Purposeful Playlist | Favorites from Year 5

We have a predictable approach to screen time: on the weekends and special occasions. This has automatically made the weekends extra fun. :) In general, we try to join NLW for his first viewing -- to experience it with him and to see his reaction for any scary scenes. We've watched a lot of the classic animated Disney films, and can easily say these were his favorites/on repeat: 

Favorite Movies
- Aristocats
- Robin Hood 
- 101 Dalmatians (CCW's favorite)
- Lady and the Tramp
- Mary Poppins
- Cinderella 

I love introducing a movie with the soundtrack and often we'll listen to that on weekdays leading up to a new movie...and then daily for weeks on end :) So many breakfasts have been accompanied by one of these:

Favorite Soundtracks
- 101 Dalmatians

- Peter Pan

- Mary Poppins

- Charlotte's Web

- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 

As for shows, I think they'd likely enjoy anything we put on, but we've really only opted for the following up to this point:

Favorite Shows
- Frog and Toad
- Bluey (EDW's favorite)
- Puffin Rock
- Pupstruction
- Mr. Rogers
- The Busy World of Richard Scarry

Music, stories, and audiobooks are a welcomed entertainment throughout our day and especially midday for NLW since he no longer naps. Flights equal unlimited screen time :)

Next year I'd love to introduce Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Pixar, and some of the live-action Disney classics. We might even venture into the world of kid podcasts. There's so much out there to consume and/or avoid -- I welcome recommendations and suggestions! 

- SJW

Pages of Parenting | Favorite Books From Year 5

It was another wonderful year of books in our home! We enjoyed timeless classics, discovered so many new-to-us titles, and started audiobooks in the car. It was also the first year the twins started requesting specific books and reciting words and lines :) Here's my curated selection -- the ones I want others to know about!

Favorite Author of the Year

Eric Carle

Best of the Best: Today is Monday

Favorite Illustrator Discovery

Carey Sookocheff

Best of the Best: Solutions for Cold Feet and Other Little Problems

Audiobooks

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, read by Douglas Hodge

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, read by Meryl Streep and a Full Cast

Best of the Best: Mouse Tales Aduio Collection by Arnold Lobel

Illustrations Only

The Adventures of Polo by Regis Faller

Best of the Best: Field Trip series by John Hare

Nonfiction

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler

Feathers Together by Caron Levis and Charles Santoso

Building our House by Jonathan Bean

Best of the Best: Water is Water by Miranda Paul

Seasonal
It's Halloween by Jack Prelutsky

A Christmas Stocking Story by Hilary Knight

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, Illustrated by Loren Long

Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer

Best of the Best: Sing a Song of Seasons illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon

Rhythmic/Lyrical

Here We Come by Janna Matthies

A Day so Gray by Marie Lamba

Seaside Stroll by Charles Trevino

Best of the Best: When the Moon is High by Alice Schertle

Preschool Central

Time to Sleep Sheep the Sheep! by Mo Willems

Birds by Kevin Henkes

Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes

Goose by Laura Wall

Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox

"Hi, Pizza Man!" by Virginia Walter

May I Bring a Friend? by Beatrice Schenk De Regniers

K is for Kindness by Rina Horiuchi

Best of the Best: Seven Bad Cats by Moe Bonneau

Playful Fiction

Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea by Cynthia Rylant

Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty

Puffin Peter by Petr Horáček

Forty Winks A Bedtime Adventure by Kelly DiPucchio

Sato the Rabbit by Yuki Ainoya

Maybe... by Chris Haughton

Dear Mr. Blueberry by Simon James

The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen

Toot & Puddle by Holly Hobbie

Best of the Best: Garcia & Collete Go Exploring by Hannah Barnaby

My Pick of the Year

A Perfect Wonderful Day with Friends by Philip Waechter

Mr. Fleece's Pick of the Year 

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

NLW's Pick of the Year
Who Would Win? Extreme Animal Rumble by Jerry Pallotta

EDW's Pick of the Year

The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle

CCW's Pick of the Year
Stanley's series by Willaim Bee

A house full of books,
-SJW

Previous favorites below!

2022 -- Favorite Books From Year 4
2021 -- Favorite Books From Year 3