From Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan comes a reassuring story about new beginnings and making friends.
Nora and her family have just arrived from Russia and are making a new home on the American frontier. The prairie is very different from the forested hills Nora is used to. Most of all, it’s lonely. Papa has the cows he sings to as he milks them. Baby brother Milo has a dog to follow him wherever he goes. But Nora has no one and nothing to call her own until Papa brings home a dozen chicks and two geese. Nora names each one, and they follow her everywhere — even to church! But what will happen when one of her beloved chicks goes missing?
About author: Patricia MacLachlan is the Newbery Medal-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall. She has published many, many books, including Lala Salama, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon; Journey; Skylark; and Cassie Binegar. Patricia MacLachlan lives in western Massachusetts.
About illustrator: Kathryn Brown is the illustrator of numerous books for children, including My Little Grandmother Often Forgets by Reeve Lindbergh and Kisses on the Wind by Lisa Moser. Kathryn Brown lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.
My Thoughts:
Nora was not pleased with her new home in America. Her new home on the prairie did not have as many trees or hills as Russia had in fact she saw only one tree and not even one tree. On top of that she needed a friend. One girl visited her new home but they both were too shy to connect as friends. One day Nora's dad brought home some baby chicks and two geese to add to their families food chain. This upset Nora and her father decided she could have the chicks. They would be hers to care for and do with as she saw fit. This pleased Nora so much she promised her father she would take good care her chicks. The chicks followed Nora every where she went making Nora and her chicks well known. The author wrote the story in a simple way that will make it easy for early readers to read. The story is well written emphasizing how hard it must have been for a young immigrant to adjust to their new life in America. Children moving to a new school or neighborhood would find comfort in reading this story. The illustrations reminded me of some first readers I enjoyed reading as a child in the early 1950s. I can still see the illustrations in my mind.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Candlewick Press for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
Oscar Octopus and his wife, Sharky Shark, are the proud parents of a sizeable brood. Oscar adores his children, and spends every spare moment playing with them. Things go swimmingly until, one day, Sharky has to make an emergency visit to see her ailing mother. Suddenly, Oscar is left in charge of his offspring. Because of a huge physical shortcoming, Oscar is unable to meet the needs of all his kids. His wife returns to find him nearly dead of exhaustion. She rushes him to the doctor, who performs emergency surgery on him. In no time at all the new and improved Oscar is able to more easily handle his children. He and his family live playfully and happily ever after. This sure-fire pleaser features rich vocabulary, lively rhyming text and attractive illustrations that will warm every young reader's heart.
About the Author: Yvonne Arroyo spent 32 years as a bilingual Spanish teacher for the Chicago and Trenton school systems. She has written several poems and chants for children and currently lives in Vacaville, CA.
About the Illustrator: Carl Wanzung has taught both Art and Preschool to Second Language learners in Chicago Public Schools for the past 30 years. His own art work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in the United States, Japan and Scotland and is privately collected.
My Thoughts:
Deep in the ocean a romance grew, it must have been love at first sight, between Oscar the Octopus and the lovely Sharkey McGhee. They enjoyed a wonderful courtship and were seen out dining and even at the movies. Then one day Sharkey donned a lovely bridal veil and Oscar a handsome top hat and were joined in matrimony.
I would like to say they lived happily ever after. You see their family was blessed with eight babies. Thing became stressful for the new parents because Sharkey had to aid her mum. The problem was Oscar only had two arms and needed more help to keep up with the babies. If only he had eight arms!
I read this book to my handsome little nephew and he is usually a active little fellow yet he sat quietly while I read him the book. .He definitely enjoyed the illustrations and the fun story as a whole. I can't wait to read the book to my grandchildren. I know they will be as captivated with this story also.
I gladly recommend this book
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the Outskirt Press/Bostick Communications for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
About Book: The book is bilingual - in English - Chinese. Soon to be English - Spanish. Why Spiders Have Big Bottoms - ISBN 978-0 – 9771816-9-8 Adapted from the African American folktale of Anansi and the River Spirits – Anansi first appeared in West African folktales and traveled with the African culture to every part of the earth. Children and adults everywhere like to read about Anansi, Sometimes appearing as a spider, sometimes as a man – Anansi is always entertaining. Anansi is intelligent, However, his greed sometimes causes odd things to happen to him and to those around him. This story tells how Anansi causes all spiders to have a small head and a very large bottom. The book is bilingual - in English and Chinese. The book will be released in English-Spanish the end of 2013. Sky Food was published by Santa Publishing in Taiwan (2012) in collaboration by Heritage Schoolhouse Press. The book will be distributed by Small Press United starting in April, 2013.
