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Connecticut

Passport to Connecticut Libraries Week 3

We had a busy week during the third week of this month which meant we didn’t have the chance to visit most of the libraries I had originally planned.  We’re still pressing on though and I’ve decided my goal of libraries to visit this year will be 20.  So far we’ve visited 17 libraries around the state and we’re having a blast seeing the different libraries and experiencing some new kid-friendly places.

Passport to Connecticut Libraries Week 3

Here are the libraries we visited during the third week of the Passport to Connecticut Libraries Program:

  • Wilson Branch Library (Windsor)
  • Brainerd Memorial Library (Haddam)
  • Manchester Public Library (Manchester)

We had a FREE museum pass to Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester that we scored from our local library so we headed there before going to the Manchester public library.  I haven’t taken the kids there is about a year so it was interesting to see how much more than enjoyed it now that they are a bit older.

While in Haddam we went to Haddam Meadows State Park.  The park overlooks the scenic Connecticut River and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking.  It was a bit chilly the day we visited and there wasn’t much for the kids to do except run around in the open field of grass.  We ended up taking a walk around and then left shortly after.  It’s a nice calming and very scenic park, which would be great for summer picnics or boat rides.

Lastly, we went to Robertson Park which is located directly across the street from the Wilson Branch library in Windsor.  This park is part of Robertson Elementary School.  The kids enjoyed playing on the playground for about an hour before we headed back home.

As I mentioned, the Passport program is slowly coming to an end.  Be sure to check back next week to see if we met our goal.  I’ll be sharing our final tally of the libraries and places we visited and give you my final thoughts on participating in this program.

I hope you enjoy some of the highlights from week 3!

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Your turn:  If you live in Connecticut, have you been participating in this program too?  If so, how many libraries have you visited so far?  What’s your ultimate goal?  Feel free to share in the comments.

 

 

Book Reviews

Book of the Week: Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
goodbyesummerhelloautumn
Age Range: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
On-Sale Date: August 16, 2016

Synopsis (from Amazon)
As trees sway in the cool breeze, blue jays head south, and leaves change their colors, everyone knows–autumn is on its way!

Join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says good-bye to summer and welcomes autumn.

Reflection
It’s the last morning of the summer and a little girl decides to take a walk through her neighborhood.  This book starts off with the girl standing on her front porch saying, “Hello, late summer morning.”  She then starts walking and greeting different things in nature as she passes them: trees, foxes, blue jays, walking sticks, butterflies and more.  Each animal or plant she says hello to responds to her by providing an explanation of what it is doing to prepare for the coming autumn season.

For example, when she encounters some beavers and chipmunks, they greet her and let her know they are busy making nests and dens to hibernate in.  The flowers respond by saying they are leaning into the sun, enjoying the last summer rays.  As the girl continues her walk, she starts handing out flowers to people as she passes them on the street.  Finally, she makes it back home later in the evening when all of the animals she saw earlier are now cozy and sleeping.  The last page shows the girl sitting on her front porch saying, “Hello autumn”.

goodbyesummerhelloautumn2

The kids and I really enjoyed this book for several reasons.  First, summer is my absolute favorite season and I look forward to welcoming it every year.  It often saddens me when it’s time to say goodbye to summer because I love warm weather so much.  However, reading this book has given me a new perspective.  It taught me to relish each season. Don’t say goodbye to summer; say hello to autumn!

Other things we liked about this book are:

  • the use of color – the book starts out using hues of green to represent summer, then slowly changes over to hues of red, brown, yellow and orange for autumn
  • the simplicity of the text used throughout – minimal text is used on each page which is perfect for younger readers
  • the diversity of the characters featured in the book – as the girl is walking she passes an array of diverse people while handing them flowers
  • how well it captured the changing of the seasons via the illustrations – falling leaves, thunder, wind, rain
  • it teaches children how different animals and plants in nature prepare for the autumn season

Although this is a children’s book, I think it has a deeper lesson for adults too.  The lesson: Each season is a season. Seasons differ and there are many things to look forward to if we would choose to do so.  We should live each season and each day with passion and purpose and welcome each one as it arrives.

