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By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 4/18/2013
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As I child, I understood the poetic magic of origami even before I knew the name of the art. One of my great-great aunt's many skills was paper-folding. She could swiftly make an origami bow tie appear out of a paper scrap. That fascinating talent was as magical ability as anything I'd ever witnessed, and it was always an honor to receive one of her tidy, crisp bow ties.
Since it's National Poetry Month, the kids and I picked up a few new poetry books at the library. One picture book we particularly like has an origami theme --
Fold Me a Poem by Kristine O'Connell George, illustrated by Lauren Stinger.
The summary on the copyright page states that the book is "a collection of poems about origami animals." In reality, the
Fold Me a Poem is much more than a collection. The poems, read together in succession, collectively tell a story about an imaginative boy who plays with his origami creations all day long, from the moment he wakes up in the morning until he falls asleep in his bed at night. The short poems are rather like private thoughts as he brings the origami animals to life, folding them into splendid creatures and playing with them afterward: "Forty bright sheets / of colored paper, / a world of animals. / Who will be next?" The animals race each other, hide, and get into trouble. Even the boy's cat joins in the fun, by attacking and injuring a poor pink ostrich during a "wind storm" produced by a fan. The cleverly designed square book has end papers that look like origami paper. In total, the book contains 32 original poems; it does not include instructions for creating origami animals -- however, the illustrator in her end note mentions various book resources.
This poetry book provides wonderful inspiration for showing children how to capture their own thoughts in poetry form on paper! All children need to do to write their own poems is describe their own play. O'Connell's poems are written in many different forms including haiku, apostrophe (poems of address), mask or persona poems, and process poems, making the book a useful springboard for teaching these styles. Lauren Stringer's painted illustrations beautifully accompany the poems and are instrumental in helping the reader visualize the poems. Stringer skillfully captures the origami creatures -- folding origami is hard enough, but painting all the shadows, showing the folds through illustration takes real talent indeed!
As for favorite poems, I adore "Night," a poem that tells how the boy adds his own star to the night sky. My son likes the poem "Tub" mostly because the illustrations for the poem show many of the origami creations waiting for a ride on an origami boat, including a bandaged ostrich. My daughter especially likes "Mystery" because it fully captures the wonder and joy of creating your own origami. Anything, yes, anything is possible with a little imagination.
Fold Me a Poem
by Kristine O'Connell George, illustrated by Lauren Stringer. Harcourt (April 2005); ISBN 9780152025014; 32 pages
Book Source: Borrowed from our local library
I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.) Related Links:Kristine O'Connell George - Author WebsiteLauren Stringer - Illustrator WebsiteTeacher's Guide - Fold Me A PoemBaby Chick in Egg - Origami and Poem
Today is Poem in Your Pocket Day! When thinking about combining origami and poetry, we chanced upon a verse by the brilliant children's poet, Aileen Fisher. The poem "
Baby Chick" questions how a chick knows its way out of the egg. We've created a neat origami project to go along with the poem (plus the paper egg shell makes a neat, handy pocket to tuck the poem into!)
The directions to fold the chick and egg origami can be found at
http://www.kutchuk.com. The design is made from a single piece of paper. This is an easy, beginner origami project for kids. I created a pdf template with folding guides to make it even easier to fold your own origami if you'd prefer to use that instead. One is full color and the other can be colored-in by a child. Make sure to print with page scaling set to "none" or
unclick "fit to page" so that it doesn't resize the document. Click on the google doc links below to print your own copy (clicking on the image won't work).
To extend the poetry in a pocket idea and fold a poem, you could have your child write the poem on the paper before folding it into the chick/egg shape! Or, if your child can't write, print out the poem and tuck it into the pocket formed by the folded egg shell.
Did you know April is National Poetry Month? It's the perfect time to pull down those dusty poetry volumes from your bookshelves and read a few verses with your kids. Better yet, why not start off this month with a goal of reading a poem a day together?
Travis at
100 Scope Notes always kicks off poetry month by compiling
Book Spine Poems. He's currently inviting others to submit their best compositions. Our family has participated in the book spine poetry challenge before with a spine poem titled,
The Runaway Bunny. This year we scoured our home for books that would fit in with a tree/bird theme and came up with this little ditty:
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf
little green
THERE WAS A TREE
OUTSIDE your WINDOW
Waiting for Wings
A HOME FOR BIRD
IN A BLUE ROOM
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
–– What kind of spine poem can you write with the books in your home? Give it try! ––
Over the last few years, we've reviewed several different children's poetry books and have made a few poetry crafts. Here is a sampling of my favorites:
My Poetry Book - When my daughter was younger she made a "My Poetry Book." For an entire month, she selected a poem a day she liked and drew illustrations for each of the poems. She pasted the poems and the illustrations into a composition book.
POET-TREE craft - draw a tree and glue the verses of a tree themed poem to the branches
Miniature Poetry Book - illustrate and assemble your own miniature "A Fairy Went A-Marketing" poetry book
The golden egg is missing! Wendy Wax and Dave Garbot's newest picture puzzle book tells of an egg-straordinary egg-mergency. Someone in Easterville has nabbed the Easter Bunny's special golden egg, and the Easter Bunny is on the Loose searching everywhere for clues to discover who took his golden egg. To help solve the mystery, readers must search the detailed, double-page spreads (reminiscent of the Where's Waldo books) to locate the Easter Bunny in the scenes and find important evidence left by an egg-snatching suspect. As each of the clues are located, the possible suspects (pictured in the beginning of the book) can be eliminated one by one until a culprit emerges.
My kids enjoy solve-it-yourself mystery books as well as seek and finds. This fun, Easter-themed Seek and Solve Mystery kept them happily entertained for quite awhile. Even after they solved the mystery they continued to pour over the busy, comic-style illustrations, looking at all the silly sights in Easterville (An Eggcellent Place to Live). Besides eggs, chicks, and the usual Easter fare, there are bunnies, bunnies everywhere -- bunny ballet, a carrot concession stand and a gigantic chocolate bunny. There's also a green frog hiding in every scene, though we have no idea why he'd be interested in living in Easterville unless he's looking for some hopping lessons.
Do you have a little reading detective in your home?
