Not really. Although I handled it so much better than I thought I would. Particularly considering that She Who Cannot Say No not only said NO but said it one day into having Already Said Yes. Last week, I told a good friend we’d watch their dog. That was before I went and booked the painters. And then this dog went and pooped all over my house. Not once. Not twice. But six times. On my freshly (and expensively) cleaned rugs. Throw in a few pee spots, too. And I did the unthinkable. The unimaginable. I called his parents and said I’m bringing him home. That is a big one for me. Because I’ve been known to rent myself out as a human doormat at times.

So now the house is freshly painted and I’m wondering why I waited so long. Except that I know why I did. It’s a pain in the ass! Choosing the perfect colors for our sun-bleached rooms. Rehanging art, mopping dusty floors. At least my husband is home for a couple of days to help out. And now that it’s painted, I’m finding a million more projects that I want to tackle, of the home improvement sort. Window treatments, reupholstery, you name it. Starting with replacing the tired-looking Oriental rug in the great room with something a little more family-friendly. I absolutely love these faux bois Flor tiles. Love them! And with the rate of juice box spillage in our great room, I think they’re perfect.

But it’s the window treatments that are killing me. A bit of an overstatement? Not really. They are quite an investment, and so I want to be sure I get them right the first time. Especially taking into consideration the view they frame. And okay, you might decide to judge me a bit here, but I’m telling you that there was nothing else on TV this summer, and so I tuned in to that Tori Spelling reality show, and she had these amazing window treatments in her master bedroom that just haunted me, but in a good way. They had trees on them. But not just any trees. Perfect trees. And so since the first viewing of Tori’s perfect tree-print window treatments, I’ve spent countless wasted hours on my computer late at night Googling over and over the most ridiculous search terms, trying to find that stupid fabric, and the best I could come up with was this Osborne & Little fabric. I’m thinking it’s the best I’m going to find, and that it’s going to be precious in the soft green color on the windows in the girls’ little study off of their bedrooms.

And I just received word today that my mother, GiGi, is coming in to visit for five days in mid-November, with the specific goal in mind of painting a mural of sorts in the same area that I intend to use that tree fabric; the girls’ study area. Not quite a study yet, it’s more of an extra playroom at this point in their lives, so really a fanciful mural will be the icing on the cake. So I sent my mother a copy of our current favorite children’s book, “Kaito’s Cloth,” for her to use as inspiration. The illustrations in this book are amazing and GiGi’s a gifted artist, so I think between the two, the girls are going to be pretty lucky with the finished design of their special little corner of the house.

Now I just wish I could fast-forward to November…

These are among the titles that are currently in rotation, once bedtime rolls around:

“Different Like Coco.” This one is based on the life of Coco Chanel. I adore it. I wasn’t sure how the girls would take to it, since it’s written more as a timeline of her life that’s been turned into a story that a child can follow. But I read it to my Coco, and then read it again later on to Pea, and they both loved it. Pea was especially fascinated by the simple artwork, and she loved the theme that it’s awesome to be different. I think it’s going to quickly become a favorite. And for the record, I’m also sending a copy to my mother, a Chanel fanatic. I know she’ll get a kick out of it, and it’s the kind of book that’s going to be very amusing, sitting out on her coffee table, which is where I know it’ll find it’s home.

“The Girl in the Castle Inside the Museum.“  Reviews have called the story-line ‘clunky.’ My own mother says it seems more like it’s been translated from another language. I don’t find it to be either. I just find it adorably appealing. There’s nothing wrong with the story, but there’s really nothing wrong with the artwork. And that’s the real reason that Pea can’t (or won’t?) put this book down: the illustrations are just breathtakingly, mesmerizingly dazzling.

“Hansel & Gretel.” I don’t know how you feel about reading Hans Christian Anderson’s dark fables to your child, but after being bombarded with Disney crap during the day, I don’t mind one bit, settling into Pea’s bed with her, and reading her a tall tale that, while not as light and fluffy as Disney, still has a happy ending. And the artwork in this book is, once again, just beautiful.

