Summer Reading for Kids from Abrams Books

Abrams Books presents a wonderful way to celebrate Moms and Dads this spring and summer with these three engaging, sweet and wonderful books.

Just Like Mama by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Julia Gorton is a loving tribute to mothers with daughters.  In it the little girls models herself after her role model and mother in the most simple but heartfelt way.  I love reading it with both my girls and they love hearing it.  It always makes me smile.

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Because I Am Your Daddy ($15.95) by Sherry North and illustrated by Marcellus Hall is a tribute to Fathers. Perfect for this coming Father's Day, which is right around the corner.  It's contemporary, warm and all about the unconditional love that father's have for their children.  I love how fun it is and how each time we read it my oldest daughter (4 1/2) lets her imagination soar with all the different Daddy professions.  It's inspiring.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Mama, Is It Summer Yet?  Written and Illustrated by Nikki McClure tells the delightful tale that could just be your child's first summer read.  It is all about the seasons changing and how children can find the ways that summer is coming with each passing day.  It's a gorgeous book that also deals with family togetherness and environmental matters.  My kids love hearing about the buds appearing on the trees and the bees getting ready for summer each time we read it.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.


Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All products received were for review purposes only. 

Parents Critter Conga

What kid doesn't like to make music? For that matter, what kid doesn't like to make noise? In my house my daughter loves to run around and make a drum out of anything or create a horn out of any cylinder type object. When we opened the box from Team Mom with the Parents Critter Conga inside her eyes lit up and she said, "Oooh, can I have that?" Yes, indeed.

The Critter Conga ($30) is another hit from the Parents line of toys. Geared for ages 18 months and up it features a black-spotted Leopard Conga Drum, Giraffe maracas, an Antelope whistle, a Tambourine lid, Snake drumsticks and a Crocodile cabasa and clacker. All these African animal themed instruments will stir up your child's creative and musical juices. It will also improve their motor skills and memory not to mention keep them and their siblings or friends real busy with all the tapping, twirling, blowing, banging and just plain shaking they will be doing.

My daughter, who is almost three, loves this set. She makes up games with the animals and has a blast making music with each instrument too. Especially with that conga drum! The Critter Conga is a great toy set and makes a wonderful and reasonably priced gift for both boys and girls alike. It is available online here or at your local Costco store. As an added bonus all Parents toys are 100% phthalate-free too, so they are fun and safe.