Many Ways: How Families Practice Their Beliefs and Religions

Teach respect and diversity with this simplistic title!

Rotner, Shelley and Sheila M. Kelly Ed.D.
Many Ways: How Families Practice Their Beliefs and Religions.
August 2010.
Lerner Publishing Group.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Real photographs of children and families will help little ones make sense of the delicate topics being discussed and shared in this wonderful tale about diversity and acceptance in a world made of so many different individuals and groups. While religion is greatly impressed upon in this book, many other wonderful points are made as well. If you're looking for a book that shows acceptance and diversity while also sharing the many ways in which different families are alike, this is definitely the book for you - you could totally bypass the text and make conversations from the photographs alone!

Learning/Reading Activities:

• After reading (or browsing the photos) discuss with the children in your class (or your own children vs. the children in the community), the differences they notice. Also take time to find similarities despite the differences to impress the idea of acceptance!
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Where Is the Green Sheep?/Donde esta la oveja verde?

Teach young children basic Spanish with the help of Mem Fox!

Fox, Mem.
Where Is the Green Sheep?/Donde esta la oveja verde?
September 2010.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Children will find great delight in reading, simply by "reading" the repetitious phrase, "But where is the green sheep?" Not only will children pick up on the concept of using the pictures for context clues, they will also learn colors and opposites, among other basic vocabulary in both English and Spanish - a great way to introduce children to the Spanish language! The book would also be a great tool to teach children about "camouflage," as the green sheep is ultimately found sleeping beside a green bush, cleverly disguised as camouflage works!

This is definitely a great book for preschool children - I shared this book (English big book version) with my Head Start classroom and the kids loved it and were so excited to be actively participating in the read aloud, as I prompted them each time to shout, "But where is the green sheep?"

Reading/Learning Activities:

• Use this 3-page Where Is the Green Sheep? Activity Guide to supplement the reading!
• Where Is the Green Sheep? Book Extension Activities
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures #5: The Amazing Mexican Secret

The adventures continue as Stanley is mailed to Mexico!

Brown, Jeff.
Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures #5: The Amazing Mexican Secret.
August 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

In this fifth worldwide adventure, Stanley is mailed off to Mexico in the hopes of obtaining the secret spice combination used to make the most delicious huevos rancheros, a Spanish egg dish served with tortillas. Of course, in order for this to be considered a worldwide adventure, you know something's got to stand in Stanley's way - a band of spies, attempting to get their hands on the secret spice combination, as well! However, as we all know, of course Stanley makes out on top!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Children will learn a great deal about Mexico in this adventure, so why not tie it in with a thematic unit on Mexico?
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Food is CATegorical

Coinciding with the newest food guide pyramid, Brian P. Cleary has released a new series, Food is CATegorical, in which children are introduced to the different food groups in true Brian P. Cleary rhyming fashion!

Cleary, Brian P.
Apples, Cherries, Red Raspberries: What is in the Fruits Group?
September 2010.
Lerner Publishing Group.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

The benefits of fruits in our diet is shared throughout this rhyming, lyrical text that is sure to have children chuckling and enjoying learning about healthy eating habits. Many fruits are introduced and children will also be exposed to fruits that are likely new to them. Coupled with an informational page at the back of the book, children will not only learn about a variety of fruits, they'll also learn about what is considered a healthy amount to eat of several different varieties of fruit!

Cleary, Brian P.
Black Beans and Lamb, Poached Eggs and Ham.
September 2010.
Lerner Publishing Group.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Children will learn that meats, beans and nuts are also an important part of eating a balanced diet. While being exposed to a variety of products from this food group, children will likely be encouraged based on the way in which information is presented by Cleary. This book also contains an information section on the last page, allowing children to see the appropriate amounts of food to consume from this food group, as well as what the serving sizes look like.

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Check out the other books in the Food is CATegorical series: Macaroni and Rice and Bread by the Slice: What is in the Grains Group?, Green Beans, Potatoes and Even Tomatoes: What is in the Vegetables Group?, Yogurt and Cheeses and Ice Cream that Pleases: What is in the Milk Group?, Oils (Just a Bit) to Keep Your Body Fit: What are Oils?
  
