Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in houston, TX

5 great humorous books for parents from mombloggers

August 04, 2009

So many of us love blogs about parenting, and the humorous ones are often just the perspective and pick-me-up we need. Some of those bloggers we like so well went on to write books, many of which are a fantastic mix of emotions, with a healthy dose of humor. These are some of the most recommended parenting blogger books on the market -- things most parents would enjoy reading.

1. Sleep is For the Weak

This compilation by some of my favorite moms who blog is so real-life with honest and funny stories. You'll laugh, cry and see pieces of your own life in these well-done essays.

2. Mommy Guilt

I adore Devra Renner and Aviva Pflock. I think they offer some of the best perspectives for parents to keep in mind while raising kids -- not just perspective on their own lives, but when considering other parents around them, too. Everything they write is gold. This book, also co-written by Julie Bort, is witty, humorous, practical, and an enjoyable read. I consider this a must-read for parents.

3. Mommy Doesn't Drink Here Anymore

Just released this August by popular blogger Rachael Brownell, this tale of getting sober and the first year of sobriety uses dry humor and wit, as well as honesty, to share a major life transition. It's an easy read, compelling page-turner. Also, relatively short so good for busy parents.

4. Rockabye: From Wild to Child

Popular Girls Gone Child blogger Rebecca Woolf's book blends clever humor with all the other emotional blends a young, single woman in the heyday of her salad days must process when she unexpectedly found herself pregnant. She married, had the baby and went on to find her own way into parenting. It's a unique and alternative perspective on parenting. Also, an enjoyable read.

5. Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn as a New Mom

Short essays (easy for parents to read and get to a stopping point) filled with the humor you'd expect from a comedian and television writer, Stefanie Wilder-Taylor's book includes all those transitions we all deal with when we become parents. It's validating and supportive of all those feelings most parents try to hide, and offers down-to-earth advice.

Favorite silly characters from children's books

August 03, 2009

Who doesn't love a good laugh and a good story with funny characters? Reading with kids is so important, and books are such a great way for kids to learn, not just to read, but to enjoy flight of imagination. All the better if the story gives us a good laugh. Laughing relaxes tense muscles, especially in the face, and releases endorphins. Although it may seem like being silly can give kids a second wind at the end of the day, it can also be a good and healthy release of the last of the daily tension and what we call "the willies" (that fun, crazy energy all kids have). Additionally, I can only offer anecdotal evidence, but I fully believe going to bed with a smile and happy heart can lead to better rest and happier dreams. So feel free to enjoy fun and silly books, even at bedtime.

We've got some favorite silly characters from funny books that I'd like to share -- and please feel free to share your own!

Those crazy letters from Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Why in the world would the entire alphabet want to climb up the coconut tree? But it did -- with bets, dares, boasts and silliness. We love this book, especially after hearing the Scholastic song. So we hum and sing the great rhymes and enjoy the alphabet lessons, too, as we giggle.

That silly demanding Mouse from If You Give  Mouse a Cookie (and similarly, Moose from If You Give A Moose A Muffin, Pigfrom If You Give A Pig A Pancake, and Cat from If You Give A Cat A Cupcake.)

Laura Joffe Numeroff writes great silly books. This one is funny, but our main fun is making up our own guesses about what else that Mouse might ask for above and beyond getting a cookie. It's also become a family joke for those times when the children get demanding and are never satisfied. it would be (and is) so easy to get annoyed when we do something nice for the kids -- such as take them to a favorite restaurant with a play place -- only to be besieged by them demanding more and more. Instead we can crack a joke such as, "Are you the Cookie Mouse? The Muffin Moose? The Cupcake Cat? The Pancake Pig?" Whether reading the book or incorporating it as a reference in our lives, we always get a laugh from the silliness of any of the Numeroff characters.

Skippyjon Jones from the Skippyjon Jones series

We were first attracted by the funny cover, which shows a kitten with huge ears. it reminded us of our cat, Bubba, when he was a big-eared kitten. Then we fell in love with the crazy and adventurous Skippyjon Jones, who has a huge imagination and likes to pretend to be so many things beyond what he is. Our family can really relate. The book is upbeat with energetic illustrations -- which suit the energetic Skippyjon Jones -- and is another that stimulates good conversation, imaginination, and some foreign language (it includes some Spanish, which most kids are familiar with from Dora).

Ian Falconer's Olivia

That Olivia -- bright, independent, and always with a plan, which often stretches boundaries or breaks a rule. Sometimes loud, sometimes silly, Olivia is always fun and entertaining. My 4 year old identifies very well with Olivia, especially her penchant for dressing up. Olivia Trains her Cat is a current favorite, now that our family has acquired two new kittens.

