Yes, it's this time of the year
again. Wishes are being written down, miracles are expected and dreams about the Holidays are swirling around in my kids heads.
The older one (will be 5 on Dec. 23) has a very defined wish list, so being Santa for him is not too hard. He is still into knights and castles, Roman soldiers and good books (which makes me really proud)
The younger one 2.5 years old is just approaching the phase when girlish pink stuff seems more and more attractive. And you should see those pinks! Most of them are the horrible shade of the medicine you use for your upset stomach. I do admit that pink can be beautiful, but somehow it is not the kind that you usually see. So I am on the conquest to fight the excessive princesses and try to give her a slightly broader perspective to life. Which makes finding gifts not that easy.
So I will settle for some puzzles and games I think. And a toy bed for her stuffed animals.
And then there are always books....Toys and children's books are personal favorites of my to look for. I enjoy a good hunt for a great illustrator, an original puzzle or something that is well made and pleasing to the eye.
Last night I was making my list. THE LIST. And these are a few of my favorites that I have come across.
I find the books very well drawn, the colors are fantastic, and the elephants (especially the grey ones) have fantastic faces:) The story itself leaves a bit to be desired, but it is still good. I thoroughly enjoy looking at these books.
The book above is not the one I purchased for my kids, but the illustrator is the same Valeri Gorbachev. I remember him since the days I was little, he draws very unique looking bunnies and wolfs. So when I saw one of those critters on the shelf of Barnes and Noble the other day I had a very strong flashback. I am very glad to see that he has made a wonderful career here in the States. Books from our childhood do stay extra special throughout the whole life, it's been more than 20 years since I saw his illustrations:) Yet I remember them as clear as can be.
The one above has amazingly great watercolor washes ! Such delicate yet strong
line work, I should rather say absence of the lines and the watercolors at their best. Also you can see the fox, which I liked so much that put into one of my last watercolors. The book is written by
Hisako Aoki and illustrated by Ivan Gantschev
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14 comments:
I never outgrew my love of beautifully illustrated storybooks! I could spend hours in the children's sections of libraries and bookstores!
My son is a near Christmas baby as well, 12.19. He'll be 6. I think it was last year or the year before and when he saw the decorations in stores going up, he said 'My Birthday!'
The Empty Envelope--oh how sweet!
Mine also loves the fact that everything is extra beautiful all around town for his Birthday:) we rushed to have a Christmas dinner right out of the hospital when he was born:)
great books! for some reason i'm procrastinating putting a list together for my baby girl. but it's nice to get some help with the book portion of the list!
babyvagabond.com
Thank you for these recommendations! My son is your daughter's age (no pinks here, though) and he loves colorful storybooks!
Thank you for sharing. We have many books around here that I have purchased uniquely for their images. So inspiring.
Hello I came to talk to you!
Awww!!I *loved* being pregnant this time of year! It was so cozy.
Hello Nicole:) glad to see you!
and thank you all for stopping by, I am very happy that you came :)
books, kids, Christmas--everyone has a story to share! And I love reading your comments!
Yes, are little girls genetically programmed to like that pink?! I wish I still had some of my childhood books including a couple of my Grandmother's which would have put them turn of the 19th to the 20th century. I hate to think what it will do to your attic, but fight the urge to throw your kids' book out later in life!
I still have many of my childhood books, and opening the pages is like going to visit an old friend. These look like wonderful presents for your children!
I love to give books as well. I'm sure I'm known as the aunt/cousin that always gives (oh, the horror!) books for holidays! Hahaha! There were many very famous children's books (like Winnie the Pooh, Wind in the Willows, Mary Poppins, etc...) that i never read as a child, and now that I'm a mommy I get to read them to my heart's content!
Great, dear, this gives me a FEW ideas about Christmas gifts....but I already HAVE one for the little girl....and you did not give specifics on what the older one will want!
Christina, a book-giving-aunt sounds lovely! I wish I had one of those
yulechka--I am not sure what you are talking about, but I can guess....anyhow, i hope some of my discoveries come in handy at some point for Gabi as well:)
i agree with the pink analysis; that said, a word of warning: my mother drenched me in pink from day one, and i absolutely hated it and rejected it (still do to this day, despite the fact that some pinks really are beautiful). so, there is the danger of if you keep all pink from her, she may want it all the more!!!! gads!!
Welcome Sarah! thank you for leaving your comment . I am always happy to meet new folks here and to have a chat:) hope to see you again!
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