Books and Bananas: Officer Buckle and Gloria

When the toddler crawled in bed with me this morning wearing a helmet, I knew exactly which book would kick off today's Books and Bananas:  Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann.

This story never gets old.  Every time we read it my kids find something new in the illustrations of the letters.  Even the inside cover was a hit today!

Books and Bananas: Minnesota Author Marianne Richmond

Over 10 years ago my aunt and uncle gifted my older boys the book I Love You So... by Marianne Richmond.  I fell in love with the rhythm and moreso the illustrations instantly.  I had to find out who this amazing artist and author was.  After some research, I was even more excited to discover she was a fellow Minnesotan!

Now a decade later I've expanded my collection of her work.  Although she's moved on to a snow-less state, the impact of her work continues to be a part of our family reading time.  Thank you, Marianne.

Books and Bananas: The Night Pirates

Some weekday mornings are tornadic-levels of rushing. Some weekday mornings are a half-asleep trudgery to get moving. But some weekday mornings are strangely calm, ahead of schedule, and provide the rare gift of a few quiet moments before starting the day.

Last time that gift of a wonderful morning came, it gave us a chance to start the day with Books and Bananas. Although it was morning, my favorite toddler selected The Night Pirates by Peter Harris. I love this story, and love that the pirates are girls...so fun!

I can't wait for the next surprise weekday books and bananas. It makes the workday kickoff on such a great note!