Brazenmom

When I discover something new I get totally excited and the best way to channel my fanaticism is to share. So today I am sharing Chris Riddell. Mr Riddell is a British illustrator (and occasional writer) of children’s literature, and a political cartoonist. He has won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice and the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize seven times.

Yesterday I came across, and now own, two of his books; Wendel’s Workshop and Emperor of Absurdia. I have fallen head over heels for Riddell’s illustrations – they are just beautiful. It is definitely worth keeping a look out for any books with this magnificent illustrator’s name written on them. Below are a couple of pics I managed to scratch up on the net with the help of my faithful friend Google:

Taken from Emperor of Absurdia

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One of my favourite past times is perusing the millions (only a slight exaggeration) of charity shops that populate the lovely city of London in search of bargain books. Especially children’s books. My daughter is 11 months old and she already has quite a library. I feel that it is so important that she has access to books and I hope that her little library will inspire in her a love for literature and an appreciation for the beautiful illustrations that play their part in telling stories. Amelia’s library does not only consist of books that are age appropriate, in fact most of the books on her shelf are not suitable for a baby. “Little Women”, “Charlotte’s Web”, “The Jungle Book”, “Alice In Wonderland”, the Narnia stories and the Roald Dahl collection are but some of the books that sit patiently on Amelia’s shelf, waiting until she is old enough, and willing enough, to allow them into her imagination.

In celebration of its 70th birthday, Puffin has released a list of its top 70 children’s books, some of which are my favourite childhood stories. Read the list, remember and be inspired. Read the rest of this entry »

It is my daughter’s first birthday in a month, and at the risk of sounding like a broken parental record; I can’t believe it! Time is speeding by at an alarming rate.

Anyway.

I am totally excited for my Amelia’s birthday. I know that she will not remember it but we will. Not that we are planning an elaborate affair but there will be cake, friends and fun. While I was making birthday invitations I found a poem by Dr Seuss that made my laugh hysterically. The man’s writing is pure genius and I had to share:

If we didn’t have birthdays,
you wouldn’t be you.
If you’d never been born,
well then what would you do? Read the rest of this entry »

Julia Donaldson writes great children’s books. When I look for books to read to my 11-month-old daughter I look for stories that have a great sense of humour and JD’s tales ooze hilarity. Her stories are quirky, funny and brilliantly entertaining. They are also beautifully illustrated – another prerequisite for a great children’s book. Read the rest of this entry »

I have been reading to my daughter Amelia since she was a month old. I haven’t bothered to find out what one should read to a small baby but I know that Amelia appreciates bright colours and severely exaggerated expression. The other day I read her the information appearing on a tourist brochure of Devon (where we were holidaying) and she was enthralled. I managed to make the safety rules one should adhere to when swimming sound as exciting as a Bruce Willis action film. My little jitterbug isn’t always in the mood for story time but when she is I grab the opportunity. Mostly, she stares intently at the pages of the book and other times her gaze wonders all over the place, but I just carry on. Kidshealth states that reading aloud to your baby:

• teaches a baby about communication
• introduces concepts such as stories, numbers, letters, colours, and shapes in a fun way
• builds listening, memory, and vocabulary skills
• gives babies information about the world around them Read the rest of this entry »

My Amelia-bug was born on December 4 and it made sense to make her first story the Christmas story. In utero she was exposed to a variety of literature; Steven King’s Salem’s Lot being her primary source of entertainment on many nights. We figured that it wasn’t the words that mattered as much as the sound of mommy or daddy’s voice, so a tale of love and vampires was as good as any. This Christmas, Amelia-bug sat on daddy’s lap and I read her the story of the humble birth of a mighty King, from The Lion Illustrated Bible for Children. This bible, Amelia’s first, is not at all a practical, baby friendly book in terms of language and design but it is beautiful. I am a sucker for children’s books, particularly ones that are beautifully illustrated. And this Bible is beautifully illustrated. Read the rest of this entry »

Natural Childbirth
Story #107 p143 from Stuff White People Like: The Definitive Guide To The Unique Taste of Millions
by Christian Lander

The early years of a child are exceptionally important. The severity and frequency of problems during this era can be directly tied to the amount of therapy and counseling required later in life. Because of this, white people are trying to do whatever they can to keep their children natural and happy, and this begins at birth.

In spite of thousands of years of human history, white people like to believe that they are the first person ever to have a child. Or at least the first to have a truly gifted, beautiful child. For white people, birthing is now a spiritual experience that must be treated appropriately. This means candles, water, doulas, and relaxing music. Modern white birth is essentially an extreme yoga class with more screaming, and it only ends when a child pops out. Read the rest of this entry »