Children's Book Holiday Gift Guide

Who doesn't love a beautifully written and illustrated children's book? Even before I was an elementary librarian, I truly appreciated the art of children's literature. The way authors set out to display life lessons through short, sometimes very humorous stories, is invaluable. And let's just stop for a moment and talk about my favorite part, illustrations (!!!). There are so many details that go into creating a wonderful picture book: fonts, paper type, mediums. All so unique, yet all so lovely!

Below is a short guide of new and old titles that I believe children of any age will enjoy! I've read and reread them many times, so if you have questions, I'd love to be a resource for you!

1.

My Teacher is a Monster! No I am Not. 

- Last year, I got the privilege of meeting Peter Brown at a school visit and was instantly drawn to his talent. This is his latest title, based on a childhood experience of a "monster" teacher (

which we've all had

) who reveals another side of herself on a walk to the park one day. Great story for teaching children lessons on judging others and school behavior.

2.

The Dark 

- The dark lives in the same house as the main character, but it mostly stays in the basement. Until one night, it travels elsewhere. Great story for teaching children lessons on overcoming fear.

3.

Sparky!

 - Tale of a girl who adopted a pet sloth, and although she has grand dreams for her sloth, he has something else in mind with their relationship. Great for teaching children responsibility and purpose.

4.

The Missing Piece Meets the Big O

 - A tale of shapes. Some fit and some do not. This story really touched me. I must warn you - though simple illustrations, this book contains a powerful message of identity and loving yourself for who you are.

5.

One Cool Friend

 - A tale of a proper young man who goes to the museum with his dad, and comes home with more than he bargained for. A beautifully written story that ties in with the classic, Mr. Popper's Penguins.

6.

Mister Bud Wears the Cone

 - A tale of two dog brothers - one who's a bit naughty and one who is nice. When Mr. nice guy has a bad itch on his face and is left wearing "the cone" some trouble occurs. Great for teaching lessons on kindness, honesty and love.

7.

Mix It Up!

 - You'll forget you're even reading during this book. It is written in the form of a "press here" game. Great for teaching lessons on following directions, abstract concepts, colors and mixing.

8.

Three Bears in a Boat 

- A tale of three brothers who break mom's precious treasure. By the end of the story you will feel as though you've traveled the whole world with the three bears, in hopes to find what was right on the shore of their home all along. Great for teaching lessons on honesty.

9.

Gaston

 - First picture book I've seen with the main character as a french bull dog. Melt my heart (!!) Great for teaching lessons on being unique, showing kindness and family relationships.

10.

Balloons Over Broadway 

- Beautiful biography of Tony Sarg, creator of the Macy's Day parade marionettes. Definitely a holiday favorite! Great for teaching children relevant history and that anything is possible!

Life As Of Lately..

Happy Thursday friends! I am particularly excited today because it's our Friday, thanks to a road trip this afternoon to visit my family!

I don't know about you but I am loving the weather lately! Us Florida people will take any cool weather we can get. There is something about gorgeous days that seem to put everyone in a jolly mood!

Below is a snidbit of life lately:

- Hand addressed envelopes everywhere and I am certainly not complaining! I actually love hand addressing, so relaxing!

- A few weeks ago we met some friends for dinner and had a blast! I met my friend Rachel in college, we are sorority sisters turned bridesmaids. Community is a beautiful thing people!

- I am in the process of propagating succulents. If you are interested in learning more, check out this helpful 

blog

.

- In high school I fell in love with the message version on the bible for its current verbiage and easy to read format. The past few years though, I've used the NIV version because I had misplaced my message bible (tear!). Thanks to hubby, yesterday I became a message bible owner again! If you haven't checked it out -

do it

. And if you happen to be purchasing through the family christian bookstore, they are running a

special

until the end of the year!

- Gabriel and I have been taking full advantage of the cooler days and spending time outside. Last weekend, we took off early in the morning and headed to Coconut Grove for the day. Coconut Grove is a lovely neighborhood about 15 minutes away, nestled on the ocean and filled with fancy shops, dining, dog parks, markets and more!

