Best Reading Practices for Parents

Wonder Playlist

7/6/2016

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What to do with this playlist

I can think of a few ways to use this playlist (including looking at the lyrics of the songs, watching the music videos, discussing the artists themselves and how they have been ostracized, AND great) but one of the easier ways is to give the book + make a playlist on a thumb drive and put it together as a gift.

Wonder, the real hardcover book

Wonder via Kindle

Wonder via iBooks

Wonder audiobook via Audible

Wonder audiobook via iTunes

This book is all over upper elementary and upper middle school summer lists.

And, with good reason.

It's a great book of coming of age, making good decisions, changing your own behavior, making mistakes, apologizing for them and being a friend. For adults, it's a reminder on how to treat others who are different than we are and to always be aware of our own reactions.

This book also includes great hints at songs - in essence, it creates a playlist for you to listen to while reading. Awesome!

Wonder playlist, via iTunes:

Enjoy!

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And...Lily's Ideal Bookshelf

6/26/2016

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Please share!

And, what would the Ideal bookshelf posts be without Liliana's ideal bookshelf list. Here is her list at the moment. Remember, she's three so she revisits this list often. Every few weeks we talk about this bookshelf and if anything needs to be added to it or removed from it.

Without further adieu...

1. Puff, the Magic Dragon

Hands down her favorite. Liliana loves the song, she loves the pictures, she loves Peter Yarrow.

She recognizes when it becomes the sad part of the book and then reminds herself that she's had friends move away and it all ends up okay.

I think she personally identifies with Puff and uses the book as an emotional tool.

Books can do that for you - give you language and help you feel better about being lonesome sometimes.

2. Chester's Way

Let's be honest, Lily likes this book because there is a wackadoodle character named Lilly in the book.

She loves this book which makes my heart smile because I LOVE Kevin Henkes.

This book is about a duo who does everything together and are not very nice to new girl, Lilly. But when Lilly saves the day, they all become fast friends.

Kevin Henkes does a great job showing how to positively change a situation and even has a bullying episode in the book without giving away language that the bully would use (we don't need to model that in our reading with kids).

3. The Kissing Hand

This is such a sweet tale and I have a hunch Liliana likes this book because it makes me melt.

Little Chester raccoon (no relationship to the above book) is going to school and is nervous. I used to read this book to little kids on the first day of school so they were reminded that their parents loved them, even though they were in class with me.

Chester raccoon even has a sweet surprise for his mother.

4. Swatch

I've written about this book before. So what else is there to say?

Strong female character, beautiful use of color, great vocabulary in the book.

Lily seems to know the book by heart. We read it every week consistently.

5. Knuffle Bunny

Liliana likes this book because it's something she can relate to. We live in Brooklyn which is where this book is set. We do our laundry in a laundry room and she helps out. She's even had to wash her favorite stuffed animals before (although never lost them like Trixie does).

I love the illustrations meshing with real life photography work and the story is sweet.

6. Corduroy

This one came out of left-field. I did not hype this book at all. But here it is (and for the record, I do like Don Freeman books, especially Dandelion).

Secretly, I think she wishes she could go to the store and buy her very own stuffed animal too!

7. The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts

This book has it all - animals, peeing, pooping and real learning.

Liliana's favorite fact?

Flamingoes pee on themselves to cool themselves off.

Who knew?!

Even better, the author is releasing a pack of postcards in the Fall. Goes great with the tip on writing postcards!

Enjoy!

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Quick yet thoughtful Mother's Day Gift

5/2/2016

You guys, this is super sweet. As in, if Liliana wanted to do this for me in 20 years, I would cry but also I would really appreciate it.

Last week, as Liliana and I were recording books together we were talking about who else could record books for her. She loves to hear all kinds of readers - grandparents, babysitters, ladies at the library, poets on the subway. All storytellers.

And then this other thought has been swimming around in my head for awhile - some of the books that I read to Liliana (and plan to read) are ones that I loved as a child. I bet I'm not alone in this.

We read the books we like to our kids - and we should. And our parents likely did the same. So, this is how you get multiple generations reading Caps for Sale or Charlotte's Web. Because we liked it as kids, so of course our kids will like it too.

So here's the idea...instead of a Mother's Day card,

Send your mom a book.

