With your Paw in Mine review

Miki, an otter pup, loves to snuggle on her mama's tummy. And Mama holds Miki's paws while she teaches her how to swim.  While Mama is out gathering food, Miki meets another otter pup and the two become best friends. Then one day, a terrible storm rages in the ocean, and Miki and Amak hold each other's paws tightly. Will it be enough to keep them safe? (goodreads summary)



 While Mama Otter goes hunting little pup Miki waits patiently at the top of the ocean wrapped securely in seaweed.  She finds a new friend and the two enjoy each others company while both their mama's are out for their daily hunt.   When a storm suddenly hits, Miki and Amak are alone and scared. Fortunately,  they do have each others friendship to help make it through the unpredictable weather until they can reunite with their Mama Otters again. 


The illustrations in this book are so sweet and cute that this story warms the heart.  It was filled with  love, friendship and working together when facing challenges.  I could feel the affection between mom and baby otter as Mama fluffed Miki up and taught her to swim holding onto her paw.  Miki was a little scared while Mama hunted but after meeting her friend Amak who was also scared while his mama was away, she shared paw holding with him to feel safe.  They worked out a way to help  each other when the storm came to stay together until they could be reunited with the  otter group.  What a relief when she heard her mama's voice!  Along with the illustrations the text is soft, gentle and soothing.  This would be a wonderful bedtime story to cuddle up with and read aloud to the younger ones.  I think this is a  "just right book" for ages 3-6.~ 

Saturday is Swimming Day review

New things can be scary -- but as one endearing little girl discovers, it's perfectly fine to take your time.(goodreads summary)

It's Saturday morning and the little girl in this book wakes up with a stomach ache.  It just so happens to be swimming lesson day.  Reluctantly going to her first lesson, she sits on the edge of the pool the entire class and watches.  The next week she had a very bad stomachache. With the encouragement and support from her instructor, the little girl soon realizes swimming might not be so scary after all.

Childhood fears can develop from a either new or different environment to a bad experience they may have encountered. If your child is reluctant or fearful of swimming this would be a good story to share.  It demonstrates confidence building by trusting the instructor and children will connect well with the feelings of the main character. It could open up discussion about what they might be feeling themselves in a same situation.   It might even be a great opener to a first time swimming lesson group so children know what to expect before going into the water as well.   The colored pencil and watercolor illustrations are soft and gentle adding wonderful touches of expression with the story line.  It evokes a sense of calmness while reading, just what you need before heading into that scary pool setting.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3 to 7.~

Title: Saturday is Swimming Day
Author:  Hyewon Yum
Pub. Date:  June 2018, Candlewick Press
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Click, Clack, Quack to School! review

They can stand in line (sort of), use indoor voices (perhaps), and are capable of sharing (rumor has it), so the Click Clack critters are ready for school…but is school ready for them?(goodreads summary)





 Hurray for School...It has been a long time since Farmer Brown has been to school. All the animals are excited as well until Farmer Brown tells them a few rules. Luckily, the animals studied the rule books all night and by the next morning were all lined up quietly and ready to go.  Farmer Brown was so proud of his animals!  They arrive at school just in time for recess and soon find out that things just might not be as serious as Farmer Brown implied.  Another fun book in the Click, Clack series that will sure be a hit for the first few weeks of school.  Kids will connect with learning inside rules versus having outside free time.  Illustrations are large for viewing and the text flows for an easy read aloud to a group.  And of course in the end, Duck is up to no good.  These books always seem to bring on the giggles during reading.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title: Click, Clack Quack to School
Author: Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
Pub. Date: July 2018, Antheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books 
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

How to Read a Story review

Step One: Find a story. 
Step Two: Find a reading buddy. 
Step Three: Find a reading spot.
Now: Begin. (goodreads summary)





Since the new school year is upon us, it always seems to be the best time to find some new stories to read to the kids.  When I saw this book by one of my favorite authors, I knew I had to give it a try and happy that I did.  It made me smile and I felt this charming book would be the perfect story for the beginning of the school year in any classroom or library.  Inside is a cute step-by-step guide teaching its' reader on how to be a good reader. It encourages simple but important ways to reading such as;  choosing a good book, having a good reading spot with a buddy, reading out loud in a clear voice, using character voice changing, sounding out words you don't know and making predictions. These are only a handful of examples of what to expect from the content.  The illustrations are plentiful and fun having a story within a story being told as well. It  promotes everything you need that helps children become a good reader.  It would definitely make a great addition to the classroom library that kids will want to read over and over again.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title: How to Read a Story
Author: Kate Messner, illustrated by Mark Siegel
Pub. date:  May 2015, Chronicle Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

I am (Not) Scared review

Two fuzzy friends go to an amusement park. They try to convince each other that there are much scarier things than the roller coaster. Hairy spiders! Aliens! Fried ants! They soon discover that sometimes being scared isn’t as “scary” as they thought. (goodreads summary)




My favorite two creatures are featured in a third book and this time they are sharing a few fearful things before they take on the big roller coaster ride. Text is once again simple for a quick read aloud either to a group or one-on-one with opportunity to open up  discussion about fears and how to overcome them.  With bold illustrations and big expression, we sense how the characters are feeling and this helps make the story relate to the young reader.  Just before the fuzzy pair board the roller coaster an "oh oh" moment will have the kids giggling and wondering what happens next! There are many things that are scary for kids but as these two find out together, facing them with a friend can definitely help you get through it.  I always look forward to books by Anna Kang and this one did not disappoint.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7~.

