D is for Down Under: An Australian Alphabet

Looking for an inexpensive get-away from winter? Check out D is for Down Under: An Australian Alphabet! In Australia, summer is holding strong right now!

Scillian, Devin.
D is for Down Under: An Australian Alphabet.
August 2010.
Sleeping Bear Press.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

As part of the Around the World tour, Sleeping Bear press has now "visited" Australia, the land down under! From A to Z, each letter of the alphabet reaches out to explore the rugged landscapes, history, and lifestyles of Australians and the land down under. There is a wealth of information to be shared in this book, and children will find most of the information amazing and full of awe. Surely this is a wonderful book to include in a study of different countries around the world or if you're looking to escape winter here in the United States, there's no better time to pick up this book for a read - summer is just beginning to wind down in Australia!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Using a globe, show your child where Australia is located. Talk about it in relation to the United States.
  
• Watch some childrens' movies, such as Finding Nemo, which are set in Australia.
• Explore Australia using National Geographic Kids. You'll find facts, photos, videos, maps and more!
• You can also find out more about Australia from Sleeping Bear Press. They have put out a Teaching Guide that is full of wonderful 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!

These Hands

This February, celebrate all that your hands are able to do - things not all hand were able to do prior to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Mason, Margaret.
These Hands.
March 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

When a grandfather shares all of the things his hands could and couldn't do when he was younger, children learn of a very different time in history - a time when African American hands weren't able to mix bread dough in the Wonder Bread factory, weren't able to touch the bread dough in the Wonder Bread factory. The only things those hands were able to do were sweep the floors, work the line, and load the trucks - lesser work that did not involve touching bread, as white people would not want to eat bread touched by African American hands. The grandfather then shares of the actions taken by African Americans (writing petitions, carrying signs, raising their voices) to enable future generations of African Americans to "mix the bread dough" no matter the color of their hands.

This is a wonderfully written book that shares the tribulations and triumphs African American's faced during times of racial discrimination. While the Wonder Bread factory is specifically mentioned here, it is merely representative of nearly all means of employment African American's faced. The story is simply told and easy to understand, making it perfect for children as young as age 5. Definitely worth sharing this February as part of Black History Month.

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Take a picture of the hands of your child(ren). Discuss the things they are able to do. Discuss things they aren't able to do or wouldn't have been able to do prior to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Have them then share something that they feel fortunate that their hands are able to do! Mat their photo and response on colorful construction paper and create a bulletin board to share their work!
  

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!

Silverlicious

Pinkalicious returns... with Silverlicous!!!

Kann, Victoria.
Silverlicious.
February 2011.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

When Pinkalicious looses a tooth, she excitedly anticipates the treasures left behind by Tootheetina, the tooth fairy who visits Pinkalicious. However, when Tootheetina is too busy helping out others with tooth (shall we say), issues?, Cupid, the Easter Bunny and Elf #351 step in to help her out. Pinkalious is NOT satisified, as the tooth she lost appears to be her sweet tooth and she just wants it back. When Tootheetina finally finds the time to respond to Pinkalicious' notes, Pinkalicious discovers where sweetness really comes from... and readers are sure to be surprised at this discovery!

This is a perfect book for little girls who are excitedly awaiting the arrival of the tooth fairy and those who are fans of Pinkalicious in general! Definitely worth sharing, as it's not only fun (and a favorite character) but teaches an important lesson, as well!



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!

Ruth and the Green Book

Experience the challenges of growing up in the early 1950's through the eyes of Ruth, a young African-American girl.

Ramsey, Calvin Alexander.
Ruth and the Green Book.
August 2010.
Lerner Publishing Group.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Ruth's father has just bought the family's first car - intended to use for his new job. However, before he starts the new job, the family plans to take a trip to visit Grandma in Alabama. It all sounds good and easy enough. However, as the family sets off on the adventure, they learn first hand what being "black" in the south meant, facing daily prejudices and hardships along the way to Alabama. When an attendant at an Esso station provides the family with information about "The Negro Motorist Green Book" which is quickly purchased to assist them in their travels. Apparently, "The Negro Motorist Green Book" was a guide to help traveling black people reach places where they would be welcome to eat, shop, sleep, get a haircut and more. Ruth is quickly put in charge of being the navigator and helping the family make it safely to Alabama by relying on the assistance of those who would willingly provide it!

