Maisy's Wonderful Weather Book

Maisy's Wonderful Weather Book

by

Lucy Cousins

Summary:

 The lovable little mouse, Maisy, embarks on a wonderful science adventure and teaches the reader all about different kinds of weather. 

Evaluation:

 This is a wonderful book for children ages 3-5 years to help them understand the weather. It is very interactive which holds their attention even longer because they have to use the pull tabs to help Maisy see what is happening weather wise. For example, when it is sunny and hot Maisy changes from her clothes to her bathing suite by having the child pull the tab. On the windy day the child has to turn the wheel to make the leaves blow in the wind along with Maisy's hat and kite. There are very few words on a page and the pictures relate fabulously. The topic is great for young children because no matter where they are weather is happening all around them every day. Many children at this age also have many questions about the weather and this helps them to begin to understand what is going on. The pictures are very bright and colorful and the tabs and wheels are easy for small hands to work. 

The only downside of this book is if you have a rough child the pull tabs are not very sturdy and do rip if pulled to hard. But all in all I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a preschooler!

Nonfiction Mondays

On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects

On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects

by

Tish Rabe

Summary: This is a very cute nonfiction book all about insects. The Cat in the Hat and his friends give readers an up close view of life as a bug. Readers learn how insects see, communicate, smell, and pollinate. They also see how much of a pests some bugs can be but all in all make life better for us here on earth.

Evaluation: This is a wonderful nonfiction book about insects. It teaches young children interesting facts about insects through rhyme and bright illustrations. For example,

Watch these honey bees and I am sure you'll agree that these bees are as busy as busy can be! Worker bees collect food and they keep the hive clean. They protect it from danger and wait on their queen. She must stay in one place. It is her job to lay dozens and dozens of eggs every day.

The pictures do an amazing job of depicting what the words are saying. The illustration that goes along with this picture is of a big bee happily laying on her side eating while she is surrounded by smaller bees with fake stick guns and other bees are cleaning up with brooms around her.

It is a great beginning middle reader because it has minimal words on each page, which are larger print  and they are spread out so the child will not get over whelmed when reading. When it comes to the hard words such as chrysalis it has a glossary in the back to help them understand and pronounce the word. 

The topic is right on target for its age group of 5-8 years old. Most boys and some girls are fascinated by insects. Even my 4 year old has asked me why fly's buzz. This book gives the young reader the interesting facts without boring them. Being a Cat in the Hat book also might capture the attention of young readers who normally would not read a book about insects. The pictures draw the reader in and rhyme keep the reader engaged. 

Overall there is nothing negative that I can say about this book. I would highly recommend it!

Nonfiction Mondays

I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!

I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!

by

Dr. Seuss

Summary: The Cat in the Hat is back in this book with a smaller sidekick version of himself to show how much fun you can have reading with both eyes open.

Evaluation: This is a fantastic beginning reader! My 4 year old daughter loves it! The rhymes and colorful illustrations keep the reader engaged the whole time. With this book Dr. Seuss makes the wonderful point that while you can read somethings with your eyes closed (through memorization) it is much more fun to read new and exciting things with your eyes opened. The words are for the most part easy and spaced out so it makes it easy for beginning readers to read. My daughter's favorite part is when they make reference to another one of her favorite Dr. Seuss books, Oh the Places You'll Go! 

The more that you read,

the more things you will know.

The more that you learn, 

the more places you'll go.

He incorporates other famous stories of his in here as well which is great for children who have already heard them and can relate them to what they are reading in this book.

This book also encourages the reader to work on their speed which is an important skill for beginning readers to work on. He even says:

And when I keep them open

I can read with much more speed.

You have to be a speedy reader

'cause there's so, so much to read! 

I would highly recommend this book to any beginning reader!

Lindy's Happy Ending

Lindy's Happy Ending

by

Valerie Tripp

Summary: Lindy always has great ideas that her classmates usually go along with. The only problem with her ideas is that they usually are more work then necessary and Lindy never finishes what she starts. When she forgets to put the lid back on the ducklings' cage, her classmates have had enough. They decide that it is time to help Lindy become a responsible young lady.

