Tales of Tradition, Thanks and yes, Turkey!

   

It's that time of year again---- Thanksgiving is truly a special time where your little ones can learn all about the importance of sharing, showing compassion for others and gratitude.  The stories like the ones spotlighted below hopefully will act as the springboard for discussions on a whole host of Thanksgiving subjects--the importance of our country's history, responsibility and the strength of family.
       Wishing you and your little ones everywhere a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sarah Morton's Day:  A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl
      Join a young Pilgrim girl throughout the course of her day, which your little ones will soon see is very unlike their life.  Sarah Morton was a real life Pilgrim who was born in Holland during 1618.   At the age of five, Sarah, her mother, father, sister and two brothers traveled from England to America, landing on the shores of Plymouth, Massachusetts during the summer of 1623.  
     Sarah Morton's Day, as well as the accompanying books in this series which include Samuel Eaton's Day (which follows the life of a Pilgrim boy), On the Mayflower and Tapenum's Day (a day in the life of a young Native American boy) are truly well-researched, with photographic depictions of the children wearing authentic clothing, living in a historic reproduction of the style of homes, furniture and other items of that time which makes children feel as if they are actually right there alongside Sarah as she goes about her life in our nation's first colony.  As your little ones will see, life was extremely difficult for all the Pilgrims, most especially for young Sarah, between helping to prepare all of the daily meals, milking the cows, churning for hours to make butter, school work and cleaning. Each of these four stories in this series are ones that we turn to every year at school to provide our Third, Fourth and Fifth graders with a "day-in-the-life" depiction.

Sarah Morton's Day:  A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl
Written by Kate Waters & Photographs by Russ Kendall
Publisher:  Scholastic Bookshelf (Reprint, 2008)
ISBN: 978-0439812207
For grades 1 thru 5
Retails for $5.71 (Softcover)

Balloons Over Broadway-The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade
     Being born and raised on Long Island, New York, Thanksgiving morning meant two things--- the joy that my senses felt waking up to the sounds of my grandmother cooking in the kitchen, with the delicious combination of the scent of roasting turkey and stuffing coming upstairs, and the thrill of turning on WNBC Channel 4 to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade to check out all the familiar and new balloons that have become a hallmark of this 90 year-old tradition.
      Author/Illustrator Melissa Sweet's Balloons Over Broadway, recently brought all my childhood memories back while on a search of our bookshelves for Thanksgiving-themed books to display on our front desk in the media center.  This delightful tale tells the story of Tony Sarg, the developer of the majestic balloons that have graced the parade since their debut back in 1928.  While working for the famous retailer Macy's, Tony's artistic talents were put to good use for their decorative window displays.  One day, when parade organizers realized that the live animals that were featured in the annual parade were scaring some of the children, Tony put his creative experience designing marionettes together to help to come up with a new feature for the parade.  Collaborating with a balloon blimp company, the aerial floats were born!  Balloons Over Broadway will show your little ones just how far the power of persistence and imagination can take them in life.

Balloons Over Broadway
Written & Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers (2011)
ISBN: 9780547199450
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $15.00 (Hardcover)

The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving All Around (A Lift-The-Flap Book!)
     I couldn't let my Thanksgiving spotlight pass without including this newest book featuring my all-time favorite bear family, The Berenstain Bears!  Thanksgiving time has arrived once again in Bear Country, and as our tale begins, Papa, Mama, Sister, Brother and Honey Bear are taking advantage of the cool, crisp Fall air to discover all the signs of the season around them during a family walk.  Cleverly designed with lift-the-flaps, your little ones will delight in joining along with the Berenstain family as they follow the tracks left by a large turkey which lead to Farmer Ben's farm.  Bright autumn colored leaves guide the path towards the deliciously yummy smells of pumpkin pie drifting from Mrs. Ben's kitchen.  All of the sights, sounds and smells of Thanksgiving delight the family as they search for Mr. Turkey.  Will they finally catch up with him?

The Berenstain Bears Thanskgiving All Around (A Lift-The-Flap Book!)
Written & Illustrated by Mike Berenstain
Publisher:  HarperFestival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Website:  www.harpercollinschildren.com
ISBN: 9780062075611
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $6.99 (Softcover)

•  

•  

Rediscovering a Childhood Classic....HarperCollins Publishers Re-Releases Newly Updated Paddington Bear Tales

   

      Almost fifty years ago, a tiny little bear who resided in the Darkest Peru, captured our imaginations and set a claim on our hearts as he set out on an adventure.  Clad only in a floppy red hat and a blue raincoat with a tag that kindly asks those who come across the cuddly bear to, "Please look after this Bear.  Thank you." , and clutching a small light brown suitcase, the little brown bear found passage on a ship destined for England, all the while securing a special place in the hearts of little readers across the world.
     As beloved author Michael Bond's Paddington Bear will soon hit big screens across the globe with his first ever, live action film set to debut  in the United Kingdom where our sweet bear originally began, followed by a premiere in the United States set for December 25th, 2014,  HarperCollins Publishers has re-released five newly updated editions of Paddington's classic tales so fans young and old (such as I, well, I'm not too old!) will re-discover this kind, whimsical  bear.

     Paddington, the heartwarming classic book that started it all, features updated artwork by the original illustrator R.W. Alley.  For your older, little readers, perhaps A Bear Called Paddington , the first Paddington Bear novel, may be a perfect fit.  A simple, lovely written tale first published in 1958, is fitting for beginning chapter book reading children in grades 3 thru 5.

The Paddington Treasury, a beautiful hard-covered collection, features six classic stories: Paddington, Paddington at the Zoo, Paddington at the Palace, Paddington in the Garden, Paddington and the Marmalade Maze, Paddington the Artist. 

   

   Last, but most certainly not least, are two sweetly illustrated hard-covered board books, Paddington Bear All Day, where our bear gets to eat plenty of his favorite orange marmalade and sets out to do lots of things and meet new people.  And, in Paddington Goes to Market, join along as our favorite bear ventures over to the Portobello Market.

      And, with more Paddington adventures soon to be released in the near future, I'm so thrilled that this classic story of a sweet little bear who always ends up experiencing silly misadventures, will be rediscovered by a whole new generation of little ones.

Get Ready for National Read-a-thon Day!

