One Potato, Two Potato by Todd H. Doodler

One potato. Two potato. Three potato. Four.  Five potato. Six potato. Seven potato. More.... so went the rhyme that I remember my grandma reciting while she would cook dinner when I was little and learning to count my numbers.  When I recently came across One Potato, Two Potato to read to my reading intervention class of second graders last week, I soon discovered that this silly story expanded the old familiar rhyme with a delightfully fresh, and funny twist.
     As our tale begins, it is almost party time at Mr. Potato's house, and he's just so excited when ten of his well-dressed spuddy pals show up right on schedule.  But, when his doorbell continues to ring, again and again, and more potato friends show up to enjoy the festivities, it soon becomes very crowded at Mr. Potato's home, and he gets very worried.  As I read this story to my students, they laughed a lot as they counted along with me as potato after potato showed up, and they enjoyed taking turns around the room when I asked them all to guess what would happen next--- what would happen to all of the potato friends?  Would they become overheated and fried? Would they all become smashed together in a gooey mess?  Todd H. Doodler's foray into the world of children's literature after a long, established career as an artist and founder of David and Goliath, has yet again produced an utterly amusing read-aloud just perfect for your class or for reading aloud with your little ones.

One Potato, Two Potato
Written & Illustrated by Todd H. Doodler
Publisher:  Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division (October 2013)
Website:  kids.simonandschuster.com
ISBN: 978-1-4424-8517-4
Retails for $14.99
For ages 2 thru 5

Tales to Help Your Little One Conquer Their Fears

  

"Leave the light on, Mommy."  "Can you look under the bed to see if the purple monster is there?"        
     Do any of these fears sound familiar?  For me, it was all about spiders. Those big, hairy, mean faced, eight-legged creatures that would cause the tiny hairs on my back to stand straight up.  When I was small, I could not go to sleep at night without performing my nightly ritual--grabbing my "Scooby-Doo and Shaggy" flashlight from under my bed and pointing the bright light up to inspect all four corners of my room, the ceiling, down the walls, under the bed and into the closet. Fast forward nearly 30+ years later, and while, the hair on my back still stands up at the very sight of one, now I have the ability to be able to grab the can of Raid from the closet and send them to another dimension!
       It is important for families to remember the although most children have some fears, this is a typically normal part of childhood. The Nemours Foundation, based in Wilmington, Delaware, explains that the nature of fear experienced by infants, toddlers and young children changes as they grow older and develop both physically and mentally.  Infants tend to experience stranger anxiety and will readily display their displeasure with the situation by clinging to either mommy or daddy when faced with individuals that they do not recognize.  As they grow into the toddler stage, separation anxiety still exists; however, they will begin to display signs of emotional discomfort when either parent leaves, albeit for a short, temporary time. Leaving their toddler years behind, children between the ages of four through six start to develop fears that are not often based in reality; for example, they begin to express fears of monsters or other imaginary, unreal creatures.  Children in the pre-teen stage say goodbye to the monsters in the closet, and often develop fears of real things that can happen to them, including the effects of experiencing a natural disaster and/or becoming injured.
       There are a multitude of ways that you can provide comfort and a sense of security to your anxious child. Sitting down and snuggling together with one of these very appropriate selections by award-winning author Robie H. Harris, is a great way to provide an initial springboard for discussion of your little ones apprehensions.  Always remember the power behind the calming, gentle assurance that you, your family, as well as all of those important individuals in your child's everyday life provide to your children, and eventually, your little ones will learn to not only accept truth but will eventually let go of their fears.

