
Pinkalicious is my homegirl.
We’ve totally become BFFs over the past year. How could we not after spending almost every night hanging out in my little girl’s room before bed? Purplicious has tried to weasel her way in, but our hearts belong to you, my friend.
For any parent whose kids love to be read to, children’s book characters have become like a second family, not only entertaining our little ones, but educating them as well. For this reason, I am constantly on the lookout for great books, so I asked three experts to share with me by e-mail – what books should every toddler have on his or her bookshelf?
Without further ado, here are the top 10.
Rene' Myers, children's librarian
Jennifer Franklin, kindergarten teacher, Fox C-6 School District
Vicki Erwin, Main Street Books, St. Charles
Erwin also suggested classics like Good Night Moon, Runaway Bunny and Winnie the Pooh. “These are the ones I sell over and over, and/or parents ask for.”
Me? Since Myers stole my Bear choice, I’ll stick with Oh! The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Suess. Inspiring to both kids and grownups, it teaches you life will have its ups and downs, but be strong in whatever you do. Can bring me to tears sometimes when I’m feeling particularly hormonal.
So what books do you look for when you visit your library or hit the bookstore?
By Nicole Plegge, lifestyle blogger for SmartParenting
Metro East mom Nicole Plegge has written for STL Parent for more than 12 years. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL
Take your family to watch birds of prey fly right over your head, macaws speak the English language and much more at the WOW! Amazing Animal Show at the World Bird Sanctuary. Every program showcases different animals so each day is a new experience.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.
Young artists and their families are invited to complete a fun craft activity in the galleries at the St. Louis Artists Guild. This program is designed for Pre-K to elementary-age children and their families.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
The Saint Louis Science Center has expanded its Preschool Science Series to include new offerings for different age groups of young scientists. Storybook STEM is for ages 3 to 5.