Evaluation: This is a great early chapter book! The vocabulary in it is easy and age appropriate and the plot keeps the readers attention. Responsibility even at a young age is crucial and this book does a great job teaching it. I really liked how her classmates helped her learn this valuable lesson. Even though they get frustrated with her they help to teach her how to finish what she starts and be responsible. This book is very relate able to its target audience. I think first and second graders have all known someone like Lindy and this shows them the appropriate response to the problem. The illustrations and story line all help keep the reader engaged. I would highly recommend this book!

Big Thoughts for Little People

Big Thoughts for Little People

by

Kenneth N. Taylor

Summary:  This is an ABC concept book that teaches young children Christian values along with their alphabet.

Evaluation: I love this book and highly recommend it to all parents of young children! My girls truly enjoy reading this book together. Big Thoughts for Little People teaches 26 lessons, one for each letter of the alphabet. It is great for children ages 2-6 years who are beginning to learn their alphabet because the lessons always rhyme and are very interactive. For example: "B's for behave; It means doing what's right. Be happy and helpful; Don't argue or fight." Then it has a very short devotional for the child to do with the parent that incorporates their knowledge on the subject as well as the illustration in the book for that letter. Example: "Do you know what 'behave' means?" Then they look at the illustration on that page to see who is behaving. Each lesson concludes with a bible verse they can memorize and associate with the letter and lesson being taught.  

My girls favorite letter page is V.
V is for Visitors; Help them have fun,
And play and be friendly
With all, not just one.
It is wonderful to have friends. You can go to their house to visit, or they can come to visit you. Sometimes you can eat lunch together, or you can play outside or have fun making things. When you have visitors you must remember to play happily together and take turns with your toys. And remember to play with each of your visitors, not just the ones you like best. Then everyone will have fun.
SOME QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
1. How many children in the picture are coming to visit?
2. Tell the names of your friends who come to your house to visit.
3. What are some things you do together?
A BIBLE VERSE FOR YOU TO LEARN
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or play to stay for the night. 
1 Peter 4:9

The only part of the book that I think could have been done a little better are the illustrations. They are well done but I believe they could use more vibrant colors to capture the reader's attention more. Nonetheless, my children do not seem to have a hard time deciphering the pictures to answer the questions or finding the ladybug hidden in each one.

All in all this is a great book for teaching the concepts of letters as well as good manners, courtesy, Christian principles, and respect. It appeals to preschool and kindergarten age children because it is so interactive and full of rhyming fun. Highly recommend!

Raising Yoder's Barn

Raising Yoder's Barn

by

Jane Yolen

Summary:

 This book is about an eight year old Amish boy, named Matthew Yoder. His family's barn and windmill is destroyed by a fire when lightning strikes it one night. The community gathers and help the Yoder's rebuild their barn. 

Evaluation:

 This is a wonderful book. It is also an excellent book for children to learn about the Amish culture.The main character in the story is an eight year old Amish boy who is telling about an awful event that took place on his farm one summer. When lightning strikes his family's barn they do not have a phone to call the fire department. Instead, his little brother has to ring a bell to summon the neighbors to come help try to put out the flames. Being Amish they did not arrive in cars but in wagons, on horseback, and on foot. They had to form two lines to try to put out the fire with buckets of water. For students who have been exposed to the Amish culture this is an excellent story to expand their understanding of their lifestyle and faith. For those children who have never been exposed to Amish culture this is a great story to introduce them to another culture within the United States of America. 

It is a very age appropriate even though he is from a very different culture his fears and feelings are much the same as any eight year old boys would be. He is worried that people will think he is too little to help rebuild the barn. But, he ends up with one of the most important jobs of the day, relaying instructions to the men. Throughout the story the reader see's Matthew dealing with the issue of losing part of their lively hoods and dealing with adolescent fears in a positive way. For instance when they are finished building the barn instead of gloating he simply whispers "Amen," which speaks volumes to his feelings of accomplishment and self worth. 

