Summer Reads Before the Season Slips Away!

 

      It seems like we all blinked too fast and now, here we are in August!  Although the end of summer is quickly approaching this month, I wanted to share a few tales for you all to carry along in a beach bag or in the car, to soak up at a leisurely pace before you and your little ones have to say goodbye to this sunny season!

Paddington at the Beach  

     Once I turned the first page of this tale, I was immediately transported back to my childhood growing up on the North Shore of Long Island, where I lived minutes away from the beaches along the Long Island Sound.

     As our tale begins, a series of mishaps plague everyone's sweet, favorite bear at what was meant to be a serene day at the beach.  Paddington loses his bucket as it's carried away by the waves from the safety of the shore.  His attempts to enjoy flying his new kite go awry as it snaps in two and crashes into the water. And, a flock of gathering seagulls who witness poor sweet Paddington's peaceful day at the beach turn into a series of disappointments, notice that he has a honey bun in the inside of his coat pocket. They decide to team up to steal his treat! Will Paddington be able to save his snack from the hungry pack or does he have a trick up his sleeve?  This engagingly simple tale also makes a perfect way to reinforce number learning skills with your little ones.

Paddington at the Beach
Written by Michael Bond & Illustrated by R.W. Alley
Publisher:  Harper, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)

Penguin on Vacation     

     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.  

     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
Retails for $14.99 (Hardcover)

Flip & Fin-Super Sharks to the Rescue! 

       Flip and Fin, the sand shark twins, inspired by their favorite Saturday morning television show, really want to be able to save the day just like their favorite characters, Sammy Saw Shark and Harry Hammerhead. "Faster than a sailfish!  Tougher than a clamshell!" (these words quickly brought back memories of the opening lines from one of my favorite shows when I was young- Batman with Adam West and Burt Ward!) 

     Swimming around their home in the ocean through the coral reefs, they meet their friends, Swimmy and Moll.  All four quickly decide to become super sharks and race to the top of the surface. Zipping and flipping their way through the huge waves, they encounter something very unusual. It was round, and when Flip decided to do a flip on it, this strange thing bounced!  Realizing that this bouncy round thing belonged to the humans and that they might be missing it, the fantastic four decide that they will be the ones to bring it to them!

     But when they arrive at the shores of the beach where lots of humans were enjoying cooling off in the water and greet them while Flip balanced the round bouncy thing on his nose, the humans get into a panic at the sight of the sharks, hightailing it back to the beach.  Will the fantastic flipper four be able to win over the humans?  This delightfully goofy tale is a perfect read aloud for the littlest shark enthusiast and is right on time this month for the annual Shark Week!

    

Flip & Fin-Super Sharks to the Rescue!

Written by Timothy Gill & Illustrated by Neil Numberman

Publisher:  Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

For ages 4 thru 8

Retails for $15.99 (Hardcover)

In Memory of Simon of Simon Sits

     Like many, I have followed the New York Times Best-Selling Author of Dogs, Boys and Other Things I've Cried About, Isabel Klee's Instagram page, Simon Sits, for almost three years. And, like many this past weekend, my heart broke over the passing of a beloved dog that most of us never had the opportunity to meet but were honored to share along in the privilege of watching this most special duo shine a huge light on the power of fostering the most vulnerable, abused, medically complex dogs. Isabel and Simon working together inspired countless people across our nation and the world to start the journey of fostering as well as opening their homes forever for these precious dogs that all too often are overlooked.  