Other themes covered in this book: experiencing change, showing kindness to nature and other people, and seasons.  The perfect story time book to read with your little readers on the last day of summer (or in any season)!  After reading the book, take a walk through your neighborhood and notice the different animals or plants you see and the sounds in nature that you hear.

About the Author
Kenard Pak has experienced changing seasons in his life as well.  Starting out as an artist with DreamWorks and Disney, Mr. Pak has also illustrated children’s books such as Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? by Rita Gray and The Dinner That Cooked Itself by J.C. Hsyu.  He now lives in San Francisco with his wife and their three cats.

Website | Twitter

Your turn:  What is your favorite season of the year?  Do you have any traditions to say goodbye to one season and welcome another season?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Book Reviews

City Shapes by Diana Murray: A Book Review

City Shapes by Diana Murray, illustrated by Bryan Collier
cityshapesdianamurray
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
On-Sale Date: June 21, 2016
Format: Hardcover
Age Range: 3 – 7 years old
Pages: 40

Synopsis (from Amazon)
From shimmering skyscrapers to fluttering kites to twinkling stars high in the sky, everyday scenes become extraordinary as a young girl walks through her neighborhood noticing exciting new shapes at every turn. Far more than a simple concept book, City Shapes is an explosion of life. Diana Murray’s richly crafted yet playful verse encourages readers to discover shapes in the most surprising places, and Bryan Collier’s dynamic collages add even more layers to each scene in this ode to city living.

Reflection
Shapes can be found all around us. If you look closely, you’ll be surprised at how many you can find.

This adorable book takes readers on a colorful journey through the streets of New York City with a little African-American girl in search of different shapes. She encounters rectangles, triangles, circles, ovals, diamonds, and stars in various places throughout the city.

On the opening page, you see a pigeon flying through a bright cityscape exploring the scenery…shape after shape.  The little girl featured in the book walks through the city during the day and travels by bus exploring different shapes: sunglasses worn by an on-duty police officer, the wheels of a taxi, and rectangular shaped skyscrapers.  In the end you see the pigeon flying through the sky once again, but this time its enjoying the view of the night cityscape as it returns to its circle-shaped nest.  I liked how the author and illustrator made a connection between the girl and pigeon.  Each one had their own views of the city from different vantage points.  In the end, they both go back to their homes to rest for the evening.

The kids and I really enjoyed this book!  My kids love rhyming books so this one was a delight to read aloud with them.  Also, the watercolor illustrations are so bright, cheerful, and detailed.  The kids liked pointing out the different shapes in each picture.

This book inspired us to go on our own shape hunt in our neighborhood.  I think learning to spot shapes outside in nature and the environment is more than just a fun game for kids. Activities such as this can give children a sense that they know something important, making it highly likely that their shape-hunting skills will continue long after the “hunt” is over.

Overall, I think this book captures the essence of New York City one shape at a time very well.  A fun and colorful book for teaching children about shapes, exploring their surroundings/environment, and being observant.

Author & Illustrator Notes
Illustrator Bryan Collier tells readers that he modeled the little girl featured in this book after his own daughter.  Author Diana Murray was born in Ukraine, but she immigrated to New York City at the age of two.  Her inspiration to write this book was based on her experiences of walking through Midtown Manhattan on her own.

Connect with Diana Murray!
dianamurray

Website | Twitter

Connect with Bryan Collier!
bryancollier
Website

Your turn: Are you looking forward to reading this book with your little readers?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Book Reviews

Book of the Week: What is a Child? by Beatrice Alemagna

What is a Child? by Beatrice Alemagna
whatisachild
Age Range: 3 – 8 years old
Book Format: Hardcover
Pages: 36
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Available for pre-order now, on sale (in the US) September 20, 2016!

Synopsis (from Amazon)
From the bestselling author of A Lion in Paris comes this beautifully illustrated celebration of what makes each child unique. Through bold and sensitively observed portraits and a thought-provoking text, Beatrice Alemagna inspires children, and adults reading with them, to consider their own identity. Destined to become a classic, What Is a Child? is a must-have for every school, library, and bedside table.

Reflection
Wow!  I am completely in LOVE with this stunning oversized picture book!  It describes different traits and characteristics that make each child unique. It also compares children to adults in various ways using some of the most beautiful text that really makes you stop and think.

