Erasure

This is not an ode to this Erasure, the techno pop group of the eighties, although while we are mentioning them, I recall fondly all five foot two of the lead singer with his platinum blond hair and a shiny red plastic jumpsuit at a concert in the 80s. It was the first time I had ever seen an openly gay man in person and I remember being shocked and absolutely fascinated at the same time. A man! in a red plastic jumpsuit! Who knew such things existed! Fond memories.

Anyway, this is about sibling rivalry. And personalized books.

My sister, five years older, had been given a book, a Disney Jungle Book. I thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen. As the story went along there were blanks on the page where you could write in your name (her name) and friends names and details that made it all about you (her).

I did not receive such a book.

So I swiped it, hunkered down in our bedroom when she wasn't there, took my eraser and feverishly wiped out every reference to her that was in it and penciled in AMY everywhere it said ANGELA. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

It didn't go over well. Not only did I not get a personalized book of my own (which I wanted, really really wanted) I think I had to bust open my piggy bank and buy her a new one. (What's a middle child got to do to get some attention around here?)

Because I recall this so painfully, I mean clearly, I jumped at the chance when Parent Bloggers Network offered reviews of Printakid personalized books for children.

There are so many great things about these books that make them ideal for your kids or gifts for ones you love. Printakid offers a number of stories to choose from; I selected Laughing All the Way to School. Seeing that going off to day care can sometimes be less than a happy experience, I thought why not try and it make it a little more fun, even if only or a little while. Times have really changed and this book was more than I had hoped for. It prints your child's name in big letters on the first page (great for new readers or those having fun identifying letters) gives you an opportunity to write a personalized message on the first page, (to my little man with lots of love) and states on the next page "This book was made for little man, born on this date." It doesn't get more personal than that.

But wait! It does! You can incorporate parents names and friends names and you can select features for the character that matches the child the book is intended for. It's downright spooky how much my illustrated little man looks like the real thing.

I have to admit I have not read it to him yet, I am holding out to give it to him for his birthday. This book is special and I want him to know how special he is by giving him a gift that is written with every bit of him in mind.

The book is entertaining, the illustrations colorful and fun and the book is sturdy and well made. A book like this is something you hope your child will always treasure and it's built to last. I plan to order more for cousins and friends. (And you don't have to worry about meddling siblings, this baby is printed in non erasable ink. I checked.)