1. Cruelty-Free Kitchen

1. Art of Lunch Reusable Sandwich & Snack Bags
Reduce plastic waste with these adorable reusable bags. Art of Lunch is made by a company called Art of Liv’n that partners with artists around the world. This colorful design was illustrated by Danny Ivan, a young artist from Portugal! The bags are easy to clean in the dishwasher, BPA-free, PVC-free and phthalate-free.
view on Amazon

2. Stainless Steel Straws Set
Eliminate plastic straws from your kitchen cabinet with this straw set by Mudder. The perfect gift for smoothie and juice lovers!
view on Amazon

3. Cuisinart Smart Stick Immersion Blender
This immersion blender is a kitchen essential! I’ve used this model for years for smoothies, sauces, soups and sides.
view on Amazon

4. Ninja Professional Blender
This blender has amazing value for its affordable price. It has nearly flawless reviews on Amazon praising its performance crushing ice and pureeing whole fruits and vegetables. All parts are BPA-free and dishwasher safe!
view on Amazon

5. Breville Juice Fountain Elite
Like the Ninja Professional Blender, this juicer by Breville has excellent reviews. It is powerful (heavy 1000-watt motor), beautiful (chic die-cast steel) and easy to clean (all parts except mesh basket are dishwasher safe).
view on Amazon

6. SodaStream Fountain Jet Sparkling Water Maker
Never buy sparkling water again with this sparkling water machine! In seconds, turn flat water into sparkling in reusable BPA-free containers.
view on Amazon

7. Phoney Baloney’s Coconut Bacon
This delicious coconut bacon is hand-made in CA. If you haven’t tried coconut bacon before, push past your skepticism and trust me- it is SO good. It’s crispy, salty, smoky and perfect on everything from sandwiches and salads to ice cream and cupcakes!
view on Amazon

8. Lagusta’s Luscious
Lagusta’s Luscious is the ultimate vegan chocolate shop. Their chocolates “combine a deep commitment to social justice, environmentalism and animal rights with the love of bold flavor of a true foodie and the obsessive commitment to artisan techniques of a chocolatier”. These are the best chocolates I’ve ever had, including chocolates I loved in my vegetarian years. Coconut milk caramels in decadent flavors like Rosemary Sea Salt and Strawberry Balsamic, Peppermint patties, chocolate truffles, gorgeous barks, bonbons and more.
view the Lagusta’s Luscious site

9. The Oh She Glows Cookbook
This is one of my favorite cookbooks! I love it so much that I bought it for everyone in my family last year. They’re all omnivores and they all LOVE the recipes in the book. The dishes are delicious, healthy, beautiful and easy to approach for new vegans or meat-eaters!
view on Amazon

10. TofuXpress Tofu Press
My sister gifted me this tofu press last year and it changed my life- really! Simply place a block of tofu in the press and in a few hours, you have perfectly pressed firm tofu ready to stir-fry or bake. Even better- the press also doubles as a marinating dish!
view on Amazon

11. Miyoko’s Kitchen
Miyoko’s Kitchen makes incredible artisan cultured vegan cheeses that can be shipped across the country. Vegan mozzarella, chive double cream, Mt. Vesuvius black ash cream, aged English sharp farmhouse and more.
visit the Miyoko’s Kitchen site

12. Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen Cookbook
Learn how to make flavorful Indian dals, curries, flatbreads and sides with this cookbook by award-winning recipe developer Richa Hingle.
view on Amazon

13. Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck Cookbook
This cookbook is the first in the best-selling Thug Kitchen series. Don’t get distracted by the foul-mouthed language and categories like “Big Ass Cup of Cozy”, “Short Order Shit” and “Burritos, Bowls and Other Bomb-Ass Meals”- this cookbook is full of amazing recipes like smoky black-eyed peas with roasted sweet potatoes and collards, corn and basil chowder, roasted sriracha cauliflower bites with peanut dipping sauce and banana cream pie.
view on Amazon

