new posts in all blogs
Viewing Blog: The Castle Library..., Most Recent at Top
Results 26 - 50 of 223
Where Adventures Are Sought And Treasures Found. Come learn how to bring books alive with fun activity ideas and author features every week.
Statistics for The Castle Library...
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap:
Good Day Dear Reader Friends,
The Queen here with a touchingly fun book titled: Spiky, Slimy, Smooth- What is Texture by Jane Brocket. Brocket seems like a quiet soul who loves color, beauty and simplicity. Her photography is stunning. Check out her blog and many other books on quilting, foods, and engaging the senses.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
Publisher and date: Millbrook Press (April 1, 2011)
Reading level: 4 and up
Book Info: Library Binding: 30 pages
Genre: Non-fiction picture book
ISBN-13: 978-0761346142
Book Summary
Soft, gooey, fluffy, prickly--textures are all around us. What clever words will you use to describe the textures pictured in this book? Jane Brocket's appealing photography and simple, whimsical text give a fresh approach to a topic all young children learn about.
Activity Adventures:
Since there's no reason to recreate the wheel, I've did a quick search on lesson ideas for teaching textures. I'm sure you'll find all sorts of fun activities in the links below.
Lesson Ideas for Texture:Texture Theme Activities Kid's Activity blogTexture Scavenger Hunt (for older children)
We learn everywhere we go: the farmer's market, a petting zoo, the grocery store, the park, and the list goes on and on. Provide children with a small notebook they can carry in a pocket. Think of the different types of Textures such as smooth, rough, slimy, squishy, ect. Write the descriptive word at the top of a page.
Now, throughout the day, as your children encounter these different textures, have them list what types of items they found that were smooth, rough, squishy, ect. For younger children who aren't writing yet, simply have them make a tally mark under the correct descriptive words.
At the end of the day, or week... however long you wish to play this game, award prizes for the ones who either came up with the most creative descriptive terms, who found the most rough or scratchy things, who listed the most items that were smooth. However you wish to do this. Thie point is to get them searching and finding and thinking about textures and how to describe the various textures we encounter during a day.
Authors Arena
Author:
Jane Brocket is the author of The Gentle Art of Domesticity (2007) and The Gentle Art of Quiltmaking (2010) and of two books based on the wonderful things characters eat and do in classic children's books: Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer (2008) and Ripping Things to Do (2009)--a selection of the pieces in these two books has been collected into one volume for the US as Turkish Delight and Treasure Hunts (Perigee, 2010). She is currently writing a series of four Clever Concepts books for Millbrook Press. She has a knitting book to be published in 2011 and two more craft books in the pipeline.
Jane enjoys knitting, quilting, sewing, baking, growing flowers, and taking photographs of the things she makes as well as details of the world around her. She loves color, pattern, texture, shapes, and objects. And, above all, she love books and reading.
Good Day Dear Readers!
The Queen here. I'm back from a month-long journey into our
resident writer's storyland. We had a pleasant stay there, but now it's back to business.
And since we've been off on an adventure, and chasing dreams, I've found a beautifully done book about a dragon, named Martin, who had his own dreams of flying. With the help of some imaginative friends, Martin begins to see the possibilities. I do believe you'll find
What Goes Up by Paula Bowles and enchanting tale. See below for some acitivty ideas that will help the book come more alive.
Happy dreaming and reading. Summer is upon us, what is on your reading lists?
The Queen
~~~*~~~
Publisher and date: Tiger Tales (March 1, 2013)
Reading level: pre-k and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 32 pages
Genre: fictional picture book
ISBN-13: 978-1589251199
Book Theme:
Dreams, challenges, achievement, friendship, team work, making your dreams come true.
Book Summary
Publication Date: March 1, 2013
Martin the dragon is sad. He longs to fly, but his wings are just too small. He tries flying like a bumblebee, a leaf, and a cloud. But . . . CRASH! It's no use. “What goes up, must come down,”says Martin sighing. Luckily, the village's children know how to teach Martin to go up and stay up. This beautifully illustrated picture book shows the power of practice, imagination, and most of all believing in oneself!
 |
| Page from What Goes Up. Such delightful watercolors |
|
Activity Adventures:
Young Readers:
Make a pair of paper wings. Talk about where you would go if you had no limits. Paint them pretty colors like Martins.
Older Readers:
Make a floating lantern, parachute, or paper airplane. Find out what makes flight possible.
Writing Prompts:
Is there anything in the world you want to do? Write about what one thing you wish you could accomplish. Now, brainstorm a few ways you can make that happen. Share your thoughts with your parents or friends. Get their help in finding ways to help you succeed. Sometimes, we need help from others to achieve our dreams.
Authors Arena
Paula Bowles graduated from Falmouth College of Arts in 2005, and now lives and works from Bristol, UK. She works primarily for children’s publishing, and has worked with a variety of publishers including Random House Children’s Books, Templar Publishing and CBeebies Driver Dan’s Story Train.
Her first author/illustrator book, Scary Mary, was published by Tiger Tales in Spring 2012, her second book, What Goes Up, was published recently in March 2013. She is currently working on her first author/ illustrator book with Little Tiger Press, and her first picture book title with Bloomsbury Publishing, London.
:
This was one of my favorite books that I've read this year and had to do a re-post on it. Good Day Dear Reader Friends,
The Queen here with a feel good book titled, "Change The World Before Bedtime." I loved the simple, child-like watercolor and collage illustrations.
Sometimes, little ones feel like they're ... well, too little to do great things. Not so, shows this book which is full of ways and ideas to help out and make the world a better place. I think young and old can find an idea or two of simple things one can do to help others, and show random acts of kindness.
I've also come across a couple of websites that offer extended ideas that I'm sharing here as well.
Do go pick up a copy of this book. The activities inside can be done as a classroom assignment, or at home. What I loved most was how the authors showed the children working together, as a multicultural community. We need to work together to make the world a better place. Teaching our children ways to help will only lead to them having a brighter and happier future.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~~*~~~
Book Title: Change The World Before Bedtime
Authors: Mark Kimball Moulton, Josh Chalmers, and Karen Good
Book Information:Publisher and date: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (July 28, 2012)
Reading level: pre-k to 2nd.
Book Info: Hardcover: 32 pages
Genre:
ISBN: 978-0764342387
Book Theme:
Helping the environment, doing good deeds, making good choices, being helpful and kind
Book Summary
“Change the World Before Bedtime”
We all have the power to change the world - and it’s easier than you think! Meet kids of all ages as they explore ways to be kind, generous, good neighbors in their hometowns, their schools and around the globe.
Atglen P.A. — Written in simple, engaging rhyme, this story takes an inspirational look into how the little things in life – a smile, a kind word, a simple deed – can help change the world in a big way. Through 18 stunning illustrations, children will read about eating right, cleaning up the Earth by recycling and conserving, helping the sick and those less fortunate, and working in a group to make bigger miracles. Even an ordinary kid can be a superhero before bedtime! For pre-k to 2nd.
Activity Adventures:
Find more ideas for doing good at
Kiwi magazine.
Little kids with big hearts can make a difference one small action at a time, starting in their own backyards.
Brainstorm a list of helpful things you can do as a family, or classroom in your community. Take that list and decide on five or ten projects you are willing to do. Now, write them down on a poster board. Illustrate, or decorate your poster to make it special. Every time your family or classroom accomplishes one of the projects, mark the date beside the project. When the list is completed, celebrate with some kind of party or fun activity where you'll be able to talk about what you did and how it made you feel.
Then, do it again. And again.
Authors Arena
About the Authors
Once upon a time, coincidence, fate, and magic conspired to introduce three big dreamers – Mark, Karen, and Josh. And new friends became forever friends who, separately and together, use their creative talents to change the world a little bit at a time.
Good day friend readers,
The Queen here with an educational book for you this week. Secrets of the Garden explores food chains and ecology in a simple backyard garden. Zoehfeld, a science writer, layers information throughout the book in such a way, even young children should be able to grasps earth science concepts. Her intelligent chickens make the book, I say.