A book she might have read to you as a kid, a book she read to you that you loved so much that you read it to your kids.

Maybe it's a book that you love so much you want HER to read it to your kids.

Or, a book that she showed you and it enlightened you, inspired you, made you want to keep reading - helped to make you into the person you are today.

And inside, inscribe it with a thank you note.

Happy (early) Mother's Day!

Gift Guide: Books That Sing

4/12/2016

Singing books are some of our favorites. I quickly re-learned Baby Beluga from my childhood because Liliana loved the song so much; then, we found the book and our lives were complete. Puff the Magic Dragon is another current favorite and I find that the picture book really adds something to the original song (don't worry, no reference made to the popular adult meanings attached to the song!).

Books set to songs are great books to have around if you want to mix up your reading routine and teach your little one a song or two. Songs are great ways to bond together - read together, sing together, rhyme together, learn together, have fun together!

I've rounded up a few of our favorites. I've also included links to the YouTube recordings of the songs, done by their artists in case you want to listen.

1. Wheels on the Bus

Raffi is a huge favorite in our house. Maybe it's because I grew up with him, but Liliana just loves almost all of his songs.

The books are great additions and as your reader gets older, you can track the words to the song so your child can match printed words with sung words.

Baby Beluga and Down by the Bay are fantastic companions to Wheels on the Bus.

Need to hear it?
Wheels on the Bus sung by Raffi

2. Sing a Song

The song made popular by Sesame Street...and The Carpenters.

The start of this book is just pictures, no words. And, so we were surprised when partway through the book, the words start flowing.

The song is simple and slow. The message is affirming for children. It's a really good feel-good song.

Tom Lichtenheld has won awards for his illustrations - this book is beautiful.

Need to hear it?
Sing a Song by The Carpenters

3. What a Wonderful World

My daughter LOVES this book and song. Louis Armstrong reminds her of Cookie Monster. She first heard this song and saw the book in music class.

The teachers tell me that it's a perennial favorite - for parents and kids alike.

Need to hear it?
What a Wonderful World spoken to music by Louis Armstrong

4. Take Me Out to the Ballgame

If you're a baseball fan, this is a must. The book goes through the song 3 times. There is some story, but really the point is to learn the song.

Lily had it down within a few reads of the book. She loves the pictures and so will bring this book and start singing to me every other day at least.

Need to hear it?
Take Me Out to the Ball Game sung by Carly Simon

5. Riding in my Car

Cars? Dogs? What more could you want?

This book is adorable. The dogs in the car go on a road trip through America. It has lift-flaps to name America's treasures. And Dogs. And cars.

The video is also really well done. You could play it and flip the pages as you read/sing this book with your kids.

Need to Hear It?
Riding in my Car sung by Woody Guthrie

Enjoy!

Potty Training Help!

4/9/2016

If only they knew what to do...

I've been asked for this list so many times, it's time to share it worldwide (or to whoever lands here). Potty training is so much fun, I thought you'd like reading about it with your kid too! We started with the P is for Potty because Liliana loved Elmo so much but that's not every kid. The first two on the list are still well-read in our house because Liliana just loves them - even though she's way past the training phase. I just read Pottytime Chickies before naptime today!

Our tried and true list:

1. Where's the Poop?

What could be more fun than finding the poop..in a book. It's a fantastically funny lift-flap book that goes through animal parents asking their animal kids if they've pooped that day.

And then yep! You get to find it under the different flaps. The best part - it ends with a kid pooping on the potty.

It's really a fun read and one Liliana still asks to read.

2. Pottytime Chickies

Pottytime Chickies, fun, fun, fun! Hop on the potty and get the job done.

This book is so rhythmic to read that I find myself saying the phrases to Liliana even still when she needs to at least try to go.

Liliana calls it her laughing book because it's just so funny. The chickies go through sequences of what not to do in the potty and then they finally get it right!

3. Potty

This book has very simple, kid language with illustrations to match.

This book was one of the earlier ones we tried to explain the concept and it works well as a picture book for that purpose.

4. The Potty Book for Boys

This book has more text than Potty, so if you have an older kid learning to use the toilet, this is the book for you.

The nice thing about this book is that it lets kids know that there will be accidents - and that's okay. That you just try and try again. This is not a task to give up on.

It's a gentle, explanatory introduction to using the bathroom.