The ensemble cast fromThe Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

If you like fairy tales but prefer something with a more modern twist, you might really like The Stinky Cheese Man And Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka (illustrated by Lane Smith). By modern twist, I mean crazy, silly, and sometimes gross -- all the very things that get kids giggling and keep them laughing. Allegedly this book is for ages 3 and up (or 4 and up, depending who you ask) but we just introduced it now, when the youngest is nearly five. it can be a little harsh in places (if you are senstive to sarcastic humor) but I admit that the one-liners entertain me, too. So it ends up being a pretty silly laugh for all. Don't be afraid to talk about it -- even if some of the humor is beyond your comfort zone, it can be a good teachable moment for you and your kids to discuss what to do when something crosses a line for you or someone else.

4 best "round the campfire" cowboy tales for young children

July 16, 2009

Just in case your child is not interested in spooky tales, even not so spooky ones---and that's fine! Some kids don't like to be spooked!---there are still some fun "round the campfire" alternatives. These stories are also great ways to introduce your children to Texas history and culture

Texas publisher Bright Sky Press---with offices and a warehouse right in Houston!---specializes in local, Texas, and fun Western tales for kids. Bright Sky Press has a wide selection of books for children, including  a "musical" one with a CD, but I have four favorites that will appeal to kids from baby to early school age.

1. Good Night Cowboy and Good Night Cowgirl

Two perfect bedtime stories, one for your little cowboy and one for your little cowgirl. Glenn Dromgoole's story offers goodnights to familiar Texas creatures and objects: Armadillo, barn cat, cactus trees, Western sunset and more. Barbra Clack's soft yet colorful illustrations bring it to life with gentle details.

2. Baxter Barret Brown's Cowboy Band

Tim A. McKenzie's musical romp about a boy who spends an entire day 'fixin' to" play cowboy music includes a CD with bass fiddle music and a read-with-me story recording. It's a great book about adventure, with a true Texas twang, and interesting, eye-catching illustrations that are full of action and stories in themselves. If you like it, it's part of a series.

3. Wild West Trail Ride Maze

My kids always preferred interactive books, especially ones that gave them a challenge. This one is perfect for that! It's a "forward-backward, cross country, A-to-Z, there-and-back-again, search-and-find book!" Kids can join the Crooked River cowboys in finding there way from place to place, all while doing a "seek" for fun objects in the bright and beautiful illustrations.Offers letters, numbers, decision-making, and more.

4. Jane Long: Choosing Texas

A wonderful, honest historical book for kids about the "mother of Texas." Author Mary Dodson Wade paints an age-appropriate yet vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs of early Texas settlers, with interesting facts and stories about Jane Long's adventures. A fantastic read, great particularly for girls who love adventures.

Best of all, I am buying local and supporting local business, authors, and getting great books for it. Win, win win.

6 Best Not-Too-Spooky Tales for Ages 0-12

July 14, 2009

Whether it's around a campfire on a family camping trip, snuggled in the living room for a sleepover, in the middle of a power outage, or on special days and holidays, every now and again it's just right for a not-too-spooky story. These are the six fantastic books to either get inspiration from or read to your kids for those spooky-but-not-too-spooky times. From a friendly and fun spooky board book to a creepy Roald Dahl collection of stories, this list of book should satisfy a family even with a broad mix of age.

Ages: Baby to 5

Bright Baby Touch & Feel Spooky
Roger Priddy
Interactive board book for babies and toddlers, featuring images and simple text on a spooky theme. Touch and feel patches on every spread encourages child to interact with the book. Aids in the development of early vocabulary.

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree (Bright & Early Book)
by Stan Berenstain
Children's 4-8
Three terrified little bears explore the inside of a mysterious old tree and go "into, up, through, over, down, and "out." Described as humorous, fun, and including favorite characters.

Ages: 5 to 8 and up

Seriously Spooky Stories
Super Shorts
Grade Range: k to 3, Age Range: 5 to 8
There are thrills and chills galore in this spine-tingling collection of stories about ghosts, ghouls, and haunted happenings. Young readers will shiver with delight at stories by favorite writers such as Ruskin Bond, Adle Geras, and Tony Ross. With a winning combination of contemporary original stories and retellings of traditional ghost tales, this is an irrestible blend of scary and fun.

