Do you know what October is? Besides fall…pumpkins….hayrides…chilly weather…and Hershey’s Dark Chocolate. Hershey’s Dark Chocolate is my all-time favorite Halloween Candy…mmmm…oh where was I? Oh that’s right. October is National Book Month! October will be dedicated to reading and
focus on tips and advice to not only celebrate National Book Month,
but instill a love of reading at home.

National Book Month or not, I still read all the time. Although lately I spend most of my time reading on the computer…blogposts…reviews…and news reports. Besides the computer reading I do, I recently started subscriptions for 5 magazines. I’m so excited to be reading Time, Sports Illustrated, Popular Science, Sports Illustrated for Kids, and Entertainment Weekly. Fun times in our house. We haven’t had a magazine subscription that wasn’t a kids’ magazine in years. My kids are all avid readers, so I know the magazines will all be read. My son has a book log from school — as well as the books he reads he can read the magazines to vary his reading selections.

I finished Guernsey Literary & potato Peel Pie Society a few weeks ago. I loved it. I read it for my Book Club. I hosted Book Club, so I was glad that my selection was well received by the group. What are you reading? Leave a comment below. I am always on the lookout for a new book to read.

Kumon and Scholastic are all about reading. I know that you and your children will be reading in National Book Month and throughout the year. If you would like them to earn a free book…read on. And really who doesn’t love a free book!

Here’s how you and your child can participate in the Kumon Learn and Earn Program to earn free books:

• Download the READING and/or MATH activity sheets for your child’s age group.
• Have your child completes worksheet for her age group.
• Your child can earn two books if she completes the math activity sheet and the reading activity sheet. Or your child can earn one book if she completes the math OR the reading activity sheets.
• Download the reward redemption form. Print and complete all fields. Mail the form to Scholastic for the free books.

It’s that simple. And you know what I am going to do right now? Go to Kumon’s Learn and Earn site and print out the activity sheets for reading and math for my kids.

And a handy list of reading resources to help you get in the swing of back to school can be found here.

I was compensated by Kumon for this post. The views expressed in the post are my own. I follow the tenets of Blog With Integrity.

A new born is full of potential. You’ve heard people say this, I’m sure. A baby is open to any and all possibilities. Hearing a new book read by a parent. Tasting a new food. Who doesn’t love seeing the face of a toddler trying a lemon for the first time?! Smelling a scent of fall leaves. Toddlers can laugh out loud upon seeing a monkey at the zoo. Preschoolers love counting steps or jars or blocks. Grade schoolers will tell you that they want to be a ballerina one day and an astronaut the next. Endless possibilities.

As parents we want our children to reach their full potential. Will our little ones become doctors or lawyers or teachers or designers or computer scientists or bakers or paleontologists? The sky is the limit.

As parents, we want to nurture the potential in our children. My oldest was an out-of-the-box thinker from birth…probably. She looked at each problem from a different angle than I did. There were days when she had endless questions for me. Other days she would quietly play and create and innovate.

Over the years I have read many, many stories featuring these guys!

As a way to give my daughter opportunities, I read to her. More than just a book at bedtime, I read stacks of books at naptime, bedtime, and throughout the day. We read books on ants, trees, space, Disney princesses, bikes, being a big sister, sharing with friends. In fact, no matter what book we picked up from the library she and I devoured it. She would read to herself while sitting in bed. Waiting for dinner to be ready. She “read” books to the new baby. At playgroups, I would often find her reading books on the shelves in her little friends’ playrooms.

September is all about possibilities and potential. Kumon has partnered with Scholastic Books to encourage the development of the all-important reading and math skills. When your child completes MATH and READING activities, he can earn up to TWO FREE BOOKS from Scholastic. I don’t know about you, but I NEVER turn down a free book. Especially a book for my children!

Here’s how you and your child can participate in the Kumon Learn and Earn Program:

• Download the READING and/or MATH activity sheets for your child’s age group.
• Have your child completes worksheet for her age group.
• Your child can earn two books if she completes the math activity sheet and the reading activity sheet. Or your child can earn one book if she completes the math OR the reading activity sheets.
• Download the reward redemption form. Print and complete all fields. Mail the form to Scholastic for the free books.

