Children's Book Monday

I can't pass up free books.

It's just a fact.

If I'm walking past something that says "free" I'm going to stop and take a look.  Most of the time I don't just look, I snag.  I can't help it, it's my mother in me!

Sometimes getting something for free is not all that it's cracked up to be. This time however I'm so very glad I stopped, looked and snagged!

Today's selection was published around 1950.  I was drawn to it because of the simplicity of it's cover, but when I opened it's pages that's when the magic happened...the illustrations are captivating!

Lost In The Zoo by Berta and Elmer Hader

A simple story of a boy, John Henry, who happens to get separated from his older sister on their way into the zoo.  (Side note: I love little nuances like explaining to my children about such things as phone booths!) Of course the search for her brother takes her through each part of the zoo.  Each animal depicted is breathtaking and though I've read hundreds of books to my children about zoo animals, none has kept their attention quite like this one.  We were all excited to turn the page to see the next illustration, while at the same time wanting to linger on each page that we turned!

As they work their way through the zoo, I found the kids getting more and more anxious.  Their concern over the fictitious character was heartwarming. When the police get in on the search for the "missing boy" and crowds start to murmurer, John Henry himself decides that he is going to help search for the lost little boy!
Such a delight is this 1950 treasure!

Children's Book Monday

Today in school Grace is learning about what makes a book a biography auto-biography, fiction or non-fiction.  It is only fitting then that I should review one of our favorite non-fiction books.

Henry's Freedom Box; A True Story from the Underground Railroad
Authored by Ellen Levine
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Historically true, and heartbreakingly true, the story of Henry "Box" Brown tells the journey of a young boy from his days working in his master's home to his final destination of freedom.  It tells of his joys, his sorrows, his hurts, and trials struggling to maintain a positive outlook on life. The content is deep and thought provoking. The images are profound and moving. My small children did not understand the tear rolling down their Mama's face as she read the story for the first time to her babes, clutching them tighter and closer (even though I know no one can take my babies from me.) Each time we read this story it seems to bring up more and more questions in their minds, questions I'm glad they are asking.  They ask about slavery, about people, about life, love, God and freedom.  Questions that if they go unanswered will lend to history repeating itself in ugly ways.  So we talk of deep things even though they are small.  And we question big issues even though it is scary.  And I see in my children a desire to do what God wants for their lives, to live in relationship with others regardless of the barriers we often put up, and I think to myself.

 "Who knew a children's book, could teach so much?!"

Children's Book Monday

For today's post I've decided to share with you two of my favorite "read aloud" resources.


The first is a more recent discovery.  While searching online for a chapter book for my first grader, I stumbled upon the downloadable version of the classic "Ramona the Pest".  Until last week I was unaware that my library offers such an extensive list of both children's and adult's books available for free downloading.  I would highly recommend you checking with your local library to find out if this is available to you as well.  If you live in the Sacramento area, you can click on THIS link to be directed to the ebook catalog!


The second is another library resource, but not through my library.  My mother used to work at the library in Aurora, Colorado.  Their library subscribes to a wonderful site called "TumbleBooks".  Via their website you can go to the Tumblebooks page and view their list of stories.  (Click here for the link & go to "Kid's Tumblebooks" in the Quick Link side bar.)  This website has been a MommySaver more than once in our home!  Many times when Daddy is late coming home from work, or away over the weekend I utilize this site during my dinner preparations.  I can prepare dinner in peace knowing that my kids are being educationally entertained by the wonderful children's books being read with animated illustrations.

I hope these resources will be a help to you in your home as well!

Children's Book Monday

Is it really almost spring?  

Where does the time go?

This past week at our local library's pre-school story time our children's librarian shared with us the sweetest book.  After she was finished and the other children rushed to the craft activity I whispered in my daughters ear suggesting to her that she politely ask the librarian if we could check out the book she used.  She clutched the book in her hands and her broad smile held her answer!

Planting A Rainbow

By Lois Ehlert

"Every year Mom and I plant a rainbow."  ...

The story is simple, the words on the page are large and bold and the pictures are uncomplicated and bright.  She describes the process of planting, and watering, caring and most of all watching.  As the rainbow grows and grows and grows and comes to life! Detailed with the color groupings are the names of each of the plants, perfect for helping young ones identify them in the world outdoors!

It's a book that should most certainly grace your shelf as spring approaches!

In looking for an image of this book I came across another blog that shares reviews on children's books.  It may be worth looking into before you next trip to the library!  This post also linked to Children's Book Monday over at A Path Made Straight.

Children's Book Monday

...Sometimes it's about confidence....

