It might be the Kindergarten teacher in me, or it may be an inherited trait from my mom, maybe it's the illustrations, or perhaps I'm a sucker for rhymes - but whatever the reason, I have always loved children's books. With a passion.
For Aidan's nursery, we went with an Around The World In 80 Days theme, his baby shower had a library theme, my favorite day of the year is my school's annual Literacy Parade, I've even listed my top picks for must-read children's books in A Life Long Love Affair With Children's Books. Needless to say, I'm a fan.
So, when we were on vacation in Boston this summer, home of the ducklings from Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, I could feel a new family tradition coming on.
The gist of this new family tradition (which, by the way, you are more than free to copy and make your own), is that I try to get a book from wherever we're visiting (either set there, or the author is from there), and take a picture of us in some sort of connection to the book.
For example...
This is just my "Florida" book, for now. It's really cute though, and is a perfect bedtime book for babies and toddlers. The ultimate goal is to go manatee watching and get the book Manatee Winter. It is such a sweet book about the oceanic and river wild life in our area. I read it to my class, and got so emotional at one part, where the mama and baby manatee get separated (spoiler alert, they find each other), that I nearly started crying. It may have had a little to do with the fact that the manatee baby was 6 months old, and so was Aidan at the time... not sure, but regardless, you may want to have a tissue or clean sleeve nearby.
So, when we were on vacation in Boston this summer, home of the ducklings from Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, I could feel a new family tradition coming on.
The gist of this new family tradition (which, by the way, you are more than free to copy and make your own), is that I try to get a book from wherever we're visiting (either set there, or the author is from there), and take a picture of us in some sort of connection to the book.
For example...
1. Boston, MA - Make Way For Ducklings
This is an adorable story about a Mallard duck couple looking for a place to raise their family of ducklings, and how they end up at the Public Gardens in Boston. Lucky for us, Bostonians have placed statues of them in the Public Gardens. Fun, fun family day!
2. Boston, MA - Paul Revere's Ride
Did I mention, that I also love history? Buddy boy was asleep when we got to Paul Revere's house, but I waved at it for him... :)
3. St. Augustine, FL - St. Augustine A to Z
We found this gem in a little local bookstore in Jacksonville Beach. Aidan celebrated his first 4th of July at the St. Augustine Castillo De San Marcos fort. St. Augustine is the oldest European city in the continental U.S. This book is really cute, and is even by a local author!
4. Florida - Count To Sleep Florida
This is just my "Florida" book, for now. It's really cute though, and is a perfect bedtime book for babies and toddlers. The ultimate goal is to go manatee watching and get the book Manatee Winter. It is such a sweet book about the oceanic and river wild life in our area. I read it to my class, and got so emotional at one part, where the mama and baby manatee get separated (spoiler alert, they find each other), that I nearly started crying. It may have had a little to do with the fact that the manatee baby was 6 months old, and so was Aidan at the time... not sure, but regardless, you may want to have a tissue or clean sleeve nearby.
5. Florida - Good Night Florida
Our dear friends got Aidan this book. It's by the same company as the earlier book, and I just love it! Good news is, that the company, goodnightourworld.com has a book for just about any place you can imagine! So, if you're stuck, and can't come up with a book from a particular place, you can always use one of these as a back-up!
So, now that I've started this, of course I feel the need to travel, and buy books! We spent the day in Old Town Alexandria, and drove through D.C. on our way home, so I guess I just HAVE to get him a book from there... maybe a history one? Or I could do Woodrow, The White House Mouse. I actually think I have a signed copy of that, that I got from my aunt somewhere...
I can't wait to show Aidan Budapest. And I love the story of Vuk. So, that might need to find its way into our library. Or maybe Ludas Matyi...
My question to you is: Do you have a favorite book, that's based in a certain place? Or by a local author? Please leave me a comment, it just may inspire our next family vacation!
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