A Happy New Year's Day - Welcome 2012!

A Happy New Year Day  by Roch Carrier, Gilles Pelletier (Illustrator)
A great book to share with the little ones. The author shares a New Year celebration from the 1940's. Though the world was full of anxiety due to the war, this small Canadian village had a wonderful holiday celebration. Families and friends share in a New Year feast - just as they do today. The book is illustrated with bold and bright paintings.

The Night Before New Year's by Natasha Wing 

It's the night before New Year's, and the whole family is determined to stay up until midnight! Everyone's stocked up on sparkly streamers and festive party hats, but after a night filled with card games and too many cupcakes, the little ones are getting sleepy. . . Can they make it until the clock strikes twelve?

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry

Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree
Came by special delivery.
Full and fresh and glistening green--
The biggest tree he'd ever seen.

That was the trouble. The tree was so tall, it couldn't stand up straight in his parlor. Mr. Willowby asked his butler to chop off the top of the tree. What happens to the treetop? Where will it be for Christmas? Snuggle up with this story and follow along through a forest full of friendly creatures who get to share in a bit of Christmas joy.

A fun book to celebrate your holiday decorations.

Happy Holidays!!! Came by special delivery.
Full and fresh and glistening green--
The biggest tree he'd ever seen.

That was the trouble. The tree was so tall, it couldn't stand up straight in his parlor. Mr. Willowby asked his butler to chop off the top of the tree. What happens to the treetop? Where will it be for Christmas? Snuggle up with this story and follow along through a forest full of friendly creatures who get to share in a bit of Christmas joy.
Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree
Came by special delivery.
Full and fresh and glistening green--
The biggest tree he'd ever seen.

That was the trouble. The tree was so tall, it couldn't stand up straight in his parlor. Mr. Willowby asked his butler to chop off the top of the tree. What happens to the treetop? Where will it be for Christmas? Snuggle up with this story and follow along through a forest full of friendly creatures who get to share in a bit of Christmas joy.

Happy Holidays!!!

Holiday Greetings

There are many holidays in December ranging from National Maple Syrup Day (12/17) to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and others.  Not to mention New Year's Eve.  Here are some ideas to keep your readers busy! 

National Maple Syrup Day provides us with the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate this delicious American treat. This sweet and unique flavor originated in America. Native American Indians were the first to harvest and boil the sap of the maple tree into a thick syrup.  http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/December/maplesyrupday.htm




 Christmas  is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people  around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25–Christmas Day–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

 

Kwanzaa = Monday, December 26, 2011

- Sunday, January 01, 2012

Kwanzaa is a non-religious, week-long holiday established in 1966 to celebrate African heritage. Observances include candle-lighting, social gatherings, and reflection on seven community-oriented principles.

Happy New Year!   Here are some ideas for setting healthy eating resolutions as well.http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/parenting/tips-for-setting-new-years-resolutions-for-kids-and-family/Here are some ideas for New Year's Resolutions for kids. 

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/new-years-day/printables/ 

National Cookie Day is December 4

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Everyone knows cookies taste good, but these cookies also have something good to say. Open this delectable book to any page and you will find out something about life. Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons is a new kind of dictionary, one that defines mysteries such as "fair" and "unfair" and what it really means to "cooperate." The book is by turns clever, honest, inspirational, and whimsical. Go ahead, take a bite!

Another title by the same author -Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
For many families Christmas is not just a time for parties, Christmas trees, and gifts. It is also a time when children and adults come together to make Christmas cookies. Not only are these treats delicious to eat, but they also offer families the opportunity to step out of their busy lives for a moment to connect in a meaningful way.  Here is a video as well. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-IirbSCfqc

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - by Laura Numeroff, visit http://teachingreaderstothink.blogspot.com/2010/08/if-you-take-mouse-to-school-laura.html for more "if you give a mouse . . . books and activities

Happy baking . . . happy times! 