14. Stainless Steel Bottle Water Bottles
These adorable water bottles keep drinks cold for up to 9 hours and hot for up to 18 hours! They are BPA-free, lightweight, scratch resistant and come in a variety of pretty colors.
view on Amazon

15. Sweet Maresa Macarons
These vegan macarons are even better than the traditional French macarons I fell in love with years ago. Their beautiful vegan meringue shells are are light, delicate, and moist and they are filled with the most mouth-watering buttercream or ganache. Before they became available in NYC (at Confectionery in the East Village) this year, I would drive almost 2 hours to get them- they are THAT good! Some of my favorite flavors: rose, vanilla, lavender, matcha, jasmine, almond and absinthe.
visit the Sweet Maresa Shop on Lagusta’s Luscious’ site
 

2. Plant-Based Beauty:

1. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Universal Beta Peel
This cruelty-free at home daily peel improves uneven tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles and enlarged pores. Using this product has dramatically improved my skin’s texture! I use it about 2 times a week and after each use, my skin is left bright, smooth and glowing. This a vegan beauty must-have!
view on Amazon

2. Deborah Lippmann Creme Nail Polish, “Shape of My Heart”
Deborah Lippmann’s nail polishes are vegan, 7-free and cruelty-free! I’m obsessed with her creme polishes’ long-lasting wear and vibrant color.
view on Amazon

3. Deborah Lippmann Addicted to Speed Ultra Quick-Dry Top Coat
This shiny top coat is long-lasting and chip-resistant!
view on Amazon

4. Pacifica Solar Complete Mineral Palette
This gorgeous vegan palette contains eye shadows, blush, bronzer and coconut highlighters! Perfect for a cruelty-free beauty lover.
view on Amazon

5. Pacifica Mediterranean Fig Perfume
This perfume’s scent is amazing- subtle, sexy and comforting. When I wear it, it gives me the feeling of being curled up under a blanket on a rainy day! The best part: It’s all natural (made with essential oils), cruelty-free and 100% vegan.
view on Amazon

6. The Compassionate Chick’s Guide to DIY Beauty
This book is a perfect gift for someone who loves cruelty-free all-natural beauty products! It contains 125 DIY recipes for vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free makeup, skin & hair products using simple ingredients like essential oils, cider vinegar, cocoa butter, green tea, salts and vitamin E oil.
view on Amazon

7. Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen
Protect your precious skin with this oil-free, allergy-free, cruelty-free SPF 50 sunscreen.
view on Amazon

8. Tarte Matte Waterproof Bronzer, “Park Ave. Princess”
This matte bronzer creates an instant glow and warmth on your face that lasts all day. You can also use it contour and sculpt! The formula is infused with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, water and clay to improve skin clarity.
view on Amazon

9. Supergoop! Forever Young SPF 40 Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn
The hand cream absorbs quickly, brightens and improves skin’s texture and prevents sun damage. The small size is perfect for throwing in your bag for on the go.
view on Amazon

10. Real Techniques Core Collection Makeup Brush Set
This company makes the most amazing cruelty-free makeup brushes- better than any expensive makeup brushes I’ve ever used! The synthetic taklon bristles are SO much better than real hair- they’re less prone to breakage and non-porous which means they don’t trap or absorb product, bacteria or skin cells.
view on Amazon

11. Beauty Without Cruelty Rosemary Mint Tea Tree Shampoo
This refreshing plant-based shampoo restores body and shine while promoting a healthy scalp! The formula uses organic essential oils, vitamins and sea minerals.
view on Amazon

12. Beauty Without Cruelty Rosemary Mint Tea Tree Conditioner
This conditioner uses natural plant proteins, moisturizers, vitamins and essential oils to strengthen and protect hair. Reviewers LOVE the smell!
view on Amazon