It’s that simple. And you know what I am going to do right now? Go to Kumon’s Learn and Earn site and print out the activity sheets for reading and math for my kids.

And a handy list of reading resources to help you get in the swing of back to school can be found here.

Don’t forget that October is Reading and National Book Month!

I was compensated by Kumon for this post. The views expressed in the post are my own. I follow the tenets of Blog With Integrity.

Runaway Bunny.

Guess How Much I Love You?

Berenstain Bears Go to the Dentist

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The books listed above are among my favorites. I have spent many hours reading books to my children. Do you love reading to your children? What is your favorite book to read to your child? Kids love books!

My oldest was about 18 months old. We were browsing in a bookstore. I was looking at books while she sat in the stroller. As I perused a book, I heard laughing coming from the vicinity of my stroller, I was astounded to see her laughing out loud at a book. She was giggling and chuckling. I had never seen a little child laughing about anything at that point…and never with such gusto. She has continued her love of books to this day.

Many families are well in to the school year. But perhaps your children are not quite ready for school. Whether your children are in school or daycare or at home, books are a key part of a child’s learning experience. I want to let yoou know about a fun partnership that is putting books first.

Reading Is Fundamental has teamed up with Buddig for the Be A Reader campaign. The Be A Reader campaign aims to get young readers “right back-to-school track.” Books are a key part of our household. From board books to chapter books to the children’s first dictionary, books can be found in every room of our home.

The Make a Sandwich and A Story Sweepstakes was launched earlier this month by Buddig and Reading Is Fundamental. To foster and nourish a love of reading, Buddig is giving away Scholastic children’s books and school supplies through the Make A Sandwich and A Story Sweepstakes.

The details of the The Make A Sandwich And A Story Sweepstakes:

• Sweepstakes ends on Oct. 30, 2011 at 11:59:59 (CST). So, you have plenty of time to enter!
• Enter the sweepstakes by looking for specially marked packages of Buddig lunchmeats, enter the code at Sandwich and a Story, and complete the entry form to enter the sweepstakes.
• Who can enter? The Buddig Make A Sandwich And A Story sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry.
• How often can you enter? 5 entries per person/email address per day.

Now for the information that everyone wants to know…what will you win!

• Five Grand Prize winners will receive a Scholastic book library plus a Buddig backpack filled with school supplies (ARV $200).
• 400 First Prize winners will receive a Buddig backpack (ARV $13.00).
• 118 winners each week beginning on August 22 will receive a free Scholastic book (ARV $10.00).
• The Total ARV of all prizes is $19,160.
• So, what are you waiting for…go enter!

More about Buddig and the Be A Reader campaign from Buddig:

“For more than 100 years Carl Buddig & Company has nourished families. Now Buddig is nourishing children’s minds as a proud supporter of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and the national Be A Reader campaign. Buddig believes that reading and literacy go hand-in-hand with good nutrition to support a lifelong love of learning.

Whether you are reading to your children at the library or telling a bedtime story after a busy day, you are fostering your child’s lifelong love of books. During the yearlong Be A Reader campaign, parents and their children are encouraged to create their own reading and literacy experiences wherever they may be. As a proud supporter of RIF, Buddig will provide a minimum of $100,000 through May 30, 2012 to help children across the nation discover the joy of reading.”

Like Buddig on Facebook. Now Liking the Buddig Facebook page will not help you win the Make A Sandwich and A Story Sweepstakes, but you could win a Motoroloa Zoom!

Find out about the range of Buddig products on Buddig.com. Perfect for school lunches, picnics, and seizing time with your family.

I was compensated for this post. The views expressed in this post are my own. I blog follow the tenets of Blog With Integrity.

The books are piled. Piled high. Beside the couch. Near the bookcase. In the bedrooms. Mostly on bookshelves. What am I going to do with all these books?

I move books all the time. My Teen’s books move from my Tween’s room to my Kid’s room. A handful of books are considered to be treasures. I save the “book treasures” in a box in the basement for future grandchildren. But, I’m still left with a whole lotta books.

