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Book Reviews

The Banana-Leaf Ball: How Play Can Change the World

The Banana-Leaf Ball: How Play Can Change the World by Katie Smith Milway, illustrated by Shane W. Evans

Publisher: Kids Can Press (CitizenKid Series)
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Age Range: 4-8 years and up
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Lexile Measure: 780
Available for Sale: April 4, 2017

Synopsis
Separated from his family when they were forced to flee their home, a young East African boy named Deo lives alone in the Lukole refugee camp in Tanzania. With scarce resources at the camp, bullies have formed gangs to steal what they can, and a leader named Remy has begun targeting Deo. Then one day a coach gathers all the children to play soccer. Though Deo loves soccer and has even made his own ball out of banana leaves, he’s unsure at first about joining in when he sees Remy on the field. But as Deo and the other boys get drawn into the game, everything begins to change. Their shared joy in playing provides the children — including Remy — with a sense of belonging.  Ball by ball, practice by practice, children who were once afraid of each other laugh together, the book explains, and no one feels so alone anymore.

Based on a true story, Katie Smith Milway’s inspiring tale shows how a desperate situation can be improved by finding common ground through play. It provides a perfect starting point for discussing the social justice issues surrounding the growing number of refugees worldwide. Award-winning Shane W. Evans’s artwork powerfully and poignantly personalizes for children the experience of refugees. Furthermore, the book examines the value of using sports to build pro-social behavior, particularly as it relates to bullying. By depicting characters who change and evolve over the course of the story, kids of all backgrounds and experiences will find something positive to relate to. The back matter contains information about the real Deo, instructions for games that build trust and inclusion through play, and suggestions for how to support play-based nonprofit organizations.

Reflection
Just like representation, play matters! Based on a true story, The Banana-Leaf Ball is the perfect example to showcase the importance of play for children of all ages.

Little Deo and his family must flee their home in Burundi after a war breaks out. Leaving with just the essentials (pots, blankets and food), Deo is saddened there is no room for his beloved his soccer ball made from banana leaves. His father promises him he can make one when he gets to the Lukole refugee camp in Tanzania.


Source: Twitter @Kids Can Press

Separated by his family, Deo feels alone at the camp and he is bullied by a gang leader. He misses his family and longs for the days of playing soccer with his friends. Before long, Deo shows all of his new friends how to make banana-leaf balls so they can practice and play soccer together. Although there are still problems in the refugee camp, the boys all feel like a team. They formed a special bond all because of banana leaves and their love of playing soccer.

I think this book is great!  Apart from the illustrations, the thing I like the best is the amazing organizations listed in the back all centered around the importance of play! The organizations all use soccer and other forms of play to build compassion and confidence in boys and girls. Each organization also lists different games (including directions) you can play with your kids.  I also enjoyed the wide variety of themes featured throughout including: sports (soccer), teamwork, bullying, refugees, community, war, confidence, social change, overcoming differences, and friendship.

In the back little readers can learn more about the real Deo and see pictures of what real banana leaf balls look like. Recommended for soccer lovers, little agents of change and children interested in social justice.

Book Reviews

Thunder Underground by Jane Yolen (A Book Review)

Thunder Underground by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Josée Massee

Publisher: WordSong
Format: Hardcover
Age Range: 5 – 10 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 5
Pages: 32

Synopsis
In this collection of poems, noted children’s poet Jane Yolen takes readers on an expedition underground, exploring everything from animal burrows and human creations, like subways, near the surface—to ancient cities and fossils, lower down—to caves, magma, and Earth’s tectonic plates, deeper still below our feet. At the same time, in Josée Masse’s rich art, a girl and boy, accompanied by several animals, go on a fantastic underground journey. This book contains science, poetry, and an adventure story all rolled into one. But it’s also more than that: In these poems we see that beneath us are the past, present, future—history, truth, and story. This thought-provoking collection will evoke a sense of wonder and awe in readers, as they discover the mysterious world underneath us.

