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Book Reviews
June 7, 2016
Mrs. G

The Spinfords (A Book Review)

The Spinfords by AnnMarie Martin, illustrated by Stevie Hannigan
thespinfords
Format: Paperback
Pages: 44
Publisher: Black Bed Sheet Books

Synopsis (from Amazon)
What’s the one thing in the world that scares kids the most? Being different.

But not Salvatore. You see, Salvatore’s webs are different. Much to his family’s disappointment. Because this family of circus-performing spiders has built their act off tradition. Webs are circles, period.

But not Salvatore’s. And over his father’s squashed body is he going to let him perform with them. It would ruin all they worked for since Grandpa Sebastian Spinford started their show back in 1934. But Salvatore knows better. He knows the crowd is craving something new and fresh. And with his grandfather’s help, he’s going to prove it.

Salvatore’s story will give children of all ages the confidence to be themselves, no matter what.

Spinfords_LayoutTest_002

Reflection
Confession: I am not a fan of spiders, but the Spinford family makes it hard for me to not like spiders.  They’re a family of web-weaving acrobatic-artist spiders who live underneath a backyard deck in the suburbs of New Jersey.  When the book starts, proud parents Simon and Sylvia are shown welcoming their newest addition to their family into the world: little baby Salvatore.

It doesn’t take long for the Spinfords to realize that Salvatore is very smart, highly creative and he develops amazing webs!  However, when the day arrives for Salvatore’s big performance test to see if he is ready to join the family act he doesn’t pass the test. Although Salvatore can create beautiful webs in record time, they are not the typical webs that everyone is used to seeing.

In the end, young Salvatore stands his ground and believes in himself no matter what others may say.  He decides that all he needs to do is show everyone how spectacular his webs really are and he did!

Although I found this book to be a bit text heavy and wordy for my kids, I love the overall messages of diversity, self-acceptance, confidence and realizing it doesn’t take approval from a majority to realize your own greatness.  We ended up reading this book over the course of two separate read aloud sessions since I saw the kids getting a bit antsy about halfway through.

The font of this book is written in all capital white colored letters and the pages are a dark blue color.  Because of this, it was sometimes a bit hard on my eyes while reading.  However, I didn’t feel like it took away from the story and what the author was trying to get across to little readers.  The illustrations are cute and whimsical and there are positive affirmations of hope that appear in the webs throughout the book.  Some of the messages include: “Never Give Up” and “The World Will Always Need Bugs Like You.”

Being different from their peers is one of the most difficult things for children to cope with.  I think this is especially true as they get older.  Nothing is worse than standing out and not being considered to be “normal” among your friends.  What a wonderful world it would be if we truly appreciated evolution and an expanding landscape of diverse minds and creativity.  Reading books like The Spinfords gives me hope that maybe one day we’ll finally get there, but likely not in the foreseeable future during my lifetime.

Overall, we enjoyed reading about the adorable Spinford family.  A great book for teaching children about staying true to themselves and celebrating who they are.

Connect with AnnMarie Martin!
Website | 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: What makes you different?  In what ways do you stand out from the crowd?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
June 7, 2016
Mrs. G

Brick by Brick (A Book Review)

Brick by Brick: A Snippet of the Life of Booker T. Washington by Louie T. McClain II
brickbybrick
Format: Paperback
Pages: 30
Publisher: Melanin Origins LLC
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 1

Synopsis (from Amazon)
A children’s book snippet about the life, accomplishments, and achievements of the great Booker T. Washington – an inspirational African-American innovator, leader, scholar, and philanthropist.

Reflection
Brick by Brick provides a small glimpse inside the life of Booker T. Washington, an American educator, author, orator, and advisor to presidents of the United States. Between 1890 and 1915, Washington was a dominant leader in the Black community.

The book starts off with a very positive message for little readers: “brick by brick we can get the job done by laying one brick at a time.”  A very young Booker T. Washington is seen in a cartoon-like drawing laying down some brick foundation for a building he and his friends built with their very own hands.  That building was initially known as the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute.  It’s currently known as Tuskegee University located in Tuskegee, Alabama.  The institute grew immensely and focused on training African-Americans in agricultural pursuits.

