Just Ducks! Nicola Davies

A young girl shares her observations about the mallards near her house in an engaging, informative story sure to make a splash with duck lovers. Quack quack, Quack-quaack-quack. It's the first sound I hear every morning. The young girl in this story may live in the city, but outside her window there's a river full of mallard ducks! She hears them as soon as she wakes up, and on the way to school she sees them upside down bobbing for food. Interspersed with fun facts, her enthusiastic commentary about her feathered neighbors - what they look like, how they behave, where they nest, where they sleep - pairs swimmingly with cheerful watercolor illustrations.

Children's Books About Boston, MA

Given the news lately, had to share some well loved titles about the wonderful city of Boston , MA - Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, illustrated by Lynd Ward Winner of the 1943 Newbery Medal, this wonderful book of historical fiction depicts the pivotal events in Boston that led to the American Revolution through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy. Judy Moody Declares Independence by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds A trip to Boston's historical sites, including the famous Freedom Trail, has the indomitable 3rd grader in a revolutionary mood. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey This classic children's book makes an excellent Boston-oriented present. Make the gift complete by taking the recipient to the annual duckling walk from Beacon Hill to the Public Garden next spring. Scruffy's Museum Adventure The engaging tale of a romp through Boston's famous art museum; terrific preparation for a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts or any museum. The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White The Public Garden's swan boats are just one of the Boston icons immortalized in this wonderful classic. 86 Years: The Legend of the Boston Red Sox by Melinda R. Boroson This tale about the Red Sox triumphant return to the World Series is a must for all young fans. Check out this link as well - http://www.theinsidertravelguides.com/Boston/Survive/childrensbooks.htm

Bread and Roses Too by Katherine Paterson

Not quite where to start with this book. I recently had the pleasure to hear this author speak, WOW! From Bridge to Terabithia to Jacob I Have Loved to The Great Gilly Hopkins, if your young adolescent reader has not tried any of these books, see what you can do! Her latest is powerful. NY Times review says - "This is a book charged with the power of real and enduring issues; it is also radiant with grace and hope." Amazon readers give it 5 stars. Even a guide for discussion points and activities - http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/readers_guides/paterson_bread.shtml Here is a link to the actual event in Lawrence MA - http://www.ask.com/wiki/1912_Lawrence_Textile_Strike?o=2800&qsrc=999

Recycle A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons

Recycle A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons Discussing paper, plastic, glass, cans, and polystyrene, the author describes how to recycle, why it's necessary, and its benefits. The captioned panels and running text stress the need for reducing waste and saving natural resources. The book ends with a mention of the ozone layer and the limited potential for recycling polystyrene, followed by 14 facts about garbage.

International Children's Digital Library

Came across this site a while ago - wanted to share it with everyone! http://en.childrenslibrary.org/

Sugarbush Spring by Marsha Wilson Chall

We love visiting Vermont, no matter the time of year - here is another intriguing reason . . . In the month of the Maple Sugar Moon, the snow's too wet for angel making, icicles rain from Grandpa's porch roof, and something is stirring in the woods. It's sugarbush spring--time to tap the trees, prepare the bottles, then gather round the cook fire to eat chicken and dumplings, roast marshmallows, and tell stories while the cold sap heats through, thickens, and boils to make syrup. Chall's timeless story and Daly's glowing paintings invite children to share in the pleasure of making maple syrup--a process that's the same today as it was two hundred years ago.In the month of the Maple Sugar Moon, icicles rain from Grandpa's porch roof and something is stirring in the woods. It's sugarbush spring-time to tap the trees, then gather round the cook fire to roast marshmallows and tell stories while the cold sap thickens and boils to make maple syrup.In the month of the Maple Sugar Moon, icicles rain from Grandpa's porch roof and something is stirring in the woods. It's sugarbush spring-time to tap the trees, then gather round the cook fire to roast marshmallows and tell stories while the cold sap thickens and boils to make maple syrup.

March is Women's History Month

I have posted lots of biographies of women. Check out the Archives for March 2010 for lots. But here are some ideas for recognizing your inspirations . . . http://womenshistorymonth.gov About Women’s History Month Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week." Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as "Women’s History Week." In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month." Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” From the Law Library of Congress' guide to the legislative history of Women's History Month. Here are some more resources . . . http://www.nwhp.org/ http://www.timeforkids.com/minisite/womens-history-month