What’s this? Another Monday blog post? Unbelievable, but true! I am so, so thankful for the WordPress app that let’s me type out entire blog posts while my tiny person snoozes in his wrap – three cheers for modern technology!!
There’s going to be a bit of theme going on in these Monday posts for the foreseeable future, because the fact of the matter is that I really haven’t had much time, energy or brain power to dedicate to recreational reading recently. So, the majority of the books I’ve been reading have been aimed at the very smallest of readers. But I do have an adult titles of a sort to share, as well!
First, the books:
Thomas the Tank Engine
Did anyone else grow up watching Shining Time Station, with Ringo Starr as the conductor? I was a big fan of Thomas and his friends, so when I saw this reprint of one of the original titles for sale in a library book sale, I simply couldn’t pass it up! It’s a bit complex for baby at the moment, but I’m looking forward to sharing the world of Sodor with him one day!
Where’s the Unicorn?
As the mother of a baby boy, I’ve become much more aware of the intensive gendering of children’s products, from toys to clothes to books. It’s ridiculous, of course – a baby doesn’t give two hoots what colour their clothes are, and any toy you give them if going to go straight in the mouth, be it a truck or a doll. So, when I saw this adorable lift-the-flap book (from the same series as last week’s Where’s the Zebra? book), I just knew I had to have it. My hope is to raise a son who doesn’t turn up his nose at so-called ‘girls things’, or view them (and girls) as lesser or other. As part of this process, I want to be more aware of the books I read with baby, and be sure to include a variety of topics, themes and genres, including those marketed overtly to girls, like this pink unicorn book. But really, who wouldn’t want to hang out with this awesome unicorn?! 🦄
Sawbones
Thank heavens for podcasts! One of the factors of new motherhood that has really taken be my surprise has been how lonely and isolating it can be. I’ve worked in public service for so many years, and I thrive in fast-paced environments where I’m surrounded by people, and being home alone with baby every day has been a real eye-opener. Podcasts have really helped me get through the long, lonely hours, and really help expand my world beyond the walls of my apartment. Sawbones is one of my current favorites – a doctor and her comedian husband look at the strange and often baffling world of medical history, offering an entertaining blend of fact and fun.
And that’s it for me, folks! Have a great week!
I didn’t know you had a baby! Congratulations! Yes, I remember some of those long, long hours, filled them with lots of cleaning & reading as I remember, & for one of my kids, I was working on my master’s degree so that helped. Best wishes, Jane.
I still haven’t gotten into podcasts, but this one sounds interesting, maybe I’ll give it a try! Also, those are my favorite lift-the-goal books, because babies can’t tear the pages! I’ll be on the lookout for the unicorn one.
Where’s the Unicorn looks like an awesome book! Enjoy your time with your little one!
My daughter is now 4, but I also spent a lot of time thinking about gender stereotyping, and how I don’t want to restrict her to things considered “girly.” She picks library books now about talking animals, trucks, and first days at school. And yes, I agree, unicorns are for everyone!
https://wendimlee.blogspot.com/2019/08/its-monday-what-are-you-reading_26.html
It’s tough, isn’t it? I remember doing a storytime at a daycare and a little boy refused a hand stamp because it was a butterfly and thus too girly. So young and already rejecting things as too girly! Thankfully most of the little ones were just thrilled to get a stamp, no matter what it was. 😄
Completely agree — new motherhood can be so very isolating. I’m so glad you’ve found some good books and podcasts to keep you company (and that modern technology is making blogging a tad easier). I’m very curious about Sawbones. I first began looking it up on Goodreads only to remember what you said about Podcasts. My husband walks to work each day and he always loads up his phone with podcasts to use that time wisely. I should probably follow that example! Thanks for the shares, Jane!
As a grandmother I discovered that the world of books for babies is a wonder! I’m sure we didn’t have this kind of selection when my own sons were born.
That feeling of isolation is profound Jane. I remember it well. My partner was a university student at the time and didn’t want to have to talk to anyone at the end of the day. I ended up working part time in the evenings as a cocktail waitress and bartender, just to get out of the house and talk to adults!
“Where’s the Unicorn” sounds like a good book. I had never heard of the series but will be looking into it now. Podcasts are great too. I listen to a number of them from Lore to NPR every morning. I will have to try out “Sawbones!”
Sawbones has the right mix of comedy and science for me, informative but not too much like being in school again. 🤣
I thought I responded but apparently I wrote but didn’t post my comment. I think the loneliness and isolation are the two most unexpected aspects to motherhood for all of us. I ended up getting a part time job cocktail waitressing and bartending so I could meet and talk to people.
I now have grandchildren and swear that babies are now gendered even more than they were when my own children were born. I wonder if it has to do with finding out the gender before they are born?