The Kingfisher Treasury of Ghost Stories
Kenneth Ireland; Editors of Kingfisher
Grade Range: k to 3, Age Range: 5 to 8
This spooky anthology provides a shivery thrill on every page. Frightening and friendly, menacing and mischievous, here are tales about ghosts and ghouls for any occasion. Atmospheric black line illustrations on every spread add to the eerie mood. Featuring stories by high-profile contributors such as Dick King-Smith, Joan Aiken, Robert Swindells, and Catherine Storr, this collection is perfect for children who enjoy having their spine tingled. From folktales to original stories, there are ghost stories for everyone...Black-and-white illustrations complete these ghostly grim tales that will haunt and delight children of all ages.

The Kingfisher Book of Scary Stories
Chris Powling; Peter Bailey
Grade Range: 2 to 5, Age Range: 7 to 10
Here are ghouls, goblins, and ghosts galore! With its chilling mix of contemporary stories and retellings of old favorites, this anthology is illustrated with haunting detail and offers a satisfying, spooky read. The tales from top-notch writers make this an ideal read-aloud for Halloween, and a must-have gift book for all young fright fans.

Ages: 10 and up

Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories
Roald Dahl
Grade Range: 6 to 12, Age Range: 12 and up
Who better to investigate the literary spirit world than that supreme connoisseur of the unexpected, Roald Dahl? Of the many permutations of the macabre or bizarre, Dahl was always especially fascinated by the classic ghost story. As he realtes in the erudite introduction to this volume, he read some 749 supernatural tales at the British Museum Library before selecting the 14 that comprise this anthology. "Spookiness is, after all, the real purpose of the ghost story," Dahl writes. "It should give you the creeps and disturb your thoughts." For this superbly disquieting collection, Dahl offers favorite tales by such masterful storytellers as E. F. Benson, J. Sheridan Le Fanu, Rosemary Timperley, and Edith Wharton. Roald Dahl has selected fourteen of his favorite ghost stories that will deliver chills and goose bumps.

"This is the best book of its kind in years."-The Washington Post Book World

Not-So-Spooky Ghost Stories

July 13, 2009

Recently, our family took a trip to Wimberley, an adorable town in the hill country. We got to stay in a wonderful cabin that the kids adored, and, despite the heat, we braved the fire pit to toast marshmallows for s'mores. This is how much we love our childre: we'll slave over a hot fire in Texas summer heat to make the s'mores they'd anticipated with such excitement. As we sat around the fire, my seven year old said, "Tell us a scary story, Mom!" I glanced at the four year old, and discovered that she was nodding enthusiastically.

Should I? Yes, I should...but, how do I tell a story with just enough spook to thrill but not much as to terrify? I wondered.

Let them have some power over the story, I realized.

"Should this story have a ghost or a monster?" I asked.

"A ghost of a wailing child," the seven year old said.

"A monster. And a dragon! Maybe a dinosaur too," the four year old said, bouncing on the bench excitedly.

I began a tale of two valiant little girls going on an adventure to rescue a poor wailing child ghost who was scared of a monster in a dinosaur and dragon land. I set a creepy scene, and got the kids worried for the wailing child ghost, who was a little scary but also a fairly sympathetic character.

Let there be a problem we can find a resolution and solve, I thought. Let it be a problem that the children can understand, based on a familiar theme.

The ghost child, you see, was wailing and scared of the monster because she didn't understand it (thank you Dora). I let the children brave the ghost to tell her the monster could be a friend, and help her get past the fire-breathing dragon so she could find her ghost family and all be together again.

The children and I worked together to create creepy parts---I was surprised by how spooky even my creative children could get---and think up ways to solve the problem. In the end, the valiant little girls of the story got the wailing ghost child and monster past the fire-breathing dragon and dinosaur (neither of whom were made nice or misunderstood in the tale---because sometimes, there are creatures who are simply not that nice, and we're okay with that, because we move past them with our true friends to our loving family and friends). The poor child was happy to find her ghost family and they all howled and rattled happily. We even let them move off together to go haunt a house.

The kids were slightly spooked, but felt in charge of how much, and we all enjoyed our sunset sitting 'round the fire not-too-spooky story.

That's the key, actually: kids like to hear spooky stories because they feel dark emotions at times (anger, fear, etc.) and don't understand (thus get scared) of many things around them that seem "creepy." Scary stories help them work through these feelings, and find okay ways to deal with them, such as finding an ally or going to a parent. It's a way to experience these emotions---fear, worry, anxiety, etc.---with a safety net because it's all fiction and fantasy, and usually happening at this age with a parent or trusted adult.

Our scary story let a child find a parental-like ally (the monster) and true friends (the valiant little girls) to help pass by a huge fear (fire-breathing dragon) to get somewhere important (to her family). The child had experienced trauma (a tragic death---falling off a cliff) and separation from her family, who she now wanted to find and be reunited with.