This is a wonderful story, as it seems to realistically portray what African Americans faced during the Jim Crow years. For more information about the Green Book or to access the actual 1956 Green Book (all found to download on the right hand side of the page), visit Lerner Publishing Group's website for Ruth and the Green Book. There's a ton of interesting info here on the topic and it's definitely worth checking out before Black History Month ends!



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!

That's Not Funny!

When the table's turned, things might not look so funny!

Willis, Jeanne.
That's Not Funny!
August 2010.
Lerner Publishing Group.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

The hyena, an animal known for his laugh, decides to play a practical joke on giraffe, but once things get started, they quickly spiral out of control. Who knew a banana peel, intended to trip up Giraffe could have an effect on Hippo, Snake, Ostrich, Rhino, Turtle, Vulture, Zebra, Cheetah, Wildebeest, and Elephant before getting even with Cheetah himself for all the laughter and "funnies" that Cheetah found from the misfortunes suffered by all the other animals. As I've always been told, "Paybacks are a b*$#%!" and Cheetah quickly learns that lesson when the tables are turned on him!

This is a wonderful book to help teach young children to not find the misfortunes of others funny, for you never know when you might be on the receiving end! I've experienced my share of laughter in my Head Start classroom when one child trips or falls (or something to that effect) and others laugh at them... The title alone is enough to teach children to use their words rather than retaliate with actions when they aren't finding someone else's actions funny! I'm definitely going to put this in my bag for reading upon return to school after mid-winter break!



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!

Return of the Rhyming Sheep

Fans of Nancy Shaw will take delight as her famous rhyming sheep return once again to tickle readers!

Shaw, Nancy.
Sheep Take a Hike.
2010 (1994).
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

In this fun, reprinted adventure, the sheep set off to take a hike. Upon their back, they pack their packs full of snacks before heading to the trail - up the hill and down the dale. But when the brush gets thicker, they start to bicker (as it's evident they've wandered off the trail). However, lucky for the sheep, the wool they left behind helps them find their way back home! Children are sure to love this rhyming adventure with the sheep, a character that they've come to know and love (or need to be introduced to for the first time)!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Set forth on a hike with your little ones. Pack a pack of hiking snacks upon your backs and make an adventure of your own. If you really want there to be some learning involved, ahead of time choose a word family to focus on (word families are a great way to introduce rhyming in a basic way). Plan your trail, and along the trail, post words and pictures that focus on that word family, as well as a few that don't. In order to complete the trail and find your way back home (or to school) your children will need to try to figure out the rhymes to determine which trail to take. For example, when you come to a split in the trail, post two words/pictures (hat, sock). If the word family you are focusing on is the -at family, your child will need to determine which word rhymes with that word family and follow the path in that direction! (Hopefully I've explained this clearly enough - if you're looking for more clarification about this, just leave a comment!)
  

Shaw, Nancy.
Sheep Blast Off!
March 7, 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

If you have a child who is a fan of outer-space, spaceships, or astronauts, this is definitely the book to use when introducing them to rhyming words! The rocket sheep take off on an outer-space adventure after a shape has landed in the mist. As they set forth to explore they find a door! When the door is sealed the engines roar and sheep blast off. Throughout the adventure children will not only start recognizing the rhyming words, but will also learn a bit about spaceships! Nancy Shaw has once again returned with a hit in Sheep Blast Off!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Create an activity in which children "blast off" into rhyming stars! Include on the worksheet a picture of a rocket ship, that targets whatever word family (or rhyme) you're hoping to help your child(ren) learn. Draw some stars around the page that the rocket ship is "blasting off" to and have your child put a rhyming word on each star. If they're still too young or have difficulty writing, have them tell you the word and you write it for them! Have them color the letters that are the same, so they begin to develop an understanding about what makes them rhyming words!
  