Book Cooks: 26 Step-By-Step Recipes Inspired by Favorite Children's Books by Cheryl Apgar

I love cooking with kids.  I have even attempted it in classrooms of 25 students.  Here is an easy-to-follow recipes (one for each letter of the alphabet) and numerous activities that include songs, poems and chants, that enhance literacy and math skills while students learn and enjoy hands-on-cooking experiences.

Math, Reading, Writing and other activities are numerous in this activity based resource - 
http://books.google.com/books?id=BnrcAlpvOoEC&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=Book+Cooks:+26+Step-By-Step+Recipes+Inspired+by+Favorite+Children%27s+Books++by+Cheryl+Apgar&source=bl&ots=7xo-LmND_C&sig=E7D8QDWDH5La0S5kVNHaQrU6BQs&hl=en&ei=p57SToqLM8bg0QGQn4gi&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CB8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

Eating The Plates : A Pilgrim Book Of Food And Manners by Lucille Recht Penner

Great book to share history with children. Eating the Plates, invites you to learn what it was like to come across the Atlantic on the Mayflower and settling in the New World. The book shares the experiences that the Pilgrims had to endure from ship travel on an open vessel to struggle of survival - choice of food, housing, disease, and bugs. Pilgrims had a hard time finding food that they liked to eat. With the help of the Indians, they were introduced to corn, deer and turkey. Trade brought them spices, molasses and sugar.
The ten recipes at the end of the book are tasty and fun!

Chalk by Bill Thomson

In this wordless picture book, three young children arrive at the park to find a bag of colored chalk that turns their imaginary drawings into something very real. Enchanting!  Check out hte author's website as well - http://www.billthomson.com/

A video as well - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYRw1YcwSUw

Enjoy!

Apples, Apples, Everywhere . . .

Yesterday was the last day of our local Farmers' Market, well at least until the Spring, I just couldn't resist the 1/2 bushel of apples.  So the house now smells like cinimmon, nutmeg and wonderful boiling apples.  This will be out fruit for the cold winter!  So . . . I just had to post some books for kids with an "apple" theme.  Enjoy!

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by   Here is a fun book compelte with map, recipes, video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT2ls2Cxym4 http://delightfullearning.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-make-apple-pie-and-see-world.html    Yum!

 Here is a fun lesson linked to Science and Math - http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/apples-apples-apples-lesson-plan

The Apple Pie Tree Book by Zoe Hal is the story of two sisters who have an apple tree. The story describes what happens each season with their tree such as robins building a nest in the spring amidst the apple blossoms and the apples growing larger during the summer while they run in the sprinkler underneath. When fall comes, they harvest the apples and make an apple pie.
The illustrations in this book are called a painted and found-paper collage technique. It results in a colorful and graphic illustration style that will appeal to preschool and kindergarten aged children. It is an excellent book for showing how an apple tree changes over the seasons as well as the key stages of the apple tree's life cycle.

Read more at Suite101: Children's Picture Books for Lesson Plans on Apple Trees, Seasons | Suite101.com http://sallie-schaaf-borrink.suite101.com/childrens-picture-books-for-lesson-plans-on-apple-trees-seasons-a231989#ixzz1cvdCUOEQ

Happy Halloween!

There are so many books to share related to this time of the year - here are just a few, along with some fun links for "things to do". . .

The Halloween Book of Facts and Fun by Wendie Old 

Here you'll find a history of the holiday, fun facts, some halloween stories, and plans for a children's Halloween party. I LOVE the cat on the cover, don't you? Especially the way his tail curves around the moon.  (later I might tell you the story behind this wonderful cover.) And the illustrations inside are not scary at all -- not even the one where Frankenstein and Dracula are sitting side by side near a cozy fire, reading each other's book.  (Fun Fact -- did you know that there actually is a Count Dracula?  And that he runs the Red Cross blood bank in his country?) 

Here is the author's blog - 

http://blog.wendieold.com/2011/10/nonfiction-monday-halloween-book-of.html

Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler 
The skeleton character is portrayed in a friendly light - non-threatening and non-scary. Suffering from hiccups, the skeleton hopes for a cure. His friend, a ghost, comes up with an ingenious cure. Kids find the story silly and funny. A joy to read aloud!