I think small children will be able to relate to this book and grasp the overall messages of faith, hope, love, hard work, grit, teamwork and determination very easily.  Throughout the book, Booker T. Washington is seen being a leader among his friends, a speaker in front of large crowds, and he’s even shown speaking to the President of the United States!  What an honor it must have been for him to be invited by President Theodore Roosevelt to the White House in 1901.

We’ve read this book a couple of times and it keeps my children engaged.  The text isn’t too wordy and the illustrations are bright and colorful.  My kids especially like to point out the fireworks and the kids shown having fun on the playground.  I also like the fact that there are a diverse group of kids shown in the book all working together to achieve a common goal.  However, since this book is based on a historical figure, I think the clothes the kids are wearing and the hairstyles are too modern for the time frame of the 18th and 19th century.  Other than that, I think this book does a great job informing little readers about an important figure in Black history in a way that is relatable and fun.  An empowering, inspirational and educational read for the little ones!

Coming soon by Melanin Origins in Fall 2016 – Power in My Pen: Ida B. Wells!

Connect with Melanin Origins!
Website | Facebook | Twitter

melaninorigins

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

Your Turn:  How do you teach your children about hard work and team work?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
June 3, 2016
Mrs. G

The Positivity Kit: A Book Giveaway!

The Positivity Kit by Lisa Currie
thepositivitykit
Format: Paperback
Pages: 192
Publisher: TarcherPerigee/Penguin Random House
Available for Sale: June 7, 2016 | Pre-Order Link

Synopsis (from Amazon)
Brimming with engaging prompts that focus on the good things in life, this interactive book is guaranteed to cheer up even the grumpiest person on the rainiest day.

Prompts include:

  • Draw your dream home.
  • Make a grateful list.
  • Compile the perfect playlist.
  • Draw yourself a tattoo (on paper!).
  • List 30 great ways to spend a free hour.
  • Write a thank you note to a stranger.
  • A smell that reminds you of someone you love
  • Something you never congratulated yourself on, but should have

On the heels of Me, You, Us and The Scribble Diary, The Positivity Kit is illustrator Lisa Currie’s most personal, and most upbeat, book yet.

FullSizeRender

Reflection
Receiving this book was so timely for me since I’m currently on a mini break from posting on Instagram and decreasing my time spent on other social media platforms as well.  Sometimes I find it gets to be too much “noise” and distractions from my everyday life.  Right now, I’m practicing being more still, intentional and living in the present moment.

Think about it, how often do you actually pause and take notice of how beautiful the things you’re surrounded by everyday are?  Yesterday I took notice of how beautiful of a day it was. Not a single cloud in the sky.  I watched as the trees on the other side of the road slowly swayed back and forth in a cool Northeast breeze. I opened up the windows and took the moment of beauty in, completely understanding how often I take for granted amazing weather and a moment of stillness.  I was so happy and content in that moment.  After that I immediately opened The Positivity Kit and completed the first exercise which is to write yourself a message in the sky.  Something that would make you smile if you saw it.

Each one of the exercises in this book literally fills me with happiness instantly – honestly!  Studies have shown, just by doing something like creating anything almost instantly makes us feel better.  How cool is that?  This book is packed with jump-starter prompts and reminders of reasons the world is – even on the grayest days – a beautiful place.

I haven’t completed this entire book yet, but so far my favorite prompts are: filling a page with all the good things I’ve done in my life so far (big and little things), listing all of the places in the world I hope to visit one day, and creating my own ultimate happy song playlist.  I’m seriously having a blast filling this book up with all of my happy thoughts.  Can you see how doing these things will instantly make you feel good?  I’ve never taken the time to actually write any of these things down so to have them all in one book instead of random vision boards or scrap pieces of paper is perfect!

Thanks to the publisher TarcherPerigee/Penguin Random House, I’m hosting a giveaway for one (1) copy of The Positivity Kit!  Enter the giveaway below.  Good luck!

The Positivity Kit by Lisa Currie

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Book Reviews
May 21, 2016
Mrs. G

Book of the Week: Go Photo by Alice Proujansky

Go Photo! – An Activity Book for Kids by Alice Proujansky
gophoto
Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Hardcover: 108 pages
Publisher: Aperture Foundation
Available for Sale: May 24, 2016

Synopsis (from Amazon)
This book features 25 hands-on and creative activities inspired by photography. Aimed at children between eight and twelve years old, this playful and fun collection of projects encourages young readers to experiment with their imaginations, get messy with materials and engage with the world in new and exciting ways.

