Yearly Archives: 2015
Bedtime Stories: Arthur’s April Fool
Post by Mark T. Locker.
Arthur’s April Fool by Marc Brown
Now that my boy is such a voracious independent reader, we don’t sit and read as many picture books as we used to. Maybe that’s a shortcoming as a father. I know that some day he will just not want me to read to him again. And that will be that. Be that as it may, I wouldn’t want to have to choose between never reading to him again or reading him books from the “Arthur” series ad infinitum. There is nothing wrong with Arthur per se. He’s a nice bespectacled weasel, or aardvark, or whatever he is. Naturally, lots of low-hanging lessons to be gleaned throughout the series. Perfect for adaptation to the PBS screen for kids.
Anyways, we were away for my birthday weekend staying at the coast with friends. My boy found a box full of picture books. As it was already past bedtime, he naturally chose the longest book he could find for me to read. As is happens, it was Arthur’s April Fool. I’ve never known him to read anything from this series, but that’s fine. He cozied up to me (another thing he’ll never do again, some day) and we read about the trials and tribulations of everyone’s favorite capybara.
I don’t remember the plot much. Some bully picked on Arthur. Arthur pulled some pretty harmless practical joke on him, the ol’ kaleidoscope-gives-you-a-black-eye gag. I’m not sure what the message was for this particular installment. Revenge is a dish best served cold?
If you are looking for some decidedly wholesome and lesson-teaching picture books, these are a good choice. There are about 100 of them and they have a TV show to complement the series. Good for kids that aren’t my son’s age, probably 4.
Bedroom Design: Covers and Blankets for a Warm Winter
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Get Cozy and Cover Up with Bedding This Winter
Now that cold weather has arrived, it’s time to bundle up in the bedroom. Choosing the appropriate topper will keep you warm on the chilliest nights. Depending on where you live and your preferred bedroom temperature, consider one of these four bedding options to keep you toasty this winter.
Down comforter with duvet cover
The ultimate in warmth, a down comforter will keep you snug and comfy on the coldest nights. Know that it’s best to use a duvet cover to protect the outside of the comforter. Duvets are available in many fabric types and patterns. You can also have a custom cover made with designer fabric.
Coverlet
Most often constructed of matelassé, a coverlet is light to medium in weight and one of the most practical of bed coverings. Sometimes filled with a light batting, coverlets may not be warm enough in a chilly house, so consider adding another layer: perhaps a down comforter on top or a warm blanket underneath.
Bedspread
Pre-filled bed coverings fall under this category. Practical from the standpoint of layering since bedspreads are available in different weights, this type of bed topper could be a good solution if you like the layered look. Also a good idea if you have a range of temperatures, a bedspread offers many design options too, since you can style your layers differently each season.
Quilt
Believe it or not, quilts can successfully be used in a traditional room or a modern one. With a woven (usually cotton) top with at least two colors and sometimes several, expect a layer of batting and a woven back. Quilts are not as heavy as a down comforter, but often heavier than a coverlet.
It’s fairly common to use different types of bed coverings on one bed. There are no rules. Try combining a coverlet with a down comforter at the foot of the bed or with a coordinating quilt folded halfway down the bed. Add an extra blanket and coordinating shams or throw pillows, and your bed will be look and feel pleasant for the winter months.