Easter Bunny on the Loose! A Seek and Solve Mystery makes a colorful, amusing addition to any c
hild's spring-themed library. Also it's a good fit for
kids that enjoy Where's Waldo or I Spy style books. Other "On the Loose" series books include Monsters on the Loose! and Santa on the Loose!Easter Bunny on the Loose!: A Seek and Solve Mystery!
by Wendy Wax, illustrated by Dave Garbot. HarperCollins (January 2013); ISBN 9780062237095; 32 pages
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Related links:Wendy Wax - Author WebsiteDave Garbot - Illustrator WebsiteClue Chart - Story Extension
I like to use mystery books to help my kids make use of their critical thinking and problem solving skills. While reading this story and searching the pages, my kids wanted help keeping track of all the clues and suspects (the suspects are pictured in the front of the book). Since the story is essentially an easy logic problem, I printed a chart for them log their clues and eliminate suspects in an organized, systematic fashion.
For more lesson plans, books and activity ideas involving mystery books for young readers view the
Ingredients of a Mystery unit plan at Scholastic. There's even a blank suspect list you can print out for free!
I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 1/28/2013
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In a few hours the ALA will announce the 2013 Youth Media Awards. Here in the Brimful home we have considered our picture book favorites from 2012 and are pleased to announce our predictions for the Caldecott Award.
2nd grader picks:
Favorite for Award: Magritte's Marvelous Hat by D.B. Johnson
Honors: Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex
Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Preschooler picks:
Favorite for Award: This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Honors: Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex
Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
Brimful Mom's picks:
Favorite for Award: More by I. C. Springman, illustrated by Brian Lies
Honors: Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex
Brimful Dad's picks:
Favorite for Award: Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex
Honors: Step Gently Out by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder
Our Other Favorite 2012 Picture Books:
Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson
Little Dog Lost: The Story of a Brave Dog Named Baltic by Mônica Carnesi
National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry edited by J. Patrick Lewis
One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by David Small
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 12/13/2012
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 |
| Tiny Tot -Waiting to perform in the Nutcracker |
We've been living and breathing Nutcracker these past few weeks and months. My daughter performs the part of a Party Girl and a Mirliton in our local Nutcracker production this December. My son plays a smaller role, but he's super cute nonetheless as a Tiny Tot in the party scene. They've both spent a lot of time both back stage, below stage and on stage during rehearsals. Now that the performances have started, we've been spending even more quality time at the theater.
Participating in the Nutcracker production has provided both of my kids with a valuable opportunity to witness first hand all that goes on behind the scenes during a live performance. Most audience members remain blissfully unaware of hustle and bustle of activity back stage. Make-up and hair, costumes, props and set, lighting, warm-up - the magic begins long before the curtain opens.
As I was researching Nutcracker themed children's books, I came across a wonderful picture book title by Rachel Isadora that provides a unique look at the Nutcracker ballet from a performer's point of view.
Lili on Stage follows a young girl named Lili as she gets ready to perform as a party girl in Act I of a Nutcracker production. She and her friends warm-up, put on their make-up and costumes and wait in the wings until finally they walk on stage and join the fabulous party scene, watching as Drosselmeyer gives the gift of a nutcracker. Off stage, as she heads back to the changing room, Lili sees all the dancers who will perform in Act II - Marzipan, Dew Drop, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and more - dressed and ready to dance.
Isadora beautifully captures all the preparation, awe and excitement a young dancer experiences when getting ready to perform in a ballet production. Her lovely watercolor illustrations suit the theme particularly well, realistically and expressively illustrating the dancers. Both boy and girl dancers are portrayed, and Isadora also shows racial diversity of the cast in her depiction of the performers
. Isadora herself was a
professional dancer before she began a career in children's books. Her first-hand knowledge of ballet and the dancer's life is evident in every single page of this book. Ballet instructors may want to read the story aloud to students before a performance because the book offers plenty of helpful advice for performers: no speaking on stage, hold your head high, don't eat or drink while in costume. Isadora provides readers with a short summary of the Nutcracker story in the beginning of the book.
 |
| Mirliton - Dance of the Reed Flutes |
My daughter loves this book because it shows all of the different character dancers in Act II of the Nutcracker ballet. She performs as a Mirliton (a.k.a. Marzipan or Shepardess) during the
Dance of the Reed Flutes, and surprisingly we've had a hard time finding this particular piece depicted in Nutcracker children's books. Luckily, Isadora included the divertissements, although she uses some different terms for the characters than we are used to -- the Russian (Trepak) I believe is depicted as Candycane?!Lili on Stage is part of Isadora's "Lili" series, a picture book series perfectly suited for young ballerinas. The book is currently out-of-print, but can be found at a reasonable cost used. Other books in the series include:
Lili at Ballet
and
Lili Backstage
.
Lili on Stage
by Rachel Isadora. Putnam (October 1995); ISBN 9780399226373; 32 pages
Book Source: Personal copy
Related links:Rachel Isadora - Website I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)
This December I plan on reviewing several different versions of E. T. A. Hoffman's The Nutcracker. Before I start with the book reviews, I've decided to highlight something a little different, an awesome Nutcracker storybook app that happens to be available for free today on Apple itunes! If you're a fan of the Nutcracker ballet and enjoy the music and the story, this is an app you must absolutely download!
The Nutcracker Musical Storybook is an animated, interactive app based on the ballet version of the Nutcracker. This app by Mouse King Media combines excerpts of Tchaikovsky's music with a short, picture book format story featuring artwork by Yoko Tanaka. The app can be played as either a storybook or movie version.
Illustrator Tanka channels some of the Sugar Plum fairy's magic and beautifully captures the fantasy elements of the Nutcracker in her lovely, enchanting illustrations. It's a splendid treat to interact with this app -- Clara, the Nutcracker, the seven-headed Mouse King and all the dancers magically to spring to life right on the screen. The scenes in The Land of Sweets are incredible, particularly the Russian Dancers scene. The story is not narrated, like other storybook apps, so children will need to read the words themselves or have an adult read aloud the story.
I purchased
The Nutcracker Musical Storybook on Amazon
for our Kindle Fire last month. Since both my kids are performing in the Nutcracker this holiday season, I thought they might enjoy an interactive version. I highly recommend this app. Even if you can't get it free, it's still a bargain at $2.99. The app provides a nice introduction to both the music of the Nutcracker and also the basic storyline.
The app is available for
ipad,
Android,
Amazon Appstore, and also
Nook.
