7 Girl Power Books for Your Strong Little Women

Since I talked about my strong girl earlier this week, I decided it was time to put together a list of books for strong girls. You know, #bossnotbossy girls. Let me preface this by saying I am by no means anti-princess. I love all the princesses. We are a princess-friendly house, just as we are a superhero-friendly house. I am not against princesses – but I am against not giving girls options. Therefore, I present this fun list of titles for your own strong little women.

My First Book of Girl Power

Since we are a superhero-loving family, it should come as no surprise that one of the first books on my daughter’s bookshelf is dedicated to female superheroes. In this board book by Julie Merberg, each female superhero is identified along with her strengths. The strengths include things like speed, bravery, intelligence, kindness and strength. It is fun to introduce cool female characters, as well as discuss the qualities that make them super.

The Paper Bag Princess

Do you ever read a book that is simply so delightful you wonder how you ever made it this long before reading it? The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko is this book for me. If you do not own it, run to amazon and purchase it now! (That’s what I did.) A quick summary of this classic: a princess loves a prince. Their castle is burned by a dragon and the prince is taken by the dragon. The princess goes on a quest to save him (wearing only a paper bag because all her gowns burned). She outsmarts the dragon and saves him, only to have him point out that she looks like a mess. The book ends with her telling him he may look like a prince, but he is a bum. And they did not get married after all. I cannot stop reading it and laughing. Trust me on this one. It is a classic for a reason.

Princess Pigsty

In this fun children’s book by Cornelia Funke, there are three princess sisters. One of the sisters is simply over it. She does not want to wear all the dresses and do all the princess-y things anymore. Her father, the king, punishes her by making her do dirty chores (work in the kitchen and then in the pigpen). But, surprise, surprise! This princess finds she is much happier mucking it up in the mud with the pigs. The book does show the struggle of the king accepting his daughter’s choice, but he ultimately comes around to realize she is happier than she ever was in the castle. Princesses and pigs – that’s enough to make my daughter giggle.

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink

Jane Yolen is a super popular children’s literature author for good reason. Her books are easy to understand, clever, full of rhymes and bright illustrations. This book focuses on identifying what the title suggests – princesses like all different colors, hobbies, careers. These princesses do not fit into stereotypical boxes, but they do all wear crowns (even when playing sports).

The Princess Knight

This clever children’s book by Cornelia Funke focuses on the daughter of a king who is raised by her father and older brothers after he mother passes away. She learns (and teaches herself) how to be a knight. She is strong enough to play fight with her brothers and to defend herself. However, her father announces they will be holding a tournament for knights to battle for her hand in marriage. She is simply not okay with this idea. So, she does what any brave princess who knows how to joust would do. She fights in the tournament in disguise to win for herself. And she does. Hooray!

Ninja Red Riding Hood

My daughter loves this children’s book by Corey Rosen Schwartz and illustrated by Dan Santat! And what’s not to love about taking a classic fairy tale and adding in ninja moves? This story follows the traditional fairy tale with the exception of Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf both learning martial arts, and Red defeating him with her awesome moves, of course. Granny also has some smooth moves she uses to take down the wolf. In the end of this reimagined fairy tale, the big bad wolf decides to find inner peace by taking up yoga.

Pirate Girl

Pirates are fun! Boy pirates, girl pirates, puppy pirates – who cares? I like this book by Cornelia Funke because while it focuses on the group of burly men pirates capturing a girl who is then rescued by a group of women pirates, it really emphasizes the mom rescuing her daughter. In this story, the pirate men were afraid of the band of female pirates. But, what is scarier than a mom who is fighting for her child? It makes perfect sense to me.

* You may purchase these books from amazon by clicking on the titles. These are affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: The Dragon Hunters

The Dragon Hunters by James Russell

Wow, oh, wow! If you are looking for children’s book that is entertaining for both kids and adults, I have the one for you. The Dragon Hunters by James Russell is so much fun!

This children’s book tells the adventurous story of two young brothers who go on an epic quest to rescue their pet dog from a dragon. The illustrations are eye-catching, and the rhymes keep the pace fast and silly. A book that captures my child’s attention with rhymes such as “derriere” and “fresh air” is sure to be a hit in our home.

