Celebrate/Recognize Hanukkah

Christmas isn't the only holiday currently being celebrated... the celebration of Hanukkah began on December 20 - share the celebration with your children!

Howland, Naomi.
Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story (It's a Book! It's a Card!).
October 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Children will learn the very basics about the Hanukkah celebration in this Send a Story, Share a Story. The story is of interesting nature and will likely capture the attention of children easily and the note provided at the back of the book allows children to gain a better understanding of the celebration of lights and the symbols representative of it - the latkes, the dreidel and the menorah.

This book is a wonderful, inexpensive way to help children understand that different cultures celebrate different ways than their own and can help them gain an appreciation for these cultural differences.

Cohen, Deborah Bodin.
Engineer Ari and the Hanukkah Mishap.
September 2011.
Lerner Publishing Group.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Another wonderful Hanukkah story is shared with children here. Each of the symbols discussed above is also referenced in this book, in more detail than in Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat. There are also additional symbols mentioned. Being that the book is a bit more detailed, it would likely be most appropriate for older children (ages 8-12), or younger, if children are showing an interest!

Reading Activity:

• Spend a day during your child's holiday break learning about the festival of lights (Hanukkah). There are crafts, recipes and activities that can be explored to gain an understanding of this cultural celebration!
  

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Day 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas:The Snowman's Revenge

Another great choice for a winter break read... at least if you have snow in your area and could have some snowman fun!

Smythe, Mark.
The Snowman's Revenge.
May 2009.
Mark Smythe.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

A snow day leads the children of the family to head outside and brave the elements. Once outdoors, they quickly set to work building a snowman. But, as the frigid weather reaches their bones, the children head inside out of the storm to warm up with Mom's hot chocolate and then some playing with toys. As the snowman watches from outside in the storm, he becomes angry and seeks revenge. Determined to scare the children, the snowman sneaks into the house to make a drastic discovery and quickly hides in the freezer. As the night goes on, his determination to scare the children builds and sets forth from the freezer to doing some scaring. Again, he notices that drastic discovery, and before long, all that's left of the snowman is his hat, scarf and jacket. When the children find that laying in the hallway in the middle of the night or come morning, they're sure to be a bit startled!

This book is great for a variety of age ranges - the youngest of children (~3's) would be able to possibly make the connection that the snowman is melting because he's indoors where it is too warm for snow to stay snow. Older children will enjoy the humor provided throughout the story. All around, I'd say it's a hit!

Reading Activity:

• With younger children (those that I'd work with), experiment with snow. Bring some in the house and leave it on the counter. Put some on in the refrigerator. Put some on the stove and turn a burner on low. Watch what happens. Discuss with your child what is happening and the reasons for that observation.
  

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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!

Day 11 of the 12 Days of Christmas: Martha Speaks: A Winter's Tail

Winter's here... embrace it!

Barss, Karen.
Martha Speaks: A Winter's Tail
October 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Skits, Martha's much-loved dog heads out for a winter adventure with Martha and her friends. While out being active during the wintertime, the group decides to play a game of hockey on a local lake. Despite the safety prep talk, Skits heads to close to the stream and the thin ice, facing danger as the ice begins to crack beneath him. Even though he is rescued, Skits is now fearful of hockey pucks, as the hockey puck is what ultimately led him towards the thin ice and danger. The fear of hockey pucks leads the family to an interesting discovery - a resourceful way to keep Skits away from the garbage can!

As the long winter months approach, it's going to be difficult to keep kids busy and active! This book provides just one suggestion of an activity that will get out some energy. Hockey (or even just skating) is very active and a great way to burn some energy. It also provides children with a way to use motor skills in a variety of different ways - always a plus!

Giving this book as a gift this holiday season will hopefully spark an interest in outdoor winter activities! The familiar character will likely inspire children to quick the book up faster than they might another, as "series" seem to be quite popular these days with children!



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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!

Days 8, 9, and 10 of the 12 Days of Christmas: Books for Children of ALL Ages

Looking for a Christmas book for a young child? Middle reader? Older readers who may question their belief? There's choices for all here!

