Calling All Goddess Girls: Author Interview & Giveaway
By Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 3, 2010
To celebrate the release of Aphrodite the Beauty (Goddess Girls #3), authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams answer questions below about the book and the series. Be sure to leave a comment to enter the drawing for a set of the first three books in the series!
Reading Level: Ages 8-12
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One Smart Cookie: Bite-Size Lessons for the School Years and Beyond
Add this book to your collection: One Smart Cookie: Bite-Size Lessons for the School Years and Beyond by Amy Krouse Rosenthal Read more
How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills
Add this book to your collection: How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills
French Flavored Picture Books: Everybody Bonjours!
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: July 14, 2010
In honor of Bastille Day, the French national holiday which is celebrated in July 14—La Fête Nationale.
I wish I had time to give my own reviews of each of these books but I’m about to whip up a batch of crêpes for some hungry visitors. I’ve provided the synopsis of each of these French flavored favorites: Read more
Independence Day Books for Kids
July 4th is upon us again. This years Independence Day book selections are both lively and rich in heritage. Don’t be afraid to take a story-time break from all of the festivities—it might just be the thing that gets you and your family all the way through to the fireworks! Read more
Native American Tales of Self-Discovery
By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 28, 2010
The path to self-discovery is a difficult topic, and an arduous journey. As parents, it’s one we face in determining our role with regard to our children but it’s also one we’re confronted with when our children reach adolescence. As they grow and begin to pull away from us, we’re obliged to try and guide them on the right path. Looking back, as I often do when I write these posts, I remember how my parents tried to guide me and the many times that I didn’t listen. The urge to resist them was greater than the urge to do the right thing-it’s something I’m not too proud of but I recognize it’s a right of passage and I’ll likely see similar behavior from my own children. And yet, I still harbor the vain hope that my children will be different. That their adolescence will be less turbulent because my relationship with them is different, and more evolved than in the previous generation. Perhaps it’s just wishful thinking.
I recently received two books that tackle the topic of self-discovery from a Native American point of view. They are geared to older children and pre-teens and the lessons they impart are valuable and timeless. Read more
Hope for Haiti by Jesse Joshua Watson
Kids’ Earth Day Books: Green with Environmental Awareness
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 31, 2010
Earth Day will be upon us soon, April 22, 2010. It’s a great day to place emphasis on environmental awareness and to explore new-and-improved solutions for being “green” the other 364 days of the year. Many children’s book authors are embracing this topic with enthusiasm and dedication, producing some eye-opening and encouraging literature for kids of all ages—some of the books even manage to arouse the “green” within us grown-ups.
For the youngest set, reading books that feature trees and plants is a great way to raise their level of awareness of the world that surrounds them. As their awareness grows, books that introduce ideas on taking care of the planet through gardening, recycling, and water conservation are a natural progression. As readers mature, they will be much more able to grasp and digest the concept of global warming. With all of these topics in mind, the following books, no matter how simple or complex, have been selected to motivate the earth-conscious spirit within all of us. Read more
St. Patrick’s Day: 3 Lucky Kids’ Books
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 3, 2010
From shamrocks to Leprechauns to fiddle music to the color green, these three books have St. Patrick’s Day (March, 17) covered. Oh, and in-case you’re wondering why people where shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s because regular rocks are too heavy. *drum roll—ba-DUM-ching*
St. Patrick’s Dayby Anne Rockwell (Author), Lizzy Rockwell (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (January 26, 2010)
This is a very kid-friendly explanation of what St. Patrick’s Day is all about. The story is told from a child’s perspective and is set within a school classroom (most likely a kindergarten class). The class is led in a discovery type learning experience and encouraged to make group presentations, which gives a very familiar feel to the readers. The illustrations are colorful and energetic—a good representation of this lively Irish holiday. A wonderful introduction to Irish traditions and culture!
Magic Tree House #43: Leprechaun in Late Winter
by Mary Pope Osborne
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (January 12, 2010)
Magic Tree House is a favorite amongst early readers and fluent readers. This installment finds Jack and Annie on an Irish adventure that is fit for a St. Patrick’s Day read. The bother and sister duo have been sent on another mission by Merlin the magician. They have to find a girl named Augusta and inspire her to discover her hidden talents. On their quest to fulfill their mission, they encounter many a creature from Irish folklore. It’s a very entertaining read—Magic Treehouse fans will not be disappointed.
Magic Tree House Research Guide #21: Leprechauns and Irish Folklore: A Nonfiction Companion to Leprechaun in Late Winterby Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (January 12, 2010)
A great companion to Leprechaun in Late Winter, but certainly a first-rate stand-alone non-fiction resource for learning about Leprechauns and Irish folklore. The combination of text, fun facts, photos, and illustrations make this an enjoyable way for children to gain knowledge.
Updated Post (March, 6) to include a 4th book:
Calendar Mysteries #3: March Mischief
by Ron Roy
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (January 26, 2010)
A great choice for those looking for an introduction to an easy-to-read chapter book. The author, Ron Roy, is extremely popular with both kids and parents—especially the mystery book lovers. This particular installment is about the luck of the Irish. Thumbs-up!
Leave us a comment: Tell us about your favorite St. Patrick’s Day book or activity.
Women’s History Month: 5 Kids’ Books that Celebrate Women & Empower Girls
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 1, 2010
March is National Women’s History Month. The National Women’s History Project, an organization whose mission is to “recognize and celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing information and educational materials and programs,” has announced that the theme for 2010 is Writing Women Back into History. This is what they had to say:
“The history of women often seems to be written with invisible ink. Even when recognized in their own times, women are often not included in the history books.”
With so few books highlighting the brilliant women from our history, I felt that it was important to kick-off this important month of recognition with 5 books that not only acknowledge women’s achievements but celebrate them and empower young girls (our women of the future).
Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote, by Tanya Lee Stone (Ages 6-10)
Who Was Amelia Earhart?, by Kate Boehm Jerome (Ages 9-12)
Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream, by Tanya Lee Stone (Ages 10 and up)
The Invisible Thread: An Autobiography, by Yoshiko Uchida (Ages 12 and up)
Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women, by Catherine Thimmesh (Ages 12 and up)
This is only a sprinkling of the sprinkling of the available women’s history books. Please share a thought or book suggestion about your favorite women from your family, community, or history, in the comment field below.
