Book shopping for kids

Did I ever mention that my 6 year old buddy, Little P., has the same birthday as me? Well, he does! I saw him Friday afternoon and we were talking about Leap Day. I said, "P-----, after Leap Day on Saturday, this Sunday will be March 1st. Do you know what that means?" and without even a moment's hesitation he shouted, "It's almost our birthday!!!!!" Indeed!

On the 23rd of this month I will be forty-five and he will be seven years old. Isn't seven a nice age? (I'm not so sure I'd say the same about forty-five). I'm trying to decide on a book or books to buy him for a birthday present. He likes to read, and reads on a third or fourth grade level already, which should make it fun to pick. Here's what I'm considering, and I wonder if any of you would like to give me some input on this.

1. A nicely bound hardcover copy of a volume of children's poetry. Shel Silverstein's books were pure fun when I was his age. Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic are both superb. There are, of course, plenty of other volumes of poetry for children that would be good, too. 

2. A set of good chapter books like the Magic Treehouse series or the ones with nonfiction themes like biographies and historical events. 

3. Classic children's literature, like something shown here:

Then, of course, there's plenty of newer fiction for kids on his reading level that's supposed to be really good---modern favorites, if you will. Whatever I decide, I definitely want to get him a book or books for his birthday.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

A whole year already

I'm off to a birthday party this afternoon!

It's hard to believe, but little Carsen will be a year old on Tuesday! We all love her to pieces. I'm going to be the boring auntie that always buys books for her. Luckily her mommy and daddy read to her every night, and her nursery has bookshelves with her very own collection of books being built. I do hope she will love reading as she grows! I have a couple of books here at my home that I plan to read to her when she's big enough to stay over: The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh, The Velveteen Rabbit, a beautifully illustrated hardback copy of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and a first edition of Dinotopia. I also have the first 5 books of the Little House series in one hardback edition, but once she's old enough to read I plan to buy her a set of those of her own. A child that loves books is always my favorite kind of child!

Carsen's main gift today is a beautiful hardback book of Mother Goose rhymes. I spent the better part of the afternoon at the bookstore yesterday looking for just the right thing. The illustrations are gorgeous in this book and I hope they capture Carsen's imagination as she grows!

And so that she would have at least one book that she can hold (and drool on) right away, I bought her another book made for toddlers. It features squishy, crinkle-y sea animals: turtles, crabs, sharks, whales, and sea horses. I chose it since her "uncle" Gregg is known for his love of animals found in the water.

As I wrapped the books yesterday Gregg remarked on what a lucky little girl she is--to have so many people that love her and want to make her happy. I suspect today's party will be extra nice. For one thing, Marla and Toyo wouldn't agree to any kind of baby shower or party before Carsen was born. As some of you may remember, their first baby only lived a few days and never got to come home to the fully furnished nursery and the dozens of gifts waiting for her. Their caution during the next pregnancy was understandable, and so there hasn't been any special event for Carsen until now. Marla and (especially) Toyo have large families that dote on the baby, and lots and lots of friends, too. In addition, they just bought a new house last month and will be eager to show it off. Their move was so recent that I haven't even seen the place yet.

I'm so happy for their little family: a beautiful little girl with a first birthday to celebrate, a new home with space for their growing family where they can make a fresh start, and lots of friends and family to celebrate their good fortune with.

So I'm off to a birthday party! Have a great Sunday, everyone.