5. Time to Pee

As a former Sesame Street writer, Mo Willems knows kids.

This book is simple and a great introductory book. And bonus, it comes with stickers.

Our daughter didn't get the sticker chart/reward thing, but she LOVED the stickers anyway.

6. Potty Superhero

I didn't have to potty train a boy...but this book is the counterpart to Big Girl Panties, for boys.

This book also shows an accident, which is super common, so it's nice that the book is realistic.

It's a short, rhyming book that will get the initial point across. Plus, there's a superhero! And a dog!

7. Big Girl Panties

I hate the word panties and wondered why it was necessary in the title of this book.

It's so it can rhyme with aunties.

That seemed useful enough and Lily really liked this book. Plus, it got her in the mood for thinking about what kind of undies she would like to wear. The answer: Dinosaur undies, duh!

Enjoy (and good luck)!

Great Goodnight Books...And Go To Sleep

4/7/2016

I recently had a friend ask me for more goodnight book suggestions for her toddler and I'll be honest, I thought this was going to be an easier list to put together than it actually was. She sent me what she currently reads including Pajama Time, Llama Llama Nighty Night and Good Night New York and I sent her a few quick suggested additions to her nighttime routine. Then I went about looking at any new goodnight books that were on the bookshelves that I may have missed.

Let's start with some background. Almost every parent knows the book Goodnight Moon. Not everyone loves it, but let's talk about why it is so popular. Because it's important - a lot of goodnight books are derivative of Goodnight Moon.

Margaret Wise Brown, through her research, learned that kids were very interested in the "here and now". And so, that was what her storytelling became. Simple settings, simple kid language with cadence that is based upon familiar routines.

This was a book revolution! So much so, that the New York Public Library didn't circulate the book until 26 years after its initial publication.

The book became popular through word of mouth. It lulled your 2 year old to sleep (and maybe you, but the 2 year old was the important one). So parents recommended it to other parents and its popularity increased. Now it's a goodnight staple in many households. The Here and Now storytelling method became a mainstay. Again, the important part here - It puts your kid to sleep.

At bedtime, sometimes you want books that are relaxing but are also fun to read during other times of your day or are a different take on bedtime than the Here and Now. So, I went on a search for other goodnight books that are fun to read at bedtime, will slow down the day for a few minutes but may also provide some text complexity or imagination to your bedtime routine. This list is especially useful for the toddler set - 2 years old and older.

Goodnight Books

1. Steam Train, Dream Train 1-2-3

Like trains? Try out Steam Train, Dream Train 1-2-3 by the same authors as Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.

It's a cute counting bedtime story, loading the train up with animals that will go to sleep.

I actually like it better than Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.

2. Trashy Town

This is an American Library Association recommended book for toddlers' libraries.

It details Mr. Gilly, the trash collector's journey through Trashy Town. Just when the repetitive nature gets to be a bit much, the author changes course. After he cleans up, the only thing left to clean is Mr. Gilly.

This is a good book to wind down, or read before bath time.

The author based this book on her own son's interest in the garbage truck going around town and I usually find that parent-written books are extra relatable. Liliana loves this one.

3. Mother, Mother, I Want Another

This book made me laugh. It highlights the struggles parents feel when getting their little ones to bed. They will do anything, including, getting another mother.

The mother frantically searches for another mother to put her mouse to sleep but the book hinges on its playful language from the toddler mouse, who just wants another...kiss. Not another mother!

You'll get a laugh and an extra goodnight kiss out of this one.

Books that Wind Down the Day

1. Stars

In time for poetry month, this is a lyrically written book by an award-winning author and a Caldecott winning illustrator.

Perfect for winding down the day and relaxing. It's also a great book if you have a star, night-sky lover.

This book captures the awe we feel when we look up into the nighttime sky.

2. Hippos go Berserk!

For all of you Sandra Boynton lovers, this is a good book to supplement her other goodnight books.

One hippo all alone, calls another on the phone. Once all of the hippos arrive, there is a party! But every party must end, and they all start to go home.

What's interesting in this book? You count up to 9 and back down, meeting 44 hippos along the way (you are left with the original hippo). She does the math for you, but you could do it later if you wanted.

3. The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Emily Winfield Martin is an artist who wrote a book...actually a few. Her illustrations are dreamy and the story is affirming for any young child.