When Lions Roar
     "The scary is near", exclaims the tousle-haired little boy in the beginning of our story. What (let's pretend for a moment that you're as small as this tale's little boy) if anything, can you do to make the scary disappear?  Will things in his world ever be calm again?
       The boy at the center of Harris' tender tale is able to find his inner courage as he slowly overcomes his fears--- some of his fears happen on rare occurrences, for example, while visiting the zoo, the sounds of screeching monkeys make him hold his ears to his hands; some happen more often, like the sounds of sirens speeding to an emergency; while others, far more personal, like when mommies and daddies yell and holler.
          The little boy's brave inner journey is accentuated by two-time Caldecott Medal winning illustrator Chris Raschka's captivating watercolors.  You will rejoice along with this boy when he exclaims, "The quiet comes back," and that, "Mommy's and Daddy's no longer shout and the sun shines once again."

When Lions Roar
Written by Robie H. Harris & Illustrations by Chris Raschka
Publisher:  Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc. (2013)
Website:  www.scholastic.com
ISBN: 978-0-545-11283-3
Retails: $16.99 (Hardcover)
For ages 3 and up

Maybe a Bear Ate It!
     Chances are, your children (and admit it, you too!) can recall a time where they were filled with anxiety when they misplaced a prized possession---either a favorite stuffed animal, a blanket or a toy.  For the young little critter in Maybe a Bear Ate It!, after awakening from a snooze, he quickly discovers that his favorite book has gone missing.
      Featuring simple, humorous rhyming text and colorful illustrations, you'll follow the little critter on a funny, frantic journey through his wild imagination, as he ponders the fate of his prized storybook.  "Maybe a bat flew high up in the sky with it?"  or "Maybe a rhino ran away with it?"  are some of the hysterical and completely outlandish scenarios that the little critter congers up during his frantic search.
     When I read this book to my son when he was little, I appreciated the way that Harris portrayed children's emotions to an unsettling situation with humor, candor and simple honesty.  I believe that anyone, big or small, will be able to relate and recall similar life experiences with a smile after reading this delightful tale.

Maybe a Bear Ate It!
Written by Robie H. Harris & Illustrated by Michael Emberly
Publisher:  Orchard Books, and imprint of Scholastic (2008)
Website: www.scholastic.com
IBSN: 978-0439939615
Retail:  $5.95 (Paperback)  & $12.79 (Hardcover)
For ages 3 and up
     
    

A Few New Tales Perfectly Fitting for the Start of a New School Year

 

 

 

 

Butterflies in their stomachs (and well, let's face it,  yours too!) are fluttering fast.  And, whether your little ones will be starting for the very first time, or if they are already little seasoned pros at it, the start of the first week of school is always filled with anticipation, apprehension and excitement.  The first week of school is a wonderful time to share stories together with your children that will act as springboards to both their imagination as well as to discussion, most especially if your little ones are feeling nervous about the start of the school year.  Here are a few new tales that are guaranteed to charm, delight and provide your children with a sense of reassurance, as they embark on a special journey filled with new discoveries, adventure, knowledge and wonder.

Clark the Shark
     As our tale begins, Clark the Shark arrives to Theodore Roosterfish Elementary on a shiny, bright yellow submarine bus, and being the biggest student at school, he does everything in a big way---
Despite all of his boisterous yet well-meaning exuberance about school and his classmates (comprised of squids, crabs and minnows who are quite smaller than Clark) are starting to get understandably nervous.  They soon start avoiding Clark, not out of being mean, but mostly out of fear of getting hurt, even though Clark doesn't mean it.  His classmates avoidance starts to weigh on Clark, and one day, he confides in his teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, who gently assures Clark that when he feels excited about something, he should remember the class motto, "Stay Cool."
      Sweet Clark tries his very best to stick to Mrs. Inkydink's advice, but he starts to fall back on his old ways.  Just when Clark begins to doubt that he'll ever change, he comes up with a plan.  "Make it rhyme", he says and his new found wisdom comes in quite handy when an even bigger new kid named Sid the Squid, joins the class and starts
     With a gentle background lesson for your little ones to remember that there is a time and place for everything as the way you behave tells people (including your classmates) a lot about you, author Bruce Hale doesn't disappoint in this delightfully amusing rhyming tale that will make for an extremely fitting, first week of school read in both the classroom and at home.