For example, it talks about how children are in a such a hurry to grow up so they can be free and decide everything for themselves.  I remember being a kid and having the desire to be a grown up.  The part of growing up that always excited me, was the freedom.  Most children are often blissfully unaware of all the responsibilities that come with the freedom they so eagerly seek – the mortgage, utility bills, and insurance to name a few.  Now that I’ve been a grown-up for many years, I long for the days of being a care-free kid again.  How about you?

whatisachild2

The book also touches up children’s inability to control their emotions.  Children immediately act based on their emotional response.  They cry when their stone has slipped into the water or because shampoo stings their eyes.  Grown-ups on the other hand, have learned how to control their emotions so they hardly ever cry even when shampoo gets up their nose.  Most grown-ups know how to keep their emotions in check when they become agitated and wait until an appropriate time in which they are calm and collected with the best setting to discuss contentious matters.

I think the author does an excellent job highlighting the fact that all children are unique and come in all shapes and sizes.  There is a lovely array of diverse children pictured throughout that I really appreciate.  In addition, I also love that the author mentioned that although children are small, that does not mean they have small ideas.  Children’s ideas can sometimes be very big and life-changing.  This is especially true today in a time where there are more children entrepreneurs than ever before in history.

I find the illustrations in this book to be simply stellar!  Each one is original, colorful, expressive, and intricate making each page a delight to look at.  When I initially received this book, I kept returning to it over and over to savor its visual delights.

Overall, I think this is a great read for both children and adults alike to enjoy together.  This is undoubtedly the best thought-provoking picture book of 2016 I’ve read thus far!  A gorgeous book that is a must-have for your home library or school.

About the Author
Beatrice Alemagna, grew up in Bologna and now lives in Paris.  She has created about thirty books which have been published all around the world.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

children's literacy

Petit Mail Story Card Subscription for Kids + Giveaway!

If you follow my blog, you’ve probably heard me talk about a variety of different subscription boxes and services for both kids and adults.  I love kids’ monthly subscription boxes because they offer unique educational experiences. They can give kids of all ages the chance to learn by doing fun projects, crafts and activities.

Today I’d like to introduce you to Petit Mail!  Have you heard about these cute subscription story cards yet?  I met Alison, owner of Petit Mail,  last month on Instagram.  I saw a picture of the cards posted on her page and immediately reached out to her.  As a mom of two kids under the age of 4, I’m always on the hunt for different activities to do that incorporate both learning and fun.

petitmail

Petit Mail is a monthly story postcard subscription for kids, ideally suited for preschoolers and early readers.  Each month, a story card arrives in a bright, fun envelope, addressed to your child.  Story themes follow the adventures of characters Oliver and Olivia, and encourage imagination, creative play and family connection.  Currently, there are only two characters available, but there are plans to expand the characters to include more diversity.

Parents and children can read each story card together and use the monthly adventure as inspiration for family time activities. Oliver is putting on a puppet show? You can too. Story topics include science, nature, reading, art and more.

With so much of our days filled with technology, it’s a wonderful treat to receive paper mail – children LOVE finding envelopes in the mailbox addressed just to them.  (My children are no different.)  Some months include little bonus extras, like stickers or bookmarks and every story card includes a link to additional content for parents with activity tips and suggestions.

When our story cards came in the mail my kids were happy to see their names printed on the envelopes.  My son received the story card entitled ‘Oliver Loves Reading’ and my daughter received ‘Olivia’s Science Project’.

The activity on the back of my son’s story card was to go to your local library and have a library scavenger hunt.  We haven’t done this yet, but I’m looking forward to doing it!  My daughter’s activity on her story card was to mix two colors together to make a new color.  We had fun using food coloring to mix blue and red to make purple and blue and yellow to make green.

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Parents and caregivers might find Petit Mail to be a very affordable gift subscription. Canada and US subscriptions cost just $6 per month (including postage) and international subscriptions are also available.  Subscriptions can be purchased for 3, 6 or 12 months, and make a great non-toy gift for kids.

Parents can find out more about Petit Mail at: http://petitmail.ca

Petit Mail Shop: http://www.petitmail.bigcartel.com

Sign up for the Petit Mail newsletter here!

Connect with Petit Mail!