It's about knowing who you are & who you were created to be.

It's about knowing what you can do.
It's about perspective.

It's about believing that you are special.

It's about being "Ladybug Girl"!

This book was given to my daughter as a birthday gift and even though it's not written from a Christian perspective, it's opened a lot of doors for conversations about who God has created her to be. Written by Jackie Davis and illustrated by David Soman this wife and husband make a great children's book team.  This and other stories are inspired by their own children which make the stories come to life!

Lulu, or "Ladybug Girl" is told she has to play on her own.  Her older brother tells her (in not the kindest way; another example that creates communication about being a good sibling!) that she is too small to play baseball with him and his friends.  Initially she searches to find something to occupy herself, but winds up having a very adventurous day with her good imagination and her good friend Bingo.  (Doesn't he remind you of someone?)  She finds value, and realizes that size is a matter of perspective!
This book makes you want to don a pair of red polka dotted rain boots, tutu and wings and fly on the wings of imagination!

Children's Book Monday

In the past week I've had three people ask me on facebook for recommendations for read aloud books for their daughters.  It thrills me to know that my friends are reading aloud to their children even after they have learned to read themselves.  It's such an important part of their development to be hearing stories above their reading level. So today for Children's Book Monday I share with you what could possibly be my favorite series of books. (It's so hard to choose a favorite isn't it?)

They are dear to my heart not only for the stories they share, but the memories they hold for me personally.  I have read the ten book series so many times I can't recall the first time I read them!  Similar in heart to Laura's memoirs in her classic "Little House" series, The Grandma's Attic books are a true joy and delight for girls of any age.

Authored by Arleta Richardson, the first three books are a compilation of stories that her Grandmother Mabel told her as a child.  She recounts Mabel's stories which were full of lessons and morals, of faith and fun, told to a little girl who's ears were ready to hear.  The rest of the books are told in narrative form from the perspective of Mable herself as she grows up, goes to college, gets married and begins a family of her own!  Her faith brings her through the trials and frustrations of life and her sense of humor made for a wonderful perspective on the world around her.

As a child I was so moved by these stories that I wrote a letter to Mrs. Richardson telling her how much I loved reading her books.  Much to my surprise a few weeks later, a hand written letter came back addressed to me!  As you can tell, it's made a lasting impression on me...

I've already begun to read these sweet books to my daughters (ages 6 &4) and I hope that in reviewing this sweet series your family will be blessed as well.  Happy reading!

Children's Book Monday

A while ago, I shared with you a link for the children's book about Audrey that was published... today I share with you my own review!
After posting on FaceBook how excited I was about this booking coming out, my Mother-In-Love sent an "early" birthday present from Amazon which showed up in my mail box!  My husband laughed at me as I squealed and ran back to my bedroom kicking off my bright blue Audrey flats and sprawling across my bed to read this beautiful children's book.
It's everything you could hope for in a children's book about Audrey Hepburn.  Written by Margaret Cardillo and beautifully illustrated by Julia Denos. It tells the sweet story of the sweet, young, gangly, sights set high girl who wanted to be a prima ballerina.  World War II and her ever lengthening legs put a stop to that dream, so Audrey set her sights on acting.  I love how the story focuses on her drive and her positive outlook.  Though she went through some very difficult times in her life and struggled with many issues this book maintains the purity of her character and her essence.
If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, do request your library purchase it right away and be the first to place your hold... because this book won't stay on the shelf for long!  Better yet, just get your own copy, it's worth it!

Children's Book Monday

Being intentional about what your children read takes time! I fear that often the hustle and bustle of herding three young children around in the shhhh of the library and answering "not today" for the 30th time about computer games often takes my mind off of the desire of my heart. (which is to look over each and every book my children choose to check out!) So sometimes I am very pleasantly surprised when a book that "slipped in" the bag turns out to be a gem!


Today's selection is just that...

Knitting Nell
by Julie Jersild Roth

This delightful story begins with a very quiet little girl who loves to knit. She takes her knitting with her everywhere as she listens to others talk. She delights in knitting things for other people and her generous heart guides her hands into knitting many things for the local children's home & then even ships her hats, mittens and socks overseas! She does these deeds seemingly unnoticed. It's only when she enters her sweater into the county fair that she is awarded and not just for her beautiful knitting!
The warmth that comes from the pages of this story is beautiful. After we read this story I enjoyed talking with my daughters about the joy in giving to others, and the happiness it brings to both the giver and the receiver!

For more children's book titles to locate at your local

library join Elise each week for Children's Book Monday!