Dr. Michael Lockettis a teller of traditional tales in a non-traditional manner. Mike is a lifelong storyteller and had added writing children's books to his bio . Lockett has been telling stories for 40 years in his positions as a storyteller, teacher, principal, central office administrator and educational consultant. Because he lives in the small town of Normal, Illinois, he enjoys being called "The Normal Storyteller." But, there is little that is NORMAL about Mike. He brings high energy and creative uses of audio sound effects to his family friendly stories.
Mike has given more than 3000 presentations and workshops in 27 states across the United States and as far away as eastern Asia. He has performed in fourteen countries. He is the author of The Basics of Storytelling (Taiwan, 2008). Lockett hopes to soon release a revised version of the book for the American market. He released a DVD of children's stories in Taiwan in August, 2008. An American version of the DVD, "Tales of Delight," was released in June, 2009 and received the 2009 DVD of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine. Dr. Lockett has produced 5 audio CDs of stories and music. The most recent audio CD is Christmas from the Heart. (2012). Dr. Lockett has received a total of nineteen awards for his books and audio storytelling products. He is among the one of the top 1% most endorsed storytellers on @LinkedIn in United States for his storytelling abilities.
Dr. Lockett has published eight children's bilingual picture books (Chinese and English). The first four books were released by Brilliant International Group to the Asia market during Dr. Lockett's tour of Korea, Taiwan, Shanghai and Hong Kong in July/August, 2009. Two new books were released in January, 2010 during Dr. Lockett's sixth tour of eastern Asia. All six books have been rated as "Family Approved" by the Dove Foundation. The books can be seen on the products page of this website. The six books are also available for purchase on this site. American book stores can go to Small Press United to order the books. The two newest books were released in November, 2012 by Santa Publishing in Taiwan. Two more books are scheduled to be released by Santa in early 2013 and should be available in the USA by spring of 2013. Dr. Lockett has written an eleventh book with 20 stories for young children that will be released by Korean publisher JY Books sometime in 2013. Author's website: http://www.mikelockett.com/home.php
Mike Lockett is a regular presenter at schools, libraries, churches, festivals and conferences. He has served multiple times as a storyteller and keynote speaker at the Illinois Young Author's Conference. He gives frequent reading and writing talks and assemblies at public and parochial schools.
Mike's stories have played on a variety of radio programs:
WVEW-LP 107.7FM in Brattleboro, VT. - The Monkey and Mama Program
KSVY-FM in Sonoma, CA - Storylovers' World - with radio and storytelling host, Jackie Baldwin
CJLY Kootenay Co-Op Radio - Nelson. British Columbia, Canada - Tale Spinners & Mortimer Nelson
Radio Taiwan International - The Voice of Taiwan -
Live365.com - World of Storytelling Radio - Mike Lockett's stories are part of a rotation of stories by some of the finest storytellers in the USA. This computerized radio station is free to listen to. Visitors to Dr. Lockett's site are encouraged to click on the link and listen to Mike and many other storytellers. If you like what you hear - please follow directions on the radio site to rate Mike's stories. Better ratings helps the stories get played more often. The station was the brainchild of storyteller, Don (Buck) Creasey. The station is supported by the National Storytellng Network and the Christian Storytelling Network.
WJBC - 1230 AM in Bloomington, IL and WOAM - 1350 AM Radio in Peoria, IL have interviewed Dr. Lockett about his storytelling programs. Lockett was interviewed by Royce Elliott on the "Royce and Roger Morning Show."ught
My Thoughts
Dr. Mike Lockett has made quite the impression on me as being a wonderful storyteller. He is so animated when writing or telling a story. It is very apparent he loves being a storyteller. He wants to share his stories with children all around the world. He has created his books so they can be read in English and another language on the flip side of the book. This is how the book I am reviewing today is created. It is English on one side and Chinese on the other side. It is also soon to be available in Spanish. Ingenious isn't it!
This story is from African American Folklore about Anansi the shape-shifter. In this book he is a spider. The title of the book says it all Why Spiders Have Big Bottoms. Anasi was greedy no matter what shape he choice to take.
