Back to School Reads, Day 5: Rules for School

Rules for School - from a kid's standpoint, so you know there's something to them!

Greven, Alec.
Rules for School.
June 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Alec Greven returns in Rules for School to share with readers 15 rules he's deemed as necessary to have a successful school year! The rules are shared from the wisdom a child has picked up in his years of school, making this a great read for children, as of course they relate better to children than adults!

Alec Greven's Rules for School

1. You have to let go of summer.
2. Gear up and get that backpack ready!
3. You're going to be nervous - get over it.
4. Get Mom on your side.
5. Stay on track!
6. Think before you sit.
7. Be brave - ask questions!
8. Avoid the supernova.
9. Just face it. Homework is something you have to do.
10. Let loose at lunch.
11. Run the ants out of your pants.
12. Just be yourself.
13. Appreciate your teacher.
14. Make the most of it.
15. Have fun!
    

The fifteen rules (stated above) are expanded upon and described in great detail by Greven, making this the idea book, as it doesn't leave children wondering or looking for further clarification. I've loved Greven's work in the past, and this one is no less disappointing! Because it is written from a child's point of view, it's very funny and true to the heart, and for this, children should really enjoy it!



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!

Fur and Feathers

Teach children about animal skin coverings using this delightful tale!

Halfmann, Janet.
Fur and Feathers.
August 2010.
Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

A big wind storm blows the fur, feathers, scales, and shells (among some skin coverings) off all the different zoo animals in Sophie's dream after a wind storm one night. Determined to help them stay warm, Sophie offers them the clothing out of her closet... however, it's less than conducive for their needs! Looking around the house, Sophie discovers Grandma's sewing basket, full of materials that will help her give the animals a new coat. By having the animals line up, Sophie (and readers) learn all about the kinds of skin coverings the different animals require to survive in their environments and she sets about, sewing the new coats, adding a personal touch to each!

This is an incredible story! I LOVE it and know that it's found a home in my "Animals, Animals, Everywhere" theme! There's much to be learned and the creative Sophie displays towards creating the animals new coats is incredible! I think children will love the adventure found within the pages of this story and I'm very much looking forward to sharing it with my preschoolers!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Sylvan Dell Publishing has provided a complimentary copy of the teaching activities packet to use in collaboration with Fur and Feathers, that can be downloaded here. There are many great activities among the 57 pages! My favorite activity is found on pages 34-40, in which children are asked to create a new coat for the animals, based on their characteristics and needs, after doing a bit of research about the animal. Of course, there are like 26 different animals, one for each letter of the alphabet - so you could just have your child(ren) select one animal to simplify things! Encourage your child(ren) to be creative by allowing them free reign of the craft supplies!
  

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!

Back to School Reads, Day 4: First Grade Jitters

First Grade Jitters validates the importance of those jitters your little one might be experiencing!

Quackenbush, Robert.
First Grade Jitters.
June 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Little Aiden has a case of the first grade jitters. He wonders if his friends will be there... if he'll be able to understand his teacher... if he'll have to know how to read and do arithmetic. As Aiden nears the first day of 1st grade, his jitters continue to mount, until he finally catches up with his friends from kindergarten. Together, his three friends help Aiden overcome his jitters and actually become excited about the prospect of 1st grade!

This is a wonderful book to share with your child, especially if he/she is experiencing a case of jitters about entering 1st (or any) grade, really! It validates the feelings your child may be experiencing and at the same time, allows your child to see that it's okay to feel a bit nervous. I thought it was greatly important that Quackenbush mentions to children that of course they aren't expected to know everything, that's what their teacher is there for - to help them learn! Children will love the almost-graphic like appearance of the illustrations and the length of the story is perfect! Definitely a great back-to-school choice!



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!

Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!

A unique way to help children understand cancer.

North, Sherry.
Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!
August 2010.
Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Cody and his dog, Champ, have a wonderful relationship, spending lots of time together. One day, Cody notices a lump on Champ and decides to take Champ to see her doctor. The news isn't good - Champ has cancer. Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too! allows children the opportunity to understand what cancer is and what it means for those suffering. Together, Cody and Champ share with children about the diagnosis, treatment and side effects of cancer to a "patient."

This is a wonderful story for children who are experiencing dealing with cancer - either themselves, a loved one or a pet. It simplifies what cancer is all about in a way that children will easily understand, and simply answers many of the questions your child may have about the illness. Definitely a recommended read - even if your child/family isn't dealing with a cancer diagnosis, as cancer is an illness that touches so many these days.

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Sylvan Dell has put out a teaching activities packet to use in collaboration with Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!. My favorite activity from the packet to use with the book can be found on page 21, in which character education is brought up as a main focus. The activity encourages children to think about how a cancer diagnosis impacts the patient as well as his/her family.
  

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!

Back to School Reads, Day 3: Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?

