Tag: baby

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Baby Book Club Parenting This N' That

What is Baby Book Club?

I haven’t posted about the Baby Book Club in a few days, and to be honest, I’m still refining what I want this series to become.

But then I realized: I never actually explained what “baby book club” even means.

So. Let’s fix that!

“Baby book club” isn’t an official thing. It doesn’t follow a curriculum. There’s no meeting schedule or membership list.

But it does mean something to me.

It’s a playful name that popped into my brain one night when I was getting excited about all the books I want to read with my daughter, and all the stories I hope she’ll get to discover as she grows. It’s about building a life where books are part of the everyday rhythm.

To me, the phrase “baby book club” brings together two great things:

  • A love of reading and stories
  • And a sense of community, something book clubs have always symbolized

I’ve noticed the spirit of reading, writing, and book-loving communities feels like it’s fading a little in our culture. That makes me sad. So this series is one small way I’m holding onto it, and hopefully passing that love on to my daughter.

When I think back on my own childhood and teen years, I remember so many peaceful, joyful hours spent lost in books. Every novel was a new world, full of possibility and adventure.

Here are just a few of the series that held a special place in my heart growing up (some of them when I was way older than my daughter is now!):

  • Cam Jansen
  • Nancy Drew
  • The Magic Tree House
  • The Babysitter’s Club
  • Dear America
  • Redwall
  • The Boxcar Children
  • Harry Potter
  • The Rats of NIMH

(I also raided my mom’s collection of Danielle Steele and Nicholas Sparks books when I was around 11. I don’t think I’ll encourage that for my daughter. It wasn’t exactly age appropriate reading!)

This series is about sharing that joy, reflecting on what books have meant to us, and building excitement for what they might mean to our kids.

If you’re reading this, I’d love to hear from you! What books or series are your children loving right now? 

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Categories
Baby Book Club Parenting Product Reviews

Baby Book Club: A Sweet Little Tale Called No Matter What

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I’m excited for today’s baby book club.

No Matter What by Debi Gliori has quickly become my favorite book to read with my daughter.

The illustrations are charming and packed with adorable details, and the story is timeless and well-written. The book features a message about unconditional love that feels real and honest, without being sugary.

I also like that the message includes a little lesson (though this book does not feel like a “lesson” book) on mending relationships.

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Image by Nina Harper

Finally, the writing itself is charming.

I particularly like the line “I’m grim and grumpy,” said Small, “and I don’t think you love me at all.” If I remember, Small has a bucket on his head while he says this, and I guess that just speaks to my inner child.

My daughter is not totally into this book, not as much as I am, but I still look forward to reading it to her for many years. I think it’s possible that the colors of the illustrations are a bit too muted for her little eyes at this stage in her development.

I picked this book up by chance at a thrift store, which is a great reminder that sometimes the best things come into your life in unexpected ways.

I highly recommend this book.

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