This book belongs to....

So, this weekend’s storytelling was on bugs. Creepy, I know. None of the young princesses who attended last weekend’s “Fancy Nancy” soiree returned this Saturday. Wonder why? The creepy crawly theme failed to keep Tinka’s attention. But, the event wasn’t a complete waste.

In my discussion of “Fancy Nancy” last week, I expressed my desire to see better ethnic diversity and representation in children literature and film. I guess the saying is true: You have not because you ask not! Thank God I asked because to my pleasant surprise, I discovered an interesting read. The book, featuring two young African American boys on its cover, was “You Can Do It!” by Tony Dungy. What a great find! I loved the illustration and theme. Linden, the main character and Tony’s younger brother, has issues finding his “it”. You know, his ”it”. All of his siblings seem to know what their hearts passions are except him. His dad gives him wise advice regarding the role of prayer in determining what his “it” (read:his desired career) will be. Linden especially enjoys making others smile and learned that dentist do as well. He is actually a dentist today. This book is recommended for readers 4 and up. This is definitely a great read with a great message.

Baby Talks About Mommy's MBAs

Mommy received her second MBA, which stands for Mommy’s Beautiful Angel, late last year. What an honor that she considers me the more valuable of the two. Though her capital investment in me, think college tuition, new car, wedding, first house deposit, business startup, did I miss anything? far exceeds that of her other MBA, the ROI--that’s return on investment. I’m also quite literate in business jargon--she stands to gain--think grandchildren, grandchildren, did I mention grandchildren?-- is unquantifiable.

I am also more engaging than her diploma. Her diploma doesn’t giggle when she sings the “Eensy Wensy Spider” or the “ABC” song. Nor does it pull her hair to convey how much she was missed during the day. It never knocks over her morning drink just before she heads out the door in an attempt to spend just five more minutes together.

Mommy’s other MBA has afforded her an affinity of career options and a great network of friends (Aunties T, Bonnie, Denyse and Michelle and Uncle Bill). And, I guess, it will make possible the many great things that a baby dreams. read: exceptional daycare, Mandarin lessons, trips to grandma’s.

Gotta crawl, carrot and oatmeal time! My high chair’s calling! Anybody seen my bib?

Fit For a Princess

As I turned the corner, I was overwhelmed by a mix of bright pink and yellow party decorations streaming from shelf to shelf and the swarm of miniature “princesses” donning sparkly tiaras, oversized cosmetic jewelry and even elaborate princess costumes. Did I miss the memo? It's 2pm on Saturday, no one told me Barnes and Noble was hosting a girls-only birthday party. The crowd was abuzz, chatting anxiously until the guest of honor arrived. Who might that be you ask? “Fancy Nancy”. Again, you ask, Who might that be? She's the fictional character for whom a book series is based.

I consider myself to be “in the know” with all things girly. But, this, I admit, never once registered on my “girly girl” radar. Where have I been? How did I miss the book phenom that is known by an adjective describing her fashion sense and her first name? Thankfully, Tinka donned her pink and white striped outfit with matching pretty-in-pink shades or she would've really been underdressed. Anywho, I consider this my formal introduction into the land of “all things pretty”.

I was so taken aback by the festivities, I admit to not catching the storyline of the books that were read. However, I did learn that “Fancy Nancy's” creator is taking in a pretty penny from her huge following. Apparently, the tiaras, jewels and costumes are all a part of the “Fancy Nancy” brand which can be purchased at, none other than, destination affordable fashion, Tar-je' (That's Target for all my English speakers). In-te-res-ting.

I will reserve my opinion until I read several titles from the series. While I am all for “girl power”, I need to see better ethnic diversity and representation in children's literature, toys, programming, and movies. Anybody know where the Disney film “The Princess and the Frog” is in production? Until my next post, Au revoir!