In 2006, Jumpstart created Read for the Record, “an international campaign to bring preschool children together with valued grownups in their lives to read the same book, on the same day, in communities all over the world.”

As a mother, as an educator, and as a human being, I believe that literacy is one of the most important gifts we can give to our children.  Reading is a key to entire worlds filled with possibilities. Which is why it is so important that we give every child access to books. Our public libraries, so much more than just repositories for books, need to be vibrant hubs of our communities…a place for children to feel safe to discover, laugh and learn.

Here in Suffolk County, my playgroup has started a chapter of the Quaker Kids Care Club and the first project my family is leading is a book drive for our local Reach out and Read Site. Reach Out and Read clinics provide print rich environments and books for children, some of whom have never owned their own books!

Like the people at Jumpstart, I believe it is especially important to give at-risk children the opportunity to read. Because reading is a great equalizer, giving everyone access to the same information and knowledge. Reading also empowers kids to think in new and different ways. Books can also be a bridge between cultures.  Each book is a treasure chest of gems that reflect the brilliant light of the reader.

Walmart is a sponsor of this year’s Read for the Record and you can purchase the official Read for the Record edition of The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Walmart.  I am honored to contribute to Walmart’s Read for the Record page and you may see my entire video in support of Jumpstart at the bottom of this post.

How you can help:

• Pledge to join Jumpstart on October 8 in breaking last year’s record of almost 700,000 readers.
• Buy an official copy of the Read for the Record edition through Jumpstart and all proceeds will go to benefit Jumpstart’s literacy efforts for low-income children.
• Sponsor a book for a child in Jumpstart programs.
• Raise awareness by joining the twitter party on September 24, 2009 from 8-10pm CST. Participate by adding #jumpstart to your tweets. (details & prizes here)

Pledge to read today with hundreds of thousands of parents, volunteers, celebrities, and little old me and for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record and help ensure that the fourth annual Campaign on October 8, 2009 reaches more children than ever before!

Because literacy is a gift that is always the right size, always in style, and lasts a lifetime.

Even better, MJM Books publishes original personalized, customizable children’s stories with illustrations drawn by an artist.

All three available books are sweet stories about the unique perspective children have on the world.  My favorite is What Animal Are You? — a version of a game my daughter loves to play.  A series of friendly critters tries to determine what manner of creature the protagonist is, finally discovering that she is herself: a unique human child who is loved.

Beth Link’s illustrations, reminiscent of Henri Rousseau, add a lush, primitif-style charm to the seriously silly guessing game.  The stylized illuminated manuscript borders are lovely.

If I have any suggestions for future editions of this book, it would be to use a sturdier cover and to integrate the font more fluidly into the illustrations.

The customization is easy–choose the features and your child will enjoy this special book that is all about her.

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WANT IT: Customize and order one of three children’s stories at MJM Books ($16). Use Coupon Code MAMANISTA for Free Shipping to US and Canada.

WIN IT: Comment below with which of the three stories you would choose and why and you will be entered to win.

Additional Entries (leave a separate, additional comment for each):

• Become a fan of MJM Books on facebook
• Follow @MJMBooks and @Mamanista on Twitter and then send a tweet telling us what animal your child most resembles and why and include the contest URL (http://bit.ly/mjmmama).

Contest ends September 17, 11:59 PM EST. Prize ships to US or Canadian addresses.

We are big fans of our LeapFrog TAG and LeapFrog just sent us a new way to enjoy it: two sets of early reader books that teach short and long vowel sounds.

My daughter knows her letters and the sounds they make and she is just about ready to make the jump from pre-literacy skills to literacy. Every day she grabs her TAG pen and reads through several of the new TAG “Learn to Read” books.

Although the emphasis in the books is on phonics–one short or long vowel features in most of the words in each–the cute, original stories are fun and engaging for my three year old.  While not exactly a future literary classic, “Look at the mud! / Time for the tub. ‘ ‘Time to wash up!’ / Rub-a-dub-dub!” provides a lot more reading pleasure and practice in comprehension than a drill of a random series of words related only by a single sound.

And the interaction with the TAG system is helpful in learning to read. Press one symbol and the pen reads the page. Touch other symbols and the pen can read a single word, isolate individual letters or spell the word, and sound out the letters or the entire word. For added interaction and context, the illustrations also “speak” when touched with the pen.

