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 all the Tiny Dancers

If your little ones cant keep their feet still once the music starts, try adding these books to your storytime rotation.

Miss Tutu's Star, by Leslea Newman.
Little Selena loves to dance.  When enrolled in Miss Tutu's School of Dance she learns new choreography and prepares for an upcoming recital.  The book provides great messages related to working towards goals and overcoming fears.  This book is really quite funny and the illustrations are sure to put a smile on your little ones' faces! 

How Can You Dance, by Rick Walton
This is a great book of rhymes and dance inspiration.  It is full of colorful and creative drawings, and the author encourages children to create their own dance steps while moving like trees, foxes, frogs and more.  Get ready to dance like a kangaroo - hop hop hop!

My Name is Not Alexander, by Jennifer Fosberry
Through conversations with his father, a young boy lets his imagination run wild as he takes on the personas of his greatest heros - including Fred Astaire.  " I am FRED... the greatest, smoothest dancer there ever was!".  The concept, colors and content are all top notch.  And while its far away, keep it in mind as a great Fathers Day book selection.

Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle
This sweet book needs no words! Through interactive storytelling, Flora and her new friend learn about friendship and dance loved by tiny dances from coast to coast! Your little ones will love mimicking the graceful moves of this duo.

Plan Ahead! Marathon Monday (April 18th)

Its that time of year again - celebrate Boston Strong!

The energy in Boston is palpable and the bright yellow finish line is freshly painted across Boylston Street.  Yes, the Boston Marathon takes place Monday, April 18th.  The Boston Marathon is not just to be celebrated by the runners, Beacon Street Baby suggests you turn it into a great family friendly day!

Breakfast:  Its not often that we get a bonafide excuse to indulge in a carbohydrate laden meal.  Sure, we're not running in the marathon, but in the spirit of the marathon, why not start your day with a Carbo-load Breakfast Burrito!  Tortilla, eggs and potatoes - totally delicious and sure to give you energy throughout the day.

Storytime: The First Marathon: The Legend of Pheidippides, by Susan Reynolds.  Marathons existed long before they came to Boston 120 years ago.  The marathon tradition is rooted in ancient Greek society.  This illustrated children's book provides the story of Pheidippides, the original marathon runner, in a manner that children will understand and enjoy.

Playdate: Heartbreak Hill Helpers.  The road race of the Boston Marathon consists of 26.2 grueling miles, and the most infamous segment is Heartbreak Hill.  This is the perfect spot to help the runners by cheering them on.  Help your little ones make signs to root on the runners, put on your best marathon gear, and cheer on the runners.  Your support will help them conquer Heartbreak Hill, and your kids will love being part of the action.  If you can't make it to Heartbreak Hill, consult the Spectator Guide and find a space & time that will work for you and your family.

Dinner: A delicious meal that can be made ahead of time is the perfect answer after a long day of marathon celebrations.  Pastitsio is best described as a Greek Lasagna, and this version is delicious and nutritious with spinach and chard.

Late-Night Cap:  Boston-based Sam Adams has an annual tradition of releasing a special edition brew for the marathon - 26.2 Boston Brew.  Its a light German beer called a Gose, and its the perfect ending to a perfect marathon day!

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!

Plan Ahead! National Find a Rainbow Day is April 3rd (Free Download!)

Did you know April 3rd marks National Find a Rainbow Day?  What a great excuse to plan a fun day for your kids and their friends!

The topic of rainbows will not only draw your kids' attention, but its also a great opportunity to work a mini-science lesson into your day by explaining how the natural phenomena occurs. 

Breakfast:  Rainbow fruit skewers and pot of gold yogurt.
This is a fruity breakfast option to start your day.  Take wooden skewers and skewer fresh fruit in the following order - strawberry, cantaloupe, banana, green grape, blueberries, and red grapes - Viola! a rainbow appears before your own eyes.  For pot of gold yogurt, take a serving of plain Greek yogurt in a small cup, pour a thin layer of honey over the top.  Doesnt get much easier than that!

Storytime:  A Rainbow of My Own, by Don Freeman.
"If I were a rainbow where would I hide?"  Follow along in this engaging book as a little boy plays with his imaginary friend - a rainbow.

Playdate:
Unfortunately April does not always provide the best weather for outdoor activities.  Make your own rainbows with many items found within your home.

Take a box of Fruit Loops, have the kids separate the colors, teaching the little ones ROY-G-BIV (red-orange-yellow-green-blue-indigo-violet). Then take the colors and paste them onto this free printable activity page.

Not into Fruit Loops?  Take pasta wheels, cook and use food dyes (we suggest mixing both the regular and the neon food dyes) to color the pasta the night before. 