   

      Mark Your Calendars and Get Ready!  The time is getting closer to the annual National Read-a-thon Day!  Scheduled for Sunday, January 24th, 2015 from Noon until 4 p.m., families everywhere can share in your love of books while at the same time, help to support programs that promote reading by pledging to read and help through fundraising for the National Book Foundation.  For further information, please check out this link:

http://www.nationalbook.org/2015_readathon.html#.VGlIpTCJOuZ

Joltin' Joe DiMaggio by Jonah Winter

     This September, it seemed as if the entire nation came together to honor the twenty year career of New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter during his final game at Yankee Stadium.  Hailed for conducting his storied career and life in an distinguished manner, he was a throwback to an era of players gone by.  A time where our nation was in the midst of a Great Depression and another World War tragically loomed in the distance.  A time when a set of shoes worn by another Yankee (who had to overcome ethnic barriers), went on to become THE definition of a consummate gentleman both on and off the field, set foot on hallowed grounds and ignited the spirits of legions of fans with his quiet determination and dignity. Fans like my maternal grandparents, who undoubtedly felt tremendous pride in knowing that another child born from Italian immigrant parents like themselves, was on his way to achieving the American dream right in their hometown of The Bronx, New York.

     I am so pleased to know that a new generation will soon become familiar with the life of the legendary Joe DiMaggio with the release of author Jonah Winter's captivating Joltin' Joe DiMaggio.  As our tale begins, the year was 1934, and a young nineteen year-old son of Italian immigrants from San Francisco was signed by the New York Yankees after playing for a minor baseball team called the San Francisco Seals.  The pressure that the young DiMaggio was under when he was signed by the New York Yankees was enormous---drafted at a time when the legendary Babe Ruth recently retired, he was being brought in to fill some very large shoes.  Any person could have easily succumbed by the strain, but, while on the mound,  we see how he bounced back from a weak grounder, and he "..drove home a run and wound up on second base his first hit as a Yankee!  And so began Joe DiMaggio's life with the New York Yankees."
       And, what a career he had, as young readers will travel along with the "Yankee Clipper" and his teammates as they played teams in Pennsylvania and Washington, with Joe breaking records left and right.  Author Jonah Winter put a great deal of thought in this extremely informative book filled with rich details (including the"Author's Note & Stats" which contains further biographical and career stats) that are well-adapted for young readers to understand and appreciate.  Award-winning illustrator James E. Ransome's watercolor drawings add a warm, humble touch to Winter's descriptive tale.
     Ultimately,  young readers will see how the quiet, unassuming Giuseppe Paolo Di Maggio Jr, maintained a steady grace under the often crushing glare of media spotlight on his every move, throughout this storied career and personal life, which included his famous, yet all too brief marriage to another legendary star, the late Marilyn Monroe, until his passing on March 8, 1999 in Hollywood, Florida at the age of 85.

Joltin' Joe DiMaggio
Written by Jonah Winter & Illustrated by James E. Ransome
Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers (September, 2014)
Website: KIDS.SimonandSchuster.com
ISBN: 978-1416940807
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)
For ages 4 thru 8

A Modest Momma's Musings Halloween Tales Spotlight #4-- Splat the Cat and the Pumpkin-Picking Plan

   

       The well-meaning, but slightly wacky popular kitty is back in this Fall inspired story.  After an attempt to help his mother rake up a pile of leaves in the yard with his best friend Seymour the mouse (our duo becomes overwhelmed by temptation and end up jumping in and rearranging the leaf pile!), Splat's mom sends him out on a quest to bring home a pumpkin to decorate.  Splat and Seymour set out to, "Farmer Patch's Pumpkin Patch" and they enjoy sampling yummy apple and fish cider, get lost on a hale maze and search through a sea of pumpkins to find that just right gourd to bring home to mom. And, when they finally find that perfect pumpkin, Splat and Seymour face an unexpected sea of hilarious trouble ahead while trying to get the "Perfect Pumpkin" back home!





Splat the Cat and the Pumpkin-Picking Plan
Based on the creation of Rob Scotton with Cover art by Rick Farley and Text by Catherine Hapka and Interior Illustrations by Loryn Brantz
Publisher:  HarperFestival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2014)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Retails for $4.99 (Soft-Cover)
For ages 4 thru 8
ISBN: 978-0-06-211586-7
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 2.1
Accelerated Reader Points:  0.5

A Modest Momma's Musings Halloween Tales Spotlight #3---Ladybug Girl and the Dress Up Dilemma

Ladybug Girl and the Dress Up Dilemma

      It's Halloween time, and Lulu, a.k.a. Ladybug Girl, is so excited about being able to get all dressed up (which is quite funny for us fans of the husband and wife team of Jacky Davis and David Soman's New York Times best selling series which was first published in 2008). Our favorite little Coccinellidae loving girl tries on lots and lots of costumes, but, she just can't make a decision.  Should she become someone brand new or should she remain true to her alter ego? Davis and Soman once again do not disappoint, as they brings us another engaging and endearing adventure with Ladybug Girl that is simply a lovely read just in time for the Halloween season.

Ladybug Girl and the Dress Up Dilemma
Written by Jacky Davis and Illustrated by David Soman
Publisher:  Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House (2014)
ISBN: 978-0803735842
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)

A Modest Momma's Musings Halloween Tales Spotlight #2--Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat

   

     From the award-winning author and illustrator team of Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin of the popular Click, Clack, Moo series comes, Click, Clack, Boo!:  A Tricky Treat, a Halloween adventure, featuring our familiar exasperated Farmer Brown, and his clever group of farm animals.
     As our tale beings, Farmer Brown is just not feeling in the Halloween spirit this year. All the creepy sounds, the ghoulishly eerie decorations... it's all way too spooky for him to handle.  So, he decides to leave a bowl filled to the brim with candy on his front porch, and shuts his door with the hopes that the night will quickly pass by.
      But, as we know from being huge fans of Cronin and Lewin's  Caldecott Honor Book that started it all, Click, Clack, Moo:  Cows That Type, Farmer Brown's barnyard animals have other things in mind that are destined to make his wishful hopes for a peaceful eve go completely astray!
      Once again, Lewin's watercolor illustrations are vivid and expressively filled with great detail which compliment Cronin's simple, yet cute prose.  Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat has just the right balance of spooky and silly that is sure to delight your little ones and help get them into the spirit!

Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat
Written by Doreen Cronin and Illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (2013)
Website:  http://imprints.simonandschuster.biz/atheneum
ISBN: 978-1442465534
For ages 3 to 7
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 2.5
Accelerated Reader Points:  0.5

A Modest Momma's Musings Halloween Tales Spotlight #1-- Gus and the Baby Ghost

   

   

The first time that I came across this utterly charming tale was not exactly under the best of circumstances.  Well, let me rephrase that.... it was a horribly horrific day, according to my then almost six year-old self.  It dealt with my annual August visit to Dr. Doris Sullivan, our family's longtime doctor, and the apprehensive feelings going through my veins and sending my tiny insides into a sea of knots that this sojourn would once again end with tears due to the dreaded four letter word..... shot.
      My mother and I were the only people in her waiting room on this dark, humid, misty morning.  As we sat down, my stomach turned, and my head began to pound as all I could do was think of one thing, and one thing only.... the shot.  My mother tried as best as she could to calm my nerves, but it just wasn't working.  Warm tears started to flow out of my eyes and quickly down my cheeks.  Just then, Dr. Sullivan walked into the waiting room, and looked into my eyes.  She smiled warmly, and reached into the second shelf in one of the two large bookshelves up against the wall.  Her hands moved across several titles until she settled on one and pulled it out.  "We just got this story in the mail the other day from Readers Digest.  I think you might like this one."  The cover illustrations of a slightly chubby, yet kind looking ghost feeding a little baby ghost bundled up in a white blanket in a rocking chair, while a tiny black cat sat and watched made me smile.  Ghosts?  Feeding Baby Ghosts?  This, I thought, I had to read. So, I carried the book into the exam room, and managed to read through it, and it helped ease my nerves, even right up to when that cringe worthy time came for my shot.  My mother held the book open and as I looked towards the happy illustrations of Gus cradling the little baby ghost,  instead of looking at the silver needle heading straight into my upper right arm.  Yes, it still hurt, but not as much, thanks to Gus (and yes, Dr. Sullivan).
     And from that visit forward, at every annual appointment, I made sure that I found that comforting tale, and read it through to take away my apprehensive feelings.
     Years later, several months after the untimely passing of Dr. Sullivan, her family had a large yard sale at her home, which also served as her office.  My mother and I decided to take a drive over so we could pay our respects to her daughter.  While looking around at all of the items that were placed on the tables on the driveway, I came across a plastic milk carton container filled with numerous children's book, many of which I read so many years ago, that once lined the mahogany bookshelves in her waiting room.  And there, behind a worn book about baby ducks, it was.  The site of the familiar purple cover, now faded though the course of time, brought an instant smile to my face, and I was overcome with emotion, thinking back to how this simple book, placed into my hands by Dr. Sullivan, could lift my anxiety and take away my fears.  Her daughter, after seeing my reaction to finding the book, told me to take it, that it obviously held some special place in my heart.
     She was absolutely correct in her observation, as it was a beautiful reminder of how her gentle mother was blessed with an innate gift to know exactly what to do that could bring comfort to a frightened child.  For this child, it was the adventures of a kind, caring ghost.  With this, I am happy to introduce you and your little ones to author Jane Thayer's Gus and the Baby Ghost, the first of several Halloween tales that I will be shining a spotlight on this week.

     As our tale begins, Gus, the Ghost, Cora, the black cat, a mouse whose simply called Mouse, and old Mr. Frizzle all live together in the Historical Museum.  Mr. Frizzle runs the museum by day, and Gus, Cora and Mouse watch over the museum at night.  Amazingly, they all get along quite well with one another, and life at the museum is going smoothly until Cora alerts Gus to an unexpected surprise that's right outside. Gus opens the door and spots a tiny baby ghost peacefully sleeping  in a little basket on the front doorstep.  Gus takes the little baby Ghost.  Gus tries very hard to keep Mr. Frizzle from noticing the baby, but is not successful, and Mr. Frizzle isn't very happy at first about the new addition.  But, when Gus promises to make sure that the baby ghost doesn't disturb the visitors to the museum, Mr. Frizzle grumpily and reluctantly agrees.  And, as soon as he sees the delighted reaction from the visitors to the sounds of the ghostly, albeit sweet "Coos", his stance on the new addition quickly changes, and he takes turns taking care of the little baby ghost with his friend, Gus.
     
Gus and the Baby Ghost
Written by Jane Thayer & Illustrated by Seymour Fleishman
Publisher:  William Morrow & Co (1972)
ISBN: 978-0688213695

A Modest Momma's Musings "Fall into Fall" Tales Spotlight #3-- Fancy Nancy's Fabulous Fall Storybook Collection

     With a theme focusing on her autumn adventures, Fancy Nancy's Fabulous Fall Storybook Collection is the second storybook collection featuring the extremely popular character created by author Jane O'Connor.  Stories include the following:

1.  Fancy Nancy:  Halloween or Bust-- It's Halloween time, and one can say that this holiday was made just for Fancy Nancy!  Join Fancy Nancy as she creates her most fanciest, fabulous costume for the party!

2.  Fancy Nancy:  Fancy Day in Room 1-A-- A rainy, gloomy Fall week has cast it's spell in Fancy Nancy's classroom.  Can our fabulous heroine cheer up her classmates?

3.  Fancy Nancy:  Splendid Speller-- The self-proclaimed "Splendid Speller" thinks she's going to ace Ms. Glass' spelling test, but when she finds that the test is less than marvelous, she faces a hard decision.

5.  Fancy Nancy:  The 100th Day of School--  The special day marking the 100th Day of School is coming up soon, and the class is assigned special products in celebration of the big day.  But, Nancy is unsure of what to create.  Will she be able to create a truly unique project in time?

6.  Fancy Nancy:  Our Thanksgiving Banquet--- Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner, and the thoughts of Grandma's yummy stuffing, veggies and cranberry sauce are filling Fancy Nancy's head.  Come along as Fancy Nancy and her family gather together to give thanks!

     Each of the six previously published stories is this 186 page hardcover book, is about 32 pages in length, making each story just the right size for emerging readers as well as for read-aloud's during story time.   I have always loved how each Fancy Nancy story enables little ones to learn new vocabulary words in a completely engaging way. Fancy Nancy's Fabulous Fall Storybook Collection does not disappoint, and I look forward to further storybook compilations in the near future to share with all of our Fancy Nancy fans at school!