My books from college are my treasures. My husband can’t part with his college textbooks. Now the beach novels? I am slowly…ever so slowly purging the beach reads. The process is a slow one for me. Even a book that I read once, but was so-so about is not a done deal when it comes to getting rid of it. I agonize over each book. I’ll hold the books in my hand…read the back cover…turn the book over in my hands…consider putting it back on the shelf…but I can’t save every book. Some have to go. I never throw books in the trash. Each book is given to charity. A rare handful make it to the consignment basket. I feel good about giving my books a second chance at life.

Books are special to me. I love receiving and getting books as gifts. I have fond memories of looking forward to opening the Christmas present that I knew to be books.

I love hearing about companies that value books as much as I do. Chrysler has a special program going on right now — the Five + Five Road to Literacy Test Drive. When you test drive an all-new Chrysler Town & Country through July 1st, Chrysler will donate books! That’s right, when you test drive a 2011 Town & Country, Chrysler will donate 5 books to the school of your choice and donate 5 books to a school in need. That’s 10 books in all! Awesome!!

Do you have time to do Five + Five Road to Literacy Test Drive? I’ll do just about anything to get a book in to the hands of a child. It makes me sad to think about schools with limited books. Find out more at Chrysler’s Facebook page.

I was compensated by Chrysler for promoting this campaign. The views expressed in this article, and my love (!) of books, are my own. I follow the tenets of Blog with Integrity.

Books! We’re a book family through and through. I read to my kids from the time we arrived home from the hospital with each of them. I didn’t read to them in utero. My husband would grab a stack of boardbooks as he prepared our babies and toddlers for bed. He’d start with one large stack of unread board books on one side of the glider, and end up with a large stack of read books on the other side of the glider…and a sleeping baby.

My first memory of my oldest daughter’s burgeoning love for books happened in a mall bookstore. She was 18 months old, hanging out in the stroller while my husband and I browsed the racks. I was probably looking for a book on “how to get an 18-month-old to do what you want her to do.” I wonder which 18-month-old I had in mind?!

While I searched for answers to my hard-to-control toddler’s behavior, she reached for a board book. My husband and I turned around when we heard her laugh. She was roaring with laughter as she read Welcome to the Big Comfy Couch. Do you remember this show…with Loonette, Major BedHead, Snicklefritz, and the Clock Stretch? My husband and I looked at each as she was intently staring at each page. We were both thinking “How can an 18-month-old laugh at a book?” We soon realized that she was reading the book by looking at the pictures. Each page she turned had her laughing harder and harder. She had discovered her love of books!

Later, I learned that little ones “picture read” before they learn to read. I call it “pre-reading.” Is there a better term? I found a post on my friend @TeachMama’s blog about helping young children visualize what they are hearing while you read aloud.

Chrysler has a special program going on right now — the Five + Five Road to Literacy Test Drive.

When you test drive an all-new Chrysler Town & Country through June 1st, Chrysler will donate books! That’s right, when you test drive a 2011 Town & Country, Chrysler will donate 5 books to the school of your choice and donate 5 books to a school in need. That’s 10 books in all! Awesome!!

Can you spare some time to do Five + Five Road to Literacy Test Drive? I know I will! I’ll do just about anything to get a book in to the hands of a child. It makes me sad to think about schools with limited books.

Find out more on Chrysler’s Facebook page.

I was compensated by Chrysler for promoting this campaign. The views expressed in this article, and my love (!) of books, are my own. I follow the tenets of Blog with Integrity.

So it seems a little funny to be writing an update post so long after everyone else, but… I finally uploaded photos to Facebook from BlogHer. A blog post is in order.

On the Thursday of BlogHer I was invited to a very intimate gathering with Chris Evert. Evert is the spokesperson for Hood Simply Smart Milk. Hood produces milk, sour cream, egg nog, juice, and other family favorites.