Children's Book Monday

It's fall, the air is crisp and the leaves are turning brilliant colors. I'm sure there are lots of beautiful books with illustrations and stories about the Acorn Moon and things that happen In November, but today I'm being different and doing an author review, which has nothing to do with fall...

Robert Munsch is one of our favorite authors, and in case you have not been formally introduced, you can meet him here at his website. Do take the time to read through his little auto biography there, it's truly fascinating. He's one of the most creative authors I've read, with many of his stories carrying an adorable cadence and poetic rhyme. With 54 books published, you are sure to find at least a few of his classics at your local library.

Here are a handful of our favorites: (from sentimental to silly!)

You probably have probably already cried your way through this beautiful story! The sweet story that expresses exactly what our mommy hearts feel each and every day... "I'll love you forever, I'll love you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be..."

This silly story is one of my daughter's favorites, as we are big fans of princesses in our home. Featuring a dragon, a prince, and a good story about using your mind... the Paper Bag Princess is one that will delight children as well as spark some good dinner conversations!

Possibly my favorite Munsch book, Stephanie's Ponytail is a great example to my girls of self confidence and not giving in to peer pressure! The ending pages always have our family giggling...

50 Below Zero is another silly story that causes much laughter in our home. We like to listen to the story ready by Robert Munsch himself on Tumblebooks. (I'll tell you how to use a free version of this later!) In this classic Munsch book the repetition of the story makes the surprise ending so much fun...

For even more delightful children's stories each and every week please join Elise at A Path Made Straight for Children's Book Monday.

Children's Book Monday

Sergio Saves the Game

By Edel Rodriguez

Today's review comes from a very special guest vlogger. He is my two year old son. He LOVES this book! As you can see from the video below he has the story memorized and though he misses a few pages and you may not be able to understand any of what he's saying...I know that he's quoting the book...word for precious word.
So though I would reccomend this book, and though the entire family is in love with this cute and clumsy penguin named Sergio, this review is really just the chance to show you how adorable my book loving son is!

Enjoy!

This post a part of Children's Book Monday, hosted weekly at A Path Made Straight.

Children's Book Monday

long night moon

by Cynthia Rylant

illustrated by Mark Siegel

I've been waiting till fall to tell you about this book, though I admit I don't know why. Maybe it's the nature of the "winter cover" that makes me feel like it must be cool outside, with a cozy blanket pulled up around us in order to pick up this book. (Oh, but please dear friends, don't wait! This book is a treasure year round!) Our copy was given to me by my mother. She knows that I love Cynthia Rylant's books, and this one just happened to be signed by the illustrator. How special!

Long Night Moon, is the vivid description of the how the seasons change with each full moon. Beautifully illustrated you will find yourself lingering over each page long after you have read the sweet poetic words.

"Long ago Native Americans gave names to the full moons the watched throughout
the year. Each month had a moon. And each moon had its name..."

As the season changes from warm summer nights to the wonderfully crisp nights of fall, pick up this beautiful book for your bedtime story!

This blog post is a part of Children's Book Monday held each week at A Path Made Straight.

Children's Book Monday

I wasn't sure I wanted to write a review this week as my motivation for writing has been lulled by my recent absence from anything reality! But recently while going through boxes of old "treasures" from my past I stumbled upon a gem I just had to share.

Some books are pure poetry, others have illustrations that leave you breathless and then there's the book that has neither of these traits but still when you hold it it becomes one of the most treasured of possessions!

That is Ballerina Bess for me.

One of my very first "readers", I was quoting this book before I could read. It's simple; two and three word sentences. But I was captivated by Bess. A little girl, just like me! And she wanted to dance, just like me! I stood for hours in front of a mirror with the book propped up in front of me so I could mimic her poses, feet turned out, arms just so. (I had no idea picture drawings of ballerinas were in bad form!) My copy is worn and the binding is fragile, but I know it will be treasured by my girls as well. The good news for new readers is though it was out of print, it was recently reprinted in 2002! So you can get this and also other books by the same authors!

Ballerina Bess is a delightful read for any budding ballerina! For more delightful children's book reviews head over to A Path Made Straight every Monday for Children's Book Monday.

Children's Book Monday

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

This post in honor of my dear friend's first day of school today (we had ours a few weeks ago, which is when I thought about reviewing this book!)



The first day of school. There are so many new things to see and do, people to meet, and routines to learn. It's no wonder Sarah Jean gets the First Day Jitters!

It's time for her to get out of bed,

and with covers pulled up over her head

she says, "I don't want to go!"

Out of bed and to the kitchen,

lunch all packed and breakfast eaten,

she worries, "What if they don't like me?"

