Summer is a great time to curl up poolside with a book or magazine.  Here is what is sitting on my summer reading bookshelf  this month.  Note to readers- the list is as random as the writer!

        The MOMMY MD GUIDE- GUIDE TO YOUR BABY’S FIRST YEAR

          by Rallie McAllister, MD and Jennifer Bright Reich. (Available Amazon. Twitter as @MommyMdGuides)

I had NO IDEA what to expect when this book arrived.  I was approached by the authors who thought that my blog may be a great fit for a review.  I had a preconceived notion that  it would be a traditional parenting guide with some step by step directions of how to care for your baby.  Color me WRONG!

This book is clever, unique and educational. Written with the input from the personal experiences of  dozens of  physicians and other medical professionals, all who write about their own personal journeys into parenthood.  These vignettes are then juxtaposed with sound advice on topics ranging from breastfeeding to developmental milestones.  The Psychologist in me  LOVED THIS BOOK!  In fact, it is now on my list of books to give as a baby gift for rookie parents and suggest for early intervention programs to place in to their infant-toddler lending libraries.  Wonderfully written. Easy to read.  A++ . Bravo!

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THE NEW RICKI LAKE MAGAZINE  and RICKI LAKE Book- NEVER SAY NEVER       I think it really is awesome that there is a community of people from all over the world who have one common link this year  –  They are Friends of Ricki – a group based on social media bonding!  Banded together as fans of the timeless and quirky actress, Ricki Lake (who I LOVED in HAIRSPRAY ). Her social network groups are genius. Her magazine is engaging.  Her book is a must read.   Frankly, it is so raw and honest you almost feel guilty for reading it!

Ricki– I love all  of the energy your team has built  from your groups to your magazine. And, I can’t wait to see you back on the air starting September 10th!

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LITTLE GREEN by Arnold Rudnick is the second book I have reviewed for this author. This preschool – early elementary level book is based on the concept that one should accept themselves for who they are, including their limitations.  Beautifully illustrated it is a good conversation starter for parents and children. I can see this book being a wonderful addition on bookshelves of families who have children with special needs or considerations.

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This next book I adored!  I love the concept that you can find smiley faces in common objects throughout our natural environment. That is the premise of the children’s book , THE SMILEY BOOK OF COLORS.   Children and parents can read about colors on common objects – which make a smiley picture!  There is one draw back of this book… it is addictive.  Now, I find myself looking for spontaneous smileys EVERYWHERE!  Below is a video of my “findings” and the authors,  Ruth Kaiser.   I also inserted some real kids smiling!  As a side note, I recently met Ruth at the premier of the new RICKI LAKE SHOW. She is as wonderful in person as her book! And, she has a beautiful smile!