Along with the informative text, the reader is treated to Lamont's beautiful watercolor pictures.
All together, this is a book teachers and parents are sure to find resourceful and engaging for children.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~~*~~~
Book Title: Secrets of the Garden
Author: Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
Book Information:Publisher and date: Knopf Books for Young Readers (February 28, 2012)
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 40 pages
Genre: Non-fiction picture book
ISBN: 978-0517709900
Book Theme:
Earth science, ecosystems, food chains, gardening, ecology, biosystems
Book Summary
Alice's family plants a vegetable garden each spring, and this budding naturalist reports all she sees about how the plants grow, what insects come to eat the plants, and what birds and animals come to eat the insects. It's the food chain, right in her own backyard!
While Alice's narrative is simple and engaging, science concepts are presented in more depth in sidebars by a pair of very knowledgeable (and highly amusing) chickens! Noted science writer Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld knows how to layer information to make it accessible to a wide range of readers and useful for educators. And illustrator Priscilla Lamont's funny, friendly paintings make this a garden everyone will want to explore.
Kids will eat up this wonderful book of backyard science—and perhaps they'll even be inspired to eat their vegetables!
Activity Adventures:
Young Readers:
Go out in your backyard and explore the life found there. Photograph or draw pictures of what you find. Create your own book about the biodiversity found in your yard.
Older Readers:
Explore a patch of land in your area. Yard, school playground, garden, park or pond.
Document your observations. Draw or photograph the animals and plants you find. Cut out pictures and create your own food web. Be sure to include yourself in the food web.
Crafty Ideas:
Using paper strips, draw pictures from a water food chain, a garden food chain, a desert food chain, ect. Glue strips into circle, creating real "food" chains. Hand your chains around the room.
Discussion Questions:
Authors Arena
About the Author
KATHLEEN WEIDNER ZOEHFELD was a children's book editor for more than 10 years before becoming a full-time writer. She has published more than 60 books for children, most about animals and natural history.
From
publisher's site:
Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld is the award-winning author of more than sixty books, including Dinosaur Tracks, "a great choice for even the most discriminating dinophiles" (School Library Journal); Did Dinosaurs Have Feathers?, a Children's Book of the Month Club selection described as "fascinating" by Kirkus Reviews; and Dinosaurs Big and Small, a 2003 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award winner. When she's not reading, researching, writing, or editing, Kathleen loves to spend her free time exploring, doing fieldwork, and preparing fossils in the laboratory for her local natural history museums. She lives in Berkeley, California.
About the Illustrator
PRISCILLA LAMONT has illustrated dozens of books, including the
Animal Rescue Team books by Sue Stauffacher, and
Goose and Duck by Jean Craighead George. Whether drawing human or animal characters, Priscilla always likes to include some humor.
From Illustrator's website:After graduating from Canterbury College of Art with a degree in Graphic design and a few years as a book designer, Priscilla began to work as a freelance artist, and has illustrated over 40 books for children for a variety of authors, including Harry Secombe, Adrian Mitchell, Julia Jarman, Michael Rosen and Hilary McKay, as well as occasionally illustrating her own words too!
After many years in London and even more in Suffolk, she is now settled in Kent with her husband the artist David Hayward and has a studio at the Creek Creative building in Faversham, where she works rather untidily, but with great enthusiasm!
Least likely to say: It’s wonderful working at home on my own
Happy Good Friday dear friends.
The Queen here hoping this beautiful day finds you doing something you enjoy. Speaking of something I enjoy, looking up at a night sky brings such pleasure, I can sit under a starry sky for hours and hours just enjoying the twinkling wonder.
We not only have a wonderful world to live in, but we are surrounded by a mesmerizing universe. The day offers blue skies and interesting clouds and the night dazzles us with starry brilliance. Stop for a moment to enjoy all that's around you.
Stars by Mary Lyn Ray and illustrated by Marla Frazee is simple yet beautifully done. I loved the bright, adoring pictures and the easy to follow text that explored where one can find stars. I'1
Happy Reading,
The Queen
Book Title: Stars
Author:Mary Lyn Ray
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Publisher and date: Beach Lane Books (October 4, 2011)
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 40 pages
Genre: Fiction picture book
ISBN: 978-1442422490
Book Theme:
The wonder of stars and how you can find them all around if you'll only look.
Favorite Line: "If you hold a wand the right way, you might see a wish come true. Not always. Only sometimes. You never know about a wish."
Book Summary
A star is how you know it’s almost night.As soon as you see one, there’s another, and another.And the dark that comes doesn’t feel so dark.What if you could have a star?
From acclaimed author Mary Lyn Ray and two-time Caldecott Honor winner Marla Frazee comes this tender, evocative—and profound—exploration of stars both near and far.
Activity Adventures:
Young Readers:
Of course, of course you must make some stars. Gather as many cool looking papers as you can possibly find and get to makin' stars. Add glitter. Add sparkle dots. Add anything shiny you can find to make your stars special. Keep one in your pocket to make you smile. Now pass the rest out to those who might also need a smile.
Older Readers:
When you make a star, write a special message to it for the one you'll give your star to. On your own star, write a word or two that describes what makes you shine. You might need a parent or friend's help to find the right words.
Crafty Ideas:
Make star streamers. Fold paper accordion style and cut out a star shape, making sure to leave two or three corners touching so they will stay attached. Hang your star chain across a window or over your bed or some other fun place that needs a bit of star sparkle.
Writing Prompts:
If you could catch a basket full of stars, what would you do with them?
Exploration Activity:
The book shows a few places you can find stars that are not in the sky. But there's more. Can you go outside and find more stars? Make it a star hunt. Draw, list or take pictures of all the stars you find. You might even consider making your own Stars booklet.
Discussion Questions:
Talk about stars in the sky. Use this book as a spring board to a unit on outer space. Find non-fiction books about stars and talk about what they are really made of.
Family Activity:
Spend an evening outdoors, on a blanket, with a pile of books, something yummy to snack on and the stars above to observe.
Authors Arena
Author:
Mary Lyn Ray is a conservationist and author of several picture books for children. She was born in Louisiana in 1946 and grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ray has lived in New England since 1964, when she first came east to attend college. She currently lives in a 150-year-old farmhouse in South Danbury, New Hampshire, which she restored herself.
Illustrator:
Marla Frazee's bio from Reading Rocket
Ever since she was in elementary school, Marla Frazee knew that she wanted to illustrate children's books. Now Frazee is living her childhood dream, stepping into her backyard studio each morning to do what she loves. Frazee is the illustrator Sarah Pennypacker's Clementine books as well as picture books written by a variety of other authors. On her own, Frazee has both written and illustrated a number of original and playful titles, such as Santa Claus: The World's Number One Toy Expert, Roller Coaster, and A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever.
Good Day dear Readers,
What Earth Day week celebration can happen without the Lorax joining us? He saw what could happen, gave his warning, and nobody listened. Even today, Lorax's are out and about, giving us warning to not be greedy, to take care of our earth. Are we listening yet?
Why not go out and rent Dr. Seuss's The Lorax?
Here's the original post from when I first went to see the movie:
That incessant little dragon, Dirkus, would not leave me alone about going to see the "tree guy movie." I also coaxed my young prince who's favorite words are "Whatever dude," to come along. This was no easy feat since he thinks he is much to royally minded to be seen at a Dr. Seuss movie.
Of course, we all read the book first before going. This is something I insist on before we see a movie.
I'm happy to say, that the movie creators were able to keep Seuss's story while tweaking it up for today's audience and the experience was enchanting. Even the young prince said, "Yeah, it was good."
Wow, that's a five star review coming from him! Of course Dirkus loved the bears, loved the fish, loved the story and is now running home so he can draw the fun, colorful trees. I made sure to give him plenty of paper to make his creations on.
