Y’all. I have reached a book loving mama’s dreamland.

Owen is bringing me books to read to him. It’s pretty adorable and the chambers of my heart sing in four-part harmony every time he comes to me and says “book,” while holding one.

He might not sit through the whole book (and he might want to rip the pages out of the books that aren’t made of cardboard …) but he wants to sit down and read nonetheless, which is a major accomplishment in my book! (Pun totally intended.)

Not only is he wanting to read more, but get this: he’s recognizing images and pointing to them when asked – things I didn’t even know he knows the words for, like butterflies and sheep and moon! That has to be some sort major milestone. I mean, he’s a genius, right? (Let’s go with “yes.”)

I have a lot to cover today so I hope you’ll stick with me. It’s good stuff, I think!

James Patterson on Getting Kids to Read

First up, I want to share this interview with James Patterson on the Today Show. He shared some insights on the importance of getting kids to read how to make it happen. I love how he encourages parents to find “cool books” for their kids!

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Here’s a Tip!

We eat at Chick-Fil-A almost once a week, and Owen usually gets a grilled nuggets kids meal. They normally put a toy in the bag, but if you ask, you can get a book instead. We’ve been doing that and keeping the books in my diaper bag as distractions for Owen when we’re away from home. Boy did they come in handy on vacation! While we were eating out, Owen and his best buddy Dane were getting really restless. Chick-Fil-A books to the rescue!

Now on to what we read in April! 

Owen

Where the Wild Things Are, story and pictures by Maurice Sendak

I loved this book when I was little, and Owen seems to enjoy it, too. We have fun dancing during the “wild rumpus.” EDIT: I JUST learned that Maurice Sendak passed away yesterday. Here’s a great article about the author.

Little Blue Truck Leads the Way, story by Alice Schertle, illustrations by Jill McElmurry

Owen LOVED the first book in the “Little Blue Truck” series, so I bought him the second book for Easter. As I expected, it was a hit! So, we read it for two weeks and took it with us on vacation knowing that he would love it.

It's Time to Sleep My Love, story by Eric Metaxas and illustrations Nancy Tillman

We love Nancy Tilman books, and even though this one was written by someone else, the illustrations are what makes it. Owen enjoys pointing at the different animals and even makes a few animal sounds when he sees them.

Jamie

I read a few books in April, but my favorite was Bloom by Kelle Hampton. Kelle is a blogger and photographer, and in Bloom she writes about the birth and first year of parenting her second daughter, Nella, who was unexpectedly born with Down syndrome. I LOVED this book so much, because the author does such a great job of being honest about her feelings after Nella’s birth. She really comes full circle and writes the good, the bad and the ugly of her journey. It’s a quick read and would make a great Mother’s Day gift!

That’s all for now, friends! What have you been reading?