Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg

Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg is technically a board book meant for a toddler.   I say technically because it is so much more than a board book.  This is the kind of book that I would give to someone who might be a bit of a perfectionist and who might not see the possibilities a mistake can bring.   The illustrations are quirky and the foldouts are fun but it is the lesson that is most important.   Mr Saltzberg has said in a few simple words that it is better to make the most out of an "oops"----just like the old adage to make lemonade out of lemons.   A wonderful book for all ages......

Seashore Baby by Elise Broach illus Cori Doerrfeld

It has been really warm the past few days and I have really wished I could go to the beach.   I found the cutest little board book the other day that reminded me of my nephews and niece playing on the beach.  

Seashore Baby by Elise Broach and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld is one of the sweetest board book I have seen in a long time.   It is perfect to take to the shore with our littlest friends.   It in a great interactive book because it has large lift-the-flaps that are quite fun.   A great new board book with wonderful illustrations that will be read again and again.

New Valentines Day Books!

Here are some new books that are the perfect way to get ready for Valentines Day!

Kisses by Barney Saltzberg--a touch & feel book for the littlest among us. Brightly illustrated and very cheerful. A fun book to share. I love the elephants on the cover.....

The Great Valentine's Day Mix-Up by Saxton Moore---fun school story about Valentines Day cards that get "mixed up"~great lift the flaps with messages to decode.

Bear Hugs: Romantically Ridiculous Animal Rhymes by Karma Wilson illus by Suzanne Watts. Really fun poems & rhymes to make anyone smile.

These are just a couple of new books that struck my fancy.....I hope they strike yours too!

Flashback Tuesday: Where is Baby's Belly Button by Karen Katz

While working in the bookstore I was constantly being asked about baby books. Since babies can't read customers were always confused about what to get. I always recommended board books because they are sturdy and do not rip easily. I also liked to recommend books that have a repetitive nature about them.

When I left the stores to work in the buying office one of my subjects to buy was called Toddlers. I kept in mind what I had learned in the stores and applied them to my buying skills. Almost ten years ago this really cute book came along. Where is Baby's Belly Button by Karen Katz is a perfect first book for a toddler. It has cute illustrations, it is playful, repetitive and also interactive. It is great to read with a child for fun learning and bonding moments.

Since this book came out Karen Katz has written and illustrated many other books. They make perfect gifts for new families. I never grow tired of suggesting her books because I know they will be a hit.