13. MyChelle Beauty Set
This vegan set contains 3 of MyChelle’s best sellers. The Perfect C Serum uses Vitamin C and Buddleja Plant Stem Cells to brighten, protect against photo-damage, and prevent visible aging. Fight wrinkles with their Remarkable Retinal Serum, which is formulated with Retinaldehyde, Ceramide 3 and Plant Stem Cells and protect your skin with their Sun Shield SPF 28, which contains aloe to rehydrate skin after sun exposure.
view on MyChelle’s site

14. tarte Rainforest of the Sea Quench Lip Rescue, “Rose”
This is my new favorite lip product! It’s a moisturizing lip balm that is infused with antioxidants, vitamins and essential oils. It comes in 4 sheer, high-shine colors leave your lips looking perfectly dewy.
view on Sephora

15. tarte Rainforest of the Sea Quench Lip Rescue, “Berry”
A darker version of my favorite lip balm!
view on Sephora
 

3. Rescue, Shelter & Sanctuary Support

1. Adopt an Animal at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary
Donating or “adopting” an animal at a sanctuary in someone’s name is, in my opinion, one of the best gifts you can give to an ethical vegan! The feeling of knowing that an animal in need is getting help in your name is unbeatable. Take a few minutes to learn about Woodstock Farm Sanctuary and you’ll see why I’m passionate about encouraging people to support this sanctuary. They are doing so much wonderful, hard work for voiceless animals who are rescued from cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Sponsor an animal for as little as a month or if you’d like to sponsor an animal for a year, your gift recipient will receive a card with your chosen animal’s name, picture and story.
visit Woodstock Farm Sanctuary’s site

2. Make a Donation to Animal Haven
Animal Haven in a nonprofit organization that finds homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the Tri-State area. Follow their social media pages to keep up with their heart-warming success stories and upport Animal Haven by making a donation in someone’s name this year!
visit Animal Haven’s site

3. Pig Pillow Supporting Farm Sanctuary
The purchase of this adorable pig pillow supports another incredible sanctuary! Farm Sanctuary has 2 locations in California (Los Angeles & Orland) and one in Watkins Glenn, NY. They’ve rescued and cared for thousands of animals since opening in 1986. They have an amazing online store that supports their sanctuaries with lot of great gift ideas. This pillow features two of their adorable pigs, Anna and Maybelle.
view on the Farm Sanctuary site

4. Do unto Animals Notebooks Supporting Farm Sanctuary
This notebook set made exclusively for Farm Sanctuary’s online shop features the beautiful artwork from from Tracey Stewart’s book Do Unto Animals.
view on the Farm Sanctuary site

5. Farm Sanctuary 2017 Calendar
Get inspired by a different rescued animal every month! Each month features a beautiful portrait and story of a Farm Sanctuary resident.
view on the Farm Sanctuary site

6. Goats of Anarchy: Goats Just Want to Have Fun Book
This book is SUCH a great gift idea for animal lovers. It tells the inspirational story of an NYC event planner (Leanne Lauricella) who left the city to follow her dreams and create a sanctuary for special needs goats. After taking in her first goats, her friend recommended that she join Instagram so she created a page and posted her first picture of one of her goats. The adorable picture went viral, got over 30,000 likes in one day and brought massive attention to her little sanctuary. In just about a year, her account has grown to almost 350k followers! If you don’t follow them on Instagram already, visit their page right now to see why it is so popular. I happy-cried just today watching one of her goats run and jump for the first time on her new prosthetic!
view on Amazon

7. Make a Donation or Buy Gifts That Support Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue
I absolutely love everything about this animal rescue! These amazing people work to rescue dogs from high kill, rural shelters in the southern U.S. and help get them adopted into loving homes. Follow them on social media to keep up with their feel-good adoption stories and updates about dogs in their forever homes! To support Badass while gifting, make a donation in someone’s name or purchase items like t-shirts, doggie shirts, totes and tank tops from their online store.
view the Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue site
 

