Author: Caryn

Book Trailer: Number One Sam By Greg Pizzoli

Even though I have yet to secure a copy for myself as it came out during my bleary-eyed first couple weeks with new baby, I want to make sure and alert all to the existence of a new Greg Pizzoli book: Number One Sam! His book, The Watermelon Seed, from last year is a reigning favorite for me and I cannot wait to see this new one.

(I have yet to mention that Greg was one of the first authors I’ve been able to meet since moving to NYC. He even kindly signed my book with a belated birthday note since my husband gave it to me last September.)

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Book Review: The Baby Tree By Sophie Blackall

Our house is obviously a bit baby crazy right now. Given our recent penchant towards new baby and big sister books, I was ecstatic to get my hands on a brand new book written and illustrated by the amazing illustrator, Sophie Blackall. I have admired her style for some time now and especially her unique perspective and twist to the work she does. Her newest book is both humorous and adorable. Abounding with cute babies, the story follows a little boy who, upon hearing about his sibling’s impending arrival, is determined to find out where babies come from. It is a classic question – parodied, joked about, and dreaded often – yet Ms. Blackall handles it with gentility, humor, and not even a hint of embarrassment. Be delighted in The Baby Tree by Sophie Blackall, May 1, 2014.

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Caryn22 Comments

Picture Books For Big Siblings With A New Baby

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the number one way we prepared for a new baby in our house is with books. Yes, I skimmed a few birthing books, nursing and sleep habits books; but ultimately the books we treasured and pored over were new baby and big sister picture books (not to mention an incredible amount of New York City books, but that’s another list altogether). And I have to say, I really think it paid off. There is a lot of big sibling love in this house and very little, if any, jealousy which is the complete opposite of all the unsolicited advice we received. I carefully chose the books we’ve added, making sure they were positive and humorous and gave the air of excited anticipation. It is all about expectations, I think.

In no way is this list comprehensive of the best sibling books or new baby books ever. And in fact, this list is very biased towards big sisters and little sisters because well, that is what we are dealing with here. Also, most of these are older books, a few classic you could say, but all worth your time and effort to find if you are looking for some sweet sibling love books to share. So here are my 8 picture books for big siblings and their new babies.

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Caryn4 Comments

Book Review: In New York By Marc Brown

Well I’m back, from a very unexpected hiatus of sorts. My sincerest apologies to those who read and missed this space as I disappeared for over two months with no explanation. I’m here now to start it up again and to offer my excuses. I cannot wait to share a marvelous new book from March of this year that perfectly fits my current situation and title for this post. I am in New York friends! Long story short, after over a year of waiting for the right job, we have relocated our little family to the amazing borough of Manhattan. We have longed for this change and are taking the city by storm. Can I just tell you how many incredible children’s book events, venues, and even just picture books revolve around NYC! The process however of getting us moved in a short amount of time took up all spare moments and this blog suffered the most I’m afraid. Family came first.

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Caryn5 Comments

Ten Lovely Picture Books For Valentine’s Day, 2014

February 14th is almost upon us and while that day is just another date to some, a birthday to many people, and International Book Giving Day to others – most people know the day as Valentine’s Day. There really are a lot of lovely books that are love-themed, heart-themed or especially specific to the day. Reading is a good cause anytime and love is worth being celebrated, so why not have some love-themed books on the agenda for the week! Allow me to help you find some great ones. Here are 10 children’s picture books for Valentine’s Day to help you get in the loving mood.

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Caryn4 Comments

Book Review: Snow Is Falling By Branley & Stone

We had a surprise visit of snow hit us yesterday and while it wreaked havoc on many places in the southern U.S., we were fortunate to be safe at home and watch it fall in the largest amount we’ve received here. While getting cozy near the fire, this book came to mind. My enjoyment for non-fiction books continues to grow and I now have a serious soft-spot for this vintage series of science books called Let’s-Read-And-Find-Out. A local used bookstore occasionally has them on the shelf and I just cannot help but continue accumulating them as they cross my path. A lot of the authors are the same, including Franklyn M. Branley who wrote this one, but the illustrators vary and many are incredibly well-known and accomplished with their own publications. Seeing their illustrations for this series is so much fun! I assume the science is perhaps a bit outdated here and there, but overall each book has general information on its subject and opens the door to questions and curiosity about the world around. Take a peek at this 1963 sweet edition all about this white winter weather, Snow Is Falling by Franklyn M. Branley, illustrated by Helen Stone.

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Caryn4 Comments