So, if you are looking for some feel-good family entertainment, with a good message everyone can chew on afterward, then I highly recommend you all first read the Lorax, then go see the movie.
Happy Reading
The Queen
Book Details
Reading level: Ages 6 and up
Hardcover: 72 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 12, 1971)
ISBN-13: 978-0394823379
Book Summary from Amazon.com:
"Unless someone like you...cares a whole awful lot...nothing is going to get better...It's not." Long before saving the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth's natural beauty.
"The big, colorful pictures and the fun images, word plays and rhymes make this an amusing
exposition of the ecology crisis."�School Library Journal.
Reading Adventures:
There is so much take-away value in both the book and the movie. Yes, it speaks against consumer greed and wasting our natural resources. Just in that, there is much to discuss about ways we can replace what's taken from the earth. Recycling. Planting trees. Not littering. And the list goes on.
But there's more. Spring is a time when new things grow. Take time to plant a garden. Let your children explore dirt. Describe in words what dirt feels like, what it smells like. There is a whole world of wonder beneath the soil. Talk about the creatures that live there. How things grow. What plants do for our health and environment.
Wouldn't it be horrible if we actually had to buy bottled air, just like we have to buy bottled water?
There was a time I once thought that was a big joke, having to buy water. Now here we are.
For years, the warnings have been out there. Isn't it time to listen, take heed and teach our children that they can make a difference?
It might be.
Here's the movie trailer. There's lots of activities to be found out there that will go along nicely with this story.. Don't let it be just another movie you go to see, but a real experience that opens your child's mind to making a difference.
“Only you can control your future.”
― Dr. Seuss
Good Day dear Readers,
Today I bring you a teen paranormal novel for your perusal.
In September of 2012, Maggie Stiefvater released her first book in a new series titled The Raven Boys. Stiefvater has become one of my favorite YA authors over the past few years. I loved her Shiver series and my all-time favorite is still The Scorpio Races.
What I liked about The Raven Boys: Stiefvater has a way of weaving mystery into her stories that keeps you having to turn the page. Nothing is ever quite what it seems. And this book keeps true to form, with many surprises along the way. Some things I never saw coming but made perfect sense once she revealed the hidden truths behind some of her characters. I did like all of her characters, though I felt Blue was just a little too passive for my taste.
What I didn't like so much: The story is told through several of the character's point of views. At first, the jumping around made it hard to get into the story, but I was hooked by the fifth chapter. Also, this book went a little too far into the occult for my taste. I don't mind fantasy-type paranormal which I know is not real, but not books dealing with divination and witchcraft. So, that was a big turn off for me.
Not sure I'll continue reading this series, but will definitely keep my eyes open for any other series Stiefvater comes out with. Her writing has an even flow which slips you into her story worlds with vivid characters that come alive for the reader.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
Book Title: The Raven Boys
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher and date: Scholastic Press; First Edition edition (September 18, 2012)
Reading level:12 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 416 pages
Genre: YA Fantasy
ISBN-13: 978-0545424929
Book Theme:
Supernatural suspense, mystery, quest, psychics
Book Summary from Amazon
"There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve," Neeve said. "Either you're his true love . . . or you killed him."
It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.
Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them-not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.
His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.
But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can't entirely explain. He has it all-family money, good looks, devoted friends-but he's looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys:
Authors Arena
After a tumultuous past as a history major, calligraphy instructor, wedding musician, technical editor, and equestrian artist, I'm now a full-time writer living in the middle of nowhere, Virginia, with my charmingly straight-laced husband, two kids, four neurotic dogs who fart recreationally, and a 1973 Camaro named Loki.
I'm also an award-winning colored pencil artist, play several musical instruments (most infamously, the bagpipes), and recently acquired a race car.
Good Day Dear Readers!
I've found another inspiring book for you today. The Conference of the Birds is a retelling of the 800 yr old parable of the same title, this one is much simpler to read and shorter so children can understand. I love the allegory of how the little Hoopoe bird leads the other birds in a journey to find the King Simorgh the Wise. The Simorgh, as it turns out is an ancient, mythical creature similar to the Phoenix. There's much imagery and spiritual take away value from this story, no matter what religion you might come from.
I've included a few ideas on how to make the story come more alive. Parents and Teachers can tune into so many aspects of this book from learning about birds, to studying cultures and their religions, to mythical symbolism and even basic human conditions we all must deal with such as humility, courage and other virtues.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~~*~~~
Book Title: The Conference of the Birds
Author: Alexis York Lumbard
Illustrator: Demi
Publisher and date: Wisdom Tales (September 16, 2012)
Reading level: 4 - 8 years
Book Info: Hardcover: 44 pages
Genre: Children's Picture book- Allegory
ISBN-13: 978-1937786021
Book Theme:
Children and adults alike will relate to this inspiring tale about conquering one’s faults and practicing the virtues of humility, patience, detachment from worldly goods, and courage.
Book Summary
Lavishly illustrated by award-winning illustrator, Demi, this magical and inspiring story of the adventures of a flock of wayfaring birds in search of their king will delight children with its tales of overcoming fear, physical hardship, and inner limitations. Based on an 800 year old classical parable, and retold by mother of three, Alexis York Lumbard, it will provide parents with a unique opportunity to teach moral and spiritual development to their children.
Awards:
- Finalist in the “Children's Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction” category of The USA “Best Books 2012” Awards, sponsored by USA Book News
- Finalist in the “Best New Children's Picture Book” category of The USA “Best Books 2012” Awards
- Finalist in the “Best Interior Design” category of The USA “Best Books 2012” Awards
Activity Adventures:
Young Readers:
Coloring page of the
hoopoe. Click link for full page illustration that can be printed and colored.
Older Readers:
Pick one or two of the birds featured in this story and research information about them.
Crafty Ideas:
Writing Prompts and Discussion Questions:
Why do you think the author picked particular birds as examples for human weakness? Such as, why do you think the duck was the homebody who didn't want to leave their familiar pond? Why was the parrot the one burdened down with jewels? And why do you think the hawk wanted to beat everyone else to the king?
Write your thoughts in your journal. Or talk about them.
Are there any qualities you find that you related to? Talk or write about that, too.
Discuss the virtues shown in this story and how they might apply to your own life. What does humility mean? Or courage? This book provides a wonderful chance at exploring the challenges every human faces in their journey in this life.
Authors Arena
Author: ALEXIS YORK LUMBARD ALEXIS YORK LUMBARD’S first published children’s book is The Conference of the Birds, while she has two further children’s books scheduled for publication. Having noticed a lamentable absence of high quality books of spiritual substance for the earliest of readers, she began writing her own stories since becoming a mother in 2005. With a B.A. in Religious Studies from the George Washington University, it is her sincere hope to bring the wisdom and beauty of the world’s religions to the eager and gifted minds of young children. Alexis, her husband, and three children live in Newton, MA.
Illustrator: DEMI
DEMI is the award-winning author of over 130 bestselling children’s books. Her titles have sold over half a million copies. The Empty Pot was selected by former First Lady Barbara Bush in 1990 as one of the books to be read on the ABC Radio Network Program Mrs. Bush’s Story Time, sponsored by the Children’s Literacy Initiative. Demi’s book Gandhi was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book and received an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. In addition, she represented the United States at the First International Children’s Book Conference in Beijing, China, in 1992. She lives with her husband in Yarrow Point, WA.
Good Day, dear Reader Friends,
The Queen here with a hauntingly good tale that's sure to get your little ghouls giggling. Eric VanRaepenbusch has created a fun series that not only engages children, but teaches them basic shape, color and letter skills as well. The graphics are simple, yet cute and appealing for youngsters. These are not books to simply be read, but to be explored. And when you close the cover, the fun isn't over. Hop over to VanRaepenbusch's sites for more activities to enhance the book experience.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~~*~~~
Author and Illustrator: Eric VanRaepenbusch
Publisher and date: Eric VanRaepenbusch (September 7, 2012)
Reading level: ages 2-6
Book Info: Paperback: 38 pages
Genre: Picture Book
ISBN-13: 978-0985080679
Book Theme:
shapes. Other books teach colors, ABC's and opposites
Book Summary
Three ghost friends play hide-and-go-seek at a campground. A story to teach shapes to young children.