Clark the Shark
Written by Bruce Hale & Illustrated by Guy Francis
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2013)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-219226-4
Retails for $17.99
For ages 4 thru 8
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 2.7


Pete the Cat:  The Wheels on the Bus

     The familiar old song is back, only this time with a unique twist that is fitting of that one cool kitty, Pete the Cat. The New York Times best selling artist James Dean's hip jet black cat is leads his merry band of feline friends on an fun, adventurous trip to school.  Your little one's will be sure to sing and laugh along with Pete and his kitty friends on their way to school  Several of the versus of the song have been changed to be more specific towards the functions of a school bus ("The signals on the bus go blink, blink, blink") and I am sure that Pete's newest adventure as a school bus driver (after all, as the first page of the book shows us, Pete now has a license to drive!! Look out world! ) will spark questions from your little ones about what it like riding on a school bus (especially if your little ones will be riding on a school bus for the first time this year). Dean's engaging and lively artwork will not disappoint!

Pete the Cat:  The Wheels on the Bus
Based on the creation of James Dean
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2013)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-219871-6
Retails for $9.99
For ages 4 thru 8
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 2.4

Charlie Goes to School
     Charlie, the lovable, bacon-eating, loyal protector of the Drummond family ranch is back, in this all new adventure in Ree(The Pioneer Woman) Drummond's popular, "Charlie" the Basset Hound series.  As our tale begins, school for Drummond children isn't very far away, as they are home schooled, much to the pleasure of Charlie, as he is able to go to school with his family everyday.  Charlie watches over as Mama teaches the children all about reading and math (which we learn is Charlie's favorite subject, as yummy animal crackers play an important and delicious part in learning).  Charlie becomes so inspired by this nurturing environment that he decides that he too, can be a teacher just like Mama, for all of his critter friends on the ranch.
      But, things, in typical Charlie fashion, quickly go awry, as Charlie's good-natured, well-meaning attempts at teaching (instead of reading the history book that Charlie gave his horse friends to read, they decide that it's far more delicious to eat it instead) turns the outside of the ranch into a mess! Will Charlie the Teacher be able to corral his students to work together to clean up before Mama notices? 
     Before I became an elementary school Accelerated Reader coordinator, I taught my child from PreK to First Grade at home, and after reading this charming story, I was so pleased to be able to share it with you all, as I feel Drummond's tale is a must-read for home school children to be able see that there are so many other families with children just like them who learn at home.

Charlie Goes to School
Written by Ree Drummond & Illustrated by Diane de Groat
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2013)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-221920-6
Retails for $17.99
For ages 4 thru 8

National Dog Day---Three Tales Celebrating Our Loyal and Lovable Canine Companions

     "I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me, they are the role model for being alive."--Gilda Radner

     August 26, 2013 marks the ninth anniversary of National Dog Day, which was started to shine a well-needed spotlight on the huge amount of shelter pets in the United States who are in desperate need to find their forever homes.  And, in honor of this very special day, here are a few tales that you can share with your family (both the two-legged and the four legged members).  They are for all of us who are lucky enough to get to share our lives filled with the love of loyal, silly, compassionate canines.

Ruff! and the Wonderfully Amazing Busy Day

     Sweet little Ruff is an awfully busy dog!  He likes to dig (why naturally!) and plant flowers in the backyard garden of his home, all the while, singing a cheerful song, "Busy, Busy, all day long, toodle-oodle, that's my song!"  After his days chores have been completed, Ruff looks over his handiwork and although he's quite content over his hard day's work, he's feeling rather lonely.  It seems that all Ruff wants is a friend to sing along with him.  He quickly bounces out of his melancholy and resumes digging to build a new pond, when all of his work soon comes to an abrupt halt when Ruff hears the scared voice of a tiny little mouse named Hubble.  Ruff unexpectedly and unknowingly has made Hubble the mouse homeless through his digging!  After he kindly offers to rebuild Hubble's house, the pair soon become fast friends and later, stumble upon a lost little duck named Lottie, who is forced to start looking for a new place to live.   Will Ruff and Hubble be able to help Lottie?
     Caroline Jayne Church's tale shines throughout with the lovable characters who show us that sometimes, the most unlikely people will find lasting friendship.

