Cure for the We're-Stuck-Inside-Blues

My 2 1/2 year old whines. I hate whining. Hate is strong word but I really really HATE whining. It is like nails on a chalkboard for me. My friend told me about her method for stopping the whining. She came up with a silly word that made her son stop whining and giggle instead. Genius! I tried it. It didn't work. But I finally found something that does!! Not only does it stop my daughter from whining but it made my year old son stop crying.


First, a silly song.

Bonus: This song comes with a book! Or the other way around. We got the book and thought it was so cute. We tried to make up our own melody but then we found out we could download the actual song from Sandra Boynton here!

It was much better than the version we made up.







Next, a silly laugh-out-loud book.

Mo Willems is a genius when it comes to writing a story that is funny but has heart. Elephant and Piggy are a couple of our favorite characters. In this book, Piggy has a surprise for Elephant. He promises that it's going to be a good one. Of course, Elephant can't wait! Charlotte has said to me many times "Mommy, it's hard to wait." so this was something she could relate to.

The funny part is in how Elephant shows his distress.
Then again, it might be the way I read it. I really get into it. I dig deep and my kids think it's hilarious.

I am not kidding. 30 minutes before this picture was taken, they were both crying/whining/fighting. After the 2nd reading and a couple giggle-fits, they played together wonderfully. Until they realized they were hungry for lunch.

Julia's House for Lost Creatures

Ben Hatke is another author who I couldn't wait to share with my kids. He recently finished up his Zita the Spacegirl series, which I LOVED. It's a graphic novel series for 3rd-5th graders and while the main character is a girl, I think it's one that boys would enjoy as well.

Julia's House for Lost Creatures has a similar feel. I think of it as an introduction to graphic novels for readers of picture books. Most of the pages are laid out like your typical picture book with the whole page laying out one scene. But a few have 2 or more panels like a graphic novel. I didn't over analyze it to figure out why he changed it up. I just figured it was good practice for my kids when they read their first comic book or graphic novel!

 

Julia is adorable. She has the coolest house and she decides she would like some company so she makes a sign that acts as an invitation to every creature imaginable.

 

Her house is soon overrun with guests and chaos ensues! What's a girl to do?? Assign chores, of course.

Ghosts, mermaids, and trolls are nothing new but Ben Hatke's comes up with some original creations too. Charlotte is going through a phase where she is scared of dragons, lions, Santa so I've been careful to introduce new creatures. She loved all of these little guys and kept asking over and over again what their names were. If you think these are cute, read his Zita the Spacegirl series and then pass them on to a kid you think would love them. Or hold on to them until your kids are old enough to enjoy them!

My girl

I know she's not actually reading the words but it still makes me ridiculously happy. She loves books and being read to so I know it won't be long. I especially love how proud she is when she finishes. I can't wait to see that pride as she can do more "all by herself".

And thank you Sandra Boynton for writing such fun books that our whole family enjoys reading!!