Welcome back!

It's been a while since our last blog post, but we've been busy working away at some new fun features on the site. One of the goals we have for this blog in the coming months is to really make it a place for parents to come and read about topics that interest them. So - with that goal in mind, we're busy lining up guest bloggers that will share their expertise on everything from preparing for your delivery to the best children's books for every age!

Today we are honored to have award-winning children's book author, Maria Dismondy, as a guest on the Belly Blog. In addition to being a talented author, teacher, fitness instructor, and mom to two wonderful girls, Maria was also a model for the Sticky Bellies Maternity Stickers during her pregnancy and is featured on our packaging.  (All this...and brains, too!) Maria's three books are must-reads for any parent who wants to share stories of confidence, courage, and friendship with her child. Her newest release, "Pink Tiara Cookies for Three" is an adorable story inspired by a social struggle we've all experienced at some time in our lives - the "two's a company, three's a crowd" dilemma when it comes to friendships. We received our copy when it was released last week and it's already a family favorite! There's nothing better than a fun picture book to help parents tackle tough issues with their kids in a playful way. I know this is one book we'll be taking out again and again as our kids get older and have to navigate through those tricky "friend problems" that are destined to occur during the school age years. Check out the video preview of this delightful book below!

Maria has an incredible blog where she shares everything she knows about being a parent, an author, a reading specialist, and an all-around great person. As a part of her Pink Tiara Blog Tour, she's stopping by our Belly Blog to share some advice on choosing the best children's books for every age!

BONUS! Maria was kind enough to offer Sticky Bellies fans the chance to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of her new book, "Pink Tiara Cupcakes for Three" and an adorable tiara cookie cutter to go with it. (Contest ends 2/2/2012). Your chance to enter is at the end of her blog post, so don't miss it!

Maria Dismondy, author of Pink Tiara Cookies for Three writes...

I am thrilled to be a Guest Blogger for Sticky Bellies today.  Besides being a Sticky Bellies fan, I am a children’s author and Reading Specialist. Today, I'll be helping you choose appropriate books for young children. Reading to your child can begin as early as when they are in the womb! Once you have that little miracle in your arms, continue reading daily together. It is a routine that will benefit your children for years to come.

It is nice to have a book collection within the walls of your own home. Visit your local Thrift Store for great deals or go shopping at garage sales. If you haven’t had your baby yet, suggest books on your baby registry. You can keep books in the car, in your bedroom, in your child’s bedroom, a basket in the bathroom to entertain your child as you get ready for work, in the family room, at grandma’s or your caregivers, and if there are no books in the waiting room at your child’s pediatrician, donate some! My point is, surround your family with books and you will raise a child who loves literacy.

Here is a list of suggestions when choosing books for readers beginning at birth.

For Infants 0-6 Months

Book Suggestion: Colors and First Words by Bright Baby

For children as early as newborns, choose books with simple, large pictures or designs with bright colors. Start out with board books so that your child can drool all over them and the books will sustain the abuse! Keep the books short and simple and remember large, bright and bold pictures!

For Babies 6-12 Months

Book Suggestion: The Wheels on the Bus

Children start understanding more about language around 6 months.  Select bookswith photos of other babies and familiar objects like toys and household objects. Continue to stick with board books at this stage. Your child will start taking longer baths since they are sitting up now, look for plastic books you can take in the tub! Cloth books are also good ideas for this age because they can be washed and you won’t worry when your little one is licking the pages!  Another great suggestion for this age is to make a photo album with pictures of your family members. Around 9 months I started teaching my daughter baby sign language. I read books that illustrated simple signs.

For Toddlers 12-24 Months

          Book Suggestion: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Your child will be saying simple words now! Increase the number of books you own that have simple vocabulary words in them. Continue to read board books that your child can now carry around. This is a great age to start attending story time at your local library and checking out library books. Choose topics that your child is interested in like trains or dogs. Begin reading books about life lessons (going to the doctor, having a new baby) these lessons will help your child deal with new feelings. This is also a good time to begin using books on tape. Check out my blog post here about the benefits of books on tape and where you can find them! Touch and feel books, animal books and books with simple rhymes and repeating text are all great suggestions and will add to your child’s literacy development.

For Toddlers 24-36 Months

Book Suggestion: Mrs. Wishy Washy

For this age group, start choosing books about lessons you want to teach your child. For example, books about children who are the same and different from them to teach about diversity. Education books about concepts like time and numbers. Get books on how things work such as recycling or construction. This is also a good time to choose books about dealing with our feelings, having a new sibling. Children at this age might be able to memorize or read simple text.

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