Warm Up Your Little Ones Hearts and Minds

     While the weather outside in your neck of the woods may be downright frigidly frightful, here are a few stories and activity books that are especially good to read while you and your little one's are warm and cozy safely indoors! 

Charlie the Ranch Dog--Charlie's Snow Day (I Can Read! Beginning 1 Reading)
    Charlie, the ever lovable, loyal and sometimes lazy Basset Hound is back in yet another delightful tale by Ree (The Pioneer Woman) Drummond.  Snow has come to the Drummond ranch in the plains of Oklahoma, and all of the family and dogs are excited about the activities that the snowfall brings.  Taking a brief break from his duties as the head officer of the unofficial ranch patrol to play in the snow and take a sleigh ride with his canine pals Walter and Sister down the hills.  Soon, Charlie begins to realize that all the climbing up big snow hills makes for one very tired pup!
     But, when Walter goes missing, Charlie quickly forgets all about the cold and his weary, worn out paws and springs into rescue mode.  Will Charlie's reliable nose (after all, it can pick up the scent of bacon for miles away!) be able to put to the test and sniff out the whereabouts of his beloved pal? 

Charlie the Ranch Dog---Charlie's Snow Day (I Can Read!  Beginning 1 Reading)
Written by Ree Drummond & Illustrated by Diane deGroat
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2013)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-221912-1
For ages 4 thru 8
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 1.8
Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5


Pinkalicious Cupcake Cookbook

     #1 New York Times best-selling creator/author of the adorable Pinkalicious series of books, has recently published her first foray into the cookbook genre with the  Pinkalicious Cupcake Cookbook.  This visually stunning book is filled with simple and elaborate recipes for over 20 delicious cupcakes (including several gluten-free recipes, which was very much appreciated as I suffer from gluten-sensitivity), with tips that include steps on working with color; decorating with sprinkles, glitter and pearls.  Whether you're new to the spectacularly colorful world of Pinkalicious, or if your little one is obsessed with all things "pink", these scrumptious recipes (the "Snowman" cupcake was yummy!) will help you and your little girl create your very own pinktastically Pinkalicious celebration!

Pinkalicious Cupcake Cookbook
Written by Victoria Kann/Recipe Development by Patti Paige/Photographs by Kristen Hess & Cover Photograph by Allen Owens
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2013)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-202357-5
Retails for $14.99
For ages 6 and up

The Girl's Book of Adventure/The Boy's Book of Adventure

     Lesson's abound in these two extremely interesting, resourceful to-do activity books created by authors Michele Lecreux, Celia Gallais and Clemence Roux de Luze.  There are numerous illustrations, diagrams and easy, step-by-step instructions for each of the wide range of activities that are featured in both books, and I appreciated how kid friendly the content was.    Your little boys will be able to discover their inner "MacGyver" while learning how to decipher code; creating an emergency wallet with only a thick sheet of paper, to learning how to know your bearings without the use of a compass.  Your little girls will discover interesting material on the ways to identify edible versus non-edible flowers (including how they can be used and which part of the flower is edible) to taking rose petals and turning them into beautiful crystallized creations that can be used to decorate cakes (good idea to use on one of the "Pinkalicious" cupcakes!); to making your own potpourri and the steps to creating a handy woven pot to store it in.
       These two books are particularly sturdy in construction, and contain a handy red elastic that straps the book closed, which will protect it from the outdoors, as well as for any accidental spills, messes!

The Girl's Book of Adventure/The Boy's Book of Adventure
Written by Michele Lecreux, Celia Gallais and Clemence Roux de Luze & Illustrated by Jocelyn Millet
Publisher:  Barron's
Website:  www.barronseduc.com
ISBN: 978-0-7641-6610-5
Retails for $14.99 (Hardcover)
Ages 8 and up

Sweet Stories to Snuggle Up With Your Little Ones

    

     Mem Fox, author of Reading Magic, which was published in 2001, states that reading to your child should start at birth.  "When a child is born, their brain is not completely developed and will continue to develop over the course of their first year of life. Reading to an infant helps create brain-pathways and lay the groundwork for language development."  Additionally, numerous studies over the years have shown that children who are read to from an early age have better language development and tend of have strong language scores later in life.
      Ultimately, reading to your child is one of the most important and loving ways to connect to your little one, and build strong bonds together upon learning.  When your child sees your excitement while you read to them, there is no doubt that they will be excited to listen to you.  Your little ones will begin a lifelong journey as they begin to develop a love of books because they are sharing it with someone they trust and love.
      So, during these cold nights this winter, when the winds are blowing fiercely outside your windows and the snow may be steadily falling down, snuggle up with your little one with one of these perfect, calming and cozy tales!