Instagram | Facebook

Sounds great, is there a discount?
Yes, there is!  Here Wee Read Subscribers and readers can save $10 off a 1 year (12 month) subscription using code HEREWEEREAD until May 31, 2016!

How about a giveaway?
I’m glad you asked!  One (1) lucky winner will win a Petit Mail story card of their choice.  You can choose between the following themes:

  • Oliver Explores Art
  • Olivia’s Pen Pal
  • Oliver Loves Reading
  • Olivia The Superhero
  • Oliver Learns About Fossils
  • Olivia’s Science Project
  • Olivia Builds A Boat

Enter today!  Giveaway ends Thursday, April 28, 2016.  Good luck!

Petit Mail Story Card Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received two complimentary story cards in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Reviews

Book of the Week: Whoosh! by Chris Barton

Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super Soaking Stream of Inventions
by Chris Barton, illustrated by Don Tate
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
whooshlonniejohnson
Age Range: 7 – 10 years old
Grade Level: 2 – 5
Pages: 32
Book Format: Hardcover
On Sale: May 3, 2016

Synopsis (from Amazon)
You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy.

A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.

Reflection

I have many fond memories of playing with Super Soaker water guns as a kid.  It was definitely one of my childhood favorites and undoubtedly a summer staple in our home.  Invented in 1982 by Engineer Lonnie Johnson, the Super Soaker remains one of the most popular toys for water play of all-time.

I hate to admit that I had no clue who actually invented the Super Soaker until reading this book.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was invented by an Black man named Lonnie Johnson!  Who knew?  From this book I also learned that Lonnie was a very innovative engineer.  As an adult he worked for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the Galielo orbiter and helped to power the spacecraft as it explored Jupiter.  How cool is that?

Lonnie is a true problem solver at heart.  Ideas for other problems to solve constantly keep on flowing through his mind.  One day while testing out a new cooling system for refrigerators that didn’t use a chemical that was bad for the environment, Lonnie accidentally sprayed his entire bathroom.  That incident instantly gave him an idea for another invention – a high-powered water gun!  However, it took many years of trial and error and rejection before the Super Soaker was as successful as it is today.

whoosh-spread

The kids and I really enjoyed reading this book.  I find it to be both informative and entertaining with awesome illustrations to match. The kids especially liked saying the word “Whoosh!”  For some added fun, we read this book outside and I brought along our Super Soaker water gun and sprayed it every time the word “Whoosh” appeared throughout the book.

I also didn’t find this book to be too wordy as some nonfiction children’s typically books are.  In addition, I loved the fact that this book tells you a little about Lonnie’s family, his childhood, the college he attended, his life as an adult, and of course how the Super Soaker came to be.  My absolute favorite thing about this book is that Lonnie’s mother fully supported him and believed in him from the very beginning even when their kitchen caught on fire.  She didn’t make him stop, she just sent him to work outside.

This book teaches kids things like: creativity, problem-solving, tenacity, grit, patience, rejection, and hard work.  I’d highly recommend this book for kids who have a love for rockets, inventions, water guns, and a mind for creativity.  Also great for studying Black inventors.  I think they will enjoy learning about the many challenges Lonnie faced and how he solved his problems.  A fun summertime read!

Lonnie Johnson, Inventor of the Super Soaker
lonnie-johnson

About the Author
Chris Barton is the award-winning, New York Times best-selling author of several books for children, including Shark vs. Train and the Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors.  He lives in Austin, Texas.

About the Illustrator
Don Tate is an award-willing author and illustrator of many books for children.  His illustrated books include: The Cart That Carried Martin and Hope’s Gift.  He is also both author and illustrator of It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw as well as Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton.  He lives in Austin, Texas.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Your turn: Are you looking forward to reading this book with your little readers?  Feel free to share in the comments.

children's books

Save Money on Toys & Books with Groupon Coupons!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Groupon Coupons.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I recently downsized my kids toy collection since it was starting to get out of hand, especially the amount of battery operated toys.  Ugh!  Now that we’ve minimized, my goal is to find a way to have toys without having the toys take over the house. I love seeing toys around the house here and there because I know this stage is fleeting. I like my children to feel that the house is a place to play and have fun, however, I don’t want the toys to be out of control and nearly impossible to clean up.

