Must Reads for Every Mommy!

Anyone who knows us, knows that we are far from the conventional family...but we are happy. I try to instill values in our daughter that we can all be proud of. She's confident, friendly and generous. Hell, that's all I can really strive for at this place in time. I still worry everyday that I'm doing something wrong or that she'll turn into a teenager who hates me despite all of my best efforts. I want to be one of those moms that their child can talk to no matter the reason, without fear of judgement.

I spend as much time as I can snuggling, talking and reading with her. I really think the reading is paying off because her vocabulary has increased 100 fold in the last month. She'll hold a conversation with anyone and will talk your ear off if you let her.

I love buying books that promote acceptance. I want her to know that whoever she becomes in this crazy world, that we'll be here loving her no matter what. Books that show you don't have to fit a certain type or dumb yourself down to make friends are what I hunt for. Accepting who you are is what is most important.

I wanted to share two of our favourite books that promote staying true to one's self. Each of these receive 5 enthusiastic baby Lu thumbs up! They remain at the top of the heap and get read constantly.

Mostly Monsterly by Tammi Sauer

We LOVE this book (serious serious understatement)! Bernadette is a monster, complete with fangs and claws but deep down she has a tender heart. She loves to bake treats and pet kitties despite it causing problems with her classmates at monster school. She finds a way to meld the two worlds and come out on top!

Highly recommend this book to all parents because of the great message, fab illustrations and all-around fun storyline.

Small Saul by Ashley Spires

Saul isn't your conventional pirate, he's a little smaller and gentler than his rough and tough counterparts. He learns at pirate school that pirates only care about three things: their ship, being tough and acquiring lots of treasure. After graduation, Saul is recruited onto The Rusty Squid to begin his life of plundering. He soon realizes that he isn't interested in the life of plunder and sword wielding. Saul wants to sing sea shanties, bake and redecorate which makes him stick out a little. His fellow pirates soon realize (almost a little too late) that despite their differences, Saul is a wonderful addition to the crew.

This is a lighthearted story about a little pirate who is finding his place in the world while staying true to himself.

Saul is a pretty awesome little pirate and would be more than welcome at my house to bake us some pineapple upside-down cake anytime!