“Kaito’s Cloth.” As soon as I saw this one, I just knew it was meant for little Coco. It’s a sweet little fable, with beautiful illustrations. I mean really, really beautiful. That’s the only word to describe it.

“The Lonely Doll.” Another cherished book from my own childhood. If you read the reviwews, you probably won’t order it. But you know what I say? Lighten up. It’s a book for kids. Who cares that the author was a tortured soul? It’s simple and clever, all wrapped into one little package. Don’t read into it, okay? Just read it.

“Pippi Longstocking.” Fond memories of reading this story with my own mother, coupled with Lauren Child’s (of “Charlie & Lola” fame) charming illustrations, are making this a very satisfying nighttime read with Pea. It’s a chapter book, which I didn’t know when I bought it, but it’s working out nicely. We read the first two chapters last night, and while she had an adjustment there, for a brief moment, over the pages that don’t have pictures, she came around and figured it all out. She’s now bookmarked the beginning of the third chapter, set aside for tonight’s bedtime story, and has it sitting on her pillows, eagerly awaiting 8:30 pm.

“Waking Beauty.” Hysterical. Pea refers to this one as “the princess with the stinky breath book.” Is your interest piqued?

“When You Were Small.” It’s short, it’s sweet. It’s also very charming and has the girls rolling into fits of giggles at the little boy who ripped all of his Daddy’s shirt by hanging out in his pocket.

As I’m looking back over this list, it occurs to me that it’s generally the illustrations that sell me on a story. But I think that’s only because with little kids, it’s all about the visual. So it’s nice that while they are enjoying the illustrations, I am able to be taken in by them, as well.

What books are you reading your kids? Any favorites you care to share?

Now, go write a children’s book! We need some fresh reads around here, come bedtime…

And? No idea where to even begin, right? Honestly, I have a few stories of my own that I’d like to get onto paper. And I, too, have no clue how to make that happen.

Well, Little Airplane can help you navigate the world of children’s book publishing. Not familiar with Little Airplane? But let me guess, you do know “The Wonder Pets!,” right? I think you’d have to be living under a rock not to know that it’s one of the most adorable kid’s shows around these days. Seriously. I think the whole premise is too incredible for words. From the names to the voices to the stories. Even the theme song, which is in current rotation on Pea’s most-sung kid tunes playlist. It’s right up there with “Free to Be You and Me.” I’d say that “The Wonder Pets!” are in good company.

Anyway, Little Airplane Productions has a staff with bios to make any parent of a young kid swoon. “Sesame Street.” “The Wonder Pets!” “Little Bill.” We’re talking the real deal here. Impressive. And they are offering a writer’s workshop called “The Little Airplane Children’s Book Academy,” which will take place this spring. Next month, actually. May 30th to June 1st, in New York City.

Take a poke around their website. You’ll get a good feeling about them. I did. Instantly. And I have a hunch that if you have a children’s book skipping around in that noggin of yours, these are just the folks to teach you the tools that you’ll need to get that idea out of your head and onto paper. Paper with a binding. And illustrations. And your name on the front cover.

It was serendipitous, that I found out about the workshop. I would love to attend. Might even twist my husband’s arm a bit too hard to get him to agree to send me. Happy Mother’s Day to me? But seriously, this is an opportunity here. A golden one. Look into it. Think about it. Come on, how many times have you read a book to your kid and thought to yourself, “self? I could totally do this!”

All of the information you need is on the page I’ve linked to above. Let me know if you’re thinking about it, I’d love to know…

Happy writing!

Making matters even worse, both girls are sick. Still. Or, should I say, again? Because there was a good chunk of time in there – about 12 hours – when both seemed good to go. Back to preschool. As in yeah-some-time-for-mommy-to-lie-on-the-couch-and-catch-her-breath-for-three-hours. Ha. Not so much. Not this week, anyhow. And listen, it is hard to be half glass-full girl when I’ve been putting up with this bullshit since January 1. I’m pissed. Can you tell? Is it like this for every mom? Have you spent the last four years sick, too? Oh, you have? This is how it is? Again, awesome.