After getting rid of so many toys, I purchased some educational toy replacements including many books.  And since I love saving money, Groupon Coupons was my go-to website for finding the best deals on both books and educational toys.

Save Money on Toys & Books with Groupon Coupons!

There’s no doubt that many people have saved an impressive amount of money by using Groupon Coupons. It’s a treasure trove for savings on all sorts of items and services.  You can save anywhere from 10 – 50% or more on items like: toys, books, clothing, restaurant discounts and more!  The best part?  It’s totally FREE!

From the Groupon Coupons website you can check out the best offers of the day.  After that, you can start a search for the exact item(s) that you need either by category or store.  Right now Barnes & Noble has a coupon for 15% off any one item and Melissa & Doug is offering up to 20% off arts & crafts items.

Here are some of my favorite retailers that have great deals:

If your kids’ toy situation is out of control and you want to get a handle on it, why not turn it into a spring cleaning project?  Replace all of those battery-operated toys or ones they’ve outgrown with some good quality toys by taking advantage of the amazing deals that Groupon Coupons offers.  Happy purging and shopping!

Connect with Groupon Coupons!
Facebook | Twitter

Your turn: Do you ever use Groupon Coupons to save money and pay for toys, books or everyday necessities? Feel free to share in the comments.

Connecticut

Passport to Connecticut Libraries Week 2

Happy National Library Week!  Last week Mother Nature wasn’t on our side.  We experienced sun, wind, rain, and snow all in one week.  I still can’t believe we had snow in April!  Despite the weather, we made it to 10 libraries around the state one of which ended up being an unexpected new addition from our original list.

This week the weather has been much more favorable which has been great since we didn’t get to go to any of the outdoor parks or destinations I had lined up for last week.  That’s ok though because summer is right around the corner so there will be plenty of opportunities to explore those parks and many more in the coming months.

Passport to CT LibrariesWeek 2Here are the libraries we plan to visit during the second week of the Passport to Connecticut Libraries Program:

  • Meriden Public Library (Meriden)
  • Berlin-Peck Memorial Library (Berlin)
  • Windsor Public Library (Windsor)
  • Wallingford Public Library (Wallingford)

Since my daughter is on spring break from school this week we have other activities planned so we’ll just be visiting the individual libraries without going to any kid-friendly places afterwards.  I’ll be sure to have some additional kid-friendly places to visit around the state for weeks 3 and 4.  We have a special outing planned for the last week in April that I’m really looking forward to sharing with you.  Stay tuned!

Enjoy a few highlights from our travels last week below.

passporttoctlibrariesweek1

Your turn: If you live in Connecticut, have you also been participating in this wonderful program?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Book Reviews

Miles & Mia A to Z: A Book Review

Miles & Mia A to Z by Michaela Alexander
Pages: 40
Recommended for children ages: birth to 7 years old
miles&miaatoz
Synopsis
Miles & Mia A to Z is an educational, picture book that teaches children different letters of the alphabet in a fun way. Featuring rhyming text and colorful original illustrations, Miles & Mia A to Z is sure to delight children of all ages as well as parents.

Reflection
I first learned about this book from my favorite social media platform, Instagram.  I literally could not wait for it to be released so I could read it with my kids and share it with my readers!  Now that I finally received my copy in the mail I can tell you all about it.

miles & Mia A to Z

First off, let me acknowledge the author and illustrator of this book for penning an alphabet book that features Black children.  Although I read a variety of different books with my kids, I get the most enjoyment from seeing their eyes light up when they see characters in books that they can relate to who look like them.

When I showed this book to the kids for the first time they both looked at the book cover and said, “That’s me!”  That truly made my heart sing and actually tear up a little bit because I’m so happy they have the opportunity to see diverse characters being represented in children’s books.  That’s something I never had growing up as a child.

Miles & Mia A to Z is such a a fun and adorable rhyming book!  Not only does it teach children the letters of the alphabet, but it also incorporates additional learning and some great vocabulary words for little readers like: guava, hummingbird, sushi, and zephyrosaurus.  The illustrations are so lively and colorful and show Miles & Mia experiencing a variety of things from sailing on a pirate ship to traveling to the planet Neptune in outer space.

