Pat the Beastie by Henrik Drescher is now a favorite read in my house. My boys, who are 5 and 3, were attracted to this unique storyline from the minute they opened to the first page. It’s a modern day take on Pat the Bunny, written by Dorothy Kunhardt, which we had been told by our pediatrician to read every day to my oldest when he was a baby.
Paul and Judy, two wide eyed mischievous kids, basically torture Beastie, which at first, caused me to question the message in the book. However, in the end, nothing good comes from Paul and Judy’s behavior and as punishment for making Beastie suffer, they end up being eaten by Beastie. While the message was delivered in an interesting way, the underlying significance of the lesson learned is clear: YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE or WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND or the ever popular, TREAT OTHERS HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED. I did feel better knowing that Beastie’s friends were on the sidelines of each page sticking up for Beastie, warning Paul and Judy, and the reader, what could happen if Beastie continued to be mistreated.
What I like about this book is the interaction the boys can have with it. Each page allows them to participate in the story, for example, pulling Beastie’s hair, jiggling Beastie’s eyes, tickling his feet, playing peekaboo with Beastie and the absolute favorite, pulling Beastie’s worm boogers (see picture). Every night, when I ask the kids what book they want to read before bedtime, they respond with Pat the Beastie. Henrik Drescher clearly understands how to create a successful children’s book!
Written by Ellie Hirsch, founder of Mommy Masters and Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine Social Mom (http://www.mommymasters.blogspot.com)
I was so excited to receive the Sock Sacs for review, since I have had such issues with losing the kid’s socks in the laundry. There has got to be some secret place where all the random socks go…I just haven’t figured out where that is exactly? Until I do, my Sock Sacs will be my new solution!
The Sock Sacs is very light and not too big, which is perfect for a load of laundry. Once the socks are placed in the mesh bag, there is not only a zipper but a snap to keep the contents secure. When I took the bag out of the dryer, it was in perfect condition and all socks were still on board. I am not 100% convinced though that these socks were as clean as if they had been washed along with the rest of the laundry. I mention this, because there was a pair of socks that I missed that didn’t make it into the Sock Sacs and they smelled much fresher than the pairs in the bag. Even so, it was pretty exciting to be able to match every pair of socks in my son’s laundry for once.
In the end, I will be giving Sock Sacs a thumbs up because it is going to make my life easier, and as a mother, we need all the help we can get! FYI, I am thinking of making hand puppets with all my existing singletons, whom after 3 months of sitting by their lonesome selves, have yet to be reunited with their partners.
About the Author:
Written by Ellie Hirsch, Founder of Mommy Masters and Tampa Bay Parenting Social Mom (http://www.mommymasters.blogspot.com)
As any parent knows, it is hard to please all your children on an outing. The new Muppets movie kept our entire family entertained. It was wonderful to see all the old Muppet characters with some new ones added. Walter is a Muppet that dreams of meeting the Muppets he sees on TV. His brother, Gary played by Jason Segal and his girlfriend, Mary played by Amy Adams plan a trip to Hollywood. Walter joins them so he can visit the Muppet Studios. When they arrive at the studios they find a building falling apart that everyone has forgotten about. While they are there, Walter overhears Tex Richman, a wealthy oil tycoon talking about how he plans to drill under the theatre for oil, not turn it into a Muppet Museum as he leads everyone to believe. Walter, Gary and Mary track down Kermit and the rest of the Muppet gang to help save the theatre. 80’s music is infused throughout the movie as well as cameos from stars like Selena Gomez, Whoopie Goldberg and Jim Parsons. The Muppets is a terrific movie choice for the holiday season.
About Rachel Long – TBPM Social Mom
I am a stay at home mom of soon to be three children. I have two girls, Lily age 4 and Sophie age 2 and we are expecting a little boy in October. I have been married for 8 years to a wonderful man. I love spending time with my family and friends and taking advantage of all that Tampa Bay has to offer. Prior to having children I was an elementary school teacher for 8 years. Once my children are all in school I hope to return to the working world as a guidance counselor.
