Bunchland

Your best bets for chocolate cake themed books

How often do National Chocolate Cake Day and Family Literacy Day coincide? Not too often, we would guess. What better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than getting together with some loved ones after dinner, digging into a nice slice of chocolate cake and reading a book together? There just simply is no better way. And if you don’t have carpets or light-coloured furniture to worry about, we suggest that this activity is best when done on the floor in some sort of makeshift reading nook, or piled into a big, comfy chair.

Without further ado, your chocolate cake book selections:

1. Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael Kaplan (2011)

Perfect for Betty Bunnies of all ages.

2. A Baby Sister for Frances by Russell Hoban

 Read more...

Set aside some time to veg out with a good page-turner

Your first chapter book is a big deal. It’s a milestone for independence and brains. When your kids are ready to eschew picture books and dive into the brave new world of novels, you want to introduce them to the reads that will exhilarate them to the max. Something with an exciting story, relatable characters, a few lively illustrations, and just the right amount of  other-worldliness. Here are some suggestions.

The Moomintroll Series by Trove Jansson (1945 – 1970)

Ages 8 and over. These cuddly-looking, round-snouted family of trolls were brought to life in Finland between 1945 – 1993. They were based loosely on the authors own bohemian, nature-loving family. Adventures take the moomins out to sea, through dark and scary forests, and under giant fish attacks. Recommended by Cynthia Crumb.

The Adventure Series by Enid Blyton (1944 – 1955)  Read more...

Precious Chong blogs about co-parenting alongside her ex and his new fiancee

“When I’m with you I miss Daddy and when I’m with Daddy I miss you.” Jack cried as I held him on my lap.  Mind you, this was after a tantrum of yelling and screaming (full disclosure: by both of us) because I wanted him to do his homework before he ate some ice cream.  But it was also after he had been at Wes’ for a couple of days.  I need to remember that the transitions are usually tricky for Jack.  Basically he’s leading two separate lives.  I mean we do stuff together too so it’s not completely separate but that only goes so far.

It makes me sad writing this.  Jack wants us all to live in one house, then he wouldn’t have to miss anyone.  Read more...

Drawers, here’s today’s Dare:

Hannah Potter starts us off today with a drawing of her neighbourhood in Halifax, NS.

From her mom:

“After some explaining Hannah really like this one. We live on a cul-de-sac that has its own playground attached. She drew the whole family at the playground, and Daddy is helping her go down the slide! Also, she drew our house in orange so everyone would know which was ours. Haha.”

Love it!

And from a previous Dare to Draw assignment, here’s Matthew’s drawing of a hero. He chose to draw Wolverine transforming into a Tigerman. Um, when does this kid get his own comic book, because that needs to happen.

Happy Daring and Drawing, friends! We’re just about halfway through! What have been your favourite assignments? What’s been your kids’ favourite to draw?  Read more...

What we’re reading today:

1. Gay-straight alliances were seen as too political for Catholic schools, but they’ve given the OK to “Respecting Differences” clubs. If it gets the job done, we’re on board.  That said, we can’t even imagine how tough it must be for a teenager to come out, so to not even acknowledge their gay identity when they’ve have the guts to do so seems pretty crummy. Make it better, Catholic board!

2. Colder temps and scary weather sometimes force kids to stay inside for recess; how can we make indoor recess more active?

3. Shame as punishment: does it work? Does it cross the line?

4. Hipster Disney Princesses. What do you think? Accurate? Ariel looks like the kind of hipster we avoid at all costs, but Belle looks like she’d work in our building. Actually, we think Hipster Mulan does work in our building.  Read more...

Family Story Time

Today’s Postcard from Bunchland comes from evilpeacock in Seattle.

One dad really tried to make his kid’s birthday special

Bunch dad Mike McPhaden wanted his son’s birthday to be an all-day celebration and surprised him with this special lunch. Well, normal lunch, specially prepared.

How excited would you be to unwrap blueberry yogurt, a spoon, a cheese string, a banana, fuzzy peach fruit chews and a ham & cheese sandwich on multigrain bread? We’re going to go with exponentially more excited than an unwrapped lunch with the same ingredients.

Nice work, Dad!