I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 11/30/2012
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If you've read books together with a preschooler or early elementary aged child I imagine you've seen Mercer Mayer's popular Little Critter books. But if you are like us, you might not be familiar with another of Mercer Mayer's fabulously cute characters -- Little Monster.
Little Monster has pointy ears and teeth, wings and a spiky tail. He's a not-to-scary, overall-wearing, dragon kind of monster that spends his days doing the ordinary things all children do: going to school, spending time with his family and trying to stay out of trouble. The Little Monster series books were first published in the late 1970s, and the bestselling books continue to be popular with young kids today. However, many of the books are now long out-of-print.
FastPencil is helping to bring back the Little Monster books for a new generation to read. The company has released a fantastic Mercer Mayer Classic Collectible four-book series. The books feature Mayer's “Little Monster” character. My family recently had the chance to read one of the books in the series:
Mercer Mayer's Little Monster Home School and Work Book
.
Though it's printed with different formatting
, Mercer Mayer's Little Monster Home, School and Work Book is actually a compilation of three of Mayer's original picture books:
Little Monster at Home, Little Monster at School and
Little Monster at Work. As collections tend to be, this hardcover book is larger-sized, 92 pages long in all. Each of the stories are treated like separate chapters within the book and a table of content in front indicates page numbers. The book is also available as an e-book download (we received the hardcover copy version to review).
Young kids can easily identify with Little Monster -- after all, even though he's dragon-like, he acts like a normal kid, not a monster! The illustrations in the book are very similar to those in the Little Critter series, packed full of imaginative, action-filled scenes and interesting characters.
My kids especially appreciate how Mayer includes little humorous scenarios within the illustrations including aliens at the airport and a spider inching down from a bathroom sink right in front of a monster cat. In fact, the illustrations are so fun to look at, you'll want to spend a little extra time pouring over the pages while reading to make sure you don't miss anything in the book. Both my kids found the book engaging and enjoyable. It's a good read aloud for preschoolers and also is challenging and interesting enough for early readers. I'd recommend it for ages preschool-2nd grade.
Little Monster gives a tour of his house in
Little Monster at Home. He starts with the cellar, a rather unusual choice. (Who starts a home tour with the cellar? - I guess monsters do!) Mayer provides readers with a fun glimpse into the life of the Little Monster family. They take baths and do the laundry just like the rest of us. Little Monster's pet Kerploppus sleeps on the couch, "even though he is not supposed to." The book also details what the family does around the house during the various seasons. I adore the winter illustrations. Little Monster mentions Christmas and likes his house best in wintertime because
"it's so very snuggly and warm."
In
Little Monster at School, a student named Yally doesn't seem to like school much at all. He gets frustrated easily and wants to be the best at everything. Little Monster shows how to be a good friend and helps brings out the best in Yally by boosting Yally's self-confidence with some well-deserved praise. [In related news, earlier this year Wanderful, Inc. released a
Little Monster at School iPad storybook app.]
My son's favorite section of the book is the
Little Monster at Work part. The busy illustrations and focus on vocabulary building in this Little Monster story remind me of Richard Scarry's
What Do People Do All Day. Little Monster follows his grandfather to various places and learns about different occupations. Together they visit a road construction site, car shop, T.V. station, circus, newspaper business, medical center, campsite, marina, the moon, a diner, home construction site, airport, farmer's market, the Olympics, craft fair, town square, and also learn about jobs in science. There's not much explanation in the text as to what the various jobs entail, but the illustrations offer unlimited discussion possibilities.
Little Monster Home School and Work Book by Mercer Mayer. FastPencil Premiere (October 2012); ISBN 9781607469452; 92 pages
Book Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Other books in the Mercer Mayer Classic Collectible series include:
Little Monster Word Book with Mother Goose;
Little Monster Fun and Learn Book and
Professor Wormbog In Search for the Zipperump-a-Zoo Related Linkshttp://www.mercermayer.com/http://www.littlecritter.com Tool Flashcards and Tool Box Educational Activity
The book ends with a question from Little Monster, "
Did you see anything in my book that you would like to be?" I asked my son what he wanted to be when he grows up and he replied, "a fixer." That's not entirely surprising considering both of his grandfathers are retired mechanics. We talked about the different tools mechanics use, and I asked him to identify a few common tools. He knew a few but it became quickly apparent that his basic tool vocabulary is lacking.
We were on a vocabulary kick after reading the word heavy "At Work" section of Mayer's book, so I decided to further the educational lessons and make some tool flashcards and a paper tool box envelope to hold the flashcards for my son. Now he knows correct tool terminology and can call the tools by their proper names (both grandpas will be so proud). We've played with the cards in a variety of ways including putting the tools in alphabetical order. I'm considering printing out a second set so we can play Go Fish--tool style.
Hand Tools Activities and Worksheets for KidsTool Coloring Pages and Writing Practice - Twisty NoodleHandy Manny Toolbox Printable - Family.comT is for Toolbelt Craft - Brilliant Beginnings PreschoolMatching Tools Printable (Pre-K - 1st) - TeacherVisionTools Printouts - EnchantedLearning.com Webelos Craftsman Activity Badge Worksheets - Boy Scout TrailFelt Tools and Toolbox Templates - Serving Pink LemonadeI am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 11/16/2012
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By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 10/31/2012
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The Halloween costumes are ready for a night of trick-or-treating. My daughter is dressing up as a Prairie Girl and my son's costume is a Bald Eagle (both hand sewn by me with a little help from my mom). I'm a big fan of homemade costumes because I think they make Halloween just a little more personal and special.
One of my absolute favorite things about Halloween is seeing all the creative costumes. And one of the best things about children's Halloween picture books is the varied illustrations of creative costumes! But sometimes those costumes and the outdoor sights and sounds can be a little too scary ... then what?
Just Say BOO! Jed Henry's fantastic watercolor illustrations in the new Halloween book
Just Say Boo! show trick-or-treaters dressed as a bat, shark, witch and more, posed and ready to say "BOO!" to ward off everything scary. Spooky ghost decorations, howling wind in the trees, grim jack-o'lanterns -- kids can make them all less frightening by shouting BOO! Henry's charming illustrations, combined with Susan Hood's playful text, show young children how to dispel their Halloween fears by making trick-or-treat time fun and silly. The call and answer format of the text makes the book a lively read-aloud and elicits numerous shouts of "BOO!"
"If the ghosts in the trees wibble-wobble your knees, what do you say? .... BOO!"
