our love for books

Apparently last week was really busy and I was really tired, because I didn't post even once. Even when things are busy and I'm tired, I like to write. People often ask me how I find time to blog. Honestly, it doesn't take me long, but I also try (which has been tough lately) to find time because it's an outlet for me. Everyone has outlets, this is one of mine. I enjoy it. Now on to other things. . .

I do feel like lately I have less time to think, but more time to think as well. Less time when I need it, but more time (like during late night feedings) when I probably shouldn't be thinking. Anyway, last night's bottle led me to reflect on our boys' favorite books. I was looking around Miles' room in the dark and remembering books we read to Luke and Charlie when they were babies. I started thinking about their current favorites at 2.5 and 5 and all of the ones in between. I thought, I should blog about this to share ideas with you all as we are approaching Christmas. Plus, I will have these on record for my kiddos one day! Some of our favorite gifts to give and receive are books. Reading together is one of our most exciting activities----it leads to questions and imaginations. Here are a just a few of our favorites over the years. A lot of these float between age level categories. Also, I left some of the classics off the list, because I figured most people have Goonight Moon, The Very Hungry Catepillar, etc. I don't think I would do these books justice if I tried to review them, nor do I have the time to do so. BUT--if you are looking for books, check the reviews out at Amazon and know that we recommed them too! So these are some we really enjoy. What are your favorites?

Babies-1.5

Moo, Ba, La La La; The Going to Bed Book; Wake Up, Wake Up---Sandra Boyton

Raindrop Plop---Wendy Cheyette Lewison

Who's Peeking---Charles Reasoner

Peekaboo Playtime---DK

Curious George at the Zoo---PBS Kids

1.5-3 years

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo---Kevin Lewis

Lullabye Lullabye---Dianne Ochiltree

Don't Let the Pidgeon Drive the Bus---Mo Willems

You Are My I Love You---Maryann Cusimano

Gossie---Olivier Dunrea
A Boy and His Bunny---Sean Bryan

3-5 years

The Bugliest Bug---Carol Diggory Shields

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs---Judi Barrett

Kitten's First Full Moon---Kevin Henkes

Curious George books---Margaret and H.A. Rey

The Moon Shines Down---Margaret Wise Brown

Make Way for Ducklings---Robert McCloskey

The Curious Garden---Peter Brown