My two children loved the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it aloud with them. In addition to their rescuing efforts told with great rhythm and rhymes, excellent illustrations, the book is also set up to work with a downloadable app. The app makes the story come alive! Even more fun – this is just Book 1 in what is sure to be an exciting trilogy.

I highly recommend this upcoming children’s book for all families. This is a book you will want to read over and over again.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may preorder this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: Happiness Doesn't Come from Headstands

Happiness Doesn't Come from Headstands by Tamara Levitt

Happiness Doesn’t Come from Headstands by Tamara Levitt is a lovely spin on the idea of teaching kids trying and trying again equals achievement. Children are often taught this idea; therefore, they often become frustrated because the end result doesn’t equal achievement or lead to perfection or happiness.

This is where this wonderful children’s book is effective. Little Leela loves yoga, but no matter how hard she tries, she is still struggling to learn how to do a headstand independently. She becomes frustrated and envious when the other children in yoga class succeed with this feat.

Until her kind friend, Lyle, points out all the great things Leela already can do. He helps her see that happiness does not come from headstands, but instead from being happy with herself. I applaud Tamara Levitt for presenting a difficult lesson in a way all children can understand.

If you have a child who struggles with perfectionism or is anxious about completing tasks, this book will be a helpful tool to have on hand. It will make a great addition to your children’s bookshelves.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may preorder this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: There, There

There, There by Time Beiser

I read There, There by Tim Beiser recently. I wanted to read this book because the premise is something I can relate to as a mom of young children. Little Rabbit constantly complains and whines about everything. Nothing can go right in his eyes. Fortunately, Rabbit’s wise friend, Bear, is there to soften his complaints with a simple, “There, There.”

Until, like most people, Bear gets annoyed with the continuous whining. Bear tries to teach Rabbit the importance of being grateful for what he does have in his life. This is also where the children’s story lost its effect for my children. Bear uses the example of earthworms crawling in the dirt to show Rabbit that at least he doesn’t have it “that bad.”

I really wanted my kids to love this book and appreciate the message, but it was not their favorite. They did not seem to appreciate the earthworm comparison and then they felt bad for that Bear was “picking on” the earthworms. The message is a good one for teaching a basic principle, but it won’t be one we rush out to buy.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 Books to Help With Potty Training

Warning: If bathroom talk makes you cringe, skip today’s post.

If you have not yet had to potty train a child, I can promise you that it will be one of the strangest experiences in your parenting life. It is so weird. It may also be the first major time you, as a parent, feel completely and utterly defeated by your child. Because it is not easy or very much fun. And it stinks. Literally. But, you are not alone. Every parent must eventually battle and conquer potty training.

For many lucky parents, the hardest part of potty training is the second part (aka poop). Some kids are not keen on the idea of putting “that” in “there.” It is scary (for the child and the parents). For those parents who found potty training to be a breeze, we all hate you. Just kidding. Well, maybe just a little. For everyone else, fear not! Here is my handy dandy list of the most ridiculously helpful potty training books for kids. 

At this point, Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi should be considered a classic. If you are not familiar with this book, it is pretty simple. Everyone eats; therefore, everyone poops. The writer uses animals to help children understand the concept. The pictures and ideas are easy for children to understand. How can it be scary when everyone does it?

Let’s take it a step farther. If the book with pictures isn’t enough to help your child, then introduce Where’s the Poop? by Julie Markes and illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung. This is a lift-the-flap children’s book. What is more fun than lifting the various flaps to find out where the baby animals have pooped?! Ha! Plus, it ends with a human child going to the bathroom. It is silly and children love it. 

For the family who is okay with potty humor, Super Pooper! by Monika Sloan will be a hit. It encourages kids to be super poopers by putting the stinky stuff in the potty. It is repetitive and ridiculous. But, it is just silly enough to encourage your child. Just be warned – your child may excitedly announce he/she is a super pooper in the middle of the grocery store.

If you are at the beginning stages of potty training, P-O-T-T-Y is a cute board book that introduces a song to help prepare children for potty training. The tune of the song is the same tune as BINGO. Is it stuck in your head already? Since little ones usually already know BINGO, this is a fun way to encourage kids to use the potty.

