Storytime: For Tots Whose Imaginations Run Wild

Do the stories made up by your little one rival the Brothers Grimm? 

If so, foster this creativity into non-mischievous channels!  These books are great examples of characters who use their imaginations and creative viewpoints to their advantage.

These tales will inspire their imaginations to take flight!


The Gruffalo, by Julia Donaldson

This story is a best seller throughout the UK, and upon reading it you'll know why.  Its a delightful tale of a little mouse who uses its imagination to outsmart predators of all shapes and sizes.  The colorful drawings and intriguing storyline will delight your kids and keep them entertained.

Frederick, by Leo Lionni

Some tales just get better with age.  This recipient of the Caldecott Honor Medal is a book that has amused children for years.  A little mouse, once disparaged as a day dreamer and a poet, becomes the greatest asset to his community when he's able to use his creativity and imagination to help them through the long cold winter.  Stated simply - its a great story, with great pictures & a great message.

 Abuela, by Arthur Dorros

While out with her grandmother a young girl wonders - what if I could fly?  And off they soar, traveling throughout a bustling city.  The mixed media illustrations are wonderfully detailed and the use of Spanish woven throughout the story adds an exciting educational aspect.

Storytime: Books for Animal Lovers

Would your little one rather play with the dog than any of his fancy gadgets?  

Rather chase squirrels in the park than dig in the sand box with friends?  

Sounds like you have an animal lover on your hands!  Foster his/her interest with these books.  And in the future, when you're the proud parent of a veterinarian, send us a thank you card!

  

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
A beautifully illustrated story with wonderful rhymes.  It will entertain children with colorful drawings of brown bears, green frogs and even purple cats.  The rhyming text is perfect for building vocabulary through repetition.

I Want My Hat Back, by John Klassen

What is a bear to do when he has lost his hat and wants it back?  Well, he must ask all his animal friends if they've seen it.  This charming book is not only a great tool for learning animals, but also for teaching patience and manners.

Nighty Night, Noah, by Molly Schaar Idle

The whimsical illustrations in this book sets it apart from the pack.  Travel with Noah as he wishes good night to each animal in the alphabet.  The colorful images will spark your children's imagination, and chances are they may add some new animals to their repertoire.  

All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri
The sweet and quiet book is wonderful for sick-day snuggles, and bedtime stories.  Explore calming and gentle momma and baby moments on the farm and have fun teaching your child how to kiss like a bunny, a cow and even a mouse (eep!)!

Storytime: For Tots with a Passport

Its wonderful to expose your children to many cultures and diverse communities.  If your little one loves to try new things, experience new cultures and learn new languages, why not encourage these interests through the library at your home. 

 
 Bee-Bim Bop, by Linda Sue Park

This is a charming story of a young child eager to help her mother grocery shop, prepare and cook dinner.   A wonderful addition to this story is the author's very own recipe for Bee-bim Bop to try with your own family.

Have You Seen My Cat?, by Eric Carle

As to be expected with Eric Carle, this story is delightful and beautifully illustrated.   A young boy visits different cultures throughout the globe searching for his cat, all along learning about native animals in different regions.

Whoever You Are, by Mem Fox

“Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world"  - this is the wonderful lesson Mem Fox weaves throughout this colorful children's book.   The author points out differences and similarities throughout many cultures, and does so in a way that children can understand and learn from.




Do you have suggestions for great multicultural books?  We'd love to hear from you!

Love This: Non-Candy Easter Basket Filler

We at Beacon Street Baby are proponents of filling your little one's Easter baskets with items other than candy.  Not only will the items last longer, but come on, no child needs three pounds of sugar to celebrate the resurrection! 

A perfect example of non-candy Easter basket fillers is this adorable eco-friendly wood and felt bunny & duck kit by Topozoo.  The pieces are big and sturdy, the design is clean and bright.  It is like a puzzle for kids to assemble, and once they are put together your kids have these wonderful toys. 

So walk right past the aisles of green plastic 'grass' and skip those chocolate eggs filled with yolk-flavored corn syrup -- this is a basket filler that will put a smile on the faces of both your kids and their dentists!

It's Safari Time!

We've just stumbled upon the most playful designs by P'kolino.  Their Tree Table with Giraffe and Zebra Chairs does not need to be tucked away into a kid-friendly zone, but can brighten up any living space with it's clean design and bright colors. 

Have a Sweet & Snuggly Easter!

Babies don't eat chocolate bunnies...they snuggle sweet, soft ones like this Buddy Blanket from Bunnies by the Bay -you can even tuck a carrot rattle into the Easter basket to give it that special touch.  Their snuggly fabrics and whimsical designs will delight your little one!