I RSVP’d based on Chris Evert. I’m not a tennis player, but I grew up watching Wimbledon. During my teen years I followed Evert, Connors, and Navratilova faithfully. For some pics, go here. My husband loved the Wilson tennis ball signed by Chris Evert!

Thursday was a whirlwind kind of a day. Before the Hood Simply Smart Milk I watched a fashion show featuring ordinary kids in back-to-school clothes. No pint sized models in this group…just ordinary kids. The fashion show was another BlogHer brand-blogger event. This time the sponsor was the American Association of Orthodontics.

Style ‘n Smile was hosted by Jennie Garth of 90210 and the new 90210 fame. Jennie seems very unHollywood. A genuine moment from the Style ‘n Smile fashion show was when Jennie introduced her daughter…the final model in the show. As each kid was introduced they showed off not only cool back-to-school clothes but what braces they were wearing…braces, Invisaligns, retainers, or no braces. For some pics, go here.

As a long-time reader and purchaser of Scholastic Books I jumped at the chance to attend the Scholastic in the City event. I was a guest at the Scholastic Books offices with a number of bloggers familiar to me, including the founders of MomSpark Media — Amy and Haley. Great event on my fave topic…books! Many good pointers about early childhood literacy.

Do you remember bringing home the Scholastic book order form? I don’t remember the order form, but do remember the book mobile visiting my elementary school. I purchased several books I still have…my mother has them in her basement for the grandchildren. The takeaway from this event was that teachers can have a dedicated website for their classes. Very good idea so that parents can see what books the teacher recommends.

Ever hear about a book and think “I Must Have It!” This happened to me when I read that @SelfishMom was laughing uproariously over a book…on the New York subway of all places. I was immediately intrigued. What book could make Amy laugh so hard?

I soon realized that the book in question was by a reality TV star. I am a reality TV junkie like no other. So, hearing that a Project Runway finalist had written a book was intriguing enough. But, hearing that is was written by none other than Laura Bennett was the icing on the cake. I had to have that book.

Laura was kind enough to hook me up with a copy of Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday? A Mother’s Guide to Sanity jn Stilettos. I corresponded with Laura about the book and an upcoming book signing. Laura was every bit as gracious as she was during Project Runway.

The book is hilarious. Laura spares no one in this book. Husband, only daughter, older boys, younger boys, herself, and even the baby are not spared from her words. She hones in on each family member’s foibles. The result is a tightly written book where every chapter captures the essence of Laura’s life. Funny moments as well as poignant ones.

Bennett gives a synopsis at the beginning of the book describing everyone in the family from her confirmed bachelor husband, Peter, to the woman who is referred to as the “Peterkeeper.” Zoila — the Bennett’s housekeeper — is a trusted and integral member of the household.

Bennett’s household is a machine. Is it well-oiled? Well, I’ll let you read the book to find out.

Like many New Yorkers, Bennett spends weekends outside of the city. Her description of leaving the city on the weekends is a stitch. She describes how New Yorkers exaggerate about how close their weekend home is to the city. One hour from New York might actually mean two hours.

Bennett tells the story of how her kids are ready to kill each other before they have even left the city. All moms and dads who roadtrip can relate to the kid who needs to use the bathroom as soon as you pull away from the rest stop after the kid in question assured everyone he didn’t need to go. Grrr.

I could almost smell and visualize the wreckage left in Laura’s SUV after a stop at a hamburger joint for an on-the-road lunch. My old van never recovered from the “we shall not speak of the milk spilled on the seat” incident.

Bennett’s book is a glimpse in to an ordinary family living an extraordinary life in New York City. Bennett is a mom first, and a fashion designer/reality TV star/author second.

I was given a copy of Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Although I seem to spend more time reading a screen than I do a book, reading for me is a given. How would I function if I could not read?

In our family, reading happens everywhere…except the bathroom. I am not a book-in-the-bathroom person. Ewww. We have bookcases in every room except the bathroom.