“Give mommy 10 minutes to sit on the couch and drink a cup of tea” is not in Pea’s comprehension. God bless her, her idea of taking care of mommy is letting me help her with her matching skills via a Disney Princess sticker book. And while I did manage to spend a good 90 or so minutes on that sticker book, I was not happy about it. Can’t I just have 10 minutes? Please?

So much for brief, right? But if you’re home sick with your kids too, in any combination, with a husband who’s been on the road in Canada for just shy of two weeks and you now have three giant dogs (oh, did I forget to mention Domingo? Our friends’ 6-year old Boxer who we’ve taken into our home and hearts? I didn’t? Check him out here. He’s our newest family member. He rocks. I highly recommend the breed. Just freaking phenomenal...), let me tell you that finding activities to get through the day quicker and quieter is your goal.

Before we even had children, my husband bought “The Toymaker: Paper Toys that You Can Make for Yourself” for me. He knew. He just knew. One day it was going to save my life. And it did. Yesterday. But as it turned out, most of the paper toys were completed and no where to be found. I’m blaming that one on my mother, GiGi, who visits quite often and loves paper so much it hurts. Don’t ask.

Lucky for me that what was remaining of the pages had a website address on it. And there, well, there was the treasure trove of paper toys. All you need is a color printer, and while the artist suggests glue, I’ve always found Scotch tape to work better: as in quicker. And the quicker the project is complete, the quicker your little angel with the drippy nose and the raspy cough is entertained with his or her paper  wonder. (And while the projects on the website are wonderful, if you are really into it, get the book, it’s printed on amazing card stock so the toys really have some heft to them, which equals staying power when you have little toddler and preschool hands all over them. We have several – including the butterfly basket and Florimel the Magnificent that have lasted nearly two years in Pea’s possession.

These are very, very cool ‘toys.’ They made my day. And Pea’s. And Coco’s. And mine. Oh, did I already say that? Sorry. Anyway, technically, you don’t even need to have kids to make these.

Hope you’re all healthy today.   

Shapes.

Colors.

Numbers.

Over-sized board books with vibrant and simple illustrations to accompany the text. The books are written in English, and translated into French, German, Italian and Spanish. And additionally, the words are then spelled out phonetically in their foreign language translation.

Coco has been asking me to read them to her, again and again, for the better part of the afternoon. And while I know my colors, numbers and shapes in 4 of the languages, I do not know any of those words in German, so I’m not rolling my eyes at the monotony of the same three books, over and over. On the contrary, I’m pointing out everything in the house that I can in German. Awesome. Well, except for the eye roll that I’m pretty sure I saw Coco give me, after the myriad of random requests I’d put out there for her, such as: “please bring me the blau plate in the shape of a quadrat with the zwei butterflies painted on it.”

I just hope that Coco doesn’t do to me what I do to her when she gets hung up on one book for weeks on end. That would be to hide it. In the far and dark reaches of our home. Never to be seen again. That would be a real bummer.

It’s based on one of Bob Dylan’s most popular and beloved songs. And it translates surprisingly well into a children’s book. The words are timeless. The illustrations are charming in a retro and 60s kind of way. Pea, Coco and I read it several times a week, and it chokes me up each time. It’s a strong reminder of what I want for my girls.

It’s a tiny coloring book. And it’s really meant for older kids. But it is just so charming. You draw in the details: the arms, the legs, the faces. The drawings that the book give you are so precious, and the paper is of fantastic quality. These would be seriously adorable framed and hung on a wall, once the artwork is completed by your child.

“Caps for Sale.” This is such a simple book. In fact, it’s basic. The illustrations are simple. The story is simple. And yet, my oldest asks for it over and over. I think it must be those troublesome monkeys.

“Corduroy.” One of the books I recall reading over and over with my own mother, as a child. Story never gets old. I love that little bear. And I love sharing his story with my girls.