- We've been feeling the house renovation itch lately and decided to update our 1960s porch light. Not shown: Gari and I sitting on a mauve throw on the front lawn watching Gabriel work hard on our sweet little house.

Hope you have a great weekend!

P.S During devotions this morning, I read a passage on Martha and Mary. If you have a moment to check it out, it's so encouraging - especially for us busy bees. Take time out to sit still and listen.

Around The Diaz House Lately...

Happy Friday my friends! We are extra giddy about the weekend because the air has finally cooled in our area. Us floridians really try to take full advantage of the cooler weather since it is so seldom!

Tonight we have dinner plans with my in-laws. They have been traveling around Peru for the past week and we cannot wait to have them back home! While they were out, we watched their boston terrior, 

Cortez

. Our boys are true soul mates I tell you!

The rest of the weekend is set to be pretty low key. Time spent outdoors, invitation orders to create and a double date with my dear friend and her boyfriend!

This morning while doing devotions, I stumbled across this verse and loved the way it so simply states to be kind with your words. Be encouraged my friends!

"A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray." Proverbs 25:11 

P.S If you are reading this sissy, good luck with homecoming!! ---> She made court and gets to ride around the football field in a fancy car tonight!

Date Night Challenge #datelikeyoumeanit

The other night while at our 

connect group

, we were presented with a once a week date night challenge. And to be very transparent with you, when Gabriel and I do not fit one into our schedule ahead of time, we've noticed weeks fly by without true quality time spent together.

If you have kids or not, this challenge is still for you! Those of you with with kids, it's important that your children see you value your relationship with your spouse. This in turn will teach them to hold healthy relationships as they grow older. And if you are in the kidless group up like us, it's equally important to set the foundation early. When the time does come to start a family, you'll already have your priorities inline.

Disclaimer:

 Date nights do not have to break the bank! The point is just to get out, make a new memory and spend quality time together. Don't let finding a babysitter become your excuse.

Below are some date ideas that were shared in our group:

- cook dinner together

- grab ice cream

- walk around west elm (

I loved this one!!

)

- visit the local book store

- grab a coffee

- visit the fresh market

- go for a bike ride

- take a walk in the park

- sit on a bench and watch the world go by

Last week, our date night consisted of staying home in our pj's (

which is acceptable

), baking apple pie and of course eating it all up! Total cost: about $5 for the pie ingredients.

My friends, I challenge you to make the investment and set date nights as a priority!

.......

Aside for building our marriage, I love building community. For fun, hashtag your date or follow along with us #datelikeyoumeanit - At the end of the month, we will pick our favorite post and send you and your spouse a gift card to enjoy on a future date!

Happy Monday!

Around The Diaz House Lately...

Isn't it funny how our schedules instantly seem to fill up once fall comes around? For me, it has something to do with getting back in the routine of things at the start of a school year. Below is a quick recap of what's been going on around here lately.

-Fall decorations have made a full appearance in our home.

-We joined a couples small group and ABSOLUTLEY love it!!!

-My husband's 29th birthday is this week!

-We helped plan our cousin's

gender reveal

party last week! It's a boy!

-This past weekend, we took a short trip down to the Keys. Have you ever been? It is definitely worth the drive. For us, it took about 2 hours to Marathon, Florida. What a great way to getaway, eat fresh fish and live in the moment.

-My

God-son

turns one on the same day as my husband! Lots of love will be sent to PA this week!

-Last week I had a coffee date with a local photographer and we have a neat collaboration planned later this month! More details to come soon!

-Jon Scieszka came to visit our school. If you do not know who he is, don't feel bad. He is an awesome children's author that we were thrilled to have! With the sales we made from the books,  I was able to purchase some new materials for our collection. I went Rifle Paper Co. + Puffin Book Classics all the way!

Hope your Monday was full of joy!