This book celebrates the worth of interdependence, tradition, hard work, cooperation and communities coming together to help each other out. It is a definite must read for children in kindergarten and up!

Genre and Age:

Realistic Fiction Picture Book 

Ages 5-8 and up

Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales

Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales

by Jeff Mack

Summary:

   Rabbit and Hippo are the most unlikely of friends. They are opposite in many ways but their differences are what sustain their friendship and  keep them having fun all day.

Evaluation:

     This is a wonderful beginning reader graphic novel for children ages 4 and up.  The stories in this book are very short and cute. They are about eating healthy, playing nicely together, and comforting on another. Being a graphic novel it would really appeal to boys, though the story itself is gender neutral. This format allows beginning readers to  fill in the gaps of Hippo and Rabbit's day by negotiating changes in location, time, and emotions of the two characters, giving them more control in the reading process. The illustrations work well with the text to tell the story. They are very simple and help the reader to fill in the gaps in the story left by the author. Rabbit and Hippo's day consists of breakfast, play time, and then bed. This allows young readers to fill in the gaps for the rest of the dynamic duos day, such as lunch, dinner, and getting ready for bed. It also helps them to obtain basic developmental proficiency in object solidity and perceptual dependability.

      Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales has changed my views on graphic novels. I use to think that they were just a means of entertainment and not learning. But, after seeing this begging reader it is very evident how graphic novels can be used in the classroom as a successful means of teaching students, especially boys, how to read. It is not intimidating as some books can be. It is very creative and assists students in the decoding process. Instead of reading seeming like a power struggle, this type of book puts the power into the readers hands. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor Brian W. Sturm put it perfectly when he said, "They are the ones who bring the story alive; they are the ones who get to add their personal touches to the unfolding story."

       As a mom of young children and a teacher I would highly recommend this book and other's of its kind.

Dog

Dog

Matthew Van Fleet

Summary:

 Twenty different breads of dogs are used to demonstrate basic concepts such as: opposites, synonyms, opposites, emotions, and much more in a rhyming story.

Evaluation:

BEST BOOK EVER for dog lover children! We are on our second copy of the book since the last one fell apart from daily use. The book is very interactive with pull tabs, touch and feel, and flaps to lift. A must have for any dog lover with young children!

Genre & Age:

nonfiction

0-2 and up

A Pony to Love

A Pony to Love

Christine Taylor-Butler

Summary:

The little girl and boy in the story start off with stuffed ponies and their imagination transforms them into real ones. This story takes readers on a magical pony rides on the beach, through the fields of flowers, in the circus, through a parade, in the snow, and in a rodeo. Then finally they take their ponies back to the stable to let them eat and groom them.

Evaluation:

I LOVE this book! Both of my daughters are horse lovers and this book is a great introduction to caring for a horse as well as what all a rider can do on a horse they love. The illustrations are wonderful. They are very soft, warm and full of imagination.

Age and Genre:
fantasy
3-5 and up

the Monster at the end of this Book

the Monster at the end of this Book

By Jon Stone

Summary:

 The Monster at the end of this Book starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover is about Grover who is afraid to turn the pages of the book for fear of the monster that lies at the end. He grows more and more frantic with every page until at the end he learns that he did not have anything to fear but his own imagination.

Evaluation:

 I love this book! I remember my mom reading it to my brothers and I when we were little. Now, I read it to my daughter and she loves it just as much as I did. We both can not wait to get to the end of the book. The illustrations are wonderful and nicely convey Grover's sense of fear, and anguish over the readers turning of the page. I highly suggest this book to anyone with a young child and sense of imagination! 

Genre & Age Group:

3-5 years and up

fantasy

Once Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds)

Once Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds)

by Geoffrey Kloske and Barry Blitt

Summary:

 Once Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds) is a collection of fractured fairy tales, a few nursery rhymes, and  bible story all told by a father who just wants his child to go to sleep. The desperate dad keeps cutting the stories shorter and shorter until they all lived...