Reflection
Did you know that corn plants can “talk”?  Recent scientific studies show the roots of corn roots emit sounds that can’t be heard by the human ear alone, but can be recorded.  How interesting!  This is just one of the fascinating things little readers will learn by reading Thunder Underground, a fun and informative poetry book great for children ages 5 – 10.

In this book, a young Black girl and White boy go an adventure to explore a variety of things commonly found underground: fossils, animals, tree roots, subway stations and buried treasures.  Each of the twenty-one poems challenges children to use their imagination and wonder.

There are several wonderful poems throughout this book, but my favorites are entitled: Under, Seeds and Corny Conversations.  The thing I like most about this book is it exposes children to nature, science and poetry all at the same time.  By reading the additional notes in the back, there is even more scientific and personal information about each of the poems.  I even learned a new word by reading this book – “spelunk” which is the word for “going caving.”

I think the wordplay in this book is excellent and really challenges children to think on a deeper level in order to grasp the meaning of some of the poems.

Where we all end.
And we all start.

This dot,
this spot,
this period at the end
of winter’s sentence
writes its way up
through the full slate of soil
into the paragraph of spring.

I think Thunder Underground would be great for reading aloud with younger children, but it’s also ideal to use in an English or creative writing class especially during National Poetry Month.

Your turn: Are you excited to check this poetry book out?  What are some of your favorite Jane Yolen books?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Book Reviews

Breaking the Sickle: A Snippet of the Life of Dr. Yvette Fay Francis-McBarnette

Breaking the Sickle: A Snippet of the Life of Dr. Yvette Fay Francis-McBarnette by Louie McClain II

Publisher: Melanin Origins LLC
Pages: 34
Format: Paperback
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

Synopsis
Have you ever wondered what your passion was? What you were put on this Earth to do? Dr. Yvette Fay Francis-McBarnette, a trail blazing woman of medicine, understood exactly what her purpose was in life. Her interest and area of expertise was researching ways to identify those with sickle cell early on, and providing therapeutic solutions to induce an improved quality of life for those who suffered from the disease. Dr. Francis-McBarnette led an extraordinary life that tells such an amazing story of hope and encouragement. Read along as Melanin Origins presents a childlike perspective of her formula for breaking the cycle of Sickle Cell Disease.

Reflection
In this third book in the Melanin Origins series, little readers learn about Dr. Yvette Fay Francis-McBarnette, a Jamaican-born medical pioneer in treating children with sickle cell anemia.  Dr. McBarnette was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on May 10, 1926.  She died on March 28, 2016 in Alexandria, Virginia. She was 89 years old.

In true Melanin Origins fashion, Breaking the Sickle exposes children to another important and prominent historical figure with a modern twist.  The graphic illustrations are vivid and include a variety of diverse childlike and adult characters throughout.  Not only does this book teach children about Dr. McBarnette’s life, it also explains what sickle cell disease is along with listing a few of the symptoms and statistics.  So there is a little STEM involved in this book too!  Through easy to understand text and illustrations, children can see the difference between normal red blood cells and sickle cells.

I think Breaking the Sickle does a wonderful job educating children about a strong woman who broke down barriers of both race and gender throughout her lifetime.  I’m also impressed that 25% of all proceeds from this book will be donated to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of North Texas.  Those proceeds will be used to help fund research to cure Sickle Cell Disease and enhance the quality of life for people suffering from this disease around the world.

Since sickle cell disease mostly affects people of African ancestry, I think this is an important book to expose to African-American children (or any children) who may be suffering from the disease.  Children (or adults) born with sickle cell will be able to relate to this book in a positive way seeing themselves being represented.  Check out this great story of determination, hope and encouragement with your little readers.

