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

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

Our top choices for board and picture books involving all themes diaper, body, and potty! The classics, and then some. Poopendous! by Artie Bennett (Hardcover) Potty by Leslie Patricelli (Board) The Potty Book For Girls/Boys by Alyssa Satin (Board) Duck Goes Potty Michael Dahl (Board) Dinosaur vs. the Potty Bob Shea (Board) Everyone Poops Taro Gomi (Hardcover) Time to Pee! By Mo Willems (Hardcover) Superhero Potty Time or Princess Potty Time by Sue DiCicco (Board) I Wa

This week marks the 95th anniversary of Children's Book Week! On May 12-18, 2014, celebrate a love of books and reading in your home and community! "Cover to Cover, Coast to Coast" Children's Book Week originated in the belief that children's books and literacy are life-changers (here, here!). Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Every year, commemorative events are held nationwide at schools, libraries,

"To the world, you may be one person. But to at least one person, you may be the world" Moms are amazing. They cheer us up when we're sad, and take care of us when we're sick. They always support us. They sacrifice a lot for us. They always put their happiness ahead of their own. When reseraching Mother's Day ideas, I kept happening upon this quote: "A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pi

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