4. Vegan Fashion

1. Cruelty-Free Sweatshirt
This comfy sweatshirt is chic, simple and perfect for anyone who leads a cruelty-free lifestyle!
view on Zazzle

2. Matt & Nat Demi Crossbody Bag in Black
Matt & Nat is an amazing Canadian company that creates beautiful handbags without the use of any leather or animal-based materials.  They live up to their motto “live beautifully” with their gorgeous line of bags and accessories made with sustainable materials, lined with nylon created with 100% recycled plastic bottles. This crosssbody handbag, the Demi from their Dwell Collection, is the perfect size and weight for a woman on the go! I have it in white and absolutely love its chic style and simplicity.
view on Matt & Nat site

3. Happy Socks (Snakeskin)
Happy Socks make the cutest cotton socks for men and women, like these no-snakes-harmed snakeskin socks!
view on Happy Socks site

4. Happy Socks (Gray with Black Triangles)
Another adorable pair from Happy Socks!
view on Happy Socks site

5. Matt & Nat Brave Backpack in Black
I see this Brave backpack all around the city on the chicest young women! Perfect for fitting everything you need for the day without putting strain on one side.
view on Matt & Nat site

6. Matt & Nat Abiko Clutch in Curry
The Abiko clutch from Matt & Nat is the perfect size bag for a date night or dinner with friends. It comes in 5 classic colors including this gorgeous “Curry”.
view on Matt & Nat site

7. Happy Socks (leopard spots)
Another gray and black sock combo from Happy Socks: leopard spots.
view on Happy Socks site

8. Matt & Nat Hall Oxfords in Black
Matt & Nat introduced their eco-friendly, cruelty-free, vegan shoe line this year and it sold out almost immediately! Pick up a pair of the chicest cruelty-free shoes, like these amazing Hall flatform oxfords from their Wander Collection before they’re gone.
view on Matt & Nat site

9. Matt & Nat Coen Messenger Bag in Black
This classic messenger in black is ideal if you’re looking for a cruelty-free work bag!
view on Matt & Nat site

10. Stella McCartney White Falabella Box Alter Croc Shoulder Bag in Ivory
This bag is the one big splurge in my vegan gift guide! Stella McCartney has the most beautiful collection of high-end vegan handbags! Fashionistas adore them without even knowing that they’re wearing cruelty-free items! Even though her line doesn’t scream “vegan” or “eco-friendly” in its marketing materials (like my favorite handbag company Matt & Nat), I love how she’s sneaking cruelty-free fashion into the mainstream. This Falabella Box Alter Croc Shoulder Bag in Ivory is my pick for a splurge fashion gift for cruelty-free friends and family.
view on Stella McCartney site

11. Pet Studio Art Goat Tote
These adorable tote animals feature rescued animals painted by Pet Studio Art owner and artist Stephanie Conrad. This one features Walter, a goat from one of the animal rescues she supports!
view on Amazon

12. Pet Studio Art Pig Tote
Another cute tote: this one features Nathan the pig!
view on Amazon
 

5. Peaceful Yogi

1. Maxx Studio Faux Fur Throw
I own this throw and it is my favorite blanket to wrap myself in on chilly nights. So soft and cozy!
view on Amazon

2. DoTERRA Diffuser
I use this DoTERRA diffuser every day and night, at work and at home.  My favorite essential oils to diffuse are equal parts lavender and peppermint, which help me to relax, maintain focus, feel refreshed and breathe better than ever. I’ve also gifted this diffuser to several people and it’s always a success!
view on Amazon

3. DoTERRA Essential Oils Set
This essential oil set contains 3 of DoTERRA’s best sellers and includes my 2 favorites: lavender and peppermint! I’ve used many other essential oils and the past and DoTERRA’s are the best by far. They are 100% pure, without any extra ingredients and are thoroughly tested using the strict Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade quality protocol.
view on Amazon