Connect with Melanin Origins!
Website | FacebookTwitter | Instagram

melaninorigins

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

Your turn: What is your favorite book in the Melanin Origins series?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Book Reviews

My Brown Baby: On the Joys and Challenges of Raising African-American Children

My Brown Baby: On the Joys and Challenges of Raising African-American Children by Denene Millner

Publisher: Agate Bolden
Pages: 272
Format: Paperback

Synopsis
For almost a decade, national parenting expert and bestselling author Denene Millner has published thought-provoking, insightful, sometimes wickedly funny commentary about motherhood on her critically acclaimed website MyBrownBaby.com. The site, hailed as a “must-read” by the New York Times, speaks to the experiences, joys, fears, sorrows, and triumphs of African American motherhood, from pregnancy and child-rearing to relationships and the politics of parenting black children.

After publishing almost 2,000 posts aimed at lifting the voices of moms and dads of color, Millner has now curated My Brown Baby, a collection of the website’s most important and insightful essays. This one-of-a-kind parenting book offers perspectives on the issues moms of color and mothers of children of color face as they raise their kids—from birthing while black to negotiating discipline to preparing children for racism.

Through her website, Millner has created a space for African American moms and parents of black children, many of whom long to lend their critical but all-too-often ignored voices to the national parenting discussion. Full of essays that readers of all backgrounds will find provocative, My Brown Baby acknowledges that there absolutely are issues that African American parents must deal with that white parents never have to confront if they’re not raising brown children. This book chronicles these differences with open arms, a lot of love, and the deep belief that though we may come from separate places and have different backgrounds, all parents want the same things for our families, and especially for our children.

Reflection
Are you an African-American mom or mom-to-be? Buy this book! A parent raising adopted children of color? Buy this book! Thinking about having your own children or adopting children of color in the future? Buy this book! Curious about what it’s like as a parent raising Black or mixed race children? Buy this book!

It’s a collection of personal essays taken from Denene Millner’s popular website mybrownbaby.com over the past decade. The essays are organized by the different stages of parenting with topics like: the nuts and bolts of parenting Black children, the joys, pains, and politics of natural hair, Black children and racism, and tending to the self-esteem of Black children.

My personal favorite topics include: new motherhood,  raising them up, hair stories, the souls of black folk and mother love.  I found myself laughing out loud, nodding my head, smiling, and even tearing up a bit as I read this book. Being a Black parent raising two Black children, I found this book to be very relatable to me and our family.  I love that Millner has created this book to be the “voice” for us parents raising Black and brown children. While raising children is virtually the same for all parents across the board (regardless of race), there are in fact certain issues that parents raising White children will never have to confront.  Millner outlines these differences and embraces them with open arms throughout the book.

There are so many good nuggets of information and great essays found in the pages of My Brown Baby. You may find yourself highlighting and underlining several different passages or earmarking pages that you want to refer back to another time.  That is what happened to me.  This book really gets into the nitty gritty details of parenting Black children and “tells it like it is” through the eyes of the author who also happens to be a mother of two beautiful daughters. You’ll learn how to tend to the self-esteem for Black children, tackling naturally kinky hair, how to guard your children from the “N” word, and why Millner lets her children watch reality TV shows.

I also like the fact that readers get to know a little more about the author through some personal narrative.  She openly shares an early miscarriage story and also lets readers know that she is adopted.  I find Millner’s personal journey as a mother to be fascinating.  It’s so interesting to see how her experiences helped shape her into the wife and parent she is today.

While this book is geared towards African-Americans raising Black and Brown children, it can be read and enjoyed by people of all races.  Check it out for a dose of laughter and inspiration while learning modern-day parenting tips and techniques.

Your turn: Have you read this book yet?  Feel free to share your thoughts on the book in the comments.

Book Reviews

Fidel Creations: Amharic/English Bilingual Board Books for Kids

Have you ever heard of Ge’ez Script?  It’s a native African writing system used in Ethiopia and Eritrea.  Fidel Creations has a goal to celebrate this fascinating ancient script and bring it to the forefront through their line of beautiful bilingual books and other baby and parent-friendly products.

