Read Aloud's Eye Opening Results of the Reading Habits of U.S. Families with Young Children

   

      An insightful and eye opening report from Read Aloud on the results of their study on the reading habits of families with young children. http://www.readaloud.org/surveyreport.html

Sharing the Love of Valentine's Day with Your Little Ones-- I Love You Already! & Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Love

      Happy Valentine's Day!  Wrapping up our tales spotlight that celebrate the love of family, friendship, kindness and sharing, we feature two stories that will charm you and your little ones on this special day!

I Love You Already!
     Last month,  we became familiar with Bear and Duck from Goodnight Already! by the team of author/illustrator Jory John & Benji Davies.  This totally mismatched duo are back in the charmingly funny,  I Love You Already!

     As our tale begins, Bear is looking forward to spending a lazy day in the comfort of his cozy home.  While at the same time, snacking in bed with a piece of crispy toast and his, "I Love (heart) Bear" mug, Duck is engrossed in his book, "101 Walks to Take with Bears."  As soon as Bear settles into reading a good book,  his well-deserved serenity is quickly shattered to pieces at the sound of a knock on his front door.   Duck is determined to get Bear out and about to spend the day with him, and he is somehow able to convince a weary bear to come outside. Will Duck ever get Bear to relax and enjoy their time together?
     This cute story of friendship will show your little ones that just because someone wants to spend some time alone, doesn't mean that they don't love them.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder, as is the case with bear, who reassures Duck that even though he might need his space today, he "loves him already!"

I Love You Already!
Written by Jory John & Illustrated by Benji Davies
Publisher:  Harper, a imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-237095-2
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)
For Ages: 4 thru 8

Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Love: Tips from a Cool Cat on How to Spread the Love
    The ever popular cool kitty is back in this amusing collection of famous quotes on life and the power of love.  While this is not your typical, "Pete the Cat" tale,  it is nonetheless an interesting tale with our groovy cat's take on famously insightful words from Vincent Van Gogh, Shakespeare and my personal favorite, the legendary actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn's thoughts how, 'The best thing to hold on to in life is each other" (where we find Pete and his Valentine hand in hand) The ending of this compilation,with Pete the Cat driving off in his "Love Bug" to the words of a well-known lovely Irish blessing thoughtfully sums up this heartfelt collection.

Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Love:  Tips from a Cool Cat on How to Spread the Love
By Kimberly & James Dean
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-243061-8
Retails for $12.99 (Hardcover)
For Ages: 4 thru 8

Sharing the Love of Valentine's Day with Your Little Ones-- Tale #1--- Plant a Kiss!

     Love is in the air!!  And, there is no perfect way to share the joy of this special time of year than to snuggle up with a tale that celebrates all the beauty that love brings with your little ones   May you find an array of tales on here over the next few days that celebrate the love of family, friendship, kindness and sharing for your little ones.

Plant a Kiss 

     "Faith plants the seed.  Love makes it grow"  

     When I discovered this sweet picture book by the New York Times bestselling team of author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, this insightful quote quickly came to mind.  Your little ones will truly enjoy seeing how such simple acts,  just like the kiss into the ground by a determined little girl aptly named, Little Miss, as our tale begins, can help sprout and spread the joy of love to everyone.  This lovely message highlighted by adorable illustrations, will quickly become one of those tales that your little one will ask to read every night!

Plant a Kiss
Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Publisher:  Harper Festival, a division of HarperCollins Publishers (2012)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Retails for $7.99 (Hardcover)
For ages Newborn to 4

The "Book Lady" Visits the Students of 2A & 2B

     It all started with an unexpected request last month from a dear friend who I had the privilege of working alongside as her teaching assistant for over two years.  Every February, her school celebrates Catholic School's Week, and there is a special theme for each day.  One day, during this year's Catholic School's Week, is set aside as a, "Career Day", where the students from grades Pre-K to 8th learn about different careers from individuals in the community. My friend asked if I would come to her classroom to discuss my work as a journalist, and to bring along a story (or two) to read to the students.  I was surprised, honored and jumped at the chance of being able to tell the children a little bit more behind the person who they know as, "The Book Lady." :)
       So, I knew right away that the tale  I had to bring along with me just had to be special.  As I looked through my bookshelves, the bold-faced title of author Debbie Ridpath Ohi's "Where Are My Books?"and the whimsical illustration of a little boy peering underneath his bed just peaked my interested.