Fancy Nancy's Fabulous Fall Storybook Collection
Written by Jane O'Connor & Pictures based on the art of Robin Preiss Glasser
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2014)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 9780062288844
For ages 4 thru 8
Retails for $11.99 (Hardcover)

A Modest Momma's Musings "Fall into Fall" Tales Spotlight #2--Tap the Magic Tree

     Walking back from our school cafeteria yesterday during our planning time, I encountered one of our Pre-K classes playing outside at the playground during recess.  A small group consisting of four little ones were playing underneath the huge oak tree, happily throwing leaves up in the air, with one little one carefully picking up a fallen leaf from the ground, and looked at it with a startling gaze of wonder.  Gently placing this leaf back onto the pile assembled on the ground, she picked up another one, and counted out loud, "Two..Brown."  This instantly brought a smile to my face, as it is always these small moments of the quiet beauty of children discovering and learning that always makes me feel joyful and hopeful.      
     This encounter immediately brought to mind a charming story called Tap the Magic Tree, written by Christie Matheson in 2013.  Continuing with my, "Fall into Fall Tales Spotlight," our seasonal tale begins with a simple, barren brown tree that looks oddly familiar to ours at school (as it too, has almost lost all of it's leaves).  The tree tells our little ones that,
     "There's magic in this bare brown tree.  Tap it once.  Turn the page to see."
     And, once your little one has done what the tree has asked, to their astonishment, they will quickly see that our tree has grown one leaf.  As you continue to read onward, your little one will be counting along as they tap, pat, clap, jiggle and wiggle as leaves sprout, apples grow, flowers bloom on each page.  By the end of our tale, your little ones will learn not only about numbers, but will discover how seasonal changes affects  trees in an engaging, interactive way.

Tap the Magic Tree
Written & Illustrated by Christie Matheson
Publisher:  Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2013)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
For ages 4 thru 8
ISBN:  9780062274458
Retails for $15.99 (Hardcover)

Print Versus eBooks---Some New Statistics That Will Surprise You!

 

      Although, whether one enjoys reading either from books or thru an electronic device,  one thing has always stayed with me.  I just truly love the feel of a book in my hands.  There is quite nothing like that, and here's an interesting read that I wanted to share with you all from HuffPost Books... seems like I am not alone! :)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/06/ebooks-print-books-outsold_n_5940654.html?utm_hp_ref=books&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000028

Penguin Kids Announces "Literary" Inspired Halloween Costume Contest

     Calling all "Spook-tac-ular Storybook" inspired little trick-or-treators!   Penguin Kids is hosting a contest of the best story character inspired Halloween costumes.  Click on the link below to enter for your chance to $100, as well as a collection of Penguin Kids stories!  Good luck! :)

     https://www.facebook.com/penguinkidsbooks/app_451684954848385?ref=page_internal

A Modest Momma's Musings "Fall into Fall" Tales Spotlight #1: Fancy Nancy and the Fall Foliage

     The leaves are turning beautiful shades of rich reds and vibrant oranges.  The air is starting to feel more crisp and cool.  Summer has said it's fond farewell, and Autumn has finally arrived!  It is, at least for me,  quite possibly, one of the most favorite times of the year.
     And, I can think of no more perfect time to shine a spotlight on some special seasonal tales for you all to share with your little ones.  Here are the first of several tales that I look forward to sharing with you all so you too, will fall right into the season!

Fancy Nancy and the Fall Foliage
      As I read this latest Fancy Nancy tale from the New York Times best selling team of author Jane O'Connor and illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser, I was happily taken back to my childhood.  I grew up in the Northeast in a town near the Long Island Sound, and I can remember the joy that I always felt while  playing in the fallen leaves, and searching, quite like Fancy Nancy does in Fancy Nancy and the Fall Foliage, for those special leaves that just stand out among the rest.
       When she is busy collecting some of the most beautiful fallen leaves, she encounters a colorful purple leaf, and decides that she really needs to do something unique with all that she has gathered. Although Mom and Dad offer Fancy Nancy lots of ideas, she really wants to do, "...something completely different.  It has to be spectacular--just like these leaves."  But, what will she create?  With over 30 stickers that your little girls can use to create their very own fall scene, and lots of new vocabulary words found just as in each Fancy Nancy tale, Fancy Nancy and the Fall Foliage is an enjoyable read to welcome in the season.

Fancy Nancy and the Fall Foliage
Written by Jane O'Connor & Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser & Interior Illustrations by Carolyn Bracken
Publisher:  Harper Festival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2014)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-208630-3
Retails for $4.99
Accelerated Reader Book Level:  2.2
Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5

Can I Come Too? By Brian Patten

 

   "It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop," the great philosopher Confucius once stated.       I would like to think that this applies to the bravery of a little brown mouse in author Brian Patten's beautifully exquisite tale, Can I Come Too?  A small mouse decides to leave the comforts of her cozy home in the woods in order to set out to discover who exactly is the biggest creature in the world.      
     Along her brave journey through valleys, lakes, rivers and mountainsides, she meets a series of animals, always asking them the very same question, "Are you the biggest creature in the world?" And, although she receives the same answer, from each animal,  everyone that she meets along the way take her words to heart, when she says, that just because one may be small, or because your legs may be too short, or you may be too scruffy, doesn't mean that "we can't have a big adventure."  Each animal decides to join her along her trek, as she tries to fulfill her quest.
     Patten's story line is extremely well-written, with the simple moral that despite your size and stature, one should never let this impede you from trying to achieve your goals in life. It is a lesson that I have not only instilled in my son, but with all of the children who come to our media center everyday.  The illustrations by acclaimed artist Nicola Bayley are stunningly realistic.  Between the colorfully vivid facial details on each of the animals that mouse encounters on her journey, and this truly lovely tale, I have no doubt that this tale will be read at many bedtimes multiple times.

Can I Come Too? 
Written by Brian Patten & Illustrated by Nicola Bayley
Publisher:  Peachtree Publishers (October 1994)
Website:  www.peachtree-online.com
ISBN:  978-1-56145-796-0
Retails for $16.95 (Hardcover)
For ages 4 to 8

The Cat, The Dog, Little Red, The Exploding Eggs, The Wolf and Grandma

   

     Okay, I'll admit it. The first time that I came across this new tale from authors Diane and Christyan Fox, the title shining boldly in white across the entire front cover of the book totally did me in!  The very idea of Little Red Riding Hood battling exploding eggs and a hungry wolf alongside her grandma, a cat, and a dog sold me right away. I couldn't wait to discover what turned out to be a completely enjoyable, albeit unique take on a classic literary fairy tale from our childhood.
     As our tale begins, Cat attempts to read aloud the story of Little Red Riding Hood to his friend, Dog, with not a lot of success. "It's a story about a little girl...who always wears a red cape with a hood," Cat begins, only to be interrupted by Dog, who persists in turning the fairy tale into an superhero triumphs over evil adventure.  "Cool!  I love stories about superheroes.  What's her special power?"  As you can tell, this is much to Cat's growing frustration and dismay.
   And, quite like some story times found in little ones bedrooms across the world, Moms and Dads will be able to relate to an Cat, as he tries to deal with Dog's constant questioning while attempting to get through the fairy tale (which, as you will surely see, can be an exercise in pure exasperation!)    The Cat, The Dog, Little Red, The Exploding Eggs, The Wolf and Grandma is a suitable read aloud with older children, as I tend to think that some of the humor found certain spots across this tale might just be a little over a four year-old's head.
     All in all, Diane and Christyan Fox have produced a zany, delightfully silly tale that pokes fun of the art of storytelling, that will have you giggling along with your little ones.