Indoors or outdoors, from a half-hour to a whole day, and whether alone or with friends, family or an unsuspecting pet, there is a photo activity for all occasions. Some don’t even require a camera! Each project also features a series of pictures and handy tips to help guide the reader step-by-step, building a visual language and encouraging creativity as they go. Accessible, fun and practical, the activities in this book have been brought together to engage children in the fun and wonder of photography.

@hereweeread

Reflection
I think the concept of this book is so neat!  Although my kids are too young to actually do these activities independently, it was still a fun book to read and get some great ideas of things to do as they grow.

The first activity in this book is to go on a photography scavenger hunt on your own or with a few friends.  The idea is to photograph a list of different items mentioned in the book.  For example: something bumpy, things on a table, a triangle and more.  Kids could also choose to make up their own lists of things to photograph too.

Another fun activity is to make a map of your neighborhood.  I plan to actually do this activity on my own so the kids can have their own neighborhood map to refer to.  How cool would it be to have a photo map of your neighborhood that kids can actually recognize!  I remember as a kid we didn’t have all the technology that kids have today like GPS.  I don’t remember the last time I actually pulled out a physical hard copy of a map when I needed directions.  I either punch it into the GPS, Google it or ask Siri.  My, how spoiled (and lazy) we’ve become!  I still think it’s critical for kids to be able to read and understand maps.  In fact, I remember recently reading an article on pbs.org about the subject matter that was fascinating to me.  They even provided a list of some of my favorite mapping books for kids.  You can check it out here.

Not all of the activities require kids to use a camera, but most do.  I love that this book can force kids to use their imagination, think outside-of-the-box and in some cases actually spend time outdoors.  I found the step-by-step instructions and illustrations to be very clear, detailed and helpful in completing each activity.  The target audience that this book is geared towards should have no problems reading and following the directions.  Even older kids and adults will enjoy getting in on the action and providing some creative ideas.  Most of these activities could easily keep kids entertained for hours on end.  All they need is a camera, their creativity, a wild imagination (and depending on the project a few other materials) to make these projects come alive.  Highly recommended for children who love photography and creative thinkers.

About the Author
Alice Proujansky has taught photography and led professional development coaching sessions for educators at Urban Arts Partnership, the Red Hook Community Justice Center, and the New York City Department of Education. A practicing photojournalist covering working motherhood and birth, she has been published in The New York Times, New York, Harper’s, the New Republic and others.  Visit Alice’s website here.

About Aperture Foundation
Aperture is a not-for-profit foundations that connects the photo community and its audiences with the most inspiring work, the sharpest ideas, and with each other – in print, in person, and online.

Connect with Aperture Foundation!
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Book Reviews
May 19, 2016
Mrs. G

Let’s Play Math! by Denise Gaskins (A Book Review)

Let’s Play Math: How Families Can Learn Math Together and Enjoy It by Denise Gaskins

letsplaymath
Format: Paperback
Pages: 290

Synopsis (from Amazon)
Yes, Your Kids CAN Learn Math Without Tears. All parents and teachers have one thing in common: we want our children to understand and be able to use math. Filled with stories and pictures, Let’s Play Math offers a wealth of practical, hands-on ideas for exploring concepts from preschool to high school. Your children will gain a strong foundation when you approach math as a family game, playing with ideas.

Reflection
It amazes me how much children actually use early math skills throughout their daily routines and activities.  I never gave this much thought until I became a parent almost four years ago.  Like reading and writing, math is one of essential skills kids need to know in order to survive in this fast-paced world.  The good news is early math doesn’t mean breaking out the calculator during playtime.  Most children can develop an understanding of addition, subtraction and fractions through everyday interactions. For example:

  • My kids and I count steps as we go up or down
  • We play with shape sorters and lots of puzzles
  • We sort items based on size and color
  • The kids help me sort the laundry (Pairing up the socks is always a fun game!)
  • They help me in the kitchen: stirring, pouring, measuring
  • I often ask the kids to find items that are triangles, circles, rectangles, and other shapes in random places like the library, playground or grocery store

I know that most families have a full schedule, and it can be hard to find time to focus on math. But, rest assured your kids are being exposed to math on a daily basis. In Let’s Play Math, Denise shows you that doing math together with your children is easier and much more fun than you think.