Ruff! and the Wonderfully Amazing Busy Day
By Caroline Jayne Church; Text by Gillian Shields
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2013)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-201498-6
For ages 4 thru 8
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)


Seaman's Journal--On the Trail with Lewis and Clark

     The story of the real-life adventures of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, as they embarked on their historic journey to discover a route to the Pacific Ocean in August of 1803 is told through the eyes of a beautiful Newfoundland named Seaman.  This tale is adapted from the diaries of Meriwether Lewis, and is filled with historic, factual information that will take readers right front and center to the action.  Through Seaman, we discover the differences between beavers, badgers and squirrels in a chase; how the intense heat of the prairie is too much for a Newfoundland to bear (he ends up cooling off all day in a riverbank); meet various tribes of Indians, and along a stop at Fort Mandan in November of 1804, Seaman meets Toussaint Charbonneau and his Shoshone Indian wife, Sacajawea.  Patricia Reeder Eubank weaves accurate data and gorgeous watercolor illustrations in a way that brings this story of a fearless explorer way ahead of his time, and the timeless loyalty of his faithful, four-legged companion in a way that children will feel as if they are right there with Seaman and crew amidst all of the action of this time period. 
 

Seaman's Journal--On the Trail with Lewis and Clark

Written and Illustrated by Patricia Reeder Eubank

Publisher:  Ideals Children's Books, an imprint of Ideals Publications (2010 )

Website:  www.idealbooks.com

ISBN: 978-0-8249-5619-6
For ages 7 and up
Retails for $9.99 (Softcover)

Charlie the Ranch Dog- Where's the Bacon?  (I Can Read Beginning 1 Reading Book)
      Charlie, the helpful basset hound's idyllic life as chief ranch hand (or, as Drummond lets readers know that, well, everyone on her ranch knows that, "Charlie is the boss.") and occasional squirrel chaser is once again quickly turned upside down, this time, by the arrival of Rowdy the dog.  At first, Charlie is willing to be a good dog and shows Rowdy the ropes around the Drummond ranch, but, something quickly smells funny to Charlie.  And familiar.  "Hmm, That's funny.  Rowdy smells like bacon.  He must like bacon, too." As Charlie runs back into the house for breakfast, he sees that his bowl, normally brimming with bacon, is empty.  And, so is his water dish!  And, when he sees Rowdy getting his belly rubbed by Mama, well, Charlie decides to put a stop to it.  But, something unexpected happens on the ranch that makes Charlie reconsider.  Will Charlie call a truce?  Will Rowdy and Charlie become friends?  And, will Charlie ever find the missing bacon?
      Drummond's delightful story about the adventures of her real life dog make this tale a must-read bedtime story, and your little ones will also enjoy looking out for the tiny chipmunk who is featured on every page, even though he is never mentioned in the story. 


Charlie the Ranch Dog-Where's the Bacon?  (I Can Read Beginning 1 Reading Book)
Based on the Charlie the Ranch Dog books by author Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) and Illustrated by Diane deGroat
Publisher:  Harper, An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2013)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-221909-1
For ages 4 thru 8
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)





***Momma's Note:   If your family is looking to adopt, please visit www.petfinder.com or www.aspca.org for further information on all you will need to know before you consider bringing home a shelter dog.

Our best friend.  Our protector.  Our clingy, lovable lizard hunting pup, who has blessed our family for  five years. 