At the end of each book is a series of activities, designed to explicitly reinforce the skills taught through the story. My daughter really enjoys these games, which, like the books, blend letter recognition, phonics, sight words, relationships between text and illustrations, and reading comprehension.

My only suggestion for any future editions is a parent guide with tips for using the LeapFrog TAG system and the “Learn to Read” books for beginning readers, struggling readers, and readers who are gaining fluency.  Many parents might appreciate a primer on how to use the books and the different features to encourage literacy.  And this would also integrate well with the LeapFrog Learning Path–an online tool that helps you understand your child’s progress.

Like all of the TAG books, these may be used with or without the pen, and together with the parent, or independently. By putting together an affordable, intuitive, and entertaining system that encourages children to interact with books, the LeapFrog TAG supports literacy education.

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WANT IT: Buy TAG products directly from LeapFrog or get the LeapFrog TAG Learn to Read Phonics Books from Amazon. ($20 per set of six books, TAG Reading Pen sold separately for $50, $40 on sale)

WIN IT – REQUIRED ENTRY: Enter to win a TAG Reading System + the two sets of Learn to Read Phonics Books from LeapFrog (ARV $90) by leaving a comment with your best tip for or question about learning to read.

Additional Entries (leave a separate comment for each additional entry):

• Follow @Mamanista and @LeapFrog and tweet your tip or question and include a link to this contest: http://bit.ly/mamareadtag (leave your status URL in your comment).
• Link to our Back-to-School Guide on your blog or website (leave the URL where you link in your comment).

Contest ends August 27, 11:59 PM EST. Open to All. Winner chosen with Random.org.

So, just imagine our often confused but always well-meaning friend, Amelia Bedelia, as a kindergartner. In Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School, the classic character enthusiastically, and literally, jumps right into class. She takes each instruction very seriously and the results are hilarious.

Linear artwork awash with color paints the classroom as a warm and orderly place that welcomes and structures Amelia Bedelia’s energy, without diminishing her spirit. With plenty of sunshine and movement, the illustrations capture the joy of exploration and discovery.

Whether your little one is excited or anxious about the first day of school, this book makes the perfect introduction. With Amelia Bedelia, school is an adventure full of wonder and opportunity.

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WANT IT: Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School ($17, $11 on sale at Amazon)

When I reviewed the LeapFrog TAG last year, I was impressed. As an educational consultant, I believe the TAG system is a great example of technology that genuinely engages kids in learning.  Download classic stories onto the reading pen and children can listen to the whole story, hear individual words, and play games.  Using the TAG helps build reading comprehension and fluency.

First, I shared the TAG and TAG Junior systems with my playgroup.  The kids tore right in, playing with the TAG systems and enjoying the included books.

After two weeks, the parents have reported back that their toddlers and preschoolers have a renewed interest in reading–even with books that are not linked with the TAG pen.  And one mom discovered a great idea: when her son is too wound-up for bed, she gives him the TAG Junior and the books.  He listens to the stories and plays games until he falls asleep.

Next, I dropped a pack off at my local library.  The librarians were like kids in a candy store, practically jumping for joy as they discussed all the possibilities.  They plan to keep a set at the library for use with headphones.  The library provides a number of programs for boosting reading confidence, including a scheduled time for reading to a friendly canine friend of the library.  Children who identify as strong readers will find more success in school and seek out educational opportunities.  The TAG system will be perfect for children to learn to read independently and improve their vocabularies.  Another TAG system will circulate to patrons.  As budgets tighten, more parents will turn to free library programs for fun activities and academic support.

And we’re looking forward to building our TAG libraries of classic books that can be enjoyed with or without the TAG readers.

We’re looking forward to sharing more LeapFrog success stories with you.  LeapFrog products like the TAG systerm educational products build a lifelong love of learning.

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WANT IT: Get the LeapFrog® Tag Reading System (Amazon - $50, $35 on sale) or LeapFrog Tag Junior book pal (Amazon - $35)

As I read, I tried to remind myself that this book wasn’t written for me. In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms was written for SAHMs who feel under-appreciated and who may face criticism from family and peers for their decision. And Dr. Laura provides validation, praise and talking points to use when dealing with naysayers.

There are many testimonials and anecdotes from Dr. Laura’s listeners about the importance of being a stay-at-home mom. Here’s how one Amazon reviewer (a self-described SAHM) summarized the book:

Dr. Laura is preachy and polarizing, but for the most part, I do buy into what she has to say. A quick read that re-energized me, and made me feel more confident about what I do for a living.