Beaumont, Karen.
No Sleep for the Sheep!
March 7, 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

When you go to place your order for Nancy Shaw's latest "sheep" titles, check out Karen Beaumont's latest title, No Sleep for the Sheep! It hits stores on March 7, but is already available for pre-order!

While I wouldn't necessarily consider this a "rhyming book," there are certainly rhymes found within that children will likely pick up on. In this sing-song type book, children will take delight as the poor sheep just wants to sleep in the big red barn on the farm! Of course, the other farm animals have other ideas in mind and do their best to keep sheep awake. However, sheep eventually has enough and is able to sleep through the racket of the other animals on the farm. The sing-y nature of the story makes it really fun to read and I can't wait to share this with my Head Start children... I know it's sure to have them chuckling and most likely joining in to share the reading fun!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Read the story several times through... each time you read try to go faster and see just how much fun it can be. Encourage your child(ren) to participate and you'll really have a blast reading 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!

Fancy Nancy Week: Day 5

Introduce art museums with this Fancy Nancy masterpiece (that's fancy for great work)!

O'Connor, Jane.
Fancy Nancy and the Museum.
September 2009.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Nancy and her classmates are visiting an art museum for the first time. There they will learn about all sorts of art work - landscapes, still lives and portraits. There's a great deal to be learned throughout this story, not including all of Nancy's fancy language! Of course, Nancy has to look fancy for her trip to the museum, resulting in a bus ordeal and the discovery of the language surrounding artists garb!

Have your child(ren) research and experiment with the three types of paintings discussed in this Fancy Nancy title. Spend some time creating a still life, a portrait and a landscape of your child's choosing. If they'd like something to refer to, you could always use webshots for some great photographs to try and recreate!



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!

Fancy Nancy Week: Day 4

Winter Break is just around the corner - how about a Fancy Nancy sleepover?

O'Connor, Jane.
Fancy Nancy and the Late, Late, LATE Night.
April 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

When Fancy Nancy's requests for a later bedtime are denied by her parents, she tries a sneaky move, hiding under the covers with a flashlight to read the scrapbook she had been wanting to stay up to read. Nancy learns her lesson though, as she's exhausted (that's fancy for very tired) the next morning, lacking energy to jump rope at recess, miss 3 words on her spelling test and goes to bed the next night before her little sister! The lesson to be learned is that even fancy girls need their beauty rest!

Surely you've have a little one begging for a later bedtime! Share this book some night over winter break, allowing your little one to stay up LATE for just one night and do something special - perhaps a sleepover with a close friend and a late night movie? Children will find delight in the opportunity to have this special kind of night!

O'Connor, Jane.
Fancy Nancy: Pajama Day.
June 2009.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Pajama day at school is supposed to be a fun, special event. But, Nancy's desire to be fancy leaves her feeling anything but, as her best friend Bree happens to be "twins" with another child in the class. Things don't play out so well for Fancy Nancy as her fancy nightgown leaves her out of group. When Bree declines an invitation to play at Nancy's, Nancy really has hurt feelings. However, upon being invited to play with Bree and Clara, Nancy quickly rushes home and changes into her pajamas that will have her being a triplet with Bree and Clara!

The night after your late night sleepover, have a pajama day - spend the day in your PJ's doing some special things like Nancy and her classmates - dancing, the playground, maybe even making ice cream sundaes! Children will love spending the day in their pajamas, especially if they head out into public for a bit of attention-getting!



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!

Fancy Nancy Week: Day 3

Fancy Nancy has ideas galore! (That's fancy for a lot)!

O'Connor, Jane.
Fancy Nancy: Spectacular Spectacles.
June 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Fancy Nancy quickly finds herself overcome with jealousy when her best friend Bree suddenly is wearing "spectacular spectacles." Nancy is so jealous that she decides she too, is having trouble seeing and has convinced herself that she needs glasses. When her mother catches her reading in the dark to try and harm her vision, a plan must be quickly put into action. Nancy and her mother turn her old sunglasses (which were missing a lens), into a pair "spectacular spectacles" of her own, using a variety of everyday craft supplies. Now, Nancy has spectacular spectacles just like Bree!