Ready, Set, Count! Four Tales to Help Introduce Number Recognition and Counting Skills

 

     There are so many ways that you and your family can start to incorporate into your daily routines that will help guide your little one on the road to number identification and early counting concepts.  With amusing games that you can create while your out and about; collecting and sorting the ingredients to cook up a batch of gooey, delicious double chocolate chip cookies on a rainy day; to creating silly imaginative songs for an impromptu scavenger hunt while out for a walk-- you'll soon be on your way to opening up your child's comprehension of these basic but extremely important early learning skills.
     And, you all probably know me well enough by now to guess that I've always been a loyal advocate of the strong influence that picture and beginning-to-read books play in reinforcing all of those early number lessons, most especially those that we instilled in our son when he was small.  Teaching these vital skills through the use of imaginative stories, like the ones featured below, are a simple way that will always help to guide you in making learning about numbers exciting and fun for your little ones!

Everything Goes 123 Beep Beep Beep!  A Counting Book

       Just an absolutely amusing, sturdy picture book by author/illustrator Brian Biggs for your little boy (or girl!) who is fascinated by all things with wheels.   This picture book features a modern update on the different modes of transportation---instead of the familiar tug boats or small cars, your little ones will count and be on the lookout for colorful food trucks, compact cars and RV's. 

Everything Goes 123 Beep Beep Beep!  A Counting Book
Written & Illustrated by Brian Biggs
Publisher:  Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (December 2012)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-195812-0
For Ages: 3 and up
Retails for: $7.99 (Hardcover)

Six Little Chicks
     As our tale begins, five little chicks are nestled comfortably in a farm deep in a lush meadow.  They are looked over by their proud yet fiercely overprotective mother,  Red Hen.  One day, on a typical beautiful morning on the farm, Red Hen decides to let her little brood out of their cozy wooden hut to explore.  Your little ones will count along with mama Red Hen, as she checks on each of her five little chicks, but they will also delight in repeating each of the chicks actions ("The first little chick going  Peck Peck Peck," and "The second little chick going Cheep Cheep Cheep," and so on and so forth.), actions in which we soon learn will come in quite handy when the "Big Bad Fox", enticed by the scent of a potential dinner, comes strolling into the farm. 
     Filled with vibrant illustrations and delightfully rhyming text by author/illustrator Jez Alborough (Alborough's story, Duck in the Truck, was a favorite among my PreK class last year during library storytime),  Six Little Chicks,  will not disappoint, and it will make for a funny read aloud with a class to reiterate a counting/number recognition lesson, or just read alone one-on-one with your little ones!

Six Little Chicks
Written & Illustrated by Jez Alborough
Publisher:  Barron's Educational Series, Inc. (2012)
Website:  www.barronseduc.com
ISBN: 978-1-4380-0181-4
For ages: 3 and up
Retails for $6.99 (Softcover)



123 versus ABC

     It's an all out war as numbers and letters clash in their downright silly attempts to proclaim themselves as the dominant leaders in this zany tale by the author/illustrator of Little Jack Horner LIVE From the Corner, Mike Boldt.
     Suddenly, as if out from the blue, 1 alligator shows up, followed by 2 bears, who arrived in 3 cars (you're starting to get the picture!), and all of the warring numbers and letters are quickly overwhelmed.  Will the letters and numbers draw a truce and learn to agree and get along with one another before it's too late?  With vivid illustrations and a hilarious storyline, you and your little ones will be laughing right up to the surprise ending!

123 versus ABC
Written & Illustrated by Mike Boldt
Publisher:  HarperCollins Childrens (2013)
Website:  www.harpercollincschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-210299-7
For ages 4 thru 8
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)

Richard Scarry's Let's Count with Lowly!
     Come along on a counting journey with Lowly, the lovable, helpful worm, as he guides your little ones through his hometown, Busytown, in this delightful tale by the beloved late children's author/illustrator Richard Scarry.  At first, Lowly starts out at the number one, for there is only one Lowly, as he sweetly reminds us, and then, we meet Lowly's friend, the cheerful Huckle Cat, and when you put them together, they make two!  This book features handy number tabs at the top of each page, along with numbered dots, which encourage number recognition with your little ones, prompting them to take a moment on each page to count the other animals and other items that surround.