Potty Time by Caroline Jayne Church is another introduction to potty training. This is a board book that includes a “flushing” sound button to get children interested in going to the restroom. Since kids seem to love flushing a toilet best, this book is effective in allowing them to “flush” repetitively. 

Not a book, but another great tool to have at home as you prepare for this adventure. Elmo’s PottyTime works in the same way Sesame Street always does – it uses colors, fun songs, silly characters and creative situations to teach children. Of all the shows involving potty training, this one is the most helpful.

Good luck! Stay sane! 

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Book Review: The Way Home in the Night

The Way Home in the Night by Akiko Miyakoshi

The beautifully illustrated children’s book The Way Home in the Night by Akiko Miyakoshi is a wonderful addition to your kid lit collection. The simple story tells the story of a young bunny’s walk home with her mother.

The black and white illustrations work to highlight the different activities taking place in her neighbor’s windows. Who is cooking? Who is reading? Who is having a party? Who is sleeping? The neutral colors allow readers glimpses into various scenarios while imagining what takes place in homes other than their own every night.

This is another hit for the award winning author and illustrator, Akiko Miyakoshi. If your little ones have curious minds, I recommend this book. The illustrations alone make it worthy of your attention. 

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may preorder this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: Tricked

Tricked by Jen Calonita

Recently I read Tricked (Fairy Tale Reform School) by Jen Calonita. Tricked is book three in the entertaining Fairy Tale Reform School series. With the surge of books making plays on traditional fairy tales, it is fun to read a unique spin.

Fairy Tale Reform School focuses on sending those young people who are on the road to trouble to a special school run by reformed villains (such as Cinderella’s evil stepmother). The books combine the classic fairy tale characters and introduce new characters and plots.

Tricked centers on Gilly’s desire to return to FTRS to find out what sneaky trick the new headmaster, Rumplestiltskin is planning and to help her younger sister, Anna, who has been sent to FTRS along with her closest rebellious friends, Hansel and Gretel. All Gilly knows is that her sister is not acting like herself and the town is enchanted with Rumplestilskin’s desire to “Make Enchantasia great again.” Gilly reunites with her fellow former FTRS friends to get into enough trouble to get thrown back in. The novel follows this wise, crafty, bad-turned-good band’s quest to save their beloved school, home and families from Rumplestilskin.

My only regret with this book is that I wish I had read the previous books in the series. The book does not stand alone, and I would have understood more about the characters and the setting if I was familiar with the previous books. Fans of the series, rejoice! Tricked will be released in March.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may preorder this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: Good Morning Superman

Good Morning, Superman by Michael Dahl

This week we read Good Morning, Superman by Michael Dahl and illustrated by Omar Lozano. This is a SUPER book for young children. Our family is superhero-friendly. All toy boxes and book shelves are filled with all things superhero related. So, when the opportunity came along to read this book, I jumped at the chance.

Good Morning, Superman is a fun book to look at because the children’s morning routine is mirrored by Superman’s hero saving activities. Time to get dressed, just like Clark Kent! Duty calls for our young hero (time to use the potty and brush his teeth), while the panel also shows how duty calls superman to save the day!

This book is not only fun and brightly illustrated, it works well to teach your child a morning routine. For those parents struggling to get their kids up and out of the door in the morning, this book will be helpful in teaching them an easy routine in a fun way. It is a great book to add to your superhero collection.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may purchase this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

7 Books for Your Little Valentines

Whether you love all the red and pink in February or hate the commercialization, Valentine’s Day is fun for little ones. Candy, love notes, more candy, balloons, and even more candy. Who can blame them? But, sometimes the Valentine’s Day themed books can be a little much. We prefer quirky love stories in our home. If you want to find some heartwarming, silly books that talk about love all year long rather than just in February, here is a list for you.

Love Monster by Rachel Bright

By far, my favorite children’s book about love is Love Monster. A monster is looking for love, but his quest for love is long and hard. When he is ready to give up, love finds him. Between the adorable pictures and the lines about searching for love that resonate with both kids and adults, this book always leaves me teary-eyed.

