Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Charleston, SC

Book Nooks: West Ashley retail bookstore showdown -- Barnes and Noble or Books-A-Million?

by Nicole

Yes, the library is a phenomenal resource, and you should use the book borrowing services and free storytimes as fully as possible. However, there are times the library is closed. Or that you want to actually BUY a children's book. Or that you want coffee and books all in one magical place. In those cases, you need a bookstore. But which bookstore should you choose? I live in West Ashley, where ... Read more >

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Summer Reading Programs: Catch the Reading Bug!

by Nicole

When I asked my daughter's preschool teacher how I could best bridge the summer, her answer was simple: read to her. Reading books together every day helps build all the skills for early literacy and (if you'll pardon the cliche) fosters a love of learning that will last a lifetime. If you want to spark language development, build vocabulary, or increase comprehension, all you have to do is sit ... Read more >

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Celebrating the Seasons: Summer Solstice

by Nicole

The summer solstice happens tomorrow, Friday, June 20 -- which means that if it feels like a long day, it actually IS. According to the local report, the sun will rise on Friday at 6:12 am and set at 8:31 pm, which means there will be over 14 hours of light in which to play that day! (And if your kids are anything like mine, you'll be up with them at the crack of dawn and begging them to go to ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: books they'll want to hear over and over again

by Nicole

From the time our children are infants, we work to make reading a part of everyday. The cuddles, giggles, and interesting tangents that are integral to book time teach key messages: this is important, and this is fun! Sometimes, however, it's nice to leave the reading to someone else. Car trips, for instance. Or maybe the end of a long day when your preschooler needs to rest (or you need him to ... Read more >

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new at the library: tumblebooks electronic books for kids

by Nicole

If your child is working towards reading, exposure to books and words and the idea that those letters actually stand for something (magic!) is the best way of accelerating their learning. And while reading together is the best way to make that learning fun, there's nothing wrong with using other tools to supplement that learning. The Charleston County Public Library now offers access to the ... Read more >

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children's books about Charleston

by Nicole

A number of fantastic local authors have written children's books about places to see and adventures to be had in and around Charleston. Check out these titles and delight in your child's recognition of their home city in the pages of friendly tales! Hermy the Hermit Crab now has three stories to tell from the shores of Charleston. Join him as he learns early lessons about growing up crab in ... Read more >

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savvy reviews: Leapfrog SingAlong Read-Along

by Nicole

I have not failed to notice that my preschool daughter can memorize all the words to a favorite song, yet somehow I doubt that knowing the lyrics to Hannah Montana's latest hit has much educational value. But what if you could capture that natural sing-along ability for the power of good? Good like learning to read good? Leapfrog's new Sing Along Read-Along set is designed to do just that. ... Read more >

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monster books for little creatures

by Nicole

There's no better time than the week of Halloween to indulge in a story about monsters! Here are a handful (or is that a clawful?) of our favorite picks. Of course, you can't talk about a collection of monster books without talking about Maurice Sendak's classic, Where the Wild Things Are . Join Max in his wolf suit frolicking with monsters in the forest, and enjoy the fabulous illustrations ... Read more >

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read to me! storytimes in Charleston

by Nicole

Everyone loves a good story time. You sit on the floor, learn to keep your hands to yourself, hear some stories and sing some songs, maybe even do the Hokey Pokey. What's not to like? Here is as-near-complete-a-listing I can offer for Charleston area storytimes. I hope you find one near you! Charleston County Public Library Storytimes Wee Reads (children 24 months old and younger) Mondays @ ... Read more >

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best bedtime stories

by Nicole

This month the national Savvy Source theme is exploring books , and all the ways in which they enrich our lives and those of our children! I'm thrilled to get some help and expertise on the topic of best bedtime stories from Susan Norman, a children's librarian at the main library in downtown Charleston. Miss Susan has been with the library for over 14 years and is the go-to person for all ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: books that make them laugh out loud

by Nicole

There's nothing like the sound of a good belly laugh from your child, when the giggles just seem to bubble up from down deep and spill out without restraint. While there are a lot of children's books I love for their sweet lessons and gorgeous illustrations, there are a few that have a special place on the bookcase because of their ability to make us laugh out loud. Just in case my ... Read more >