Dunrea, Olivier.
Merry Christmas, Ollie!
September 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Ollie is very excited about Christmas and the impending visit from Father Christmas Goose... excited and impatient, just as young children are, awaiting their visit from Santa Claus. The excitement and enthusiasm displayed by young children is mimicked in Merry Christmas, Ollie!, making it an appropriate read while counting down the days until Christmas! The story is short and sweet, so even the youngest of children can appreciate the tale!

Reading Activity:

• Create a countdown calendar with your child to help them visualize and comprehend how many days are left until Santa visits.
  

Primavera, Elise.
Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas.
September 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Auntie Claus is back! In this sequel to the original Auntie Claus, a growing older young boy is beginning to have doubts about the existence of Santa Claus. Even though it is revealed to him by his older sister that their great-aunt is Auntie Claus is Santa's sister, Chris puts himself up to a little mischief to get on the bad boys and girls list to test the revelation. However, his aunt is out to prove to Chris about Santa and hands him the magical key, which ultimately helps Chris to really believe, by allowing him to see for himself all there is to the "family business."

This book is perfect for children who are just beginning to "question." It might allow you the chance to relish a couple more years out of their beliefs!

Moss, Kelly.
The Santa Club.
July 2011.
Palmary Press.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

There comes a time when children begin to ask two questions that can potentially make or break Christmas for them and their loved ones - Is there a Santa? or Is Santa real? When your child poses this question to you, especially if there are other children in the household who are still firm believers, this can be a difficult topic to handle delicately. The Santa Club is a perfect gift and discussion starter to help children understand what Christmas is really all about and to help them embrace it. The book is wonderful and a perfect way to help your child continue to enjoy the Christmas season!



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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!

Day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas: The Christmas Tree Ship

Share with children a story of selfless giving this holiday season.

Crane, Carol.
The Christmas Tree Ship.
September 2011.
Sleeping Bear Press.
Review copy courtesy of publisher.

Based on newspaper accounts and other sources, Carol Crane tells the story of one man's ultimate sacrifice to provide the children of Chicago with Christmas trees.

"Captain Santa" has made it his mission to deliver Christmas trees from Michigan's upper peninsula to Chicago to provide the less fortunate children with a form of Christmas. This has been a tradition for years. When suddenly, one year, the ship is overcome by a winter storm and Captain Santa and his trees perish, it is worrisome that Chicago's children will suffer the misfortune of no trees. However, realizing the importance of giving, Captain Santa's wife and daughters decide to carry on the tradition.

This is definitely a heart-wrenching story but well-worthy of sharing this holiday season. It's not your typical Christmas-y story, which makes it all the more special, as the deeper meaning will really encourage older children to take a new look at the true meaning of Christmas!

Reading Activity:

• As a family, after reading and discussing the story, think of something (however small) that you could do for a family or child less fortunate that your own.
  

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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!

Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas: Where, Oh Where, Is Santa Claus?

Where is Santa Claus?!?!

Wheeler, Lisa.
Where, Oh Where, Is Santa Claus?
September 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

In a humorous, rhyming hunt, children are on the search to find out where Santa has disappeared to. With the help of a variety of polar animals and footprints Santa is eventually found and sent on his way... AWAY to make sure Christmas goes on!

This is a simple, short read, perfect for a pre-Christmas bedtime story! Children will love the sing-song nature of the story. This would also be an ideal time to help younger readers form an understanding of rhyming words, as the book is full of them! Definitely a great story to check out this holiday season!

Reading Activity:

• Create a Santa treasure hunt of your own. Write up some rhyming clues and send your child(ren) on a scavenger hunt! Perhaps the reward at the end could be a new book or a chocolate Santa!
  

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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!

Day 5 of the 12 Days of Christmas: Curious George: Curious About Christmas

Expose the youngest of children to symbols of Christmas with this touch-and-feel book.

