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
Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Prereading / Ages 3-5
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 3, 2010
Summer reading is a brilliant practice that every child can enjoy. With most of us having more time to spend with our kids, there is plenty of time for story time. An enthusiastic read-aloud session can be the perfect summer activity—indoors or outdoors.
I’ve hand-picked some great titles, new and old, that are, of course, well-suited to the summer season—hot days, lemonade stands, beach vacations, fishing, and summer thunderstorms. Read more
Kids’ Easter Books & More Spring Picks
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 26, 2010
The following books have been carefully selected to honor modern day Easter celebrations—Easter eggs, Easter egg hunts, bunnies, and chocolate—and the fruitful season of spring. I’ve included a short description of each book and highlighted the “Easter-ish” themes you’ll discover. I am positive you’ll find a book to adore and place in your snuggle-bunny’s Easter basket! Read more
Spring 2010: Kids’ Book Picks
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 8, 2010
Spring is in the air. Familiar floral scents are beginning to drift with the breeze, stimulating thoughts of rebirth—from flowering blossoms to new-born chickens. Spring just may be my favorite season. The following books are a great representation of this sweet and thriving time of year. 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.
Last minute Valentine’s Day Ideas
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 11, 2010
Just had to share these with you—after all, sharing is apart of loving. Right?
Have a beautiful Valentine’s Day weekend!
Younger Readers will enjoy … Read more
Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine For You: Special Edition
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 13, 2010
Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine For You: Special Edition
Ages: 4-8
DVD: Animated
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Source: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
What to expect: Friendship, Adventure
This is a review for all of you “Pooh” fans. In the event you and your sidekick can’t get enough of this lovable bear in the books that you read—or perhaps you’re looking for a way to connect your child with a book character, to encourage reading—Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine For You makes a fine choice for the holiday of love, Valentine’s Day. Read more
Is Santa Real? 2 Kids Christmas Books With Answers to the Questions That Kids Ask
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 22, 2009
Mrs. Claus Explains It All: (At Last) Answers to the Questions Real Kids Ask!
by Elsbeth Claus (Author), David Wenzel (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (November 1, 2008)
Source: Publisher
What to expect: Christmas, Mrs. Claus, Q & A
Mrs. Claus Explains It All is a must-have for any family with kids that are puzzled by the magic behind Santa’s skills, or, for the kids who are on the verge of becoming non-believers. Its question-and-answer format is attractively presented with illustrations by David Wenzel. Each question is illustrated as a hand written note by a child—Dear Mrs. Claus, I saw Santa on T.V. and he didn’t look the same!—and each response is answered in a grandmotherly way: This must be confusing, with all the many versions of Santa Claus and the North Pole on screen and on stage, but that’s the price of popularity. …
Last minute gift idea, under $10: My Little Pony book & toy
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 19, 2009
What little girl does not love My Little Pony? My 3-year-old sure does!
At $3.99 for the book—which is actually a pretty sweet, little story—and $4.99 for the Winter Wish Pony, this is a good value option! My daughter has a bunch of ponies, so, when she saw this book she was ecstatic. Character books are a great choice for reluctant readers.
3 Kids Picture Books that Teach Good Manners, Just in Time for the Holidays
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 8, 2009
Manners, manners, manners. The oh-so important skill: manners! We need them all year round but somehow they seem extra important during the holiday season. Here are a couple of books that have an encouragingly humorous take on socially acceptable behavior. I have read each one and give my complete seal of approval. I’ve included the publisher’s synopsis for your benefit, thank you!