The books My Farm Animal Friends and My Wild Animal Friends introduces colorful and delightfully illustrated animals to children.  The text is written in both Amharic and English.  Both books include the names of common farm animals as well as exotic wild animal life: cat, dog, rooster, elephant, monkey and lion just to name a few. Transliteration of Amharic names are also displayed to help guide readers to correctly pronounce Amharic translations as well as enable non-Amharic readers to learn a few Amharic words.

While I don’t currently have any plans to learn Amharic or teach it to my children, these books may help other families – especially families raising children from Ethiopia or Eritrea.  I think it’s important to keep kids connected to their birth culture.  By Fidel Creations making these bilingual board books they are helping babies, toddlers and parents learn a few Amharic words to use in their everyday life.  A durable and high quality bilingual board book series for babies and toddlers.  Check them out!

Connect with Fidel Creations!

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Book Reviews

My Kicks: A Sneaker Story by Susan Verde (A Book Review)

My Kicks: A Sneaker Story by Susan Verde, illustrated by Katie Kath

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Age Range: 5 – 7 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 2
Available for Sale: April 11, 2017

Synopsis
Boys love sneakers. But when a child finds that his toes have outgrown his favorite shoes, and they’ve gotten too dirty and smelly, his mom says it’s time for a new pair. Resistant to let go, the boy reminisces about all the good times he’s had with his favorite kicks on the city streets. There’s the paint splatter from his masterpiece and the drip from a Popsicle. There’s the scuff from when he fell off his skateboard. And there are those frayed laces that he learned to tie in bows and doubles. A new pair just won’t be the same. But, with bigger shoes to fill, the boy realizes new adventures await him. Maybe he could paint a little better? Or skate a little faster? This picture book explores the love and pride that kids have for their sneakers and the joy that can be found in growing up, growing out, and moving on.

Reflection
Let’s face it, many kids are rough on shoes after they’ve worn them a few times.  I’ve witnessed my kids kick off their shoes when they get home, drag them across the floor and jump in puddles or snow.  Shoes take a beating everyday and many bear the scars and signs of wear and tear.  But as we learn in the book My Kicks: A Sneaker Story, there’s nothing like an old pair of kicks (sneakers).  They have so many stories to tell.

My Kicks is a charming story about a little boy who has outgrown his favorite pair of red sneakers during his summer vacation. When the boys’ mom tells him it’s time to to get a new pair, he starts reminiscing about all the fun he’s had with his favorite pair of kicks.  It’s through the boys’ flashbacks that little readers learn a little more about him like: he knows how to tie his shoes, he likes to run and jump in puddles, he rides a skateboard, he likes to climb trees, he enjoys painting and playing soccer. When he finally picks out a new pair of yellow sneakers and tries them on he can’t wait to start making new memories.

The kids and I really enjoy this story because we can relate to it.  While the kids enjoy getting new shoes, there have been times when they’ve wanted to keep their old ones because they were so attached to them.  Much like the boy in this story, they are excited when they finally try on their new shoes for the first time.  Once that happens they don’t want to take them off!

The watercolor illustrations are cute and whimsical showing a diverse set of characters throughout.  I like the ending where they boy is shown placing his old shoes on the dresser in his bedroom instead of throwing them away.  It shows just how much he really likes them.  In addition, it shows children they can still hold on to their beloved possessions a little while longer until it’s truly time to let them go.  I also like the overall messages and themes of this story.  It touches upon topics like: letting go and moving on, growing up, making decisions, friendship and the joys of playing and being a kid.

There is also a fun surprise for kids if you remove the dust jacket of this book: a handy step-by-step shoe tying guide. I personally think this should have been placed in the endpapers or at the beginning of this book instead of on the cover as it can easily be missed if you don’t know it’s there.  If you don’t want to take off the dust jacket you can visit the author’s website to find the shoe tying guide there.