The drawings are filled with imagination and the words are calming and relaxing.

4. Waiting

Kevin Henkes' newest book won the Theodore Geisel award for little readers. The book focuses on the trinkets little kids find and keep - and what they're waiting for.

5. Owl Moon

A perennial favorite and with rich text, this is a story of a father taking his child owling. The story is full of patience, paced words and beautiful pictures. Jane Yolen knows how to tell a story.

Enjoy!

Gift Giving Guide: Books for the Artist

3/23/2016

I bought a new book the other day. It had a beautiful cover and I liked the colors. I knew my art-loving daughter would love it too. Even though she's small, she is fascinated with paints and colors and what she can do with them. Painting and coloring are tactile experiences that feel good to her. Reading about them, by extension, feels good for her too.

On this particular afternoon though, Liliana was itching to play with her farm animals and I was itching to do anything else. So, I grabbed a stack of books and started by reading the new art book to myself (out loud) on the couch.

She kept playing, but slowly made her way to me on the couch. And, by mid-book, she was sitting right on top of me smashing her face into the book looking at the beautiful illustrations. By the time I was finished, she wanted me to read it again. And again.

If you have an artist in your life, this book guide is for you!

For your young artist:

1. Swatch: The Girl Who Loved Color

This book is already well-read and loved in the 3 days that we've had it.

The illustrations are beautiful, the writing flows but doesn't rhyme. It is poetry.

Little kids will gravitate toward the pictures and remember the story.

The author uses some really great vocabulary (whirling and masterpiece!) and you can talk about your kids' masterpieces afterward.

2. Hands: Growing Up to Be An Artist

This book does something other picture books don't - it combines memoir and art for kids.

Lois Ehlert writes about her childhood and how she watched her parents work with their hands to make art.

This is one of my favorites to read to my young artist, especially since Ms. Ehlert talks about more than just painting.

3. I'm The Best Artist in the Ocean

This is an adorable story about a squid who can paint! He paints in different styles and on different canvases, in the ocean.

It's a bigger book, so easy to see the pictures and words. This book is a sequel to I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean and if you explain the word masterpiece to your kids before reading, then this book is one big joke at the end.

For your elementary aged artist:

1. Artist to artist

If I had to pick just one book to get a budding artist, it would be this one.

Twenty-three illustrators write letters to the reader. The letters are personal and accompanied by the artist's work. There are also pictures of the artists at work. It's a rare look into an illustrator's life. But, it's also conversational, intimate and pretty cool to read.

I can't say enough good things about this book. It really is a great book to have in your arsenal if you've got an artist on your hands.

2. The Noisy Paint Box

As kids get older, they can start reading about specific artists. This book delves into Vasily Kandinsky's artwork.

Young Vasily is amazed when he can hear the colors as music while he paints and he never forgets that feeling.

After studying with others, he can't forget his own ability to hear the colors and always returns to his own style of abstract art.

Making a great companion to this book are Kandinsky postcards to send. Quick tip - Send a postcard!

3. ish

At some point, we have all experienced embarrassment about our art. The little boy in this book is no different. When his older brother teases him about his drawing, he doesn't want to do it anymore.

It takes Ramon's sister, Marisol, to show him how to cradle his creativity and let it grow.

This book might re-kindle a love of art or start one anew. It's certainly a confidence builder.

For your older artist:

1. Inside the Painter's Studio

Joe Fig takes you inside various artist's studios so you can take a real-life peek at what a studio looks like.

There is a conversational tone to this book as he asks the different artists about their process. They share their work, their process and their art.

This book is wonderful for an artist who wants to see what it's really like to be an artist everyday.

2. Art that Changed the World

As kids get older, art becomes more of a living, breathing, conversation piece. They might start asking questions that you don't know the answers to - that's great! That's where critical thinking is showing its face.

This book discusses what happened when a piece of art was created or found. How did it affect the world? Or the people viewing it?

This book marries critical thinking, art and reading.

3. Painting and Sculpture at the MoMA

For a bigger kid, it is worth it to have a book of just artwork from a major museum.

This book presents the entirety of the MoMA's collection - paintings, sculptures and installations - page by page. Some of the most famous and recognizable paintings are in this book including Starry Night, Dance I, The Persistence of Memory and other famous paintings.