Activity Adventures:
There is no need to post activity ideas here. What you need to do is head over to
www.threeghostfriends.com, where you can find over 40 activity ideas and free printable activities at Eric's
Three Ghost Friends site.
If you need more? He has tons of ideas he's collected on his pinterest site.
Still more? Absolutely. Eric is one active guy who loves to teach. He also hosts the Happy Birthday Author site where you can find wonderful activity ideas (kid tested and approved!) for many of your favorite authors and books. Check it out.
Here's a few pictures of activities he's posted:
Not only that, but there's more Three Ghost Friends books and book apps for your kids to enjoy!
Authors Arena
Author and Illustrator:
Eric VanRaepenbusch is a stay-at-home dad, blogger, and read aloud extraordinaire. He creates memorable reading experiences with his children by celebrating children's author and illustrator birthdays. His blog, Happy Birthday Author, shares his family's reading experiences to encourage other families to read together.
I met Eric through various Children's Book Writer groups and came across his fabulous Happy Birthday Author Blog. In an interview, I heard him say he used to be a teacher and that he enjoys creating lessons for his own children. He keeps activities, like his books, simple and easy for other parents and teachers to enjoy doing.
Learn more about Eric in this blog-radio interview he did with
Katie David on Brain Burps.
Good day Readers,
The Queen here with a touching book that deals with loss titled
Farfalla. Other books by Vanita Oelschlager often deal with hard issues, and I appreciate her tender stories that help children deal with difficult questions.
This story can open up dialogue between you and your child about death, loss, or when things simply do not go as we expected. Allowing children a chance to air their questions helps them to cope better when difficult things happen.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~*~~
Book Title: Farfalla
Author: Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrator: Kristin Blackwood
Book Information:
Publisher and date: Vanita Books (September 1, 2012)
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Book Info: Paperback: 40 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0983290438
Book Theme:
loss, death,
Book Summary
The story is told from the perspective of a young Beetle who, with his mother, meets a crowd of caterpillars in the garden they all frequent. Soon they become friends and he watches in awe as the caterpillars weave themselves into cocoons. A special one catches his attention and Beetle "adopts" it by making all sorts of plans of what they will do together when it hatches. Later, he watches as the cocoons break open one by one and beautiful butterflies emerge and fly away. But the one he counted on to be his playmate does not. He is deeply saddened and understandably confused. Beetle's mother explains gently that young friends like his who can't join him in the garden are with others in the sky. The story ends with Beetle waving to his friend above and wishing happiness.
Activity Adventures:
Activities can include making butterflies using a clothes pin and coffee filter. Paint the coffee filter with watercolors. Fan fold the filter once it's dry, then clip the middle with the clothes pin. Add eyes and pipe cleaner antennae to the clip.
Talk about the life cycle of a butterfly and how sometimes lifecycles don't always complete.
Whether you've experienced death or not, discussing death in a casual manner helps prepare children to handle it better when it does happen.
If your child has experienced recent loss, allowing them to work through their feelings by drawing pictures or writing stories helps.
Authors Arena
Vanita Oelschlager is a wife, mother, grandmother, philanthropist,
former teacher, current caregiver, author, and poet. She is a
graduate of Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio, where she
currently serves as a Trustee. Vanita is also Writer In Residence
for the Literacy Program at The University of Akron.
Her first book, My Grampy Can't Walk, was widely praised. It's
an uplifting story about the wonderful relationship between her
husband Jim, who has multiple sclerosis, and their grandchildren. Vanita has also supported Jim as he built Oak ssociates, ltd. into a highly respected investment management firm.
Good Day Dear Reader Friends,
The Queen here with a feel good book titled, "Change The World Before Bedtime." I loved the simple, child-like watercolor and collage illustrations.
Sometimes, little ones feel like they're ... well, too little to do great things. Not so, shows this book which is full of ways and ideas to help out and make the world a better place. I think young and old can find an idea or two of simple things one can do to help others, and show random acts of kindness.
I've also come across a couple of websites that offer extended ideas that I'm sharing here as well.
Do go pick up a copy of this book. The activities inside can be done as a classroom assignment, or at home. What I loved most was how the authors showed the children working together, as a multicultural community. We need to work together to make the world a better place. Teaching our children ways to help will only lead to them having a brighter and happier future.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~~*~~~
Book Title: Change The World Before Bedtime
Authors: Mark Kimball Moulton, Josh Chalmers, and Karen Good
Publisher and date: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (July 28, 2012)
Reading level: pre-k to 2nd.
Book Info: Hardcover: 32 pages
Genre:
ISBN: 978-0764342387
Book Theme:
Helping the environment, doing good deeds, making good choices, being helpful and kind
Book Summary
“Change the World Before Bedtime”
We all have the power to change the world - and it’s easier than you think! Meet kids of all ages as they explore ways to be kind, generous, good neighbors in their hometowns, their schools and around the globe.
Atglen P.A. — Written in simple, engaging rhyme, this story takes an inspirational look into how the little things in life – a smile, a kind word, a simple deed – can help change the world in a big way. Through 18 stunning illustrations, children will read about eating right, cleaning up the Earth by recycling and conserving, helping the sick and those less fortunate, and working in a group to make bigger miracles. Even an ordinary kid can be a superhero before bedtime! For pre-k to 2nd.
Activity Adventures:
Find more ideas for doing good at
Kiwi magazine.
Little kids with big hearts can make a difference one small action at a time, starting in their own backyards.
Brainstorm a list of helpful things you can do as a family, or classroom in your community. Take that list and decide on five or ten projects you are willing to do. Now, write them down on a poster board. Illustrate, or decorate your poster to make it special. Every time your family or classroom accomplishes one of the projects, mark the date beside the project. When the list is completed, celebrate with some kind of party or fun activity where you'll be able to talk about what you did and how it made you feel.
Then, do it again. And again.
Authors Arena
About the Authors
Once upon a time, coincidence, fate, and magic conspired to introduce three big dreamers – Mark, Karen, and Josh. And new friends became forever friends who, separately and together, use their creative talents to change the world a little bit at a time.
Dear Readers,
The Queen here with a touching story young Moses. No, not the one from the Bible, yet, one with a vaguely similar story. This young man survived a flood by being put in a basket. He lost everything, yet grew up in an orphanage, happy. During this story his life, he experienced another flood and an earthquake. Yet, remained even to this day, happy.
I encourage you to read "I Came From The Water" by Vanita Oelschlager for an uplifting story of overcoming tragedy and remaining strong in the process.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~*~~
Book Title: I Came From The Water
Author: Vanita Oelschlager Illustrator: Mike Blanc
Book Information:Publisher and date: Vanita Books (September 1, 2012)
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 40 pages level:
Genre: Non-fiction picture book
ISBN: 978-0983290445
Book Theme:
Survival, floods, Haiti, orphans, over coming bad situations.
Book Summary
The story is based on the actual experiences of Moses, an eight year-old boy and resident of St. Helene’s orphanage outside Port-au-Prince. As an infant, he was lit- erally plucked from the waters of a nearby river, having been placed in a basket by whom we believe was his grandmother. The rest of his family perished in floods that wiped out their upland village in 2004. He was given his name by the nuns at St. Helene’s. The title is Moses’ reply to the author when she asked where he is from.
After the earthquake of 2010 destroyed Port-au-Prince and much of the surround- ing area, the orphanage was flooded with a new wave of parentless boys and girls. Moses helped these children adapt to their new lives and in so doing displays a fearless hope and determination that may lead to Haiti’s renewal as a self-support- ing nation.
St. Helene’s orphanage is run by Father Rick Frechette known globally for his dedication to improving the lives of poor children across Latin America.
