fleeing her home in search of a better life. Upon finding a more suitable location with promise, she is unfairly confronted by its current inhabitants. Wow! There are so many powerful lessons in this book from the negative impact of prejudice and stereotyping to the importance of acceptance of others who are different. THIS is a book you need to pick up TODAY. Read it with your child. Tell them about what is going on in our world. Teach them these lessons now so we have hope for the future. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. Let me tell you a little more about what this book is all about. (Click to buy) 

Sapphire is different from all the other dragons. She doesn’t want to partake in the destruction of her surroundings, like the others. She wants a better more serene life. So, she takes off in search of a new home. When she finds the perfect sunny, tree-filled place, she settles in excited to meet her neighbors. But, the current forest animals fear Sapphire. They believe she will scorch their dwelling, leaving them with nothing. Sapphire tries to convince them she is different, not like the others…she is a friendly dragon. But they will not listen. They bully her and send her away. When the evil dragons do arrive, they create havoc leading the animals to cry for help. Although the forest inhabitants unjustly ostracized Sapphire, she returns and saves the day. They were wrong about her. She is a hero and helps them all find a new home, where they can live in peace and harmony…together.
 
It’s a beautiful book with the lessons we all need to be remember. This goes for children and adults alike. We need to listen to each other and not let fear turn us away from what is right. We must love one another and not judge those whose shoes we have not walked in. We must accept each other and treat others as we wish to be treated. This book inspired me and I hope it does the same for you.
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Sometimes when I read a book, I imagine what door the main character would walk through each day. This is a beautiful door which perfectly captures all the blue hues of Sapphire, the dragon. I think she would feel very cozy behind this door. 

I picked up some really wonderful books from my local library this month. I usually do a quick browse of the shelves to see which covers catch my eye. I think these covers are as lovely as the words inside. I’ll be doing a full review of these three books in the coming weeks, so stop back again soon to check them out.

But for this post, I thought I would do something a little different. Picture books can be such a powerful parenting tool because each one comes jam-packed with meaning. Whether you need to teach a lesson in sharing or being kind or fitting in or just about anything, there is a book you can find to help have that conversation. I’ve outlined the important lessons from each of these books below. Pick them up at your library or click on the titles below to buy. Happy parenting! 

​LOOK OUT! IT’S A DRAGON! By Jonny Lambert (Ages 4-8)
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Bullying
Fitting In/Feeling like an outsider

THE FAIRIEST FAIRY By Anne Booth (Ages 3-7)
The importance of helping others/ Forming friendships
Fear of failure/dealing with insecurity
Teamwork & cooperation

​NAUGHTY TOES By Ann Bonwill (Ages 4-8)
Overcoming difficulties
Feeling different or unique
Dealing with sibling jealousy/rivalry

​MINIFRED GOES TO SCHOOL By Mordecai Gerstein (Ages 3-8)
The importance of following rules
Starting school

AMELIA BEDELIA’S FIRST APPLE PIE By Herman Parish (Ages 4-8)
The importance of family/grandparents
Teamwork & cooperation
Cooking with kids moment-STEM in the kitchen

AMELIA BEDELIA’S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL By Herman Parish (Ages 4-8)
Starting school/facing fears
Fitting In
New beginnings- tomorrow is a new day

THAT PUP! By Lindsay Barrett George (Ages 2-5)
Getting a new puppy/caring for animals

Hi all! We recently celebrated Hayden's first birthday and I had so much fun planning. From the decorations to the fun word puns to the birthday boy's outfit, Hayden's party was a HOLE-IN-ONE! (I'll share some photos from his golf-themed party at the end of this post, because it was just too cute not to share. I'm also really proud of it!) But, first…
 
Hosting his birthday got me thinking about all the amazing themes you can pull from children’s picture books to make a fantastic, magical, and fun party for all the kids attending. I’ve curated some of my favorite pins on Pinterest for you, taking the legwork out of hours of perusing. We all know Pinterest can take you down a dangerous spiral for hours, don’t we? I’ve pulled my favorite ideas for the dessert table, décor, favors, activities, and more. I hope you enjoy and please let me know if you decide to create any of these birthdays for your kids. Alternatively, if you have a favorite book, please let me know. I’m happy to get creative with you and help you plan some great ideas around that theme too. ENJOY!
 
