Last Minute Easter Picks for Your Little Peeps!

 Looking for a last minute filler for your child's Easter basket?  

How about one of these hot new titles?!?!

Grogan, John.
Marley and the Great Easter Egg Hunt.
January 2013.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher. 

My thoughts: Children are sure to be chuckling as Marley embarks on this Easter Egg Hunt adventure!

Description from Amazon.com: The day of the annual town Easter Egg Hunt has arrived, and Marley and his family are ready to find the biggest, most eggstravagant egg! Marley is great at spotting the eggs in trees and behind plants, but he just can't seem to get the eggs to Cassie or Baby Louie before someone else snatches them up. So, in true Marley fashion, Marley decides to forge his own path . . . right through the doors of the town shops. Stopping into the grocery, the bakery, and the party store, Marley creates calamity wherever his paws touch. But will his wild egg chase end up with Marley finding the big, glorious egg before the hunt is over?


Wax, Wendy.
Easter Bunny on the Loose: A Seek and Solve Mystery.
January 2013.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

My Thoughts: This book is sure to keep children occupied for a great deal of time!  It is great for practicing comprehension strategies and for puzzling young minds!  This would be a great road-trip companion this spring break!

Description from Amazon.com: The Easter Bunny can’t wait to hippity-hop his way to deliver all the Easter eggs this year! The only problem is . . . there are no eggs! Some-bunny has taken the Easter Bunny’s golden egg, and without the golden egg, Easter is on HOLD. Can you sort through all of the possible suspects hopping about Easterville and find the culprit who stole the golden egg? Be quick as a hare—time is running out!


Clark, Leslie Ann.
Peepsqueak Wants a Friend!
January 2013.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

My Thoughts:  A great story for teaching children about accepting all and not leaving one to be an outcast!  Might be a little deep for the younger children but appropriate for 6-8 year olds.

Description from Amazon.com: The farm animals wake up and come running out to play . . . 2 by 2!  Peepsqueak needs a friend! But if he can't find the perfect friend on the farm, where can he look next?

Farley, Robin.
Mia: The Easter Egg Chase.
January 2013.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

My thoughts: Loved how Mia decided to take a step back and wanted to help her younger cousin become a part of the Easter egg hunt instead of focusing on the prize - the chocolate bunny!  A great story about how helping others can make you feel just as good as finding the prize!

Description from Amazon.com: It's an Easter Eggstravaganza, and Mia can't wait for the festivities to begin! Every year, Mia's family has an Easter egg hunt, and a big chocolate bunny is hidden as a special prize. This year is going to be the year that Mia finds the bunny all by herself!

But when Mia's little cousin Sophie can't find as many eggs as the other kittens, Mia has to decide between finding the chocolate bunny and helping her cousin. Can Mia make sure everyone has an eggcellent time?

 



Tweet If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Black History Month - New Titles & Giveaway

New titles to help celebrate Black History Month!

Myers, Walter Dean.
I've Seen the Promised Land: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
December 2012.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Overview from Barnes & Noble:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is one of the most celebrated figures of the twentieth century. A crusader for nonviolent social justice, he led African Americans in their demands for equality through peaceful protests during one of the most tumultuous times in recent history.

Set against key moments in the civil rights movement, here is the story of the powerful, eloquent spiritual leader and his belief that nonviolence could be used to overcome racial discrimination.

Walter Dean Myers's moving narrative and Leonard Jenkins's compelling paintings portray a vivid and striking image of the man who moved American society closer to the ideals of freedom and fairness. Dr. King's dream that all Americans would be judged by their individual actions and character is one we still cherish today.

Pictures and easy-to-read text introduce the life of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My Thoughts:

The story is well written and accurately portrayed.  However, I'd say it's a bit lengthy for most children under age 7.  At the age level I teach, preschool, this book would be most appropriate placed a bookshelf for children to explore on their own and ask questions about but would not work as a read aloud.

Nelson, Kadir.
Nelson Mandela.
January 2013.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Overview from Barnes & Noble:

One day when Nelson Mandela was nine years old, his father died and he was sent from his village to a school far away from home, to another part of South Africa. In Johannesburg, the country's capital, Mandela saw fellow Africans who were poor and powerless. He decided then that he would work to protect them. When the government began to keep people apart based on the color of their skin, Mandela spoke out against the law and vowed to fight hard in order to make his country a place that belonged to all South Africans.