Evaluation:

 This is one of my favorite books yet! The authors have taken well known and loved tales and nursery rhymes and turned them into a hilarious collection. The overall story of the dad trying to get his child to go to sleep is perfectly interwoven within the collection of fractured fairy tales, folk tales, nursery rhymes, and bible story he is telling. 

Princess Pea for example:

Every young girl wanted to marry the prince.

To find a princess, the prince's mother put a pea 

Under the mattress to see how each would sleep.

They all slept soundly, except one-she was so sensitive,

She had not slept well.

And so she married the prince.

Is there a pea under your bed?

Then what's your excuse?

Go to bed.

The watercolor illustrations in this book are as wonderful as the stories. My 4 year old daughter is already reading this book along with me every night. We both laughs ourselves silly every time we read it. Now she is even taking other fairy tales and retelling them herself.

Genre and Age Group:

3-5 years and up

Folk Tale

Fairy Tale

President Adams' Alligator and Other White House Pets 

by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes

Summary:

President Adams' Alligator and Other White House Pets by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl S. Barnes  is a story about the United States presidents and their pets. It starts off with Mrs. Tucker's classroom talking about what their favorite pet is. She then starts to tell the children about the different pets presidents have had in the White House from George Washington to Bill Clinton.

Evaluation:

 This is a great book for teaching children about presidents in a not so boring way. It also introduces the concept of voting by having a ballot at the end of the book that the reader can fill out for their favorite White House pet. I had no idea that there were some pretty non conventional pets in the white house. For example, Thomas Jefferson had two pet grizzly bears and a pet mockingbird named Dick. Jefferson would let Dick eat food out of his mouth and sing along when he played the violin. President Lincoln loved all kinds of animals and gave many to his children. President Lincoln gave his son Tad two goads named Nanny and Nanko, who Tad would tie up to a kitchen chair and race through the halls of the White House. The illustrations in this book are very colorful color pencil drawings that are delightful to the reader. This is a great book for teachers when teaching about the U.S. presidents, Presidents Day, as well as the electoral process.

Genre & Age Group:

Nonfiction

5-8 and up

Coat of Many Colors

Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton

Summary:

Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton is a story about a little girl who is growing up poor in Tennessee. The winter is quickly approaching and the little girl has no coat. Her Mama does not have enough money to buy her one so she sews her a coat made out of a box of rags that someone gave them. As she sews she tells the little girl the story of Joseph and his multicolored coat from the bible, and how she hopes it will bring her good luck and happiness. The little girl proudly wears her coat to school the next day. But, she finds herself the laughing stock of the classroom. Instead of feeling ashamed, or sorry for herself, the little girl feels sorry for her classmates. She tells them the story of how her Mama sewed her coat with love and that your only poor if you choose to be.

Evaluation:

I love this book! Growing up I always loved to hear Dolly Parton sing and now one of my favorite songs is beautifully expressed in book form. The illustrations are wonderful and the lesson that this books teaches (just like the song) is loud and clear. It teaches children about gratitude and self assurance. The little girl didn't have as much money as her peers and was teased because of it, but she had her mother's love and that was enough to pull her through a difficult situation. 

Genre and Age group:

3-5 years and up

Realistic fiction

Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby

Summary:
Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby retold by Karmina Amin is a traditional folk tale about trickster, Brer Fox who hates Brer Rabbit. Brer Fox plays a trick on Brer Rabbit by means of a tar baby. When the tar baby doesn't answer Brer Rabbit, he gets mad and starts to fight the tar baby. Brer Fox thinks he finally has done in Brer Rabbit, but Brer Rabbit is too fast a thinker for Brer Fox and ends up tricking him instead.