It’s summer so the kids have days when they are voracious readers and days when they are not. My summer reading tips are as follows:

• Buy books. Yes, I know books are expensive, but kids love to reread old classics or new stories. Invest in books.
• Get each child a library card. Make sure you and your husband have library cards. Carry your library card in your purse or wallet.
• Visit the library regularly for storytimes or summer reading programs.
• Join summer reading programs at the library or bookstores.
• Shop consignment stores for books. I picked up 12 of the 13 Lemony Snicket books for about $10. I found The Complete Wreck (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-13) on amazon for $94.50!
• Shop Goodwill for books.
• Go through your book collection at home. Pull out books that are too young for your child. Move books that are too young to a younger child’s bedroom.
• Buy each child a bookcase or shelf for their bedroom.
• Create screen-free areas in your house. Our living room does not a TV. There is a CD player if kids want to listen to books on CD. Our girls have laptops, but each child has reading time where the screens are turned off.
• Read the newspaper, read a book, read a menu, read the phone book — read anything while your little kids are in the room.
• For long car trips or lengthy visits to the doctor, have kids pack a book or a puzzle book to do while they wait.

Are you a blogger with kids? Check out this fabulous I Can Read contest over at Twittermoms!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get an “I Can Read!” book. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

I Can Read! Books Become an I Can Read! Member

I posted recently about my worry that the plethora of tech gadgets available to kids stops kids from reading. Do you see your child staring at a screen and wonder “Why aren’t you reading?!” I know I do. DS, wii, PS3, Flip, itouch…you name it kids can get their hands on it. Is reading suffering?

When my children were little books were a huge part of our day. I was one of those moms who had to learn how to use the shape sorter bucket. I am not a “sit down on the floor and play for hours” type. I did log in many hours playing trucks, GeoTrax, Barbies, Polly Pockets, Thomas, and Bob the Builder, but I developed many strategies for extricating myself from the play. “Mommy, has to switch the wash to the dryer.” “Mommy needs to make a phone call.” “Mommy thinks she heard the mailman…I’ll be right back!”

When playing was involved I exited quickly stage left. Not so with reading. I recall many reading moments with my oldest. She was a cranky baby, but books always calmed her down. My funniest moment with her was the time I pushed her near a display of “Molly & the Big Comfy Couch” books at a bookstore in the mall…Molly was her fave show on PBS. While I thumbed through a book probably called “Dealing with Your Difficult Toddler” or “Encouraging a Child Who Eats Air to Eat Food…Any Food,” she roared with laughter. She was “reading” a book AND got the joke. She connected the pictures to a funny moment from the show. I had never realized that a child of 18 months could “read” a book.

Fast forward to the preschool years, elementary school, middle school, and soon-to-be high school years…reading is a huge part of my children’s lives. But, technology is present in their lives, too. 3 years ago we got a wii. 4 years ago my older two got Nintendo DS. 10 years ago we got a PS2, but the kids never used it. Add in TV and laptops and the kids have many screen options. But, where does reading fit in to the screen time?

It’s July and the summer is finally here. Our days are scheduled with swim practice, trips to the health club, summer workbook time with Dad, and other activities like movies, playing outside, etc. Reading time is important…but do I need to schedule it. Wouldn’t assigned reading time seem too much like school?

My oldest reads spurts. Some days she reads a huge amount. Other days not at all. But I don’t worry about her reading. My middle must have her bedtime reading. I often cannot get her to read at other times. She chafes at any required reading. I don’t want to push it. My youngest…now he is a puzzle. He reads well, but won’t read independently. He and his dad are ploughing through the first harry Potter. He loves it but will not pick up Harry Potter by himself. He treasures his Dad and Kid time. I do “make” him read, but don’t want to make reading a huge issue.

My son is a “can read a chapter book, but won’t” type of reader. Have you heard of I Can Read! — the number one beginning reading series in the country? I Can Read! It’s the open door to a child’s adventure with the most beloved characters in the history of children’s literature.

It a proven series for encouraging young readers from early reading together to advanced reading alone. The series debuted in 1957 with the introduction of a familiar favorite, Little Bear. It was one of the first ever easy-to-read books that children could read independently, and has been in print ever since. Now with more than 6 million I Can Read! books sold, including 200 titles, I Can Read! books is the best series to take children step by step into the wonderful world of reading on their own.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get an “I Can Read!” book. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

I am officially not a spring chicken. If a day spent sitting on a chair in the heat can cause the type of tiredness that caused me to pull off on 270 and “rest” then I am officially an olde fogey.