Here is the author's website - http://www.margerycuyler.com/home.html


Cards, games and activities can be found at http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/halloween/kids-books/

Babies Don't Eat Pizza: A Big Kids' Book about Baby Brothers and Baby Sisters

Several friends recently welcomed new additions to their families.  So I had to share this title


A straightforward, reassuring book aimed at children awaiting the arrival of a new baby in the family...The charming watercolor illustrations show all kinds of families caring for and getting to know their newcomers. Though many quality books on this subject are available, Danzig's offering will bring comfort to expectant parents and siblings alike. - School Library Journal


With kid-friendly humor and honesty, Babies Don't Eat Pizza covers waiting for baby and life with a newborn through toddlerhood. Features include multicultural families; how babies are born, grow and behave; references to adoption, premature and special needs babies; breast and bottle feeding, twins, helping and playing with babies, older children's feelings and a parents' tips page.


NOTE - this book is best used with Big Kids, not toddlers.  

Fall is a wonderful time of year here in the Northeast - USA

I just couldn't choose - so here are a few titles to share in the next month or so . . . http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/fall/kids-books/

 Previous posts on Fall can be found at
http://teachingreaderstothink.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-do-why-do-leaves-change-color-by.html

http://teachingreaderstothink.blogspot.com/2010/09/red-leaf-yellow-leaf-by-lois-ehlert.html

Picking Apples And Pumpkins by Amy Hutchings, Richard Hutchings (Illustrator)
Spend the day with Kristy, her family, and two best friends as they pick apples and pumpkins at Battleview Orchards in New Jersey. It's a great book to use for fall that doesn't use pumpkins strictly for halloween.

 Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur, Leslie Evans (Illustrator)
One brief acrostic poem for each letter of the alphabet from acorn to zero follows the fall season from end of summer to chilly conclusion. Each poem describes an aspect of the fall season.
An autumn riddle is presented for each letter of the alphabet. Marvelous hand colored illustrations provide sharp clues to the answers. The answer is spelled out in the first letter of each line.

How Do Apples Grow? by Betsy Maestro, Giulio Maestro
Apples Have you ever eaten a part of a flower? You have if you have eaten an apple! Find out how an apple grows from bud to flower to fruit--ready for you to pick!

Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstein

Anyone that has ever read any of Shel Silverstein's books is probably still chuckling to themselves!  Here is a newly released book (well scheduled for a September 20, 2011 release) that does not disappoint!
The poems and drawings in the book were selected by family members from his archives -- Silverstein died in 1999 -- and care has been taken to echo his best-known works.  To read a review - http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2011/03/shel-silversteins-september-book-revealed.html
 A link to Shel Silverstein's website complete with drawing animation - http://www.shelsilverstein.com/indexSite.html

 

Here is a sample - 

A spider lives inside my head
Who weaves a strange and wondrous web
Of silken threads and silver strings
To catch all sorts of flying things,
Like crumbs of thought and bits of smiles
And specks of dried-up tears,
And dust of dreams that catch and cling
For years and years and years . . .

September 11

There are many children's books to explain, review, recognize this day in lots of different ways. 
Check out these links - http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/911/kids-books/, http://rakstagemom.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/911-books-for-children/,
http://sandysprings.macaronikid.com/article/175671/childrens-books-about-911

This book deals just with the NYC attack - "September 11, 2001: Attack on New York City, a nonfiction children's book about the terrorist attacks on New York City is the result of author Wilborn Hampton's desire to help younger readers understand what happened on September 11, 2001 in New York City. Hampton does this through photographs, interviews and an account of his own experiences that day and the days afterward."

One Green Apple by Eve Bunting

A great "back-to-school" story to help build community - "Farah feels alone, even when surrounded by her classmates. She listens and nods but doesn't speak. It's hard being the new kid in school, especially when you're from another country and don't know the language. Then, on a field trip to an apple orchard, Farah discovers there are lots of things that sound the same as they did at home, from dogs crunching their food to the ripple of friendly laughter. As she helps the class make apple cider, Farah connects with the other students and begins to feel that she belongs.



