Tag: for kids

The Blue House Dog by Deborah Blumenthal

 

What a touching book The Blue House Dog is by Deborah Blumenthal and illustrated by Adam Gustavson. It was just named an honor book by the Society of School Librarians International. This sweet story of friendship between a sad stray dog whose owner who has passed away and the boy who wins his trust is heart warming. The writer really leads us to identify with this soulful dog and to sympathize with his plight. Oona was very concerned about his well being and was relieved when all ended well for him! And we also have one of Deborah’s other books, Aunt Claire’s Yellow Beehive Hair with illustrations by Mary GrandPre of Harry Potter fame, which is a lovely tribute to families and preserving memories and tradition.

 

 

And now for our mini-interview with Deborah Blumenthal:

 

Jeanne:  What do you love the most about writing children’s books?

Deborah: I love coming up with fresh story ideas, then telling the stories as in as few words as possible while allowing for rich illustration possibilities.

Jeanne: What inspired you to get started in this field?

Deborah: My younger daughter, Sophie, had a horrible tantrum one day after a play date, and that inspired my first picture book, “The Chocolate-Covered-Cookie Tantrum.”  It came out in 1996 and remains my best-selling book. It’s recommended by six parenting books.

Jeanne: What is your next project?

Deborah: For the past year or so, I’ve been spending most of my time writing young adult fiction. My second young adult novel, “The Lifeguard,” was published in March by Albert Whitman & Co., and I’m now close to finishing my next young adult novel.

 

 

Mademoiselle à Soho – Spring/Summer 2012

 

What sweet and chic style from Mademoiselle à Soho for their Spring/Summer 2012 range. I met with the lovely Alexana Bussenault of Mas at Playtime recently and was taken immediately with everything they do and the fascinating story behind her label: from a highly theatrical Romanian family, she has created a joyous mix of her Romanian and French roots and blended it with New York flair! I love the slightly poofy silhouette of these paper bagged waisted skirts – looks like the little ones would keep cool in those while still looking fab and comfortable. And it’s always great to see boys in lots of color! You can shop here online or visit her store in Soho!

 

 
 

Our Next Tutu Workshop at the Amazing City Treehouse!

 

Our first Tutu Making Workshop was such a success, we are doing another one on April 28th! (See flyer below for details. And if you can’t make this one, you can order a Tutu Kit directly from me: jeanne@bellissimakids.com) And I am thrilled to team up with the great people at a place we have loved since it opened when Oona was only one year old: City Treehouse in Chelsea! The main attraction is their unique water play area – Oona has just adored playing in this space as she, like all kids, just loves water…and I have found it the best place to be on a hot summer day. Their super fun treehouse with slide and fiber optic cave have also kept her busy many an hour. Apart from that, they offer a smorgasbord of fantastic art, dance, music and language classes and they also host birthday parties. In fact, Oona had her very first painting class here. Sweet memories…

 

 

 

Children’s Paper Chair by Charlotte Friis

 
What a fantastic idea by Charlotte Friis. This chair is made with drawing paper, and as the paper is used , the size of the front cylinder increases following the child’s growth. Clean paper is transferred from the back cylinder to the front simply by rolling the front cylinder backwards. The amount of paper is approx. 500 meters, which means that the paper can be changed twice a week for 5 years. What I love about it the most is that all of the drawings are archived in the same place. Genius.