Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Sacramento, CA

I spent this morning organizing, or reorganizing you might say.  I went through my pantry and three big cupboards, pulled everything out, threw stuff away, made a donation pile and reassembled.  Now this is one of those things that is constantly on my to-do list ( I have yet to get to my closet, the kitchen junk drawer, the linen closet or the boys entire room!) but somehow, somewhere this morning I found the motivation and am now feeling very satisfied. 

My four year-old, Solomon, however is not feeling very satisfied.  He has spent the past four hours (no joke) in various positions on the couch (lying down, standing up, upside-down) watching cruddy television that I loved as a kid (Flintstones, Yogi Bear) and I can tell by the glazed look in his eyes that he is not feeling quite as satisfied as I. 

So, in order to give the kid a little kid-time today, I've told him to select his three favorite books, whipped up a little hot cocoa and shortly we will snuggle up on the couch, shut off that darn TV and have some good old mom and boy time.  He has great taste in books, so thought I'd share his picks with you...

 Skeleton hiccups by Margery Cuyler: This is a simple, wonderfully illustrated book that kids love to read with you because on every page there are 'hic hic hiccups' that the kids love to shout out themselves.  It is also great if you have a beginning reader, my six year-old can read it too.

 Hansel and Gretel by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, illustrated by Dorothee Duntze: This classic tale is extra charming with gorgeous, rich illustrations and more detail than most versions I've come across.

 Harry and the Lady Next Door by Gene Zion pictures by Margaret Bloy: This classic was originally published over 35 years ago!  (I had a copy when I was a wee one).  Harry is a vivacious little spotted dog who has all kinds of great adventures - also check out Harry by the Sea and Harry the Dirty Dog!