Book Review: The Monster at the end of this Book

An oldie but a goodie.  When I originally found Sesame Street's, The Monster at the end of this Book, I was taken back to memories of enjoying this fun and playful read with my own mom.  Starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover, this interactive book begins with Grover explaining to the reader how he is scared of the "monster" at the end of the book.  So scared in fact, he begs young readers not to turn the pages.  As the story unfolds, Grover build walls and takes other creative measures to prevent this from happening. 

I personally enjoy watching my son's anticipation grow with the turn of each page.  Reading this one together brings lots of laughter to story time - a definite must-have for your child's book collection.  We love this book so much that we purchased the ipad version as well, which gives an animated quality to the classic.  Enjoy!

Making use of small spaces: Closet Reading Nook

When space is an issue you must get creative.  How cute is this adorable closet turned reading nook?  My kids love small spaces - especially ones that feel like a hideaway.  What a unique use of space - and a great way to inspire little ones to read. 

Check out The Thrifty Decor Chick to see step-by-step instructions on how to make your own children's closet reading nook!

For Moms: Book Necklace

DIY Project

Ok moms this is for you.  I confess, I am obsessed with the store Anthropologie.  OBSESSED.  If I had all the money in the world - let me tell you it would likely be spent in this store!  A while back I saw this adorable book necklace on their website selling for an absurd $165.  On my part-time budget I had to pass.  If only I had the DIY skills one crafty mom had...she was so inspired by the anthro necklace she decided to make her own.  I am impressed.

Book Neclace from Anthropologie

Book Review: Giraffes Can't Dance

Lately, my 3 year old son has been choosing Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae as his go-to bedtime read.  He is a superhero fanatic (which is adorable), however, I have to admit I love when he chooses a book like this as opposed to a Spiderman or Captain America book! 

This is a really touching story about Gerald the Giraffe who so badly wants to dance with the other animals, but feels awkward and self-conscious.  A sad Gerald meets a friendly cricket who teaches him to listen to the sounds around him and dance to his own tune.  So well in fact when he re-joins the other animals - they are in awe.

What my son loves about this book are the vibrant and detailed illustrations of the animals dancing in the jungle.  He giggles when the "chimps do the cha-cha" and "the lions do the tango".  What I love is the message it sends, which is that it's okay to be yourself even if that means being different.  This poetic rhyme is song-like, flows well, and is fun to read to your children.

Spread from Giraffes Can't Dance

Creative Ways to Display & Store Children's Books

Recently, I came across the cutest ideas on Pinterest for creative ways to store children's books, while at the same time keeping them on display.  My first inspiration for this post came from Domestic Simplicity, where inexpensive Ikea Spice Racks were used for book storage.  LOVE!

Even though you hate to judge a book by its cover, I've found my own kids are more apt to select a book if they can see its cover, rather than when they are filed away on a regular book shelf.  Check out these cost-effective design solutions that will help you de-clutter, display, and preserve the life of your most treasured children's books.

Above is a Floor to Ceiling Book Display using Pineboard originally posted by the design blog ish & chi.  I ADORE the color coordination here!  Below is a creative renovation of an old shutter.  Repainted and flipped to display books, as seen on Apartment Therapy.

Top 10 "Must Have" Classic Children's Books

A great children's book is unique because unlike a "fad" toy, a wonderfully written story doesn't have an expiration date.  Whether you are giving a gift or building your child's book collection, you can not go wrong with any of these selections.  Kid tested and mother approved, many of these picks currently reside on my children's bookshelves.  I believe these classsic children's books will continue to captivate the imaginations of little readers for years to come.

Top 10 Classic Children's Books

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Green Eggs and Ham (I Can Read It All by Myself Beginner Books) by Dr. Seuss

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Corduroy by Don Freeman

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carl

On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman

Pottery Barn Kids offers Storytime Tuesdays!

It's always nice to get your kiddos out of the house for a fun activity - especially when it involves reading!  Pottery Barn Kids now offers Book Club Story Time on Tuesdays at 11am in retail stores! Kids will get an official book Club Passport at their first story time, and they receive a special gift after five visits. Check with your local Pottery Barn Kids store for more info.