I also appreciate the fact that this book was shipped in such high quality and durable packaging.  The customer service and attention to detail are impeccable!  We received a personal signed copy addressed to both of my children and some cute little Miles & Mia stickers that my kids adore!  I love it when companies take the initiative to go the extra mile for their customers and add their own personal touch.

I think this book is a definite must have alphabet book for your child’s home library, especially for little readers from diverse backgrounds.  To me, there is something so magical about a child seeing themselves being represented in books which in turns helps them to establish a lifelong love of reading.  Pick this one up for your little bookworms!  Order your copy here!

About Miles & Mia
milesandmiaatoz
Born out of a love of stories, young Miles & Mia are the inspiration for the Miles & Mia collective of tales, based on their adventures of growing up in London, UK.

Meet Miles, a smart six year-old that loves to play football and being outdoors. Miles says that running around at the football match means he is helping himself to grow healthy and strong. When he is not kicking a ball about, Miles loves geography and learning about the history of the world. Every country is his favorite, he says, and he hopes he can visit many places and write about them when he grows up.

Miles’ partner-in-adventure is his little sister, Mia. Four years old and full of energy, which is definitely needed as it helps keep her on her, dancing toes at ballet club. Mia also loves to sing and draw and made sure that she wore her favorite black and white stripy tights in every Miles & Mia adventure as they make her dance and run faster, she says!

Together, this close sibling duo along with their Pomeranian dog Major, spend their time giggling and taking on the world as they make new friends, discover and learn new things and occasionally get into a little hot water.

Keeping this vibrant tribe ticking along like clockwork is mommy Michaela. Michaela makes sure Miles & Mia mind their ps and qs, but most importantly that they look after each other and are kind to people. Every day is an adventure for young Miles & Mia and they would love you to join them on their journey.

Connect with Miles & Mia!
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Your turn: Are you looking forward to reading this book with your little ones?  If you’ve already read, did your kids enjoy it?  Feel free to share in the comments.

children's books

Book of the Week: Lionheart by Richard Collingridge

Lionheart by Richard Collingridge
lionheart
Age Range: 3 – 5 Years Old
32 Pages

This book has instantly turned me into a new fan of Richard Collingridge’s work.  I featured this book in my ultimate list of 2016 picture books and I knew back then just from looking at the cover and reading the synopsis it was going to be an amazing book – I was right!

I read this book myself first which certainly helped to make my reading aloud more entertaining and suspenseful for the kids (at least I think it did).

lionheartrichardcollingridge

 

Lionheart introduces us to a little boy named Richard who hears something in his bedroom before laying down to go to sleep, but what is it? Is it a monster? Richard goes on a quest outside to find out walking through thick grass and trees until he reaches a magical jungle where there are animals all around. He keeps running and running until he encounters Lionheart – his Lionheart.  (Lionheart is Richard’s stuffed animal toy.)

With Lionheart, Richard is not afraid. In fact, he forgets all about the monster. When Lionheart , Richard and all the animals finally see the monster face-to-face, Richard looks at Lionheart and instantly he knows what to do…he roars!

This book is so well done! From the text, to the illustrations, to the heart pounding suspense. And the overall message of conquering your fears is terrific!  I love how Lionheart teaches Richard to be brave which in turn helps him to stop being afraid of monsters.

A few days after reading this book I heard the kids playing “monster” together.  My son was the monster chasing my daughter and then she turned around and roared and said, “I’m not afraid of you monster!”

I think this is the perfect book if your little readers are afraid of monsters, being in the dark, or if you want to teach them bravery and confidence.

You can watch the trailer for the book here.

Your turn: Have you read this book with your little readers yet?  Feel free to share in the comments.

family fun

11 Kids Movies We Can’t Wait to See in 2016 (Plus Bonus Movies for Adults)!

As much as I like to read, I also love going to the movie theater to watch movies!  Especially when the movie first debuts or if I’m lucky enough to attend a pre-screening prior to the movie being released to the general public.  I don’t get a chance to watch much TV at home so going to the movies and being able to actually sit and watch an entire movie from start to finish is a real treat for me…(it’s the little things).