Being separated from family, lost, and alone are pretty big fears for most kids. Expressing it in a fictional story is a good way to be afraid and flirt with that fear, all while sitting safely in a family circle. Finding a way to get past that fear and face other ones helps kids, as well. Even if it does bring fears to the surface, that's okay. Kids can handle it with a loving parent. Even if it creates a nightmare, that's okay too, because kids need to know that nightmares are a way of managing stress and worries, and you can separate fact from fiction (nightmares from reality). It's a great lesson for keeping fear in perspective.

So enjoy your summer camping creepy campfire tales at dark, even with preschoolers. It's all good.

4 Fab Houston Spots for Parents to Work While Kids Play

June 09, 2009

Working at home with kids can work when you create a good routine, but even so, every now and again you need to break out of the routine, shake off the home dust, and try a new thing. We all benefit from a change in scenery (and dynamic!).

It's hard to think or know where you can go to work and entertain kids, but as a full-time work at home parent, I've found a few good spots, and I'm glad to share those with you. They vary quite bit, but offer a good selection and eclectic choices.

Fun Places and Play Places (where kids can run, play and be loud while you work!)

Example: SpaceCenter Houston! There's a huge play structure that kids love, from the padded ball area for the littlest ones to huge climbing areas for older kids. SpaceCenter Houston does offer wi-fi (I called and verified) but there is no plug available so make sure your laptop is fully charged! There's also a food court, so you can take a food break. We can go for quite a while at the Space Center.

Example: McDonalds! I used to avoid McDonalds---calories, fast food, and high-priced wi-fi. But, now McDonalds has partnered with a number of carriers, and I can log in using my SBC Global address for free! There are usually friends we know at the local McDonalds, or at least nice kids, so the children play and I write or edit, as need be. I can usually eke out a couple of hours, if I schedule it around lunch time.

Example: YMCA! The downtown location offers wi-fi and is covered by the free Houston downtown wi-fi, too. According to some moms, many local YMCAs offer wi-fi and kid activities. Check with yours and see what you can do. You may need a membership.

Quiet Places (where kids can be entertained, but more quietly)

Example: Local library! Local libraries offer free Internet access. Find out when storytimes are, and work around those. My library has rooms like study rooms. I like to use those because then we are sort of in our own bubble. I can borrow books for the kids and bring a few toys or coloring books, too. Our "breaks" can incorporate story times or just a change of scenery.

Example: Coffee shops! To be competitive with big chains, I find a lot of mom and pop coffee houses offer a very "den-like" atmosphere. Near me is the Coffee Oasis, which offers free high-speed wi-fi, a fax machine, a copy machine, and good sandwiches and fresh pastries (coffee and tea, of course, too, among other great drinks). It also has book shelves with books, games, and a cute little room with a kids' table. They also have a meeting room I can use if it's not booked up. A quick scan of Houston area coffee shops shows most offer good spaces and free wifi.

Eat, drink, work and be merry

A number of kid-friendly restaurants offer free wi-fi, good food, and space to hang out. I've had a meeting (with kids) at Berryhill's. Unfortunately, the favorite Lupe Tortillas doesn't offer wi-fi, but f you have a connection card, you could probably make it work. Birraporetti's, with those lovely big booths, also offers free wi-fi.

Find The Zone

The city of Houston offers free wi-fi coverage throughout downtown. This covers a number of family friendly and work-friendly places, including parks, Bayou Place, libraries, the downtown YMCA, and more---anything central within the coverage area. You can see a map of downtown Houston covered by free wi-fi and get more information at the Houston wi-fi Web site.

Go green with eco-friendly children's books---cheap and easy!

March 25, 2009

If you're like me, you like to go "green" but often find that is in conflict with your budget and time constraints. If you're even more like me, your family lives for books.

I recently learned about a company, Better World Books, a green company that sells eco-friendly books, for great prices and free shipping. And on top of that? They donate a portion of sales (which you can see tracked on their Web site!) to literacy groups!

It all started with an email:

If you're researching ways parents can easily green up their lifestyle or gear up for baby's arrival in an eco-friendly way, I hope you'll consider telling your readers about green online book reseller Better World Books. Moms and Dads can stock their kid's room or nursery's bookshelf with "Where the Wild Things Are," Paddington, etc. while at the same time:

• Diverting books from landfills (buying used is the best kind of recycling - and so far BWB has spared over 6,000 TONS from 'fills.)
• Offsetting shipping environmental costs with carbon offsets from CarbonFund.org
• Avoiding an SUV ride to the local Barnes & Noble for a "virgin pulp" new hardback     

And as if that wasn't enough, here are some other bonuses

• BWB books are up to 80% cheaper than new ones
• Shipping is free!
• Better World shares its revenues with important literacy groups like Books for Africa

So by shopping on BetterWorldBooks.com, a mom will be doing something good for the environment, teaching her children to reuse resources when possible, and helping another child somewhere in the world learn to read to boot.  A ripple of effect of good-all because she decided to ‘green'-up a bit!

