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.  

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."

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

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!

My Mom is Trying to Ruin My Life by Kate Feiffer

An Indie Booksellers Summer 2009 Kids' List selection!
Starred review! Publisher's Weekly
"Oh, the humor! My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life essentially defines the quintessential spirit of parent-child relationships. It's a picture book that even adults will appreciate reading to themselves -- giving it to your own mother would certainly be a way to show her that you appreciate her, now, even if you couldn't show it as a child...Kate Feiffer, with her pitch-perfect writing skills, and Diane Goode, whose artwork corresponds flawlessley, have got this book SO right! I urge you to check-it-out."
- Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review
The author's website as well -  http://katefeiffer.com/index.htm

So Far From the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins

This author visited our school today.  She spoke with the children about perseverance and courage. 

A core novel in our 6th grade, all students have read the book.  INSPIRATIONAL!
A fictionalized autobiography in which eleven-year-old Yoko escapes from Korea to Japan with her mother and sister at the end of World War II. Though Japanese, eleven-year-old Yoko has lived with her family in northern Korea near the border with China all her life. But when the Second World War comes to an end, Japanese on the Korean peninsula are suddenly in terrible danger; the Korean people want control of their homeland and they want to punish the Japanese, who have occupied their nation for many years. Yoko, her mother and sister are forced to flee from their beautiful house with its peaceful bamboo grove. Their journey is terrifying -- and remarkable. 
It's a true story of courage and survival

Hanna's Suitcase by Karen Levine

"Once there was a little girl named Hana Brady. She lived in Czechoslovakia with her beloved family. She liked to ski cross-country with her brother and play with her wolfhound and her fluffy, white kittens. She helped her father at the family’s general store. More than 50 years later, a suitcase with her name on it was sent to an education center in Japan. School children learned all about Hana and what happened to her during the Holocaust, a story told with words and photos in Hana’s Suitcase." For some audio - check out - http://www.radio.cz/en/section/curraffrs/hanas-suitcase-a-tragic-story-from-the-holocaust-with-a-message-of-hope  This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in this time in history.  Powerful!

Peaceful Heroes by Jonah Winter

This inspiring book chronicles the biographies of men and women who have acted heroically without using violence. A remarkable volume in both text and illustration, Peaceful Heroes will soon become a favorite on every school and library bookshelf. The entire family can read and discuss it together; teachers will find it great for discussion starters and research. The figures profiled are Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Sojourner Truth, Clara Barton and nine others. The introduction traces the word “hero” from its historical meaning to today's usage, and challenges readers to develop their own list of peaceful heroes.

The Dance by Richard Paul Evans

This book is a wonderful story about the relationship between a daughter and her father.  First given to me from a dear friend, after my father passed away, it is an inspiring story.  It follows a father's view of his daughter throughout her stages of life. This nostalgic story will appeal more to an adult audience than a child.  The illustrations are muted and dreamlike.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/missrumphius.htm 









 

This beautiful picture book tells of the life of the author's great aunt Alice, now called The Lupine Lady. When she was little, Alice told her grandfather that she wanted to do as he did: go to far away places and live in a house by the sea. He told her that she must also do something to make the world more beautiful.

She accomplishes all she set out to do: traveling to tropical islands, climbing mountains before she hurts her back falling from a camel and decides to live by the sea. Her need to make the world more beautiful is a source of consternation to her.

Her solution of spreading lupine seeds wherever she walks is at first inadvertent - birds and the wind disperse lupine seeds from some she had planted in her garden before her bad back forced her into a semi-invalided life. When she sees new plants growing on nearby hillsides and cliffs, she spreads the seed herself after she feels better.

The illustrations are exquisite. They have the appearance of watercolors but were accomplished with acrylics and colored pencil. Several pages show a vast expanse of sea, marsh and land. Colors fade into the mist and just the right look of misty mornings by the sea is created.

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Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

Just had to post this today as my niece's beloved cat "Winnie" passed away while they were on vacation.  How sad for her.   Bri is a loving child and has now experienced one of the necessary passages of life.

Simple verse and bold, folk-art illustrations, Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant invites readers to visit Cat Heaven, a place where cats have an eternal supply of catnip, tuna, and warm laps. There is also Dog Heaven.

