Review: The Butterfly’s Treasure by Schim Schimmel
By Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 30, 2010
The Butterfly’s Treasureby Schim Schimmel
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: SchimmelSmith Publishing (November 15, 2009)
Source: Publisher Read more
Dog Days of Summer: Dog Books for Dog Lovers
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 29, 2010
This list of books for dog lovers is one that I’ve been compiling for a while, waiting for an opportune moment—the right doggone moment—to let it of the leash for all of you to enjoy.
The Dog Days of summer seemed like it would be the right moment, especially when I received an e-mail from Emily Pourciau of Random House Children’s Books that began with: Usher in the DOG DAYS of summer with titles from Random House Children’s Books!
So, I waited patiently for the Dog Days of summer to arrive. Very patiently! Only to have them arrive by surprise, stay for two days, and then disappear. Well, I hope they come back; however, even if they don’t, I know all of you dog lovers will find joy in the following books. Read more
Review: Otter Moon by Tudor Humphries
By Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 10, 2010
Otter Moonby Tudor Humphries
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Boxer Books (September 1, 2009)
Source: Publisher Read more
Cats, Kitties and More Cats…
By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: July 30, 2010
Not long ago, I reviewed a few books that had mice as the main characters. Well, now the counterpoint to that: books with cats as the main characters!
A Cat Named Haikuby Mark Poulton (Author), Dexter Weeks (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8 Read more
Dealing With Loss
By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 21, 2010
by Carl J. Schutt
Reading level: Nine to twelve year-olds
Hardcover: 41 pages
Publisher: Inkus Imagination (2009)
Source of book: Author
What to expect: Difficult emotional topics, stages of grief, death.
Death is a difficult topic, for adults and children alike. I think it’s harder for children because it’s such an unknown and can come unexpectedly. A new book for older children, Remembering Oakley, by Carl J. Schutt, tells the story of Jacob and his beloved dog, Oakley. When Jacob’s mother tells him it’s time to put Oakley down, Jacob struggles to understand why. As adults we know that illness can affect quality of life and death may be a relief from suffering, but how can we explain this to our children? Written in verse, Remembering Oakley tackles this difficult topic in a very heartwarming way. It touches on the different stages of grief and explains that it’s okay to feel anger and sadness about the death of a loved one. Eventually, Jacob comes to terms with his loss and takes comfort in that fact that Oakley will live on in his memories and his heart.
Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Emerging Readers / Ages 4-8
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 3, 2010
So you think your child is emerging as a reader? Summer may just be the season to nurture your child’s desire to read, by reading books with him that are engaging and predictable and have pictures that clearly relate-to and illustrate the story line. If you’re not sure whether your child is an emerging reader, you may enjoy this article: How to Tell if Your Child is Ready to Read by Lynn Maslen Kertell, Bob Books Publications.
The following recommendations have been selected because of their large text, repetitive patterns, repeated vocabulary, wide spacing, limited text on pages, and familiar concepts. They have been listed from easiest to more difficult. Read more
Author Showcase: Penny & Rio
By Jennifer Swanson, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 25, 2010
Children around the world will be delighted with the ingenuity of these two dogs as they solve mysteries and go on adventures right from their own backyard. Great for classrooms or home school, these award winning early chapter books will provide engaging entertainment while also creating exceptional learning opportunities. Read more
The Very Hungry Caterpillar / La oruga muy hambrienta
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 21, 2010
Exciting news: Eric Carle’s classic story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, is available as a BILINGUAL First Book Marketplace Special Edition exclusively through the First Book Marketplace—an online store selling high-quality children’s books and educational materials at deeply discounted prices to registered organizations serving children from low-income families. Read more
Of Mice and Children
By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 20, 2010
Mice have played the gamut of roles in children’s literature: from the evil mischief-makers in the The Pied Piper to the sweet dancer, Angelina Ballerina. Recently, I received two new books with a different take on the role of the mouse. These books use mice as a metaphor for bravery and demonstrate strategies for children to put aside their fears and shyness. My kids loved both these stories, not only for their soothing messages but also for their amusing illustrations. Read more
Cat Books: Cat the Cat is all That!
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 20, 2010
There are many reasons why cats make great characters in kids’ books: They’re very familiar animals and notorious for being curious—not to mention mysterious, sly, and playful. They make lovable companions and their amazing ability for always landing on all four feet is a talent to marvel at and respect. And … you can’t beat the whole *nine lives* theory!
My favorite cat characters —of the moment—would have to be Mo Willems’ Cat the Cat and Sebastien Braun’s Meeow. Both of these cats star in picture book series that are extremely entertaining and a perfect choice for ages 0-5. From the language to the illustrations, the author-illustrators of these books really know their audience. Read more
