Today, I found the perfect book.

I was just browsing the shelves, and there it was.

As I admired at the front cover, skimmed the back cover, and started paging through inside, I found a passage that exactly reflected my thoughts and told me what I needed to hear today.

I was struck by the notion that the library has the perfect book for everyone.

No, most people don't need this particular book, but the library has hundreds of thousands of other books on our shelves. On almost every topic imaginable. And chances are quite good that one of them is the perfect book for you.

In addition to the traditional What to Expect and other pregnancy books, try some of these recommended titles!

Mama, What's In There? by Diane Muldrow shows a monkey, dolphin, bear and little boy asking about the new baby.

Beyond one : growing a family and getting a life  by Jennifer Bingham Hull is for parents wanting more than the basic first-time parenting manual.

Do you have books, videos, or ideas to share with other expectant parents about how to prepare for (another) new baby? Share your thoughts in the comments!

 When you are preparing to welcome a new baby into a household with a young child, what resources can help you and your family?

Try the New Baby series of board books illustrated by Rachel Fuller -- Waiting for Baby , Look at Me!, & You and me -- for some adorable and practical starting points for conversation about the changes that are coming soon to a bassinette near you!

Do you have books, videos, or ideas to share with other expectant parents about how to prepare their children for a new baby? Share your thoughts in the comments!

This weekend, we took our toddler to the Kansas Museum of History's Discovery Place for a fun afternoon of hands-on exploration and imaginative play. She especially liked the farm animals, which could be rearranged at a farm house, a barn and a tractor table. A puppet theatre for slightly older children looks like a fun attraction for future visits!

 Discovery Place is a fun play area made to touch for families and children through age nine...

Let's Make Music
10:00-11:00 am, Saturday, May 1, 2010

Sunnyside Up Saturday in the Lingo Story Room features books you can sing, musical instruments to play, silly songs to get you in the rhythm...plus, you can make a shaker-bottle musical instrument to take home! This program is intended for children and caregivers to attend together.

Download the handout to see a list of recommended books for making music with children, and get creative making up your own verses to a classic children's song!