This book is perfect for children who have just gotten or need to start wearing a pair of glasses, as it makes the idea of wearing glasses exciting at the very least! It's also a wonderful book for children who are experiencing jealousy at a friend or sibling having received a new pair of glasses - as it provides a very simple solution to what could potentially be a trying issue!

O'Connor, Jane.
Fancy Nancy: The Show Must Go On.
June 2009.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Fancy Nancy is yet again facing a challenge! Her class at school is putting on a talent show. When Nancy is paired with Lionel, a boy she barely knows, she quickly begins to panic, worrying about what they can do as an act. When Nancy's mom suggests she "get to know" Lionel, Nancy gets a surprise of her own, to learn that the act she had been dreaming about can still be performed, as she was hoping to do a circus act and Lionel, ironic enough, loves lions! Together, the two spend time practicing and the applause (clapping) they receive at the conclusion of their act shows that their effort at working together has paid off!

Gather some family friends and pair up the children. Plan a talent show and have the children work together to perfect an act that can be performed in front of all the adults. Give out prizes for the talents, making sure there's a prize for each pair of children (best dressed, best acting, best speaking, etc).


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!

Fancy Nancy Week: Day 2

Could there be an educational side to Fancy Nancy?!

O'Connor, Jane.
Fancy Nancy: The Dazzling Book Report.
March 2009.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

It's Monday and that means it's Library Day for Fancy Nancy. Nancy and her classmates all choose a special book to take home with them for the week. Nancy chooses a book on Sacajawea. Just when she thinks things can't get any better, Nancy and her classmates are assigned the task of a book report. Nancy spends so much time making her cover look dazzling that she leaves no time for the words to report to her classmates about the book! However, Nancy quickly learns that a book report can take on more than one format that just something written, as she is given the opportunity to speak about Sacajawea.

Teachers can use this Fancy Nancy title to share with students what a "book report" is and to introduce different book report formats. Parents can use this to help spike an interest in helping a child complete a book report! And of course, Fancy Nancy fans will find this an inspiration when trying to complete a book report project, as Nancy can make just about anything fun (and fancy)!

O'Connor, Jane.
Fancy Nancy: My Family History.
October 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Fancy Nancy has to write a report about her ancestors for school. When she feels her report is lacking interesting information, she "exaggerates" on the details, trying to spice things up. She quickly comes to realize that her exaggerations would leave her ancestors feeling less than proud of her and decides to rewrite the report in order to make her grandfather and his father proud.

This would make for a great introduction for teachers to use when starting to study a unit on ancestors and families. Parents could also use this book as a way to peak an interest in children learning about their own families and taking pride in their family's personal accomplishments. And, Fancy Nancy fans will learn that exaggerating the details with "fancy" facts really isn't the best way to go!


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!

Fancy Nancy Week: Day 1

Treat yourself and your child this Valentine's Day (or any day in the near future)!

O'Connor, Jane.
Fancy Nancy and the Sensational Babysitter.
April 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

When Nancy's parents have plans to head out to a movie for the evening, Nancy quickly sets to work on planning her agenda (fancy for list) of things to do with the babysitter. When the babysitter isn't all that Nancy hoped for, her disappointment is easy to pick up on. However, she quickly makes a few adjustments and finds herself enjoying her time spent with the new babysitter. Together, they have lots of fun and are able to teach each other new things!

O'Connor, Jane.
Fancy Nancy and the Delectable Cupcakes.
August 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

After arriving home from school, Nancy and her mom head to the market to get all the supplies for making "delectable" cupcakes for the bake sale to raise money for library books. A lack of listening in the household results in the cupcakes having to be made twice, but never the less, they are completed and are, indeed, delectable! This "I Can Read!" level one book is perfect for little girls who have shown an interest in Fancy Nancy or all things princess-y. The sentences are simple and children are sure to pick up on a great deal of new vocabulary, as Fancy Nancy language teaches synonyms!

Literacy Activities:

• Head out to your local bookstore and pick up a copy of both of these titles - they are relatively inexpensive and peaking an interest in reading will be well worth the cost!
• Plan a night out on the town... leave the two stories for the babysitter and your child(ren) to share.
  