Just click on the images below to take you to the live Pinterest Board for How-To’s and more. 

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! I am so looking forward to celebrating Father’s Day this year. It’s a super special occasion because even though it was technically my husband’s first Father’s Day last year...we can’t remember it. Hahaha! Hayden was only home with us for 1 week at the time and we didn’t know which way was up or down.  So, THIS year is THE year to “make it nice” (as Dorinda Medley would say). In honor of this very special day, I’m sharing picture books that will make excellent gifts for Father’s Day. Bedtime books with dad make for special bonding time because snuggles from daddies are the greatest. 

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
A personal favorite in our household. Every time Little Nutbrown Hare describes the way to tell Big Nutbrown Hare how much he loves him, Big Nutbrown Hare takes it one step further, proving a Daddy’s love is unsurpassable. 
 
How to Surprise a Dad by Jean Reagan
From the creators of the best-selling book, “How to Babysit Grandma”, comes an adorable celebration of dads!  Filled with hilarious ideas on how to become a super dad surpriser, including tips for things you can make, do, or find—just for your dad.
 
My Little Girl by Tim McGraw/Tom Douglas
Dad and his little girl set off on an ordinary day and turn it into a wonderful adventure. From dancing by a duck pond to swinging on a tire swing, lots of laughs and love are shared in time spent together. The day ends with a sweet "Goodnight, I love you" from Dad. And a whisper, "I love you more" from his little girl.
 
My Dad is Amazing by Sabrina Moyle
Featuring a mythical yeti, it is a joyful tribute to just how amazing parents (and their kids!) are.
 
Made For Me by Zack Bush
Of all the children that ever could be, You are the one made just for me. From a child's first uttered "Dada" to his or her first unsteady steps, nothing can adequately convey the joy and awe of watching the birth and growth of a new child. “Made for Me” is a winning presentation of tender moments that tie a father and his new child together--forever.
 
I've Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb
A celebratory and poetic testament to the timeless love felt between parent and child. This beautiful picture book is inspired by Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s heartwarming adoption of her baby girl.
 
I Love My Daddy by Sebastien Braun
Sometimes daddies are loud and playful. Other times they are quiet and compassionate. And they are always loving. Follow a day in the life of a bear and his bear cub in this celebration of the bond between father and child.
 
Ladybug Girl and Her Papa by Jacky Davis
Lulu and her Papa spend a perfect day together. They take a hike complete with rock-skipping at the stream, make a delicious pancake breakfast, and build a birdhouse. Even hanging the laundry to dry is an adventure when Ladybug Girl is with Papa. This sweet story captures the everyday magic of the love between a little girl and her dad.

I’ve been doing a little research for my current manuscript which features a determined girl as the protagonist. One of the lessons my main character learns is with hard work and passion for what she loves, she can grow up to be whatever she wants. It is a powerful lesson for our little girls to learn, especially in today’s climate. 

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​My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can A Little Girl Dream?
From breakfast to bedtime, a young girl imagines being different women who made history, and ends the day empowered to be herself.

​Isabella, Star Of The Story
An everyday visit to the library becomes an unexpected adventure through the pages of classic children's book favorites! Join Isabella as she imagines herself in the starring role of these beloved stories and discovers the extraordinary power of reading. Anything is possible between the pages of a good book!

​Isabella, Girl On The Go
The precocious, purple-haired traveler spends the day playing with her dad as she pretends everyday things (like the sandbox) are extraordinary places (like the desert and the pyramids of Egypt). Isabella ends the day in her home-sweet-home, the most wonderful place to be.

​Isabella, Girl In Charge
Just how high can a little girl dream? Taking inspiration from the women who trail blazed their way onto the political map of America, Isabella celebrates the women who were first to hold their offices. And if Isabella can get her parents out the door, she might just witness the first woman voted into the highest position of all.