Twinkle Twinkle....My Little Star

Help your child Shine Shine Shine. Engage in a fun creative activity that sparks imagination, challenges fine motor skills and hand eye coordination.



Paper Dolls - Paper Bag & Magazine Makeover
Supplies:
Paper Bag
Scissors
Glue Stick
Magazine

Cut a 6 1/2 by 24 inch piece of the paper bag. Fold it accordion style about 4 inches wide. Use a paper clip to keep it together. Cut out the silhouette of the doll making sure to leave hands that connect. You may want to help your little one draw the image and then cut. Lay the linked dolls out flat and decorate with pretty magazine paper. Use your imagination....funky printed skirts with matching sun hats, sporty trousers with a textured shirt. Have fun!

Top 20 Classic Children's Books

Read Aloud: adj. A book that can be read outloud with animation to capture the attention of a child.




Our Classic Top Read Aloud Books
For books 1-5 click here
For books 6-10 click here
For books 11-15 click here

16. Richard Scarry's Best First Book Ever!
Favorite Scarry animal characters introduce simple learning concepts and over 700 words. "Kids will enjoy the surprises as Scarry teaches the alphabet, numbers, and vocabulary".--The New York Times.

17. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
A modern classic that no child should miss. Since it was first published in 1939, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel have delighted generations of children. Mike and his trusty steam shovel, Mary Anne, dig deep canals for boats to travel through, cut mountain passes for trains, and hollow out cellars for city skyscrapers -- the very symbol of industrial America.

18. 65 Years of Little Golden Books
This beautiful boxed set includes the six most popular Little Golden Books of all time: "The Poky Little Puppy, Tootle, The Saggy Baggy Elephant, Tawny Scrawny Lion, Scuffy the Tugboat," and "The Shy Little Kitten." A bonus blank Little Golden Book with the official gold foil spine lets children create their very own classic.

19. Amos & Boris
A tender yet comical story of friendship between Amos a mouse and Boris a whale. First published in 1971, two winning heroes are brought to life and deliver a message of courage, love and friendship. Personalize this book with a special message for your friend and give a timeless keepsake.

20. Harry The Dirty Dog
A classic since its first publication in 1956. A charming story about a dog with spots. Now available with a splash of color.

Two Giveaways : Your Chance to Win One of our top 20 Classic Children's Books

(Both Giveaways are closed)
1) First Classic Children's Book FREE with Purchase -

The first person to make a purchase of any item at AClassicTale, note one of our top 20 Children's Books listed on our blog at checkout, will receive their book of choice free.

Curious George Treasury it is...shipping free to Aura from NY. Congrats Congrats!

2)To Enter: Drawing March 27th, 5pm
Remember to leave a comment at the end of this post (help below) to tell us about all your entries or fill out our secure form here.

• 1 Entry - Easiest way to enter. Go to our Classic Books section & look around. Come back here and share your favorite from our list.
  
• 1 Entry - Tell us your all time favorite book from your childhood.
  

Bonus Entries:

• Subscribe...click here
• Tweet with Us!
• Follow on Facebook...Click here
• Blog, Twittter, or post on FB with a link back
  

Triple Bonus. Score 3 Entries:

• Made a Classic Tale purchase? Cheers to you! Note your invoice number.
• Made multiple purchases? Your the greatest! 3 entries per invoice number.

Yeah!!! Another lucky winner.....Lauren S from New York selected the adorable classic, Corduroy!

Top 20 Children's Classic Books

Read Aloud: adj. A book that can be read outloud with animation to capture the attention of a child.




Our Classic Top Read Aloud Books
For books 1-5 click here
For books 6-10 click here

11. The Complete Adventures of Curious George
“This is George. He lived in Africa. He was a good little monkey, and always very curious.” With these words, H. A. and Margret Rey introduced the world to Curious George in 1941, and the world has loved him ever since. A 60th Anniversary Edition.

12. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Carle's classic tale of a caterpillar who eats his way through the days of the week and then changes into a beautiful butterfly has been reissued in a twenty-fifth anniversary edition with a shiny, silver-coated cover and wonderfully thick pages.

13. Where The Wild Things Are
In the forty years since Max first cried "Let the wild rumpus start," Maurice Sendak's classic picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. Now, in celebration of this special anniversary, introduce a new generation to Max's imaginative journey to where the wild things are.

14. The Tale of Peter Rabbit
A Commemorative Edition. First published in 1902, this beloved tale made its author a household name. This special gift edition is a replica of the very first edition of the book.