Evaluation:
This was one of my favorite stories growing up and this is a wonderful rendition of the classic southern folk tale. The illustrations in this book are amazing and very modernized so children of any race and background can focus on the actual story and the lesson it has to teach. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Age & Genre:
folk tale
9-11 years and up

Where can I buy this book? 
http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Brer-Rabbit-Friends/dp/0756618134/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358640637&sr=1-5&keywords=brer+rabbit+and+the+tar+baby

Thumbeline

Summary:
Thumbeline retold by Susan Jeffers is a traditional fairy tale about a tiny girl no bigger than your thumb. Thumbeline was born in a flower and has to live her life in a dangerous and very big world. Through her acts of kindness and bravery she is eventually taken to a land of people who are all her size.  

Evaluation:
This is a wonderful version of Hans Christian Anderson's classic fairy tale. I would not suggest reading this book to children under the age of 5 due to some of the scary scenes and events in the book. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and engaging to the reader. 

Age & Genre:
fairy tale
5-8 years

Classroom extension activities:
http://www.kelseyatmccc.org/thumbelina.pdf
http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_6311855_fairy-tale-crafts-children.html

Where can I buy this book? 
http://www.amazon.com/Thumbelina-Amy-Ehrlich/dp/0525475087/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358639521&sr=1-2&keywords=thumbelina

the Lion and the Mouse

Summary:
the Lion and the Mouse Retold by Jerry Pinkney is a traditional animal story tale about an unlikely pair that learn that everyone needs help sometimes. This version is the picture only version of Aesop's fable where the king of the jungle spares the life of a small mouse. In turn, the mouse ends up saving the lions life when he is caught by poachers. 

Evaluation:
This is my favorite version of the classic tale. The reader is free to use their own words to retell the story of the Lion and the Mouse. Pinkney's illustrations are out of this world! My daughter loves this book because she is able to follow a pictorial story line and tell her version of the fable.

Age & Genre:
0-2 and up
folk tale

Classroom extension activities:
http://www.dltk-teach.com/fables/lion/index.htm
http://suzyred.com/pbks2010_Lion_and_All_The_World.html
http://www.teachyourchildrenwell.com.au/english/bigbooks/Stage%201%20Language%20Unit%20-%20The%20Lion%20and%20the%20mouse%20-%20WHOLE%20DOCUMENT.pdf

Where can I buy this book? 
http://www.amazon.com/Lion-Mouse-Jerry-Pinkney/dp/0316013560/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358638506&sr=1-1&keywords=the+lion+and+the+mouse

Tikki Tikki Tembo

Summary:
Tikki Tikki Tembo Retold by Arlene Mosel is a traditional tale about a little boy,  Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo who fell in a well. Having such a long name turns out to be very problematic for the little boy. He is eventually pulled out of the well by an old man with a ladder but it is too late. After the incident people decide that from now on Chinese children would only be  given short names, thus changing history forever.  

Evaluation:
This book is a great book. Saying the name Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo is fun for both the reader and the child alike. The illustrations, repetition  and moral lesson are great for young children. I loved to read this as a child and now my children love to have it read to them.

Age & Genre:
3-5 and up
folk tale

Classroom extension activities:
*have children make a ladder with toothpicks to remind them of the story's lesson
http://pbskids.org/lab/activity/nametowers/
http://www.lessonpathways.com/Pathways/Detail?path=%2FLangauge_Arts%2FYear_1_Language_Arts_Guided_Journey%2F13Tikki_Tikki_Tembo
http://saxonpublishers.hmhco.com/HA/correlations/pdf/p/Phonics_K_Lit_Extensions.pdf


Where can I buy this book? 
http://www.amazon.com/Tikki-Tembo-Arlene-Mosel/dp/0312367481/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358636959&sr=1-1&keywords=Rikki+Tikki+Tembo

The Gingerbread Man

Summary:
The Gingerbread Man Retold by Jim Aylesworth is a traditional tale about a little old woman and a little old man who decide one day to make a Gingerbread Man. The Gingerbread Man comes to life when they open up the oven door and causes chaos throughout the town until he is stopped by a sly hungry fox.

Evaluation:
This book is a great read for ages 3 years and up. The illustrations are captivating and the rhythm and rhyme are great for young children. My daughter loves to say: "Run! Run! Fast as you can! You can't catch me! I'm the Gingerbread Man!" and  "No! No! I won't come back! I'd rather run than be your snack!"