Best part of all (and something all parents will appreciate), Hood doesn't stop with just BOO. With a little prompt, she reminds kids that there are other things to say on Halloween, too, like the polite and ever important word, THANK YOU!
Going trick-or-treating tonight? This is the perfect book to read beforehand.
Just Say Boo!
by Susan Hood, illustrated by Jed Henry. HarperCollins Children's Books (July 2012); ISBN 9780062010292; 32 pages
Book Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Related links:Susan Hood - Author Website Jed Henry - Illustrator WebsiteJust Say Boo! Printable Halloween Cards and Masks I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 10/30/2012
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If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who ya gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS - right? Maybe not, if there's a certain ghost-catching little girl who lives nearby.
Ghosts in the House, a cute picture book my kids love to read every Halloween, introduces a little girl who is the
ULTIMATE Ghostbuster. She moves into a house filled with ghosts but remains unfazed because she knows exactly how to catch ghosts. With help from her black cat friend she puts her bewitching skills to work. And after she catches all the ghosts she puts them into her washing machine!
Kazuno Kohara published this bright orange book only a few years ago in 2008, but the story deserves recognition as a classic Halloween tale. Perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids, it's sure to remain a Halloween favorite of young kids for many years to come. The ghosts in the book aren't scary at all, and the amusing storyline elicits a few giggles with each reading. Best of all are the unique linocut illustrations. Using a limited palette of orange and black, Kohara creates bold, cleanly designed haunted house images. She superimposes white see-through ghosts over the orange background and black lines. The effect is stunning -- the ghosts look like magical tissue paper apparitions!
Ghosts in the House!
by Kazuno Kohara. Roaring Brook Press / Macmillan (August 2008); ISBN 9781596434271; 32 pages
Book Source: Copy from our personal library
Ghost Window Craft
The kids liked the idea of having a house filled with friendly ghosts, so we made a few translucent ghosts for our window out of freezer paper. Our ghosts look exactly like the ghost waving out of the window of the house on the front cover of Ghosts in the House (you can sort of see the window grid pattern through our ghosts, too). The freezer paper ghosts are a cheap and easy last minute Halloween decoration that the kids can help with. We colored in the eyes and mouth with a black permanent marker. Now our house is haunted but with cute ghosts, not spooky ones!
I wasn't the first to come up with this fabulous Halloween decorating idea -- I saw it on ... where else? ... a
Pinterest pin from
My Material Life.
I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 10/28/2012
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Welcome to the October Carnival of Children's Literature! What's brewing in the blog world of children's books? The cauldron is bubbling over! Read on to find oodles of books and posts on a multitude of topics.
For those not familiar with the Carnival of Children's Literature, it is a monthly round-up of submitted blog posts about children's literature. The carnival is hosted at a different blog every month. Find out more and/or participate in the carnival at
Anastasia Suen's Booktalking.
Wondering about the cute cauldron pictured over to the right? -- It contains my family's collection of Halloween books. I borrowed the
book cauldron idea from Obseussed after seeing it on
Pinterest.
Beware! BOOksSince it's the spooky time of the year, let's start off the Carnival with:
Halloween themed booksThe Picture Book Review introduces the picture book,
Asiago by Adam McHeffey.Tiffa, a fellow stay-at-home mom recently enjoyed the book with her son and says,
"Asiago is a great book for young children. It has a vampire theme that will mesh well with Halloween without being all about Halloween. This book deserves more attention and more readers." Storied Cities recommends a picture book she discovered by accident
, The Trip by Ezra Jack Keats.According to Erica,
"This is one of the few Halloween picture books with an urban setting. It's also one of Keats' lesser known titles (or so I believe)."The Adventures in Writing & Publishing featured a series of posts in Octobe
r called 13 Lucky Days of Halloween Reviews. There's a wide assortment of spooky, fun books for a range of ages. One of Lisa's posts is about a non-fiction book by Capstone Press,
How to Carve Freakishly Cool Pumpkins by Sarah L. Schuette.
The Cath in the Hat reminds us that Halloween is just around the corner with her review of an enticing short chapter book (also a
CYBILS nominee),
Maybelle and the Haunted Cupcake by Katie Speck, illustrated by Paul Ratz de Tagyos. Early Literacy/Picture Books Monkey Poop is back to blogging with a review of
Ugly Fish by Kara LeReau; illustrated by Scott Magoon. It's a
"kooky picture book" that her 2.5 year old finds hilarious.
Flowering Minds offers a must-read for inquisitive minds --
The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers. Darshana says this picture book is,
"a quirky, imaginative introduction to the “whodunit” genre for young readers with a message of conservation, recycling, and forgiveness."Stacey Localzo changed her mind about books containing speech bubbles after reading a book perfect for early readers or a reader who has yet to discover they love reading --
A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse by Frank Viva. "The simple text, picture support and graphic style all make for a winning selection."True Tales & a Cherry on Top reviews Magritte's Marvelous HAT by D. B. Johnson. Jeanne comments,
"The book is inspired by a real person -- the surrealist artist Rene Magritte and the author imagines Rene Magritte as a dog in his surreal world. Author, D.B. Johnson says, 'You try on a hat that floats in the air and leads you to a place where anything is possible and everything is impossible.' And how impossibly wonderful is that?!"NC Teacher Stuff reviews a neat-looking new book, Infinity and Me by Kate Hosford; illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska. Jeff sums it up -- "Infinity and Me is a terrific fiction picture book about a girl who ponders the concept of infinity. The text and the artwork will help students better understand this concept."Brimful Curiosities introduces a fantastic robot book, BOY + BOT by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. "
Simply and perfectly told with bold, eye-pleasing illustrations, this is quite possibly the best robot picture book we've ever read (and believe me, we've read several)." Plus, Janelle and son show off their stellar robot building skills by constructing a BOT out of LEGOs.
Little Hearts/Gentle Parenting Resources provides a list of
25 Must-Have Books for Preschooler Bookworms. Her list includes many favorites including
Go Away, Big Green Monster,
Harold and the Purple Crayon,
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and some more unusual recommendations like
Light Up the Night (a book my own preschooler enjoyed this summer).
Horribly Humorous History for Kids presents an intriguing post this month discussing 19th century alphabet books for kids.
"ABC books can be a snapshot of the kinds of pictureable objects that would have been familiar to kids in times past, and some of the pictured objects are, well, shocking to our modern eye." Sarah's post titled,
N is for Nylghau, also shows how ABC authors handled the letter X, in the era before X rays were invented.
