Good Books
Karen Schacter, contributing editor (www.dishingwithyourdaughters.com)
Valentine’s Goodies That Keep On Giving Love
This Valentine’s Day, instead of candy that will be gobbled up in 2 minutes, give a gift of love to your children that will keep on giving...a book that you can read over and over with them! There is nothing like snuggling up on the couch on a cold winter day, under a warm blanket, getting cozy with your favorite children and some well-loved books.
Here are a few that make me and my children smile:
I Love You More, is a New York Times Bestseller by Laura Duksta, and illustrated by Karen Keesler. This beautifully illustrated book tells a love story that never ends: Open the book from one end, and you hear the mom’s poetic message of love to her son. Open the book from the other end, and you hear the son’s words of love to his mother. In the middle of the book, is a gorgeous picture of the Earth, with the words: “I love you more than anything in the whole wide world” written in a circle, around the Earth. This book’s simple words and childlike, bright pictures will touch children of all ages, and warm your heart with its simple, yet profound, expression of the love between mother and child.
Slugs in Love, by Susan Pearson and illustrated by Kevin O’Malley. Who knew that slugs could fall in love? This simple story uses little rhymes to follow the story of Marylou and Herbie, two little slugs who look like everyone else, but are, of course, special in their own way. Marylou loves everything about Herbie, including the special slime trail he leaves. A perfect metaphor to help our young children recognize how special, loved and unique they are!
M.O.M. (Mom Operating Manual), by New York Times bestselling author Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Laura Cornell, may be one of my favorite books of all time. M.O.M. reminds us that “a well-functioning mom is essential to domestic harmony and general well-being. Yet despite their status as the most advanced humans on the planet, moms do need some daily care and maintenance to keep them running smoothly.” This book is written in a light, funny way for children who may forget that their moms have needs too, and that although a mom’s “make and model” may vary from family to family, all moms require care! I love the fun and creative way Cronin writes to engage children and adults alike. Adorable!
Enjoy your loved ones this Valentine’s Day!