I Love You, Stinky Face by LisaMcCourt/Cyd Moore

My kids cannot get enough of I Love You, Stinky Face. This fun book combines outstanding illustrations with silly ideas that represent a mother’s unconditional love. So what if you are a super smelly skunk? “I’d plunk you in a bubble bath! But if you still smelled stinky, I wouldn’t mind. I’d whisper in your ear, ‘I love you, Stinky Face.” We regularly repeat lines from this book to one another. These terms of endearment sure beat all the regular mushy-gushy Valentine’s stuff.

Runaway Mummy by Michael Rex

Another nontraditional book about a mother’s unconditional love is Runaway Mummy. This book works well for my Halloween, spook loving children. This mommy mummy will stop at nothing to stay near her boy. Except for turning into a soccer mom.

Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton

What toddler is not a fan of the amazing Sandra Boynton? She can do no wrong in their eyes (or mine). The reason I love Snuggle Puppy is because it gives parents the chance to sing loudly, smooch and squeeze their little ones. We sing the song to each other often – not just on Valentine’s Day.

Just a Little Love by Mercer Mayer

The whole idea of this book is that sometimes people just need a little love, and it shows children all the different ways you can show just a little love. I love Mercer Mayer books because they are so realistic with their truthful messages (and humorous). Mom’s dinner falls to the floor? She needs a little love. Dad gets a speeding ticket rushing to grandma’s house? He needs a little love.

You Are My I Love You by Maryann Cusimano/Satomi Ichikawa

If there is a book that illustrated the way my second child loves, it is this one. If you have never read the poem, you should read it right away. My favorite lines are “I am your praying hands; you are my saying grace. I am your favorite book; you are my new lines.” It is beautiful and true. Yet, it also makes me smile at the differences in the way a child sees you and how you see your child. 

A Crankenstein Valentine by Samantha Berger/Dan Santat

Look at their little Crankenstein faces. Bless. 

I wanted to include just one actual Valentine’s themed book, but I chose a book that is also nontraditional. Crankenstein is not a fan of all the Valentine’s mushy stuff. There is lots of silliness about icky yucky hearts and jokes about underwear, so it is a hit with my 6 year old son. But, little Crankenstein finds a friend who shares his hate for all things lovey-dovey, and this makes him appreciate the holiday a little more.

 
Any other quirky, nontraditional children’s books about love I should add to the list for Valentine’s Day and all year round?

*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog! 

Book Review: Spork

Spork

Yesterday, I read the charming book Spork by Kyo Maclear (illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault) with my kids. Spork is a story about, well, a spork. In case you do not know, a spork is part spoon/part fork. Since Spork is too round, he doesn’t quite fit with the forks. Since Spork is too pointy, he doesn’t quite fit with the spoons.

Spork spends his days trying to know where he belongs. In between the wonderful illustrations and the great rhythm of the lines, your children will learn that it is okay to be different. The book brought smiles to our faces as we giggled at the thoughts of our cutlery come to life. For example, Spork is envious he doesn’t get to take a giant sudsy bubble bath at the end of the day (or what we know as the dishes being washed) because he is never used.

But, one day, Spork learns that while the forks may be good at poking and the spoons may be good at stirring, sometimes a person needs both. That’s how Spork discovers sometimes it is best to fit into more than one box.

This children’s book shows little ones that they do not have to fit into one category – they can do or be lots of things! The paperback version of this book will be released in April. I highly recommend this unique story to families with children, especially those who struggle with knowing where they fit.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may purchase a hardcover edition of this book from amazon. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: Count Your Chickens

Count Your Chickens

This rainy afternoon I settled down in my reading chair and snuggled in with both of my kids to read Count Your Chickens by Jo Ellen Bogart. The book was perfect for both my children (aged 2.5 and 6). It captured their attention with the sing-song like rhymes and vibrant illustrations. Even my youngest enjoyed the finding the chickens in their funny outfits in their exciting locations.

These chickens have a ball riding trains, ferris wheels and much more. Your children will love laughing along as you read, finding and counting the chickens. Any book that combines silliness and learning is a hit in my house! Add in chickens in clothing and you have a sure winner. I highly recommend this book to families with little ones – or anyone who is just a fan of chickens.

*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

You can purchase this book on amazon. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!