Pala, Anjali.
Curious George: Curious About Christmas.
September 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

The real importance of Christmas is referred to at the end of this Curious George tale, exposing children to the true meaning of Christmas from a very young age. The story also exposes children to traditional symbols of Christmas - stars, stockings, ribbons, reindeer, snow, Santa's beard... and of course, Curious George's present - a sled.

The touch-and-feel aspect of this story allows children to become engaged in the story in a sensory way, allowing them the opportunity to really make a connection between the text and their prior knowledge of Christmas symbols. Definitely a book to pass along to the little ones in your life this Christmas season.

Reading Activity:

• Help your child to really make a connection to the objects explored in this book. Set out to "experience" all of the textures in the book - visit a petting zoo to touch a reindeer, check out the stockings for sale in your local Walmart (or similar), make cookies together, play in the snow, go sledding, check out Santa's beard @ your local Santa display and feel and discuss the textures of the ornaments on your Christmas tree. Make this a linguistic experience for your child - use lots of descriptive vocabulary in your explorations to help build your child's language development!
  

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Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas: A Christmas Spider's Miracle

A peasant, a spider and a year's worth of good fortune are shared in this Ukraine tale.

Noble, Trinka Hakes.
A Christmas Spider's Miracle.
September 2011.
Sleeping Bear Press.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

It's a mother's instinct to want the best for her children and to do everything in her power to provided that to them. No less can be expected in the Ukraine tale told by Trinka Hakes Noble.

One Christmas Eve, a spider nestles deep into a pine tree, trying to keep her spiderlings safe from the dangers that a warm home might pose. Not far away, a peasant mother longs to provide her children with the Christmas they deserve. Unable to provide them with gifts, she decides to at least present them with a Christmas tree, full of homemade ornaments. When she struggles to create the ornaments and ultimately falls asleep on the table while trying, the mother spider takes note of her efforts and realize that they both are just seeking the best for their children, as the spiderlings have been left safely alone in their pockets. She sets to work, thankful for the warm, safe home to sleep - weaving a web of homemade ornaments as a thanks for the warm place to sleep.

But both mothers felt richly blessed; one by the safety of a warm house and the other by a small spider's Christmas miracle.

Even to this day, in the land of Ukraine, if you see a spider on Christmas Day, it will bring you good fortune for the whole year. But just to be sure, Christmas trees across the land all have one very special ornament... a sparkling jeweled spider.

This story is eloquently shared through Noble's text and Costanza's illustrations. It is however, a bit complex for younger children, but would most likely be appropriate for children ages 8-12. Children's books are a wonderful way to share the traditions and tales of other cultures and this book is no exception - it's definitely worth sharing this holiday season!

Reading Activity:

• Add a bit of Ukraine tradition to this year's Christmas tree! After reading, work with your child to create a sparkling jeweled spider of your own to ensure a year's work of good fortune!
  

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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!

Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas: It's a Book!, It's a Card! - Send a Story/Share a Story

Start a new tradition come this year's Christmas Eve!

Moore, Clement C.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Send a Story).
October 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

The traditional poetic telling of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" is passed along to children to enjoy in the form of a book AND a card in this wonderful edition! It's a classic that all children are sure to love, despite the sparse illustrations. The story alone is enough to capture their attention!

This has been a tradition in my house on Christmas Eve. For as long as I can remember, the story was shared on Christmas Eve, albeit a different version, A Hallmark Pop Up Book, also written by Clement C. Moore! 20+ years later, the book still holds a place on my bookshelf and I pull it out to enjoy on Christmas Eve!

Start a new tradition this Christmas Eve for the children in your lives by sending this special "It's a Book! It's a Card!" edition of the traditional retelling.



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Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas: It's a Book!, It's a Card! - Send a Story/Share a Story

Who knew Santa could be a kid expert, a toy expert, and a gift expert?