• Explore the food groups more by checking out MyPyramid.gov for the most current information! This website includes many different activities for children (and adults) of all ages!
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

I Like Myself

Encourage self-esteem by celebrating all the things that make you "you!"

Beaumont, Karen.
I Like Myself!
August 2010.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Encourage children to embrace the things that make them different and unique with I Like Myself! This book is chuck full of rhymes that act as self-esteem builders, while allowing children to see that its the unique traits about themselves that make them who they are! The silliness of this book will allow children to really accept themselves for who they are and begin to appreciate the differences of classmates and friends in a positive way!

Learning/Reading Activities:

• Complete the I Am Special! activity sheet provided by Scholastic to coincide with the book.
• Check out the different activities posted on AtoZ Teacher Stuff forums - my personal favorite might be the different eggs (colors and sizes) activity, that shows children though they look the same on the outside, they're really the same on the inside!
• Use a variety of craft materials and multicultural faces to create a "self-portrait." Have children share something silly that they like about themselves!
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

E is for Eiffel Tower: A France Alphabet

Ideal read for middle-grade children, learning about different countries.

Wilbur, Helen.
E is for Eiffel Tower: A France Alphabet.
September 2010.
Sleeping Bear Press.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

A great deal about the culture and contributions of France are shared in this alphabetic tale. From Amphitheaters, Aqueducts, and Arles to Zest, there's little left to the imagination, as readers learn all there is to know about France and the French culture. The book is ideal for many ages, but seemingly most appropriate for children 8+. Older children will find much benefit from the side-barred text that provides additional detailed information about the alphabetic topic at hand!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Choose an appropriate activity based on your child's interests from the Teacher's Guide provided by Sleeping Bear Press.
• Introduce children to the French language using one or more of the following titles: French Picture Word Book by Hayward Cirker, Un Deux Trois: First French Rhymes by Opal Dunn, or First Thousand Words in French by Heather Amery.
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

The Best Yard Sale

Help your kids beat the winter doldrums with a little help from Little Critter!

Mayer, Mercer.
The Best Yard Sale.
July 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

When the family decides they have too much stuff, it's decided that they'll hold a yard sale. Excitement runs high as things are collected and tagged and eventually sold. It's fun to sell old things that aren't being used anymore to make money (and more likely than not buy new things)! This book will inspire children to participate in your family garage sale without being so hesitant to sell their old toys and "things."

Reading/Learning Activity:

• Stave off the winter doldrums. Rather than having a "garage sale," which would be a bit frigid in the midst of winter, gather a bunch of family friends in someone's spacious basement. Have each person joining bring one (or more) thing(s) they wish to get rid of - maybe a toy, tool, article of clothing, book, etc. Display everything on folding tables. However many things are contributed by each individual will be what they are allowed to choose to take home with them! This will spice up the dull days of winter, as children will go home with something new (likely that they've played with and enjoyed before at a friend's house) to keep them going for the rest of winter!
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Tally Cat Keeps Track

Teach children about tallying with the help of Tally McNally!

Harris, Trudy.
Tally Cat Keeps Track.
September 2010.
Lerner Publishing Group.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Children will learn about tallying through a special story told by Tally McNally (AKA the Tally Cat)! Tally McNally uses tally marks to keep track of every part of his, yet also does so to make sure that he's always the winner. However, all of his tallying pays off in the end, when he falls in a sewer drain after trying to prove himself the best. He knows who is the smallest, who is the tallest, who is the smartest, etc and therefore, knows who to call in order to help get him out of that wretched drain! At the end of the book readers are provided with information (that even I hadn't previously thought of) - how using tally marks is just like counting with your fingers (except it allows you to go A LOT higher than just to 10)!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Introduce tallying as a hands on activity using the Lego Tally activity in which children are sorting legos and then tallying to get a total for each color.
  
• Play the Dog Bone Tally Game

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Art and Max

Expose children to a variety of artistic formats in this hilarious story of two art-loving friends!