Patricia Palacco - Where does one start?

http://www.patriciapolacco.com/
The many titles, give me a sense to say - which one to select to share with you --------- so here are a few -

Thank You, Mr. Falker - an inspiring story about a teacher and a young girl and how she learns to read

Pink and Say - a study in two characters and friendship during the Civil War

Thundercake - a must read for anyone that has some angst about thunderstorms.  You must try to bake the cake.

 Interviews with the author, as well as an author study, will give you many ideas on sharing these wonderful stories with your children of any ages.

Families, Families, Families

Well this past weekend was the annual 9th Street Italian Market Festival in South Philadelphia. 

 

While I ate my way through it, I thought a lot about my relatives and what life must have been like in the early 1920's when my nonna and pop-pop came here from the various parts of Italy.  

 

 

We are truly a reflection of our families.  Check out some of these titles for your family - share with your comments and memories ...............

 

If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island  by Ellen Levine       

 

Coming to America: The Story of Immigration  by Betsy Maestro

 

 

Not to mention the Wall of Honor at Ellis Island and the Ellis Island site .......

 

Here is my nonna's ship and passage document -

 

Teacher Appreciation Week - May 3- 7, 2010

If you can read this, thank a teacher.  How cliche, but true! This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  If you are searching for a way to thank a special educator, check out these titles.  Don't forget your Principal, they are teachers too!

Thank You, Mr. Falker, by Patricia Palacco.  Autobiographical in nature, an emotional story for one little girl's quest to learn to read. Previously reviewed, this autho creates wonderfully inspiring stories, with strong characters and thoughtful messages.More book titles by Ms Palacco will appear in future posts.

Another title - My Great Aunt Arizona, by Gloria Houston, follows a pioneer teacher through the eyes of her niece.  Touching the lives of many, she is a classic picture of the teacher from the one-room school house.

And then ......... there is The Teacher from The Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler.  Many stories with this theme.  There is also The Principal from the Black Lagoon.

Love That Dog, Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech

For animal lovers, writers and just want some fun reading, check out either or both of these titles.  What fun!  I have used the book Love That Dog with children, teachers, other adults all over the country when presenting workshop sessions on reading and learning.  Whenever a book provokes emotions, it is a wonderful "read".  Check out the author's website. See what you think!

Women's History Month - Women in Space - Female Astronauts and Cosmonauts

These scientists and astronauts have "paved" the way for young women to explore areas, including space!  Check out these names and accomplishments.  Biographies found as well.   Did you know ..........SVETLANA SAVITSKAYA - The first woman to perform a space walk was Soviet cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya in July 1984.  For some notable famous scientists ................

March is Women's History Month - Jane Goodall

A sciencetist and champion of animals, Jane Goodall's life is fascinating.  An Institute has been established and more information about her causes may be found there. Children love learning about her and the wonderfully, funny and interesting life of the chimpanzes that she has made famous. See videos on Animal Planet.  There is also a chimp quiz you can take. She has written books about her adventures. More detailed information about her intersting life is found at http://www.notablebiographies.com/Gi-He/Goodall-Jane.html 

Check out this famous woman adventurer.

March is Women's History Month - Sandra Day O'Connor

As the first female justice on the Supreme Court, Ms O'Connor has secured a place in United States history.  A wonderful opportunity for girls (and boys) to read about the journey people have taken to reach their dreams.

Another series of books entitled - "Meet My Grandmother: She's a ........................." are interesting and thought provoking.  They certainly remind us that "grandmothers" can do amazing things!

March is Women's History Month - Mary Cassatt

Each day (or almost!) during the month of March, a post will be published highlighting a memorable woman in history. while most will be from the United States, some will have impacted worldwide.  This passion with famous women began while I was teaching 3rd grade (back in the mid 1990's)  and wrote an integrated literacy program, which included student choice, collaboration among readers, reflective writing and independent learning.  The program was recognized by the State Department of Education and the children
had the distinct opportunity to welcome State level visitors to their classroom to observe.

Here is a photo of former first lady of PA, Ellen Casey and me (ignore the '90s "big" hair, LOL!).