“A cow says MOO…A sheep says BAA…Three singing pigs say LA LA LA!” You know it by heart. Your child knows it by heart. That’s part of the fun. They can finish the sentences, know when to laugh, and there’s always that one page that’s their very favorite. What happens when you’ve read a book so many times that it’s not entertaining for you or your child anymore? There’s definitely a point where your child “outgrows” the story and is ready to move on and start reading a ne

We all know the importance of reading to our children, but there are times when the idea of sitting through If You Give a Mouse a Cookie for the twelfth time in one day can be mind numbing. Reading should be fun for you and your child, it’s a way to connect and bond, but it doesn’t always have to mean sitting down with a book. Here are five unexpected ways to read with your child: The Grocery Store- The grocery store has words everywhere, from the food on the shelves to the

There's no need for an excuse to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine together this long weekend, but these fun activties can help keep the little ones active! There are LOTS of great ideas out there to get the kids in the spirit (and stay enaged) while you grill and party prep. Let the 4th of July snacks, crafts, and reading begin! A little napping in the sun will do, too ;) Fireworks Craft All you need is a straw, some child/clothing-safe red and blue finger paint, and paper

Looking for new bedtime stories? Here are our top choices for bedtime themed board and picture books! In no particular order, with my favorite versions indicated. Little Owl's Night (Hardcover) The Going to Bed Book (Board) Kitten's First Full Moon (Hardcover) A Book of Sleep (Hardcover or Board) Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! (Hardcover) Pajama Time! (Board) Snoozers (Board) Goognight Moon (Lap Edition) Good Night, Gorilla (Board) Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

Come, come now...did somebody say, BOOK MOBILE? YES. Some guy in a bowler hat in 1916 said it, and we're saying it again now! There are hundreds of food trucks in LA county. You can get hand pies, street tacos, even fresh pasta out of a truck now. Clothing boutiques have gone mobile. Vintage fashion trucks. Mobile museums. And yes, there is already evidence of books on wheels, too. A vintage bookstore has been spotted around Echo Park, and big name book publishers of course h

It's no secret that reading and singing aloud to your baby helps them learn and grow. Story Time interactions now mean indispensable language and social skills for your baby later. Plus, Story Time fosters a close emotional relationship between you and your baby. But it's also no secret your baby is more likely to try eat and crinkle a book than to turn its pages (we know this well). On those special days, when you spend half of Story Time chasing the little one around so the

Many people were surprised at the idea of me starting a children’s bookstore with the rise of the kindle and the ipad, but I believe this is exactly the right time to re-create a love of books and reading in today’s youth! Early literacy is so important and it sets the stage for all later learning. From birth to 5 years old is the time when a child’s brain in undergoing the most growth and development. Reading to and with a child in these critical years builds skills that are