Net profits from I Came From the Water will go to support St. Helene’s and Father Rick’s efforts to help rebuild Haiti by offering a safe place to live and a free education for children like Moses.
Activity Adventures:
Find Haiti on a globe. Do a cultural study on the island.
Authors Arena
Meet the AuthorVanita Oelschlager is a wife, mother, grandmother, philanthropist,
former teacher, current caregiver, author, and poet. She is a
graduate of Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio, where she
currently serves as a Trustee. Vanita is also Writer In Residence
for the Literacy Program at The University of Akron.
Her first book, My Grampy Can't Walk, was widely praised. It's
an uplifting story about the wonderful relationship between her
husband Jim, who has multiple sclerosis, and their grandchildren. Vanita has also supported Jim as he built Oak ssociates, ltd. into a highly respected investment management firm.
Illustrator:
Mike Blanc is a life-long professional artist. His artwork has illuminated countless publications for both corporate and public interests, worldwide. Mike contributes creative direction and illustration to VanitaBooks. He lives with his wife, Gail, in sunny Doylestown, Ohio. They enjoy their four children, and five grandkids.
Good Day Dear Readers,
The Queen here with a splash of a story by Sarah Maizes. On My Way to the Bath is an adventure waiting to happen. How often have you had the dreaded dilemma of trying to get your own kids in the tub. After reading this imaginative story, they are sure to look at baths in a whole new light. Add the fun activity adventures in and bath time doesn't have to be a real drenching.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~*~~
Book Title: On My Way to the Bath
Book Information:
Publisher and date: Walker Childrens; 1 edition (May 22, 2012)
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 40 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0802723642
Book Theme:
Bath time, avoidance, imaginations, play, creativity
Book Summary
Baths are boring. Everything is more fun than baths. But when Livi’s mother hollers "Bathtime!"�a call readers and their parents are all familiar with—her imagination takes her on a journey full of daring obstacles and exciting events. She must battle a snake, rule the world, and escape quicksand, all while her mother waits with the bubbles ready. With delay tactics as creative as this, it’s a wonder she ever makes it all the way into the tub.
Bringing together a picture book debut, author Sarah Maizes and illustrative veteran, Michael Paraskevas, this funny, fresh book will be a must for every parent who wants to foster creativity while fulfilling the every day necessities.
Activity Adventures:
Crafty Ideas:
Writing Prompts:
What adventures can you have in the tub? Besides being a shark, what are other things you can become while scrubbing the dirt away? Write a short story about your tub adventures.
Authors Arena
SARAH MAIZES is a writer, blogger, comedian, founder of MommyLITEonline.com - a parenting humor website - and a mother of three. Her work has been featured in Los Angeles Magazine, and she is a regular contributor to TODAYMoms.com, HuffingtonPost.com, and CBS/LA.com. She has appeared on "The Today Show," ABC News Now's "Moms Get Real" with JuJu Chang, and NPR's "Tell Me More with Michel Martin." On My Way to the Bath is her first picture book. For more information, her parental musings, and her hilarious blog, go to www.sarahmaizes.com
Illustrator:
Michael ParaskevasMICHAEL PARASKEVAS is an artist best known for creating Maggie and the Ferocious Beast for Nickelodeon. With his mother Betty, he has authored 20 children’s books and created three popular animated series for Canadian television. www.michaelparaskevas.com
Michael Paraskevas, a well known illustrator among magazine art directors, has had his work featured in such prestigious publications as Sports Illustrated, Time, Town & Country and Esquire and has earned numerous awards from industry professionals.
All of us here at the Castle Library want to take a moment to wish all our visitors a very
Merry Christmas
and a blessed
New Year.
We thank you all for visiting us, for your wonderful comments on the books we post and hope you've found something during the year that will help your youngsters become better readers. It is our hope, that by providing simple activities to go along with picture books, or thought provoking questions for older readers, that youngsters will find a greater enjoyment in reading.
If you haven't already, we hope you'll find us over at facebook and like our page where we not only share post from this site, but also news tidbits, links to free books for all ages and any other fun things we find while browsing around.
We hope everyone will enjoy the holidays. Bake some cookies with your children. Read the old tried and true books such as "Twas the Night Before Christmas", "Frosty The Snowman" or so many others. And don't forget to share the greatest story, and the very reason we celebrate this season.
Be sure to tell them the story about a great ruler, who left his throne and his beautiful home to come and live with the people of his land. He loved them very much and was tired of being separated from them. He came, as a baby. He came in the most lowly place possible so that he'd understand our low places. He came helpless as we often feel helpless when our world is in chaos. He came to walk the same life we have to walk. He brought nothing from his beautiful land with him. No riches. No groomsman. No finery.
Yet, he did bring his love for his people. He spent his life teaching them and loving them and living amongst him. He gave up everything for them. Everything.
And I won't tell you the rest of the story here. Go read it for yourself. Start with Luke 2 and keep going.
If you wish.
Merry Christmas from The Queen, Wiz. Lexiconi, the dragons and knights and all who dwell amongst the shelves of the Castle Library.
Good Day dear Readers,
The Queen here with a fun adventure that's sure to spur your child's imagination.
I'll Save You BOBO! by Eileen and Marc Rosenthal shows the trials of trying to be creative when your pet wants to play.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~*~~
Book Title: I'll Save You Bobo!
Author: Eileen Rosenthal
Illustrator: Marc Rosenthal
Publisher and date: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (April 3, 2012)
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 40 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1442403789
Book Summary
The irresistible stars of I Must Have Bobo! return in another everyday adventure in domestic disharmony!
Willy wants to write a storybook starring Bobo—and act out revenge fantasies on Earl—but Earl keeps wrecking the story (hence the desire to act out revenge fantasies!). Quit it, Earl…and stop stealing Bobo!
But sometimes it only takes a small thing to realize that even sworn enemies have something in common. For instance: Bobo and Earl both have very snakey tails! Is that a truce? Don’t count on it.
Activity Adventures:
Crafty Ideas:
Draw a picture of your favorite character having an adventure: Put them on a pirate boat, a jungle, in space... Use your imagination.
Writing Prompts:
Find your favorite toy. Now, pick a place... jungle, ocean on a ship, or any other place you can imaging. Next, think of a terrible bad guy. With all this you have the makings of a story. Now write it!
Authors Arena
Author and Illustrator: from Amazon.com
A sock monkey has never come between Eileen and Marc Rosenthal. Unlike Willy and Earl, the couple enjoys working together (and even sharing). Marc is the creative mind behind
Archie and the Pirate and
Phooey. Eileen and Marc live in the Berkshires with their family.
Marc Rosenthal is the illustrator of many books for children including
I Must Have Bobo,
The Straight Line Wonder by Mem Fox and
Phooey, which he wrote. Marc’s illustrations can be seen regularly in
The New Yorker,
Time,
Forbes,
Fortune,
The Atlantic Monthly,
The New York Times,
Boston Globe, The Washington Post, and others. Visit him online at marc-rosenthal.com.
Good Day Dear Readers,
The Queen here with a young adult book written by one of our own castle residents, Jackie Castle who has penned the first installment of the White Road Chronicles titled Illuminated.
The book is available at both Kindle and Nook stores. The print version from Createspace is also available.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~*~~
Publisher: Castle Library Publishing; 1 edition (December 4, 2012)
File Size: 617 KB
Reading Age 12 and up- Geared for young adult
ASIN:
B00AIVX3UA (Amazon)BN ID: 2940015815573 (Barnes and Noble)ISBN: 9781481194624Book Summary:Alyra, mockingly known as Princess, was captured at an early age by the evil ruler, Darnel, and brought up in the dark land of Racah. At the age of seventeen, she considers herself nothing special. She has no recollection of who she is or where she came from. Her hope of ever finding freedom dims.
Until the messenger arrives. Until he brings to light the meaning behind the medallion she's kept hidden. Until she accepts the blinding truth.