Kadir Nelson tells the story of Mandela, a global icon, in poignant verse and glorious illustrations. It is the story of a young boy's determination to change South Africa and of the struggles of a man who eventually became the president of his country by believing in equality for people of all colors. Readers will be inspired by Mandela's triumph and his lifelong quest to create a more just world.

My Thoughts:

Again, a wonderfully written story with somewhat simple text.  I'd say it's most appropriate for children aged 7+.  Children should have a basic understanding of the injustices faced by African Americans during that time period in order to really understand and take away the most from the story.

Thomas, Joyce Carol.
In the Land of Milk and Honey.
September 2012.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Overview from Barnes & Noble:

I ease myself back in the window seat and breathe in as the train breathes out We're on our way!

On our way to the Land of Milk and Honey

Lemons as big as oranges, the cool Pacific Ocean, mountains that rise up beyond the outstretched bay—California beckons as one girl makes her way west on a journey filled with excitement, hope, and the promise of a place where people from all paths come together and music fills the air.

This is the true story of author Joyce Carol Thomas's trip from Oklahoma to California in 1948, when she moved there as a girl. During that time, many people went west, drawn by warmth and possibility, reflected in the people of all cultures and ethnicities who started a new life there.

Coretta Scott King honoree Joyce Carol Thomas and Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper capture the anticipation of a bright adventure and a world filled with freedom and opportunity.

My Thoughts:

Of all of these titles that focus on Black History Month, this was my favorite - the illustrations were amazing, very eye catching and interesting to look at.  The text is simple enough that most of the younger children (4-6 year olds) will be able to sit through the story and have a basic understanding of what the book is about.  Definitely my pick of the litter!

Smith Jr., Charles.
Brick by Brick.
December 2012.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher. 

Overview by Barnes & Noble:

The president of a new country needs a new home, so many hands work together as one.

Black hands, white hands, free hands, slave hands.

In this powerful story of the building of the White House, Coretta Scott King Award winners Charles R. Smith Jr. and Floyd Cooper capture the emotion and toil that created this incredible structure, the home of our president. The White House was created by many hands, several of them slaves', who will be remembered throughout history for their extraordinary feat. Many slaves were able to purchase their freedom after earning money from learning a trade through this work, which speaks to their unbelievable strength. The title reflects how this towering symbol of America was created by hand, human hands, working toward their freedom, brick by brick.

My Thoughts:

This is another great story, simply written, that will allow young children to start to form an understanding of what slavery was and how it "worked."  I could see using this book as a starter to such a discussion!  

For some reason, I received two review copies of Charles Smith Jr.'s Brick by Brick.  See below for details on how to enter the giveaway!

To Enter the Giveaway

1. Comment on this post, sharing how you teach Black History Month!  
2. Be sure to leave an email address so I have a way to contact you if you are the winner! 

 The giveaway is open to United States residents only.  You have until 11:59PM, EST on  Thursday, February 28 to enter the giveaway.

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If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Guidecraft Educator Review/Giveaway Link: Community Buildings: Set of 6

Each month, the Guidecraft Educators will share our honest feelings
about a Guidecraft product(s) and how these products would fare in an
early childhood classroom. This month's selection comes from Guidecraft's Block Play line - Community Buildings: Set of 6.

The set of 6 community buildings features a hospital, police station, car wash, fire station, store and school.  The buildings are simply designed, yet colorful enough to catch the eye of young children and inspire them in new ways.  The blocks are wonderful for vocabulary building and pretend play, yet offer the opportunity for so much other exploration as well!  Needless to say, I was very excited to see theses arrive... I had almost purchased them for my classroom prior to their arrival!   They have been such a huge hit and have really added a wonderful element to young imaginations at play in the block area!