     Our family has much in common with Isabel. Both of us opened our doors and our hearts to rescuing medically complex, senior special needs dogs. Our beloved special needs senior Buttons, blessed our lives for two years, passing in 2024, and now our three-year-old Oliver, who brought the joy back to our home, was diagnosed with a chronic eye condition called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in May of this year. We have been tremendously grateful for Isabel's efforts in shining a spotlight on these souls-caring and nurturing these dogs physical and emotional needs while helping them find their forever homes.  Sweet Simon supported his mom throughout her journey in fostering, lovingly shared his home, his toys and his humans with countless dogs who came through their Brooklyn, New York doors.  Followers like me, watched in awe of Simon's gentle, knowing ways, helping to guide his foster siblings to trust again, all the while being medically compromised himself as he suffered from severe seizures and sadly was recently diagnosed with inoperable cancer.  Last week, Simon's parents made the heart wrenching decision to end Simon's suffering.  

    Author Martin Dejnicki most aptly wrote once that, "Dogs leave pawprints on our hearts." The pawprints that Simon left on all of our hearts are immeasurable. May this most special boy be welcomed to heaven, as he was truly an angel on earth.

     In honor of Simon, I'd like to share a beautifully touching story called Champ's Story:  Dogs Get Cancer Too!, which was published in 2010 by award-winning children's author/medical journalist Sherry North and Illustrated by Kathleen Rietz.  I featured this story here back in 2014, and I believe that it is very fitting to share it once again with you all.

     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.
    As a mother, and former teaching assistant, 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) Now Arbordale Publishing
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)

Ways to Keep Read-Aloud Time for Your Little One Enjoyable

   

  "Being read to as a child is one of the great experiences in life." - American poet Billy Collins

     It is well known that there are a multitude of benefits gained when children hear stories that are read aloud to them. Reading aloud helps to not only grow your little one's vocabulary but assists them in the understanding of the world around them.  Research published in the Developmental Psychology and Child Development journal states that children who experience frequent read-alouds will enter school with a stronger vocabulary, comprehension and phonemic skills.  These skills will guide children to develop an eagerness to engage and learn. Additionally, a 2019 Ohio State University study found a 5-year-old child who is read to daily would be exposed to nearly 300,000 more words than one who isn’t read to regularly.

       However, there was a remarkably compelling study conducted by HarperCollins UK in April of 2025 with a goal to gain a further understanding of children's increasing disengagement with reading. The impact of this study has been eye-opening for both parents, caregivers and early childhood experts/educators. One of the most startling findings of this study that I discovered was that, despite reading aloud to be a proven way to boost enjoyment of reading, the number of parents/caregivers reading aloud to their little ones is at a significant decline. About half (41%) of children between the ages of 0 to 4 years-old are read aloud, a sharp downturn from 64% back in 2012.  Most telling for me as a boy mom is the differences in the ways boys are treated from girls.  Only 29% of 0–2-year-old boys were read to every day/nearly every day, compared to 44% of girls in the same age group.    

     This dislike of reading aloud can possibly be traced back to parents' experiences in their own childhood, where reading may have been emphasized more as a skill for testing rather than one for something done for enjoyment.  These low percentages can also stem also from a growing dependence on online programs that have very limited benefits for learning. A National Institutes of Health study conducted in 2019 that surveyed U.S. parents of nearly 4,000 children, found that 12-month-old children averaged 53 minutes of screen time daily; by the age of three, that daily amount jumped to a whopping 150 minutes per day.

     How can we, as parents, caregivers, educators and society as a whole, attempt to try to fix this before a generation of children lose out from these proven benefits?   I set out to gather some insightful tips from parents as well as from elementary educators that can help you to make read aloud time engaging and fun for your little ones and for you!