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potty talk: best books to explain toilet training

by Nicole

There's nothing really fun about potty-training (or potty-learning, as I've heard some parents refer to it). Like any new skill, potty training takes time and patience and repetition. (And sometimes M&Ms. Or so I've heard. Ahem.) Reading about potty-training can help introduce and reinforce the goals and concepts of learning to go like a big kid. If you're about to embark into the ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: bookshelf essentials for Lowcountry kids!

by Nicole

There are some books that you simply need to have around if you are a member of the Charleston short crowd. Here are some ideas for exploring -- and adding to! -- the Lowcountry charm. Seashells of the World (A Golden Guide) by R. Tucker Abbott While your preschooler will probably need some help to use this guide, this book is the perfect way to turn that trip to the beach into a ... Read more >

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did you miss these? november recap

by Nicole

Well, well, well. Another month has come and gone, and now we launch fully into the flurry of the winter holidays. But November was not without its charm, especially since this month gave ample opportunity to talk about books! Just in case you missed it, check out these posts that highlight the variety of ways books enrich our lives. Charleston County Public Library children's librarian Susan ... Read more >

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holiday help: great books to give as gifts

by Nicole

In the next few weeks, I'll be posting some of my favorite picks from Savvy Source's "Books, Toys and More" guide perfect for giving this holiday season. Whether you're a parent, a grandparent, or a big kid yourself, let us help you find some special items to share with the little people in your life! For the little princess... The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch This book is ... Read more >

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do's and don'ts of borrowing library books

by Nicole

Great books are meant to be shared, and there's no better place to find books to borrow than the public library! However, it is important to treat the library and the books that we borrow with respect. Guest author Jana Jones is children's librarian at the Johns Island Regional Library, and she's here to share wise words about library etiquette! Do... Get a library card as soon as you are born ... Read more >

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great books to give, part two!

by Nicole

This is part two of our savvy gift guide to great books. ( Read part one here if you missed it!) I must have been in a sentimental mood when I choose these, because they're all kind of sweet. But it's the holiday season, after all. Why not indulge the tender, nostalgic bits just a little? Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes This book was a gift from my friend Christina a couple of years ... Read more >

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favorite Christmas books

by Nicole

Every year, as we pack up our Christmas ornaments and other decorations, I also pack away our Christmas books. And every year, when we put up the tree and start to get excited about the holiday season, I'm thrilled to rediscover the great Christmas stories that we enjoy again and again. If you're looking for special stories to share with your children or give as gifts this year, here are a few ... Read more >

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Happy Hanukkah!

by Nicole

Hanukkah began yesterday at sunset and will continue for eight days in a festival of light! The Hanukkah (or Chanukah) celebration commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. There was only believed to be enough oil to fuel the altar flame for one day, but the flame miraculously burned for eight days. Jewish families celebrate the holiday by lighting the menorah each night, ... Read more >

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children's books about new beginnings

by Nicole

Even at young ages, life is full of change. Dealing with all of that new can be a little stressful, though, and sometimes a story can help. Here are a few book picks for helping a child through a few of the big transitions that might be encountered during the preschool years. If a new baby is on the way... I'm Going to be a Big Sister / I'm Going to be a Big Brother by Brenda Bercun This is ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: things that matter and things that don't!

by Nicole

Sometimes, when you're in the middle of a parenting dilemma (or just a bad day!), it's helpful to take a step back and look at the big picture. What really matters to you? What really matters to your kids? Are you keeping perspective or getting bogged down in insignificant details? What matters: Reading to your child. What doesn't: What exactly you read. Sure, sure. I'm a book snob too. I ... Read more >

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