Parents truly appreciate the importance of a good night’s sleep. A recent experiment shows that listening to music before bed-contrary to much current advice-can actually reduce your quality of sleep. The study focused on the phenomenon of “earworms”–when a song or tune plays over and over again in a person’s mind. Although this typically happens Read More
Parent Tips
Relax About Relaxing
In today’s world, we are all bombarded with the message that it’s important to de-stress. You know that you should take time out to relax, rejuvenate–get some “me time.” But if you are anything like me, this knowledge is coupled with a crippling sense of guilt for actually doing what you know is good for Read More
Green Hat, Blue Hat
Green Hat, Blue Hat >> By Sandra Boynton Ages 1-3 Summary: Three earnest animals and one misguided turkey learn colors and clothes. Marni’s comments: I confess–I’m not a Boynton fan. But I was doing a Zoom screening with a 2 ½ year old recently, and he was cracking up repeatedly while reading this book. I Read More
The Dogist Puppies
The Dogist Puppies >> By Elias Weiss Friedman All ages Marni’s summary and commentary: When I was growing up, we had a coffee table book that was all photographs of cats. When we were very lucky, my mom would pull it out and sit with me and my sister as we went through page by Read More
Stef Soto Taco Queen
Stef Soto, Taco Queen >> By Jennifer Torres Ages 8+ Summary: Estefania “Stef” Soto is itching to shake off the onion-and-cilantro embrace of Tia Perla, her family’s taco truck. She wants nothing more than for Papi to get a normal job and for Tia Perla to be a distant memory. Then maybe everyone at school Read More
It’s Hard to be Five
It’s Hard to Be Five >> By Jamie Lee Curtis Ages 3-6 Summary: Learning not to hit? Having to wait your turn? Sitting still? It’s hard to be five! But Jamie Lee Curtis’s encouraging text and Laura Cornell’s playful illustrations make the struggles of self-control a little bit easier and a lot more fun. Kids Read More