One of the things that I included in my goals this year is to make sure that no matter the time constraints, I read Peyton one book a day. I make it a point to fill a sticky-note full of goals to attain for the day and right after my devotionals, prayer, and meditation, is "read to Peyton". Then, whatever else I can fit on it. Thus far, it’s been so far so good. Minus my weekend job hunting trip I recently took, each and every day in 2017 Peyton and I have shared a good read together.

The one thing that I did not anticipate was that we may end up reading the same book over and over again because Peyton, like her mother, has an addictive personality and will keep on with one thing until she crashes and burns. Lol! This is both a good and bad thing in this scenario. Good because she is learning what words look like with all of the repetition and bad because, let's face it, mommy gets tired of reading the same thing over and over again. These three books are different in that not only does Peyton look forward to reading them but, mommy is pretty impressed with the storylines and illustrations too! Reading good children’s books makes reading time fun!

Dream Big by Kat Kronenberg

Let me start off by saying that the illustrations in this book are breathtaking! So rich and full of color! Sometimes, I just want to take the time to flip through it and take in the images. Saying that by no means takes away from the positive message that this book offers as well. Each animal represented has a flaw and allows others around them to make them feel like they can not accomplish their dreams. It isn’t until they wish upon a star and take some time to self-reflect that they realize that as long as you believe in yourself sky is the limit. I would definitely have to say this is my top pick in terms of children’s books and I wouldn’t be lying if I said that when Peyton says, “It’s mommy’s turn to pick the book” (which is rare), this isn’t my go to option! Not only that but my mini can’t stop chanting, “I believe,” whenever I tell her she can’t do something. She is definitely using the phrase in the wrong context because jumping off of the couch is not OK whether “she believes” or not but, it’s still cute to see her grasping the message. I can’t wait to see more from this Texas author!

Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley

I bought Peyton this book when I noticed a shift in her behavior that I attribute to some life changes going on in our world and I think it was the perfect purchase because this book quickly became one of her comfort tools along with her thumb, *insert eye roll*, but I am totally OK with that. The book was written by Bob Marley's daughter, Cedella, and was adapted from his song, “Three Little Birds.” Anyone that listens to a Bob Marley song knows that his messages were full of peace, love, and happiness and that is exactly what we needed! This book reminds your little one that no matter what the storm may bring, the sun will always come out! I love a good book that highlights characters that look like Peyton so that she can see the beauty of herself in the characters that she obsesses over.

Tree by Britta Teckentrup

We won this book in a giveaway hosted by HEREWECANREAD on Instagram. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things children’s books and a must-follow for any parent looking to grow their collection. This peek-a-boo book is a great way to teach your child about the seasons and is strategically designed so that with each page turn you will be introduced a different set of animals that come and go with each new page depending on the season being depicted. I loved this book but, I definitely recommend it for children under adult supervision until they are a bit older to understand that the peek a boo holes are not meant for rough handling. Lol!