First, I wanted to check out their site and see how it worked for me. They sell all sorts of books! But I focused on the children's books, which are conveniently sorted by category and age group. My kids are big fans of the Mercy Watson books by Kate DiCamillo, so I used that as my test. The site's search is very easy to use, and quickly returned a lengthy list of Mercy Watson book options.

I recently bought a Mercy Watson book at Barnes & Noble, and, with my member discount and coupon, the new one there was about a dollar less than the new one on the Better World Books site. However, when I considered the time it took to get to the store and the gas against the convenience of shopping online and getting free shipping, I figured it at least balanced out. The balance tipped when I recalled that  Better World Books donates to literacy groups (Books For Africa, NCFL, Room to Read, and WorldFund).

Next, I decided I wanted to know more about Better World Books. Again, if you're like me, you want the whole story before making a decision. So I sent a list of inquisitive questions to Better World Books, and they were happy to thoroughly answer every single question. I learned some very interesting things, including that they have used book, buy back and reuse options---among other good things to know. So read on for more information about Better World Books!

Storytimes

by Rachel Mosteller

November 11, 2008

Storytime is such an integral part of being a kid. They love having books read to them and it is good practice to learn to sit still in short periods of time to listen. But...where to go? There's a lot of places around Houston that have storytime; you just need to know where to look. I personally suggest the library; I enjoy it because there's no pressure to buy the books read...or something  Read more...

Tall Tales

by Rachel Mosteller

September 25, 2008

One of the wonders I have about childhood is how there are certain stories that are passed down through generations for new children to enjoy. No, I'm not speaking of the latest hit TV show or movie, but of "tall tales" or even fables. If you want to introduce your child to some tall tales, head on down to the Children's Museum of Houston for Tall Tales WonderWeek. Your little ones can learn  Read more...

Party With The Pigs...

by Rachel Mosteller

September 04, 2008

As a parent, it is easy to feel as if the only "entertainment" our kids get these days comes from television and movies. It's not like you can bring your 4-year-old to a Broadway show and expect for her to stay still the entire time, not dance in the aisle and beg for snacks. If you're wanting to show your little one a live play, I have one for you. The Main Street Theater is presenting If You  Read more...

August in Retrospect

by Rachel Mosteller

August 29, 2008

August is almost done! Horray for that...it means that cooler weather, at most, is a month away. While people all around the Houston area are adjusting to school schedules and fall activities, I'd like to take a moment and look back at some of the posts at Savvy Source, both locally and nationally. Here's to a happy (and hopefully, cool) September and a great fall! Five ways to cool off, even  Read more...

On Our Bookshelf

by Rachel Mosteller

August 20, 2008

While Savvy Source might be having an aquatic theme this month, we haven't seen much of the pool in our house this week. Why? Rain. Tons and tons of rain, enough rain that every time my 2-year-old wakes up in the morning (or from a nap) he says "let's go swimming!" Poor child, he's being deprived of water every single day. How does he survive? The problem with this is that my son is extremely  Read more...

Ahoy! Pirate Fun in Houston

by Rachel Mosteller

August 07, 2008

Blame it on Captain Jack Sparrow, but pirates are totally hot. Kids love them! Getting in on the action is the Children's Museum of Houston, which will be hosting pirate week very soon! The week of Sept. 18-24 is Sail Away With Books week at the Museum, where there will be all sorts of fun pirate activities for your little Buckaneer to try. There are a variety of pirate crafts to try and  Read more...

Baseball History Lesson

by Rachel Mosteller

July 29, 2008

Today's baseball day at the Savvy Source. Everyone's talking about their local teams or where they like to sit or eat popcorn when they go to the stadium. I'd do that except...well, I really don't like baseball that much. But, I do like reading and I love reading books to my children. I figured, in honor of baseball, why not read some not-so-usual books about the sport. Best part? You don't  Read more...

Summer Read-Alouds: My Favorite Books

by Rachel Mosteller

July 15, 2008

Thanks to our local library, my family goes through tons of books a week. In fact, it has gotten to a point (we've been steadily visiting for over a year now) where I keep finding myself picking up books we've already read and thinking, "this looks good." As most parents know, reading to children is so important. In this day of electronics and media starting at younger ages, kids need time  Read more...