Happy Mother's Day!

I admit that in spite of the hitherto lack of little ones ah-banging and ah-bungling around my knees, I enjoy the occasional parenting blog like Strollerderby. Recently they had a great series of segments describing what NOT to get the matriarch of any given home. Take a moment today, then, to make it quite clear to your own mama that she should be bloody grateful you didn't get her anything found here, or here, or certainly not here.

And Don't Even THINK About "Personal Hygiene"

Here's the logic. At a SCBWI Conference a Dial editor discussed the top twelve picture book topics that show up in her slush pile. These topics have, in turn, been compiled by author Darcy Pattison, who wrote 19 Girls and Me. I recall Darcy's book well, particularly because Donnell does a fancy schmanzy Valentine's Day display every year and this book (despite its lack of romantic themes or ties) was surreptitiously placed in V-Day cabinets. Suddenly 19 Girls and Me took on a whole new meaning. I regret nothing.

The list of 12 avoidable topics is fun since Darcy is calling on everyone to send in their favorite books on each topics. I vote for Let's Get a Pup, Said Kate in the Wanting a Pet category.

Thanks to Children's Illustration for the link.