The Cat, The Dog, Little Red, The Exploding Eggs, The Wolf and Grandma
Written & Illustrated by Diane and Christyan Fox
Publisher:  Scholastic Press (2014)
Website:  www.scholastic.com
ISBN: 978-0-545-69481-0
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover; also available as an ebook)
For ages 4 thru 8

A Modest Momma's Throw Back Thursday Spotlight----A Birthday for Frances

 

 

     This bright and endearing tale about Frances, the lovable little badger was a favorite read during my childhood, as well as for my son.  Sweet little Frances is struggling with the fact that her little sister Gloria is having a birthday.  Frances does not say it out loud, but rather through her actions and her little rhymes, we quickly discover that she is unhappy about it.  In Frances' eyes, her sister seems to have all the birthdays and she doesn't have as many.  Hoban manages to simply yet brilliantly convey a gentle message about sibling rivalry, maintaining a level-headed balance of not being too entirely heavy-handed.   There are many lessons and good morals to be learned, as with all of the many Frances stories, that you will appreciate sharing this classic tale with your little ones.

A Birthday for Frances
Written by Russell Hoban & Illustrated by Lillian Hoban
Publisher:  HarperCollins (1976)
Website:   www.harpercollinschildrens.com
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 9780060837952
Accelerated Reader Book Level 3.6
Accelerated Book Points:  0.5

A Modest Momma's Musings Back to School Tales Spotlight #4-- Pete the Cat--Too Cool for School

     

     Pete the Cat, the way too cool kitty is back in his latest adventure,Pete the Cat- Too Cool for School (I Can Read!  Shared My First Reading).  It's right before the first day of school, and Pete the Cat is having a hard time trying to decide on what cool outfit he should wear.  Enlisting the help of his mom, his friends Marty and Callie, brother Bob, his teacher and even the school bus driver, they each offer their favorite picks from Pete's unique and colorful wardrobe. But, when he's put all of their choices on, he realizes that he just doesn't feel like himself (plus, he's starting to overheat!).  The sweetly simple underlying message of the importance of staying true to yourself is a true highlight of yet another amusingly funny Pete the Cat adventure!



Pete the Cat--Too Cool for School (I Can Read!  Shared My First Reading)
Written & Illustrated by Kimberly & James Dean
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-211076-3
Accelerated Reader Book Level:  1.3
Accelerated Reader Points:  0.5

A Modest Momma's Back to School Tales Spotlight #3--Little Lola

     Our little ones are naturally curious about so many things in the world that surrounds them.  The same thing applies to our four-legged friends as well, as we find out in Little Lola,  the first collaboration from husband and wife team Julie Saab and David Gothard.

      As our tale begins,  we meet Little Lola, a sweetly curious kitty who longs to experience new things and new adventures.  One morning, she was suddenly awaken by a apple which fell from a tree above her as she slept soundly on a park bench.  The timing couldn't have been better, because Little Lola had a list of things to accomplish, one of which was to "have an adventure." She quickly puts on her pretty pink glasses, a jean skirt and pink backpack and off she goes on the yellow school bus along with all the other children, to fulfill her goal.
      When I read this story to one of our First Grade classes last week, they loved the fact that Little Lola didn't go to a school that was filled with her fellow feline friends, but instead learned besides kids just like them.  They also, just as I did, appreciated the fact that her journey and experiences were similar to theirs on their first day of school.  And, they cannot wait until this story goes on our bookshelves!
      The warmly whimsical illustrations by Gothard complement Saab's charming story line which helps our little ones understand in a very simple way that school can be an exciting journey, easing anxiety and nervousness through the humorous adventures of a inquisitive little cat.

Little Lola
Written by Julie Saab & Illustrated by David Gothard
Publisher: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-227457-1
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)
For ages 4 to 8

Helping to Make Sure All Students Everywhere Have Access to Books

     I wanted to share this article that was published on The First Book Blog by guest blogger and teacher Sarah Kilway.  As a media specialist in a school that is located in an similar economic background as Ms. Kilway, I can complete relate to the challenges that she has had to face while trying to give her students the opportunity to become not only more fluent readers, but to see first hand the joy that reading can bring.  Thanks to organizations like First Book, she is able to attain her goals.

     http://blog.firstbook.org/2014/09/11/187-reasons-support-first-book/

Calling All Teen Writers & Artists-to-Be!!! The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for Grades 7 thru 12

     This is some truly exciting news from Scholastic!  If your have a creative teen in Grades 7 thru 12, consider submitting their works of art and imagination to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.  Please click on the link below for more information, and good luck! :)   http://bit.ly/1wm8dNN #AWawards

Honoring National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!

     It has been sadly estimated that almost 16,000 children under the age of 20 in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer this year.  It regrettably remains the leading cause of disease-related death for young children.  Recently, President Obama has declared the month of September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and in honor of all the children, their families and their loved ones whose lives have been forever altered by this horrendous disease, I'd like to share a beautifully touching story called Champ's Story:  Dogs Get Cancer Too!, which published in 2010 by award-winning children's author/medical journalist Sherry North and Illustrated by Kathleen Rietz.

     As our tale begins, young Cody and his ever faithful Golden Retriever puppy named Champ, are busy practicing for an upcoming agility course competition.  As Champ skillfully manages to jump through hurdles and tunnels with ease, Cody gets very excited about their chances.  As he pets his puppy, he feels a bump underneath Champ's fur, and decides that they need to go see the vet.  When Cody and his father take Champ to the vet for tests, they soon learn the devastating news that his puppy has cancer.  Cody is in disbelief, as to him, Champ doesn't look or act sick.  The vet gently explains that sometimes, this is, "...the strange thing about cancer.  Patients can seem fine even though they are sick inside."  Noticing how the little boy has become scared and understandably confused at this turn of events, as he questions whether Champ will ever be okay, the vet honestly tells Cody that, "we have strong medicines to fight the cancer, but she will have to come here every week, and she won't like it."  That, we soon learn, is an understatement, as we see how Champ, just like a human, doesn't like to take her medicine.  But, her friend Cody finds ways that help hide the taste but coating the medicine with yummy peanut butter!  You and your little ones will feel humbled as you join this journey of how a loyal little boy stands beside his sick puppy throughout the course of her treatment.
     All of you, whether you and your family have faced childhood and/or any other form of cancer, will find a helpful understanding of the disease all throughout as you read Champ's Story:  Dogs Get Cancer Too!.  As an educator and a mother, needless to say, I have always been a strong proponent of providing children with the knowledge that will help them to process all of the many issues and struggles that life will give them to face.  North's heartfelt yet powerful story, filled with four pages of facts about cancer (which include a "True or False" quiz to assess their familiarity with the disease; to how children who have been diagnosed with cancer like Champ, learn to cope with their condition as well as their treatments; to a discussion on the many ways that we can try to live healthy lives) will provide your children and students with essential information that is told in a simple yet profound way, and in my eyes, this is most certainly a 'must have' book in any library shelf.