15. The Nut Shell Library
Four tiny books in a darling box! The stories include Alligators All Around - An Alphabet book, Chicken Soup with Rice - A Book of Months, One Was Johnny - A Counting Book, and Pierre - A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters and a Prologue. Written and illustrated by Sendak. What more could anyone ask?

More top Classic Books to come. Posting five at a time with a Giveaway on our last post. Five more to go with a Giveaway.....posting Friday! Check back for more great all time Classic Children's Books that have been beloved for generations! Shop all of our Classic Tale Classics HERE!

Party Girls for our New York Fans

Who could pass up meeting Snow White, Cinderella or Alice? For our New York Fans, you're in luck. Treat your sweet little princess to a New York Princess Party! Classic characters from our childhood....creating memories today.

Read the full article here at The Daily Candy New York. Your royal invitation is waiting at the New York Princess Party. (www.nyprincessparty.com)

Need a gift? We've got you covered....Classic Tale gifts fit for a Princess!!

• Princess Elise Magnetic Dress Up Set by Melissa & Doug
• Royal Rocker Princess by Levels of Discovery
• Cupcake Child Apron b Jesse Steele
• Pink Flower Kids Brim for summer protection and tea party fun!

From A Mother's Cupboard - Irish Soda Bread

Tradition - noun - the handing down from generation to generation.

Irish in heritage, this Irish Soda Bread recipe has been handed down from great grandma, to grandma, to mom and now to me. We're proud to be Irish and celebrate the traditional way. I can already smell the corned beef, cabbage & potatoes cooking on the stove. This sweet smelling bread will be baking in the oven to be enjoyed by my family on St. Patties Day!!!

Cheers to you and yours!

Irish Soda Bread
4 cups flour
3 tbs sugar
2 tsp bake soda
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup butter
1 1/4 c buttermilk (or 1 1/12tbl lemon and 1 1/4 c milk...set for 5min)
1/2 cup raisins or not :)
1 egg

Add dry ingredients. Cut in butter, add buttermilk or the substitute and egg. kneed 10 times. Flatten into a 6" circle. Bake at 375 for 30-35 min. Serve with butter.

Top 20 Children's Classic Books

Read Aloud: adj. A book that can be read outloud with animation to capture the attention of a child.



Our Classic Tale Top Read Aloud Books
Click here for books 1-5

6. Toot & Puddle
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Toot & Puddle with this redesigned hardcover edition of the story that started a series. This anniversary edition of the book includes a limited edition Holly Hobbie print suitable for framing. "Toot and Puddle" is a classic tale about two friends with different interests but share a special bond.

7.The Giving Tree

Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.' So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. A story about saving our environment. So relevant for todays day and age. 8.The Little House The little house first stood in the country, but gradually the city moved closer and closer. Winner of the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1943. 9.Make Way for Ducklings This 60-year old story is still as charming today as it was when first published it in 1941. A true classic, sure to win yet another generation of fans! A Cladecott Medal winner. A family of ducks make a home in Boston's Public Garden...not the safest place to call home. 10.Henny Penny Convinced the sky is falling, Henny Penny and a band of gullible friends march off to tell the king, only to meet their end at the hands of a wily fox. A classical favorite.

More top Classic Books to come. Posting five at a time with a Giveaway on our last post. Check back for more great all time Classic Children's Books that have been beloved for generations! Shop all of our Classic Tale Classics HERE!

Top 20 Children's Classic Books

Read Aloud: adj. A book that can be read outloud with animation to capture the attention of a child.


Our Classic Tale Top Read Aloud Books

1. Goodnight Moon

A 60th Anniversary Edition. In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.

2. Guess How much I Love You
With endearing watercolors that capture a deep, tender bond between the characters, "Guess How Much I Love You" measures the immeasurable--the love between a parent and a child. A much-loved classic for all ages.

3. The Runaway Bunny

The Runaway Bunny, first published in 1942 and never out of print, has indeed become a classic. Generations of readers have fallen in love with the gentle magic of its reassuring words and loving pictures. 4. Corduroy Corduroy is a stuffed bear without a home until Lisa comes along. Despite being "less than perfect," Lisa takes Corduroy home. This is a sweet story about friendship that teaches us to appreciate friends "just the way they are." A true classic first published in 1967. Let us personalize this book for your special friend! 5.The Little Engine That Could The special 60th anniversary edition of The Little Engine That Could™ contains the entire text and original artwork. A laminated jacket, gold-stamped cloth binding, and colored end papers complete the deluxe package. Young readers, as well as parents and grandparents, will treasure the story of the blue locomotive who exemplifies the power of positive thinking. Poster also included.