Dinner:
With a little creativity and access to fresh fruits and vegetables, most meals can be turned into a rainbow experience.  Rainbow TexMex Tortellini Salad is easy, healthy and tasty - a true crowd pleaser.

Late-Nightcap:  
Look what mama found at the end of her rainbow!  An April Rain Martini is your beloved vodka martini with a hint of refreshing lime.  Easy to make and sure to put some Spring in your step.

To Do List: Berries & Cherries

It is a little known fact that March is the Berries & Cherries Month.

Why not spend the last day of March celebrating these wonderful fruits with the following activities:

Breakfast: French toast and berries is a no-brainer, turning them into sticks is sure to entertain your family.  Lets face it, kids love finger foods, and with a recipe this easy - we love making them!

Storytime: Blueberries for Sal, by Viking Kestrel & Robert McCloskey (author of the beloved Boston based book, Make Way for Ducklings) is a classic.  Chances are you already have it in your collection - this is the perfect occasion to re-read this time tested tale.

Lunch:  When you're dealing with Berries & Cherries, you don't need fancy recipes to make food taste great.  Your kids will love a classic peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich, and even more so when you pair it with a fresh berry lemonade. 

Playtime: Listen, we're not saying that tie-dye is making a come-back... lets put that on the record!  But we know for sure that this is an activity that everyone will love.  Not only is Berry-Tie Dye fun, but its 100% green.  So get in touch with your very distant past, pull out the rubber bands and show your kids how to tie-dye like a pro!

Dinner:  Its important for your kids to experience new flavors.  Try topping your regular grilled chicken dinner with berry salsa. Its an interesting twist on a basic meal, the flavors will delight the whole family.

Late-Night Cap:  We all know the Cosmo - early Carrie Bradshaw, no need to say more.  Try the Merry Berry Cosmo for a new flavor profile on the classic vodka beverage ... 4-inch heels not required!

Grow, Garden, Grow!

It's officially Spring!  

That means it's time to get those little ones out in the garden!  This could be starting a few pots of herbs on your windowsill, getting to work on the community plot down the street, or getting started on a garden all of your own!

Gardening is a wonderful way for kiddies to learn all about our planet, where our food comes from and gives them a chance to explore nature.  Who's in the Garden is a classic peek-a-boo book designed to introduce children to all of the creatures they can expect to see in the garden!  Flowers, bunnies and ladybugs - oh my!

The publisher of this book is a New England favorite.  Check out Barefoot Books for more books that encourage creativity, explore cultures across our planet, promote sustainability and stretch the imagination!  Better yet - if you're in the Boston area, treat your family to a trip to Barefoot's community center and shop in Concord, MA.

Go Barefoot for Father's Day!

We know you're busy -so -we've made it easy for you by picking out a few special books for your little one to give their daddy from Barefoot Books.  If you live in the Boston area, make an afternoon of it and go check out their studio/store in Concord; they always have a lively schedule of events.  A sweet way to personalize these is by bringing out the paint and having your little one put their hand print inside the book with a sweet note for dad.

To Do List: Cinco de Mayo (May 5th)

Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May, commemorates the Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla of 1862.  Cinco de Mayo is not a major holiday in Mexico, yet it has taken on a life of its own here in the US.  Its a great opportunity to bring some fun and culture into your family's day!

Breakfast:  Chilaquiles.  Chilaquiles are a delicious traditional breakfast served throughout Mexico.  They are easy to make, and make good use of some leftovers you may already have in your kitchen.  To make the meal complete, serve along side scrambled eggs and a fruit salad.

Storytime:  Grandma's Chocolate, by Mara Price.  This wonderful story introduces a young girl into a whole new world when she asks her Grandma to play princess.  The story will educate your children on Aztec and Mayan cultures, and offers a much welcomed twist on the typical "princess" definition.

Playdate: Make & Break Pinatas:  We all are familiar with pinatas, and no doubt have seen them hanging in every major big box party store around town.  But in reality, pinatas are not difficult to make, and are a fun creative project for your family.  If you don't have the time (and/or the patience) to make a paper maiche pinata, then try this super easy alternative that uses a paper bag and the base.

Dinnertime:  Fish Tacos & Corn on the Cob.  Save some tortillas from the chilaquiles you made in the morning, and use them in this easy healthy recipe for Fish Tacos.  The perfect Cinco de Mayo side dish is a delicious Mexican style corn on the cob.  Such a tasty meal - you'll wish every day was the 5th of May! 

Late-Nightcap:  Georgia Peach Margarita.  Once los ninos are asleep, let the real fiesta begin!  Try this delicious Patron and Peach Schnapps margarita - que rico!