Filled with stories and pictures, Let’s Play Math offers a wealth of practical, hands-on ideas for exploring concepts from preschool to high school.

Sections include:

  • How to Understand Math: Introduce your children to the thrill of conquering a challenge. Build deep understanding by thinking, playing, and asking questions like a mathematician.
  • Playful Problem Solving: Awaken your children’s minds to the beauty and wonder of mathematics. Discover the social side of math, and learn games for players of all ages.
  • Math with Living Books: See how mathematical ideas ebb and flow through the centuries with this brief tour through history. Can your kids solve puzzles from China, India, or Ancient Egypt?
  • Let’s Get Practical: Fit math into your family’s daily life, help your children develop mental calculation skills, and find out what to try when your child struggles.
  • Resources and References: With so many library books and Internet sites, you’ll never run out of ways to play with math.

As Denise says, “Mathematics ought to be a game of discovery.”  I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.  As much as I personally love math, I know that many kids (and parents) strongly dislike it.  This is especially true for kids who are now learning the common core standard math.  There is a section in the book that talks about the problem with traditional school math and sheds some light on ways to see and “do and see real math” in action.

Since I like to play games and solve problems, one of my favorite sections of the book is Playful Problem Solving.  Denise explains that math is a social activity so doing things like asking questions, noticing connections and wondering “What if…” goes a long way with kids.  This section of the book also offers a variety of different simple activities you can do with your children like: tell me a story, can you guess my secret, pattern blocks and hundred chart puzzles and games.

For families that have older kids who may be struggling with math, Denise offers some things to try when you feel like giving up.  There is also a section that discusses making the transition from middle school to high school math.  The basics of high school math (algebra, geometry and statistics) can be quite hard for some kids to grasp, especially for kids who never developed a love of math in their earlier years.

In the back of the book, there are a plethora of resources and references divided into different sections for preschool to early elementary, upper-elementary and middle school and teen to adult.

Overall, I think this book is great math resource for parents, caregivers and teachers.  It reinforces the fact that everyone CAN do math.  From the youngest to the oldest people.  It’s all about teaching and learning math in a way that’s fun to excite kids and adults into LOVING math.  An excellent book that focuses on developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills kids will need to be successful and competitive.

Other books by Denise Gaskins!

countingandnumberbonds mathyoucanplay

Connect with Denise!
Website | Facebook | Twitter

denise-author-color

P.S. Be sure to visit Denise’s website to download some FREE math printables you can start using right away.  Just click on the link and print!

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

Your turn:  Do your kids enjoy math or do they dislike it?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
May 14, 2016
Mrs. G

Our Food: A Healthy Serving of Science and Poems (A Book Review)

Our Food: A Healthy Serving of Science and Poems by Grace Lin & Ranida T. McKneally (Author)
illustrated by Grace Zong
ourfood
Age Range: 5 – 8 years old
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Available for Sale: June 14, 2016

Synopsis (from Charlesbridge Publishing)
A colorful, bountiful book about the food we eat.

Award-winning author Grace Lin joins science writer Ranida T. McKneally to get kids talking about the science of food, the five food groups, and what a healthy meal looks like. Answering questions like “why are so many vegetables green?”, “What’s the difference between brown bread and white bread?”, and “Why do beans make you gassy?”, cheerful haiku poems and a simple Q&A format make this book a nutritious treat.

The information in this book aligns with both the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines and the Harvard School of Public Health’s Healthy Eating Plate guidelines. Back matter includes further information about healthy eating and nutritional guidelines, as well as a glossary.

Reflection

Like many kids, my children can sometimes be absurdly stubborn about eating their vegetables.  However, my daughter does love eating salad and broccoli and my son loves corn and broccoli.  Thankfully, they both like a variety of fruits like pears, oranges, cantaloupe, watermelon, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, mango and apples.