Non-FictionWrapped in Foil shares a book for little architects --
Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building by Christy Hale. This is a new, nonfiction picture book that
"pairs illustrations of children building with common materials and an intriguing shape poem about the process with amazing photographs of actual structures from around the world." SimplyScience Blog reviews
Ocean Sunlight: How Tiny Plants Feed the Seas by Molly Bang and Penny Chisholm, a "lovely book explains ocean food chains and the source of energy that runs them--phytoplankton." Chapter Books / Middle Grade / Fiction Playing by the Book shares a modern-day fairy story,
Operation Bunny by Sally Gardner, illustrated by David Roberts. Zoe writes,
"Operation Bunny is a beautifully written and very funny book for fluent young readers about fairies, detectives and a talking cat. We also made our own miniature fairy wings to go with the story."
Literary Lunchbox is a panelist for the CYBILS, and she is enjoying judging middle grade fiction, her greatest literary love. Ali reviews three "
well-written and wonderfully readable books." [
The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook by Joanne Rocklin,
The Humming Room by Ellen Potter and
The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine]
Shelf-employed reviews a middle-grade graphic novel, Drama by Raina Telgemeier. The book is "written in “acts” rather than chapters" and "Telgemeier breaks new ground in introducing gay characters to a novel for younger readers (ages 10 and up)."Book Aunt's entry is about the "Super Middle Grade" with reviews of four recent middle grade books about secret societies, super powers, conspiracies, and super villains. [Capture the Flag by Kate Messner; Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities by Mike Jung, The Cloak Society by Jeremy Kraatz and The Secret Prophecy by Herbie Brennan]Geo Librarian reviews an amusing and touching middle grade book, Ungifted by Gordon Korman. The author "demonstrates that while not all students have academic talents, everyone has something to add to the school environment."Boys Rule Boys Read! shares some good fiction about the early days of baseball. [
Bill Penant, Babe Ruth, and Me by Timothy Tocher;
Mudville by Kurtis Scaletta;
Lucky: Maris, Mantle and My Best Year Ever by Wes Tooke; and the Sluggers series by Phil Bilden and Loren Long]
Yellow Brick Reads reviews Philip Pullman's much-anticipated adaptation,
Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm: A New English Version. To mark the 200th anniversary of the publication of Children's and Household Tales by the Brothers Grimm, Pullman has rewritten 50 out of the original 211 tales.
Teens/Young Adult
Great Kid Books reviews
Every Day by David Levithan. Mary Ann writes,
"I was absolutely fascinated by David Levithan's new book EVERY DAY. It raises questions about identity, memory, relationships in a way that will appeal to teens. I call this realistic fantasy - it is definitely fantasy, but one that will appeal to teens who like realistic fiction." Poetry No Water River welcomes everyone to Poet-a-Palooza. Join in a celebration of the publication of Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong's important classroom poetry resource,
The Poetry Friday Anthology. The post includes an interview with Janet and Sylvia as well as poetry videos by Jane Yolen, Ken Slesarik, Stephanie Calmenson, and Michael J. Rosen.
Book ProjectsTeaching Authors -- April Halprin Wayland, talks about her struggles finishing a novel she's been working on for 14 years. She also shares her related original poem, "Patience."
InterviewsBarbies on Fire interviews children's book author
Darcy Pattison and reviews her latest book,
Desert Baths.
"The book explores the unusual bathing rituals of many animals living in the American Southwest. It's a great book filled with continuing education resources for those curious about desert critters."
Booktalking goes behind the scenes and talks to
Margaret Quinlin, editor (and publisher) of
Carmen Agra Deedy's lastest book, Return of the Library Dragon.
Picture Books & Pirouettes interviews picture book author
Sarah Lynn. The interview highlights Lynn's publications experiences, which range from iPhone Apps to traditionally published books, and offers advice for aspiring authors. Sarah Lynn's newest book is
1-2-3 Va-Va-Vroom! A Counting Book.
The November edition of Carnival of Children's Literature will be posted at
There’s A Book Thanks for stopping by!
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 10/12/2012
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I've traipsed through many a wood and have collected my share of pinecones, but never, never on any of my adventures have I come across a friendly, mechanized, working robot. I must be walking through the wrong kind of woods, because in Ame Dyckman's picture book world this scenario is entirely possible.
Simply and perfectly told with bold, eye-pleasing illustrations by robot-lover Dan Yaccarino,
BOY + BOT
is quite possibly the best robot picture book we've ever read (and believe me, we've read several). The story-line goes like this: Boy walks through the woods. Boy meets a big, red robot. Boy and robot problem-solve. Robot and boy become BFF. Now obviously there's more to it than that, like for instance both boy and bot have similar "misunderstood malfunctions" and need fixing, but to say any more would spoil the fun. Read the robot parts aloud in your best robot voice. Remark on all the fun things the robot and boy do together like swimming, apple-picking and rock-skipping. And remember, little boys do not need oiling, and never, ever feed your robot applesauce.
This book deservedly received starred review from Kirkus, Booklist, and Publishers Weekly. Take our word for it (and theirs), if you have a young, robot-loving child,
BOY + BOT is for them and worth purchasing.
Fun fact:
If you look closely at the illustrations in BOY + BOT you'll discover one of Yaccarino's creative additions to the story -- a light-bulb shaped, one-eyed robot that Ame Dyckman calls "Watt." Not surprisingly, illustrator Dan Yaccarino has a self-described "
slight penchant for robots." He is also the author/illustrator of another robot picture book,
If I Had a Robot
, a story about a boy who dreams about all the things he could or wouldn't have to do if he had a robot. His robot illustrations have a retro, vintage look reminiscent of those tin
wind-up robot toys from the past. Related links: Ame Dyckman - Author Website Dan Yaccarino - Illustrator Website BOY + BOT by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. Alfred A. Knopf / Random House (April 2012); ISBN 9780375867569; 32 pages
Book Source: copy from our personal library
Sadly we have not discovered our own robot friend in the woods, so my son and I did the next best thing ... made our own robot out of LEGOs. Our LEGO collection is large and diverse enough to provide ample parts for robot building. We have eyes, connecting parts to make arms that swing and plenty of multi-sized, red blocks.
My son insisted that our BOT robot have a power switch in the back. Pair the LEGO bot with a boy mini-figure and let the book play-acting begin!