Frazee, Marla.
Santa Claus The World's Number One Toy Expert (Send a Story).
October 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Very simply put, Santa Claus is the World's number one toy expert - from making sure the toys are perfectly constructed to making sure that each child is matched with the exactly right toy (99.9% of the time), Santa would definitely be considered an expert in his field! Children will love the almost comic-like illustrations and simple text that accompany this new holiday title! If you know of a young child who is just starting to show an interest in Santa Claus, this is definitely a book/card to pass along their way this holiday season!



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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!

Day 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas: It's a Book! It's a Card! Send a Story/Share a Story

Send a story instead of a card this holiday season!

Brett, Jan.
Annie and the Wild Animals (Send a Story).
October 2011.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

As the winter drags on, Annie notices changes taking place with her cat, Taffy. She's stopped playing, eats more than usual, and sleeps all day long, curled up in strange places. After Annie notices that Taffy has disappeared, the loneliness sets in and Annie is desperate to find a new friend. Just when Annie decides all the corn cakes in the world will fail to bring her a new pet, the south wind sets in, sending winter on it's way... and Taffy back home... with a surprise of her own!

The "Send a Story, Share a Story" aspect of this card and book make it an ideal Christmas present to be sent to children this holiday season from a relative that won't be able to be with the child on Christmas, as it kind of gives off the message that despite absence, they are always remembed. What's awesome about this book is that although it seems to be a Christmas-y story, it would even be ideal during the late winter months, when a case of the winter blues seems to have set in and children need a sense of hope about the impending arrival of spring!



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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!

Guidecraft's Rainbow, Sand and Crystal Bead Blocks: Review & Giveaway Link

Each month, the Guidecraft Educators will share our honest feelings about a Guidecraft product(s) and how these products would fare in an early childhood classroom. This month's selection is a variety of blocks from puzzles from Guidecraft's "Block Play" line!

Block play, as you will see from the photographs below, allows children the opportunity to develop and use their imaginations in a variety of educational ways, from the very basic (great for toddlers & preschoolers) to more complex (appropriate for middle elementary schoolers, age 8-11). In any event, chances are, you know someone who would love the blocks in the Guidecraft "Block Play" line! The use of blocks in early childhood education promotes eye-hand coordination, visual perception, patterning (color/size), measurement, scientific exploration (levers and inclined planes), vocabulary usage, and dramatization and role play. The rainbow, sand and crystal bead blocks only make all of this exploration that much more engaging and fun!


I added these blocks to our shelf on a Friday afternoon, after the children had left for the weekend. I watched excitedly come Monday morning to see what their response was. I was surprised to discover that they all immediately noticed new blocks in the "block area" and almost immediately began exploring them. However, NOT ONE actually used language to share with friends that these block were "new." The blocks were quickly put to use - as castle toppers, "garbage" on dump trucks, and as "wood" for new dinosaur houses. Another interesting observation that was noticed by the children was that if they held the rainbow blocks up to their eye and looked through, they saw objects take on a different color (red, yellow, blue). "Miss Katie, you're red now!"

The blocks have definitely been a hit in the classroom and welcome addition to the "Block Area." It is evident that the blocks are a favorite and would be a well-loved, put-to-use Christmas present this holiday season!

What do other 'Guidecraft Educators' have to say about these blocks?
Maureen at Simply Stacie
Andrea at MommyPR
Deborah at Teach Preschool
Carrie from Huppie Mama
Jody from Mommy Moment
Candace at Mamanista!

For a chance to win a set of ALL 3 of these wonderful blocks sets, visit:
Carrie at HuppieMama,
the host of the DecemberGuidecraft Educators giveaway!

Or... if you just can't wait or really want to get your hands on this wonderful line of products, they can be purchased online at either Amazon.com or on Guidecraft's Website!

Rainbow Blocks (10 pieces) - Amazon.com or Guidecraft Website
Rainbow Blocks (30 pieces) - Amazon.com or Guidecraft Website
Deluxe Rainbow Blocks (42 pieces) - Amazon.com or Guidecraft Website
Crystal Bead Blocks (8 pieces) - Amazon.com or Guidecraft Website
Sand Blocks (8 pieces) - Amazon.com or Guidecraft Website



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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!