     So, on this sunny morning, I returned to a place that brought me a lot of joy.  As I waited for the children to arrive back in the very same classroom where I watched with great admiration and witnessed the influence that a truly dedicated teacher can have on the lives and minds of young children every day, I was flooded with memories.  Warm memories of being lucky enough to help children to learn and develop a love of reading filled me with emotion.
     Then, at that moment, the door opened quickly, and the fast footsteps of little feet entered the room. I was greeted with a mixture of curiosity and smiles as I began to introduce myself and interact with the children.
      "Did you ever loose a book?" I asked.  Instantly, over 30 little hands went straight up in the air.
     "How did it make you feel?"
      "Sad," said one little boy in the first row.  "Because, it was my favorite."
    "But, " I posed the question, "how would you feel if you took good care of your books, and left them in the same place every night, only  to wake up in the morning to find that they were gone?"  Opened mouths and silence were visible all around the classroom.  As I read the story, the underlying messages of a little boy named Spencer, who is filled with the wonder of reading;  of why we should always take care of books, as well as the importance of sharing stories with others---mean a great deal to me. I would like to think that the students of 2A and 2B felt the same after hearing Debbie Ridpath Ohi's delightful read.
     A question and answer session soon began, and then, I took out a surprise.  I have been working on my very own children's story since March of this year, and it is almost ready to pitch to publishers.  And, what an opportunity it would be to be able to read a little bit of it to my future audience!  As I told the children about the events that inspired my story, and began to tell my tale, much to my surprise (which eased my nervousness in debuting my work), they all  listened quite intently.
     "Now, " I said to the children, "here's your assignment.  You  will get the chance to become writers of your own.  I'd like for each of you to write and draw pictures of your very own ending to my story.  Where and how will Papa find a new place for his family to stay for the winter?"  They seemed excited about the chance to express themselves.
     Before I departed, I couldn't leave them without sharing a story about a student who was in one of our classes many years ago, who left a huge impact on my heart.  This little girl entered our 2nd grade class being able to read only on a Kindergarten reading level.  She expressed no interest in reading, and would always sit in her library class with her arms folded tightly up her stomach with a huge frown on her face.  One day, I knew something had to be done, so I asked her what where some of the things that she liked.  "I like fish" she said.  So that day in library, we set out to find a book about fish that was in her current reading level.  On the walk back to the classroom, she wouldn't close the book, and read that story over and over.  I pointed to the computer area to the students and said that she went right over there, took her Accelerated Reader test, and scored a 100.  And, the next week, she took out a book about a shark.  And, passed her test.  The next week, she read about star fish. And, what did she do?  She passed that test in flying colors.  When she finished the 2nd grade, she was reading on a 3rd grade reading level.  A tremendous achievement for a little girl who would never pick up a book.  Reading what you love, what you like to do, is so important, especially for a child.
        So, to the budding writers and illustrators in 2A & 2B, remember-- reading can take you anywhere, and by becoming a better reader, you will be able to reach your dreams and your goals. I will be back, as promised, in a months time, filled with great anticipation to hear and see your very own ending to my story.
     

      And, a message for all the special teachers like Mrs. Toledo-----never cease in holding those little ones hands, opening their minds and continue to touch their hearts, just like you did for my own son.

Keeping Students Minds and Tummies Fueled for Learning!

