Picture storybooks have appeal for all ages. How often do you find even adults flicking through the pages of a beautifully illustrated storybook and grinning to themselves? I know I could spend many enjoyable hours doing so. A well-crafted picture storybook requires few words, but those chosen are just perfect!

I recently came across a couple of lists of picture storybooks that are worthwhile sharing- especially as one of the lists is for older kids.

The first list comes from Emily Laurel Harris and her DesignGossip blog.She features a list of great picture storybooks published 2012. You can read the entire post here..You'll find 'More', the story of a magpie who collects too much, 'Olivia and the fairy princess' who is sick of princesses, and  a delightful rhyming book called 'Sweet Dreams'.
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The second list highlights more sophisticated picture storybooks and books with 
a large number of illustrations for older readers. You can find the article here...

Sweet photos! And it's wonderful to record those precious moments and share with friends and family. 

But... when you're exhausted and suffering sleep deprivation, it's difficult to maintain the photos and notes about baby's early development. And it's even more difficult for subsequent children. 

So, check out these suggestions: 
Story of you is a free ipad app that makes it easy to upload your photos and add the details to create a unique story of your little one that can be shared and printed. The site includes a step by step demo, here, but really it seems very simple, just create, view, share and print. There are multiple design templates to choose from if desired and simple fill-it-in areas for noting special details or to journal milestones and special moments.

But if you'd rather a hands-on version but something can be created in less time than it takes to talk about it, check out My First Year Cards.

These cards are simple and easy to fill out and are a great way to record baby's first year. They come as a set of 5 for $20 from Strange Birdy Studios. The site states: 'We like to think of it as a uniquely fun “annual report.” No boring numbers or obscure data to decipher – just a great looking, interactive way to record the most important milestones of a baby’s first year.'