I held off on putting them out into the block area until we had started our "In the City, In the Country Theme."  Along with adding these for the "In the City" component, I added a set of farm blocks that I had purchased last year... the way the children interconnected the two different concepts was pretty interesting to say the least!  They took "that man" to the hospital because he's sick."  The "kids" (pretend people) were taken and put into the school building and the "firemen" were stationed outside the fire house.  When coupled with the pretend people, all sorts of curriculum content can be touched upon during child-centered play - sorting, vocabulary building, social skills, pretend play... the list can go on! 

The children took it upon themselves to combine the two unique sets of blocks into one working area, building the road and extending it "a long way away" to distinguish the distance and differences between city and country life.  As you can see from the picture on the right, the children in the foreground were working in the city.  The children in the background were busy building their farm.  The little girl in the very front opted to build "sky scrapers" using the plain old wooden blocks. 

So far, I am VERY pleased with the quality of the 6 pack Community Buildings blocks.  They seem very sturdy and have thus far tolerated the wear and tear of a VERY busy class of 20-preschoolers!  Definitely a must have for this age group, especially if you already have the Roadway System and/or the 

So... what do other 'Guidecraft Educators' have to say about the Community Buildings: Set of 6 blocks???

Maureen at Simply Stacie
Andrea at MommyPR
Deborah at Teach Preschool
Carrie from Huppie Mama
Jody from Mommy Moment
Candace at Mamanista!
Lisa from Planet Weidknecht
Vanessa from Pre-K Pages

The Giveaway

Guidecraft is generously offering ONE lucky reader of the Guidecraft Educators a chance to win one of these Community Buildings: Set of 6 sets!!! To enter, head on over to Huppie Mama for details!

Or... if you just can't wait to win one and NEED them now, they can be purchased online at: 

Community Buildings:  Guidecraft.com or Amazon.com

Roadway System: Guidecraft.com or Amazon.com

7" Block Play Traffic Signs:  Guidecraft.com or Amazon.com

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If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Despite the fact that Valentine's Day is nearly over, I figured I may as well get these reviews out there... you can always add them to your TBR (to be read) list for next year, or any time really! 

Scotton, Rob.
Splat the Cat: Funny Valentine.
November 2012.
Harper Collins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Splat the Cat returns in this new Valentine's Day tale in which Splat is the mastermind behind a secret Valentine surprise... for his teacher.  Children are sure to love the lift the flap pictures, which contain questioning prompts that will get them actively engaged in the reading.  

Farley, Robin.
Mia the Sweetest Valentine.
November 2012.
Harper Collins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

The "Mia" series is apparently a new series popular amongst the 4-8 year old girls.  She's new to me - this is my first experience with Mia.  With the fun, colorful pictures, what's not to like?  After hosting a Valentine's Day party for her friends, Mia discovers that they ate the Valentine's gift that Mia's father had bought for her mother... and now, they have to figure out a new gift!  Mia's creativity will likely inspire little girls to put a little creative effort into their own Valentine's... a great story to break out a few weeks in advance of Valentine's Day next year!

Clayton, Dallas.
An AWESOME BOOK of LOVE!
December 2012.
Harper Collins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Dallas Clayton is a new author to me... but one whose work I'll definitely be exploring more!  This book is perfect for a parent to give to an older child who has good reading comprehension or even great for a young couple in love or an older couple looking for a unique Valentine's Day or anniversary gift!  Definitely a great book!

Enerson, Adele.
When My Baby Dreams of Fairy Tales.
January 2013.
Harper Collins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Love, love, love this book!  I followed Adele's blog several years ago, when she was first taking the pictures of this adorable napping baby!  All I can say is... what a fabulous way to "scrapbook" all those amazing photographs!  All my creative friends out there could make their own take on this!!!  Amazing - truly awesome!

What a great bunch of books to add to your Valentine's Day collection!

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If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Everything Goes: Henry Goes Skating

Biggs, Brian.
Everything Goes: Henry Goes Skating.
August 2012.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Everything Goes: Henry Goes Skating is a perfect story for beginning readers.  The text is simple, with many sight words weaved throughout.  The text is also predictable and many of the words repetitive.  Young children will likely enjoy the story and the factual information that can be learned while reading/listening.  This is a great book for discussing vocabulary and receiving information about the winter season!

To Enter the Giveaway

1. Comment on this post, sharing a creative way in which you assist children in learning their sight words! 
2. Be sure to leave an email address so I have a way to contact you if you are the winner! 