“The Story of Ferdinand.” Love this one. A teacher in 1st grade whom I adored introduced the class to this sweet little bull, and from then on, I was hooked. Eventually, I forgot about the book. And then, while searching for another classic from my past, I stumbled across it, bought it and read it in the car as soon as I left the story. And I found that sometimes? I am just a sap. When Ferdinand is in the bullfighting ring? Smelling flowers? And not fighting? It makes my heart smile.

“The House on East 88th Street.” Remember Lyle Crocodile? Well this is the first book in the series. And as soon as it arrived, I couldn’t believe how clear the story still was in my mind. So much so that I could see the next page’s illustration before I even turned the page. And I remembered the name of the “villain,” before I even got to his part in the story. Who could ever forget Hector P. Valenti, Star of Stage and Screen?

“The Little House.” This one goes way back. My mother read it as a child. And then I read it. And now my own girls read it. We’re talking generations here. It’s the most innocent little story about… a house. But the parallels between real life and the life of this house is uncanny. And quite moving. I love this story. I love it so much that I’ve read it by myself, to myself, long after Pea and Coco have turned in for the night.

“The Story About Ping.” Remember Ping? The little duck? Who didn’t want to be last? And then was last? And his ensuing adventures, all to escape that swat on his bottom?

And the last one is pure nostalgia. My mother introduced it to me. It’s called “The Brave Cowboy.” You might recognize the pencil illustrations by Joan Walsh Anglund. Just charming and simple and sweet as can be. If you know a little boy, this is the book to pass along to him. It’s the power of imagination.

Happy reading…

“The Tao of Rudy.” It’s written by a local author. She also did her own illustrations, which are wonderfully vibrant paintings. She is also an artist. Truly gifted. I have bought this book for just about every child I know, to give to this year’s holiday season. I’ve also bought all of those children the Spanish version of the book. That’s right. The book has no been translated into Spanish. Same inspirational messages, different languages. Simple. Profound.

“Keep Climbing, Girls.” Written by the illustrious Beah Richards. Love, love, love this one. As does Pea. It’s a wonderfully encouraging message about not letting anyone hold you down. And the illustrations are fascinating. They remind me of paintings that you’d expect from outsider art.

“On the Day You Were Born.” I picked this up at a garage sale, of all places. As we were driving by, we noticed stacks and stacks of books. And so, this family of book eaters just had to stop. This book always chokes me up, right at the end. Brings me back to that single moment when I met both of my girls.

“Henry’s Freedom Box.” A heart-breaking story of slavery and freedom. The cover art alone is simply and devastatingly beautiful. Written in such a manner that a child can follow it. Enough said.

“Incredible You!” Written for children, by Mr. Inspiration himself, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. I know I’ve written about this book before, I love it that much. We read it regularly. “10 Ways to Let Your Greatness Shine Through.” Who doesn’t want to teach those lessons to their kids?

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” Written by Mo Willems. He’s the genius behind “Knuffle Bunny.” The text is hilarious. I’m telling you, someone was a fly in the wall in my daughter’s bedroom one night, and overheard the print in this story. I’m sure you’ll recognize it, too.

” Toot & Puddle’s ABC.” The full-page illustrations of the 26 letters in the alphabet are frame-worthy.

“The Dot.” Every child is an artist. I believe that. And so does the author.

“Someday.” The story is sweet, but the illustrations? I want to crawl into the pages of this book and live in them.

“Wild Horse Winter.” You know me, anything at all about horses, and I’m in. Simple story, gorgeous watercolor illustrations. Based on the Dosanko horses of Japan. Almost too good to be true. Perhaps, a fable?

“Zen Ties.” I love the giant Panda bear that’s the main character. There are a couple of these books, but this one is by far my favorite. It’s a story of friendship, bridging the gap between the young and the old. It’s inspirational. The illustrations are amazing, particularly of the old woman. It chokes me up when I turn to that page.

“The Lonely Moose.” Hysterical. A crotchety old moose and the bird that turns it all around.

Next up? Classic children’s books…