The Passing of a Powerful Voice for All.... Dr. Maya Angelou

       “Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.” A wonderful, insightful quote from a remarkable woman.  I found this video on You Tube this evening, as I remembered that Dr. Maya Angelou appeared on Sesame Street on several occasions when my son was small, and I think it's a sweet tribute to a talented, strong woman who broke down numerous barriers with the simple power of her voice. And, mighty one it was. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhTK0LM39ZU

Mr. Roger's Legacy Continues....

       Despite his untimely passing in 2003, Mr. Rogers gentle way of teaching our children, and his vital voice on education continue to remain relevant. A great read: http://www.npr.org/blogs/ed/2014/05/24/314286509/why-mr-rogers-is-having-a-big-moment-in-education

How Many Children's Books Changed Your Life?

    To wind down Children's Book Week, here's an interesting list of some timeless classics! :)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/powellsbooks/37-childrens-books-that-changed-your-life-ohuo?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly&utm_campaign=c76181f8df-UA-15906914-1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0bb2959cbb-c76181f8df-304518609

Penguin on Vacation by Salina Yoon

   

      Ahh.... a tropical island paradise.  What I wouldn't give to be able to transport myself to a place where I can sit, relax, listen to the waves of the ocean while reading a good book.  The very sight of the cover of author/illustrator Salina Yoon's story--featuring a little penguin, clad in a magenta flowered lea, holding onto a suitcase, and clutching a beach ball on the seashore, brought these wonderful thoughts to my mind, as well as an instant smile on my face this week, on a gloomy, humid, rainy Monday morning.  

     As our tale begins, after dealing with months of continual snow, poor little Penguin decides that the time has come for him to escape on a vacation.  But, where should he go?  Quickly, inspiration strikes as he spots a cruise ship in the distance.  "That's it!  I'll go on vacation to the beach."  He packs his suitcase and sets off, adrift on an iceberg heading for surf, sand and sunshine!  

     However, as soon as he arrives, sweet little Penguin quickly starts to realize that the warm draw of the tropics isn't quite what he anticipated, and begins to feel homesick.  A little crab, instinctively sensing Penguin's feelings, kindly shows him that even though the island isn't quite like his snowy hometown, he has so many new things to learn, see and explore on the island.  But alas, all good things come to an end, and Penguin bids goodbye to his tropical paradise, and his new friend, and returns home.  A surprise comes Penguin's way, in the form of a visit from his pal crab, who, just like Penguin, was starting to grow tired of the island, and longed to see the snowy land that Penguin calls home.  And, just as Penguin's vacation ended, little crab has to return home to the island, but he leaves Penguin with a sweet note that arrives in, what else, a crab shell that says, "I shell return."  Penguin on Vacation is an absolutely adorable book that shows children in a gentle way the joy of experiencing new places, trying new things outside of our comfort zone, and the power of friendship.

Penguin on Vacation
Written & Illustrated by Salina Yoon
Publisher:  Walker Childrens, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing (2013)
For ages 3 to 6
Accelerated Reader Book Level:  1.5
Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5

Retails for $14.99 (Hardcover)

A Throw Back Thursday Classic-- The Berenstain Bears Storybook Treasury

   