A Big Hug for Little Cub
     I have to admit that when I first looked at the front cover illustration by artist Rosalinda Kightley, of a momma lion cub cradling her sleepy baby cub amidst a field of tale light green grass, it just warmed my heart.  Instantly, I longed for those days when I would cuddle with my toddler son in my wooden rocking chair, reading stories together before my husband and I would place him in his big boy toddler bed! Ahh...why does time have to fly by so fast?!
     As our tale begins, the little baby cub encounters little birds, dragonflies and a family of meerkats as he explores his world alongside the protecting eyes of his mother during a day filled with play.  And, as night falls, and the skies around the pair grow dark against the meadow, the little cub is at first apprehensive, but finds comfort as his mother holds him tight against her chest, as they settle down to sleep.
     With it's softly padded designed format, A Big Hug for Little Cub is the perfect fit for your little one's hands to hold as you read this lovely, lyrically rhymed tale by Lorie Ann Grover. 

A Big Hug for Little Cub
Written by Lorie Ann Grover & Illustrated by Rosalinda Kightley
Publisher:  Cartwheel Books, an imprint of Scholastic (2014)
Website:  www.scholastic.com
Retails for $7.99
For ages:  Newborn and up
ISBN: 978-0-545-53091-0

Sweet Dreams
     Grammy-Award winning singer/songwriter Jewel has recently added the title of storybook author with the release of her literary debut, Sweet Dreams. Inspired by her song of the same title from her 2009 album, Lullaby, Sweet Dreams shares a mother's soothing lullaby as it opens the way for an imagined adventure with her sleeping baby.  The vintage 20s/30s style illustrations by artist Amy June Bates brightens Jewel's lovely, lyrical prose.  The tender love for her child carries them on an imaginative journey as they sail through the clouds and sparkling stars that illuminate their journey together. This precious book contains a  CD musical audio recording of Jewel singing the story.

Sweet Dreams
Written by Jewel & Illustrated by Amy June Bates
Publisher:  Paula Wiseman Books, a Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Website: KIDS.SimonandSchuster.com
For ages 1 to 5
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)
             

 

 

Clifford's Bedtime Story Box
     Six classic selections from featuring the famous lovable "Big Red Dog" and his loyal, loving human, Emily Elizabeth are contained in this special box set.  The stories cross the over five decades since Clifford was introduced to little readers by author Norman Bridwell back in 1963.  Featuring the original story, Clifford, The Big Red Dog (1963); Clifford Takes a Trip (1966); Clifford at the Circus (1977); Clifford's Family (1984); Clifford the Firehouse Dog (1994) and Clifford Goes to Dog School (2002).  Each story highlights a special character recognition spotlight, showing children the importance of being a good friend learning how to believe in yourself.  The stories are stored in a sturdy cardboard box with a Velcro enclosure and handles, making it easy for little ones to be able to take along their favorite stories of the lovable, gigantic puppy with the heart of gold,  along with them for an overnight trip or vacation.