Wiesner, David.
Art & Max.
October 2010.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Arthur, an accomplished painter appears slightly annoyed when his friend Max decides to take up painting as a hobby. However, as friends typically do, he opens the doors and offer to help Max. When the phrase, "You can paint me," is taken on a very literal level, the doors are opened for an adventure that is sure to have children laughing. A variety of artistic form is introduced in this artsy story, exposing children to a variety of techniques.

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Try out the different types of art exposed in Art & Max - pointillism, brush stoke, pencil, etc.
• Use the Art & Max Discussion Guide provided by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to further discuss the book.
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie

A fun story to match up with making an apple pie!

Parish, Herman.
Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie.
November 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Amelia Bedelia spends the day with grandparents enjoying all the different fall activities that there are to experience. When Grandma catches Amelia and her grandfather with nothing to do, she sends them in search of Granny Smith... just what they need to make a pie. It's clearly Amelia's first experience visiting a farmer's market and helping out in the kitchen, as everything direction that is given to Amelia is comprehended in the most simplistic form (a sprinkle of flour and Amelia literally sprinkles the flour all over herself and Grandma), yet it's certainly an adventure that will have readers chuckling and begging to make a pie of their own.

Learning/Reading Activity:

• After reading the story, make an apple pie of your own with your child using the recipe included on the last page of the book!
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

G is for Gladiator

Shoulders, Debbie and Michael.
G is for Gladiator: An Ancient Rome Alphabet.
April 2010.
Sleeping Bear Press.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.


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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Elmer and the Hippos

Elmer teaches children a lesson in sharing and teamwork with the help of some hippos!

McKee, David.
Elmer and the Hippos.
September 2010.
Lerner Publishing Group.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

When Elmer's relatives, the elephants come to him upset that the hippos have taken over their river, Elmer quietly handles matters on his own. Through his handling of the hippo problem, Elmer teaches children to handle issues calmly and rationally, to think things through. Instead of approaching the hippos all upset, Elmer decides to find out why exactly they took over the elephants river. The reasoning was really quite simple - their river had dried up. Upon discovering that their reasoning was indeed true, Elmer sets out to make a plan to help the hippos once again fill their river with water. While both groups of animals work together to create a solution to their problem, they also learn to become friends and see how teamwork pays off in the end!

This is a super story and I do believe I'm going to find myself using it in my Head Start classroom sooner, rather than later!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Try the Hula Hoop Pass activity... this really gets everyone thinking and verbalizing about how to work together!

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

The Duck Song

Teach a lesson about compassion and persistence with The Duck Song.

Oden, Bryant.
The Duck Song.
September 2010.
Flinders Press Inc.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

When a duck walks up to a lemonade stand in search of grapes one day, the man running the lemonade stand is easily unamused. Why on earth would a duck come to a lemonade stand in search of grapes? The story continued on, day after day with the duck looking for grapes at the lemonade stand. Eventually, the person running the lemonade stand has a change of heart of takes the duck to the store to purchase him some grapes. Surprisingly, the duck refuses the grape when offered. I half expected the duck to make a comment about making grape juice and was slightly disappointed that I didn't see that twist in the storyline. However, while I was a bit disappointed, I can see my preschoolers cracking up at the comedy in this book! Add in the fact that there's a 12-song CD included and its pretty much sure to be a hit with little ones!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Using concentrated juice, work with preschoolers to make both lemonade and grape juice. Talk about the foods that are used to make each. Then, have children taste both juices. Graph the favorite results for each child! Then, have them each draw a picture of another kind of fruit juice that they (or duck) could try!
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Lives of the Pirates: Swashbucklers, Scoundrels (Neighbors Beware!)

Pirates fans will find great delight in this informative text!

Krull, Kathleen.
Hewitt, Kathryn.
Lives of the Pirates: Swashbucklers, Scoundrels (Neighbors Beware!).
July 2010.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Collective biographers, Kathleen Krull and Kathryn Hewitt return to share with readers about the lives of famous pirates. From Captain Kidd and Madame Chang to Blackbeard, children will learn nearly everything there is to factually know about the lives the twenty some men and women presented in this book.