Ted Lewin's gorgeous sun-drenched paintings and Eve Bunting's sensitive text immediately put the reader into another child's shoes in this timely story of a young Muslim immigrant.

Some awards -

• 2007 -- IRA Teachers' Choice
• 2007 -- CCBC Choices
• 2007 -- Bank Street Best Chldn's Books of the Yr

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff

If you give a cat a cupcake, he'll ask for some sprinkles to go with it. When you give him the sprinkles, he might spill some on the floor. Cleaning up will make him hot, so you'll give him a bathing suit . . . and that's just the beginning!
The lovable cat who first appeared in If You Give a Pig a Party now has his very own book! Written in the tradition of the bestselling If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond's newest story will show everyone that Cat is where it's at!
Some activity pages to share this delightful story - http://www.lauranumeroff.com/ , http://www.mousecookiebooks.com



Also visit a previous post about all of the "If You Give a ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,," books by Laura Numeroff. http://teachingreaderstothink.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html

Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton

I recently came across this book and found it so funny, but with a reassuring message for the first day of school for some more reluctant learners.  It's Splat's first day of school and he's worried. What if he doesn't make any new friends? Just in case, Splat decides to bring along his pet mouse, Seymour, and hides him in his lunchbox. The teacher, Mrs. Wimpydimple, introduces Splat to the class and he soon starts learning all his important cat lessons. But when Seymour escapes and the cats do what cats do (they chase mice!), Splat's worried again. Maybe now he'll lose all his friends, old and new! Just in time, wise Mrs. Wimpydimple takes charge and teaches everyone an important new lesson. Maybe Cat School is going to be okay after all!Have fun with it!  The autor's website have some great pictures of Splat as well. http://www.robscotton.com/ A coloring page would be fun to decorate your refrigerator. http://web.mac.com/rscotton/www.splat_the-cat.com/Splat_resources.html An activity guide gives some great ideas - www.harpercollinschildrens.com/.../Printable/Splat_Activity%5B2%5D.pdf A YouTube short video gives readers a fun introduction. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mluLgeI7ms
Here is a pic as well of our our "Spalts"!  :)

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan

Anyone with a little sister (or is a little sister) will appreciate this story, a recent Award winning children's book - Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother, Ami, insists that she bring her little sister along. Rubina is mortified, but she can't convince Ami that you just don't bring your younger sister to your friend's party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina's prized party favor, a red lollipop. What's a fed-up big sister to do?

Rukhsana Khan's clever story and Sophie Blackall's irresistible illustrations make for a powerful combination in this fresh and surprising picture book. (from Good Reads).  Here is a review from the NY Times - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/books/review/Downes-t.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1311897446-HJOBr+8Vr7X3+fTah7Zqrw
Here are some other connections and ideas - http://planetesme.blogspot.com/2010/06/big-red-lollipop-picture-book.html

Here is the author's website as well - http://www.rukhsanakhan.com/books/bigredlollipop.html 

Lighthouses - THe Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by

Sorry, have to keep with the shore/beach theme for a few more posts, it just screams SUMMER! 
For a great list of children's books - amlhcc.org/pdf/ALCC_LH_Child_Book_Biblio.pdf

Here are several -

The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by H. Swift, Lynd Ward
This book, a true story, recounts the building of the George Washington Bridge and the lighthouse that watched. Published in 1942, this children's book uses the story of the building of the George Washington Bridge next to the small lighthouse to affirm the idea that even the small are important. The book begins by introducing the lighthouse and its job of warning the boats on the busy Hudson River of the rocks nearby. Every night a man climbs up to the top of the lighthouse and turns on its flashing light. When there is fog, the man additionally turns on the lighthouse's fog bell. The lighthouse is pleased with and proud of its important job.  Check out the book to continue the adventures.  For information on visiting this historic relic - http://hudsonlights.com/littlered.htmHere are some activities as well.  http://www.jacobtanenbaum.com/webquest/lighthouse/index.html

The Lighthouse Cat by Sue Stainton, Anne Mortimer, When a fishing boat is caught in a storm, a lighthouse cat named Little Mackerel gathers other cats to try to help out.