      Featuring six stories from the popular and beloved bear family created by the late authors Jan and Stan Berenstain, The Berenstain Bears Storybook Treasury is the perfect collection for reading aloud while snuggled up with your little one.  Follow along as Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister and Honey Bear adopt a new puppy; learn about the importance of responsibilities; wish upon a beautiful star; take a trip; explore the seashore and what happens when you stay at home from school when you're sick.
     The first story in the collection, The Berenstain Bears' New Pup, gently touches on all of the 'puppy' raising issues.  Little Lady leaves a puddle in one corner, and a 'present' in another, and how the family works together to train Little Lady.  A perfect short story to read most especially if your family is planning on adopting a dog.
     The Berenstain Bears and the Wishing Star provides your budding reading with a very clear lesson on wishing.  When Sister Bear wishes for a teddy bear, she is delighted to see that her wish comes true.  However, when she starts to become greedy with her wishes, Brother Bear gently reminds her of the magic of wishing stars and the dangers of being selfish.
     The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Chores gives a wonderful lesson on what happens when people don't want to do their chores around the house (sounds like a familiar song here in Momma's household!).  In the beginning, Brother and Sister Bear try to find ways to get out of doing their chores, and so does Papa Bear (he doesn't want to mow the lawn because a mama spider just finished making a web on his lawnmower, and he's afraid!), and together, the trio make up all kinds of excuses to Mama Bear.  Mama Bear then decides that instead of listening to all of the bickering and excuse making, it would be just easier if she did them all herself.  However, Mama Bear cleverly turns the tables on Papa and her cubs, and decides to give in and starts attending her quilting and gardening clubs again, and very quickly, the tree house falls into a total state of disarray.  This charming tale clearly provides a spotlight on how important it is to follow through with our responsibilities not only for ourselves, but for our family.
     All of the tales found in this delightful collection have engaging story lines, with each page containing vivid, full-color illustrations.  Each of the stories contain simple sentences that your beginning and/or intermediate readers will be able to read aloud.  Most importantly, yet again, I find myself appreciating the sweet, simple lessons that children receive with each Berenstain Bears tale.

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Treasury
Written & Illustrated by Jan and Stan Berenstain
Publisher:  HarperCollins Childrens (2012)
Website:  www.harpercollins.com
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for: $10.79 (Hardcover)
ISBN:   9780062120144

Children's Book Council to Honor Reading Rainbow Host LeVar Burton

A fitting tribute to a man who has devoted over 30 years to promoting children's literacy. My brother grew up watching Reading Rainbow, my son watched it in re-runs, and so do my students.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/13/living/levar-burton-reading-rainbow-app/index.html

Tips to Keep Your Little Ones Reading During the Summer

     As our final Scholastic Book Fair for the school year is being held this week in our library, I am, needless to say, excited about being able to get the word out about the importance of reading over the summer to our students.  When I saw this posted on my Twitter feed this past weekend, I was inspired by these great tips, and I am happy to share them with you all!  Wishing you all a great week ahead!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/70368812902373543/

A Throwback Thursday Spotlight-- Minette's Feast

     

Minette's Feast is a truly 'appetizing' and delightfully appealing tale by award-winning author Susannah Reich, which introduces children to the life of the iconic American chef, Julia Child, as seen through the eyes of her cat, Minette (or otherwise known by her full name of Minette Mimosa McWilliams Child).  As our tale begins, we find Julia and her husband, Paul, enjoying the sights, sounds, and the delicious smells and tastes of foods in their new hometown of Paris, but, something is missing.  The French saying, "Une maison sans chat, c'est la vie sans soleil" (which translates to, "A house without a cat if like life without sunshine") takes great resonance with the Child's, and they soon adopt a brown haired, speckled-coated cat, who quickly charms and delights her owners with her unique and energetic personality.  While Julia is working in the kitchen trying to learn how to develop her skills as a chef while enrolled at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, the only food that Minette desire from her soon-to-be famous epicurean human is in the shape of a little mouse that lives in the walls of the Child's Parisian apartment.

     I took great pleasure in seeing the additional information that Reich prominently features in the back of the book, filled with further details on Julia Child's life and career (as well as a very helpful pronunciation guide which translates the French words used throughout the story).  With delicately charming illustrations by artist Amy Bates, Minette's Feast is a lovely, spirited tale of a culinary legend that you and your little ones will enjoy reading time after time.

Minette's Feast

Written by Susannah Reich & Illustrated by Amy Bates

Publisher:  Abrams Books for Young Readers (2012)

Website: www.abramsbooks.com

Retails for: $16.95 (Hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-4197-0177-1

For ages 4 to 8

Accelerated Reader Book Level: 5.1

Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5