• Provide hula hoops and soft rubber balls for juggling, as Nancy and Alex practice in Fancy Nancy and the Sensational Babysitter.
  
• Make the night in with a babysitter extra special by providing them the ingredients needed to create some delectable cupcakes of their own! The cupcakes can the be "sold" to raise money for new books or something else your child wishes for!
  

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!

Happy Valentine's Day, Curious George!

Lift-the-flaps and allow your children to engage and interact with Curious George this Valentine's Day!

Di Angelo, N.
Happy Valentine's Day, Curious George!
January 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

The preparation for Valentine's Day can be very tiring for a little monkey, especially one like George! After a busy day spent inviting friends for a Valentine's Day party, decorating, creating cards and icing cookies, George is exhausted. When the man with the yellow hat delivers a box full of goodies for George and his friends, George is overwhelmed and suddenly tired, opting to climb inside for a nap. Luckily, he's discovered by his friends quick enough to remember to wish them all a Happy Valentine's Day!

Children will love interacting with Curious George in this story! Lift-the-flaps are sure to keep children engaged and interested in the reading, while at the same time have them anticipating what will be next!



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!

My Mommy Hung the Moon

Children love to give Valentine's, too!

Curtis, Jamie Lee.
My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story.
September 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Parent's aren't the only ones who enjoy giving Valentine's to their children... children enjoy giving a Valentine back! This year, pick out this item for yourself (moms) and wrap it and give it to Dad, for him to pass along to the kids to share with you for Valentine's Day. As the title states, "My Mommy Hung the Moon." The book celebrates all that moms do for their children and will greatly be treasured if received by mom for a Valentine this year!



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!

Martha Speaks: Thief of Hearts

Will missing craft supplies prevent the making of Valentine cards? Or can Martha save the day?

Meddaugh, Susan.
Martha Speaks: Thief of Hearts.
January 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Martha, Caroline, T.D., Truman and Helen are all looking forward to making Valentine's Day cards. However, Skits has another idea in mind - throwing snowballs. When the craft supplies for making the cards turn up missing, the hunt is on - someone has hidden them. As the friends begin to argue, Martha quickly discovers the real culprit of the craft thief and is able to "save" Valentine's Day!

This is a great Valentine's Day story for you middle-readers. By introducing Martha as a new character series, you'll likely find a hit and an inspiration behind further reading in a hesitant reader!



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!

A String of Hearts

Valentine's Day is about the people who make you feel special!

Elliot, Laura.
A String of Hearts.
November 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Sam teaches children a very important lesson in A String of Hearts. Valentine's Day is about embracing the very people who make you feel the most special and loved. Sam was so busy focusing on the most popular girl in the class that he overlooked creating a special Valentine for the girl who was actually the most important - the one who always helped him feel better and knew exactly what he liked.

This is a great book if you're trying to teach children to find something special about everyone. Sam and Mary Ann work to create unique Valentine's that fit the personality of all of their classmates! Creating special Valentines like these might make for a nice change, as opposed to store-bought Valentines this year!



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!

All The Things I Love About You

Congratulations to Linda Kish, winner of All the Things I Love About You! giveaway!

Linda, please email me your snail mail address ASAP so I can get this book on the way to you! I've sent you an email you can reply to!



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!

Valentine Mice!

Will Valentine's Day turn out to be a disaster for this mice quartet?

Roberts, Bethany.
Valentine Mice!
January 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Four little Valentine mice set out to deliver Valentine's to their forest friends. As they are busy passing out the Valentines, one of the mice disappear and Valentine's Day quickly turns into a Valentine's Day hunt for the littlest of the four. Surely, Valentine's Day will end happily for this quartet of mice!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Have a Valentine's Day mouse hunt in your house. Hide four Valentine's mice, each one holding onto a special little gift for your little one(s). Of course, they don't have to be real mice - you can just print some mice clip art!
  

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!

Marley Looks for Love

Engage children in reading a Valentine's story using this lift-the-flap book featuring a popular familiar pooch!

