Freaky Friday

It's time for yet another Freaky Friday! A whole hodge-podge of books for you today - hopefully you'll find something you and the kids can enjoy!
-The Teacher's Calendar, 2008-2009

Macomber, Debbie.
The Truly Terrible, Horrible Sweater... That Grandma Knit.
September 2009.
HarperCollins Publishers.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Cameron loves his grandmother. She knows just what makes him tick. That's why he can't figure out why Grandma would send him a sweater—a truly terribly horrible sweater—for his birthday. Cameron pours mustard on his sweater. He puts it on his dog (in the rain). He even tries to send it to the thrift shop. But nothing works. Now Grandma is coming for the holidays, and Cameron has to wear her gift to him. But what's he going to say when she asks what he thinks about the sweater she made? With a sure hand and a light touch, worldwide bestseller Debbie Macomber and her new writing partner, Mary Lou Carney, reveal that what Grandma knit into Cameron's sweater is the greatest gift of all. Debbie and Mary Lou have included simple knitting instructions and an original knitting pattern for Cameron's sweater. You can find them at the back of this book.

Being a huge fan of Debbie Macomber's adult titles, I was so excited to see this one arrive at my door! It's written in true Macomber fashion, though I highly doubt children will be picking up on that, but their mama's certainly will! What I love about the book is that it is written from the heart - a story that shows just how much a grandmother treasures her grandchildren. While children might not connect with the story, I think that this would make a wonderful gift to those grandmas who are so devoted and love knitting for their grandchildren!

And for you mother's out there, looking for some good reads for yourself, this book is one in the Blossom Street Kids series... Debbie Macomber has a "Blossom Street" series for adults as well that you may enjoy!

• The Shop on Blossom Street
• A Good Yarn
• Susannah's Garden
• Back on Blossom Street
• Twenty Wishes
• Summer on Blossom Street
  

Cadena, Beth.
Supersister.
October 2009.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Brave enough to walk to the bus stop alone. Strong enough to lift--and pour--her own bowl of cereal. Able to read a story aloud all by herself. Who could this masked girl be? It's Supersister! This energetic and playful story follows hero through a typical day of accomplishing ordinary feats for her family in an extraordinary way. And by the end you'll find out why she's such a super helper to her mother and how she earned her name. This fresh take on a new sibling story is sure to empower young readers, as it reminds them of all the super things they can do by themselves, and makes it possible for any child to become a super-helper.

I think there are many children in the world who experience frustration and confusion when a new baby is going to be entering the picture. This book would be a wonderful gift to such a child - showing them just how much they're going to be needed and loved! While that's the way in which I think this book would be most useful, I also think this could make for an interesting writing project for children in general. The download of such an activity can be found below!

Super-Kid Writing Project

deVries, Anke.
Raf.
October 2009.
Boyds Mills Press.

Summary from Boyds Mills Press:

Best friends can't be parted. Ben and his cuddly friend Raf are inseparable. Then one day, Raf disappears. Ben looks everywhere, but Raf is not to be found. Ben is too sad to go outside and play in the snow until a postcard arrives in the mailbox.

Dear Ben,
I've been found! I am
traveling through Africa.
Right now, I am in the dessert.
It is really hot. The sun
burns my head. I am as brown
as chocolate.
Raf

Postcard follows postcard as Raf journeys through Africa. He meets tall pink flamingos, long-trunked elephants, vine-swinging monkeys, and (best of all) giraffes! Has Raf forgotten his best friend, Ben, or will he return to help celebrate Ben's birthday?

This is a sweet story that all children with a security item will connect with - Raf is Ben's security item, and when he's misplaced, we see just how much a missing security item impacts a small child. Perhaps this book will offer one such child hope (that their security item may reappear) or give parents an idea of how to make the misplaced item less tragic for a child... by writing their child postcards as though they are the security item... showing that they are very happy out in the world where they "belong." I'm not sure that this would be effective, but it's a thought!

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.