Keep the Lights Burning Abbie, by Roop and Roop  There are many activities to go along with this classic story. americanhistory.si.edu/ourstory/pdf/water/Water_Reading.pdf  www.progenypress.com/pdf/Samples.../KeepLightsBurningAbbie_smpl.pdf
http://new.thesolutionsite.com/solutionsite/data/1109/wileshillelB1.htm

Introduce young readers to history through the stories of both real and fictionalized people. By focusing on a single important episode that describes a historical event, these books engage readers' interests and imaginations. Written in a story format, each account relates events that really happened, often followed by a brief summary of the historical event to further explain the significance it had on history.

The Story of the Sea Glass by Anne Wescott Dodd

 The Story of the Sea Glass is a touching tale full of love and the importance of seeing the good that can come from even sad events. The vivid illustrations evoke the warm sun and fresh sea breeze of a Maine coast summer. Also included are directions for making your own sea glass sun-catchers.








Sea Glass Summer - Eleven-year-old Poppy Ray longs to be a veterinarian, but she's never had a pet. This summer, she's going to spend a month with her uncle Sanjay, veterinarian and owner of the Furry Friends Animal Clinic on an island off the Washington coast. Poppy is in for big surprises. She loves tending to the dogs, cats, and even a bird, and she discovers the fun of newborn puppies and the satisfaction of doing a good job. But she learns that there's more to caring for animals than the stethoscope and cotton swabs in her Deluxe Veterinarian First-Aid Kit. She's not prepared for quirky pet owners, gross stuff, or scary emergencies. With help from a boy named Hawk, a chunk of seaglass, and a touch of intuition, Poppy gains a deeper understanding of the pain and joy of working with animals. With warmth and humor, Anjali Banerjee tells the story of a resourceful, determined girl who can't wait to grow up, but begins to realize just how much she has left to discover.

To the Beach by Linda Ashman

TO THE BEACH!, is a humorous story sure to resonate with anyone who's ever tried to get a family out the door for a big outing. No sooner have parents and kids piled in the car for the beach than they begin remembering what's been forgotten: dog, ducky pail, beach umbrella, kite, ball and cooler -- and, whew, the list goes on! The liveliness of the text is perfectly matched by Nadine Bernard Westcott's vivacious artwork." Children's BookPage

"TO THE BEACH is a very funny rhyming text that will have you laughing out loud by the end of the story. The hilarious and artfully drawn illustrations, by Nadine Bernard Westcott, go along perfectly with the story. This is a most fun read-aloud." Meridian Magazine

Visit the author's website at http://www.lindaashman.com/to_the_beach__44934.htm

Beach Day by Patricia Lakin

What a fun book to read this summer!  This author has a whole set of "day" books.  Her website is fun also with a "scrabble" theme.  Check them out - http://www.patricialakin.com/  She has some reading tips for parents and educators as well - http://www.patricialakin.com/guides/dayBooksGuide.pdf

Another book - same title, different author - Karen Roosa - In this charming picture book, a cheerful family tumbles out of the car and onto the beach, ready for a perfect day. Buoyant verse just right for reading aloud and bright, playful illustrations capture the singular feeling of a hazy, lazy day by the ocean, complete with a ball game with new friends, water-skiers and sailboats, and a picnic lunch of fried chicken and deviled eggs. This book is a captivating introduction to the beach for young children and an irresistible gift for beach lovers of any age.

Camp Granada: Sing-along Camp Songs by Frank Lessac

Everyone loves "campfire" songs - try this book for some old (and new) favorites .................


Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh,

Here I am at Camp Granada.
Camp is very entertaining.
And they say we’ll have some fun
if it stops raining.

The mosquitoes are out and biting, the rain’s coming down in buckets, and there’s poison ivy on the trail. We’re a long way from home and the food here stinks!

Camp wouldn’t be camp without troubles to share. But there are also new friends to make, adventurous trails to be climbed, and toasty evenings by the fire to enjoy (not to mention a fair bit of silliness).

