Spotlight On: New Books!

Dane was gifted 37 new books for Christmas. Soft books, board books, noise books, picture books, story books - such a range in every way. Dane likes to read, but we think he likes to hold the books and grab at the pictures much more than he enjoys the story. With a New Year's Resolution to read to Dane every day, these will certainly be put to use. These are our favorites so far.* The first one pictured is from Dane's cousin, one Ben Parker. He gave Dane a delightful little soft book. A simple rhyme on jazzy fabric with splendid teething corners and a handle. This one Dane "reads" his self and totes along from place to place.

* The next one is from Nana and Papaw, a cute Dane-sized "My Peter Rabbit Cloth Book". Thank God that this is a washer machine friendly book (tag says hand wash - psshh!), because it spends more time in Dane's mouth than on the bookshelf. Pretty pictures on bright cloth makes this one a hit.

* The third book is from Uncle Brian, Aunt Jeannie and cousin Sophie. The 105 Bible stories are so cute and the artwork is very cool. This is one of those books we love to read from, so I know our family will enjoy it for years to come.

* Dane was given the classic "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" from his Gramps and Granny K. They were so thoughtful that they included the monkey finger puppets to go along with the reading of this book (It's like they've done this whole baby thing before). They also gave Dane "... Sitting in a Tree", which we will get to.

* "Five Cheeky Monkeys" is an adorable big board book with fun shaped pages and a sound button. You press the button when cued, and it makes the monkeys chatter to each other. The illustrations are precious and the rhyming tale helps teach counting. Thanks to the Spicer cousins for this one!

* Aunt Jenny gave Dane "Is There Really a Human Race?", by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell. We'll have to get this writing team's whole collection, because this book is awesome. There are so many small verses that pack powerful messages in this book, like to create and be fair and learn from your mistakes and try your best and love. One day Dane will love this book for more than grasping at pictures and chewing on corners.

* The last of our favorites is from us, called "I am the Biggest Thing in the Ocean" and it follows a boastful giant squid around the ocean as he proudly lists the sea life that he's bigger than. He loses his smile for a second when a whale eats him, until he looks around and happily tells the reader "I am the biggest thing in this whale!". Cute story with great brilliant pictures.

Lucky Dane got so many fantastic books, which are always a sure winner in our house. Thanks to everyone for the thoughtful reads.