Richard Scarry's Let's Count with Lowly!
Written & Illustrated by Richard Scarry
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series, Inc. (2012)
Website:  www.barronseduc.com
ISBN: 978-07641-6600-6
For ages:
Retails for $7.99 (Hardcover)

Insightful Ways to Spark the Inner Reader in Your Toddler

Wanted to share this insightful read this morning with you all about tips on creating a "Little Reader" in your toddler.   Spark the light on your little one's imagination with these helpful pointers... :)

http://icanread.com/parentsfamilies/tipsandtricks.cfm

A Few Tales to Enjoy Before the End of Summer

Although the end of summer is approaching, here are a few tales to carry along in a beach bag or in the car, to soak up at a leisurely pace before we welcome the start of a new season.

Coral Reefs
     The wonders of science and nature have fascinated award-winning author Seymour Simon for most of his life.  A graduate of the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, and became a science teacher.  After teaching for 23 years, Simon began writing stories for children during the 1960s.  And, although he has retired from teaching, he hasn't completely left the classroom behind, as he is a frequent visitor to schools across the country.  Simon explains that he hasn't, "really given up teaching, and I suppose that I never will, not as long as I keep writing."  It is this focus on gearing his work for young students that has made Seymour Simon one of the most prolific writers of science/nature books for school-aged children, publishing an astonishing 250 books. 
    

     Simon's latest, Coral Reefs is filled with stunning photography throughout the over 30 page book. Cruising through the coral reefs around the world,  one cannot help to feel like they are a part of the adventure, swimming and snorkeling along under the sea while reading this story.  Simon gently explains to his young readers how they should marvel over the sea's beautiful reefs, plant and wildlife, while at the same time, emphasizing the importance of working together to save and retain this wondrous natural habitat.  I appreciated the fact that Simon included an informative glossary at the back of the book, so little budding naturalists will be able to have a greater understanding of what specific terms mean, and educators can utilize to reinforce a lesson on oceanography.

Coral Reefs
Written by Seymour Simon
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-191495-9
For ages: 6 to 10
Retails for: $17.99

At the Beach
     As I read through this delightful tale by author Elizabeth Spurr, I was taken back to my childhood growing up on the shores of the Long Island Sound.  The little boy in this story is enjoying a day by the water, and as I read the story and was charmed by Spurr's simple rhyming text, greatly enhanced by the charming illustrations by artist Manelle Oliphant, I quickly remembered the strong smell of the salt in the air drifting off of the waves; the feel of the warm sand through my toes as I dug deeper and deeper in the sand around me on a search for sea shells.  This sweet, short tale provides its readers with an abundance of opportunities to read the story with emotion and many ways to help their little ones focus in on the sounds of the words, to promote early literacy skills.

At the Beach
Written by Elizabeth Spurr & Illustrated by Manelle Oliphant
Publisher:  Peachtree Publishers (2013)
Website:  www.peachtree-online.com
ISBN:  978-1-56145-583-6
Retails for: $6.95
For ages: 2 and up

Water Water Everywhere

   We are surrounded by water everywhere around us, as the little boy in this short tale quickly learns.  Clouds are, "water that floats up high" while a small raindrop that brings a drink to his thirsty flower bed is, "water that falls from the sky".  Accentuated with sweetly simple illustrations by artist Kenneth Pollack, author Hal Schmid takes his young budding scientists in the making on a short yet insightful journey into the wonders of water, and ends it on a funny note, reminding us that sometimes, after quenching our thirst after all this talk of water, you just have to go! :)

Water Water Everywhere
Written by Hal Schmid & Illustrated by Kenneth Pollock
Publisher:  Richard C. Owen Publishers, Inc.
Website:  www.RCOwen.com
ISBN: 1-57274-527-4
Retails for $3.62
For ages 4 and up
For ages: