If you are looking for a funny twist on a classic children’s book, then “Goodnight iPad” by Ann Droyd is the book for you. My mom bought this book for my husband as a Christmas gift so he could read it to Baby Ap and Baby Er. It is a more modern and hip version of “Goodnight Moon” by  Margaret Wise Brown. I have to be honest, I’ve never really been a big fan of the original. The color scheme is unusual, the illustrations are strange, and the words are a bit dated for me. (ie. “Good night mush.”) “Goodnight iPad” is the complete opposite. It focuses on the ever common issue of turning off all technological devices at night, which is something we can definitely relate to in our house. How could you not love a book that mentions apps, WiFi, and viral clips? I find “Goodnight iPad” to be refreshing and light-hearted and I appreciate the author’s tribute to “Goodnight Moon” at the end. I know my girls are going to really enjoy reading this with their father for many years to come. (Speaking of which, my husband is a tough sell on most books since he’s not a literature nerd like me. But, when he read this book the first time, he absolutely loved it. As far as I’m concerned, that’s just as good as earning the Newbery Medal. Hats off to you, Ms. Droyd.)

I’m all about sentimental gifts. I enjoy receiving and giving meaningful presents that are memorable and thoughtful. So, when I came across the book, “Your Birthday Book” by Amy K, I just had to get one for each of my daughters. Their first birthdays are next month and I wanted to get them something that would celebrate who they are. This book is simply wonderful. You start filling it out on the child’s first birthday and continue to do so until they turn 18. Each year, you add photos and complete a page or two. It will be very exciting to interview the girls when they are a little older and ask them questions like: “At what age is a person officially a grown-up?”, “How do you like learning to read so far?”, “What makes you really really happy?”, and “Whose approach to life do you admire most?” (There are many other good ones, but I chose some of my favorites.) Some years, the child is asked to rate what’s most important to them; other years, they are to draw self portraits. I really like the opportunities for parents to write letters to their child/children and the pages which compare the past and present. There are also time capsule pages, which are special sections that hold tracings of the child’s hand, artwork, cards, newspaper headlines, report cards, birthday wish lists, and more. As I perused the pages of “Your Birthday Book”, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion and I started to cry. I can’t believe I’m going to have two 16 year-olds one day. It made realize just how precious our time together really is. Baby Ap and Baby Er have grown up so quickly already. I’m hoping this special keepsake book will be a way for us to truly treasure and always remember their childhood experiences.