Jun 16, 2011

If I Built a Car


My prayers have finally been answered!  I went through such a rough patch with books that I wasn't sure if I would find a book in time to write my next post.  This last week, however, I must have meandered out of the "Parental Torture" section in our local library and into the "Hallelujah!" section.  I have such a huge stack of awesome books to share and this is at the top of them.

If I Built A Car is by Chris Van Dusen, author of the Mr. Magee and Mercy Watson books.  So needless to say I knew I would love the illustrations and I was expecting to like the book.  "Like" is such a feeble word when describing how I feel about this incredibly funny and entertaining book!  I adore this car and wish it really existed, not that I could afford it but the dents in my front and back bumper can attest to the fact that I deserve...no, NEED this car!  Plus, can I tell you how many times I have been driving in town and the warm sun mixed with my usual sleep deprivation and an added unusual silence coming from kids in the back seat have had me all but falling asleep at the wheel?  I could totally use a robot to take over while I snoozed on the couch (most likely a standard feature on all models)! 

I will admit that there are drawbacks to this book.  There has been fighting and massive shedding of tears over who got to have this book for bedtime, a minor inconvenience really considering what follows the temper tantrums is silent, content children...sniffling away....while I read this brilliant book!

Jun 8, 2011

When I Grow Up


Okay, okay...how could you go wrong with a book written by Al Yankovic
This is honestly one of my favorite books ever!

Did you know that I have only worked at a mere fourteen different jobs and only switched my major when I was in college six times before deciding on what I wanted to be when I grew up.  Guess what? Since finally deciding to become a massage therapist I have dabbled in children's book writing, learned to successfully trade stock, taken up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu all while cultivating patience in my most important job, commonly referred to as MOM!  I thought maybe I was decisionally challenged or flighty but according to this book I'm normal!  Yep, you heard me right, NORMAL!

Reading this book is like winning a prize for having sat through all the less than superior books that my kids grab off the shelf at the library.  It is definitely one of those diamonds in the rough.  There is rhyming (my favorite), witty humor, hilarious pictures by Wes Hargis, and best of all a wonderful lesson to share with your kids.  I love that this book tells kids it is okay to do and be a million things as long as you are happy!

Well that's enough praise for one night...go find a copy...NOW! 

(Oh and in case you ever read this post Mr. Yankovic, I would love to have the recipe for Twinkies Au Gratin!  That's my kinda meal!)