On the drive to school she sinks to the floor,

the principle even meets her at the door,

and shows her to her classroom.

Imagine Sarah Jean's surprise,

as the door is opened and she closes her eyes,

and the principle introduces...

Oh, dear friends, I just can't give up the ending to this delightful book! I'm sorry, but you'll have to read it for yourself!

Children's Book Monday

Oh, don't you just LOVE books that rhyme?
Books that keep such perfect time?

Worded right with perfect prose,
it makes me want to scratch my nose.

How do they do it? Make it right...
and yet the story doesn't seem trite.

Just like in the book I'll show you today,
please go and get it, do not delay.

It tells a story that rings so true,
of a mom like me, like YOU.

But this lovely woman (unlike me),
She's got seven, (I've got only three).

These seven darlings with the last name Peters

are what she calls her "silly eaters".

Throughout the book the stories told of each child's tastes and what they'll eat.

Each home made by mother, what a treat!

But as each child grows in size,

I almost had to close my eyes.

Poor Mrs. Peters almost cracks,

from all the work that breaks her back.

Her birthday which she thought they forgot

seemed to the kids the perfect spot,

to surprise their mom with something great,

made from the picky things they ate.

Will it work? What will she say?

When she wakes up to find a surprise the next day..

Oh pick up this lovey book and you will see,

such fun for the entire family!

The Seven Silly Eaters

Written by Mary Ann Hoberman

Illustrated by Marla Frazee

Children's Book Monday

As you may recall, I'm a big fan of making something new from something old.  So when my mom (the librarian) sent me this book, it was love at first read!  Not only has the book won a Caldecott award, but also has an adorable Yiddish song that was the inspiration for the book.   The author Simms Taback has written another Caldecott winner; There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.  If you have time, do click on the link above and explore his official website.  He has written and illustrated over thirty different books.  His biography is also very interesting! 

Done in his signature technique of using watercolor, Guache, pencil, ink and collage, the artwork in this book is so much fun to explore.  There is so much detail on each page, the few words used are more than made up for by the excitement of the art. (There are also some really great surprises as you turn each page, it's so fun to watch the kids anticipate what will come next!)

  It's the story of a man named Joseph who wears a lovely plaid wool coat.  As time passes, it gets old and worn.  Rather than tossing the overcoat into the "goodwill bin", the brilliant man makes it into a jacket!  When this too becomes tattered and worn, he again takes to the sewing machine to transform it into a vest.  (Which of course he wears to dance at his nephew's wedding!) 

 The fabric available to use gets smaller and smaller with each new transformation.  The joy of re-using and re purposing is not lost on this Jewish man!  He finally transforms the overcoat into a button.  But what will happen when he loses the button?  Pick up this delightful story to find out!

Children's Book Monday

Today's selection has made it home from the library in our book bag more than once.
Originally drawn to the pretty pink spine and the front cover covered in hearts, my daughter Noraa chose this book "on impulse".  Scanning the pages and illustrations I quickly approved and nodded my assent.  The smile was priceless and though she wanted to read it right then and there, it was later curled up on our couch that the story of The Love~Me Bird unfolded. 

Written by Joyce Dunbar and illustrated by Sophie Fatus, the Love Me Bird is a sweet story of an unfortunate owl named "Shut-Eye" who gets anything but that due to a sweet but sad and lonely "love me" bird.  Daily she sings from her perch "Love me, love me, love me." (Not unlike some humans!) Yet there is no answer to her call.  Shut Eye willingly gives lots of advice, from changing her appearance, and acting helpless to playing hard to get and building a nest.  However none of these things helped the love me bird as she desperately cried out for someone to love her.(Oh the things we do to draw love to ourselves!)

The lesson comes in the last bit of advice Shut eye gives the desperate bird. "Sing a different tune" she says... And so the love me bird does; "love you, love you, love you" she croons.  Wings flutter and in swoops another love me bird! (Amazing what happens when we take the focus off self!)

I love the lessons and parallels we have been able to draw from this sweet, frilly, heart filled book.  May it grace your family and teach your children the importance of drawing others to themselves through their love!

Children's Book Monday

Tanya and the Magic Wardrobe

Patricia Lee Gauch

Satomi Ichikawa

Just one look at the cover and you may be able to see why I have a soft spot in my heart for this book.  As a dancer myself for many years I connected instantly to little Tanya. 
"The night before Tanya and her mother and her sister, Elise, were to go to town, Tanya couldn't sleep.  For the first time she would go to the real Ballet. For the first time she would see dancers dance Coppelia, the ballet about the doll who came to life." (My very first ballet was Coppelia also!)
  The story unfolds of sweet Tanya as she wanders away from her mother while waiting for the Ballet to open.  Drawn by the mystery of an old woman carrying tutus she follows her to the costume room. It is here where she and the the woman get lost in the magic of imagination and dance.
  While normally peppered with questions during story time, my middle child surprised me as she lay silent, entranced. This book is a joy and the pictures are soft and inviting.  I invite you to come with Tanya as she the old woman and I adventure into the magic wardrobe!

