What we're reading at the moment #1...and other domesticities

Firstly, we had Riley's eight month check in at the local nurse yesterday. This is not news unto itself, really, just an excuse to say in the past four days he's started to crawl and climb the furniture! What a clever boy! His teeth, though, are causing terrible problems. His eighth one is about to come through. Then the molars are due next; but it's too early, isn't it?! Keira was EIGHTEEN months old before she was at the same level of dental maturity. Anyone who had early teethers out there, let me know when their kids got their molars. I'd appreciate it! Anyway, here's our list of the month: Pajama Light, Gale Sypher Jacob (Dutton Juvenile, 2006) Keira’s particular favourite at the moment. This really is a special book. She and Adam even now go on their own special ‘Pajama Walks’ at twilight (down to the supermarket, usually to get me chocolate, but shhhh I didn’t tell you that, it spoils the sentiment!) The smudgy watercolours give an impressionistic feel; perhaps to help the children visualize, then crystallize, the scenes in their own heads. I love it. The Night is Singing, Jacqueline Davies (Dial, 2006) Pre-bed kids, in my experience, can often have the willies––especially if it’s a stormy night or a full moon (I’m not kidding). This book may help dispel those, with its lovely rhyming structure, gloriously textured illustrations and an emphasis on safety and security. Keira also loves saying the word ‘lullaby’. She thinks it’s hilarious. The Very Best Doll, Julia Noonan (Penguin, 2003) Keira likes this because she’s such a girly-girl and adores her own special doll. So she empathises with it well. I particularly like the illustrations; a kind of old-world vibe. Not a television, telephone, mobile phone or gadget-dependant toy to be seen. I find that most refreshing. Chatterbox, Margaret Wild (Penguin, 2006) Lastly, here’s an Australian writer for good measure. We’ve had many a MW book here, and this is her latest one, I believe. It’s the story of a baby who won’t talk, then suddenly does, and her family’s not sure which way they’d prefer it! Great for introductory words (so it’s almost too young for Keira) but the colours and humour keep her entertained.