Who knew...

• Alvida (if she did exist) was the first known female pirate?
• the Barbarossa Brothers worked first as sailors?
• Lady Mary Killigrew's father, husband ans son were also pirates?
• Grace O'Malley never called herself a pirate but rather referred to her job as
  "maintenance by land and sea"?
• Sir Frances Drake was several inches taller than the average pirate?
• Sir Henry Morgan commanded more than two-thousand pirates on thirty-eight ships at his peak?
• Captain Kidd's father, a Presbyterian minister, died when Kidd was five years old?
• William Dampier succeeded in publishing his thrill-a-minute diaries?
• Blackbeard's real name is Edward Teach?
• Black Bart captured 470 ships in just four years?
• Mary Read was raised as a boy in London and Anne Bonny stabbed a servant girl in the stomach at age thirteen?
• Stede Bonnet was sentenced to death after inflicting eighteen fatalities during a five-hour cannon fight?
• Conajee Angria left behind five sons who happily continued in their father's footsteps?
• Rachel Wall began her career in pirating by stealing a ship off the coast of Maine after being unable to pay rent one month?
• Madame Cheng organized the largest pirate gang in history?
• Jean Laffite was against violence and treated his crews with respect?
• Benito De Soto was the most wanted pirate in the Atlantic?
• Long John Silveris a cook with a parrot always perched on his shoulder?

Children will learn all this and more in this wonderfully, factual book!



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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

You Are the Best Medicine

"A tender story that offers hope and comfort to parents with cancer and their children."
-HarperCollinsPublishers News, Marisa Russell

Clark, Julie Aigner.
You Are the Best Medicine.
September 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

A young mother suffering from cancer reiterates throughout the story that the love and support of a little girl is perhaps the best "medicine" for her mother during the healing process in her battle with cancer. The story is very simple and uses very little explicit detail, while at the same time, providing just enough to help children understand and feel at ease with the diagnosis that grips their loved one. Written by a two-time breast cancer survivor, You Are the Best Medicine is sure to provide comfort to families experiencing such a diagnosis!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Share the book with your family (or pass it along to a family you know that is living through such a diagnosis). Sit and have a family talk about what is happening and how everyone feels.
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

V is for von Trapp: A Musical Family Alphabet

Learn about the family who inspired The Sound of Music in this alphabetic informational sharing!

Anderson, William.
V is for von Trapp: A Musical Family Alphabet.
September 2010.
Sleeping Bear Press.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

From A is for Austria (Salzburg, Austria was the home the von Trapp family to Z is for Zell-am-See (Maria's birthplace), readers will learn virtually everything there is to know about the von Trapp family and their role as the inspiration behind The Sound of Music. There is a great wealth of information to be learned. I think in order for readers to truly appreciate the information provided in this wonderful alphabetic adventure, they will need to be somewhat familiar with The Sound of Music and the von Trapp family prior to reading, otherwise, they will likely appear lost in the text - I saw The Sound of Music as a high school musical last spring and because of that, I truly appreciated and gained from reading this book - it really is a wonderful show!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Watch The Sound of Music as a family... you can do this prior to reading the story or use the story as an introduction before watching the DVD!
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

The Napping House

Children will find great pleasure and much laughter in this cumulative tale!

Wood, Don and Audrey.
The Napping House.
August 2010.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

The problems caused by a wakeful flea are seeming endlessness in this hilarious classic from Don and Audrey Wood! Who knew such a little critter could cause such a ruckus?! The pesky little fleas begins a chain of awakening various critters, ultimately resulting in a broken bed and NO ONE napping!

Learning/Reading Activities:

• Create The Napping House lapbook - perfect for young children to take home to share with families!
• Print out the templates for characters from The Napping House. Laminate and glue to scrap pieces of felt. Have children take turns retelling the story using the flannel board and felt board pieces!
  
• Scholastic's Study Guide for The Napping House
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!