Now she flees for her life.
Alyra’s journey leads her down a narrow road with strange traveling companions. Together, they encounter a kingdom where nothing is what it first seems.
Adventure Activities
Discussion Questions:Alyra had a problem doing the one thing she was told to do. What did she have along her journey that helped her stay on the path? What helps you to stick to something you want to do?
Jerin spent a lot of time drawing up a map to help him get to Aloblase. Did it help?
How about you? Do you have some sort of map or plan to help you accomplish a goal you've set?
Writing PromptLotari the centaur was reluctant to take the journey. Have you ever been divided between wanting to try something new, or staying in your safe place? What did you do about that? If you set your hooves to the stones, can you write your own story about what happened?
BrainstormingStart a journal of what you hope your future might hold. What kind of job would you like to be doing by time you reach 20? 30? I know it seems like a long way off, but what kind of work do you think you'd like to retire from?
Crafty IdeaOnce you have an idea of what you might want to do in your life. Jot some quick notes on what it will take to get there... college? Specialized training? Working your way up to a certain position? Learning a craft or skill? Going somewhere new?
Create a poster that looks like a map of where you want to go in your life and what stops you'll need to make on the way.
Art: If you had a medallion, what do you think would be one it? Draw your own medallion.
Author's Arena
Jackie Castle graduated from UT Southwestern Medical Center of Dallas. She is a published freelance writer, storyteller and elementary educator. She lives in Texas with her husband, two teenagers, and her dog, Ginger (aka ginger-roonie). When she's not teaching, she is traipsing through the worlds of Alburnium or Fae in search of another story.
She looks for the extraordinary in the ordinary in everything she experiences.
Jackie spent several years on this book series. Sometimes she'd put it aside to work on a different writing project. Other times, she didn't write at all because her journey took her in another direction. Yet, all along, no matter where her path led, she knew writing was her destiny. She wants to help others find their passion in life and follow their dreams, like she's followed hers.
She is now spending most of her time trekking through Alburnium while she gathers ideas for the next book in this series. There are sure to be more dragons, she assures us.
Well, as many of you know, here at the Castle Library, we've participated in Julie Hedlund's 2012, Write 12 books in 12 months challenge.
We were doing really well, too, until bigger dreams hit and we began to put all our focus into completing a Young Adult Novel titled
Illuminated.
However, because of this fun challenge, we have twelve new ideas. Four of those are completed stories. One has been submitted to a children's magazine. (And been rejected, but it's a start, right?)
Even better, we've learned so much and have made some wonderful new friends... all who, like us here at the Castle Library, love books. Love writing. And want to share that passion by encouraging and helping each other.
We've so enjoyed reading and featuring some of the new talent in this budding community, and we hope to be featuring even more in 2013. Because
YES! folks, the fun will continue.
Oh, and you all must click over to
Julie Hedlund's site to see her video. It's priceless.
Happy Writing and Reading!The Queen- along with:
Jackie Castle (
Royal Scribe- in training)
Wiz. Lexiconi, Sr. Mage 1st class: Fabulist extraordinaire. Lexiconi's all frog choir Dirkus and Rankus (Bestest dragon writers and chasers of royal knights, ever, ever!)
Good Day Dear Readers,
The Queen here with a different kind of book than I normally present.
Flamingos Don't Wear Bathing Suits is a self-published book by Daniel Moskowitz. To purchase a book, click the link for ordering information.
After reading though a few of the poems, I found the book full of cute rhymes and great illustrations. If you enjoy Shel Silverstein, then give this one a look.
~~*~~
Author: Daniel Moskowitz
Illustrator: Michael Swaim
Reading level: grades 3-8
Book Info: softcover 122 pgs
Genre: poetry
ISBN: 978-1937118-11-2
Book Summary
Flamingos Don't Wear Bathing Suits is a collection of poetry aimed for children and parents alike. In the fashion of the great Shel Silverstein, Flamingos is full of both funny and heartwarming rhymes and stories, each with their own sort of startling quirkiness. The book's poems tackles many common childhood concerns in a fun and fanciful manner.
Here's a sample of the poetry you'll find in this book:
Homework
"The dog ate my homework"
Is a lazy excuse,
They've heard this before,
It is of no use.
If you need a story
Here's one worth a try,
Say, "I ate my homework,
and it tasted quite dry."
There's more! Scheduled to release later in 2013, are more crazy poems.
Explore various types of poems. Go to the library and check out other poem books. Then see if you can pick a crazy, or every day topic and write a poem about it. You know, there's really not enough meatloaf poems out there if you ask me.
Authors Arena
About The Author from author website
Daniel Moskowitz is the author of several yet-to-be written novels including the soon-to-be bestseller, Acne Acres: A Teenagers Guide to Overcoming Life's Blemishes, as well as the highly acclaimed cookbook, Chicken Soup for the Bowl. He is the recipient of the HOPE scholarship, Jewish Star of the Week (Atlanta Jewish Times, October 2004), and several honorable mentions and most-improved sportsman awards.
An Atlanta native and graduate of the University of Georgia, the twenty-five year old literary wit is currently working on his third installment of poetry entitled, Ostrich Legs.
Illustrator: from book website
Michael Swaim is a Houston, Texas-based cartoonist, illustrator and acrylic
painter who is realizing his dream of making it as a full-time artist at the midpoint
of his life. He has created artwork for over 30 children’s books, medical
and dental books, and various magazine articles over the years. Michael is
also a published editorial and political cartoonist. He currently resides in
Houston with his lovely wife Shauna, three Pugs, and one cat.
Good Day Dear Readers,
The Queen here with a book I found wonderful for those students who simply can't fit the norm. (If you live with rambunctious dragons, you need all the help you can get.)
I Gotta Draw by Bruce Degen
(Jamberry) was one of those students who had to draw. And now look, he makes a living illustrating wonderful stories.
After reading this book, I encourage you to look for ways you can use your child's favorite hobby to enhance their learning experience.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~~*~~~
Book Title: I Gotta Draw
Publisher and date: HarperCollins (June 5, 2012)
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 40 pages
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0060284176
Book Theme:
Talents, Creativity, Learning styles, Incorporating art in Education, drawing, helping students succeed.
Book Summary
Charlie Muttnik is the pup with the pencil, the mutt with the marker, the dog with the drawing pad, the chap with the chalk! He draws all the time.
But when Charlie doodles all over his homework, there's trouble at school. It's only when his strict teacher, Miss Rich, tries something new that both realize Charlie can be a great artist at school and at home.
Activity Adventures:
Does your young scholar enjoy drawing doodles? Or perhaps they have other hobbies or talents they love doing.
Sports? Have your child toss or bounce a ball while they spell words. Pin letters to a fence outside and encourage your child to throw a ball at the letters you call out. This helps develop their large motor skills while they also learn their letters. And incorporating movement into memorization helps the brain retain information easier.
Painting or drawing? Have them illustrate their spelling list, or a lesson they are working on. Perhaps they can create a history book of their own.
If your child has trouble sitting for long periods of time, allow them to stand and work. Let them sit on an exercise ball that allows them to still move around while they work.
What other hobbies or talents do your kids have that you've been able to incorporate into their learning? Please share if you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them and so would other parents who might be trying to find ways to help their struggling kids in school.
Authors Arena
Author and Illustrator: Bruce Degen
(from
Scholastic bio)
When I was a kid, I used to draw all the time. In sixth grade, I had a wonderful teacher who would let me stand in the back of the room and paint all the time. Once I didn't even have to take a spelling test.
I went to a special high school for art, LaGuardia High School — you had to take a test to go there. I went to Cooper Union and got a bachelor's degree in art, and then I went to the Pratt Institute and got a Master of Fine Arts.
I've worked in a lot of art fields. I worked in advertising; I painted scenery for the opera; I was a painter and printmaker; I even taught art in high school and college. But I got to a point where I decided there was something missing — and what was missing was humor! When I was a kid, all the work that I did was funny. And I realized that the kind of art I always loved to draw was the kind you find in children's books. So I did something I had never gone to school for — I became an illustrator.