Grogan, John.
Marley Looks for Love.
November 2010.
Harper Collins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Marley has found a new "friend," Fifi. He's more than excited to return the park and spend time with Fifi, but that turns into more of an adventure than anyone could begin to imagine. Where could she possibly be hiding? And why can't Marley find her? Children will love participating in the reading with this lift-the-flap Valentine's story that continually poses questions to keep children engaged and guessing!



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!

Ruby Valentine Saves the Day

Show your children how to celebrate Valentine's Day without all the hype of commercialization!

Friedman, Laurie.
Ruby Valentine Saves the Day.
August 2010.
Lerner Publishing Group.

Ruby Valentine has always been a fan of Valentine's Day. But when her new home atop a mountain prevents the guests from arriving at her annual Valentine party, Ruby and Lovebird must come up with other plans - taking the party down to the people of Heartland. However, after making their way down the mountain to the town square, Ruby discovered that all of her Valentine's gifts had been lost along the way. The townspeople quickly show her the real message of Valentine's Day - "If you're with the ones you love, that's all you need to celebrate." The party then proceeds without a hitch, as the party guests decorate a large snowman, sang songs, and had a ball!

Definitely a great Valentine's Day book, especially if you're looking not to spend money on all the frivolous little gifts that are associated with Valentine's Day. This book will show children (and parents) how to celebrate without spending any money!



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!

Valentine's Giveaway: All the Things I Love About You

This Valentine's Day, share with your little one all the things you love about them!

Pham, LeUyen.
All the Things I Love About You.
November 2010.
Harper Collins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

There are so many reasons a mother loves her child. From the way your child's hair looks in the morning to hearing them say "Mama" all day long, there's much to love about children. While only several are shared here, you could really personalize this book by creating your own special way and writing it in the back of the book if you're planning on sharing this with your little one this Valentine's Day!

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

• In a comment on this post, share with me how your family celebrates Valentine's Day!
  
• Be sure to leave an email address along with your comment.
• Deadline to enter is Monday, February 7 at 11:59PM EST.
• For an extra entry(or three):
  1. Become a subscriber/follower of my blog (+1)
  2. Blog about this giveaway on your own blog and leave a link in your comment (+1)
  3. Leave a tweet on your Twitter page and then leave a link in your comment (+1)
• Contest is open to U.S. Residents only, sorry for any inconveniences!
• Winner will be selected on Tuesday, February 8th and will receive a copy of All the Things I Love About You!

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!

Send a Valentine!

Make Valentine's Day special for your distant, little loved ones, by passing along Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's newest, Send a Story!

Meyers, Susan.
Everywhere Babies (Send a Story).
January 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Little ones and older children will take delight in this light hearted reminder that who they are is what makes them so special. Being unique is a wonderful thing and there's love for all - that's the important message that's easily conveyed in this sweet, simple tale! A perfect Valentine gift from a distant grandparent who wants to pass along a little loving reminder from across the miles!

Ryder, Joanne.
Won't You Be My KISSAROO? (Send a Story).
January 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Kisses can be fun and delightful in so many ways! Children are sure to chuckle at the playful kisses shared by so many throughout this story. This is a perfect Valentine for parents to share with their little ones!

Warburg, Sandol Stoddard.
I Like You (Send a Story).
January 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Celebrate all the reasons and ways it is possible to like one another with this wonderful tale of friendship - through good times and bad. Children are really able to see what it means to be true friends in this story and the comical illustrations really helps show what true friends look like. Allow your child(ren) to share pass along a copy of this book as a special Valentine to his/her best friend.

Gliori, Debi.
No Matter What (Send a Story).
January 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Small Fox is looking for some reassurance from Big Fox in this tale. Through good times or trying times, in nearness or distance, love survives and is always present. This book is a perfect Valentine for children who may be at a difficult point in their life or who's family is suffering through a crisis and reassurance is needed!

These new "Send a Story" books will make for the perfect Valentine! Children love receiving mail, even if it is from someone they see every day! All four of the titles are relatively inexpensive ($4.99 each) and cost only 3 first-class postage stamps to mail. The back cover provides space to address the stories as a postcard, with room on the inside cover for a special note to the receiver! I think they're definitely worth checking out for Valentine's Day this year - and as I made note of above (in bold) there's a book for virtually everyone and every situation!



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!