Classic camp-song favorites—from “Rise and Shine” and “Found a Peanut” to “Kum Ba Yah”—and vibrant, folksy illustrations make this offering a musical walk through the campgrounds for generations to treasure.  Here is is sung - http://bussongs.com/songs/camp_grenada.php

Here are more summer - related books - http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/summer/kids-books/camp-granada.html

Journey Around Cape Cod from A to Z by M.Zschock & H. Zschock

I just booked my annual trip to "the Cape".  Can't wait!  If you have never visited this area - take a "virtual" trip. 

"An energetic sea gull takes you on a beautifully illustrated tour of Cape Cod and the Islands, and offers interest facts about major sights and historic periods along the way, in Journey Around Cape Cod from A to Z."

Also check out - a previous post about Nantucket and a wonderful cat - http://teachingreaderstothink.blogspot.com/2010/07/comets-nine-lives-by-jan-brett.html

If you are so fortunate to be there "in person" be sure to visit one of my favorite book stores - http://www.eightcousins.com/

The Night Before Summer Vacation (Reading Railroad Books) by Natasha Wing

A little girl and her family are getting ready to go on vacation . . . or at least they are trying to. In the effort to pack everything that will be needed, there's bound to be something overlooked, and what that is provides a funny ending to this meter-perfect "twist" on Clement Moore's classic.

For fun reading activities to keep everyone busy during the summer vacation months, check out -


http://www.education.com/activity/reading/?cid=55000.0061496036&s_kwcid=TC|8363|reading%20activities%20for%20children||S|b|3815608375&gclid=CImnmvuKqqkCFR975QodI3wUMw

And don't forget your public library - http://teachingreaderstothink.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html

Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

                                           This is a great book for a "soon to be graduate" of any age ...................

The quotes of encouragements are too numerous to list, but noteworthy to explore.
From goodreads - "In this joyous ode to life, Dr. Seuss addresses graduates of all ages, from nursery school to medical school, and gives them the get-up-and-go to move mountains with the unrivaled exuberance and charm that have made Dr. Seuss's books favorites for years."
For interactive Seuss activities check out - http://www.seussville.com/

Congratulations to all the graduates out there!

It's a Book by Lane Smith

Playful and lighthearted with a subversive twist that is signature Lane Smith, IT’S A BOOK is a delightful manifesto on behalf of print in the digital age. This satisfying, perfectly executed picture book has something to say to readers of all stripes and all ages.  There are several very cute videos to share the point of the book.  http://us.macmillan.com/BookCustomPage.aspx?isbn=9781596436060&m_type=2&m_contentid=1635367#video

The usthor has a website as well - http://www.lanesmithbooks.com/LaneSmithBooks/Lane_Smith_Books.html 

Here is an interview with the author - http://www.amazon.com/Its-Book-Lane-Smith/dp/1596436069

The Vegetable Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta

I have posted alphabet and planting books before, but this one seems particularly timely to highlight at this time of year................have fun digging in the dirt .............
The author has a great website as well - http://www.jerrypallotta.com/  

To read a section or get some ideas for using alphabet books visit -
http://books.google.com/books?id=3RX2AJ0iw4oC&pg=PT4&lpg=PT4&dq=the+victory+garden+alphabet+book&source=bl&ots=-RgCSNloaz&sig=y7Vd05c_aae-ubJKXaPPkyLRXFQ&hl=en&ei=n2PRTaapE4H3gAfb9dGrDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CEIQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false

Some books for Mother's Day - start shopping now

Mother's Day is a week away - here are some titles for your little ones to share with you!
 
The Night Before Mother’s Day – Who’s the greatest mom in the world? Yours, of course! Celebrate her special day!

SpongeBob SquarePants®: The Best Mom – Nothing can be sillier than when SpongeBob celebrates Mother’s Day!

Someday – A heartfelt story about a mother’s unconditional love!




Dinosaur Train: A Surprise for Mom! – Join these little dinos as they go to the big pond to find flowers for Mom!