And lastly, if you have or know a kid who loves art, make sure to check out the very helpful blog, The Artful Parent.

Go inspire Reading and Art together!

Gift Giving Guide: Books for the Baby Shower

3/16/2016

I bought a lot of my daughter's books to start her baby library. There were certain books I wanted and there were certain books I didn't want at all.

There are books that it seems like almost every new mom registers for - you know the ones - The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, Dear Zoo, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Where the Wild Things Are, Guess How Much I Love You - you get the picture. These are all great books, but a new mom is inevitably going to receive these.

But there are so many other books! Here is a list with a mix of American Library Association recommendations, Caldecott winners, most-checked out kid books from the library, my daughter's favorites and my own favorites. I often buy and recommend books by well-known authors, but their lesser known titles that are just as fantastic.

Many of my own favorites are books that are not annoying to be read over and over and over and over and over...and that makes it more fun for Liliana. If I can convey enjoyment while I read, she will pick up on that. Read books that are joyful to you as a parent!

1. I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love

This is an adorable story including animals, rhyming and beautiful pictures.

This book promotes parent/child bonding and as the baby gets older and can interact more into its toddler years, it's a fun book to read together.

In case you're wondering, I do prefer the hard cover to the board book. The illustrations warrant the extra page space.

2. The Very Busy Spider

This is a fantastic alternative to The Very Hungry Caterpillar and I actually like it better. You still get Eric Carle's artwork and bugs, but with other farm animals added in!

3. Global Babies

Let's bring some diversity to this list. These sets of books are still Liliana's favorites, 3 years later.

There is also a Global Baby Girls and Global Baby Boys. They are also a great springboard for talking about other parts of the world.

4. Jazz Baby

This book is so rhythmic, it's musical! It's a ton of fun to read and does not get old when you are reading it over and over and over.

The book is easy to read to the beat and you'll see your kid bopping along while you read. It's really a joyful book.

5. The Quiet Book

This book is relaxing to read. It's a sweet book which goes through the different kid reasons to be quiet.

As kids get older, they will relate. But in the meantime, it's a nice way to wind-down for bedtime.

In case you want more:

The Little Island - Not your standard Margaret Wise Brown book. It won a Caldecott award in 1947 for the beautiful watercolor pictures and the story is very mellow.

The Pout Pout Fish - The illustrations are great and the story is super cute. There are more of these books in case the child-to-be loves the first one. These stories can grow up with a kid.

Fish Eyes - Lois Ehlert always has great pictures in her books. This board book has math extensions and is so colorful, you'll want to flip through it again. We frequently do art activities based on the fish in this book too.

Eating the Alphabet - Another Lois Ehlert book with fruits and veggies. It's very colorful and there is a lot to look at. It's also a great book to bring along to the grocery store and keep those hands busy.

Please Baby Please - Written by Spike Lee and has a musical tone to it. The book goes through a toddler's day - very familiar to us!

G is for Goat - A great introduction to the world of Patricia Polacco - with a farm alphabet.

Ten, Nine, Eight - A counting backward book akin to Goodnight Moon.

Baby Beluga - Baby Beluga in the deep blue sea, swim so wild and you swim so free. Beautiful ocean animals and if you like Raffi music, even better.

10 Trick or Treaters - Another favorite of ours - a counting backward to bed book.

Giraffes Can't Dance - A colorful, animal-filled book about finding the confidence in yourself. The rhyming in the book is well-done and hasn't been a bother to read over and over and over again.

Chickens Aren't the Only Ones - A very colorful book explaining all the animals that lay eggs. The rhyming is done well and one Liliana picks this up from the bookshelf almost daily.

Enjoy!

Gift Giving Guide: Best for Dino Lovers

3/9/2016

When I was in the classroom, all at once, all of the boys in the room started to love dinosaurs. It was like a whirlwind of dinosaurs. I couldn't have had enough dinosaur books to go around. And so, I started searching for different dinosaur books - fiction and non-fiction that would satisfy their thirst. The kids were so enthusiastic about dinosaurs (and this enthusiasm spread to every kid in the class), it encouraged the whole class into an entire non-fiction reading unit.

Some of our favorites that you can share with a dino-lover:

1. National Geographic's Dinopedia

Hands down the most popular book. We had multiple copies of this book in the classroom and all of them were in use.