The day was exhausting. Here’s why:

• Staying up until 3 a.m. to print out postcards that I should have sent to VistaPrint 3 weeks ago is officially a dumb move. Who knew that “free postcards” if not ordered 3 weeks in advance would cost $25 to ship. Live and learn and get postcards to printer sooner.
• When you know you need to print postcards, don’t wait until 11 p.m. to create 4 different designs for 4 different pieces needed for your booth.
• If you wait until 11 p.m. to work on your designs, you will not be ready to print until 2 a.m.
• If you print at 2 a.m., the following will happen…you will need to find paper, you will spot a flashing light on the printer, you will need to fiddle with the trays, turn off the printer, reboot, scream, reboot, fiddle, change the magenta cartridge, fiddle again, scream, and finally give up.
• You will resign yourself to only have 50 postcards for an event where 3,000 were expected. In your defense, you would not have purchased 3,000 postcards from Vistaprint, but 250 would have been a reasonable number.
• Oh and 2 a.m. is officially not a good time to learn how to print doublesided. “Which side goes up?” “Oh, that’s right I need to put the other side up.” “Huh! What just happened?” “[scream]“
• Don’t make a list at 3 p.m. and not look at it until 3 a.m. to see if you have everything.
• Going to bed when all seems hopeless is a good idea. Waking up — or being woken — at 8 a.m. is officially soul-destroying.
• Coming downstairs after your shower to find your husband has saved the day with the printer..rocks! He has the Midas touch. Everything he touches…prints! Go, Coach Dad.
• Telling your first grader you can’t attend his game as you have to print the rest of the postcards and start on the business cards is not fun. Coach Dad took him, but I could tell he was disappointed. Next Saturday…I will take him! HATE letting the kids down!
• Arriving at an event early is an odd feeling. So this is what the rest of the world feels…not rushed, calm as a cucumber.
• Walking to Celebrate Mama in downtime Bethesda, I staggered under the weight of 4 bags, a box, and a beach umbrella. I ditched the cooler in the car.  I was fine until a 20-year-old asked if I needed help. Suddenly I felt like a creaky senior citizen. Don’t mind me I have crazy strong arms from carrying two huge toddlers…I know I just look as though I might keel over, but I’m fine. Thanks!
• Arriving at table for check in and realizing that I can’t find my contact person. Now, my bags were feeling heavy. Table and check in person were soon found.
• Table set up was a toughie as I had to secure the flapping table cloth, cut up the postcards, create two signs, set up the raffle…not that I left anything til the last minute or anything. You would think since I was up until 3 a.m. that I would have been ready. Ha!
• Thank goodness Rachel arrived to save the day. Rachel is the other half of DC CityMommy.
• Rachel and I manned or mommed the DC CityMommy table. We held a Maclaren raffle with a prize of a Maclaren gift basket of Beginnings products for moms.
• Met many very sweet moms-to-be and new moms, but the day was looooonnnggg. Many brought tents. I had my trusty, very rusty beach umbrella, but no way to secure the umbrella to the table. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted a stand from the restaurant behind me. I snagged the stand fully expecting someone to say something. None of the waiters noticed. Yay for shade.

By the 4:10 when I left I was exhausted. I was spent. As you can imagine I was not happy to be trudging around the Elm Street parking garage looking for my %$&^van. Not a good way to end the day. After taking the elevator down a third time I abandoned my box of samples and the &^%& beach umbrella to walk once again to find my van. I felt like the mom in Joy Luck Club who abandoned her twins under the tree…not that I am comparing my beach umbrella to a baby, but you know what I mean. The umbrella and box were heavy…especially after walking up and down the garage.

All in all it was a successful if tiring day. Met many potential members of DC CityMommy. Talked to vendors about running ads. Met my Co-Leader. Good day, but happy to be home. Napped for two hours!