Children's Book Monday

For today's post (since it's automatic as I'm out of town! Oh and normally I would be linked to CBM here, but not today!)  I asked my daughter to go to her bookshelf and bring me her favorite book.  "The book you want me to read to you every day for the rest of your life!" I told her.

She got so excited and ran to her room carrying back for me this selection!

"Really?  Why this one?" (I don't know that I've ever even read it to them!)
"Just because she is the bestest girl in the book and she is in The Queen of Easter too, and I just like that she likes hearts, me too!"

What is your favorite thing about this book?
"That she counts the days until Valentines Day, you see, she counts!"

So while writing this post, my husband arrived home and sat down to read to our precious little bundles who were now very anxious to read their "favorite" story.

I'm sure just by looking at the cover that you know the author/illustrator's name.  Mary Englebreit has a very distinct style.  The "Queen" books feature a character by the name of Ann Estelle.  A young, proper and frilly little girl.  In this story she is greatly anticipating Valentines Day. The children at school all bring a box for their valentines.  When Ann Estelle gets caught up in decorating her box, she forgets to make valentines for all of her friends!  The self sacrificing solution is a heart warming ending that children can relate to.

Which is probably why my daughter likes it so much...

Children's Book Monday

Oh dear friends!  I'm so pleased that my dear friend Elise has started making her Children's Book Monday a carnival so others can link up and share their favorite library finds!  (If you haven't read my mom's adorable guest post on how to have a good trip to the library from a librarian's perspective, do take a look!)
So today I join in.  I love books and in fact I am considering using a literature based curriculum next year for my daughters schooling.  Where to start reviewing always baffles me as there are so many wonderful books to review!

Recently my mom's library branch shut down (budget cuts strike again).  They sold off their collection of books for $1 each.  I went a little crazy with my requests, and my mom went a little crazy with picking up newberry and caldecott winners!  We have so many wonderful books on our shelf right now and I feel so blessed to have a vast library here at home for those weeks that we don't make it out to the library.

Flotsam by David Wiesner

At first glance this book looks a little odd.  The cover makes you wonder at the story looming inside.  When I flipped through and there were no words a sense of apprehension briefly crossed my mind.  But my children have great imaginations, and so we settled in for an illustrated adventure.

The story that unfolds in the deeply mysterious book is one that already has captured my eldest's imagination.  It begins with a young boy at the beach with his parents.  His curiosity is evident and the amazing paintings as he explores the world around him draw you in with each page.

Lost in his reverie a large wave brings not only a wet surprise, but a hidden treasure as well.  After inquiring with his parents and the life guard, as any good citizen would do, he seeks to open the treasure and delve into it's contents fully.  Not jewels, not fortune, but something much more valuable is found inside the blue box labeled "Melville underwater camera".

Your children will delight at the portrayal of what really happens beneath the waves where no one truly sees...It makes you wonder what is possible.  And then another picture appears...

Initially, it's meaning escaped even me.  But the curious, they uncover the secrets that hide beneath the common appearances... I will leave you here, with questions and inquiries for that is the way this book is done.  The excitement of turning the page to discover what happens next almost causes you to miss the intricate details of each page.  Which is why this book is one to be enjoyed over and over and over.

Linked to Children's Book Monday @ A Path Made Straight.

Childrens Book Monday

My dear friend Elise reviews a children's book each Monday. The library has so much to offer that it's a joy each week to read about her discoveries as well as the ones we make on our weekly trips! Well, today she said that it's our turn!

So, here we go!

We have renewed this book the library maximum of three times (which means we've had it for almost 9 weeks!) and it is the book all three of my kids reach for when I say, "okay guys, everyone pick a library book and head to the couch!" It's Jan Brett's On Noah's Ark. Her writing and illustrations hold even my 16 month olds attention. The illustrations are similar to her classic story of The Mitten, where each page has smaller "snapshots" of the story on the sides. This small detail captivates my children. She tells the story of the flood from the perspective of Noah's grandson. He watches the animals boarding the ark, helps where he's needed and even lets his grandpa send out his dove to look for land. Beautifully told and beautifully illustrated, this book is one to add to your library list!