In my searches about Chinese language I found it has become a popular language even over learning the Spanish language..If children are already learning chinese or if you are interested in this within future these would be some great books to start with. No matter what language, the story is very entertaining. Enjoyable for the young and old. The illustrations are a language of their own as a illustrations that can tell a story to those that have yet to learned to read.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 6 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
Glide gently into the beautiful morning with Baby Thomas and his grandpa. The sun is shining brightly through the wide window and the flowers, trees, birds, and other creatures have already started their day. Brilliant colors of the dawning day wake up the park, and Baby Thomas is ready for a walk. While walking in the park with his grandpa, they see the same things but from a different perspective. Baby Thomas wants to hug the wonderful world around him, but his grandpa has a different opinion. In this book, young readers will easily connect to the wonders of nature and unforgettable characters, playfully interacting with each other. Join happy Baby Thomas and his grandpa for a walk and have a delightful, uplifting morning!
ISBN-13: 9781457521546
Publisher:Dog Ear Publishing
Publication date:7/26/2013
Pages:46
About the Author:
Mrs. D. (Olga D’Agostino), an award-winning author, grew up in western Ukraine as the daughter of a forest ranger. Inspired by the beauty of nature, she loved to write stories and poems in her native language and dreamed of becoming a writer. She finished Lviv business college and in 1992 immigrated to the United States with her two small daughters. In 2011 she started to pursue her childhood dreams, among them writing books for children. One of her children's books, The Trees Have Hearts, won a 2013 Mom's Choice Award. She is a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), speaks several languages fluently, and loves reading, writing, gardening, and traveling. She lives in Smithville, New Jersey, with her husband, Patrick, and an adventurous cat named Nyda.
Books by Mrs. D. include Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts, The City Kittens and The Old House Cat, Good Morning, World! and Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse.
The full series of Carlo the Mouse and her new books Runaway Clothes, Everyone Needs Someone: The Royal Palm, The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet, That Is How Things Are: The Autumn Wind and That Is How Things Are: The Kitten and the Sparrow, and three rhyming stories in Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? will be published in the near future. Her books are available in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as e-books for most popular e-devices.
For updates on Mrs. D.'s books, please visit her website: www.mrsdbooks.net
Mrs.D's books are available in print on Amazon, B&N and Xlibris on line stores. Available as E-books on Kindle, Nook and most E-devices.
My Thoughts Baby Thomas wants Grandpa to take him for a stroll outdoors. First he must wake up Grandpa from napping. So Grandma comes up with a plan. Are you curious as to how they got Grandpa to wake from his nap? Grandpa was not to eager to go for a walk, he thought it was to hot and the flowers made him sneeze. Baby Thomas did not notice the heat of the Sun in fact he told the Sun, flowers, birds and every other living thing he past, "GOOD MORNING!" and they greeted him back with happy smiles and salutations. But they also noticed how grumpy Grandpa was being on their walk. If you were to ask me I would say Grandpa didn't get a long enough nap. This darling story of Baby Thomas and Grandpa was like I was taking a stroll along with them. The author must have pulled some of this story from a family experience. With her very creative imagination she must have been very tuned into actions and reactions of Baby Thomas. Then there was Grandpa who was very vocal and animated so she undoubtedly knew exactly what to write about Grandpa. Too funny!
This book is a must read!
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
This story revolves around Christmastime bond a family who once adopted a lost kitten, naming it Nyda. Nyda has now grown old and has settled into a calm, uneventful life with her new family-until the day before Christmas, when the family's older daughter brings two playful kittens, Mickey and Jack, home for the holidays. The two kittens from the big city are a change for the family, and for Nyda. The old cat likes her settled life and is not happy about the new arrivals. She's also very protective of her belongings. The city kittens annoy her, and the old cat grumbles about the new additions to the family- until she hears a story one night that makes her feel bad. The kittens aren't the soft or spoiled brats she had thought they were . . .
About the Author:
Mrs. D. (Olga D’Agostino), an award-winning author, grew up in western Ukraine as the daughter of a forest ranger. Inspired by the beauty of nature, she loved to write stories and poems in her native language and dreamed of becoming a writer. She finished Lviv business college and in 1992 immigrated to the United States with her two small daughters. In 2011 she started to pursue her childhood dreams, among them writing books for children. One of her children's books, The Trees Have Hearts, won a 2013 Mom's Choice Award. She is a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), speaks several languages fluently, and loves reading, writing, gardening, and traveling. She lives in Smithville, New Jersey, with her husband, Patrick, and an adventurous cat named Nyda.
Books by Mrs. D. include Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts, The City Kittens and The Old House Cat, Good Morning, World! and Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse.
The full series of Carlo the Mouse and her new books Runaway Clothes, Everyone Needs Someone: The Royal Palm, The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet, That Is How Things Are: The Autumn Wind and That Is How Things Are: The Kitten and the Sparrow, and three rhyming stories in Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? will be published in the near future. Her books are available in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as e-books for most popular e-devices.