Champ's Story:  Dogs Get Cancer Too!
Written by Sherry North & Illustrated by Kathleen Rietz
Publisher:  Sylvan Dell Publishing (2010)
Website:  www.sylvandellpublishing.com
ISBN: 978-1607180777 (Hardcover)
For ages 4 thru 9
Retails for $16.95 (Hardcover; also available in Paperback and as an eBook in English & Spanish)





   

A Modest Momma's Back to School Tales Spotlight #2- Biscuit Loves the Library

     The sweet adventures of Biscuit, the cuddly little Golden Retriever puppy continue with beloved author Alyssa Satin Capucilli's latest Biscuit Loves the Library. (an I Can Read! Shared My First Reading)   As our tale begins, it's "Read to Your Pet Day" at the library and the curious puppy and his best friend, the little girl, are so excited as they join other  two and four-legged furry friends to explore all the many things that the library has to offer.

     As our duo searches for what we like to call in our library at school as that, "just right book," Biscuit, just like most puppies, is very inquisitive and easily distracted by so many new things around him--- the straw basket filled to the brim with soft, snugly puppets, to not quite getting a grasp on why he can't get a nibble of the big, juicy looking bone on the cover of a book on dinosaurs. But, just when their search for that special book seems to be heading nowhere, along comes a friendly, helpful librarian to show the way with a very touching surprise guaranteed to bring smiles.
    Alyssa Satin Capucilli's text is filled with easy, repetitive words designed for building early recognition skills, and it is just right for beginning readers to handle. A simple tale that is perfect for sharing at nighttime story time,  not only provides your little ones with a perfect introduction of libraries (much to my joy!), but gives them a gentle lesson on the power of kindness.

Biscuit Loves the Library (I Can Read!-Shared My First Reading)
Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli & Illustrations by Pat Schories
Publisher: Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2014)
Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)
For ages 4 thru 8
ISBN: 978-0-06-193507-7

A Modest Momma's Back to School Tales Spotlight #1----Pinkalicious and the New Teacher

     The end of summer is sadly upon us once again, and the countdown to the days before the start of a new school year for our little ones has begun.  Now is an absolutely perfect time for you and your little ones to read stories together that are guaranteed to bring a smile to their understandably nervous faces as they prepare to embark on a new journey that will be filled with lots of adventure, knowledge and imagination.         Over the course of the next week, I'll be shining a spotlight on some of the latest as well as those familiar classic "Back-to-School" tales that will provide your little ones (and, well, let's face it, you too!) with a comforting sense of reassurance as they begin the start of a brand new school year.  Good luck to all!

Pinkalicious and the New Teacher
     Our ever-exuberant little heroine of all things pink is back again in Pinkalicious and the New Teacher,  yet another delightful new adventure by popular author/illustrator Victoria Kann.  Pinkalicious is all ready and very excited to start her first day of school.  But, quickly, her natural enthusiasm turns to hesitation as she soon realizes that a new school year means, well, all new and unfamiliar things----a different seat in the corner (which she doesn't like one bit), no more sitting on the oh-so soft reading rug during story time (which has been replaced with bulky bean bag chairs, which our Pinkalicious is not too thrilled about), new classmates (although the comforting sight of her friend Allison helps to lift Pinkalicious' spirits) and a brand new teacher named Ms. Penny. Will Pinkalicious find another "Pinkerrific" idea to save the day?
     Author/Illustrator Victoria Kann's thoughtfully delightful character shines once again in this well-written, timely story that shows that different experiences that occur during change can be a really "Pinktastic" thing to uphold!
   
***Momma's Note:  Pinkalicious and the New Teacher also contains a fold-out poster, stickers and 8 matching "Reading is Pinktastic! bookmarks just perfect for your little bookworm.  For more adventures with Pinkalicious and her friends, please check out ThinkPinkalicious.com



Pinkalicious and the New Teacher
Written & Illustrated by Victoria Kann
Publisher: Harper Festival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2014)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $6.99 (Softcover)
ISBN: 9780062189134

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell

     The beginning of a new school year always signals a time of adjustments for my family and I.  Gone are the lazy mornings spent sleeping in late which have been (for this night owl) rather cruelly switched with having to get up at the crack of dawn to prepare for our day ahead.
     But, this year feels very different for me, and is filled with emotions as I am trying to come to terms with the fact that there is now a newly turned teenager in our house, when all I can't stop seeing in my mind is a little boy with a love of all things "Thomas the Tank Engine" and a sweet, gentle disposition which thankfully, has never left him.  Needless to say, if I had the chance to meet up with the self-proclaimed "Hug Machine" from acclaimed artist Scott Campbell's playfully adorable children's literary debut,  I would completely welcome the comfort from his hug!

     As our tale begins, the "Hug Machine" sets right out to convince us all that he is simply THE BEST hugger in, well,  the whole world, as his hugs can,
               "..make the biggest feel small.  The smallest feel big. I hug soft things.  Hard things. Square things.  Long things!" There is nothing, absolutely nothing that he won't hug!  This includes a small, green, spiky porcupine, who laments that no one is brave enough to try. But, donning a catchers mask and protective gear, the "Hug Machine" comforts the lonely porcupine with loving arms.
      However, our "Hug Machine" gets exhausted from a day soothing so many people, animals and things, and when his mommy wants a hug, your little ones may think that just when he's finally run out of hugging power, there's still enough left for the most special person in his life.
      I was very impressed by this endearingly charming debut from Scott Campbell, and I look forward to hopefully reading more of his children's tales in the future!

Hug Machine
Written & Illustrated by Scott Campbell
Publisher:  Atheneum Book for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division (2014)
Website:  Kids.SimonandSchuster.com
ISBN: 9781442459359
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)

Disney Mickey & Friends Go Green! A Family Guide To A Sustainable Lifestyle

     Right from the beginning when I first laid eyes on Disney Mickey & Friends Go Green!  A Family Guide To A Sustainable Lifestyle recently, I was immediately taken back on a trip to my childhood.  Let me explain.  One fall day back in the early 1980s, my mother purchased a series of hardcover books called Disney's Wonderful World of Knowledge.

