Are You My Mother?
 

It isn't a TRACTOR, it is a SNORT! Sheesh.

Are You My Mother?
 

That's what I always thought, but I have since been corrected by a very determined toddler: [Pointing] TRACTOR, TRACTOR, TRACTOR!!!!!!!

Are You My Mother?
 

I am well-familiar with very determined toddlers. I have actually been compared to one by some. . .

Are You My Mother?
 

I'm sorry, I'm running on too many Diet Cokes* and about 2 nonconsecutive hours of sleep. Please explain.

*And, as a result, #2 is wired for the day. Vicious effing cycle.

Are You My Mother?
 

I'm sorry, a bit cryptic.

1) Mickey is the kid from In the Night Kitchen
2) In the book, he is naked, at least for part of it (stirring controversy)
3) Your avatar depicts a naked kid, which I presume to be the lexling (or a lexling).

does that get you there, or do you need 4 and 5?

Are You My Mother?
 

Glad to see you understand.

He insisted on carrying his father's deodorant around the house yesterday, sniffing it, and alternately repeating, loudly, "Daddy's!!!" and "Num-Num!" I had to wait until he was asleep to hide it.

Are You My Mother?
 

It might, unless 4 and 5 include either a nanny, a maidservice, or a pitcher of strong margaritas. A girl can dream, no?

Books
 

What a timely discussion. Magnus started kindergarten yesterday, and I talked to the teacher after school about coming to read to the kids. So now my brain is working on what I can read to them. She said picture books are still best for most, though there has been some success in the past with short-chaptered chapter books. Two of my favorites that immediate came to mind were Princess Prunella and the Purple Peanut (great fun to read aloud) and The Boy Who Looked Like Lincoln. Now I'm wishing I'd kept a list of all the super-clever books we've come across on our library forays. Any other brilliant ideas?

tm

Books
 

Harold and the Purple Crayon.

Books
 

For a motherlode of good ideas, try here. .

In particular, this one is a lot like Jamberry (also a good idea, someone mentioned it above); and this one has plenty of participation, with kids identifying and counting shapes, as well as a whole series of additional "Bear" books.

Are You My Mother?
 

Dude, I hate to break this to you, but the SNORT is really a piece of heavy construction equipment. (Plus, its kind of mean to correct a kid on this stuff.)

If I were more manly, I would know the name of the SNORT -- but I am struggling to recall whether it is a bucket loader.

S_A_M

Are You My Mother?
 

I am well-aware that it wasn't a tractor, and I would never correct a child who really thought it was. I'm mean, but I'm not a total bastard.

And I believe that the SNORT! (exclamation point is proper here) is what was called a steam shovel back in the day.

http://www.ak190x.de/Bauwerke/Bau/ba...hovel-1926.jpg

This is a bucket loader.

http://www.mvgcorp.com/pix/bucket_loader.jpg

I know how to operate one, because I used one at a former place of employ -- because I am manly. :D

Are You My Mother?
 

Manly men don't use emoticons.

I have decreed it.

Are You My Mother?
 

Is this book still sold and read?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...48141?v=glance

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/03...CLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Are You My Mother?
 

Yes.