Renovating with Toddler: Books

I've been asked a lot about renovating with a little one around.  Renovation is hard work and parenting is even harder, so combining the two can be a little confusing, if not downright frustrating at times.  We are still learning how to juggle the two, but we have picked up quite a few tricks during our own renovation journey.  And it is high time I share those tips with you all!  With that in mind, I present to you the Renovating with Toddler series.  This will be a place for me to share tips and products to help get a toddler interested in renovating and keep them safe and entertained while parents get to work.

Today I'm going to focus on books, since they're one of Wilder's favorite things.  We've been reading construction books since he was little.  I think books focused on tools and renovating can help foster an interest in kiddos and help them not be afraid of all the loud noises and strange looking tools mom and dad have suddenly gotten excited about.  Books may even help a kiddo get interested in what mama and dada are doing.  Here's a roundup of some of Wilder's favorites.

B is for Bulldozer, June Sobel - this is hands down Wilder's number 1 requested book.  It pairs the alphabet with building a theme park.

The Toolbox, Anne Rockwell, Harlow Rockwell - this is a sweet book about a father's toolbox.  I'm a sucker for simple, slow books, and this one doesn't disappoint.

Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site, Sherri Duskey Rinker, Tom Lichtenhel - this classic story probably doesn't need an introduction.  This one's all about construction machinery from morning to night and Wilder gobbles it up!

Tap Tap Bang Bang, Emma Garcia - this is the other book Wilder asks to read every night.  It has a run down of tons of common tools and what they're used for and how they sound.  Wilder LOVES this book!

The Little House, Virginia Lee Burton - okay it might be a stretch to call this one a construction book, but any time you move a house, it's a pretty big project!  This one is a favorite in our house - it's a bit slow so we only read it when Wilder is rested and patient, but it's really sweet!

xoxo

-Cathy

p.s. Apartment Therapy's small cool contest is wrapping up!  Here are a few of my favorites: 660 sf of creative, 675sf of historic fun, and 525sf of Scandinavian natural.

p.p.s. A laid back, rustic retreat in Kentucky.  I would love to spend a summer here :)

p.p.p.s. Perfect for summer camping season!  Rehabbing an old camper is definitely on my bucket list!!!