What a Son Needs from His Dad

Well, I'm not a Dad but I am a Mom to a son and I just couldn't resist checking out What a Son Needs from His Dad by Michael A. O'Donnell. While it is geared specifically to the Father/Son relationship there are many great insights and advice for parents of boys and girls throughout this read as well. Much of it is about being a great parent. It's a quick and easy read but that doesn't mean it isn't packed with information. I'd say it's geared more towards the older pre-teen/teen years but there is lots of things for even the youngest years like the chapter titled 'Effective Fathering' and a chapter on helping our son to discern good and meaningful friendships. There's scripture throughout this read, anchoring points back to Biblical teaching. It's a very thoughtful and thorough study. I will be sure to reference this book in throughout the years to come.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House for the purpose of this review.

cold and flu season

Well we've been hit pretty hard so far with this cold and flu season. It seems we're no sooner recovering than another cold hits. There's nothing I like more when I'm sick than to curl up with a good book! One of my favorite sick day reads is A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin Stead. Nothing can make one feel better than good friends and this charming picture book captures just that sentiment. Amos McGee is an ever faithful friend until one day he gets sick but his friends now rush to his side to help him get well soon! I love the woodblock print illustrations washed in touches of soft colors with a bit of quirkiness. Hope you are all feeling well!

Another book to warm you this winter

Another wonderful winter read sure to warm your heart is The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen and illustrated by Elaine Greenstein. It's a story of kindness, friendship and generosity but most of all taking the time to notice those around us and in our lives. Sarah, is an elderly woman who's own children have grown. The children of the neighborhood still gather each morning outside Sarah's home to catch the school bus. She loves watching the children and remembering her own children's school days. As the weather turns cold she notices a boy that does not have mittens. She decides to do something about it and so begins a fun tradition for the children. She places the mittens she knits on a tree by the bus stop and the children delight in finding new mittens each morning on that tree. But Sarah's kind deed also doesn't go unnoticed and she receives a wonderful surprise of her own one morning.

Winter is the Warmest Season

Well the winter temperatures have finally reached us. Trying to keep warm brought to mind the book Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer. Bright and playful illustrations follow along as a young boy shares all the things that make winter the warmest and coziest of seasons for him. It's a great outlook for appreciating the cold winter months by focusing on all those wonderfully warming things like puffy coats, toasty fires, hot cocoa, friends and family. Curl up with this read and be warmed!

Still time to shop Tea Collection and save!

What better way to ring in the New Year than with a great sale? Every year I look forward to the Tea Collection Semi-Annual Sale because I always find great, modern kids' clothes at 50% off or more. Starting January 1st Tea Collection is offering an EXTRA 25% off already marked-down clothes with promo code 25OFFSALE. This extra savings is good January 1st through January 8th at 11:59 pm PST while supplies last. Now's the best time to shop Tea Collection and save on cool clothes for your kids. Happy New Year!

Reading for the New Year

First Night by Harriet Ziefert and illustrated by S.D. Schindler is about a New Year's eve parade led by a girl named Amanda Dade. It's a fun repetitive rhyming read that builds up as each new character in the parade is introduced. The crisp, bold pastel illustrations absolutely seem to glow on the pages in a stunning effect. It's a fun read showing one of the many ways you can celebrate the new year.























P. Bear's New Year's Party: A Counting Book by Owen Paul Lewis is a fun glimpse at the tradition of throwing a New Year's eve party with your friends to celebrate the upcoming year. It opens with an invitation where it is noted that formal dress is required. Then P. Bear sends out invitations to all his best dressed friends. It's a really fun play on 'formal attire' and all the guests arrive looking just smashing! There's also a clock on each page showing the time that each guest or group of guests arrived. An added bonus so you can talk about the concept of time with your children while they are learning all about the new year and count down until midnight.



















Squirrel's New Year's Resolution by Pat Miller and illustrated by Kathi Ember. I'm actually very surprised that there are not more children's books that are about the tradition of New Year's resolutions. But Squirrel's New Year's Resolution does a lovely job of sharing about and teaching young children just what a resolution is. The story line follows squirrel on New Years Day wondering what a resolution is and when learning from Bear trying to figure out just what her resolution should be. It seems like all of her friends are great at making resolutions but will squirrel ever have one and what will it be? You'll have to read to find out!


Happy New Year!

Tea Collection's Semi-Annual Sale

As the hustle and bustle of the Holidays comes to an end its time to take advantage of all the after Holiday sales. Tea Collection is a great place to find clothes for all ages. Starting today Tea Collection is offering up to 60% off on pants, dresses, and shirts. Let the little girl in your life bring in the New Year with style in the Corzo Chambray Dress. This dress will sparkle and shine and is sure to make any little girl feel like a star. Your little boy will look so handsome and grown-up in the Alegre Aztec Sweater Vest. Even moms are allowed to dress up! Treat yourself to the Chiapas Tunic Dress. Perfect to wear around the house or out to dinner. Make sure to shop Tea Collection and save up to 60% only while supplies last. This is a deal you definitely don't want to miss. Happy Shopping!