The kids and I have seen our fair share of kids movies over the past couple of years from Zootopia to The Good Dinosaur.  And while some parents of two and three year olds may not be so willing to bring their kids to the movies, I would take my kids to a new movie every other weekend or at the very least once a month if there were enough supply of kids movies to meet our demand.  Surprisingly, my kids actually do sit and watch the movies, but only when we’re in the theater – at home is a totally different story.  Go figure!

11 Kids Movies We Can't Wait to See in 2016!

There are some great kids and family movies coming out this year that we’re really looking forward to seeing.  Here’s the top 11 we’re most excited about:

Title: The Jungle Book
Release Date: April 15th, 2016
Rating: PG
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Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray).

Title: Ratchet & Clank
Release Date: April 29th, 2016
Rating: PG
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Ratchet and Clank tells the story of two unlikely heroes as they struggle to stop a vile alien named Chairman Drek from destroying every planet in the Solana Galaxy. When the two stumble upon a dangerous weapon capable of destroying entire planets, they must join forces with a team of colorful heroes called The Galactic Rangers in order to save the galaxy. Along the way they’ll learn about heroism, friendship, and the importance of discovering one’s own identity.

Title: Finding Dory
Release Date: June 17th, 2016
Rating: G
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“Finding Dory” takes place about a year after the first film, and features returning favorites Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang, among others. Set in part along the California coastline, the story also welcomes a host of new characters, including a few who will prove to be a very important part of Dory’s life.

Title: Ice Age: Collision Course
Release Date: July 22nd, 2016
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Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.

Title: The BFG
Release Date: July 1st, 2016
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Have you read this book yet?  I love it!

The exciting tale of a young London girl and the mysterious Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, “The BFG” (Big Friendly Giant) was published in 1982 and has been enchanting readers of all ages ever since. Dahl’s books, which also include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Matilda” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” are currently available in 58 languages and have sold over 200 million copies worldwide.

Title: The Secret Life of Pets
Release Date: July 8th, 2016
Rating: G
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For one bustling Manhattan apartment building, the real day starts after the folks on two legs leave for work and school. That’s when the pets of every stripe, fur, and feather begin their own nine-to-five routine: hanging out with each other, trading humiliating stories about their owners or auditioning adorable looks to get better snacks. The buildings top dog, Max (voiced by Louis C.K.) a quick witted terrier rescue who’s convinced he sits at the center of his owner’s universe, finds his pampered life rocked when she brings home Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a sloppy, massive mess of a mongrel with zero interpersonal skills. When this reluctant canine due find themselves out on the mean streets pf New York, they have to set aside their differences and unite against a fluffy-yet cunning bunny named Snowball (Kevin Hart), who’s building an army of ex-pets abandoned by their owners and out to turn the tables on humanity…all before dinner time.

Title: Storks
Release Date: September 23rd, 2016
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Storks deliver babies…or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for global internet giant Cornerstore.com. Junior, the company’s top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine, producing an adorable and wholly unauthorized baby girl. Desperate to deliver this bundle of trouble before the boss gets wise, Junior and his friend Tulip, the only human on Stork Mountain, race to make their first-ever baby drop – in a wild and revealing journey that could make more than one family whole and restore the storks’ true mission in the world.

Title: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Release Date: September 30th, 2016
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I haven’t read this book yet, but the movie looks like it will be fantastic!

From director Tim Burton and based upon the best-selling novel, comes an unforgettable, thrilling and haunting tale. Sixteen-year-old Jacob follows clues that take him to a mysterious island where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores the abandoned bedrooms and hallways, he discovers that its former occupants were far more than peculiar; they possessed incredible powers. And they may still be alive.

Title: Trolls
Release Date: November 4th, 2016
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The film will be a grand scale musical comedy centering around how the Trolls came into their vibrant and colorful hair.

Title: Moana
Release Date: November 23rd, 2016
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Kudos to Disney for creating a new multicultural Polynesian princess!

In the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania, Moana, a born navigator, sets sail in search of a fabled island. During her incredible journey, she teams up with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui, to traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore.

Title: Sing
Release Date: December 21st, 2016
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This movie looks like it will be hilarious!

Illumination has captivated audiences all over the world with the beloved hits Despicable Me, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, Despicable Me 2 and Minions, now the second-highest-grossing animated movie in history. Following the release of The Secret Life of Pets in summer 2016, Illumination presents Sing at the holidays. Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton and Tori Kelly star in a musical comedy about finding the shining star that lives inside all of us.

