I am back to blogging as I finally have a normal schedule again. The summer was very hectic and we never had a regular routine going. Now my days will be filled with preschool, library storytime, playdates, and the very important nap/quiet time.
I will be busy the next two weekends with exciting Children's Literature events. I am very fortunate to live outside of NYC, and there are many authors signings and festivals here in the next few months.
Here are a few worth mentioning if you love meeting children's authors....
Children's Book Day - Tarrytown, New York
I have attended this event before I had kids and I like it even more now that I have kids. The list of authors who will be signing books is very impressive. This event is divided into three sessions and there are books available for purchase right next to the author. There are even book characters that walk around, and a musical treat from the Magic Garden's Paula and Carol. I personally will be lining up to meet Rebecca Stead because I really enjoyed her When I Reach You novel.
The Great Children's Read - Columbia University, NYC
I attended this event last year with my twins. It is sponsored by The New York Times and Target. The event has famous actors/singers/celebrities reading books aloudon one stage , as well as children's authors and performers on another stage. This event is completely free and there is a huge tent hosted by Target where you may purchase books and cd's of the featured authors. If you look at the schedule you might not know where to go first.
Connecticut Children's Book Fair - Storrs, CT
I have never attended this event, but the fact that Lois Lowry will be signing books is enough for me to drive over an hour. It looks like a fun day for the kids too.
Are there any book festivals or author signings that you have attended?
I must admit that I haven't been reading many poems to my twins. I have read many rhyming books and Mother Goose which is as close to poetry as I have come. I am also about to take an online course from the Association for Library Service to Children called Sharing Poetry with Children. So I wonder...
Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young by Jack Prelutsky 
We have been enjoying the How Do Dinosaurs...series by Jane Yolen for a long time. I was reading aloud How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? when the twins were 6 months old. By the time they were one we were acting out some of the dinosaurs actions such as stomping feet and kissing goodnight. We now have the entire series and it is among our favorite read alouds. There are even 4 board books in addition to the 4 picture books. I just discovered that Scholastic has a great website on the How Do Dinosaurs... series. There are also great plush dinosaurs that go along with the books by Merrymakers. We have collected three of the dinosaur stuffed animals and the twins love to hold the dinosaur while we read the book. Now if I had an endless supply of money - I would buy these adorable dinosaur pj's....
My twins are obsessed with Eric Carle books this week. This obsession started when I borrowed The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Stories DVD from the library. It really is an adorable cartoon version of five of Eric Carle's books. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is and will always be a favorite, but the twins are asking for other Eric Carle books because of watching the DVD. First we borrowed Papa Get the Moon For Me. This book is excellent because of the fold out and pop out pages. They also enjoy the Mixed Up Chameleon. They seem to compare the book version to the movie version and tell me which parts are missing from the book. On our next library trip they would like to find The Very Quiet Cricket. I am very aware that sometimes the cricket sound is not working in the library's copy of the book and it really is important to the story that the cricket sound works properly. (As a librarian - this is the difficulty of Eric Carle's books...they are just not library friendly). I also want to find the Clumsy Click Beetle...another noise making insect story.
I really enjoy visiting the official website of Eric Carle. I also hope to visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art as well in the future. I'm not sure who will like the museum more - me or the twins.
Our trip to the library provided the opportunity to borrow two brand new books! I just love brand new books - never touched and crisp and clean....
Puppies and Piggies - C. Rylant
a new picture book from Cynthia Rylant for the youngest of readers . I really like the rhyme and how the story takes us around the farm to meet various baby animals. Adorable illustrations - the twins love it.
The Tushy Book - F. Manushkin
one of my new favorite picture books. This is our second time borrowing it from the library because my twins were asking for it. It's all about tushies and it even has a website here.
I Took My Frog to The Library - E. Kimmel
this is one of my favorites from my school library days. Some of the story situations are out dated...card catalog anyone?, but the animals taking over the library made my kids smile and ask for it to be read again.
A Cuddle for Little Duck - C. Freedman
a new board book about a little duck's day. Cute rhyme and cute pictures. Great bedtime read.
Maisy Dresses Up - L. Cousins
Maisy gets read a lot in our house - this is a cute story about Maisy going to a costume party. Did I mention the twins love Maisy? We have our own Maisy Dolls. We have a Maisy playset. We even have a Maisy game. Maisy books are perfect for 2 year olds...and even for 3 year olds...not sure how long this fascination will last.
Anyone else have a child fascinated with a book character ???