Being a mom is hard work, and I do not begrudge SAHMs positive affirmation from Dr. Laura. But I do think it is unfortunate that Dr. Laura felt it necessary to attack what she calls the “feminista” movement in order to empower SAHMs.

Dr. Laura admits that she was the primary breadwinner for her family, and she has been attacked by her critics for being a working mother who advocates that other women stay home. To counter the charge of hypocrisy, Dr. Laura goes to great lengths to explain how she was a great mother despite her career. (She was fortunate enough to share childcare responsibilities with her husband and to tape her show in the evenings, which enabled her to be with her son during the day.)  She writes,

I have been attacked incessantly for supposed hypocrisy concerning this issue of child care; I couldn’t possibly have done all the things required of my career without neglecting my son. Well, those critics are just plain wrong — and clearly defensive out of some well-earned guilt. 

As a working mom, I can believe Dr. Laura was able to advance her career without neglecting her son. But Dr. Laura had the freedom to choose the right blend between work and motherhood for her personal situation. In fact, Dr. Laura is a beneficiary of the very “feminista” movement she attacks in her book.

Dr. Laura says that “feministas” attack SAHMs and do not respect their choices. She explains:

During 2007 a spate of überfeminist authors laid guilt on women who didn’t abandon their children to “other care,” lest they do the universe and their children actual harm (no, I’m not kidding nor exaggerating) by staying home with them. All the morning television talk shows glorified, in a largely one-sided manner, of course, that necessary course of action to avoid a woman wasting herself in the mire of her children’s needs and her husband’s desires.

That’s when the feminist movement’s mantra of choice got confusing: the decision to be a homemaker and full-time mother became a stupid, gross, dangerous error instead of a respected opportunity for self-expression and a deeper valuing of family life with regard to the well-being of a woman.

If this is what “feministas” believe, I am not a “feminista.” I support an inclusive feminist movement that empowers moms to decide what is right for them and for their families. What does that make me… a “Mamanista”?

Secret Recipes for the Modern Wife: All the Dishes You’ll Need to Make from the Day You Say “I Do” Until Death (or Divorce) Do You Part

This satirical recipe book will make you laugh as you reflect on the joys and challenges of modern marriage. Each ”recipe” is accompanied with retro 1950s graphics and vintage advertisements.

Nava Atlas tackles the ups and downs of marriage and motherhood with humor and wit. For example, this except from her recipe for “Completely Fried Wife with Toast of Total Exhaustion”:

Swirl unfinished projects together with never-ending laundry, dishes, and clutter that has to be dealt with over and over, never getting completely done and never, ever going away.

Despair over piles of paper that you can never quite get on top of, and shove sundry messes into closets and drawers. Repeat all these steps as needed until your life descends into utter chaos.

Some of the recipes are snarky- “Old Boyfriend Buffet” and “Hypercritical Cinnamon Buns”- and others sweet- “Happily-Ever-After Ambrosia,” which serves to inspire hope in an age of cynicism.  Some recipes such as “Gender Role Casserole” are critical of husbands and may not reflect many modern marriages, but “Secret Recipes for the Modern Wife: All the Dishes You’ll Need to Make from the Day You Say “I Do” Until Death (or Divorce) Do You Part” is full of witty and sarcastic humor.

Lake and Epstein, or, as they would probably prefer to be called given the “girlfriend” tone of the book, Ricki and Abby, set out to awaken the inner birth goddess in every pregnant woman, but more in the fabulous and fearless sense of goddess than in the crunchy or new-age meaning. They want you to have “YOUR best birth,” rather than THE best or the PERFECT birth, because there is no one-size-fits-all and they know that flexibility is key in childbirth.

Just like your best girlfriend, Ricki and Abby give it to you straight. And just like a close friend, they want you to feel supported no matter what path you choose.  However, just like your friend, you can tell when they still do not quite approve.  While Ricki and Abby want you to feel empowered even if you choose an elective cesarean or find yourself needing an emergency c-section, they make clear that they believe every woman with a normal pregnancy should try for a more natural birth.

And the evidence supports their opinion. Cesarean sections save lives when performed only as necessary, in approximately 5-10% of births.  Once c-sections rise above 10-15% of births, outcomes are actually more negative for both the mother and baby.  The c-section rate in the United States is above 30% and the rate of maternal death is among the highest in the developed world.  Avoiding c-sections is more than a matter of catering to a mother’s “image” of her ideal birth, it is a genuine health issue with high-stakes consequences for both mother and baby.

