Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in cleveland, OH

Alphaboat - A Giveaway

by Naomi

March 03, 2009

We have recently become fans of everything Michael Chesworth.  After some of his books were featured during a recent library storytime, we have soaked up all we can of his books!

Alphaboat (currently our favorite Chesworth book) is an amazing combination of great puns (you'll marvel in amazement at these!) as well as artfully visualized jokes:

Not only is this my kiddos' first choice for a book to read, I sure don't mind reading it to them!

Not only is this book impressive and entertaining, but it is also educational.  We find something new every time we open the front cover, that we missed the time before.

Michael Chesworth has been illustrating children's books since 1989 and hit a home run when not only illustrating, but also writing Alphaboat himself.  Also on his list of "authored" and illustrated books is Rainy Day Dream.

This book will allow you to teach your children about the English language and rhymes, as well as provide great snuggle time with your littles.

I have to admit, we are huge fans of the library because it enables us to read loads of books in a cost-effective way ... however ... since learning of Michael Chesworth, we are adding the entire list of his books to our "wish lists".  We will be proudly displaying all things Chesworth on our bookshelves!

Would you like a chance to win your very own copy?

Simply email tracinghandprints@gmail.com letting us know the title of another Michael Chesworth illustrated book.  The winner will be chosen and notified directly on March 5th, 2009.

New Day Revolution ... and a giveaway

by Naomi

January 25, 2009

Sam Davidson and Stephen Mosely are the authors of New Day Revolution and the founders of Cool People Care. They have written an amazing book listing out very easy ways to "save the world in 24 hours." Some examples? Give a Coat: Many of us have too many coats, while there are others who don't even have one. Make a commitment to give one jacket to a local shelter or clothes closet. You may  Read more...

Our favorite books about being cold

by Naomi

January 21, 2009

It is winter and it sure is cold! Find a book at your local library about being cold, make some hot chocolate and read away about the coldest of our four seasons. Some of our favorites? It's Winter ,Linda Glaser Snowballs , Lois Ehlert All you need for a snowman , Alice Schertle The first day of winter , Denise Fleming The jacket i wear in the snow , Shirley Neitzel  Read more...

Favorite Books for the Holiday Season

by Naomi

December 11, 2008

Here is a list of the last of all-time FAVORITE holiday books in the Hattaway house ... we read them often and love every word! A good indication of a favorite book in this home? Those books that we don't need to be paraphrased by Mommy and Daddy. (You know, when you read a story and cut out unnecessary sentences to shorten the book?) Santa Calls , William Joyce A Creature Was Stirring ,  Read more...

GIVEAWAY! The Gift of the Christmas Cookie

by Naomi

December 09, 2008

Visit the Best Books of 2008 post and leave a comment. Three comments will be chosen at random; winners will receive a copy of The Gift of the Christmas Cookie book by Dandi Daley Mackall. This book teaches kids the story behind the Christmas sugar cookie tradition and inspires them to be cheerful givers. Guidelines: â?¢ You have until Midnight PST today, Tuesday, December 9th to enter  Read more...

Cleveland Rocks ... and so do these books!

by Naomi

November 25, 2008

Did you know that there are some GREAT books all about our area? Ok, maybe NOT just for the Cleveland area, but some neat Ohio-related reads ...you and your kids will love them. Coming soon, I will also highlight local authors/illustrators .. but for now .. some great books that you MUST introduce your kiddos to! B is for Buckeye , by Marcia Schonberg (an Ohio alphabet) Ohio State Shapes , by  Read more...

Recycling Your Reads.

by Naomi

November 24, 2008

Everyone loves books, right? Kids especially love to open a new book and transport themselves to a world of imagination,. Our checkbook however, does not like the sticker prices of books these days. Outside of utilizing your library to the best of your ability, another way to recycle your reads is to hold a book swap! Find like-minded families in your neighborhood or school system ... (make  Read more...

Savvy book reviews - November

by Naomi

November 24, 2008

How much is a million? We have had this book for quite awhile and love introducing it to each child as they reach the right age bracket. It's a perfect breakfast book as you can talk about the different scenarios and math equations ... then think on them the rest of the day! Doodles ABSOLUTELY ... ONE of our FAVORITES! Talk about inspiring creativity and the art of freeing your mind!  Read more...

Dealing with Separation.

by Naomi

November 20, 2008

New "on the street" is Oscar the Pig : Mommy Goes to Work, by Megan Calhoun . Megan's first book devotes its pages to the subject of separation anxiety. Whether you are a parent leaving your children to go to work, or placing them with a sitter for an out-of-town trip or a doctor's appointment, Oscar the Pig and his experience can be a help for your family. Instead of simply responding to the  Read more...

Favorites that get us gigglin'

by Naomi

November 18, 2008

We love to read books ... in the morning ... at bedtime ... at the dinner table ... and anytime in between. Right now, our favorite FUNNY author happens to be Lisa Wheeler . Dino-Hockey tells the story of a hockey team of dinosaurs ... and I promise you won't stop gigglin' until the end of the book! Farmer Dale's is the too cute story of a farmer "in a rut" and the animal hitchhikers who  Read more...

Books for Sleepyheads.

by Naomi

November 17, 2008

Bedtime is quite possibly my favorite time of the day ... and not just because it promises this tired mommy a bit of a break, but because at bedtime - children are sometimes the most receptive ... receptive to cuddling and snuggling ... willing to exchange eskimo kisses and listen to lullabies. Our all-time favorite "snuggle stories" are here for your perusal ... Good Night America and the  Read more...

Tessy & Tab ... fostering read-alone time.

by Naomi

November 15, 2008

Tessy and Tab are two of our favorite characters! Brought to you by the folks at Blue Lake Publishing , these little guys help your pre-readers to establish confidence and an early love for reading. Our family was first introduced to Tessy & Tab through Rock-n-Tot and what an absolute joy! Tessy & Tab combines so many fantastic concepts ... from your child receiving their very own  Read more...

Story Telling you DON'T want to miss!

by Naomi

November 11, 2008

Who doesn't like to find a great storytime? Even better when it's been tried and it's true! I polled some folks from around town ... and offer you the following "best of" list for local storytimes, storyteller hours and such. Take a look .... investigate a bit ... and enjoy! * * Cuyahoga County Library system. Use their Event Finder to locate a storytime near you. (some favorite locations?  Read more...

ABC Books

by Naomi

November 06, 2008

A great book is sometimes the one that you create yourself! I have a project for you ... come along with me and let's create an amazing piece of art! Items needed: camera cardstock metal ring (3") hole punch access to laminating machine (optional) markers/crayons ...other decorating items Make time to sit with your children and go through the alphabet. Look around your home, your outdoor space  Read more...