The pictures are great. The headings are great and the information is top-notch. I frequently used this book to teach how to read non-fiction and how to pick out important information.

The pages are structured similarly so once a kid understands where to look, they can unlock all of the dinosaurs' secrets.

2. Dinosaur!

This book is very well done and in conjunction with the Smithsonian.

This book is well-suited to the dinosaur enthusiast who understands how to read non-fiction well on their own.

It is incredibly detailed, includes charts and other features of non-fiction reading. Paleontologists are included in this book for insight into digging up the bones.

3. If the Dinosaurs Came Back

While this is not a non-fiction book, it does spur the imagination. Always a favorite - it never sat on the shelf for too long. Kids like to imagine this scenario all the time (adults too!).

Speaking of which, what would happen if dinosaurs came back?

Other Dino Books of Note:

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs - This book is fantastic for the kid just starting out with dinosaurs. There are activity pages at the end of the book to continue the fun.
The Complete Book of Dinosaurs - Perfect for the older kid who is just starting out with dinosaurs. This book has lots of creatures and lots of pictures.
Dinosaur Bones - A fun, collage-filled book for younger readers about dinosaurs. There are two levels of text - larger, header like sentences that fill in little readers and smaller, more specific information for the more interested reader.
My visit to the Dinosaurs - An old book that is a perennial favorite. This book hits on going to see the actual dinosaur bones at your museum. It explains how dinosaurs were discovered, displayed and basics about the dinos.

Stomp! Stomp!
No dinosaur guide would be complete without some dinosaur models. Kids love to play with models. Some kids want something in their hands when they read, and these would be ideal for that!

Other great non-fiction animal books:

And because this dinosaur obsession spurred a general look into non-fiction, we found some really excellent animal encyclopedias with beautiful pictures (which I highly recommend, even to keep instead of gift!).

1. Creature Features

This book has some really great illustrations. It also highlights some of the odd behaviors you didn't even know animals engage in and WHY they do.

The sketches are from photographs of the real animals but then drawn to be appealing to kids.
Since the information is presented in a fun way about the animals, it's a low-risk way to introduce non-fiction reading.

2. Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide

You can't go wrong with a Smithsonian photographic guide. In fact, this book was the most popular book to have during lunch time. It has such beautiful and wondrous photography, kids were vying for this book.

A great starter for any kid who is mesmerized by animals.

Enjoy!

Gift Giving Guide: Bookless Reading Gifts

2/24/2016

Reading doesn't always have to mean physical books. There are so many other things that can inspire reading or make reading more fun. Or to use my daughter's words, "let's make it comfy."

So let's make reading comfy with this bookless reading gift guide.

Big Items

1. Tents and pillows.

Sometimes, you just want to read in the privacy of your own tent. And of course, you'd need some comfy pillows.

I would have been in heaven as a kid if I had a tent to sit in and read. Then, everyone would know to stay out! I'm reading.

This tent is great for boys and girls and you can get a pillow for the bottom or just use pillows you have.

Tent from Land of Nod.

2. Personalized Storybook Pillow

How cool is this?! You! On a book cover! On a pillow!

The artist has a few different overall designs to choose from, but it's definitely a cool and special way to personalize the reading experience for anyone.

Personalized pillow from Uncommon Goods.

3. For Outdoor Reading

To make outdoor reading fun, you might consider a hanging book nook - a hammock of sorts.

It's a seated hammock and is perfectly kid-sized. You can actually hang it inside too, if you wanted.

Hanging pod from Amazon.

Little Items

1. Library Bag

Every time we go to the library, we like to use a special bag to put our library books in. This way, we don't get them confused with the books we own at home.

Plus, kids like to have their own bags to carry their own things. And, totes can double as your gift bag. Win!

Library Tote from Out of Print Books.

2. A Book Poster

Book art is usually beautiful and you could find a poster of a favorite illustration or a favorite book cover.

These lithographs are really cool in that the entire book is on the poster itself. So, it's not technically a book - but art, and the text is still there!

They have other children's classics including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Ugly Duckling, Peter Pan and others.

Poster from Spineless Classics.

3. Literary Temporary Tattoos

Most kids we know love temporary tattoos. Why not a literary one?

With a few different designs, you might just find one that's perfect!

Wizard of Oz tattoo from Litographs.

And my favorite overall...