4. Roleo Deep Tissue Massager for Hands, Wrists, Arms and Forearms
This massager changed my life! For years, I’ve suffered from wrist pain that worsens depending on the weather, how much I’ve been playing my instruments (violin, guitar, piano) and how much yoga I’ve been doing. I found this product on Amazon last year when trying to find some sort of wrist brace or pad and am SO happy I took the chance on it. It doesn’t look like much but it helps relieve me of pain that I thought could never be remedied! Put your hand through into the contraption and roll it back and forth from your hand to your forearm and the trigger point rollers massage away tension in minutes. This is a perfect unexpected gift for a yogi, musician or anyone who suffers from arthritis or carpal tunnel.
view on Amazon

5. Zafu Yoga Meditation Pillow by Bean Products
Bean Products make these Zafu Yoga Mediation Pillows in a array of beautiful colors. They’re made with eco-friendly cotton and hemp and are filled with organic buckwheat from the USA.
view on Amazon

6. Blissoma Yoga Mat Cleaner
This certified vegan yoga mat cleaner uses tea tree, lavender, frankincense, eucalyptus, citriodora and palmarosa essential oils to natural remove dirt, sweat and oils from your yoga mat.
view on Blissoma Site

7. Recycled Foam Roller by Organic Yoga
I couldn’t live without my foam roller! A foam roller will sooth your sore muscles, stretch you out and relieve back tension after exercising or a long day of work. This roller is made from recycled foam!
view on Amazon

8. Drishti Natural Cork Yoga Blocks
These sustainably harvest cork yoga blocks are a perfect give for an eco-friendly yogi.
view on Amazon

9. Gaiam Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is lightweight, durable, extra thick (5mm) and comes in a variety of fun colors & designs. I love this purple mandala one.  Gaiam’s mats are free of Phthalates, DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP.
view on Amazon

10. Way Out Wax Lavender Essential Oil Candle
Way Out Wax is a company you should know about. For 20 years they’ve been creating high quality candles using all-natural essential oils and no animal testing, chemical additives, fragrances or dyes. I love their Green Mountain collection, created in the Green Mountains of Northern Vermont. This one is their calming Lavender scent.
view on Amazon

11. Way Out Wax Clear Head Essential Oil Candle
This is my favorite Way Out Wax candle, Clear Head. It uses a blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Rosemary and lives up to its name! This scent helps your mind feel focused and relaxed at the same time.
view on Amazon

12. Way Out Wax Cozy Home Essential Oil Candle
This candle has a warm cozy feel with its blend of Cinnamon, Clove & Nutmeg.
view on Amazon

 
1. “Today you are you, that is truer than true.  There is no one alive who is you-er than you.”

2. “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

3. “Only you can control your future.”

4. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

5. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

6. “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

7. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

8. “You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.”

9. “If things start happening, don’t worry, don’t stew, just go right along and you’ll start happening too.”

10. “And the turtles, of course…all the turtles are FREE. As turtles and, maybe, ALL creatures should be.”

The world breaks everyone and, afterward, many are strong at the broken places.
(A Farewell to Arms)

The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.

Never mistake motion for action.

Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.

I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.

Courage is grace under pressure.

It’s none of their business that you have to learn how to write. Let them think you were born that way.

Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry: Worry never fixes anything.

There is nothing else than now. There is neither yesterday, certainly, nor is there any tomorrow. How old must you be before you know that? There is only now, and if now is only two days, then two days is your life and everything in it will be in proportion. This is how you live a life in two days. And if you stop complaining and asking for what you never will get, you will have a good life. A good life is not measured by any biblical span.
(For Whom the Bell Tolls)

We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.
(The Wild Years)

1. This Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt (author) & R.G. Roth (illustrator)
ages 4-8 view on www.amazon.com

2. When Louis Armstrong Taught Me How to Scat by Muriel Harris Weinstein
ages 5-9 view on www.amazon.com

3. Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane by Carole Boston Weatherford (author) & Sean Qualls (illustrator)
ages 5-9 view on www.amazon.com

4. Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler (author) & R. Gregory Christie (ilustrator)
ages 4-8 view on www.amazon.com

5. Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra by Andrea Davis Pinkney (author) & Brian Pinkney (illustrator)
ages 5-9 view on www.amazon.com

6. Charlie Parker Played Be Bop by Chris Raschka (author & illustrator)
ages 4-8 view on www.amazon.com

7. Jazz ABZ: An A to Z Collection of Jazz Portraits by Wynton Marsalis (author) & Paul Rogers (illustrator)
age 9-12 view on www.amazon.com

8. The Jazz Fly by Matthew Gollub (author) & Karen Hanke (illustrator)
ages 4 and up view on www.amazon.com

9. Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney
ages 5-9 view on www.amazon.com

10. Jazz by Walter Dean Myers (author) & Christopher Myers (illustrator)
ages 8 and up view on www.amazon.com

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby was published on April 10, 1925- 89 years ago today! It’s one of my favorite books and had me entranced with New York City long before I moved here. In honor of its birthday, I gathered some of my favorite quotes from the novel.

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

“He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced–or seemed to face–the whole eternal world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.”

“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.”

“Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.”

“I was within and without. Simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.”

“I couldn’t forgive him or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified. It was all very careless and confused. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.”

“The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world.”

“There are all types of love in this world, but never the same love twice.”

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”

These are 10 of my favorite children’s books about New York City. #4 is one of the most popular on our bookshelves at TLB! Click on the links to view each Big Apple book on Amazon.

1. 123 NYC: A Counting Book of New York City (2-6 years) View on Amazon
Author: Joanne Dugan
2. B is for Brooklyn (2-6 years) View on Amazon
Author: Selina Alko
3. This is New York (3 and up) View on Amazon
Author/Illustrator: Miroslav Sasek
4. Subway (3 and up) View on Amazon
Author: Anastasia Suen Illustrator: Karen Katz
5. Larry Gets Lost in New York City (3-7 years) View on Amazon
Author/Illustrator: John Skewes Author: Michael Mullin
6. New York, New York!: The Big Apple from A to Z (4-8 years) View on Amazon
Author: Laura Krauss Melmed Illustrator: Frane Lessac
7. Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade (4-8 years) View on Amazon Author: Melissa Sweet
8. A Walk in New York (4-8 years) View on Amazon
Author/Illustrator: Salvatore Rubbino
9. The House on East 88th Street (5-8 years) View on Amazon
Author: Bernard Waber
10. New York City History for Kids: From New Amsterdam to the Big Apple with 21 Activities (9 and up) View on Amazon Author: Richard Panchyk

(click here to enlarge image)

At TLB, the dinosaur books are some of the most popular books on our bookshelves. From generation to generation, dinosaurs never go out of style, always finding their way into public fascination and popular culture! Some examples: Gertie the Dinosaur (1914), The Lost World (1925), The Flintstones (1960-1966), The Land Before Time (1988), Dinosaurs (1991-1994), Barney & Friends (1992-2009), and Jurassic Park (1993). Here’s a list of 10 of my favorite books about dinosaurs for you to share with your children!

1. Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs! 2 and up | view on www.amazon.com
Sandra Boynton
2. How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms? ages 3-5 | view on www.amazon.com
Jane Yolen/Mark Teague
3. My Big Dinosaur Book ages 3-7 | view on www.amazon.com
Roger Priddy
4. Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs ages 3-7 | view on www.amazon.com
Ian Whybrown/ Adrian Reynolds
5. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs ages 4-8 | view on www.amazon.com
Mo Willems
6. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? ages 4-8 | view on www.amazon.com
Jane Yolen/ Mark Teague
7. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs ages 4-8 | view on www.amazon.com  | Catherine D. Hughes/ Franco Tempesta
8. Dinosaur Roar ages 4-8 | view on www.amazon.com
Paul Stickland/ Henrietta Stickland
9. The Dinosaur Museum: An Unforgettable, Interactive Virtual Tour Through Dinosaur History
ages 6-9 | view on www.amazon.com  | National Geographic/ Sebastian Quigley
10. National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia ages 7-10 | view on www.amazon.com
Don Lessem/Franco Tempesta

