Life Lessons from Two Lovable Lions

     Often, during the course of our childhood, there is one (or hopefully, more than one) story that always stands out among all of the others.  A book that will always put an instant smile on your face simply by just hearing it's title.  For me, Dandelion, written and illustrated by the late Don Freeman, (the winner of the Caldecott Medal, Freeman also wrote the 1968 classic, Corduroy) occupies that special place in my heart.  It is, at least in my humble opinion, an overlooked classic that touches on the strength and uniqueness that one will always discover when you realize that you should always remain true to yourself.

     As our tale begins, Dandelion wakes one morning, and goes outside to his mailbox to collect his mail, when he spots an envelope with his name addressed on the front with very fancy lettering.  Inside the envelope, he discovers an invitation that states:
     "Dear Dandelion,
          You are invited to my tea-and-taffy party on Saturday afternoon at half-past three.  Come as you are.
       Sincerely,
        Jennifer Giraffe " (needless to say, at the tender age of six, I was thrilled to see my name in a book, even if my name belonged to a giraffe!)

     An excited Dandelion quickly realizes that today is Saturday, and the party is only hours away!  So, in order to look presentable for the party, he quickly rushes into town and decides that his mane needs a trim, only to end up receiving the latest "in" style of lions....complete with a perm!  And, he turns in his simple white sweater for a fancy top hat and coat complete with a cane purchased from none other than "Happy Crane" himself!  A gussied-up Dandelion arrives at Jennifer Giraffe's doorstep, but is only left out in the cold when Miss. Giraffe doesn't recognize her old friend, and fails to let him in.  Shut off from the party, a sad, lonely Dandelion gets caught up in a loud afternoon thunderstorm.  His fancy perm gets wilted; his coat gets soaked, and his snappy hat gets carried off in the wind.  But, Dandelion decides to pull himself together, and when he arrives at Miss. Giraffe's doorstep once again, only this time looking just like Dandelion (except a little more soaked), he is warmly welcomed by all.

Dandelion
Written and Illustrated by Don Freeman
Publisher: Penguin Books
ISBN: 9780140502183
For ages 4 thru 7
Retails for $6.99 (Softcover)
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 3.7
Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5


Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back

     I have always found Shel Silverstein's books, poems and illustrations to not only be a constant source of unending humor, but uniquely insightful.  No matter how old you are, there is something to learn from each of his stories.  Valuable lessons that, quite simply, I continue to learn from this very day, having spent years reading them on my own; then to my son when he was little, and now to my students in my reading intervention class.
     Originally published back in 1963, Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back, takes a look at big, nasty game hunters, and a lion who manages to stand up for himself.  As our tale begins, Lafcadio lives happily in the jungle along with his lion friends, enjoying all those typical things that lions like to do, "..jumping and playing in the grass and swimming in the river and eating rabbits..."  and having a great time!  One day, while taking an afternoon snooze with his fellow felines, all this bliss comes to a quick end with the sound of gunshots.  The noise jolts all of the lions from their slumber and they take off running---all except Lafcadio who likes the sound of the name of those whose arrival the gunshots announced.  Hunters.  Lafcadio comes across one of the hunters, and immediately surrenders, informing the hunter in the red woolen cap that he will be happy to, " ...be your rug and I will lie in front of your fireplace and I won't move a muscle and you can sit on me and toast all of the marshmallows you want.  I love marshmallows."  (Although, we soon learn that Lafcadio is once again in love with the name, but has yet to taste one!).  But, being a hunter, he ignores Lafcadio's pleas, and attempts to shoot him, but Lafcadio, his hunger overtaking him, swallows the hunter up, woolen cap and all.  But, the hunter's gun remains behind, and Lafcadio takes it home and learns to become a sharpshooter, and soon, becomes an overnight sensation.  Fame brings many fancy new things to Lafcadio's life, like suits and shirts with collars to wear in order to look presentable while shooting, and all the marshmallows a lion can devour. But soon, Lafcadio starts to realize that he doesn't fit in with this new world, and yet, at the same time, doesn't feel like he can go back to the life that he once had in the jungle.  In the end, Silverstein makes us contemplate the importance for one (quite similar to the moral of our previous tale, Dandelion) to learn to be comfortable in the skin they're in; to be true to oneself, instead of giving in to the pressure of feeling like you need to change in order to be what you think others expect and/or want you to be.
     Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back, is a chapter book, which is quite different when compared with Silverstein's typical short stories and poetry books.  However, this tale is a good start for children who are just beginning to venture into reading short chapter books, like my students.  With Silverstein's simple, yet trademark black and white illustrations on every page, and the silly plot line, it's just the perfect read-aloud for a class, which I look forward to doing later on this week with my second graders.

Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back
Written & Illustrated by Shel Silverstein
Publisher:  HarperCollins Publishers
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 9780060256753
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 4.9
Accelerated Reader Points:  1.0

   

Vowel Sound Activities and Skills to Build On

     Building vowel skills is something that I constantly work on with my 2nd grade reading intervention students. Here's are some very insightful skills courtesy of Scholastic that will help your little ones on the road to reading success! http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/tip/daily-tips/teach-long-and-short-vowel-sounds?smd%2F20140331%2Ftwitter%2F%2Fdtip8-10longshortvowelsounds%2F%2FPAR%2Fcontent%2F9am

In Honor of Women's History Month--Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts

     The month of March holds special significance for women all across the United States, as it marks a month-long celebration of the vital achievements and strives that we have made throughout our nation's history.  Women's History Month celebrations began in 1981 when the United States Congress passed legislation which requested that former President Ronald Reagan proclaim the week beginning on March 7th as, "Women's History Week."  Over the next five years, Congress continued to pass resolutions declaring a week in March as, "Women's History Week", culminating in 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women's History Project, Congress ultimately approved legislation that delegated the entire month of March as, "Women's History Month."  Since 1988, President's Bush, Clinton, Bush and Obama have each issued a series of proclamations designating the month of March as, "Women's History Month."
     On a cold, wintry March morning in 1987, a twelve year-old girl sat in her homeroom class as a seventh grader, listening to the assistant principal of her junior high school over the PA, reading the daily morning announcements.  The assistant principal mentioned that in honor of, "Women's History Month", the entire school would be participating in a contest.  A few minutes later, her homeroom teacher, Miss. Gallanda, passed around a brief, 10 multiple choice question quiz that assessed their knowledge of the actions of several famous women across the centuries.  Quickly, to her amazement, the girl was able to answer the questions, and when time was called, she passed up her paper to the front of the classroom for the teacher to collect.  Four days later, during morning announcements, the assistant principal announced the winners per grade level, and the girl was astonished to hear her name called.  She went upstairs to the library to receive a certificate, as well as a Susan B. Anthony coin.  A photographer from the local town newspaper was on hand to take a photo of the winners to go alongside a short blurb scheduled to run in next week's edition.  Fast forward to today, and somewhere, tucked among the pages of my numerous scrapbooks, is my medal, and a faded newspaper clipping marking my achievement.  The stories behind these brave, enterprising women that I was able to identify, inspired me from that day forward, to follow a path to becoming a writer, an educator, and most importantly, a mother.

       Needless to say, these special memories of this time in my life came flooding right back when I was recently given the opportunity to read and review Founding Mothers, written by New York Times Best-Selling author/political commentator Cokie Roberts.  The lives behind each of the women that Ms. Roberts chose to profile for this fascinating recollection are filled with courage, tenacity, hope and remarkable bravery during a time in our nation's history that was at the dawn of our country's emerging independence.

     While each of the women of this particular century that Roberts has shined a well-deserved spotlight on, were not allowed to do many of the things that women of today's society can do (and perhaps, take for granted)---attend college; maintain a career or run for political office--they did not, however, let this stop them from speaking out through their written words.  The journals, letters and poems from women including Phylis Wheatley (born a slave in Boston, Massachusetts, who, through the kind intervention of the daughter of her owner, quickly learned to read and write English), Esther DeBerdt Reed (who, after her husband Joseph went off to fight in the Revolutionary War, published the famous article, "Sentiments of an American Woman", which appealed to the women of the colonies to support the troops who lacked the essentials of clothes, food and housing.  Her plea quickly caught steam and soon, women all across the colonies raised more than $300,000 for the troops), and Mercy Otis Warren (a well-educated wife and mother from Massachusetts who was inspired to write poems and plays attacking the governor of her state, who was in league with the British), continue to shine brightly almost 240 years later.

Founding Mothers
Written by Cokie Roberts and Illustrated by Diane Goode
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Childrens (2014)
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-078002-9
For ages 7 thru 12
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 6.8
Accelerated Reader Points: 1.0
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)

Everything Goes: By Sea

     Acclaimed author/illustrator Brian Biggs returns with yet another follow-up to his popular transportation-themed series of stories, with Everything Goes:  By Sea.  As our tale begins, young Henry is off on yet another exciting journey with his parents, only this time, they have decided to travel to their destination by sea.  Boarding the "Center City Ferry," Henry and his family head off, full steam ahead into the harbor, passing through all different kinds of boats--from speedboats and tugboats; to coast guard and police boats, that protect all who travel on the water from harm.  Along the way, your little sailors will discover a multitude of interactive learning experiences to enjoy while reading this engaging story--from find and seek activities, funny mini-stories within the story, to bubbled sea transportation facts that are prominently featured on almost every appealingly illustrated page.

Everything Goes:  By Sea

Written & Illustrated by Brian Biggs

Publisher:  Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2013)

Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com

Retails for $14.99 (Hardcover)

For ages 4 thru 8

A Celebration of President's Day with a Look at Our Nation's 35th President, JFK, by Jonah Winter

   

     President's Day origins date back to the 1880s, when the birthday of our nation's first President, George Washington, was first celebrated as a federal holiday.  In 1968, the United States Congress passed what was called the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays.  This bill was heavily debated before the bill went into effect in 1971, when President's Day became the commonly referred to name.  So, in honor of President's Day, we shine a spotlight on one of the most influential, fascinating leaders of our nation with, JFK, a look at the life of our country's 35th president by the New York Times best-selling team that wrote the acclaimed 2008 picture biography, Barack.

