by Christophe Niemann (2011)Van loves books but none make him as excited as That’s How!: A charming book about a boy’s imaginative explanation for the way things work.
It features delightful illustrations that will make anyone of any age smile.
Christophe Niemann is fantastic. I can’t wait to get more of his children’s books for Van, though his clever I Lego NY book, which has been a hit with the blog scene is perfect for adults.
by Saul Bass and Leonore Klein (1962)Ever wonder what Saul Bass would do with a children’s book? Well, wonder no more because he illustrated one called Henri’s Walk to Paris.
It’s predictably delightful with unique designs and charming colors.
It’s also quite fun to read to Van saying “Hon-reee’s walk to Par-eeee!”
Thanks to Brain Pickings for calling our attention to this tiny masterpiece.
272 Driggs AveIt’s been one whole year since friends, neighbors and all around greats Adriane and Greg opened Caribou Baby!
In that time it’s become an invaluable resource for local moms.
Stop by this weekend to say congrats!
We dropped by today to get Van bigger shoes (the kid’s got gigantic feet) and tried them out on the dance for at the WNNS Beach Ball party at Warsaw where Greg was spinning. (Hence photo of Van doing his signature squat dance).
by Renee and JeremyI am not a fan, usually, of most children’s music. Having a child hasn’t made me any more accepting.
But, music geared towards kids doesn’t have to be grating – and really why should it? Van enjoys all sorts of songs, not just ones that are annoying.
Enter Renee and Jeremy and their lovely lullaby It’s a Big World.
The lyrics are simple and touching:
“It’s a big world, baby
And you’re little
For a Little While”
and the colorful animation, which we found on youtube (and totally mellows Van out) is charming.
I’ve been excited to find an art class for Van pretty much since before he was born, bit it’s not easy finding one for younger toddlers. So I was thrilled when Caribou Baby began offering ArtLab Junior.
We’ve been to two of five classes already and explored water and stripes to Van’s utter delight.
Plus I got my first fridge art!
The series ends February 8 but a new one for children 2-4 starts march 7. I hope a junior class is soon to follow. It’s 100 for five classes and is held Wednesdays at 3:30. I highly recommend!!
Beautiful Pizza PoetryIf you’re trying to get your son into poetry and ee cummings isn’t doing it, try a classic Timothy Jefferson.
Perhaps To Leonardo, With Love – the most touching poem to use the phrase “villainous neck” and “Remember that time we ate pizza?” that I have had the honor of reading.
736 Manhattan Ave. BrooklynForget those big box stores!
If you are in need of a last minute gift or stocking stuffer for a child, we have one of the best mom and pop toy shops around: The Greenpoint Toy Center.
The friendly spot is overflowing with fun stuff and makes me feel the wonder and excitement I used to as a little kid.
Leg Warmers for TotsBabylegs are one of those things that I didn’t even know existed a short time ago and now can’t live without.
I mean, who knew that babies need leg warmers?
Pants legs ride up, most especially if you’re using a carrier and sock slip down, exposing their tiny calves to the cold.
Clearly the makers of Babylegs understood and came across this problem themselves because their cozy warmers are the perfect solution.
A great gift for parents in chilly climates.
When Frolic! Opens in the spring it should be pretty awesome: a little kid fun zone with play rooms and interesting classes.
To say hello to the neighborhood and celebrate the holidays, they hosted a rocking concert at the Williamsburg Music Hall last night.
There was a free Santa photo corner, music that was refreshingly not obnoxious for kids (the class will be called little rock-its), a fake snow storm, a friendly environment and beer for the parents!
After my first exclusion for having kids (boo hiss Gutter – a bowling ally, in the afternoon no less) it was great to be in such a welcoming place for little ones.
Van was head banging to I Love Rock and Roll and learning a few new moves from his pal Lauryn.
on Youtube