• Setting Aside Time in a Busy Schedule- Making the effort to set aside time, however small, in your daily routine will go a long way in building your little one's sense of confidence. Additionally, over the course of time, it will strengthen their reading stamina. Reading should never be considered as a chore, and it doesn't have to happen all at once.  A few pages here.  A short chapter there.  These early inroads that you are making together will help your children stay on the road of being a life-long reader.  "I read to all my kids every night.  They got to the point that they would beg for it," explains Michelle Visco, a mom of four. "If I was sick and wasn't in the mood, it still happened.  As they got older, it became finding a book on a topic that they had interest in.  I would read a chapter, and they would read a chapter.  They still, to this day, talk about our reading time together."   
• Building a Home and Mobile Library- When my son was little, we would always make it a habit to pick a few books from his bookcase to take along with him when we went out. And when he grew older, whether it was during a car ride to school or to soccer practice or any other trip, he always had a book with him. Making sure to keep a wide variety of books readily available whether you're on the go or relaxing at home isn't difficult to do. There are plenty of places and resources available in your community where you can find inexpensive books- garage sales, thrift shops and don't forget your local library (many of which often hold book sales) or your neighborhood Little Free Library.  Tina, a mother of two and a third-grade elementary school educator, makes sure that access is key for both her own children and her students.  "I have lots of books available for them.  When I purchase new books for my classroom library, I'll ask them for names of books that they like.  Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm when I bring in new books is worth every penny that I spend on the books."  When books are nearby and readily available in the home and classroom setting, reading becomes an easy choice.  

• Make Story-Time Fun & Interactive- Act out scenes while you're reading your tales aloud together, complete with facial expressions; using common household items as props, and funny voices for the characters can go a long way in making read aloud a shared time filled with imagination and laughs. "I used to read to my son with a British accent.  He loved it," says DonnaJoy Regolino, a mom of two and founder/creator of Holistic Prairie Mama.

• Strengthen The Family Bonds- Kimberly Dolan McCormick, a mom and elementary school educator, remembers that besides reading to her daughter until she turned 12, "she also saw me read every evening and weekends and attended book clubs.  I also talked to her about the novels they were reading at school, so I guess you could say conversations about books was always encouraged in our home."  This is a time when you can put aside the hecticness of the day, relax together and share in a tale.  Ask questions about the photos or illustrations in your tale, while at the same time, you can encourage your little one to describe their feelings about the characters and the storyline. 

   

Tea with Oliver

     Aesop, the storied Greek philosopher and fabulist, had two reflections on friendship that immediately came to my mind when I came across our latest tale, Tea with Oliver, written and illustrated by Mika Song.  First, "little friends may prove great friends," and most importantly, that "no act of kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted." The promise of friendship is a mighty force that can grow in the face of tremendous differences. These beginning connections can be formed even between the most unlikely of companions- cat and mouse.

My Oliver Enjoyed This Book, Too!

     As our tale begins, Oliver the cat longs for a friend that would enjoy sharing one of his most favorite things to do- afternoon tea.  As Oliver despairs that he may never find a companion, he fails to realize that there is someone right under his nose that also wishes for a friend to have tea with, a shy little mouse named Philbert. Little Philbert is lonely just like Oliver, but he is determined to conquer his reluctance.  First, he tries talking to Oliver, but Oliver doesn't hear his soft voice. Then, Philbert decides that maybe a letter would be the perfect way for Oliver to notice him. But when he leaves his letter right by Oliver's couch, Oliver sweeps it up while doing his chores!  

     Tries as he might, little Philbert's attempts to gain Oliver's attention seem to be futile, until one afternoon, there's a knock on the apartment door.  Oliver's cousin Lester comes crashing through the door complete with a guitar strung over his shoulders. When Oliver asks Lester for tea, he announces that he's going to throw a party instead (in Oliver's home!)  Guests immediately start to arrive and chaos quickly takes over.  Between the loud music and voices, little Philbert gets scared and hides under the safety of the couch.  Oliver tries to serve his tea to the crowd of fellow felines, but they ignore him.  The uninvited dancing guests then bump into Oliver, causing him to lose his balance and his cherished tea set goes crashing to the floor! The guests leave the apartment in a flash, and Oliver is left in despair.   

     Little Philbert, moved by the sight of poor Oliver lying exhausted and crying on the floor after cleaning up the mess left behind from Cousin Lester and his wild feline friends, gathers his courage and finally overcomes his shyness to get Oliver to finally notice him.  He hands Oliver his letter and a tissue to dry his tears.  And with this simple act of kindness, a friendship is blossomed.

     The beautifully illustrated watercolors feature prominently throughout Mika Song's delightfully humorous story, bringing a heartfelt sense of warmness to her readers.  Tea with Oliver can be a perfect read aloud to go along with the start of a new school year or for a family who is experiencing a move to a new place in order to help your little ones overcome any hesitancy that they may have over the idea of making new friends.

Tea with Oliver

Written & illustrated by Mika Song

Published in 2017 by Harper, An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 

 For Ages 4 thru 8 ISBN: 978-0-06-242948-3

 www.harpercollinschildrens.com 

 For further information on Author/Illustrator Mika Song, please visit her website at: https://www.mikasongdraws.com/about

Helping Your Little Ones to Navigate Through Loss- Ida, Always

     Loss- whether if it is unexpectedly sudden, or if it has been a devastatingly long goodbye, is a journey that escapes no one.  This heart-aching  journey of loss is something that I know, sadly, all too well.  My beloved father fought a brave, valiant battle against cancer for nine months until he passed away last summer.  He was a teacher, who lovingly fostered and encouraged the development of the minds of countless generations of children (including his own grandson, who he taught Third Grade) across the over 44 years he dedicated his life to education.

      It has been quite difficult for me to find motivation during the days, weeks and months after his passing. Missing my father is a profound ache that will never leave me. I have yet to make any peace with this,  and I have accepted the fact that that day will never come. But, both reading and writing has been a healer throughout my life.  It has helped me through the over 50 years of joys and heartbreak that life has brought. Now, through the continuation of this page with this new post after a very long absence, I dedicate this to him. It is my greatest wish and hope that my words and my long standing goal to help children as he did, will make him proud.

     Processing the loss of a loved one as an adult is full of challenges and emotions.  But, let's take a moment to imagine what it must be like to face this same loss if you are a child.  The changes to their daily routine.  The emptiness of their loved ones absence.  All of which lead to confusion and unsettled feelings that their still developing minds cannot fully process.

     Back in 2015, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) found that almost 140 million children had lost one or both parents before they turned 18.  Additionally, a study led by the Pitt Development of Psychiatry found that children who lost a parent were more than twice as likely to face difficulties at school and at home.   

     Books have always played an invaluable role in guiding your little ones through the process of grieving.  They can help them make sense of the emotions found not only in the home environment but in their own selves.  In his 2023 paper entitled, "Healing with Storybooks:  Using Bibliotherapy to Help Children Cope with Death," Dr. Prahbhjot Malhi explains that the "key to effective therapeutic reading involves selecting developmentally appropriate books with portrayed characters, situations and emotional experiences with whom the child can identify."  Books help little ones to learn how to build resilience, and most importantly, find comfort in knowing that they are not on this journey alone. Books like quite simply, Ida, Always. 

     New York based author Caron Levis was inspired by the story of a polar bear named Ida, who, along with her companion, Gus,  lived at New York's Central Park Zoo for 24 years.  The pair were often found playing with buckets and balls, and Ida had a habit of keeping her favorite toys nearby as she napped. Ida and Gus were beloved by their keepers, the residents of New York City as well as worldwide, and they were featured in numerous news reports. Even celebrity chef Rachael Ray feted the pair with a meal of tilapia served on a block of ice.  

     Sadly, in 2011, Ida, who at the age of 25 defied the average lifespan of a polar bear, became sick and passed away.  Ida left behind her loyal companion, Gus and countless people who were touched by their unique story of friendship.

     Levis, finding inspiration from both Ida and Gus and drawing upon her background as a social worker who assisted with bereavement groups for children, has created a powerful, yet gracefully tender tale that will leave a lasting pull on your heartstrings.  Most importantly, you will find that Ida, Always will open the communication doors within your own family or classroom to have those sensitive conversations about the struggles of loss and grief with your little ones.

     As our tale begins, Gus and his friend Ida, clearly enjoy their life together in a zoo found in the middle of a large park in a big city.  They spend days playing ball, swimming in the waters of their very own pool, and sharing reflective moments sitting on their favorite rock listening to the bustling sounds of the city around them.  Gus, longing to be able to see the city for himself, tells Ida of his great wish.  

     "I wish we could see it," Gus sighed.  "You don't have to see it to feel it, " said Ida.  "Listen."  "That's the city's heartbeat," said Ida. "It's right here with us.  Always."

     These words come back into focus very quickly for Gus. One morning, he notices that Ida uncharacteristically has slept in.  She missed joining him in their sunny spot.  She missed greeting the visitors to the zoo.  She missed listening to the sounds of the city.  Gus grows worried as the day passes, when their keeper Sonya comes to tell Gus some news that would change his life forever.    As Sonya tries to reassure a confused Gus that while Ida wasn't hurt, she shares that Ida would soon become tired more often, and will be unable to do all the things that Gus looked forward to doing with his friend everyday. Ida was sick,  Sonya explained, and she wasn't going to get better. 

       Gus and Ida have to adjust to the conclusion that they will soon be parted. Together, they both bravely confront the unknown and the realities of death.  Where will Ida be once she has left?  The two friends find fleeting humor in these talks that only the deepest friendship can draw out when faced with despair. "Wherever I go," said Ida, "I bet I'll always smell your fishy breath!"

    On a sunny morning,  Gus goes to greet his friend and finds her curled up in her cave. Her once bright eyes were now closed.  Her body is still. The sun turns grey and dark as a sorrowful pall is cast not only throughout the city but through Gus' spirit, as Ida has now passed.  This mournfulness is soon tempered with the understanding in the days that follow, that in many different ways- whether it is sitting in the same spot where Ida basked in the warmness of the sun, or listening to the familiar sounds of the city, Gus realizes that while Ida is not there in the physical sense, Ida is still very much with him.  

     The warmness of Charles Santoso's illustrations are evident throughout this tale, bringing a sense of comfort to the reader. He uniquely captures the emotional and physical changes in both Gus and Ida as they process their emotions- from hope to sorrow in soft and deepening tones.  With illustrations that complement the gentleness of this tale, Levis and Santoso both have created a work that is  heartbreakingly beautiful but uplifting at the same time. 

     Ultimately, Ida, Always reiterates the message to our children that despite everything, no one that is lost is ever truly gone from us.  They remain with us. Whether it's through the sounds and the heartbeat of a bustling city; or the sounds of cardinals singing.  The smells of a fragrant flower garden.  To the bright warm hues of a sunset.  All these things are constant reminders.  We just have to learn to be always open to signs, and this is such an important lesson to share with our children.  So they know that our beloved loved ones, as does Ida,  as does my Daddy, will remain.  Always.

Ida, Always

Written by Caron Levis & Illustrated by Charles Santoso

Published in 2016

ISBN: 9781481426494

For Ages 4 thru 8

Publisher: Antheneum Books for Young Readers

For More Information on Author Caron Levis, please visit her website at https://www.caronlevis.com/

For More Information on Illustrator Charles Santoso, please visit his website at https://www.charlessantoso.com/

Happy Mother's Day!

     

       "The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation."--- James E. Faust

     In honor of this very special day, we are shining a spotlight on some tales that are not only perfect cuddling up and sharing together with your little ones, but highlight the most special relationship between a mother and her child.  

     It is my hope that you'll find some lovely stories that will not only honor a mother's (grandmother's and all of the exceptional, significant individuals who play an integral maternal-like role in our lives) wise, warm and caring ways, but shows how their love shines in our hearts.

Just Fishing with Grandma

     Yet another delightful "Little Critter" story from the popular series from Mercer Mayer (with his wife Gina), as our tale begins, all Little Critter wants to do one sunny morning is to fish.  He asks his Dad, Mom and Grandpa, and they are all busy with other chores, when Grandma says that she'll take him out fishing.  Excited, Little Critter and Grandma and Little Critter make it out to Lake Pookatookee, where Grandma shows Little Critter the proper way to put the worm on the hook of his new fishing pole.  But, soon, Little Critter and Grandma see that the best laid plans often go awry (fishing rods that get tangled and then 'taken' by the fish!!).  With patience, understanding and a little bit of cleverness on Grandma's part, the day still turns out memorable. 

Just Fishing with Grandma

Written by Gina & Mercer Mayer

Published by Harper Festival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2003)

ISBN: 978-0-06-147808-6

Through Your Eyes- My Child's Gift to Me   

     This stunningly beautiful picture book which is the follow up to author Ainsley Earhardt's previous 2016 debut (the New York Times bestseller, Take Heart, My Child: A Mother's Dream) celebrates a mother's joy of the dreams and hopes she has when her child is born.  As we all have the tendency to race through life, we should all stop and draw upon the wisdom and perspectives from our children to to serve as a reminder of what not only is important in life, but what should be celebrated and remembered.  These are the simple, everyday joys, miracles and the quiet pleasures of life.

Through Your Eyes- My Child's Gift to Me

Written by Ainsley Earhardt & Illustrated by Ji-Hyuk Kim

Published by Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (2017)

ISBN: 978-1-5344-0959-0

A Spotlight Flashback from May 2013!----The Berenstain Bears:  We Love Our Mom! 

     My family, like so many of yours, have been longtime fans of the lovable Berenstain Bears family collection of stories (okay, well, I'll just come right out now and admit it- I love ANYTHING with bears!).  When my son was a baby, I cherished the times that we cuddled together on the living room couch or in my rocking chair at bedtime, reading so many of Jan & Stan Berenstain's bear family adventures. And as a parent, I appreciated all of the morals and lesson's that my little boy learned along the way through reading their many lovable tales.

     Jan and her son, Mike Berenstain, do not disappoint in this latest tale, where we find Brother, Sister and little Honey Bear on the hunt for ideas for what they can do to honor their beloved Mama Bear on Mother's Day. Your little readers will clearly see from the delightful and comforting illustrations just how truly selfless Mama Bear is, as she does everything to make her family of little (and big!) cubs happy. Flashbacks from the young cubs show Mama Bear tending to Brother's scraped knee; sewing popped buttons back on their shirts and always making their favorite, yummy, bear-shaped pancakes for breakfast.  When recalling all of these wonderful things that their Mama Bear does for them all each and every day, they soon realize that they just have to do something truly special for her but they just don't know what to do. And, just when you think that the bears will not be able to come up with anything, inspiration strikes while on a visit to their Grizzly Gran and Gramps house, and the creativity and fun begins!

     An added bonus to this sweet book is the do-it-yourself, "My Mama's Book" where you and your children can create their very own scrapbook for their special moms just like Brother, Sister and Honey Bea

The Berenstain Bears:  We Love Our Mom!

Written & Illustrated by Jan & Mike Berenstain

Publisher: Harper Festival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN: 9780062075475

Our First Throw Back Thursday Tale-- Revisiting "Canary in the Cold Mine" by Madelyn Rosenberg

      Every Thursday, we're going to throw it back in time for a look back at some very special posts from the beginnings of this blog.  For those who have newly found their way here- Welcome!!  It is my hope that this spotlight may provide you with a welcome visit of some tales that you have missed; while for those who have regularly stopped by, not only do I thank you, but I hope this regular spotlight is a sweet reminder of a tale that you might want to pick up and read again.

     For this very first "Throw Back Thursday Tale", please enjoy Canary in the Cold Mine by Madelyn Rosenberg.

https://amodestmommasmusingsforlittlereaders.blogspot.com/2013/06/canary-in-coal-mine-by-madelyn-rosenberg.html