Dads Read Too

JER:  “Outfoxed”  by Mike Twohy is a great silly book.  The Fox is disappointed to barely escape the fence and guard dogs only to find that he didn’t end up grabbing a chicken from the henhouse.  It looks like a “duck”, but slobbers, chews up his clothes, and wakes him up with hot breath in his face.  He finally has enough and takes it back, but a surprise greets him when he arrives back home. 

JER:  “So Many Gifts”  by Anne Marie Pierce  is a bit out of season for February, but when I found it at my parents’ house on a trip to Utah with Lake - I instantly loved it.   It perfectly describes the way I want to think about Santa Claus and Christmas.  Primary Theme: a dream that “all would [receive] gift[s]”  Secondary Theme: passing on kindness to others Summary: the books envisions the origin story of Santa from a “very long tine ago, in a place I can’t remember”. There was a person who wanted to instill the joy of discovery in children, to make them laugh, and they wanted to make sure that as many children as possible could be rewarded with laughter.  But Santa soon realized that they would need “helpers”, and all the children who had received gifts in the past worked to help Santa develop “endless supplies of fantasy and myth”. We all are “Santa”, and we can keep alive the kindness that generated from one kind person. ...

The Treasure of Pirate Frank  by Mal Peet, Elspeth Graham and illustrated by Jez Tuya A: ☠️🗺A fun treasure hunt sparking a sense of adventure and discovery with many steps to go through and remember! And a big surprise at the destination! Sometimes our adventures (or just daily tasks) don’t end the way we think they will, but that doesn’t mean they are’t worth doing!! The story builds each page upon the last (like the little old lady who swallowed a fly) and then back down after they reach the ‘❌’ that marks the spot! Primary Theme: Adventure may not end where you think Secondary Themes: Strong female character, multiple steps to a process, overcoming obstacles Summary: From the Nosy Crow website: “A boy and his dog set sail in search of treasure, braving stormy seas... mountains snowy and cold... the swamp where the bullfrogs sing... and other challenging obstacles, before finally reaching the end of their quest. But wait! Pirate Frank is A GIRL! And she doesn’t want ...

Dad Tip: Let them vacuum! This vacuum is the amazing because it can be at kid height!! Our 2 year old loves it! We just leave the handle short on this model and let him go to town!!! He is obsessed! Thanks  @dyson , you should think about making a true functioning kids vacuum!! If you to purchase feel free to use this link! We get a small kickback if you do, but just happy to share if it helps someone with daily chores and keeping the littles busy!! (also teaching life skills!)

JER: “ Where’s Spot? ” by Eric Hill might be the most well “loved” book in our house.  It is so well “loved” that many of the distinctive flaps in this “lift-the-flap” book were “loved” off of their board-book-pages . . . But I am pretty proud of my make-shift replacement flaps.  A fun way to increase interaction with a toddler is to sign the name of the animal as they are revealed behind the flap. “Is Spot behind the door? ‘No’, says the snake” (accompanied by a hissing snake sign). The “Learn ASL App” is really great for learning basic sign language. 

JER: “ Before I Wake Up ” by Britta Teckentrup is a soothing visual and lyrical trip.  The colors and dream-like journey lull you to sleep.  

JER: "LLAMAPHONES " by Janik Coat is a perfect book to start with for infants and toddlers.  I love the clever use of homonyms: rose vs rows, stair vs stare, sent vs cent, etc.  But the most appealing part for first time readers is the tactile graphics that are really fun to feel, and the LLAMAS, how could I forget about the LLAMAS.