 The giveaway is open to United States residents only.  You have until 11:59PM, EST on  Thursday, Ja



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If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Review & Giveaway: Curious George: Three Tales for a Winter's Night

Curious George: Three Tales for a Winter's Night.
November 2012.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

In typical "Curious George" fashion, George finds all sorts of things to be curious about within the pages of these three stories - Curious George: The Surprise Gift, Curious George: A Winter's Nap and Curious George: Snowy Day.  Kids are sure to love them, especially if they enjoy watching the PBS Curious George series. 

As a person who grew up reading Curious George, the new adaptations are just not for me... my mind keeps taking me back to the white background pages with minimal illustrations, so for me, I'm just not in love with the newer ones.  Lucky for me, I still have all my old Curious George books that I can go back and enjoy and share with my preschoolers!

To Enter the Giveaway

1. Comment on this post, sharing your family's/classroom's favorite way to enjoy a winter day - inside or out!  
2. Be sure to leave an email address so I have a way to contact you if you are the winner! 

 The giveaway is open to United States residents only.  You have until 11:59PM, EST on  Thursday, January 31 to enter the giveaway.





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If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

A Warm Winter Tail

Pearson, Carrie.
A Warm Winter Tail.
August 2012.
Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Winter is in full force here in Upstate NY... although we're about to experience our January thaw!  With the exception of having to wash the dogs feet after every outing due to the mud, I'm really looking forward to this thaw... It's been just a tad too cold for my liking, despite trying to enjoy and make the most of it.  I'd take a day in the 70's right about now!  However, that's not quite on the horizon anytime soon, so I opted to break out some winter-themed books to share... just to make sure everyone's enjoying Old Man Winter!

In this creative story, Carrie Pearson shares with readers the different ways in which animals (and humans) survive throughout the cold winter months.  Through the use of a text bubble, baby animals inquire about how humans keep warm during the winter.  The mother animal responds by the use of "no" and then sharing the ways in which that specific animal keeps warm throughout the winter.  While the inquiry is ultimately about how humans keep warm during the winter months, readers will learn so much more delve into this creatively written story!

I actually plan to use this story in my Head Start/UPK classroom this week, in place of a different story I had originally planned to use... I think the kids will really understand the book and take away a lot of knowledge!

Sylvan Dell has also put out a corresponding Teaching Activity Guide packet that can be downloaded for free here.  This is a great resource for teachers who wish to use the book in the classroom, as it provides cross-curricular activities to really tie the book into a wide range of subject areas!

Have I mentioned before how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Sylvan Dell Publishing?!?!?!




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If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Favorite Characters Return for Christmas!

Berenstain, Jan and Mike.
The Berenstain Bears' Old-fashioned Christmas.
September 2012.
Harper Collins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

 The Berenstain Bears' return in this holiday tale which will provide both parents and children with much enjoyment.  Throughout the story, many activities are incorporated in the Bears' holiday celebration and suggested for readers and their families to try, as a way to bring old-fashioned ideas into today's modern world.  I loved the ideas suggested, many of are still done to this day by my family and will continue to be done in the future!  A new must-have family read this holiday season!

Drummond, Ree.
Charlie and the Christmas Kitty.
September 2012.
Harper Collins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

When a Christmas present turns out to be a new kitty at the ranch, poor Charlie is in for an awakening he never expected.  However, Charlie took the new kitty in stride and learned to find a way to like the kitty that arrived at the ranch for Christmas.  Children are likely to enjoy this new holiday title if they're into animals or are a fan of the new "Charlie" series by the "Pioneer Woman", Ree Drummond!

Litwin, Eric.
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas.
September 2012.
Harper Collins Publishers.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Although slightly different than the "Pete the Cat" fashion most children will be used to, children are sure to love this lastest Pete the Cat title by Eric Litwin!  When Santa becomes ill, Pete steps in to fill his shoes, determined to "give it his all," so as not to ruin the Christmas holiday.  Children are likely to pick up on the rhyming phrases and may even catch on to the tidbits of "T'was the Night Before Christmas" that are subtly infused into the story... overall, I'd say this one will be a big hit!

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 If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!