The nice thing about books is that they go out into the world. When a kid, parent, or teacher tells you how much he or she likes your book, you realize that you've given something that has become part of somone else's life.
Bruce Degen is the bestselling author and illustrator of the beloved, perennial favorite Jamberry and numerous award-winning books for children. He is the author and illustrator of Daddy Is a Doodlebug and Sailaway Home as well as the illustrator of the highly acclaimed Magic School Bus series by Joanna Cole; the ever-popular Jesse Bear books by Nancy White Carlstrom; Jazzmatazz! by Stephanie Calmenson; and Shirley's Wonderful Baby by Valiska Gregory (available at your local library).
Happy Holidays dear Reader friends-
Today, since Thanksgiving is this week, I decided to add a collection of books you can find that will teach about this humble holiday, or inspire your youngsters to find ways to enjoy it. I say humble because often Thanksgiving gets crushed in between Halloween's frightening costumes and candy and Christmas' festive shopping and extravaganzas.
But I love Thanksgiving and have nothing but happy memories of family gatherings, laughter, the smell of food prepared by loving Moms and Grannys and Aunties and playing games late into the night. So, today I wish to offer a few books that showcase this holiday. If you're looking for a literary way to teach your youngsters about Thanksgiving, check out one or more of these books at your local library or bookstore.
Oh, and don't be afraid to allow the little ones to get in on the baking and preparing for the family feast. Even if the feast and family is few. Let them crate placemats, let them pinch the edges of pies, let them help you cut out cookie shapes. Any way you can involve them helps little ones understand the specialness of this day.
And, most important, don't forget to talk about what you're thankful for.
I, for one, am thankful for each and every one of you who stop by our little Castle Library and hope you find inspiration and ideas to make reading enjoyable and important to young ones. You can give your child no greater give than that of abundant love and a love of reading. Oh, the worlds you'll open, the grand possibilities....
Ohhh, where's my tissue?
Happy Reading,
The Queen
Amazon is a great place to start when looking for titles. You can always take the list to your local library or bookstore and see if they have the book in stock.
Another list, this one by Scholastic. No cover pictures, however, there are links for Thanksgiving bookmarks you can download.
If you're a member of
Goodreads, they also have a list (with pictures) of books about Thanksgiving. At Goodreads, you can see what others think of a book which sometimes help when trying to pick out what to read.
And finally, since we love having activities to do along with the books we read,
Parenting has some kid-friendly crafts and such you can check out.
I wish all of you a very wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy the time with friends and family.and stuff yourselves like crazy.
The Queen
Who is worried about the dragon's wanting to have a turkey roast. Nothing like charred poultery. Right?
Good day Dear Readers and Scribes,
I suppose you may have noticed less book features being posted over the past few weeks. I'd like to take a moment to explain.
Here at the Castle Library, we've been quite busy on a special project and this project has taken up a lot of our time. The good news is this project is nearing completion and we can soon get back to the business of featuring books.
What is the project we've been working on, you ask?
Well, I'm glad you've asked.
Click on over to our resident Author, Jackie Castle's, newest blogsite, The White Road Chronicles, to see what we've been up to. Of course, when the project is completed, we'll feature it here at the library.
Be looking for more information in the next couple of weeks. Oh, and do be sure to stop by the White Road Chronicles site to enter a contest to win a $20 gift card to either Barnes and Noble or Amazon, or to win a free book! Yes, I said book. Because that's what we've all been working on. A book of our own.
Happy Reading,
The Queen and all the others.
Hello Good Readers,
The Queen here with a groovin' new book for you.
Surfer Chick by Kristy Dempsey and illustrated by Henry Cole is about little chick who wants to surf like her dad, but that big, wide ocean sends her feathers all in a ruffle. Read to see how Surfer Chick overcomes her fears and masters to totally awesome waves.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~~*~~~
Book Title: Surfer Chick
Author: Kristy Dempsey
Publisher and date: Abrams Books for Young Readers (May 1, 2012)
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 32 pages
Genre: Children's Picture book
ISBN: 978-1419701887
Book Theme:
Surfing, ocean, facing fears, learning to swim, learning a new skill
Book Summary from Amazon
“Two birds of a feather, a chick and her dad, lived by the shore, in a radical pad. A legend in surfing, Chick’s dad ruled the Roost. Chick’s dream was to learn every move he produced.”So begins the story of a little chick and her dad who take to the beach so she can finally learn how to surf. At first Chick’s mood is foul as she struggles through some gnarly waters, but soon she is catching waves on her own board and even doing righteous tricks, just like her rad dad!
Filled with cool surf lingo, this sweet rhyming picture book is perfect for summer at the beach and for celebrating the love between a father and a daughter.
Activity Adventures:
Discussion Questions:
Talk about fears. What are they? Name different kinds of fears.
What are steps that can be taken to get over a fear?
Writing Prompts:
Write about a fear you've had and how you got over it.
Authors Arena
Author:
Kristy Dempsey is the author of
Me with You and two other forthcoming picture books. She lives in Brazil.
Find out more about Dempsey
here.
Illustrator: from Harper Collins
Henry Cole grew up on a dairy farm outside Purcellville, Virginia. Always interested in art and science, he studied forestry at Virginia Tech. He is a self-taught artist, although his mother was a professional illustrator and gave him many pointers along the way. His education required him to study nature closely, and his observation of such details helped him with his drawing. Henry worked in a number of jobs, including magazine illustration, and for sixteen years taught elementary grade science classes. He now lives in Washington D.C., and on the island of Aruba.
Good day friend readers,
The Queen here with an educational book for you this week. Secrets of the Garden explores food chains and ecology in a simple backyard garden. Zoehfeld, a science writer, layers information throughout the book in such a way, even young children should be able to grasps earth science concepts. Her intelligent chickens make the book, I say.
Along with the informative text, the reader is treated to Lamont's beautiful watercolor pictures.
All together, this is a book teachers and parents are sure to find resourceful and engaging for children.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
~~~*~~~
Book Title: Secrets of the Garden
Author: Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
Book Information:Publisher and date: Knopf Books for Young Readers (February 28, 2012)
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 40 pages
Genre: Non-fiction picture book
ISBN: 978-0517709900
Book Theme:
Earth science, ecosystems, food chains, gardening, ecology, biosystems
Book Summary
Alice's family plants a vegetable garden each spring, and this budding naturalist reports all she sees about how the plants grow, what insects come to eat the plants, and what birds and animals come to eat the insects. It's the food chain, right in her own backyard!
While Alice's narrative is simple and engaging, science concepts are presented in more depth in sidebars by a pair of very knowledgeable (and highly amusing) chickens! Noted science writer Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld knows how to layer information to make it accessible to a wide range of readers and useful for educators. And illustrator Priscilla Lamont's funny, friendly paintings make this a garden everyone will want to explore.
Kids will eat up this wonderful book of backyard science—and perhaps they'll even be inspired to eat their vegetables!
Activity Adventures:
Young Readers:
Go out in your backyard and explore the life found there. Photograph or draw pictures of what you find. Create your own book about the biodiversity found in your yard.
Older Readers:
Explore a patch of land in your area. Yard, school playground, garden, park or pond.
Document your observations. Draw or photograph the animals and plants you find. Cut out pictures and create your own food web. Be sure to include yourself in the food web.
Crafty Ideas:
Using paper strips, draw pictures from a water food chain, a garden food chain, a desert food chain, ect. Glue strips into circle, creating real "food" chains. Hand your chains around the room.
Discussion Questions:
Authors Arena
About the Author
KATHLEEN WEIDNER ZOEHFELD was a children's book editor for more than 10 years before becoming a full-time writer. She has published more than 60 books for children, most about animals and natural history.
