Picture Book Review: One by Kathryn Otoshi

Browsing the library books, I plucked this one off the shelf simply because the cover caught my eye. I briefly flipped a couple of pages and thought that the simple illustrations were quite beautiful and decided to bring it home. I knew nothing about the book. I didn't even know what it was about when I began to read it to Michael.

The characters are small watercolor splotches. The main character is Blue. The book begins simply by introducing him. We learn what he likes to do. We gain insights into his personality. We learn about his wishes and insecurities. We meet his friends: Yellow, Green, Purple, and Orange. Then we meet Red. As it turns out, Red is a bit of a hot head. He likes to tease and he particularly likes to pick on Blue.

After setting up the situation, Otoshi does a delicate, creative job of helping the colors stand up for their friend. You just need to find a copy and read it. It is a beautiful and unique book with a great anti-bullying message conveyed in a subtle and compelling way. Young kids will just enjoy the colors and numbers. Older kids will enjoy discussing the story as well.

I would never have gone out looking for an anti-bullying book to read with Michael. In fact, if I had read the book before reading it with him I might have hesitated due to the content (just because he is so young, not because it is objectionable). He found it compelling though. He was very interested in the different characters and talking about what was going on. Upon finishing he instantly asked to hear it again. In the morning he wanted to bring the book downstairs with him and he showed it to everyone who walked by (Ava, Daddy, Ava's therapist...).

The author's website has an excerpt of One that takes you through the first nine pages or so. It gives you a feel for the artwork and the beginning of the story. I highly recommend you check this out.

Tot Clock Promo Code

I love our Tot Clocks. We use them to let the kids know when it is all right to get out of bed in the morning (6:50 am). We use them to let the kids know how long they have to stay in their room for nap even if they aren't sleeping (1 1/2 hours). We use them for time out (2 minutes). All of these settings are customizable. Set them to whatever times work for you.

There are many other features like an activity timer that turns the clock green, a music and white noise player, a storybook reader, and an alarm clock that we don't use but may in the future.

The Tot Clocks have been out of stock for several months but will be back in two weeks. You can pre-order on their site now. I'm on their email list, so I received a promo code that is good through the month of June for 10% off. I'm not sure if the code is a one time use only code or if it can be used many times, but we don't need it so here it is if anyone wants to try it. MTCBIS10



Here is a picture of the back of the clock and a description of many of the features.

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with this company. I just really like this product.

The Weekly Review: Week Twelve

Blog Posts - New Babies

Congratulations to Amalah on welcoming Ike to her family. He's adorable. Problem Girl got to be present at the birth of her friend's baby Olive and did an amazing job with the pictures.

Weekly Blog Post that made me want to cook:

I have a friend who writes a very successful food blog called the Cupcake Project. She's been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, People Magazine and the New York Times among other publications. She did a slightly off topic post this week on Roasted Onions Filled with Savory Bread Pudding that actually made me want to cook. They just looked and sounded very yummy.

Sibling Moments of the Week:

Michael did something we praised him for. I honestly don't remember what it was (terrible I know). What I do remember, clearly, is how Ava said, "Yea! Good job!" and clapped her hands for him. She wanted to praise him too. I loved it.

In the car: Michael asked me to hand him a car he wanted. Ava had it in her carseat, but she wasn't playing with it. As I was driving, I couldn't get it for him and I told him so. He paused for a minute and then said, "Ava, can you give the car to me please?" She said, "Sure Michael!" and handed him the car. Simple, and yet sweet.

Michael and Ava's Cuteness of the Week:

At naptime, I put the children down for their nap by myself. We read stories in Michael's room with both children in my lap and then Ava and I tell Michael goodnight and head off to her room for one last song. Recently, the children have made a game of kissing my nose. I've been encouraging it because it is such a great oral motor activity (and it is sweet!). You have to do a pretty good job of pursing your lips to kiss the tip of a nose. I say, "Don't kiss my nose!" and hide it behind my hand. They giggle and pull my hand away before giving my nose a kiss. They take turns. Then I pretend to wipe the kisses away and we start all over again. It is fun, and sweet, and they would be willing to to it indefinitely as far as I can tell. I eventually have to call a halt or they'd never get down for nap. It's a game we all enjoy.

Family News Bulletin of the Week:

We just found out that my husband's parents are going to come visit next week. It is something of a spur of the moment decision and we are so excited to be expecting them. I can't tell the kids yet, because they aren't quite old enough to understand the week long delay before their grandparents arrive. I'm looking forward to sharing the news with them when the visit gets a little closer. We're going to plan several special outings I think and I can't wait. I hope the weather cooperates.

"Big" Decision I'm Considering

Ava refuses to let me put anything in her hair. No headbands. No bows. No hair bands. Nothing at all is tolerated. Her hair is getting longer (finally) and although I love the little hints of curl in the back, the front is in her eyes all the time. I can tell it is bothering her. She's constantly trying to sweep it out of her way. I wanted to wait until she had lots of hair before getting her first haircut, but it is in her eyes, and quite scraggly to be honest. I'm thinking of getting her first haircut. Somehow, it makes me a little sad. Odd, I know.