Amie and Baba at Walden Pond (click on My Flickr to the right for more) The Pond All three of us went to Walden Pond today (Amie no longer calls it “Walrus Pond”). It was 83 degrees F, that’s 28 degrees C! We had not expected it, so we were rather overdressed (long pants). The …
Category Archives: books (children’s)
D.B. Johnson’s Henry Books
     We love Thoreau around here. Ever since our visit to Walden Pond, Amie often asks to be read her books about “Henry David Thoro-ow”. We have several children’s books about Henry, but the core of our collection is the series written and illustrated by D.B. Johnson: Henry Hikes to Fitchburg Henry Climbs a Mountain …
Marie-Louise Gay’s What are you doing, Sam?
The Sam and Stella Books We love Marie-Louise Gay’s Sam and Stella books. Amie loves the repeated “Stellaaaaaaa!” or “Saaaaaam!” exclamations, Stella’s red hair, and Sam’s funny dog, Fred. And, o yes, the stories – always surprising, uplifting and subtly wise – and the illustrations – delightful watercolors and pencil works of art (colorful, but easy on the …
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The Letter Box
Letters A couple of months ago, Amie started showing interest in letters. It was rather unavoidable, as we have wooden alphabet puzzles and alphabet fridge magnets. And she sees us reading, of course, and writing on paper (Mama) and on the computer (Baba and Mama). She now also pretends to read her books,  some of which she knows …
My Articles Elsewhere
Did I mention I am also a Feature Writer for Suite101.com? Once in a while, as I publish more there, I’ll post a widget with my latest articles, like this one: * Become a freelance writer! Latest Articles by Katrien Vander Straeten * Don’t miss my latest article: the more detailed and informed review of …
My weakness: possessing books
Reduce! The first rule of our more ecologically responsible lifestyle is reduction (ReduceReuseRecycle!). That means, of course, less consumption. Thus less buying. (Why “of course,” though? Why did I leave it unspoken in our Here and Now List“?) We haven’t been buying new toys or clothes for Amie, except what is absolutely essential. We are lucky to …
Maisy by Lucy Cousins
Amie (19 mos.) is enamored with Maisy, the adorable mouse created by Lucy Cousins (Candlewick Press). “Maaa-isy Maaa-isy,” Amie calls. Then: “Mama read!” or “Amie read!” Simplicity is the norm The stories are short and sequential. The language is sparse, and keywords are repeated often. The bright colors filling large fields surrounded by black lines appeal immediately to a young child’s …