More top Classic Books to come. Posting five at a time with a Giveaway on our last post. Check back for more great all time Classic Children's Books that have been beloved for generations! Shop all of our Classic Tale Classics HERE!

BabyLegs Free Shipping Celebration

We're celebrating BabyLegs Style! To introduce our new BabyLegs Collection, we are offering Free Shipping to all of our Classic Tale customers. What a deal! Get yours today while our styles are in stock. With over 100 fun prints, you'll be able to match any outfit. A Classic Tale offers you the best prices and cheapest shipping options on BabyLegs. New to Babylegs? Read more here from a previous blog post or click here to view our entire collection.

Pssst! BabyLegs Warm Weather Protection

BabyLegs Cool! Collection

Just a quick update to share. It's public but not widely shared yet. BabyLegs is extending it's collection to include a line for warm weather protection. They are described as lightweight, mesh & breathable with UV protection. Fabulous!!! Perfect for protecting little legs during warm summer months. This new BabyLegs Cool! Collection will be out this Spring & will feature all time summer favorites.... sailboats, red cherries, daisies & more. I'm already dreaming of delightful summer fun!

Sign up for our newsletter here to be in the know! An update will be sent as soon as these Cool! patterns arrive.

Straight from A Mothers Cupboard - Tomatoes with Feta & Shrimp

Handed down from my mother in-law, this tasty recipe is one of our family's all time favorite. Healthy & Simple!

Roasted Tomatoes with Shrimp & Feta
5 lg tomatoes, peeled & cut into 8th's
3 tbl olive oil
2 tbl fresh minced garlic
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup feta, crumbled
3/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 1/2lb med shrimp, peeled
1/2 c chopped Cilantro
2 tbl lemon juice

Preheat oven to 450. Place the tomatoes in a large baking dish. Spoon olive oil and garlic over the tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. Toss. Place on top oven rack & roast for 20 min. Remove and stir in shrimp, cilantro, & lemon juice. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Place back in oven for 10-15 min or until shrimp are cooked. Serve warm with angel pasta and a loaf of crusty bread.

White Rabbit England Night Lights - Ship Free

Back in stock and ready to Ship Free Same Day!!! Whimsical White Rabbit England Night Lights are a child's answer to sweet dreams. Bramble Red, Pink Toadstool and White Rabbit Cottage night lights are made of the finest earthenware decorated with elves, fairies & bunnies. Each piece is hand painted and designed by two English Sisters. Free Shipping and 10% off with the code: rabbitsave10

Click here to read more blog posts or here to start shopping for your enchanting night light.

What are customers are saying about these night lights?

Thank you for allowing me to purchase this night light at a discount. It is gorgeous! We just love it! It is much prettier than one can see on the web. The details are darling. - Christine, OR

This was easily one of the best shopping experiences I've had. Nightlight is amazing; customer service was top notch. - Anonymous

Thank You STLMommy!

A Classic Tale would like to thank STLmommy and those of you who entered our Daylee Designs Spring/Summer Hat Giveaway. We were overwhelmed with all the positive responses about our site and this adorable kids crocheted hat line. With over 250 entries....an STLmommy from Ohio won our Vroom Vroom Daylee Designs Car Hat for her little boy. Thanks again and cheers to you and your families!

About Us - A True Classic Tale

Our ClassicTale...

Once upon a time, in the noble Kingdom of Wash Ington there was a castle. This charming, little castle sat snuggly on a hill overlooking a dancing, blue bay. And in this castle there lived a princess, Princess Entre Preneur. Full of fun and vigor, this princess enjoyed a happy childhood full of charm and joyful memories. She pranced through her castle exploring the Realms of Imagination. She roamed the gardens and read of worlds unknown under swaying poplar trees. She even waded in the shimmering water, scooping up little creatures of mystery. Yes, this princess had a storybook childhood full of life, love, and laughter.

As the happy years passed, the child-princess grew into a lovely young woman. Princess Entre became slender and graceful with dark, flowing hair and sparkling hazel eyes. As she approached the end of her childhood, she prepared for the journey that every princess must make, the Journey of Growing Up. She left her fine King and gentle Queen for an unknown land, the Land of Coll Ege. There the princess learned all the lessons of grace and courage that could be so taught.

One day, as Princess Entre strolled though the Orchard of Bliss in the Land of Coll Ege, a handsome, young prince rode gallantly by. He gave her a smile that spoke of eternity. In that moment, her heart was freely and lovingly bound to him forever. And so Princess Entre Preneur and Prince Ed. U. Cator. were married and set to live happily ever after.