A great read-aloud for children entering Kindergarten and their nervous parents!

Vernick, Audrey.
Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?
June 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

As one buffalo prepares himself for kindergarten, children will take delight in knowing they aren't the only one with a case of the kindergarten jitters! This antsy buffalo is worried about virtually everything - from the scissors to recess, it seems as though this little one has at least one worry that can relate to everyone!

This is a wonderful new book to for parents and future-kindergarteners to share together, as it has a calming effect that will appeal to nervous children and parents. Not only is the book easy to relate to, it continually shares one very important idea - Everyone's special in his or her own way. This message is relayed in many ways, while at the same time, sharing words of advice that are important for children entering school for the first time!



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!

Astro: The Steller Sea Lion

The true story of Astro, a Stellar Sea Lion.

Harvey, Jeanne Walker.
Astro: The Steller Sea Lion.
August 2010.
Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Astro was abandoned by his mother (it is unsure what happened to her) at just a few days old. After being spotted alone on an island off the coast of California, Astro was rescued by a scientist and taken to The Marine Mammal Center, an agency that cares for sick, hurt and stranded marine mammals. Employees at the center worked to nurse Astro back to health and prepare him for his life in the ocean. However, Astro had other plans. He became attached humans, rather than other sea lions because he was so young when he was rescued. Despite the attempts of The Marine Mammal Center to release Astro back to his natural habitat, efforts failed and Astro was eventually moved to a permanent facility for marine mammals unable to survive in the wild. Astro now resides in a new home at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut.

Children will fall in love with Astro and his incredible story of forming attachment to humans and just what that bond meant for his survival. True stories of this nature allow children the opportunity to respect and care greatly for different forms of wildlife, and the story of Astro will be no exception. Add the story to a wealth of press released information about Astro and his adventures and children will instantly be captivated!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Learn more about Astro at the Mystic Aquarium website.
• Share Meet Astro, the Celebrity Steller Sea Lion! by watching this video!
• Sylvan Dell Publishing has also put out a complimentary Teaching Activities packet, available for download here. My personal favorite activity is found on page 20 & 21, a mapping activity and the calendar activity found on page 18.
  

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!

Back to School Reads, Day 2: Pinkalicious: School Rules!

Prepare your little princess for back to school with this new school title in the Pinkalicious series!

Kann, Victoria.
Pinkalicious: School Rules!
June 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Pinkalicious has headed back to school for a new year - she really likes her teacher, Mr. Pushkin and she has some friends in her class... but she downright misses Goldilicious (her unicorn, nicknamed Goldie). With Goldie, school could be pinktastic, so Pinkalicious decides to take Goldie along with her one day. The morning starts out a bit on the rough side, but Mr. Pushkin agrees that Goldie can stay, as long as Pinkalicious can teach her the school rules. Of course, that's just what Pinkalicious does and together, they have a very successful day at school!

The book is cute - Pinkalicious fans will be thrilled with this newest title. While I wouldn't exactly call it a back-to-school book, it definitely would classify if you used it in such a manner to promote the idea of going back to school and stress the importance of following school rules.

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Get your child ready for back-to-school by purchasing Pinkalicious: School Rules! (just $3.99 on Amazon.com). After reading, discuss the rules Pinkalicious and Goldilicious were expected to follow at school. Are they the same or different from what your child(ren) are expected to follow? Using the worksheet that can be downloaded here, work with your child(ren) to create a list of 10 rules for a successful school year after reading Pinkalicious: School Rules! The rules could include anything from the behavior you expect of your child at school, to rules regarding homework and bedtime routines that will help ensure a successful school year. When your child(ren) have completed a successful school year, throw them a Pinkalicous Party, as recommended by ThinkPinkalicious.com
  

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!

Back to School Week! Day 1

It's August! And that means the back to school countdown is most likely on... whether your children head back before Labor Day or shortly after, it's really right around the corner... I have just 22 days of freedom left... anxious about starting the new school year, yet dreading what that means - the end of long summer days (or nights) as the case may be! I have several new back-to-school titles up for review, and decided to get them out there, hoping that you'll find the perfect one to share with your back-to-schooler!

Prelutsky, Jack.
There's No Place Like School: Classroom Poems.
June 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

From suspsicious hot lunches (yuck!), to pop quizzes (oh, no!), to recess and best friends (hooray!), everything you love - and love to hate - about school is front and center in this collection of eighteen poems by thirteen celebrated poets. One thing's for certain: there's no place like school!

Children will love all that these poems have to offer - the humor and imagination are lively and flowing - perfect to lighten the somber back-to-school minds that overtake as the end of summer draws near. This is a perfect choice to embrace the start of a new school year!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Take the opportunity at breakfast for the last 18 days of summer vacation to share one of these poems. Download the discussion sheet, found here, to open each day with a discussion related to each poem!
  

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!