Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Washington, DC

Fun with the ABCs Through Michael Chesworth

by Leticia

March 02, 2009

We have recently become fans of everything Michael Chesworth.  After some of his books were featured during a recent library storytime, we have soaked up all we can of his books!

Alphaboat (currently our favorite Chesworth book) is an amazing combination of great puns (you'll marvel in amazement at these!) as well as artfully visualized jokes.  Not only is this my kiddos' first choice for a book to read, I sure don't mind reading it to them!

Not only is this book impressive and entertaining, but it is also educational.  We find something new every time we open the front cover, that we missed the time before.

Michael Chesworth has been illustrating children's books since 1989 and hit a home run when not only illustrating, but also writing Alphaboat himself.  Also on his list of "authored" and illustrated books is Rainy Day Dream.

This book will allow you to teach your children about the English language and rhymes, as well as provide great snuggle time with your littles.

I have to admit, we are huge fans of the library because it enables us to read loads of books in a cost-effective way ... however ... since learning of Michael Chesworth, we are adding the entire list of his books to our "wish lists".  We will be proudly displaying all things Chesworth on our bookshelves!

Would you like a chance to win your very own copy?

Simply e-mail me at beingsavvyWashingtonDC@savvysource.com letting us know the title of another Michael Chesworth illustrated book.  The winner will be chosen and notified directly on March 5th, 2009.

Tuesday List: 100 Things to Do Before Kindergarten

by Leticia

January 27, 2009

As a mom of a child who will be a kindergartner this fall, the thought of kindergarten readiness can be daunting. As a former first grade teacher, I often think of the skills that my students entered my classroom with having learned or not learned in kindergarten. It is true that kindergarten is becoming increasingly academic but the chances are if you read to your child, talk to them about the  Read more...

Must Haves for Your Home Library

by Leticia

November 24, 2008

Where the Sidewalk Ends Shel Silverstein is one of my favorite poets and I've recently loved revisiting some of the poetry that I loved as a child. The poems along with the pen and ink illustrations make this a must-have for every family's home library. After all, who doesn't love reading Hug 'o War, I'm Sick, and Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out! Thereâ??s a Wocket  Read more...

Babygarten in Loudoun County

by Beth Hoffman

November 11, 2008

If you are in or near Loudoun County and have a child 18 months old or younger and you aren't going to Babygarten, you are missing out. The program is run by Loudoun County libraries, here's the description from their website : "Babygarten is a fun, exciting and informational program for infants and their parents or caregivers. Infants and their caregivers share nursery rhymes, songs and  Read more...

50 Things To Do in the DC Metro Area With a Child Before They Grow Up

by Leticia

May 29, 2008

In no particular order, here's a list of 50 things to do in the DC Metro Area with a child before they grow up: Head out the night before and brave the elements for your tickets to the White House Easter Egg Roll just to say you've done it Witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms at the Jefferson Memorial at their peak Go kayaking at Mason Neck State Park in Virginia since it is a great place  Read more...