1. Beach Day! 1-2 years | view on amazon.com
Anahid Hamparian (author), Kristin Sorra (illustrator)

2. Commotion in the Ocean 3 and up | view on amazon.com
Giles Andreae (author), David Wojtowycz (illustrator)

3. Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef 3 and up | view on amazon.com
Marianne Berkes (author), Jeanette Canyon (illustrator)

4. Ladybug Girl at the Beach 3-5 years | view on amazon.com
David Soman (author/illustrator), Jacky Davis (illustrator)

5. I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean 4 and up | view on amazon.com
Kevin Sherry (author)

6. Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach 4-8 years | view on amazon.com
James Dean (author/illustrator)

7. Beach Day! 4-8 years | view on amazon.com
Karen Roosa (author), Maggie Smith (illustrator)

8. Science in Seconds at the Beach: Exciting Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less
ages 9 and up | view on amazon.com
Jean Potter (author)

We put together a list of 10 favorite children’s books in Spanish. Whether you’re raising a bilingual child or simply would like to introduce your kids to the Spanish language, these books are a great start to your biblioteca.

1. The Empanadas That Abuela Made/ Las Empanadas Que Hacia La Abuela (Diane Gonzalez Bertrand: author, Alex Pardo Delange: illustrator)
view on www.amazon.com
I always loved the Argentine empanadas that my Abuela made and now I love the empanadas that my mother makes for me! This book, which captures the tradition, was one of the first gifts I gave to my nephew who soon will enjoy the empanadas his Abuela will make for him.

2. ¿Dónde está el ombliguito? (Karen Katz, Argentina Palacios Ziegler: translator)
view on www.amazon.com
Karen Katz’ board books are a staple in every child’s library- they’re sturdy and perfect for reading in bed.

3. Mi Primer Libro de Animales/ My First Spanish Animal Board Book
view on www. amazon.com
This series of bilingual books are ideal for teaching!  Clear, graphic pictures of animals are accompanied by their Spanish names and English translations.

4. Buenas Noches, Luna (Margaret Wise Brown: author, Clement Hurd: illustrator)
view on www.amazon.com
I love the Spanish translation to this classic!

5. Colores/Colors (Roger Priddy)
view on www.amazon.com
Bright Baby books are durable and the perfect size for little hands.

6. Jorge el Curioso Visita el Acuario/ Curious George Visits the Aquarium (Margret and H.A. Rey)
view on www.amazon.com
Each page of this adorable book has the story written in English and Spanish.

 
7. Opuestos (Sandra Boynton)
view on www.amazon.com
We have almost all of Sandra Boynton’s books in our music studio‘s lobby. This is one of our favorites.

 

8. La Oruga Muy Hambrienta (Eric Carle)
view on www.amazon.com
The Spanish version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar is great for teaching the days of the week!

9.  Este No Es Mi Camion (Fiona Watt: author, Rachel Wells: illustrator, Gemma Alonso De La Sierra: translator)
view on www.amazon.com
This is one of my nephew’s favorites! The book is interactive with touch and feel elements.

10. Mi Primer Libro del Cuerpo/My First Body Board Book
view on www.amazon.com
Teaching body parts in English and Spanish is easy with this book!  

Our clients at TLB Music are always asking us to recommend books about music for their children.  We’re always happy to introduce them to a selection of our favorites from our bookshelves.