     The very first thing that strikes you as you look at the stunning illustration by artist AG Ford, on the front cover of JFK, by author Jonah Winter, is the smiling image of a youthful president in his prime, during a time that was filled with his hopeful aspirations for the future of our country.  While, alas, his dreams for the country were not meant to be, Winter's heartfelt, moving book reminds us all of the powerful resonance that Kennedy's words still hold more than 50 years after his assassination.
     After reading this story, even my twelve year-old son (himself an avid reader like his momma), felt  strongly about the way that Winter has managed to tell the life story of a president who has been the subject of countless books over the decades, by simply, yet eloquently, focusing on his life, rather than the circumstances of his tragic death.  A story that begins quite like many of our families beginnings-- searching for a better life for their family, Kennedy's great-grandparents traveled on a boat across the Atlantic for the opportunities that escaped them while living in the famine-stricken shores of Ireland.  How ambition and a striving urge to succeed drove the new generations, now well-established in America, to become one of the most powerful and influential families in the nation--and how only in this country could a sickly little boy, who loved to daydream and read about the legend of Camelot and King Arthur, who went on to turn into a hero during World War II, saving the life of his crew members when their PT boat was torpedoed, could become President of the United States.  A stunning. powerful, moving story that would be the perfect addition to any classroom lesson on the history behind some of the most influential leaders of our nation's past.

JFK
Written by Jonah Winter & Illustrated by AG Ford
Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2013)
Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-176807-1
Retails for $17.99
For ages 4 thru 8
Accelerated Reader Book Level (ATOS): 5.1
Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5

Valentine's Day Tales to Warm Your Little Ones Hearts

     Valentine's Day may be known as a day of romance, but it is also a perfect opportunity to spend time with your little ones and show them your love and devotion.  And, with most of our country still in the icy, snowy throws of winter, these tales are guaranteed to take away the chill and bring some warmth and happiness to you and your little ones.

Just a Little Love (I Can Read! Shared My First Reading)

    Sometimes, despite all the love that we have for one another, things in our life have a tendency to go wrong.  And, when things go wrong, sometimes, all it takes is a little bit more love shared by those we cherish that helps set things right back into place.  As Mercer Mayer's beloved character,  Little Critter, discovers in this latest tale, every critter needs a little bit more love---which is sparked by his grandma, who is feeling under the weather  As Little Critter and his family work together to make special things to take to grandma to make her feel better, their efforts encounter many bumps, stings, bruises, and especially one devoured egg salad by a sneaky little puppy.  Will Little Critter and family be able to give grandma all their special gifts to cheer her spirits?  This heartwarming tale with it's simple message will warm hearts everywhere.

Just a Little Love
Written & Illustrated by Mercer Mayer
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
For ages 4 thru 8
ISBN: 978-0-06-207196-5

Tulip Loves Rex
    The joy that one finds of sharing what you adore with that special someone that you love is a remarkable thing not only to experience but behold.  As this new lovely tale by the author of the beloved "Biscuit" series, Alyssa Satin Capucilli begins, a little girl named Tulip loves to dance.  Ever since she was a tiny baby, Tulip was spinning, hopping and skipping.  And, with a bend and a sway, Tulip always makes the same wish (which we are soon to find out exactly what, later!) at bedtime every night.  The next day, while strolling in the park with her Mom and Dad, Tulip comes across a dog---a very big dog with small floppy ears wearing a sign that reads, "My name is Rex.  I am not quite like other dogs."  With a big, welcoming lick on her cheek, Tulip and Rex walk along into the green field to play.  But, Tulip soon finds that Rex truly lives up to the words on his sign, as despite Tulip attempting to play ball, fetch and getting him to sit, Rex just doesn't play along.  But, Tulip is determined to discover just what Rex loves to do.  Something that will come as quite a surprise to Tulip.  Maybe wishes do come true?!   This charming story, highlighted by delightfully lively illustrations by artist Sarah Massini, shows little ones the power of acceptance, friendship and joy of finding that special someone to love.

Tulip Loves Rex
Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli & Illustrated by Sarah Massini
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
For ages 4 thru 8
ISBN: 978-0-06-209413-1


Love is Real

     Author Janet Lawler's charming tale shows little ones how the power of love is a truly remarkable thing---it defines us and is the driving force behind all of the things, both big and small, that we do for those we adore.  Follow along as fox, bunny and bear families celebrate and share their unconditional love for one another in simple, sweet ways.

Love is Real
Written by Janet Lawler & Illustrated by Anna Brown
Publisher:  Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Website:  www.harpercollinschildrens.com
For ages 4 thru 8
ISBN:  978-0-06-224170-2

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