'"What's wrong?" the boy asked. The robot did not answer.
"Are you sick?" the boy asked. The robot still did not answer.
"I must help him," the boy said."'
I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 10/11/2012
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A is for Acorns
B is for Bark
C is for Crunchy Leaves
While waiting for the school bus to arrive, my son and I gathered some items from nature and practiced writing the first letters of the alphabet. I find it hard to believe that autumn is in full swing and the leaves are already changing colors and falling to the ground. Our summer passed by quickly and despite the fact that I didn't blog about our activities, our days were full of fun activities and plenty of books. The ABC game also provides me a good way to remark on my blogging hiatus.
A = I Apologize for my Absence, summer Activities kept me otherwise occupied
B = Still Busy but now hopefully Back to Blogging about Books and our Bustling life
C = Creative endeavors sometimes Call for a Cathartic break
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 7/3/2012
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In preparation for Independence Day, we made a fun 4th of July snack using crackers and pretzels. This eagle cracker mosaic is a relatively healthy treat to take to an 4th of July party.
If you'd like to try making one for the upcoming holiday, here are the four types of crackers/pretzels we used in our creation:
White Cheddar Cheez-It CrackersSnyder's of Hanover Cheddar Cheese Sandwiches PretzelsPepperidge Farm Goldfish CrackersGeneric brand pretzel sticks
Since 1782 the bald eagle has been a national symbol of the United States. On the front of the Great Seal, the eagle is shown clutching an olive branch in the right talon and a bundle of thirteen arrows in the left talon. This unique design represents the power of peace and war.
I took some time today to discuss the symbolism of the eagle with my kids, in particular, the eagle's depiction on the Great Seal. We used the back of a U.S. one-dollar bill for reference. Obviously much thought and planning went into the design of this U.S. seal and the process took six years. Many variations were submitted to Congress, and the eagle was not the focal part of the originally submitted design for the seal but was ultimately prominently featured in
Charles Thomson's design in 1782.
The eagle, "on the wing and rising," is a symbol of freedom and liberty. The number "13" appears to be a theme throughout the seal, the number representing the thirteen colonies that declared independence from the British Empire and later becoming the first states in the United States of America. Here's one surprising fact -- Did you know that there are thirteen letters in the motto, "E pluribus unum," which means Out of Many, One? [View this website for further information:
Symbols of U.S. Government: The Great Seal of the United States]
Obverse Side of the Great Seal -
"The most prominent feature is the American bald eagle supporting the shield, or escutcheon, which is composed of 13 red and white stripes, representing the original States, and a blue top which unites the shield and represents Congress. The motto, E Pluribus Unum (Out of many, one), alludes to this union. The olive branch and 13 arrows denote the power of peace and war, which is exclusively vested in Congress. The constellation of stars denotes a new State taking its place and rank among other sovereign powers." --
The Great Seal of the United States, United States Department of State, Publication No. 10411, 1996
I found an image for the kids to color that shows the front of the Great Seal on page 7 in the
Symbols of the U.S. Government pdf booklet.
This morning we turned our dining room into a Father's Day card factory. The kids worked on special cards that look like portable GPS navigation systems (only our versions are a lot cheaper than the real deal and, best of all, they are each personalized). The Brimful Dad would really like a handheld GPS for Father's Day. When or if he decides to purchase one, we'll let him pick it out himself. In the meantime, we're positive he'll appreciate our GPS card creation! The kids also made GPS cards for all of their grandpas and their uncle.
I used Microsoft Word to create a template that looks like a car GPS for the kids to personalize. In place of the GPS map, they drew self-portraits along with a picture of the card recipient. Inside they added a heart made out of red foam paper. They glued the white GPS rectangles to black cardstock.
Our Father's Day GPS cards read:
Outside: Our [grandpa/dad] guides us each and every day.
Inside: But he doesn't need a GPS ... he lovingly guides with his heart! Happy Father's Day!
I've made the GPS Father's Day Card template [pdf] available for download from Google Docs, in case you'd like to borrow the idea.
In all actuality, a GPS and a father have a lot in common. A GPS system guides the trusting user to a destination. In a similar way, a father guides his children through life with love and compassion, despite the inevitable road blocks and detours. Here's a picture book that focuses on a father who guides with his heart.
Because Your Daddy Loves You
by Andrew Clements, illustrated by R.W. Alley. Clarion/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (April 2005); ISBN 9780618003617; 32 pages (Review copy from library)
Because Your Daddy Loves You by Andrew Clements is a book about a very patient and loving father. The book starts and ends with bedtime, and the little girl and her father visit a beach during the day. The dad's patience never wavers and he remains positive and cheerful, despite m
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 5/4/2012
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Mornings would be so much brighter if every box of cereal contained a book to read! That's why I always look forward to the Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories® program every year. The Spoonful of Stories program recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary with the distribution of more than six million children books! This year's books could be found free inside specially marked Cheerios boxes starting in March 2012. However, if your area is anything like ours, the boxes flew off the shelves! But don't worry if you missed all the new stories this year -- read on for a giveaway you won't want to miss.
Several great Simon & Schuster small-sized paperback books were offered this year in the Cheerios boxes. The selection featured six picture book titles, written in both English and Spanish and appropriate for ages three to eight:
● Noodle & Lou by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Arthur Howard
● Hello Baby! by Mem Fox and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
● If I Were a Jungle Animal by Amanda Ellery and illustrated by Tom Ellery
● Peeny Butter Fudge by Toni and Slade Morrison and illustrated by Joe Cepeda
● Mostly Monsterly by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Scott Magoon
● Can I Just Take a Nap? by Ron Rauss and illustrated by Rob Shepperson
In addition to providing books in the cereal boxes, Cheerios made a $300,000 donation to First Book, a literacy focused non-profit, and also gave 5000 children's books to 10 First Book local volunteer chapters nationwide.
I applaud Cheerios for promoting literacy through this wonderful book distribution program. If only they could continue the program year round, and work together with other publishers, to get more free books in the hands of children!
One of the best things about the books is that they are bilingual! (And, due to the small paperback size (7" x 5-1/4"), they are also very portable and easy to stash inside a bag for trips.) My kids and I have been reading a few of the Spoonful of Stories titles this week to brush up on our Spanish just in time for Cinco de Mayo.
Both my kids really enjoy reading Tammi Sauer's
Mostly Monsterly (Mayormente Monstruosa). The book stars a mostly monsterly little girl monster named Bernadette (though for a monster she's not really all that
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 5/2/2012
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My kids spread some spring cheer yesterday by hanging May Baskets on our neighbor's doors. We made 12 baskets total and placed a marigold plant inside each one. We usually use cut flowers from around the yard but this year, due to the early spring, all of our spring flowers are already finished blooming!
It only takes 3 pieces of 12" x 12" scrapbook paper to make 12 holders. Cut each piece of scrapbook paper into four - 6 inch square sections. Fold the squares into cones using the guide below. Staple the cone flaps together, punch holes on the sides and add a piece of ribbon for a handle.
We also attached a little May Day poem to our baskets. I found a lovely poem in an old poetry book,
Tentative poems; a collection of verse written during the past four years by Charles Frederick James Nightingale Stott. The poem is titled "May-Day" and below is the portion we included with our baskets:
"All around in nature's world
Visions bright are seen to-day,
Blossoms of the thorn unfurled
Tell my soul 'tis gladsome May!"
- Charles Frederick James Nightingale Stott
Full to the Brim is a list I compile by hand of children's book giveaway online contests. Please check out my other "Full to the Brim" posts as well. Many contests are still underway. I *try to* publish "Full to the Brim" every Friday, though this month my posting have been few and far between. If I missed your book giveaway, feel free to mention it in the comment section or send me an email.
Book Giveaways:
Mommy of Two Little Monkeys - Ends 5/15
Little Learner Children's Books from Parragon Publishing
Simply Stacie - Ends 5/10
Take Two and Bug Off by Jane Yolen
Mommies with Cents - Ends 5/2
Prize pack of baseball books from Candlewick Press
The Children's Book Review - Ends 5/8
Rosie Flo’s Coloring Fashion Show by Roz Streeten
Mundie Kids - Ends ??
Puzzled by Pink by Sarah Frances Hardy
Mommy Maestra - Ends 4/30
United States Activity Atlas
Silver Dolphin Books Blog - Ends 4/30
Classic Books from Thunder Bay Press: Jane Austen, War & Peace and The Arabian Nights
Books 4 Learning - Ends 4/30
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Bookalicious - Ends 4/30
Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe by Nathan Bransford (middle grade)
Simply Shop and Save - Ends 4/4
I Can Read! Princesses Twins book set by Zonderkidz
No Water River - Ends 4/29
The House by J. Patrick Lewis
Teaching Authors - Ends 5/21
one of three $30 gift certificates from Biblio.com
Good Reads with Ronna - Ends 5/9
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, plus a promotional JBJ calendar
Because Your Mommy Loves You by Andrew Clements, illustrated by R. W. Alley -- Giveaways
5 Minutes for Mom – Ends 5/3
Resourceful Mommy – Ends 5/7
Our Ordinary Life – Ends 5/6
The Extraordinary Education of Nicolas Benedict
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? Are you ready for the newest retelling of the Snow White fairy tale? The aptly titled live-action movie, Mirror Mirror hits the big screen tomorrow (March 30). Starring Julia Roberts as the evil Queen and Lily Collins as Snow White, from the early reviews this kid-friendly version sounds like it's going to be a fun if not a bit quirky film to watch! Other cast members apparently add to the humor including Armie Hammer as the dashing prince and Nathan Lane as the queen's bungling servant. The film, released by Relativity Media, promises CGI special effects, lavish costuming, spunky girl power and a Bollywood-inspired dance sequence ending.
Find out more about the movie and characters, watch trailers, download a coloring book and more at the official website: http://www.mirrormirrorfilm.com.
Social media site links: Facebook or Pinterest.
For those that want to gauge whether it's age-appropriate, The Dove Foundation has approved the film as family friendly and provides a review of Mirror Mirror, including a detailed content description.
For online learning resources, visit Film Education. They offer a Mirror Mirror curriculum resource featuring interactive learning tools and other activities intended for ages 9-13.
It's been too long since my daughter and I have gone on a mother/daughter outing. I think perhaps we'll take an afternoon together and check out this enchanted, princess-y fare. I admit part of the reason I'd like to see this one is because I'm curious to see if Julia Roberts can successfully play a mean-hearted queen. Snow White also happens to be one of my favorite fairy tales.
In celebration of the release, Relativity Media has kindly offered to give away a
Mirror Mirror prize pack to a Brimful Curiosities reader. One (1) winner will receive:
-
Everyone is talking about the Mega Millions lottery jackpot, but guess what? You'd have a far better shot at winning if you were to enter one of the following children's book giveaways! And just think of the literacy benefits!
Full to the Brim is a list I compile by hand of children's book giveaway online contests. Please check out my other "Full to the Brim" posts as well. Many contests are still underway. I *try to* publish "Full to the Brim" every Friday, though this month my posting have been few and far between. If I missed your book giveaway, feel free to mention it in the comment section or send me an email.
My Giveaway(s):
Mirror Mirror - Movie Prize Pack Giveaway - Ends 4/9/12
Book Giveaways:
Kid Lit Frenzy - Ends 4/4
Women Explorers by Julie Cummins
5 Minutes for Mom - Ends 4/9
Chuckling Ducklings and Baby Animal Friends by Aaron Zenz
No Time for Flashcards - Ends 4/8
Sir Cumference and All The King’s Tens & Sir Cumference and The First Round Table by Cindy Neuschwande
Book Box Daily - Ends 4/30
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing signed by Judy Blume
Book Box Daily - Ends 4/14
The Very Fairy Princess signed by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton
Sweep Tightd - Ends 4/11
Dot to Dot Children’s Book Set
Mom to Bed By 8 - Ends 4/12
Sports Illustrated Kids: Pro Files: Baseball
Mom to Bed By 8 - Ends 4/4
The Gruffalo
Lille Punkin - Ends 4/1
Kohl's Cares for Kids books and plush
Chasing Rainbow - Ends 4/4
International Children’s Book Day giveaway
Just a Little Creativity - Ends 4/1
The Parable of the Lily
A Mom's Take - Ends 4/13
Bob Books
Rookie Moms - Ends 4/4
Silverlicious Prize Pack
Thet Better Mom - Ends 4/4
The Parable of the Lily
Thet Better Mom - Ends 4/4
The Parable of the Lily
0 Comments on Full to the Brim - Kid's Book Giveaway List (3/30/12) as of 1/1/1900
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 4/11/2012
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Find more of this week's Wordless Wednesday (or Wordful) posts at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Today you're cordially invited to my daughter's virtual coloring fashion show, a glitzy extravaganza showcasing the new Rosie Flo's Fashion Show Pop-up Coloring Runway Set. My daughter has worked hard and long to ready her fabulous models and spectators for the show.
