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By Mom Unplugged, January 29, 2008 1:25 pm

My 7 year-old daughter is a picky reader. She is reluctant to read any book that looks like it might be scary, suspenseful, or have any kind of a plot twist at all. I am assuming that this high level of sensitivity is just a phase. But in the meantime, it can make chapter book choices somewhat limited.

While searching for books for her Christmas book gift bag, I stumbled upon this. A story about a fairy with the lovely name of Tiptoes Lightly, how threatening could that possibly be?

My instincts were correct and this book proved to be a sheer delight to read…for all of us! My daughter opened it and then couldn’t put it down. She began reading it to her 5 year-old brother who was equally as riveted, and the two of them began requesting that I read it to them at bedtime too. I came to really look forward to our evening reads and the latest Tiptoes adventure. In fact I was sad when we finished, and really find that I miss Tiptoes! (Time to buy the other books in the series!)

The Tales of Tiptoes Lightly is actually a collection of three stories about Tiptoes and her friends: The Bee Who Lost his Buzz, Pumpkin Crow, and Lucy Goose and the Half-Egg. Each tale is composed of many short chapters (most just two or three pages) which makes it nice for bedtime, even on nights where you are running late, or to read to young children with limited attention spans.

The stories are all very sweet and innocent, yet really funny too! The magic and wonder of nature and the seasons is a constant theme throughout the book. The characters are all very lovable and appealing, with names like Jeremy Mouse (an always-hungry mouse), Pine Cone and Pepper Pot (gnomes who sleep with their long beards wrapped around their heads for warmth), Pins and Needles (house fairies who sleep in a pin cushion), and Ompliant (an elephant).

I honestly have nothing but wonderful things to say about this book. These are stories that your children will want to hear over and over again. The adventures of Tiptoes will spark the imagination of your little ones, and you too!

An interesting note: As we read, I felt that these tales had a real “Waldorfy” feel about them. I was very interested to read in the author’s note at the end of the book (reprinted on his website here), that Tiptoes was indeed “born” at a Waldorf school. Reg Down was a eurythmy teacher in several Waldorf schools, which is where he began inventing the tales of Tiptoes and her friends.

I am so happy that Mr. Down decided to publish these magical stories so that we may all enjoy them. If you want to sample some of Reg Down’s work, visit his website: http://www.tiptoes-lightly.net where you can download some sample chapters from his books. Also be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the stories page where you’ll find quite a few other stories and plays to download (all free too!).

(Also: You can visit Mr. Down’s website for a list of local stores that carry his books, as well as some smaller online bookstores.)

Comments (1)

By Mom Unplugged, January 10, 2008 4:41 pm

We love this book about Elmer the patchwork elephant. In addition to an uplifting message about celebrating our differences, the illustrations are so cute!

Other Elmer books are available, including some baby board books.

This makes a great gift along with the adorable Elmer stuffed toy pictured at right (for more details, see my Elmer the Patchwork Elephant stuffed toy post).

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By Mom Unplugged, December 14, 2007 12:54 pm

I just bought the whole set of these for my almost two-year old. They were so lovely that I couldn’t wait for Christmas to bring them out!

These books are refreshingly simple. There are four in the series, one for each season. There are no words, only lovely drawings of children engaged in fun activities appropriate to the season of the book.

There is lots to see and talk about, from picking out objects and colors, to discussing seasons, weather, clothing, nature, activities and play! My daughter loves these and will sit and pore of the pages with great interest.

Another thing I really like about these books is the fact that they are sturdy board books. This is good for us, since I think ours will get a lot of love and use!

Thank you to Greenemother of The Owl and the PussyCat, where I first learned of the series. I urge you to read her thoughts on these lovely books. I am grateful for your recommendation!

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By Mom Unplugged, November 23, 2007 8:09 pm

The Tomten is a very old little elf-like creature who lives in the hayloft on a wintry Swedish farm.

No one has ever seen him, and only the children know of his presence. He comes out at night and checks on all the animals, and the family, making sure they are safe and comfortable, reminding the animals that spring is on the way.

This is a simple story with gentle, rhythmic text and soothing, muted illustrations. A wonderfully peaceful bedtime read by Astrid Lindgren, author of Pippi Longstocking and The Children of Noisy Village. (See my post on The Children of Noisy Village.)

Awards: An ALA Notable Book, and a Parent’s Choice Paperback Award Winner.

Also:

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By Mom Unplugged, November 14, 2007 9:42 pm

Amazon.com, in its review, calls this book “the most cultured alphabet book around.” Play the game “I spy with my little eye” …with art!

Each page is a different famous painting and the reader is asked to find an object in the painting beginning with a letter of the alphabet. A fun way to learn the alphabet and gain some art-familiarity too.

My 5 year-old “find-it” book fan found this at our local library and he loved it so much that we had to buy a copy to keep. In the same theme Lucy Micklethwait also wrote I Spy Shapes in Art and I Spy Animals in Art. We have since acquired these, and they are equally as fun.

The find-its are not terribly challenging and children quickly learn where to find the object mentioned for each painting, but opportunities are limitless for finding other objects that you designate. Also, my kids just like looking at the paintings and pointing out details.

If you want an “educational” find-it book, then give one of these a try.