Downy Woodpecker

Kidthing

This is such a great site for kids and parents! There are games, books, activities, videos...This site was started by parents in LA who wanted a safe place for their kids to play on-line. Check it out!

Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married by Marian Keyes

This is an audio synopsis of the most recent book I've read. If you liked Bridget Jones, I think you'll like Lucy Sullivan.

Children's Reads

Probably my all-time favorite children's book is Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle. I know some parents probably won't appreciate the crass subject - Walter is a farting dog after all...but the message behind the gas is truly a good one. Walter is all about acceptance and love. His family is deeply troubled by his gaseous emissions and threatens to return him to the pound. In order to remain with the family he loves, Walter desperately tries to change who he is by holding in his farts. As the night progesses, and Walter painfully tries to keep his gas to himself, the family's home is burglarized. Walter is unable to keep his farts in, and ends up saving the day by gassing the burglars and allowing the police to catch them. The family realize that even though Walter is stinky, he is part of the family and they love him, despite his faults.

I feel Walter appeals on many levels. Little kids love him because they love farts...how funny is it for them to hear all about Walter's farting problem? Older kids and adults are amused by the witty humor infused throughout the story. The illustations are also great. I've given Walter to all the kids (young and old) in my life...

Young Adult Reads

Although I have yet to read the Twilight series, I'm looking forward to it (maybe this summer after things die down from the movie...).

I am a die-hard Harry Potter fan...I know there's been lots of controversy about the books; magic & sorcery are hard to stomach for some people. My thought on this is if kids are excited about reading, can it really be a bad thing? I feel J.K. Rowling has brought the joy of reading back to many young people who otherwise may miss out...and I think it's a great thing. I haven't found another author who has created such a vivid world of fantasy since I was young myself and reading Roald Dahl...Kudos to J.K.!

I've also enjoyed the Maximum Rides series by James Patterson. I have always enjoyed his adult books about Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club and feel that he captures the readers attention with excitement and suspense. This translates well to his YA writing as well.