Moms who are determined to go forward with an elective cesarean section or who have not come to terms with a previous cesarean section may find certain sections upsetting.  However, for moms like author Abby Epstein who do require a c-section, the book does a great job of discussing how to maintain control and encourage the immediate postpartum bond between mother and child.

When describing medical procedures, Abby and Ricki also don’t stint on the unpleasant details.  Although this is a very small part of the book, I found myself feeling faint while they described the epidural.  The book does allow that sometimes an epidural makes it possible for a woman to regain focus during a long or hard labor but Abby and Ricki want us to have informed consent should we choose an epidural.  While I agree, even as a mother who has chosen an epidural twice, that ideally a mother gives birth without an epidural to avoid the potential complications and make birthing the baby easier, I am not sure the graphic image would be helpful to a mom in labor.  Perhaps more of a warning before launching into a description or placing the more graphic descriptions in an appendix might give pregnant woman a choice as to whether or not they wish to read those sections.

Overall, the message of the book is incredibly empowering.  A must-read for almost every pregnant woman, Your Best Birth presents all the options from homebirth through hospital birth and helps you negotiate these complicated decisions.  The authors believe, and I agree, that it is important to understand that the options presented to you (or the path given to you) by the hospital may be determined less by what is safest and healthiest for you and your baby than by what is least likely to result in the hospital getting successfully sued. After reading this book, you will be equipped to determine which path is right for you and your baby and how to stay flexible and responsive to the situation without losing your voice.

The emphasis throughout the book is on assembling a “birth team” that you trust completely and that will advocate for you so that no matter where and how you birth, you will have your best birth.

If you are pregnant and want a no-nonsense discussion of the options available to you, this book will help you find your way to your own best birth.

WANT IT: Find out more about Your Best Birth. Order Your Best Birth ($15.63).

“Welcome to Motherhood…You’re a rookie mom. Untrained, no experience. That’s you. And that’s not an insult. Even those of us who spent our adolescence babysitting for other people’s children or who work as preschool teachers or pediatric nurses are in for some big surprises. We’ve never been moms before. It’s not the same as changing a few diapers or setting up messy art projects. It means you are in charge all day, every day, and you and that baby are not going anywhere (or getting out of pajamas) unless you make it happen. When our babies were born, we discovered that hours and days lose shape when you have no place you’re expected to be. For those of us who are accustomed to a scheduled, busy life, that can be confusing. Lack of structure can throw even the most confident opinionated woman into a state of mental uncertainty.”

When I finished that passage, I breathed a big sigh of relief. These women “got me.” Their book had a simple prescription to fix the way I was feeling: “Get out of the house!” The Rookie Mom’s Handbook is full of suggestions for fun activities to do with your new baby. The book is organized by month, so the suggestions are matched to your confidence level as well as your baby’s age. Some of the early suggestions are simple, such as learning how to use all of your baby gear or going to the grocery store with baby. Others are more adventurous or crafty. All of them helped me learn to embrace the joy of motherhood.

As the mother of an active toddler, I barely remember my pre-baby self.  Lyss Stern, founder of Divalyssicious Moms, sent me a copy of her new book If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself.  Lyss explains:

“The modern mother comes in all shapes and sizes. Given the dizzying variety of choices and responsibilities in her life, we believe that there isn’t a mom out there who couldn’t use a little sanity break from time to time. So if there’s anything we’d like to impart to you dear Mom, it is this: We’re all in this together. And every so often, it’s good to do a little something for yourself, because a happier mom is a better mom. So claim your time. And if anyone in your family balks, explain patiently that out of the 1,440 minutes each day, 10 minutes for Mom seems more than fair.”

The 100 “mommy time outs” in this book will help you make the most of your brief moments of alone-time. Most of the “time-outs” are completely free or low cost. You’ll feel inspired to do something relaxing,  rejuvenating, flirtatious or even naughty…and along the way….maybe even rediscover your pre-baby self.

Just as I scheduled time for the mom and baby activities in the Rookie Mom’s Handbook, I challenged myself to do one or two activities from If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself a week. I feel better and happier, and that’s a good thing. I plan to give If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself to my stressed-out mommy friends. Many of these supermoms can’t find time even for non-selfish things like regular dental cleanings, but I hope they’ll be inspired to take 10 brief minutes for themselves.