I think parents will enjoy reading this story and start reminiscing about their favorite pair of kicks growing up. Thinking back to my own childhood, name brand sneakers like Nike, Reebox, L.A. Gear and Adidas were popular.  I remember getting my first pair of Reebox sneakers.  I thought I was so hot!  Prior to that all of my other sneakers ubiquitous, unbranded, ugly and cheap.  I loved my cheap shoes though because they were so easy to run around in, and my mom loved them because they saved wear and tear on my “real” shoes.  It’s fascinating to see how much sneakers have morphed into designer athletic shoes over the years.

Overall, this is a fun read for kids (boys and girls) ages 5- 7 and up.  Check it out in April 2017 when it publishes!

Connect with Susan Verde!
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Katie Kath!
Website | TwitterFacebook

Your turn: Are you looking forward to reading this book with your little readers?  What was your favorite pair of kicks growing up? Feel free to share in the comments.

STEM

Bitsbox: Teach Your Kids to Code Before Middle School!

Photo courtesy of Bitsbox

We’re all familiar with the basic skills of learning also known as the three Rs: reading, writing and arithmetic. Now that we’re in the 21st century, I think in addition to knowing the three Rs children should also know and understand the basics of coding.  How about reading, writing, arithmetic and … html?  Or reading, writing, arithmetic and … Javascript?

As a Computer Programmer and lover of all things STEM, it’s important for me to expose my children to technology in order to help them build foundations for future academic and career success.  I want them to be as code-savvy as possible from a young age.  Online skills are becoming as important as reading and writing for the younger generations, so why not give them a head start?  Since they are both still currently under the age of 5, my main goals are making sure they know their way around a computer and teaching them the basics of coding.  They already know how to navigate smartphones and tablets better than many older adults.

When I came across Bitsbox on Instagram I was thrilled!  Did you happen to see their appearance on Shark Tank a few weeks ago?  Bitsbox is a subscription box that sends coding exercises to kids each month in order to help them learn coding. It includes app cards and coding themed toys to keep the kids interested in learning more month after month.  Kids can see the exact code and the results of their changes in real time!

Here are a few reasons why I absolutely LOVE Bitsbox:

  • It sends a clear reminder to parents that “coding is the new literacy.”
  • Coding experience is NOT required!  Remember, this is simple and it’s designed for kids.
  • You receive a cute “Apper Keeper” to store and organize all of the coding exercises.  Remember the old Trapper Keepers from the 1980’s?
  • Through repeated repetition, kids have the chance to play around and see how basic coding and functions work before they graduate to more complex learning.
  • It encourages children to learn design while fostering their problem solving abilities. Kids can change colors, add different backgrounds, songs and sounds to their creations.
  • It is specially designed for young children (ages 6-14) to give them a developmentally appropriate understanding of how coding works.
  • It helps teach children how to type and become more familiar with a keyboard.
  • Once you become a Bitsbox user you have access to the website for free, and can continue to use the cards and online apps for as long as the website is available for continued teaching and learning.
  • They offer different resources for parents AND classroom teachers.
  • It’s fun: My kids LOVE doing it! (And they are currently only 3.5 and 4.5 years old!)

The first box focuses on the coding skill of coordinates.  Remember plotting x and y coordinates on graphing paper for math homework?  This is the exact same concept except it’s done by typing code.  The coordinates tell the computer where to place an object on the screen.  Sound too complex?  Don’t worry, Bitsbox made this super simple to understand by including a handy explanation guide for kids (and grownups).

To get started coding with Bitsbox all you need is a computer with a keyboard (desktop or laptop) and a web browser. (It’s currently not available to use on a tablet or smartphone.)  You then go to the Bitsbox website and login using either a grownup account or a kids account.  (All of your work will be saved to your account so you can refer back to it later.)  Next, your child starts building  their own customized apps which can be downloaded to a phone or tablet just like any other app!

Remember handing assignments in on paper, or even via email?  Thanks to the push for computer science education and subscription boxes like Bitsbox, it seems likely that students of the future will be handing in their homework with hand-built websites and even smartphone applications.  How cool would that be?