From
publisher's site:
Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld is the award-winning author of more than sixty books, including Dinosaur Tracks, "a great choice for even the most discriminating dinophiles" (School Library Journal); Did Dinosaurs Have Feathers?, a Children's Book of the Month Club selection described as "fascinating" by Kirkus Reviews; and Dinosaurs Big and Small, a 2003 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award winner. When she's not reading, researching, writing, or editing, Kathleen loves to spend her free time exploring, doing fieldwork, and preparing fossils in the laboratory for her local natural history museums. She lives in Berkeley, California.
About the Illustrator
PRISCILLA LAMONT has illustrated dozens of books, including the
Animal Rescue Team books by Sue Stauffacher, and
Goose and Duck by Jean Craighead George. Whether drawing human or animal characters, Priscilla always likes to include some humor.
From Illustrator's website:After graduating from Canterbury College of Art with a degree in Graphic design and a few years as a book designer, Priscilla began to work as a freelance artist, and has illustrated over 40 books for children for a variety of authors, including Harry Secombe, Adrian Mitchell, Julia Jarman, Michael Rosen and Hilary McKay, as well as occasionally illustrating her own words too!
After many years in London and even more in Suffolk, she is now settled in Kent with her husband the artist David Hayward and has a studio at the Creek Creative building in Faversham, where she works rather untidily, but with great enthusiasm!
Least likely to say: It’s wonderful working at home on my own
Good day dear reader friends,The Queen here with a magical tales of bravery, adventure and magic. The Knight, The Princess and the Magic Rock is an old Persian tale taken from the legendary “Book of Kings” (
Shahnameh), written over a thousand years ago. This story has been retold time and again, and now is beautifully told and illustrated by Sara Azizi and Alireza Sadeghian.
This book will fit in nicely with any cultural study lesson plans.
Happy Reading!
The Queen
~~~*~~~
Book Title: The Knight, The Princess & The Magic Rock
Illustrator: Alireza Sadeghian
Book Information:Publisher and date: Wisdom Tales; 1 edition (July 16, 2012)
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 32 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1937786014
Book Theme:
Persian folklore, bravery, adventure, love
Book Summary from Amazon.comThe Knight, the Princess & the Magic Rock beautifully brings to life the enchanting story of Bijan, a brave young knight from the ancient land of Persia, and his star-crossed lover, Manijeh, princess of an enemy kingdom. Originally written over a thousand years ago, the story has been rendered into films, operas, and plays. Rich in symbolism, and filled with acts of heroism, secret potions, and the king’s all-knowing golden cup, the tale will delight children everywhere.
Activity Adventures:
Discussion:
Talk about what folktales are. Some are truth, some are fables or made up stories. Some are stories passed down from generation to generation and nobody is sure if they are true or not.
Compare folktales from other countries. Are there any similarities? How are they different? Some counties and cultures share a common story, but have a different way of telling it, such as the story of Cinderella. Google the numerous versions of this favorite story.
Crafty Ideas:
Coloring page from one of the book illustrations.
Click this link to download the pdf file.
Writing Prompts:
Some writers take a folktale and turn it into a modern day story. How could you take this classic Persian tale and re-write it in a modern setting? Try and see what kind of story you come up with.
Authors Arena
Sara Azizi is a writer and storyteller who has wide-ranging interests in the arts in general and traditional Persian literature in particular. A native of Iran, she has lived and studied in Potsdam, New York, and Toronto. The Knight, the Princess, and the Magic Rock is her first book to be published in the US.
Sara Azizi is a writer and storyteller. The aim of her work is to bring the beauty of foreign lands and especially Persian culture to a wider Western audience. A native of Iran, she has lived and studied in Potsdam, New York, and Toronto, Canada.
The Knight, the Princess & the Magic Rock is her first book to be published in the US.
Sara Azizi would like to share some of her thoughts and experiences on her development as a writer of children’s books with you:
Read More Here
Illustrator bio: from
Wisdom TalesAlireza Sadeghian is a professional painter and illustrator. In addition to his design and illustration work, he has also taught children’s art classes. He holds a degree in the preservation and restoration of historic sites and monuments, and lives in Isfahan, Iran with his wife and two children.
The Knight, the Princess & the Magic Rock is his first book to be published in the US. He truly enjoys illustrating children’s books!
Alireza would like to share some of his experiences as a painter and illustrator with you:
READ MORE HERE.
Happy October Good friends.
Today, I've found a delightful book that can be used by home-schools, in the classroom, or even at home. Out of the Blue uses fun illustrations of what idiom phrases describe literally. The reader will then have to guess the “real” meaning of the phrases. If you're unsure, Vanita Oelschlager has added an explanation at the bottom of each page. You'll need to be able to read upside down. Of course, turning the book over works as well.
At the end of the book, readers are invited to learn more about these figures of speech.
This is a great book to use for beginning lessons on idioms, especially in younger grades. The phrases are simple, and focus on colors words.
Happy Reading,
The Queen
Book Title: Out of the Blue
Publisher and date: Vanita Books (May 1, 2012)
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Book Info: Hardcover: 40 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book: Language Arts
ISBN: 978-0983290421
Book Theme:
Idioms, play on color words, language arts lessons
Book Summary from Netgalley
Out of the Blue shows children the magic of idioms - words that separately have one meaning, but together take on something entirely different. Children are curious about words, especially phrases that make them laugh ("Tickled Pink"), sound silly ("Shrinking Violet") or trigger images that tickle a child's sense of the absurd ("A Red Letter Day"). Out of the Blue uses outlandish illustrations of what the words describe literally.
Activity Adventures
Young Readers:
Idioms are confusing for younger children to grasp. As you go through the book, talk about how people have common sayings that get repeated and repeated until eventually, they become part of our cultural way of speaking.
Use the upside-down phrase explanation to talk about what the saying means.
Older Readers:
Look up the origins of the idioms listed in the book. Find more idioms and illustrate a literal picture of the saying.
Crafty Ideas:
Find a book of idioms. Read or write a few phrases on a board, picking some of the more simpler sayings. Don't explain the meaning behind the phrase yet.
Tell children to close their eyes, get a picture of what the phrase means, then illustrate it. In a classroom, the drawings can be hung up and discussed. Did everyone see the same thing? Are the pictures different? Why? Finally, after talking about what the idiom might mean, tell children what it really means and where the phrase originated from.
What are idioms? (taken from
Vinita Books)
Every language has “figures of speech”, or idioms. They are kind of a short hand way of explaining something unfamiliar or complicated.
The English language has thousands of them. You cannot understand them because the group of words together has little, often nothing, to do with the meanings of the words taken one by one.
Hundreds of years ago, the words might have meant what they said, but today they do not.
In order to understand a language, you must know what the idioms in that language mean. If you try to figure out the meaning of the idiom word by word you’re likely to get nowhere – you will get befuddled or confused. You have to know the “hidden” meaning. You need to read between the lines and behind the words.
Authors Arena
Vanita Oelschlager is a wife, mother, grandmother, former teacher, current caregiver and, for almost ten years, author and poet.
She was born and raised near Pittsburgh. She is a graduate of Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio, where she currently serves as a Trustee.
She has also supported and helped Jim as he built Oak Associates, ltd. into a successful investment management firm.
Today, as an accomplished author, Vanita shares openly the experiences that she, Jim and their families have had with multiple sclerosis. She has likened MS to living with an elephant, one that won't go away or be ignored. Together, she and Jim have found ways to live with this "elephant", and to share some of the larger lessons about life they've learned through the disease.
Her first book of idioms,
Birds of a Feather (2009), dealt with birds, insects or animals. The second,
Life is a Bowl Full of Cherries (2011) uses food idioms.
Out of the Blue uses color idioms. All three are fun – and instructive.
Illustrator: Robin Hegan
Robin Hegan has many artistic talents but she enjoys illustrating children's books the most. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Integrative Arts. Robin resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters.
View Next 25 Posts
What a surprise to see this come through my Facebook Feed! Thank you so much for this post! You really put a smile on my face today!