Anything Silly
Read Our Sillies Out! Our Favorite Funny Books
July 27, 2009
Isn't hearing your children laugh the most exquisite sound? There is no polite hand covering mouth to hide the face that is contorted by laughter. It is so genuine and pure. I love it. Now that my kids are getting older, it is amazing to see them understand humor that is more cerebral. Even though a good tickle can still get them to go to pieces, a funny story can have the same effect. Here are some new and old favorites in silly kids' books that are guaranteed to get the giggles going!
Edwina, the Dinosaur who Didn't Know She was Extinct by Mo Willems--The author is a former Sesame Street script writer and author of the Pigeon series. Edwina is one of my kids' favorite books when we want a good laugh. The antagonist of the books is a boy named Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie. The illustrations are hilarious and when read with dramatic flair, it gets the kids in stitches. So this is one of Mo Willems' books that didn't actually win an award. So what? It elicits silliness and we love it.
Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boyton--This is my kids' favorite Sandra Boyton book. It may not be the most famous but even from a young age, it made my kids laugh. It also helps to teach colors and articles of clothing. Maybe it is because they love the words "Oops!" when they're toddlers, or maybe it is because the turkey is wearing pants on his head. I don't know. But my daughters loved it when they were little, and now my one year old son loves it and makes me read it to him everyday.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judy Barrett and Ron Barrett--This book was new when I was a kid. But now it is a classic and a new 3D movie is based on this silly tale. One thing I love about this book is that it will grow with your child--both in humor and readability. What makes this book truly funny is the illustrations which is full of subtle humor that your kid will understand better as he gets older.
Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann--We recently received this book as a gift and all my kids love it. I love the fact that the story is told through the illustrations. So even though I am "reading" this book to my kids, for the most part, I'm silent and my kids are "reading" it through the pictures and giggling as I flip the pages.
Amelia Bedelia--I loved my Amelia Bedelia books as a kid. Mostly because I remember not fully understanding the humor but I still found it funny. Growing up in an immigrant home, my parents didn't use American idioms. But it stuck with me and I learned a lot. I read an Amelia Bedelia book to my oldest daughter a long while back and it was the same thing. I had to explain everything to her. But she loved it and wanted to read it over and over again. The funniest thing was months later, she would bring up some of the jokes and laugh. Even her name warrants a smile!
What are your children's favorite funny books? Feel free to share!
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How Dancing Saved My Day
March 02, 2009
The other day my older daughter wasn't feeling well so I picked up both of my daughters from school early. It is one thing when I am mentally prepared to deal with three children all day, but another when I am caught off guard. But such is a mother's plight, right?
I thought I could have all of my kids take a nap at the same time, and luckily, they did! They passed out in the car and I thought I would treat myself to a little In-N-Out cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate shake (yes, I know, overindulgent but I deserved it)! Unfortunately, my ordering at the drive-thru woke up my son, who woke up my daughters. Drats! So much for the one hour reprieve.
So after a long day of three kids, no naps, and making dinner, I was ready to blow off some steam. I turned on the iPod with my eighties music and I began to "dance it out" (a la Grey's Anatomy). At first, the kids looked at me like I had lost it. After all, generally, I run through the day, harried, always feeling behind--dishes, dinner, driving, always demanded yet never completely done.
But today, I felt I deserved another indulgence. Nothing that a little "Cure" couldn't cure. My kids, including my 15-month old, quickly joined in on the fun. Our arms were waving madly, our feet were shuffling in every direction, and best of all, our laughter was frequent and genuine. The girls started to do silly leaps and asked me to copy them. My little boy wanted so desperately to jump too. Though I wanted to do my running man and roger rabbit moves, such skill would have been wasted on my kids.
As we closed down Club Choi to get dinner on the table, I began to think that perhaps it should become a regular routine. After all, by the end of the day, we are all exhausted, teetering on potential tantrums (and I'm not just talking about the kids here). What better way to release the pent up tension? Thanks "A-Ha" for the a-ha! Dance Hall Days--Fridays, 6 PM, kitchen floor, be there or be square!
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Time to Reflect: A Reflection Tour of Los Angeles
January 13, 2009
Whenever I pass by my reflection as I am walking around town, I can't help but look. How much is the gut sticking out today? What is up with my hair? Beside me are my little ones looking at themselves as well. But instead of critiquing their reflection, they are making silly faces, or staring intently at the image in front of them, mesmerized in wonderment. Since the new year is a time to Read more...
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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!
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