Two of our families treasured, rare Disney's Wonderful World of Knowledge series originally published during the early 1970s.

 Originally published in the early 1970s by Grolier Enterprises, Inc, out of Danbury, Connecticut, each edition specialized in a specific topic, for example, nature, science, etc..  To this day, these treasured, yet very rare books remain in our family, happily taking space in my son's bookshelf, and frequently are used as reference for school projects.

      

     Resembling these childhood books both in design and tone, Disney Mickey & Friends Go Green!  A Family Guide to a Sustainable Lifestyle (published by Edda Publishing, USA), is the first in a new series written by Asthildur Bjorg Jonsdottir, Ellen Gunnarsdottir and Gunndis Yr Finnbogadottir, and illustrated by Magnus B. Oskarsson.  The book invites all to come along on an adventurous and informative journey with Mickey Mouse and his best girl, Minnie Mouse, as they show families and educators new ideas on how we can all benefit from "Going Green".  Featuring simple ways that families and teachers can implement and help in their own way to take care of our environment abound in this well-written book.  Focal points include teaching little ones the concept of sustainability and responsibility are composed in simple to understand terms, with numerous examples, tips and helpful "Did You Know?" tips included throughout this 94 paged hardcover book.  Some of our families favorite chapters included those that highlighted the importance of taking care of our soil  and organic and sustainable farming (we grown a vegetable and fresh herb garden every year), and the educator in me greatly appreciated the chapter on the importance of making good choices (which is perfect timing, as a new school year has already begun for my students).  Easy to create crafts utilizing household items are also featured throughout.  

     Families and students everywhere will be able to learn the importance of achieving not only a healthier lifestyle, but they will see first hand how incorporating some of the actions found throughout this book will help them to try to protect our planet and future, simply from little and big hands working together.  I am looking forward to reading the upcoming installments in this engaging series.

Disney Mickey & Friends Go Green!  A Family Guide To A Sustainable Lifestyle

Written by Asthildur Bjorg Jonsdottir, Ellen Gunnarsdottir and Gunndis Yr Finnbogadottir & Illustrated by Magnus B. Oskarsson

Publisher:  Edda Publishing USA, LLC (2014)

Website:  www.eddausa.com

ISBN: 978-1-94078-700-8

For ages 8 and up

Retails for $12.99 (Hardcover)

My Very First I Can Read! Learn to Read with Tug the Pup and Friends!

     The I Can Read! book program was created specifically to help children learn to read back in 1957.  Now, nearly 57 years later, the books in this program have won numerous prestigious literary prizes, including the Newbery and Caldecott Honor awards.  Additionally, with over 400 titles to choose from, the I Can Read! series has been a go-to source for interesting and enjoyable stories to read together with your children (my son was very partial to the Thomas the Tank Engine tales... I mean, let's face it, little boys just love those trains!), and as they develop their skills, will start to read on their own.
     Recently, inspired in part by some of the latest early literacy research studies of the practice of guided reading (which gives emergent readers the opportunity to take on more responsibility and initiative), Dr. Julie M. Wood, Director of the Jeanne Challl Reading Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has created a new, comprehensive reading program that will assist and provide support to both families and educators to build upon a child's confidence as they start on their journey to becoming an independent reader.
     Utilizing the strategies of guided reading (which develop reading comprehension skills; identifies weaknesses as well as fosters strength in specific skills; builds a child's fluency and enlarges their vocabulary), the My Very First I Can Read! Learn to Read with Tug the Pup and Friends! series adeptly introduces these techniques and principles.  Through the introduction of new words, and fosters the development of early comprehension, phonemic and reading skills in this engaging three box set, your little ones will be entertained while at the same time, will build these extremely important skills.
      My Very First I Can Read! Learn to Read with Tug the Pup and Friends! series takes on a level-by-level approach that will take your beginning readers through a variety of steps to achieve and build their strength to start to read on their own.

The

1. Box Set One (GRL A-C):  This is the beginning set, where the eleven stories in the box are easy to comprehend, highlighted by the use of rhyme and patterns throughout.
2. Box Set Two (GRL C-E):   While the stories remain simple, the characters are now using dialogue throughout the text.  The stories also feature decodable and sight words.  These tales are slightly more advanced in skill than those in the A and B level stories in Box Set One.
3. Box Set Three (GRL E-G):  Vocabulary words in this set can be used either in a group and/or individual setting, by pointing to each word during read aloud.  The story line becomes a little more intricate in this set.

     The My Very First I Can Read!  Learn to Read with Tug the Pup and Friends!  three box set, containing 11 stories, a helpful parent guide, plus reward stickers can be purchased separately for $12.99 each.  For further information on the series, please visit HarperCollins Children's website.

Beneath the Sun by Melissa Stewart

     Having lived in a southern climate for well-over a decade, my family and I have learned how to adapt to the regularly hot and humid weather.  But, when my son was a little, he couldn't quite grasp the concept of why the backyard squirrels would drop their acorns and run away every time he would play with the backyard hose while cooling off in his small, ocean-themed plastic pool.  "But mommy, don't they want to feel cool, too?" he would ask, always with a hint of forlorn.

     Little ones, just like my son, often wonder how the animals and insects who live among us, are able to adapt to sweltering temperatures.  After all, just as award-winning author Melissa Stewart states in her latest book, Beneath the Sun, while it's so easy for us to, "... put on sunscreen and spend your afternoons zigzagging under a sprinkler and sipping lemonade," this is hardly the case for the animals and insects around us, as, "..many animals struggle to survive beneath the burning sun."

     The clearness and sweet simplicity of Stewart's text affords children with a down-to-earth introduction of how a woodchuck (who makes sure to eat all they can in the early morning, because they will head underground to escape the heat), a family of adorable wide-eyed ringtails (who snooze the day away inside a cool underground den) earthworms (who manage to loop their tail into a ball under the dirt)  and the majestic eagle (who, "..soars through the cool air high above the desert.  Its thick feathers shield its skin from the sun's hot rays.")  to name a few, manage to adapt to their surroundings.  Artist Constance R. Gergum's watercolor illustrations provide a realistic balance to Stewart's tale which takes children on a journey through many different types of ecosystems and the animals who call them home.
     I look forward to introducing my reading intervention students to Beneath the Sun, during our upcoming school year!