Bonus Movies for Adults (Based on Best-Selling Novels)

Title: Me Before You
Release Date: June 3, 2016
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I cannot wait to see this movie!  I absolutely LOVED the book!

Young and quirky Louisa “Lou” Clark (Emilia Clarke) moves from one job to the next to help her family make ends meet. Her cheerful attitude is put to the test when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident two years earlier. Will’s cynical outlook starts to change when Louisa shows him that life is worth living. As their bond deepens, their lives and hearts change in ways neither one could have imagined.

Title: The Light Between Oceans
Release Date: September 2nd, 2016
Rating: PG-13
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This book has been on my TBR list forever!  Maybe I’ll finally get around to reading it before the movie comes out.

After four harrowing years on the Western Front, Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia and takes a job as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, nearly half a day’s journey from the coast. To this isolated island, where the supply boat comes once a season, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later, after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, the grieving Isabel hears a baby’s cries on the wind. A boat has washed up onshore carrying a dead man and a living baby.

Tom, who keeps meticulous records and whose moral principles have withstood a horrific war, wants to report the man and infant immediately. But Isabel insists the baby is a “gift from God,” and against Tom’s judgment, they claim her as their own and name her Lucy. When she is two, Tom and Isabel return to the mainland and are reminded that there are other people in the world. Their choice has devastated one of them.

Title: The Girl on the Train
Release Date: October 7th, 2016
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Confession: I started reading this book last year, but for some reason it didn’t hold my attention.  I know lots of other people raved about it.  I’ll just wait for the movie to come out to see what the hype around this book is all about.

Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Justin Theroux, Haley Bennett, Edgar Ramirez and Allison Janney star in DreamWorks Pictures’ THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, from director Tate Taylor (The Help, Get on Up) and producer Marc Platt (Bridge of Spies, Into the Woods). In the thriller, Rachel (Blunt), who is devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds. Based on Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel, The Girl on the Train is adapted for the screen by Erin Cressida Wilson and Taylor. The film’s executive producers are Jared LeBoff and Celia Costas, and it will be released by Universal Pictures.

Your turn: What movies are you excited to see on the big screen in the theater this year?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Book Reviews

The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci: A Book Review

The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci by Guido Visconti, illustrated by Bimba Landmann
Age Range: 5 to 11 years
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Synopsis
Meet Leonardo da Vinci: artist, engineer, pacifist and inventor. Told through the eyes of da Vinci’s young apprentice, this stunning book will fascinate youngsters — and inspire everyone! Features original words and drawings from da Vinci’s notebooks to spark curiosity about STEAM and offer a unique glimpse into this boundary-busting thinker.

Reflection
Since this book was much longer than I expected it to be (it’s 40 pages, but the text per page is a bit lengthy), I chose not to read it aloud with the kids because I didn’t think it would hold their attention too long.  However, I read this book on my own and found it to be both interesting and enjoyable.

The book is a biography of Leonardo’s life told through the eyes of his mischievous 10 year-old assistant, Giacomo.   I was surprised to learn that Leonard was not only an artist, but he was also an engineer, map maker, scientist, inventor, and musician.  No wonder why he’s often referred to as being a genius.  Although he is very wise, I like the fact that he didn’t appear to be too cocky or a “know-it-all”, just a regular down to earth guy who just happened to be very intelligent and talented.

Little Giacomo is quite mischievous in the book often annoying Leonardo.  I think kids will be able to relate to his character.  Leonardo refers to him as being “a liar, a thief and a greedy brute who eats as much as two boys and causes as much trouble as four.”

The book also includes a series of Leonardo’s wonderful quotes, original sketches and a glimpse of the his later years, including his paintings of the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.  My favorite quote is: “A person’s life is just a moment in infinity.”

Although I didn’t read this book aloud with my children, I definitely plan to when they are a bit older.  This book is filled with gorgeous illustrations, original works of art and awesome vocabulary building words for little readers.  I’d recommend this book for older children ages 6 -12.  It’s perfect for helping students research Leonardo’s life for a biography homework assignment.

Your turn: Have you read this book yet with your little readers?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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