This book is a wonderful introduction to the five food groups (fruits, grains, protein foods, vegetables and dairy) and healthy eating.  Short haiku poems accompany nutritional information that answers questions like: “Why do we eat?”  “Why are so many vegetables green?” “Why are some cheeses so stinky?” “What’s the difference between whole milk and skim milk?” and more.  There is also a handy glossary at the back of the book that contains the different vocabulary words and their definitions that are used throughout.  The illustrations are bright and colorful and include a diverse group of five children visiting their local farm.

our-food-spread

As a parent, I really like this book and the overall message of teaching kids about nutritional eating.  Getting my kids (and husband) to make healthier food decisions is sometimes an uphill battle, but I try to be consistent and persistent when it comes to eating fruits and vegetables.  I’m glad books like this one exist to help illustrate the importance of healthy eating in a way that’s fun, educational and easy for kids to understand.

I think this book will be an excellent resource to refer back to as my kids get older.  There are so many great facts mentioned that I think older kids (and adults) will appreciate.

For example, do you know what makes popcorn pop?  That’s something I’ve often wondered, but never took the time to research the answer.  Thanks to reading this book, I now know “when you heat popcorn, the small amount of water inside the kernel turns to steam.  The steam softens the endosperm and turns it into a jelly.  Trapped by the strong, hard shell, the steam can’t escape, and pressure builds up inside causing the shell to eventually crack and pop!”  Another interesting fact I learned is “the color of a fruit gives us a clue to the nutrition in it.  For example, orange fruits like apricots and cantaloupes are rich in beta-carotene.”

After reading this book I made a list of some things I can do as a parent to help my kids make healthier food choices.  Here’s what I came up with:

  • Continue to set a good example for my kids
  • Create fun, positive experiences around food
  • Continue to let the kids help me in the kitchen when preparing meals and snacks
  • Continue to expose them (in a pleasant way) to the healthy foods they initially reject

Check this book out with your little readers to help get them excited about eating healthy.  Great for home and school libraries!

Your turn: How do you get your kids to eat healthy?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
May 10, 2016
Mrs. G

Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty: A Book Review

Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
beautifulstacymcanulty
Age Range: 3 and up
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Format: Hardcover
On Sale Date: September 6, 2016, Click here to pre-order!

Synopsis (from Amazon)
Every girl is unique, talented, and lovable. . . .Every girl is BEAUTIFUL.

Much more than how one looks on the outside, true beauty is found in conquering challenges, showing kindness, and spreading contagious laughter. Beautiful girls are empowered and smart and strong!

BEAUTIFUL breaks barriers by showing girls free to be themselves: splashing in mud, conducting science experiments, and reading books under a flashlight with friends. This book will encourage all girls to embrace who they are and realize their endless potential.

Reflection
I’m so in love with both the front and back covers of this book!  I mean, look how stinking cute those pictures are!  In fact, I think each and every page of this book is worthy of being framed as a work of art and would be a gorgeous addition to any little girl’s room.

This book starts off with five little girls hanging over a fence with the sentence “Beautiful girls have the perfect look”.  Each one of the girls have their own unique look and style.  It then goes on to talk about some of the other attributes and characteristics that beautiful girls have like: how gracefully they move, how sweetly they smile and how they smell like flowers.  By the sound of it, you’d think the illustrations would show the girls all dressed up and dainty, right?  Well, think again.  These girls are muddy, they have dirt and leaves in their hair and orange juice dripping down their chins and I absolutely LOVE it!

I think this book does a fantastic job illustrating what pure beauty is. The kind of beauty that has nothing to do with your hairstyle, your complexion or the perfect outfit. The kind of beauty that isn’t found in how you feel about yourself, but instead how you love and treat others-— (which usually ends up making you feel good about who you are)-that’s what I want my daughter to see in the mirror.

beautifulstacymcanulty2

I know there have been recent reports and studies that say you shouldn’t tell your daughters they are pretty, but I’m not afraid to tell my daughter that she’s beautiful and teach her that she shouldn’t be afraid to celebrate her beauty either.  I also want my daughter to know it’s ok to be silly, to have fun and not worry about what others think of her.  As the text on the back cover of this book says, “It’s all about your clothes, your hair, your style WHO YOU ARE.”