Our family is now officially a Bitsbox-loving family!  I honestly think it’s a fantastic way for kids and grownups to learn to code together.  It’s fun and easy to use even if you have no previous computer coding experience.  I’m confident as the kids get older they’ll need less assistance from me – that’s how easy it is to use and understand.

Ready to try Bitsbox for yourself? Save 20% on a subscription with my discount code: HEREWEEREAD20.  We can’t wait to receive our next box and share our experience with you!

Disclaimer:  We received a free subscription box from Bitsbox in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

children's books

Lucky Leprechaun: How to Trap a Leprechaun Book Giveaway!

Giveaway HopWelcome to the 1st annual Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop hosted by SaraLee’s Deals Steals & Giveaways. This is an open themed hop with NO minimum prize value. Enter to win the prize Grand Prize by our host for that lucky man in your life. Manscaped – The Perfect Package is sponsoring the prize. So be sure to enter the giveaway here than hop on over and enter all the other great prizes today!

I’m so excited to be a part of of the “Lucky Leprechaun” blog hop and to sponsor a copy of the book How to Trap a Leprechaun by Sue Fliess as my personal contribution.

About the Book


Legend has it that if you catch a leprechaun, he’ll grant you a wish. But, be careful! Leprechauns are full of trickery. To catch one, you’ll need to be clever in crafting your trap. Grab some glitter and glue and get prepared for your wily holiday visitors!

On the night before St. Patrick’s Day, leprechauns show up to steal your treasures and then disappear as quickly as they came. However, if you’re careful you might be able to catch one and then he’ll grant you a wish. You’ll have to be sneaky and set just the right trap to trap a leprechaun.

Sue Fliess’s read-aloud text and Emma Randall’s whimsical illustrations will provide much fun for young readers eager to catch their very own leprechaun! But beware: leprechauns may leave you with nothing but a cardboard box and a shoe or two.

Enter the giveaway here!

How to Trap a Leprechaun

Also, be sure to enter for your chance to win the grand prize and visit some of the other amazing bloggers involved in the giveaway blog hop!

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children's books

When a Bully Is President

When a Bully is President: Truth and Creativity for Opressive Times by Maya Gonzalez

Publisher: Reflection Press
Pages: 48
Age Range: 7 – 10 and up
Grade Level: 2 – 5  and up
Format: Paperback

Synopsis
Bullying is real, but we can change the story by changing the focus. Begin with yourself. Begin the journey of art activist. You are the artist. You are the storyteller. Change yourself. Change the world!

Playful ink and watercolor illustrations support a powerful journey that touches on bullying in the founding history of the US, how that history may still be impacting kids and families today, and ways to use creativity and self respect in the face of negative messages for all marginalized communities. The first part of the book briefly acknowledges the United States’ past and present and shows some basic forms of activism that kids engage in. The next part talks about walking away from a bully or de-escalation and focusing on how to take care of yourself and community. Finally, practical ways creativity and portraiture can be used to support self respect and spread respect in community are explored. Communities reflected include Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Chicanx, LGBTQ Americans, disabled Americans, Americans who identify as women and girls, Muslim and Sikh Americans and Asian Americans. Story text is in English and Spanish. The back includes related resources and referrals.

Reflection
This book is a perfect example of a person taking action! The idea and concept of this book came as a direct result of the 2016 Presidential election. On November 9, 2016 (just one day after the election) author Maya Gonzalez decided to pen a children’s book about bullying because she knows first hand what it’s like to be bullied. She understands what it’s like to feel like you don’t have any power in any given situation. Enter President Donald Trump.

This bilingual (English/Spanish) book is NOT your usual children’s book. It’s more of a self-care book for kids using truth and creativity as tools to help kids deal with bullying. It focuses on the heart of social justice issues – doing the inner work. Communities reflected include: Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Chicanx, LGBTQ Americans, disabled Americans, Americans who identify as women and girls, Muslim and Sikh Americans and Asian Americans. It also defines what the word bullying means, discusses colonization and talks about ways children can make a difference.