Here’s our list of 10 great books about music for kids:

 
1.  This Jazz Man (Karen Ehrhardt- author/ R.G. Roth-illustrator)
 
Set to the rhythm of the popular kids song “This Old Man”, this book is lots of fun to read aloud with kids of all ages!  Some of the Jazz Musicians featured: Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Charles Mingus!  view on www.amazon.com

2. The Story of the Orchestra (Robert Levine- author/ Meredith Hamilton- illustrator)
 
This book is perfect for big kids (ages 8-12)!  It illustrates in detail the instruments of the orchestra, famous composers, and musical styles.  The 70-minute CD includes musical selections to accompany the text. This makes a great gift!  view on www.amazon.com

 
3. Play, Mozart, Play!  (Peter Sis- author/illustrator)
 
This is a great book about Mozart for young children.  In this simple story, we learn about his life as a child and young musician.  view on www.amazon.com

 
4. Violet’s Music  (Angela Johnson-Author/ Laura Huliska-Beith- Illustrator)
 
Violet is a little girl who has loved playing music since she was a baby.  Always on the search for kids who feel the same way, Violet’s Music tells the story of her journey to finding some new like-minded friends!  view on www.amazon.com

 
5. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin (Lloyd Moss- author/ Marjorie Priceman-illustrator)
 
Meet the instruments of the orchestra with the clever and catchy verse of this classic book.  view on www.amazon.com

 
6. Ah, Music!  (Aliki-author/illustrator)
 
In our opinion, this is a must-have for every young musician!  This book provides a concise history of music, an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra, and an overview of many topics like conducting, harmony, and dance. view on www.amazon.com

 
7. Forever Young  (Bob Dylan-author/ Paul Rogers-illustrator)
 
Bob Dylan’s lyrics to his 1974 hit come to life with Paul Rogers’ illustrations.  This is a perfect gift for Dylan fans with families! view on www.amazon.com

 
8. Listen to My Trumpet! (Mo Willems-author/illustrator)
 
Piggie tries to impress Gerald with his trumpet playing in Mo Willems’ latest book.  view on www.amazon.com

 
9. Can You Hear It?  (William Lach-author/artwork by several artists)
 
This book, created by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is another great one for older children!  Famous works of art are paired with musical selections from the included CD and William Lach asks questions of the readers for each piece. This book is interactive, engaging, and imaginative!   view on www.amazon.com

 
10. Baby Beluga  (Raffi-author/Ashley Wolff-illustrator)
 
Children love this song and will also love reading along with the cute illustrations!  view on www.amazon.com

Just Like You is a children’s book by Robert Kroupa and illustrated by Hannah E. Harrison that teaches children about acceptance.  When we heard that 100% of the profits of Just Like You are donated to charity, we knew we had to share it with you!  The Just Like You Foundation‘s mission is to teach children the values of universal acceptance.

From the Just Like You Foundation site:

Bullying and discrimination are not rites of passage. From childhood and beyond, many of us are bullied, excluded or discriminated against. It’s more vital than ever to instill the message of acceptance to all ages, particularly young children.

When you purchase a copy of the book, you get to choose one of five featured charities to receive 100% of the profits from your sale.  Or, if you’d like,  you can donate the profit to all five organizations.  Click here to view the five charities featured by the Just Like You Foundation.

The book tells the story of Boris and Henry, two forest creatures who live and play by themselves because they don’t look like everyone else.  Watch the trailer for the book:

We love everything about this book- its message, its adorable illustrations and, most importantly, it charitable mission!

The bookshelf in the front lobby of our music studio and playroom is always surrounded by young children reading and exploring our book collection.  We have picture books, board books, bilingual books, books about music, books about science, and much more!   Here are five of the most popular board books for young children on our shelves.

1)  First 100 Words by Roger Priddy
Click here to view this book on www.amazon.com.

2) Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton
Click here to view this book on www.amazon.com.

3) What’s Up, Duck? A Book of Opposite by Tad Hills
Click here to view this book on www.amazon.com.

4) Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden
Click here to view this book on www.amazon.com.

5) Subway by Anastasia Suen and Karen Katz
Click here to view this book on www.amazon.com.