I {heart} Books

It may come as no surprise that I love books.  Both of my parents are avid readers and my mom especially had an affinity for children's books.  Every gift-giving holiday meant a new book or two, usually autographed by the author and/or illustrator.  Now that I'm "grown up" I requested my collection of books and my mom flat out refused to give them to me.  It was hilarious.  She couldn't part with them.  I've gradually talked her out of sending me home with a few each time I visit San Diego.

Eric Carle, author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, said, "Every book should be a toy and every toy should be a book."  So true.  I remember having fun with that very book as a kid, sticking my fingers through the holes left by the hungry caterpillar.  My mom's book-themed gift tradition continues into the next generation.  Knowing  my love of Jane Austen and of color, for Christmas she gave little "S" the most darling Pride and Prejudice counting primer board book:

I followed up in January for her  1st birthday with this color primer by the same author/illustrator team:

Check out the vibrant colors on the inside.  These are such fun, colorful, creative books!