Waiting
Books are often the first exposure to art that children have. Keeping that in mind urges me to make the very best books possible. I know how important the books from my childhood were (and are) to me. Without them, I might not be a writer and artist today. ~Kevin Henkes
There are books that stay with us for a lifetime even if we only had the pleasure of discovering their magic as adults reading to children. If you’re a parent, there is a high probability at least one book written by Kevin Henkes is on your child’s bookshelf. A contemporary writer of children’s books, Henkes is the author of more than a dozen titles including Wemberly Worried, Julius The Baby of the World, Sheila Rae, the Brave, Chester’s Way, A Weekend with Wendell, Owen, Chrysanthemum, Lilly’s Big Day, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, and Waiting, a Caldecott Honor Book published in 2015. Read more 
Flying Saucer White Nectarines
Bite into a Flying Saucer White Nectarine and taste the sweet and juicy “out of this world” flavor of a very special nectarine. Named for its flat shape – similar to the donut peach – the Flying Saucer White Nectarine was developed by the Zaiger Family in Modesto, California. Flying Saucers are now grown by Kingsburg Orchards, a family-owned grower, packer, and shipper in Central California’s San Joaquin Valley who also gave this unique variety of nectarine its well-suited name.”
Powell’s Sweet Shoppe
There are three big holidays a year where candy is emphasized: Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Halloween. With the Easter season upon us, there is no better time to talk about candy: jelly beans, chocolate bunnies, malted eggs, marshmallow chicks, lollipops, peanut butter eggs, and more. Read more
Children’s Books To Be Treasured
Last month my 15-year old daughter asked me if we could update the playroom in our home. She told me she had outgrown the room and wants it to be more mature….”like for teenagers” is how she phrased it. I knew this day was coming but still it’s hard to believe the games, toys, and books that defined her childhood are no longer relevant: the classic wooden blocks that haven’t been used in years, or the “Pretty Pretty Princess” game which was more than likely last used in 2004 when she convinced her three male cousins (ages 9,7, and 6) to play; or the books that I’ve spent thousands of hours reading to her. They are as much a part of my journey as hers. She’s just ready to move on while I’m still holding on. Read more
Paddock Post 