Clifford's Bedtime Story Box
Written by Norman Bridwell
Publisher:  Scholastic (2013)
Website:  www.scholastic.com
Retails for $10.99
For ages 3 and up
ISBN: 978-0-545-61521-1

    

 

 

Adventures of a Furry, Funny, Flatulent Feline---- Farty Marty

    As I sat working on lesson plans for the first week in January for my second grade reading intervention group a few weeks before Christmas, I knew right away that I was going to have my work cut out for me those first days back.  I wasn't worried about the normal adjustments that pretty much all children go through after being away from their regular school day routine, but rather, it was something a bit more challenging.  After the long holiday break, we would be returning to a full week filled with assessment testing for our first through fifth graders...ugh!
     Now, testing immediately after a long break would make any experienced teacher worried about how their students would be able to perform.  So, I knew that it would be fitting to start off our 25 minute group session by a read-aloud of a book that would not only help to ease their transition from the comfort and yes, at times, complete idleness of their two week break away from school, but a story that would lessen their nerves and apprehension about their upcoming test.  But, after researching for a book that I felt would be an appropriate match for what my students would need, I just wasn't able to find what I thought would be a perfect fit.
     One night, however, in the middle of December, when I was on Facebook, I came across a post from actress/author Kathryn Leigh Scott (who starred on the classic gothic soap opera, Dark Shadows, and later became a successful author and founder of her own publishing company, Pomegranate Press).  Ms. Scott, (whose career as an author was an influence on me as I began my own freelancing career after I graduated from college), mentioned in her post how proud she was of her good friend, B.J. Ward (a well-respected voice actress and singer) who recently published her very first book for children entitled, Farty Marty.  She included a picture of Ms. Ward alongside the cover of her newly published book, which prominently featured a smiling, green eyed tabby cat. 
     Cue the bright flash of a light bulb going off in my head and the sounds of ringing bells-- the very title and illustration made me immediately grin and think of what else would put a smile on my kids' face than a story about animals (which they always love for me to read) and well, farting (which, I have to say, they love just as much, if not equal to, hearing stories about animals)!  After reaching out to Ms. Scott, who kindly forwarded my message to her friend, and to Ms. Ward thru Facebook (I was so very touched to receive a lovely package containing a personally autographed copy of her book), I knew that I found the perfect story. 
     So, on the first Monday of the new year, as many of us across the nation were greeted by what the newscasters described as a 'polar vortex' of brutal cold, which reached all the way to our southern state, I walked down the hallway into the classroom holding on to this funny story which instantly put smiles on my sleepy headed eight year-old students faces.
    

As our tale begins, Marty, a wide eyed orange cat is cared for and loved by a little girl named Mary Jane Lemon.  One day, Mary Jane takes Marty along with her to school for 'Show and Tell'.  Marty is so happy to be there with Mary Jane that his excitement gets the better of him and, well, a little sound of air comes out from an unexpected source----namely Marty's tush!  The toot sound is quickly followed by a tweet, then, in rapid succession, comes a toot, then a croak and finally, ending in a big loud whoosh!
     Poor Marty is quickly banished from the classroom by Mary Jane's principal, who, while holding his nose to escape from the new, pungent aroma drifting in the air, loudly exclaims that Marty is, "a SKUNK, not a cat!"  When the duo returns home with a letter from the principal, they receive a less than happy greeting from Grandma, who warns the embarrassed, flatulent feline that, "we won't have a cat whose behavior offends." 
     The next day, after Marty's disastrously odorous debut at school, Mary Jane's vocal tutor, Ms. Chen, arrives at her house, bearing a French-inspired bag filled with all delicious French goodies to eat--- including cheese and grapes.  As Ms. Chen and Mary Jane sit down and start working on a poem that they will later recite in French, no sooner do they hear the sounds of gagging coming from the floor.  Marty, overcome by his feast, begins to toot once more, only this time, Ms. Chen and Mary Jane are startled to hear the familiar strain of "Au Claire du Lune" coming from the kitty's behind!  They decide to test Marty to see if this was a fluke and they feed him some pasta, which after devouring the yummy contents of the bowl, Marty starts to pass wind again, only this time, they hear him toot out the words, "Te Amo!"
     Mary Jane and Ms. Chen quickly decide to enter Marty into a local pet show, and Marty instantly becomes an overnight international sensation, and toots out across the entire globe on a world tour.  He even gets his very own scent appropriately named, "Le Farte" when he arrives in France!
     Ms. Ward's charmingly playful rhyming tale is matched seamlessly by the whimsical illustrations by acclaimed Regina Medal winning artist David Kellogg.  My students were completely engaged with this story, and they laughed along with all of Marty's toots!  They have decided to draw pictures of Marty next week that will accompany a writing prompt that they will be completing which will feature their very own follow-up as to what they think will be Marty's latest adventure, as we excitedly wait hopefully for Ms. Ward to write a sequel for her cute, yet gassy kitty!