    Happy to share with you all this inspiring story from First Book of an elementary school librarian in Colorado, who has made it her mission to make sure that her students minds and tummies have plenty of fuel throughout the day.
     http://blog.firstbook.org/2016/02/02/one-librarian-uses-food-keep-kids-learning/

   

Tales for Snowbound Little Ones Spotlight #2- Pinkalicious and the Snow Globe

 

  Our, "Tales for Snowbound Little Ones Spotlight #2" features Pinkalicious and the Snow Globe,  the newest release from Victoria Kann,  the #1 New York Times Best-Selling creator/author of the adorable Pinkalicious series of books.
        As our tale begins, Pinkalicious and her brother Peter are overjoyed over the start of their winter vacation from school.  But, something is missing----there's no snow!  Instead of waiting for the snow to fall, Pinkalicious and Peter set out to create their own snow in the form of little bits of newspaper, which end up all over their living room floor.  While their mother is not pleased to see the mess, she decides to take Pinkalicious  to their local gift shop where Pinkalicious meets Maggie, the store owner who is new to Pinkville.  All of Maggie's creations adorn the shelves, and one of them, a bright sparkly, perfectly pink snow globe, catches Pinkalicious' eye. Before leaving with her pretty purchase, Pinkalicious questions why there are many parts to make more snow globes, but there was only one finished one on the shelf.  Maggie forlornly tells Pinkalicious and her mother that since it hasn't snowed yet, she is having a hard time being inspired. picks out a snow globe that she can decorate.  Pinkalicious recalls all of the things that she loves to do in the snow--- sledding, making snow angels in the snow, baking snowflake cookies with her mom.  Will Pinkalicious bring some "Pink-tastic" sparks to Maggie's creativity?

      Pinkalicious and the Snow Globe continues Ms. Kann's imaginative and entertaining storyline of the spunky, pink loving heroine, and your little ones will also enjoy the winter-themed stickers that they can decorate either in the book or use to create their own perfectly pink adventure!
     
Pinkalicious and the Snow Globe

Written & Illustrated by Victoria Kann

Publisher:  Harper Festival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2015)

ISBN: 978-0-06-224588-5

Retails for $4.99 (Paperback)

For ages 4 thru 8

Tales for Your Snowbound Little Ones Spotlight #1 Flat Stanley On Ice (I Can Read! 2-Reading with Help)

 

     As you look out your windows this weekend,  and watch the snow gently fall and the winds blow, you may be thinking about how frightful the weather is.  But, don't fear, as you can find delight in cozying up with your little ones in the warmth of your home, with some of the tales that you will see featured on this blog over the next few days.
       Our first, "Tales for Snowbound Little Ones" spotlight features a character that began from simple beginnings as a bedtime story created by the late author Jeff Brown for his young sons almost 52 years ago. "Flat" Stanley Lambchop and family have been featured in numerous adventurous tales that have taken Flat Stanley across the country and around the world.
      In this newest I Can Read! 2- Reading with Help release, Flat Stanley on Ice, Flat Stanley and his little brother Arthur are back home, feeling so excited that winter has finally arrived. The frigid temperatures have helped to freeze the town's lake, making it perfect for ice-skating.  Quickly grabbing their skates, the boys head out to the lake.  When they arrive, Flat Stanley realizes that now that his feet (and everything else about him, since the bulletin board landed on him) are flat, they didn't fit into his skates.  But, our resourceful boy soon realizes that his flat feet work just as perfect on the icy frozen lake floor.  

     As the families are enjoying themselves skating and having a great time, they all start to feel warm from the heat of the shining sun above them.  And, when someone calls out about hot chocolate arriving, everyone stops skating to head over for a warm mug, except Flat Stanley, who decides to take advantage of the emptied lake to show off his skating moves.  But, with a loud creaking noise followed by a crack in the ice leaves Flat Stanley in a precarious position.  Can Flat Stanley be rescued to safety before it's too late?
     The, "I Can Read" series has long been a favorite in our household, as well as in the classroom. Each level, like Flat Stanley On Ice, is simple enough for a child to read either with help or on their own, and will help to motivate your eager readers to conquer each level.

Flat Stanley on Ice (I Can Read 2- Reading with Help)
Created by Jeff Brown

Written by Lori Haskins Houran & Pictures by Macky Pamintuan

Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com

ISBN: 978-0-06-218982-0

For Ages 4 thru 8