Title: I Am (Not) Scared!
Author: Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant
Pub. date: May 2017, Two Lions
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.


 

Mom and Me Cookbook review

With basic cooking techniques and tips, simple first recipes, and tasty, nutritious meal ideas, Annabel Karmel's new family cookbook helps children ages three and up work with their parents to prepare a yummy array of favorite foods.(goodreads summary)




 
Are you in the mood for trying your hand at cooking with the kids whipping up something easy, healthy and yummy? Then you might want to give this book a try. Inside are a variety of basic and simple to put together recipes that the whole family will enjoy. From sunny scrambled eggs to quick and easy cupcakes, each recipe has large bold instructions with colorful pictures, demonstrating how kids can help in the kitchen but will also learn to cook in the meantime.  The ingredients are also listed visually making it very easy to organize and understand.  A few other food examples range from fruit filled crepes, pasta, veggie and fruit dips, cookies and smoothies. There are 22 yummy ideas to choose from.  Kids will not only have fun learning to cook but there are plenty of other skills like math, reading and motor development that they are working on and improving as well. Plus if they make it themselves, this may open up the opportunity for reluctant eaters to try  a new food.  I think the best thing of all is that kids will love and enjoy the chance for some Mommy (or Daddy) me time.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3 and up.~


Title: Mom and Me Cookbook
Author: Annabel Karmel
Pub. date:  August 2008, DK Children
Genre: nonfiction
Hardcover, 48 pgs.

A Squiggly Story review

A young boy wants to write a story, just like his big sister.(goodreads summary)








A little boy wants to write a story just like his big sister.  Although he knows words, he does not know how to write them just yet.  With a little gentle encouragement from his sister, he finds his own way to tell his story.  This was a nice book that will help promote thinking skills and the writing process for young aspiring writers.  The interaction between the two characters were sweet as the sister teaches writing a story with patience encouraging her brother to think outside the box with creativity.  Writing does not come easy for some kids and their frustration sometimes even blocks them more.  This story offers a gentle reminder that could help open up and spark the imagination by letting them know that they are in charge of their own story by first writing what they know.  When the boy takes his story to school to share without a proper ending , his class is inspired with some creative and wonderful ideas of their own.  This would make a great read aloud for a writers workshop time in the classroom.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5 and up.~


Title:  A Squiggly Story
Author:  Andrew Larsen
Pub. date:  September 2016, Kids Can Press
Genre:  picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.  

Life on Mars review

A young astronaut is absolutely sure there is life to be found on Mars. He sets off on a solitary mission, determined to prove the naysayers wrong. But when he arrives, equipped with a package of cupcakes as a gift, he sees nothing but a nearly barren planet. Finally, he spies a single flower and packs it away to take back to Earth as proof that there is indeed life on Mars.(goodreads summary)



Everyone thinks this cute little Astronaut is crazy because he believes that there is life on Mars.  He is determined to prove them wrong and sets out on a a mission to find it.  He also brings along a special gift of chocolate cupcakes to offer just in case he finds anyone living there. But when he discovers the planet to be cold, barren and possibly uninhabitable he must admit he could be wrong himself!  All the while the reader sees an alien life form following him around that he does not know is there.  In the end, he discovers a few surprises but  one that will leave him second thoughts on his long journey back home.  

This is a fun story with subtle and sweet humor that kids will enjoy.  They will giggle when they see the Martian following the boy around as he seems unaware on his quest for life and that only the reader knows that it is there.  The text is simple and short for reading while the illustrations depict the dark, gloomy planet well giving you the feeling of what it could be like in outer space.  Any book by this author is a good choice for young kids and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~


Title:  Life on Mars
Author:  Jon Agee
Pub date:  February 2017, Dial Books
Genre:  picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
 

10 Things I can do to help my World review

Even young children are eager to help the environment — and here is a bright, inviting novelty book that offers simple ways to make a difference.(goodreads summary)






This Saturday, April 22nd is Earth Day and to help celebrate here is a wonderful book that covers a very important topic! It is never to early to begin teaching children the importance of taking care of our planet and this book is a great start to getting the little ones thinking about what they can do to help our environment.  It offers suggestions that can be done in a simplistic way such as turning off the light when you leave the room or making sure you throw away your trash and not leave it on the ground.  It also opens up a great discussion opportunity about recycling or even my favorite thing to do upcycle things for other purposes.  The pages are large, vivid and bold in color while the layout includes a flap so that when you lift it you find an answer to what kids can do which also makes it fun for learning.  The answer includes a brief explanation as to why that act is so important.  The reading works well either in a large group setting or one-on-one. By the end of this book kids will think of even more ways to help keep our world beautiful not only for ourselves but for future generations.  My favorite page is the front cover which has a stamp marked that this book was made from 100% recycled material! I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~   


Title: 10 Things I can do to help my World
Author:  Melanie Walsh
Pub date:  August 2008,   Candlewick Press
Genre:  non fiction
Paperback, 40 pgs.  

The Children's Garden review

A garden can be a place for discovery, creativity and fun, and a space that encourages children to enjoy and engage with the natural world.(goodreads summary)






Do you have an interest in building and tending a garden, looking for bugs, doing crafts and outdoor games or just enjoy being outside getting fresh air on a nice day? This book covers over 52 hands-on activities with some fun and engaging seasonal ideas that will help get the family out into the garden.  Not only is getting outdoors healthy for our kids but garden discovery stimulates the senses and brain. Inside it is divided into the four seasons and offering plenty of different ideas you can do for each one.  In Spring, you can start with planting seeds and plants in a pot or recycled old handbag or maybe you would like to make a beast habitat out of pallets and bricks for observing critters or bugs.  Summer arrives with butterflies, potato print art, outdoor games on the grass and nature hikes. Soon it will be Fall and you can make pies with your fall harvest, plant bulbs for spring or just enjoy the autumn colors. Winter is not left out because we can still make a compost bin or feed our bird friends with homemade feeders.  It offers information on just about everything pertaining to gardens which makes for a great educational opportunity as well. There are bound to be a few ideas to spark the creativity and help find your own sense of place in the garden.  Many things in the book seem geared for the older child but activities could be tailored towards younger ones by just using your imagination to change around or use proper supervision.  I definitely feel it is never to early to get kids outdoors to learn in nature!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5 and up.~


Title:  The Children's Garden
Author:  Matthew Appleby
Pub. date:  March 2016, Frances Lincoln
Genre: non fiction
Hardcover, 144 pgs.

 

Bunny's Book Club review

It tells the story of a book-loving bunny who sneaks into the town library and borrows books for all his forest friends.(goodreads summary)







A book loving bunny is at a loss when the summer reading program moves indoors because the weather turns cold.  So one night, Bunny sees an opportunity sneaking into the library through the book return and is amazed by all the books he finds.  Each night he returns collecting new ones and soon his little home is bursting with many interesting stories ! One-by-one Bunny's forest friends start to wonder his whereabouts and decides to let them in on his secret by taking them to the library.  With much curiosity, the critters discover wonderful choices to read for themselves. Suddenly, the librarian comes in and catches the group! There are rules in the library but she offers them an unexpected surprise that will help keep their love of reading books alive.  

I knew when I saw this sweet cover that I would find a delightful story inside.  This charming book is perfect for a library story time or just snuggling up to read aloud to your child. The soft watercolor illustrations add to the whimsy of the story with cute character expression and detail. I enjoyed the subtle humor and will make kids giggle as porcupine asks about a book on balloons to read or when bear gets stuck in the book drop causing a delay.  While the animals explore all that the library has to offer, this book sends a positive message on reading, adventures, imagination and finding that just right book. In the end, Bunny has a book club that just may inspire one in your classroom or home. I am definitely glad I found this story to share.  I hope to see more bunny loving book stories by this author and illustrator in the future.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~


Title:   Bunny's Book Club
Author: Annie Silvestro, illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Pub. date:  February 2017, Doubleday
Genre:  picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Over and Under the Pond review

In this book, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond.(goodreads summary)





A boy and his mother paddle across a pond exploring all that it has to offer while learning about one of our most diverse ecosystems. This beautifully written story will take you along on the journey as they glide silently in a canoe discovering the hidden world over and under a pond.  They find turtles, various birds, insects, tadpoles and many animals who call this special place home. The illustrations are peaceful and the gentle text express the feeling of calmness during reading. Each page details how the different creatures are dependent on one another and the pond for their survival.  Included at the end is a wonderful note from the author about the importance of ponds/wetlands and the interconnected community along with information about the animals you will find in the story.  So many things are threatening our environment and changing it at an alarming rate. Sharing this book with our children will help teach them about the importance and preserving these amazing ecosystems for themselves and future generations.  After reading this book,  I was inspired to add canoeing in Northern Wisconsin and other states on my bucket list!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4 and up.~ 


You may also enjoy:  Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner


Title:  Over and Under the Pond
Author: Kate Messner
Pub. date:  March 2017, Chronicle Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 48 pgs.