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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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children's books
May 20, 2016
Mrs. G

The Importance of Author’s Notes in (Some) Picture Books

The Importance of Author's Notes in Picture Books

I recently reviewed the book Thunder Boy Jr. on my Instagram page and it sparked an interesting discussion.  I’ve heard and read mixed reviews from people over this book.  Some people love it and others don’t enjoy it as much.  Before I get into the discussion, let me first include a copy of the review I posted.

Thunder Boy Jr. written by Sherman Alexie
thunderboyjr

Review (from my Instagram page)
Follow little Thunder Boy Jr. as he goes on a search to find the perfect nickname for himself. He’s named after his father, Thunder Boy Sr. His dad’s nickname is Big Thunder and his nickname is Little Thunder. He doesn’t like his nickname though because it makes him sound small like a “burp or a fart”. So, he decides he wants a new nickname – one that sounds like him and celebrates something cool that he’s done. Thunder Boy likes to do things like powwow dance in his Native-American grass skirt and ride his bike, so maybe his new nickname could be related to one of those things? In the end, it’s his dad who gives him a new nickname.

Having a “not so normal” first name myself, I could definitely identify with this book. People always mispronounce my first name! This book reminds me of the books My Name is Yoon and The Name Jar. In both of those books the girls wanted to change their first names after moving to the US because their names weren’t “normal”. The only difference is Thunder Boy Jr. doesn’t actually want to change his first name, just his nickname.

I think it’s interesting that the author signed the deal for this book 10 years ago. He went through 30 to 40 different ideas before he decided on the overall concept. He was a junior himself, named after his dad. While at his father’s funeral in 2003, as the coffin was being lowered into the ground, he noticed that the tombstone had his name on it. While his father was a great and loving man, he was a lifelong alcoholic who would leave him and his family for days or weeks to drink. For that reason, he decided to pen this children’s book about a child in search of his own identity. The only difference is he wanted it to be in the context of a loving family, which is the exact opposite of how he grew up.

Overall, I think this is a cute story with beautiful and bright illustrations to match. It’s very rare that we see positive Native-American children’s picture books. My only one gripe about this book is the statement “I hate my name”. I think “hate” is such a strong word, especially for younger kids. That aside, this book was a delight to read and admire the artwork.  I think this book is great for discussing themes like: struggling with identity, individuality, cultural diversity and father-son relationships.  A great read for Father’s Day!

Great review!  What’s all the commotion about?
First, let me say I still enjoy this book, but now I too have one lingering question in my mind that I’d like clarified: Did Thunder Boy Jr. change his first name to Lightning or is Lightning just his new nickname?

Ok, here’s the gist of what sparked the discussion…

Another one of my Instagram book-loving buddies (Hey, lady!) posted a review about the book on her feed the same day as I did.  In her review she said the book left her feeling confused.  She struggled to understand why Thunder Boy was allowed to change his name and wondered what would stop him from wanting to change it again in the future.  She also went on to say Thunder Boy should be happy to be named after his father.  Her opinion was the book sends a message to kids that if you don’t like your name you can just change it whenever you want.

Shortly after that post went live, another person chimed in and said they agreed with her.  After flipping through the book at the book store they were turned off and confused for the same reasons.

Later that afternoon my post went live and I gave a totally different perspective of the book.  What I took away from it was a much different message.  A message of a little boy who wanted to have his own self identity.  I also provided some of the background information I previously read about the book and the author.

I remember reading years ago about the complexity of the Native-American naming tradition and how names are chosen for people.  It is normal for Native-Americans to change their names several times throughout their lives as they age, grow older or do things that are deemed significant.  Their names can change many times depending on the different tribes they belong to.  So perhaps this is what the author was trying to get across, but I’m not sure.  In any event, I was already familiar with this tradition, but my friend was not.  Hence, the confusion on her part.

All of this got me thinking about the importance of including author’s notes in picture books. I typically see author’s notes included in non-fiction children’s books, but rarely in picture books.  I like reading the background about the authors, illustrators or how the overall concept of the book came to be.  The story behind the story, if you will.  Maybe you can relate.

Now, I’m not saying author’s notes should be included in all picture books, but it might come in handy for some books.  I’m just using Thunder Boy Jr. as an example to illustrate the fact that not including an author’s note may be off-putting or downright confusing to some people.  They just won’t get the message or they’ll be left with unanswered questions.  I think that’s especially true when the story is about a particular culture and some of their traditions, clothing or food may not be familiar to many people.  In this case, the Native-American naming tradition and how it’s acceptable to change their names.  In addition, I think author’s notes can add more meaning providing a fuller picture of the overall story.  Just my two cents.

So, if you’re an author or aspiring author of picture books I hope this is helpful to you.  It may help to clear up any questions people may have after reading your book.

P.S. If anyone knows Sherman Alexie personally can you please ask him the lingering question I mentioned above?  It’s going to cause me to have sleepless nights until I know the answer…haha!

Your turn: How important do you think author’s notes are in picture books?  Do you even bother to read them?  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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children's books
April 16, 2016
Mrs. G

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.

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Book Reviews
April 14, 2016
Mrs. G

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.

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children's books
April 14, 2016
Mrs. G

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.

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