Pancake Dreams: Written by Ingmarie Ahvander, Pictures by Mati Lepp

Mmmm....I was having pancake dreams yesterday morning and was treated to a yummy stack at a fabulous breakfast joint in Sacramento by my hubby! Alas, there's nothing like the memories I have of my grandma's pancakes. Isn't there just something about breakfast...or any meal for that matter...at grandma's house? Well, read Pancake Dreams to remind you of how special a grandma's cooking can be and just how imaginative we can be to get it again. I know if I could, I'd personally find a way to bring my own grandma down from Heaven to make me some pancakes again. Check out Pancake Dreams to find a lovely story about food, family, and imagination!

Nighty Night, Sleepy Sleeps: By Brian Anderson

This is an adorably funny, wonderfully illustrated little story. As you read along you'll see the main character and his cute little dog try to dodge going to sleep in every way they can think of until at last it's time for nighty night and sleepy sleeps. Children will love this book and the vivid use of color in the illustrations. I'm sure they'll also enjoy following along to see what ideas these two come up with to get out of going to bed. And I'm sure parents out there will be able to relate to the saga of trying to get your little ones to go to sleep at night. This book is sure to make both parents and children smile!

Nothing: By Jon Agee

* I thought this book title was appropriate for my return to The Children's Book Bin blog. For those of you who had been keeping up with me before, I apologize for the hiatus. That's just life, I guess. I fully intend to keep up with regular blog postings now, though. Wish me luck! *

Nothing by Jon Agee is a wonderful book about how silly people can be about their "things" and thus their accumulation of "things". I happen to think this is a great story about greed and how silly it can be. Read this book with your children to see how when someone has too many things they'll go so far as to buy something that's a nonsense item just because they feel that they need to have more things. Then others will follow them, just because it seems like the trendy thing to do. You'll have to read the story to find out what results, though. This is a very cute story for children with a bit of wittiness thrown in for the adults!

Ramona the Pest: By Beverly Cleary

I just finished reading this beloved story about one of my favorite characters from childhood, Ramona. With the new movie coming out, Ramona and Beezus, I thought I'd brush up on my Ramona facts and antics. My she is a funny child! I'm sure many of you out there would get a kick out of reading this book again or maybe even for the first time. And, I'm sure that children out there would love this book as well. Kindergartners and first graders could definitely relate to this story, as much of the plot takes place in Ramona's kindergarten class.
Read along to see how Ramona handles her first year in school. It's sure to bring a smile to your face!
P.S. A few tidbits about this book:Ramona the Pest is the first of Beverly Cleary's books to focus on Ramona Quimby as the protagonist. The book's title is derived from characterization of Ramona as a "pest" by many, including her older sister Beatrice, known as "Beezus." Ramona the Pest features illustrations by Louis Darling and was first published in 1968. The current edition was illustrated by Tracy Dockray.

Some Dogs Do: By Jez Alborough

Author-illustrator Jez Alborough has done a great job with this tale for your children. If your children love dogs, are fascinated with flying, or are dreamers, then they will love this book! What a great story with a great message! Read along to find out that no matter what anyone tells you, if you believe in something and yourself enough, you can truly do anything you set your mind to! Brilliant!!

Happy Reading!!

xxxTiffany

Day Out With Daddy: By Stephen Cook

When Mom has to leave for the day, Father and son will play! Check out Day Out With Daddy to see what mishaps occur and what adventures a daddy and his son can find together. And remember, it doesn't matter what you do...when you're with someone you love, anything can be fun!

The Little Rabbit Who Liked to Say Moo: By Jonathan Allen

If your little ones like farm animals, then this is the book for you! Read along to see the different personas the animals take on. Your little ones will love this book!