For updates on Mrs. D.'s books, please visit her website: www.mrsdbooks.net
Mrs.D's books are available in print on Amazon, B&N and Xlibris on line stores. Available as E-books on Kindle, Nook and most E-devices.
It is time to decorate for Christmas and this was one of Nyda the cat's favorite times of the year. She stayed inside all warm and cozy while Mrs.D cooked all kinds of special treats which she was allowed to eat. A special tree was brought into the house and was decked out with colorful ornaments and lights. Then there were the guest that came to visit including Mrs.D's daughters. There were two litt\tle problems the daughters brought two kittens, city kittens all pampered and spoiled putting Nyda's into a bad mood. She would like to see the kitten leave her home. What could possibly change Nyda's attitude toward these two cute frisky kittens? The author has written a sweet tale of two city kittens and an old house cat. It brought back some happy memories for me also. It has me ready to pull out the Christmas decorations. I am a cat lover and I just so happen have two cute kittens that like to provoke my two dogs and my grown cats. They are very entertaining like Mickey and Jack the city kittens. The author writes from her heart and family experiences makeing her stories that much more endearing. This book and her others will make wonderful gifts and keepsakes for any child. As far as that go they make wonderful books to have on hand at the grandparents house.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
New Music Together® Singalong Storybook May All Children for Ages 1 to 7 to be Released on United Nations International Day of Peace
100 percent of proceeds September 20 to 22 will be donated to UNICEF
Fourth Singalong Storybook from award-winning,
pioneering music educator
Princeton, NJ, August 28, 2013 — The international early childhood music education program Music Together® has announced the September 20, 2013, release of its fourth children’s book, MAY ALL CHILDREN (ages 1 to 7, baby to second grade; 32 pages; Board Book $9.95 ISBN: 978-0-9855719-7-9; Hardback $13.95 ISBN: 978-0-9855719-6-2). The book will debut as part of Music Together’s support of the United Nations International Day of Peace, September 21, 2013, and all proceeds from the first weekend of sales (September 20 to 22) will support UNICEF.
MAY ALL CHILDREN inspires pre-literacy learning and imaginative play between children and their favorite adults. It is the fourth singalong storybook from Music Together, which launched the multiple award–winning, critically acclaimed books in 2012. Previous titles were Hello, Everybody!,She Sells Sea Shells, and One Little Owl.
MAY ALL CHILDREN tells the story of children from all walks of life sharing a simple, heartfelt wish for peace for everybody on our earth. The illustrations and message of this beautiful book are an excellent conversation-starter for families on what it means to have peaceful hearts and minds. The book is based on the popular lullaby of the same name, written by Music Together Founder/Director Kenneth K. Guilmartin and featured on
the award-winning
Music Together Family Favorites and Lullabies CDs.
In addition to reading the story of MAY ALL CHILDREN, readers will enjoy singing along (song sheet and a free song download are included with book purchase). The book includes fun activity suggestions designed to further stimulate learning, exploration, and music-making between child and reader.
The stunning illustrations by Kristina Swarner add to the warmth and depth of the song and the story’s global message.
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this academic year (2012-2013), Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program for children birth through age seven. The Music Together curriculum, coauthored in 1987 by Kenneth K. Guilmartin (Founder/Director) and Rowan University Professor of Music Education Dr. Lili M. Levinowitz (Director of Research), is based on the recognition that all children are musical: all children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning.
Music Together offers programs for families; schools; at-risk populations; and children with special needs, in over 2000 communities in 40 countries. The company is committed to bonding children and their caregivers through music and helping people discover the joy and critical educational value of early music experiences.
Win an iPad Mini Back to School Pack and a year’s worth of school supplies from Lily Lapp!
Go back to school with Lily Lapp! Suzanne Woods Fisher is celebrating the final book in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series, A Surprise for Lily, with a "Back to School with Lily Lapp" giveaway. Enter between 9/16 - 9/30 for a chance to win a year's worth of school supplies ($100 Target gift card), an iPad Mini, a set of the Lily books, and a Lily coloring book! Ten chances to win! (One winner will receive the back-to-school pack, 4 winners will receive a set of the Lily books and a coloring book, and 5 winners will receive a copy of Lily and a coloring book.) Enter below using the widget! Only those in the U.S. are eligible to win. *Bonus Book Giveaway Activity* Share Lily with your local library or a young reader! Sign up to send out 10 stamped postcards to young readers or suggest a purchase to your library, and Suzanne will select 30 participants to win a signed Life with Lily book. (Fill out the short form here!)
About illustrator:
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