Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in New Orleans, LA

Book nooks for tots: Best story times and reading rooms

by Kelly Leahy

I have just started to break out of the house to do storytime. The New Orleans Public Library has quite a few offerings. As it is a public facility, it is free and there are plenty of restrooms and spaces for kids. My favorite place to go however, is an Uptown store which you will see listed below.The Children's Bookshop - Teach your kids to "Fight the Stupids" early on. The Children's Bookshop ... Read more >

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Great Summer Read-Alouds

by Kelly Leahy

We have a pretty regular bedtime schedule in our house. I hide downstairs and eat ice cream while my husband puts the kids to bed with a couple of books. He is actually better qualified to write about which books are best for summer reading with preschoolers but he agreed to share his wisdom with me. Together, this is what we came up with:We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen - I picked ... Read more >

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This weekend's best bet: Storybook characters live and in the flesh

by Kelly Leahy

If you have not yet been to visit City Park's Storyland, this weekend would be the ideal time to go. Favorite characters from children's books will be walking around Storyland from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. The program, Storyland Performances, is free with admission ($3). It will feature activities for preschoolers that bring the classic tales to life. There you may find The ... Read more >

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10 ways to get free or cheap books for your family

by Kelly Leahy

We have tried to develop a love of books in our daughters. Our three-year-old loves to pick out her favorites for nighttime reading and even "reads" them back to us. Our eleven-month-old likes to chew on the corners -- you can't win 'em all. As a family we are always looking for new books to cycle through the collection. This can get expensive if we were to buy new every time. Instead, I have ... Read more >

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Classic Children's Books

by Kelly Leahy

I remember the first book that I ever "read." I had heard The Runaway Bunny so many times that I had it memorized. It remains one of my favorites today. My three-year-old has stared "reading" herself. I had a lot of books as a youngster but she has me beat. In addition to modern favorites like Sandra Boynton, I have made sure to surround my kids with the classics that I remember loving nearly ... Read more >

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Storytime in New Orleans

by Kelly Leahy

This month's theme is all about books, books and more books. For today's list I have compiled a handful of bookstores, storytimes and attractions that bring words to life for your preschooler.StorytimesThe Main Library (219 Loyola Ave.) hosts Kid Jam Time every Thursday at 10:30 am in the Children's Room. This activity is free and open to children up to five-years-old. Activities include ... Read more >

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Bedtime Stories

by Kelly Leahy

Like many households, there is a three book bedtime requirement from the girls before lights out. One of the casualties of being with the kids all day is that my patience wears thin by the time the girls are tucked in. This means that The Husband is often charged with the story time task.However, though I am admittedly the weaker story reader in the house, I have learned a few things.Agree ahead ... Read more >

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