The text on each page of this book is rather short and simple, yet it sends a very empowering message to girls.  The overall message is: every girl is unique, talented, lovable and beautiful…beauty comes from within.  I think the illustrations help bring the text of this book to life.  Each one is so unique, bright, detailed and downright stunning.

I love the diverse group of girls featured throughout this book.  Some of the girls have straight hair while others have kinky or curly hair.  Some wear glasses and others don’t.  There are also girls playing basketball in wheelchairs.  Another thing I like is how the illustrations show girls doing a variety of different things like: looking for bugs in the dirt, dressing up as pirates, going camping and playing sports.  Simply put, this book makes me smile and fills me with joy every time I read it with my daughter.

Overall, I think this book is a wonderful tribute to girls of all races and ages all over the world.  Girl power to the max!

About the Author

stacy-bio-200
In no particular order… Stacy is a wife, mother of 3 kids and 2 dogs, author, daughter, sister and stepsister, aunt, friend, Twitter addict, mechanical engineer (currently inactive), inconsistent blogger, Packers fan, two-finger typist, concerned citizen, book-buying enthusiast, reluctant volunteer, minivan driver, pancake flipper, snooze-button hitter, and coupon clipper.

Connect with Stacy!

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Your turn: Are you looking forward to checking this book out with your little readers?  If you have a daughter, do you tell her that she’s beautiful?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
May 6, 2016
Mrs. G

Book of the Week: The Thank You Book by Mo Willems

The Thank You Book (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems
IMG_1806
Age Range: 3 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Hardcover: 57 pages
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
On-Sale Date: May 3, 2016

Synopsis (from Amazon)
In The Thank You Book!, Piggie wants to thank EVERYONE. But Gerald is worried Piggie will forget someone . . . someone important.

Reflection
I was SO excited to purchase this book when it came out this Tuesday!  It was a bittersweet moment though knowing this is the last book in the series.  Not only do the Elephant & Piggie books make me and my kids laugh out loud, they also cleverly teach us lessons. Children’s picture books are a key component in helping kids connect to authentic learning experiences and Elephant and Piggie capture that authenticity so well as they teach, inspire and help kids grow.

I only discovered the Elephant and Piggie books last year.  Since then, we’ve read all 25 books in the series on multiple occasions.  They’ve helped me teach my kids so many wonderful lessons on friendship, caring, teamwork, patience, perseverance, creativity, sharing and being grateful just to name a few.

@hereweeread

In The Thank You Book, Piggie starts off by saying he’s such a lucky pig who has so much to be thankful for.  He decides to thank everyone, but Gerald insists that Piggie will surely forget someone – someone VERY important.  Piggie starts his “thank-o-rama” speech by thanking various characters that have appeared in previous books from the Elephant and Piggie series: the squirrels, snake, the pigeon, the flies and more.  In the end, Piggie is embarrassed that he did in fact forget to thank someone – the reader!

I absolutely love the way Mo Willems decided to end this series…what a great ending!  Although this is the last book, Gerald and Piggie will continue to live on in our household.  We will still be reading these books time and time again for years to come.  I love that my daughter can kids can read these early readers on her own.  Each book is short with about 50 distinct words throughout.  My daughter feels successful when she gets to the last page because not only did she read the book, but she also understood the story and she can relate to the characters.  I’m sure my son will also follow in his sister’s footsteps once he’s ready to start reading independently.

I’d also like to personally thank Mo Willems for his amazing ability to capture everything an early reader book should be: easy to understand words and sentences, clear illustrations, lots of repetition used throughout and most of all fun!  I think each one of the 25 books in this series is interesting and laugh out loud funny!  Thank you for making my kids excited about reading your wonderful books!

And if you haven’t already heard, May is “Thank-O-Rama” month!  Check out the website thankorama.com to download, print, and fill out your own #ThankoRama speech bubbles.

thankorama

Your turn:  Have you read this book with your children yet?  If so, did you enjoy it?  What is your favorite Elephant and Piggie book in this series?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
April 28, 2016
Mrs. G

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.

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Book Reviews
April 23, 2016
Mrs. G

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.

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Book Reviews
April 23, 2016
Mrs. G

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.

 

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Book Reviews
April 19, 2016
Mrs. G

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.

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