The illustrations are outstanding and so powerful! Consider this book to be a call to action and a valuable tool for our youth ages 7-10 and up. Children are challenged to stand up for themselves, love themselves, understand their history and embrace their own creative power. The backmatter includes a glossary and additional resources. Check this one out for your little activits and agents of change!

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

children's books

Kiss Me, I’m Irish!: 5 Diverse St. Patrick’s Day Picture Books

I never really used to do much to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day besides wear the color green and cook corned beef and cabbage. If I really wanted to get fancy I’d eat a green bagel or drink a green smoothie.  However, since becoming a parent, St. Patrick’s Day is now all about shamrocks, rainbows, setting leprechaun traps, teaching the kids about the holiday and finding fun ways to celebrate the day.  Needless to say, Pinterest is my best friend.

The kids and I also read a variety of St. Patrick’s Day themed books.  Here, I’ve listed 5 of our favorite St. Patty’s Day books that feature a diverse cast of characters.  Enjoy!

How to Trap a Leprechaun

Sue Fliess’s read-aloud text and Emma Randall’s whimsical illustrations will provide much fun for young readers eager to catch their very own leprechaun! But beware: leprechauns may leave you with nothing but a cardboard box and a shoe or two.

How to Catch a Leprechaun

You’ve been planning night and day, and finally you’ve created the perfect trap! Now all you need to do is wait. Is this the year you’ll finally catch the leprechaun? Start a St. Patrick’s Day tradition with this fun and lively children’s book.

How to catch a leprechaun?
It’s tougher than you think!
He’ll turn your whole house upside down.
He’s quicker than a wink!

Hooray for St. Patrick’s Day!

It’s Saint Patrick’s Day, and time to join in the celebration. Children can lift the flaps for interactive fun as they see the children in this book make holiday crafts, taste traditional Irish food, perform a play about Saint Patrick, and even march in a Saint Patrick’s Day parade. As an added bonus, they can search for the hidden leprechaun on each spread.

St. Patrick’s Day


Today in Mrs. Madoff’s class we all wore something green to school. Kate played the fiddle and we danced to Irish music. Then we learned about St. Patrick and many Irish tales and traditions. Now we know why there are no snakes in Ireland. Not every-one in school is all Irish like me, but we all can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day together!

Fiona’s Luck


The greedy Leprechaun King has locked away all the luck in Ireland and the whole country has fallen in to despair. Through clever charades, Fiona outwits the Leprechaun King and restores luck to the land.

Your turn: How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your children?  What books would you add to this list?  Feel free to share in the comments.

children's books

Kill ‘Em With Kindness: 18 Love and Kindness Books for Kids!

It couldn’t be a more perfect time for us to take a moment and celebrate love and kindness through books! We can ALWAYS use a little more love and kindness and a reminder through books, for kids and adults, never fails.

The world is a crazy place and we have an opportunity to teach our kids to love and be kind. To look for opportunities to reach beyond themselves and show someone else they care. February was the perfect month for all of us at @kidlitpicks to be reminded of these beautiful ideas, and so we shared books on Love and Kindness all month long. We’re proud to present our round-up for the month!

Thanks to Michelle from The Book Report for such a wonderful theme!

Wonder, by RJ Palacio

“’Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness’ — R.J Palacio” — Summer from @readingisourthing

My Beautiful Birds, by ​​Suzanne Del Rizzo

“I would love to talk about each and every spread, but this is a book worth seeing for yourself. Trust me, it will stick with you for a very long time.” — Mel from @spiky_penelope

I Love You Night and Day, by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Alison Brown; I Love You Through and Through, by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak and Caroline Jayne Church; God Loves You, and I Do, Too!, by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

You are loved. Sometimes, that is just all the message a book needs.” — Katie from @afriendlyaffair

