Sweet Stories to Snuggle Up With Your Little Ones

    

     Mem Fox, author of Reading Magic, which was published in 2001, states that reading to your child should start at birth.  "When a child is born, their brain is not completely developed and will continue to develop over the course of their first year of life. Reading to an infant helps create brain-pathways and lay the groundwork for language development."  Additionally, numerous studies over the years have shown that children who are read to from an early age have better language development and tend of have strong language scores later in life.
      Ultimately, reading to your child is one of the most important and loving ways to connect to your little one, and build strong bonds together upon learning.  When your child sees your excitement while you read to them, there is no doubt that they will be excited to listen to you.  Your little ones will begin a lifelong journey as they begin to develop a love of books because they are sharing it with someone they trust and love.
      So, during these cold nights this winter, when the winds are blowing fiercely outside your windows and the snow may be steadily falling down, snuggle up with your little one with one of these perfect, calming and cozy tales!

A Big Hug for Little Cub
     I have to admit that when I first looked at the front cover illustration by artist Rosalinda Kightley, of a momma lion cub cradling her sleepy baby cub amidst a field of tale light green grass, it just warmed my heart.  Instantly, I longed for those days when I would cuddle with my toddler son in my wooden rocking chair, reading stories together before my husband and I would place him in his big boy toddler bed! Ahh...why does time have to fly by so fast?!
     As our tale begins, the little baby cub encounters little birds, dragonflies and a family of meerkats as he explores his world alongside the protecting eyes of his mother during a day filled with play.  And, as night falls, and the skies around the pair grow dark against the meadow, the little cub is at first apprehensive, but finds comfort as his mother holds him tight against her chest, as they settle down to sleep.
     With it's softly padded designed format, A Big Hug for Little Cub is the perfect fit for your little one's hands to hold as you read this lovely, lyrically rhymed tale by Lorie Ann Grover. 

A Big Hug for Little Cub
Written by Lorie Ann Grover & Illustrated by Rosalinda Kightley
Publisher:  Cartwheel Books, an imprint of Scholastic (2014)
Website:  www.scholastic.com
Retails for $7.99
For ages:  Newborn and up
ISBN: 978-0-545-53091-0

Sweet Dreams
     Grammy-Award winning singer/songwriter Jewel has recently added the title of storybook author with the release of her literary debut, Sweet Dreams. Inspired by her song of the same title from her 2009 album, Lullaby, Sweet Dreams shares a mother's soothing lullaby as it opens the way for an imagined adventure with her sleeping baby.  The vintage 20s/30s style illustrations by artist Amy June Bates brightens Jewel's lovely, lyrical prose.  The tender love for her child carries them on an imaginative journey as they sail through the clouds and sparkling stars that illuminate their journey together. This precious book contains a  CD musical audio recording of Jewel singing the story.

Sweet Dreams
Written by Jewel & Illustrated by Amy June Bates
Publisher:  Paula Wiseman Books, a Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Website: KIDS.SimonandSchuster.com
For ages 1 to 5
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)
             

 

 

Clifford's Bedtime Story Box
     Six classic selections from featuring the famous lovable "Big Red Dog" and his loyal, loving human, Emily Elizabeth are contained in this special box set.  The stories cross the over five decades since Clifford was introduced to little readers by author Norman Bridwell back in 1963.  Featuring the original story, Clifford, The Big Red Dog (1963); Clifford Takes a Trip (1966); Clifford at the Circus (1977); Clifford's Family (1984); Clifford the Firehouse Dog (1994) and Clifford Goes to Dog School (2002).  Each story highlights a special character recognition spotlight, showing children the importance of being a good friend learning how to believe in yourself.  The stories are stored in a sturdy cardboard box with a Velcro enclosure and handles, making it easy for little ones to be able to take along their favorite stories of the lovable, gigantic puppy with the heart of gold,  along with them for an overnight trip or vacation.

Clifford's Bedtime Story Box
Written by Norman Bridwell
Publisher:  Scholastic (2013)
Website:  www.scholastic.com
Retails for $10.99
For ages 3 and up
ISBN: 978-0-545-61521-1