Age & Genre:
3-5 and up
folk tale

Classroom extension activities:
http://www.lauramurraybooks.com/resources/gb-tl-website-extension-ideas.pdf
http://www.kidzone.ws/thematic/gingerbread/index.htm
http://www.teachingheart.net/gingerbreadman.html

Parent activities to do with your child:
make a gingerbread man with your children
http://pinterest.com/jnase1/gingerbread-man-activities-freebies-and-more/

Where can I buy this book? 
http://www.amazon.com/Gingerbread-Man-Jim-Aylesworth/dp/0590972197/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358636104&sr=1-3&keywords=the+gingerbread+man

How Do You Hug A Porcupine?

Summary:
How Do You Hug A Porcupine? By Laurie Isop is about a boy who see's his friends hugging their animals and tries to figure out throughout the book how to hug his porcupine. The story is full of repetition, rhymes, and colorful artwork that any child would enjoy.

Evaluation:
This book is a great read for ages 3 years and up, though a younger child would enjoy listening to the story and viewing the colorful pages. As a teacher you could use this book while teaching themes about animals, manners, conduct, and friendship.

Age & Genre:
3-5
fantasy

Classroom extension activities:
pili.wiki.educ.msu.edu/.../ra+howhugaporcupine+animal+sort+
http://firstgradewow.blogspot.com/2012/02/porcupines-animal-study.html
http://bellbulldogreaders.edublogs.org/2012/03/13/how-to-hug-a-porcupine/

Parent activities to do with your child:
http://whipup.net/2011/08/31/guest-post-story-book-recipes/
http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/CatTenneDesigns-Crafts/roly-poly-echidna
http://blogs.babble.com/strollerderby/2010/07/27/easyhealthyrecipe/
http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/mporcupine.htm

Where can I buy this book? 

http://www.amazon.com/How-Do-You-Hug-Porcupine/dp/1442412917/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=
UTF8&qid=1358635168&sr=1-1&keywords=how+do+you+hug+a+porcupine+by+laurie+isop

Oh The Places You'll Go

Summary:
"Oh, The Places You'll Go" By Dr. Seuss is one of my favorite children's books. This book takes readers young and old through different aspects of life; the good, the bad, the boring, and the scary. The best part of the book is when the reader is taken to "the waiting place." Almost anyone can relate to this section of the book. Starting a a young age we have to wait for something. Reading these two pages is done almost in one breath to harp on the point of just waiting. My 4 year old daughter loves this part of the book because they are waiting for everything. Then just as soon as they get in the waiting place the little boy escapes to a happier place.
...for people just waiting.
    Waiting for a train to go
     or a bus to come, or a plane to go
     or the mail to come, or the rain to go
     or the mail phone to ring, or the snow to snow
     or waiting around for a Yes or No
     or waiting for their hair to grow.
  Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
   or waiting for wind to fly a kite
   or waiting around for Friday night
   or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
   or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
   or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
  or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. 
  Everyone is just waiting.  

No!
That's not for you!
    Somehow you'll escape
    all that waiting and staying.
    You'll find the bright places
    where Boom Bands are playing.


The waiting place teaches readers young and old that in life sometimes we do have to wait but we will eventually "escape and find a brighter place."

Genre & Age:
0-101 years
Fantasy

Evaluation:
 As you can see I LOVE this book! It's engaging, inspirational, and one of Dr. Seuss's classic books.

Some classroom extension activities for this book are:
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/2997
http://www.squidoo.com/10-best-works-by-dr-seuss

Ideas for parents:
  http://asprinkleofthis.blogspot.com/2011/07/its-girl.html
  http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=oh+the+places+you%27ll+go

Where can I buy this book?
http://www.amazon.com/Oh-Places-Youll-Dr-Seuss/dp/0679805273/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358635571&sr=1-1&keywords=oh+the+places+you%27ll+go+by+dr.+seuss