Rosie Flo's Fashion Show is a box gift set published by Chronicle Books that contains a ready-to-assemble paper theater and catwalk along with 18 paper models, 8 front-row spectators and a little poodle for kids to color and personalize. There are also pop-up chairs for the front-row spectators, little invitations to pass out and a paper camera to set up at the show. Instead of designing dresses, kids get to complete the character line drawings, a sort of "filling-in-a-person" drawing activity. Like all Rosie Flo products many line drawing dresses are ready for a creative mind to take over and add heads, faces, legs, arms and all the extra flourishes. Kids get creative by making up their own characters to fit the costumes.
The pop-up theater is impressively detailed, both inside and out. Models "get-ready" at the outside back of the theater in a dressing room and then enter through the doors onto the catwalk. No glue or scissors is required and the theater itself isn't too hard to assemble though smaller kids will probably need some assistance. According to the outside of the box, this set is recommended for ages six and up but with parental help I imagine younger kids would also enjoy coloring and creating the models.
My artsy daughter has already spent several hours drawing and coloring the models and spectators in her set and still has several more models to color. I asked what she likes most about this product and she replied that, "It is better than a coloring book because when you are done coloring you can play with it. It is hard work but a lot of fun because you get to draw people."
Models walking the catwalk.
A variety of spectators watch the fashion show.As a parent I really like that this set challenges young artists by helping them practice
I know that many people read the story of the three trees at Christmas, but for me the story is one that evokes especially poignant emotions at Easter. While several retellings of this story exist, I really like this new, beautifully illustrated picture book version by Elena Pasquali and illustrated by Sophie Windham.
"Long ago, on a hillside, stood three trees ... Under the cold night sky that glittered with stars, they dreamed their dreams."
The Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale
by Elena Pasquali, illustrated by Sophie Windham. Lion UK / Kregel (September 2011); ISBN 9780745962894
Book Source: Copy from our personal library
The Three Trees folktale is one with a Christian message that tells of Jesus' life journey from cradle to cross from the perspective of three forest trees. Each of the three trees stand together on a hill and dream of greatness: the first wants to be made into a chest and hold a fine treasure, the second yearns to be a proud ship and carry a king and the third tree hopes to remain forever on the hillside pointing to heaven. One day, woodcutters climb the hill and chop down the trees. The three trees lament over their situations as the forms they eventually take are not as they had dreamed. However, overtime the trees each realize they play a greater role than they could ever imagine. They are each part of God's plan and play a part in Jesus's life.
I like several things about this version of the familiar tale. First of all it provides a wonderful example of how God's will may not always be the same as our will, but God does have wonderful plan, a purpose in mind for each and every one of us. Also, in Windham's illustrations each of the trees is different, just like each of God's children. The text is not overly long and slightly simplified when compared to alternate retellings, and Pasquali retains the heart and emotion of the story. For this reason, this retelling is particularly suited for younger children. Windham's folksy artistic style definitely is a good fit for this story. My kids remarked at all the extra details in Windham's colorful illustrations, and we especially like the elaborate borders and different sized panels.
"The tree that had borne his death was now a symbol of his life. And the third tree knew that it would stand for ever, pointing to heaven."Because of the way the final sentences are worded, the book can be used as a useful tool in talking about the symbolism of the cross in Christianity -- the cross is not only a symbol of the suffering and death of Jesus but, as it stands empty pointing toward heaven, it also serves a reminder of the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ. Windham's final illustration shows a cross superimposed over a tree full of life, a lovely image showing the Easter blessing of new life through Jesus Christ.
✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ Stand Up Cross Craft ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞My kids made 3D crosses th
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 4/14/2012
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Welcome to the
2012 Ultimate Blog Party at Brimful Curiosities! Please grab a wood stump chair, put up your feet, make yourself at home and stay awhile. We like to keep things whimsical and relaxed here.
My name is Janelle -- I'm the hostess and blog proprietor here at Brimful Curiosities. I'm a stay-at-home mom to two young children. And, in case you didn't guess by the subtitle, I like to read children's books with my kids and blog about our reading experiences. We also spend time crafting, exploring the outdoors and doing all the normal things families do together like building Christmas trees out of books, observing nature, and experimenting with recipes mentioned in children's books.
One of the regular features here is my Full to the Brim - Kid's Book Giveaway List, published each Friday (though this year I've been somewhat lax at publishing each week, but I hope to get back into the groove soon). If you like children's books and entering giveaways, you'll probably want to take a look at my lists. Additionally, my kids and I often post a fun, book-related craft each week, and I try post a photo for Wordless Wednesday each week. Other than that, my posts vary ranging from reviews to personal observations.
April is
National Poetry Month so we've been reading a few poems together. This week our favorite poetry book is Shel Silverstein's
Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook. It's full of spoonerisms in rhyming verse -- poems that feature crazy, mixed-up words with switched letters that can take on new meanings. The poems in Silverstein's book inspired this amateur attempt at writing spoonerisms. It's my topsy-turvy description of what Brimful Curiosities (or rather Crimful Buriosities) is all about:
Crimful Buriosities is a blog
mostly about bhildren's cooks.
My family likes to cead and rraft,
be sure to lake a took!
Niction or fon-fiction,
it doesn't batter a mit.
On our lrips to the tibrary,
we always bind fooks that are a hit.
Besides books, it's sard to hay
just what I'll decide to post.
Products, giveaways, Full to the Brim, nature activities,
it's best not to bit and soast.
So friends, don't hesitate to stop, hay si!
I cruly therish each and every comment left here.
And I promise to feturn the ravor,
it's cun to fonnect at the UBP every year! This is my fourth year participating in the party, and I've been blogging since 2008. If you want to know more about me you can read my previous party posts
By: Brimful Curiosities,
on 4/18/2012
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Find more of this week's Wordless Wednesday (or Wordful) posts at 5 Minutes for Mom.
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I haven't heard of this book, but it sounds wonderful. Even though poem in your pocket day is past, I'm going to print out the baby chick origami, my four year old will love it.