And happily ever after they did live, until the night of their first son’s birth. Medical complications threatened this young life and though he escaped death’s dark clutches, in the end, he did not remain unscarred. Princess Entre’s beautiful baby boy would have physical repercussions that would last a lifetime.

It was then that the Princess awoke from her dreams of a perfect world. Prince Ed and Princess Entre moved to the Kingdom of Re-Ality. There the Princess tenderly cared for the needs of her son. She loved him and held him and taught him to hope. Through her child, the Princess discovered the miracles of devotion and innocence—lessons she could never have learned in the Kingdom of Wash Ington or the Land of Coll Ege. The Princess discovered that real life is full of Beauty—that each person has a story and each story is wonderful and unique.

With this newfound knowledge, the Princess endeavored to share her finding with the world. She wanted people to know that their tale is one worth living—one worth sharing. So, the Princess Entre became wiser and now, as she discovers Beauty in the world, she offers it to her three beautiful children and to people like you who are living and loving their Classic Tale.

The End.

Spring Has Sprung + BabyLegs Giveaway

spring: our new playful collection

Check out our Giveaway at the bottom of this post

Leg warmers with a twist....updated for today's child! The original BabyLegs Leg Warmers just arrived at A Classic Tale. Including SIX hip new Spring 09 styles with playful names that remind us of classic past time fun...Marbles, Leap Frog, Chutes, Ladders, Abacus & Leap Frog. BabyLegs offers one size to fit most. Even adults can wear BabyLegs.

How do you wear your BabyLegs? Keep little feet free to dance dance dance. Protect knees while crawling. Great for potty training, for providing lightweight sun protection, and for adding a splash of color as a fashion statement. Protect skin conditions, cover a cast, or keep bandages protected. My little guy just recently wore his to big sisters swimming lessons under his Tee. The pool waiting area is very warm so I slipped off his BabyLegs to cool him down. Then on they went for winter warmth & style.

Two Giveaways :

4 to Give Away- Your Chance to Win a Pair of BabyLegs:
1) First Pair Free with Purchase - (Closed)

The first person to make a purchase of any item at AClassicTale, use the checkout code of playful, note your choice of BabyLegs from our Sale Collection, will receive a pair free.
Cheers to Kathy from MI for selecting her Free Pair of Organic Light BabyLegs!

1)To Enter: Drawing to be held March 15th! Three Winners! (Closed)
Remember to leave a comment at the end of this post (help below) to tell us about all your entries or fill out our secure form here.

• 1 Entry - Easiest way to enter. Go to our BabyLegs section & look around. Come back here and share your favorite pair.
• 1 Entry - Tell us how you'd use a pair of BabyLegs.
  

Bonus Entries:

• Subscribe...click here
• Tweet with Us!
• Follow on Facebook...Click here
• Blog, Twittter, or post on FB with a link back
  

Triple Bonus. Score 3 Entries:

• Made a Classic Tale purchase? Cheers to you! Note your invoice number.
• Made multiple purchases? Your the greatest! 3 entries per invoice number.

Waiting to hear from our three winners.... Cheers to: 1) Jennifer from SC. She selected a Free Pair of Busy Bee BabyLegs. 2)Aura from NY. A Free Pair of Cabana Blue BabyLegs is on the way & 3)Katrina from FL. Her Free Pair of Pink Ribbed BabyLegs will look adorable on her little princess.

New to blogging? Let us help you enter. Look below this post, find the word "comments", click on it and tell us what you did to enter. You can enter as anonymous but please leave us a way to contact you. Call us at 800.503.9140 if you need help entering.

Straight From A Mothers Cupboard - Meatza Pie

A yummy alternative to meatloaf! As I share my mommy recipes with my Classic Tale readers, I am reminded weekly of the importance of family tradition. Each recipe post is shared personally with Megan, a mommy fighting breast cancer. As each week passes she is closer and closer to completing her treatment. One more week of treatment Megs! Here's a recipe that you shared with my family while we were growing up, handed down from my mom....

My family enjoyed it last night. All three kids were scraping their plates and asking for more!

Meatza Pie
1lb ground beef
2/3 c evaporated milk or reg milk
1/2 c fine bread crumbs or oatmeal
1/2 teas garlic salt
Combine and press into bottom and sides of a pie plate.
Layer in order:
1/3 c catsup
1 c shredded sharp cheese
2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp oregano
1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 c ripe sliced black olives

Bake 375 for 30 minutes. Serves 5-6.
Easy as pie...quick and yummy!