Shhh! We Have a Plan, by Chris Haughton

To me this book perfectly illustrates the beautiful, gentle way a child sees the world. It shows that gentleness and kindness are the best way to get things done.” — Claire from @alittlebookhabit

Plant a Kiss, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Peter H Reynolds

We need to teach our children to do just that; spread love and kindness to those that we encounter.” — Leah from @astoryaday

That’s Me Loving You, by Amy Krause Rosenthal and Teagan White

One of the darling new release books about love.” — Clarissa from @book.nerd.mommy

Pass It On, by Sophy Henn

A beautiful message with bright and colourful illustrations, this book is a perfect read to cheer you up and make you smile. Just remember to #passiton” —  Kim from @bookbairn

Wolf in the Snow, by Matthew Cordell

This nearly wordless picture book carries a subtle message of connection and love. With gentle tenderness, the story feels fresh and a bit introspective.” — Miranda from @bookbloom

The Wonderful Things You Will Be, by Emily Winfield Martin

This book is a celebration of the love of a parent for their child from tiny baby to watching them grow into the person they were meant to be.” — De from @books_and_babycinos

Love Matters Most, by Mij Kelly and Gerry Turley

A mama polar bear searches for her cub!” — Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore

You Are My Heart, Marianne Richmond

For all the love, words, hopes and dreams I have for my little one that I’m too much of a blubbering mess to say, this book is just perfect.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople

One, by Kathryn Otoshi

If you need to address bullying with any age group and begin some thoughtful discussions on the topic, look no further than One.” — Lauren from @happily.ever.elephants

One brings up key life lessons about boundaries, kindness, common courtesy, and standing up for yourself.” — Charnaie from @hereweeread

The Crow’s Tale, by Naomi Howarth

“We can easily look around and see the love and sacrifices that those around us make. From the small moments such as holding open a door for another, to the simple act of going to work every morning.” — Wendy from @homegrownreader

Under the Love Umbrella, by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys

“Let’s just give a [fist bump] for the diversity of characters and family situations depicted in the awesome-sauce illustrations.” — Shannon from @ohcreativeday

Plenty of Love to Go Around, by Emma Chichester Clark

A great book for dealing with jealously, sharing, and realizing there is enough love in someone’s heart for more than one.” — Michelle from @the.book.report

Lily Loves, by Kai Lüftner and Judith Drews

Wild and cautious, loud and gentle, Lily is totally and truly herself.” — Liam from @words.and.illustrations

Your turn: What books would you add to this list?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Books for Adults

Book of the Month Club + An Instagram Giveaway!

Disclosure: I was chosen to be part of a campaign to promote literacy and the joy of reading by Acceleration Partners. Any opinions expressed are my own.  I received the products mentioned in this post for free from Book of the Month. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I’m so excited to finally try out the Book of the Month Club!  Book of the Month is a subscription box-style book club dedicated to helping avid readers find great new fiction and non-fiction titles. I love that it exposes me to a variety of new titles that weren’t previously on my radar.  They work hard to bring their members books that are truly worth reading—well-written, immersive stories that will transport you, give you thrills, and tug at your heartstrings—and they have been championing literacy for over 90 years!

Each month, their panel of Judges selects 5 great new books. Selections are announced on the first of the month, and members can choose which book they would like to receive. All plans include: 1 hardcover book of your choice each month, and free shipping.  Members can also add up to 2 books to their monthly box for an additional cost.  They also have affordable gift memberships available for easy gift giving to your fellow bookworms.

If you want to try it out for yourself, you can sign up now (using my referral link) and choose from the 5 best books of the month!  You can also enter my Instagram giveaway and enter to win one of five FREE 3-month subscription boxes I’m giving away (US residents only).  But hurry, the giveaway ends on Tuesday, March 7th at 11:59pm.  Good Luck!

Your turn: Are you a member of Book of the Month Club?  What’s the thing you like best about the club?  Feel free to share in the comments.

hereweeread