Beneath the Sun
Written by Melissa Stewart & Illustrated by Constance R. Bergum
Publisher:  Peachtree Publishers (2014)
Website:   www.peachtree-online.com
For ages 4 to 8
ISBN: 978-1-56145-733-5
Retails for $16.95

***Momma's Tip:  Please check out author Melissa Stewart's informative science website, Melissa Stewart's Science Clubhouse for many interesting educational activities and insights.

Kids in the City

   

     Planning a trip this summer to the New York City area with your little ones, here are some great reads from NYC The Official Guide's website to help give your kids a taste of the big apple!
http://www.nycgo.com/slideshows/kid-lit-city/1/

Keeping Young Minds and Tummy's Nourished All Summer Long!

   

     Kudos to First Book and Share Our Strength who are making sure this summer that little tummy's and minds stay nourished!
http://blog.firstbook.org/2014/07/18/no_kid_hungry/

Congratulations to the first winner of the Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced with Adversity

     Congratulations to Laurence Copel, the recipient of the very first Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced with Adversity. To read more about Ms. Copel and her efforts in New Orleans, please click on the link below.

http://www.cbcbooks.org/first-lemony-snicket-prize-awarded-to-lower-9th-ward-librarian/#.U9bZ4G9X-uZ

Summer Reading Programs to Help Keep Your Little Ones Glued to a Book!

     Numerous research studies conducted throughout the years have concluded that the amount of reading a child is able to accomplish outside of the classroom setting is consistently correlated to their reading achievements once school is back in session.   Now is the perfect time to consider enrolling your child into a summer reading program.    Summer reading programs can provide your children with a multitude of educational and enjoyable opportunities to continue to advance their reading skills.  With so many local and national programs, such as the ones featured below, you're bound to find the right program for your little one.
Happy Reading!

 Barnes & Noble 

     Barnes & Noble's summer reading program has long been a favorite in our household.  When my son was seven years-old,  he was so thrilled when he won the contest that year.  Every completed journal that was handed in was entered into a raffle at the conclusion of that year's program,  and he received a personally autographed Magic Tree House book signed by the author herself, Mary Pope Osborne).  To this day, he still has this treasured book (specifically #38- Monday with a Mad Genius) kept safely tucked away in his very crowded bookshelf!
     Each year's program is themed, and this year's is called Imagination Destination.  The program is very simple---- when your little ones read and record eight (8) books on the journal sheet (which are often found right in the store's children's section featured in a display), as well as the reasons why they would recommend the book that they finished reading.  Bring the completed journal to any Barnes & Noble between now through September 2, 2014, and your little one can choose a free book from the grade appropriate list placed on the back of the journal.  To print out the reading journal sheet, or for further information, please visit the following:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570/

Pizza Hut's Book It! Summer Reading Challenge
     Inspired by a former Pizza Hut CEO's child's struggles with reading, Book It! helps to motivate children to read by rewarding their success through praise and the opportunity to get their very own free pan pizza!  Now in it's 29th year, Pizza Hut's Book It! is currently being used in over 38,000 elementary school classrooms nationwide.  Now, the program's benefits to children can continue all summer long with the Pizza Hut's Book It! Summer Reading Challenge.  For children in grades K thru 6th, the challenge program is made up of an interesting mix of book recommendations, recipes for readers, printables, games and activity calendars.  Visit online to complete the entry form, or download a printable version at: http://www.bookitprogram.com/

Scholastic's Summer Challenge 

   Kids, schools and teachers can register on Scholastic's website to participate in this free, worldwide reading program that works to help motivate children to continue to keep reading during their summer breaks.  Once they have registered, children and schools will be able to log in their reading minutes, and this gives them the opportunity to earn rewards. This year's challenge is to beat last year's record setting 176,438, 473 reading minutes to set a new world record!  The twenty (20) schools registered with the most minutes will be featured in Scholastic's Book of World Records.  Teacher's, schools and families can register their children in grades K thru 8th starting today through September 5th, 2014 at: scholastic.com/summer

Sylvan's Book Adventure
      Launched in April of 1999, Sylvan's Book Adventure assists children in grades K through 8 with finding books, offers quizzes on what they have read and enables them to be able to earn prizes along the way for their reading successes.  Families will create an account by selecting a user name and password, and can follow along with the prompts to register.  Once registered, children will be able to search for books in the "Book Finder" section, and can go back online to take a quiz.  Families as well as educators alike can track their child's/student's progress through the "Reports" section.   I appreciated the fact that Sylvan's Book Adventure's website includes special sections for children, parents and teachers that provide tips on creating your own personal reading challenges as well as video tutorials about the program.  For further information, please visit: www.bookadventure.com

Random House Kids Step Into Reading Summer Reading Challenge 

     The Step Into Reading book series has inspired Random House's Summer Reading Challenge.  When children read three or more of the series of grade/reading level appropriate books, and when they register the titles on the downloadable form and send it in, they will receive free specialized lunch bags.  Please visit the following link for the downloadable registration form, as well as for exploring fun activities including word searches and scrambles at: http://www.stepintoreading.com/uploads/assets/activities/66bcde7c49ac91b0499146c1b84c3bf9e2432e08.pdf

Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge
     When children between the ages of 10 and younger read eight (8) books between now and July 31st, 2014 from the Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge Book List, and return the sheet to your local participating Pottery Barn Kids store, they will be able to receive a free book.  Please click on the following link to check out the list of well-suitable and enjoyable tales for your little ones to choose from:  http://www.potterybarnkids.com/customer-service/store-events.html?cm_ven=SocialMedia&cm
_cat=Blog&cm_ite=PBSKidsEvent





TD Bank Summer Reading 

     In an effort to help continue to keep children's literacy development skills growing during the summer months, as well as a way to introduce the importance of starting their very own savings account, TD Bank has initiated their own Summer Reading program.  Children in Kindergarten thru 5th grade must read ten (10) books, and register their books on the downloadable Summer Reading form.  Once the book form has been completed, take the form to your local TD Bank branch to receive $10.00 in a new or existing Young Saver Account.  To find a local TD Bank branch, please visit: http://www.tdbank.com and to print out a downloadable form, please visit: http://www.tdbank.com/summerreading/

Showcase Cinemas
      At participating Showcase Cinemas nationwide, every Wednesday at 10 a.m. from now until August 13th have been designated as "Bookworm Wednesday".  When children bring a completed book report with them on a book that they have read, they will be able to select the special "Bookworm Wednesday" movie and attend for free!  Please visit the following link for further information:  http://www.showcasecinemas.com/programs/kids-and-families/bookwormwed