LilSugar

Mom-Me Time: Pick Up a Copy of The Help

babysugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:30:49 -0800

If mama's got a few minutes to herself and is looking for something that will take her mind to another world, she needs not look further than this gold and purple hardback book. The Help ($12) is a quick read that will steal her attention and her affection and leave her wanting more. Kathryn Stockett's first novel, the book about the relationships between mothers and the women that help them (nannies in particular) will have mommy laughing out loud, tearing up in the eyes, dog-earring pages with special passages and thinking about how she relates to some of the closest people in her life.

Just pages into the lengthy text and I was hooked. Unlike any book I've read in recent times, the characters in these pages immediately come to life and fully color the imagination. You can picture their hair, dream up their clothes and hear their voices like they're sitting on the bus right next to you. While they may be fictional muses, I wish I could meet them, thank them, reprimand them and have a tall glass of sweetened iced tea with them. Though the book is set back in the early '60s, some of the conversations and lessons are timeless. For the rest of my review, read more.

Centered around the lives of three caretakers, the hired "help" who tend to high society's children may occasionally be called "mama" as they often forge a closer bond with the child than his own mother. And while some women may have their best friends to rely on, the housekeeper frequently knows and cares more than her "best" friends -the phrase "dirty laundry" having a double meaning when it comes to life behind closed doors. In the end, it is a story about women taking extraordinary measures to right some wrongs, even if it means risking it all. Of all the lessons to be learned from this rich novel, the golden rule speaks loudest - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Maybe that's why she wrapped it in a glowing cover.

Before this goes to the theaters, which it surely will, buy it, read it and gift it to everyone you know. It will not disappoint.

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Texts and Tunes: Halloween Tales to Scare Off Fright

LilSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:53 -0700

Halloween can be scary for tots - especially toddlers who have become more aware of their emotions or are afraid of the dark. My daughter acted squeamish around ghosts and goblins her first few Halloweens, so we opted to keep things light with charming costumes and princess fanfare. Talking and reading books about the holiday - minus the gory details - can help scare off fright.

Dr. Seuss What Was I Scared Of Halloween Book? A Glow-in-the Dark Encounter ($12) is a bit spooky, but offers a rhyming conversation to springboard a discussion about fear. If your child is younger, stop by the library or bookstore and opt for a lighter tale like the ones below.

Text and Tunes: Books That Help Children Through Divorce

LilSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:00:26 -0700

It's sad when any family falls apart, but the situation is especially difficult when children are involved. If the kids are young, it can be hard to explain how and why mommy and daddy are choosing to separate and what that will mean for everyone involved. When parents are at a loss for words or too pained by their own emotions, picking up a text that caters to children can help. Check out our roundup of books that touch on topics like having two homes, holidays, custody and moving toward the future.

Dr. Seuss Is Back With a Vengeance and Volumes of Books

babysugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:00:26 -0700

It's hard to be grinchy when you've got a cat in a hat who is willing to describe his green eggs and ham with such fervor and delight. Dr. Seuss brings magic to reading through his creative outlandish texts that will keep kids and their parents in stitches for a lifetime. Some of the lesser-known books have turned out to be some of my own tot's favorites. The way they keep reinventing themselves, these fun reads are sure to stay on bookshelves for generations to come. Check out some of the latest and greatest editions.

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Texts and Tunes: Bundle of Trouble

babysugar — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 04:00:20 -0700

Think the entry into motherhood isn't tough enough? Try adding an unsolved murder mystery to your "to do" list. While it's not the typical postpartum scenario, it's entertaining to read about.

Mamas looking to kill some time may enjoy the quick mystery read by Diana Orgain. An interesting take on murder-centric novels, Bundle of Trouble ($7) is about a new mom who finds her family entangled in a fatal crime. Along with her investigative work, the recovering mum talks about breastfeeding, pumping, and losing the baby weight. The perfect gift for a lady on bedrest, expectant mothers will not only find the book a speedy read, they'll learn a few of motherhood's best kept secrets along the way.

Teach Proper Hygiene With a Few Laughs Along the Way

LilSugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:00:25 -0700

Schools have added lessons in flu prevention as students packed into classrooms and close quarters spread their germs. Even Elmo and a host of doctors and officials are touting the benefits of proper hand washing. For parents looking for some support in their health and hygiene lessons, several books break the situation down to preschool and toddler levels. The new Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo ($11) tells the tale of a little girl who infects all of the animals in the zoo with a virus when she wipes her runny nose with her hand instead of a tissue. The silly tale reinforces current personal hygiene practices without preaching to its audience. For additional literary picks, check out our selections.

5 Fun Books For Moms

babysugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0700

There are books a plenty on the subjects of pregnancy and parenting. When mommy's eyeballs have glazed over from reading about milestones, she can take a break and brush up on creative recipes and inspiring kidoodle-worthy crafts. Check out the selection of five helpful and exciting texts for moms.

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lilsugar's Summer Reading List For Mommies Short on Time

LilSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:11:01 -0700

Sneak in time to get lost in the pages of a few texts this Summer. Nothing can breathe new life into a tired mama like a literary escape! It's a quick and easy indulgence, and won't set you back too many bills. There's no need to spend time perusing the aisles of your local bookstore, since we've rounded up our favorite mommy reads! From those that are laugh-out-loud funny to stories you can relate to, check out our picks !

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Urban Babies Wear Black and Eco Babies Wear Green

babysugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:00:18 -0700

When it comes to baby clothes, black is the new pink. Trendtotters that they are, the Jolie-Pitt brood is known to wear black sneakers, shirts, and dresses. Taking a hint from pop culture, author Michelle Sinclair Colman and illustrator Nathalie Dion capitalized on the trend and created the witty lil book Urban Babies Wear Black. A hit title, the two followed it up with a slew of jocular texts one of which is sure to suit any mum's fancy. Next time there's a baby shower, consider placing one of the sassy texts ($7) under the ribbon instead of a card.

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10 Classic Books For Every Newborn

babysugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:00:08 -0700

Studies show that babies who are read to and sung to at an early age will demonstrate higher reading skills than other children. While many parents don't think a newborn is paying attention to the texts in their early days, getting them into a routine of reading will be worth the time spent in their infancy. These are 10 books every newborn nursery should have on the shelves.

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HarperCollins Sneak a Peek Book Series: It's Halloween Night - $6.99	Who's There on Halloween? Board Book - $4.99
Scholastic Here Comes Halloween! Board Book - $7.99	Scholastic Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Ghost of Wuzzleburg Halloween Book - $4.99
Scholastic The Best Halloween Hunt Ever Book - $4.99	Americhip Monsters, Be Gone! Halloween Interactive Book - $4.99
Dr. Seuss What Was I Scared Of Halloween Book? A Glow-in-the Dark Encounter - $11.99	Happy Halloween, Wonder Pets! Book - $7.99
Trick or Treat? Lift-the-Flap Halloween Board Book - $6.99	Biscuit's Pet & Play Halloween - $6.99
Scholastic The Biggest Pumpkin Ever Halloween Book - $4.99	Simon & Schuster Mouse's First Halloween Board Book - $7.99
Disney Classic Scary Story Book - $15.99