Reading is so important for our kids, for building their vocabulary, opening their imaginations, and so many reasons to list.We love books around here, and I try to make reading as enjoyable as possible, If that means mommy getting into character i’m doing it.

I read to Alani almost every night. After bath time I have her pick the books she wants to read and bring them to me. For the past few weeks she’s been picking out the same books, and I absolutely love these books.

1. I Like Myself  by Karen Beaumont

I love how this book shows children to love themselves from inside and out, no matter if your nose or lips are big, if your hair is curly, etc. It tells you that you should love yourself for being you, and no one else. This book as written in the summary is “an exuberant ode to self-esteem that celebrates the joy of liking who you are” Thanks Glamma for this book!

 

       2.                                                         No No Yes Yes by Leslie Patricelli

This book is great for the toddlers like mine who are at that stage of unrolling the toilet tissue from the bathroom, purposely throwing food on the floor, etc. because they simply think it’s funny. I love how this book gives these toddlers the alternatives of what they should do. Alani finds this book soo funny, and it’s so cute when she waves her little finger and says no, no, no! (Her great grandma taught her that one, and it’s hilarious)

 

       3.                                                              First 100 words by Priddy Books

 

This book is good for your baby to start putting pictures to the objects they hear. I love using real objects to show Alani what things are like “Look at the purple ball”, Or “Yellow banana”, but if you don’t have all these objects around it’s great to have this book as a reference for them, especially for the babies who loves to read. Alani Has literally been obsessed with this book since she first got it. (Another one of glamma’s picks)

 

To all of my parents, it is very important that we read to our children daily. I know sometimes you may be tired from a long day of work or just a long day period, but even if it’s one book go for it. Our babies are the future.

What are some of your babies favorites?

For the past week Alani has been obsessed with this book.

I remember when her grandmother (glamma) bought this book for her months ago. When I first read it to her she wasn’t that into it.

I decided to pull it out again this week, and it’s been in constant rotation ever since.

Alani loves anything with animals, and colors; this book is perfect for that.

She also loves when she is in control, so turning the pages and sliding the little cards on each page is exciting for her.

I think she also loves my crazy animated voice when I read her books (lets see how long that will last).

Alani loves books, but a lot of times she won’t sit still for 2 minutes for me to finish the story, but I don’t let that discourage me, I just close the room door, and read out loud to her, even if she’s fumbling with toys in the corner. Usually she finds her way back.

So, for all the parents who has a child like mine (running around non stop, even at reading time), don’t give up.

Have a great day!

Last night I read this book to Alani; I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison.

This is the cutest little book ever. It’s about a little girl taking a walk to the park with her mother and hearing the rhythm as they go. Hearing it from the boom box playing in the street, the ice cream truck, the butterflies etc., and she is just shaking and dancing away.

I love books that have characters that look just like Alani, with hair just like hers.

Were you ever that child that didn’t like your natural hair because your favorite book character, singer, or actress had “nice” long straight hair? , or long wavy hair? well I was that child. I hated my thick curly hair, I hated when my mother would press my hair and it wasn’t as straight as the children on TV. I don’t ever want Alani to be that child. Although she may not understand any of this now, I don’t think it is ever too early to promote self love, and appreciation.

I know the book doesn’t talk about that, but that’s what came to mind after reading it.

I love this book, so if you’re looking to get a new book to add to your child’s library, you can get your copy,  here

Thank You aunty Klarinda for my autographed copy!