Farty Marty
Written by B.J. Ward and Illustrated by David Kellogg
Publisher:  A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers (2013)
Website:  kids.simonandschuster.com
Retails for $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-4424-3901-6
For ages 4 thru 8

Celebrating the "Uniqueness" of All Children--What Makes Me Shine: Sam's Birthmark

     Martha & Grant Griffin of Dallas, Texas and my family share several things in common--- both of our son's were born on a very warm day; both of us exclaimed that are boys were, "just perfect" moments after their births, and both of our son's share something that makes them special---they were born with a vascular birthmark (Barron was born with a Port-Wine Stain and our son was diagnosed with a Hemangioma when he was four weeks old).
     "It's unique to be different.  Unique is a good thing," said Martha Griffin during our recent phone conversation.  They are the words that have not only helped to sustain and comfort both her and her husband; they have been instilled in their little boy who approaches his birthmark with a very matter-of-fact reasoning that it's, "only his birthmark, and it's no big deal," and are the driving force behind their very first book, What Makes Me Shine:  Sam's Birthmark, which was published in 2012.

     As our tale begins, little Sam delights in all those favorite activities as other little boy's do---playing with trucks, running in the park and chasing after his dog, Shakespeare.  Life seems typically ordinary for Sam until one day, while playing in the playground, a little girl points at his face and asks, "What is that big red mark you have on your head?"
        "It's my birthmark," replied Sam, I've had it from day one."  But, when the little girl bluntly tells Sam, "Well," said Amy, "it makes you different from everyone!" Sam asks his mother if this was true.  Gently, and with calm honesty, Sam's mother explains that when he looks around at all of the people in his life, there are many things that make them all different.  "Will's red freckles and Elise's curly hair make them one-of-a-kind."
         Filled with lovely illustrations by Mary Anne Smiley, the Griffin's simple, refreshingly honest tale warmed my heart.  As the mother of a child with a vascular birthmark, I too, faced many of the same questions, unwanted comments and stares when my son was a baby, and I longed for a book that would also help to reinforce the same advice that my husband and I instilled in our son.  I am extremely grateful that the Griffin's saw this need, and have created a beautiful story for all of the families like my own to share with their children.
     As for the Griffin's literary future, Martha revealed that they plan on following up with a series of books in the future that will, "embrace all that makes our children unique." Whether you are looking for a story that promotes tolerance and acceptance of others as part of an anti-bullying lesson for your class, or if you are just interested in a story that celebrates what makes our children one-of-a-kind, What Makes Me Shine:  Sam's Birthmark will be a perfect fit.

What Makes Me Shine:  Sam's Birthmark is available through the Griffin's website: http://www.samsbirthmark.com


Momma's Side Note:
     For those of you who are unfamiliar with the various types of vascular birthmarks, here's a little bit of info: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that of the nearly four million children born in the United States each year, nearly 10 percent will be born with a vascular birthmark. 
     The Nemours Foundation, based in Wilmington, Delaware, explains that Port-wine stains occur in about three out of every 1,000 births and are diagnosed equally among males and females.  Port-wine stains develop when an area of skin doesn't receive an adequate supply of nerve fibers to assist in keeping the blood vessels contracted.  When there is a lack of nerve fibers, capillaries (small blood vessels) continue to expand, allowing a large amount of blood to flow into the blood vessels, causing a stain to appear under the skin. 
      Port-wine stains are commonly found on the face, but they can also appear anywhere on an infant's body.  Port-wine stains appear flat in shape and are commonly pink-red in color at birth, and they will darken to a reddish-purple color as a child grows.  Laser therapy has made a tremendous impact on treatment, as this is the only method available that not only has the capability to destroy the tiny blood vessels in the skin, but also causes the least amount of significant damage to a child's overlying skin.
     For further information about vascular birthmarks, please visit the Vascular Birthmark Foundation's website at: www.birthmarks.org