Showing posts with label grades 2-4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grades 2-4. Show all posts

Saturday, April 28, 2012

How to Get Married

How to Get Married ... by Me, the Bride

Written and illustrated by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Sue Heap
Ages: Ages 4-8 (and their parents)

Take it from the six year old bride there are just certain things that you should do if you want to get married. This book gives advice on how to choose the perfect person to marry, pop the question, and plan the ceremony and reception. Taking place in the narrator's daycare, this book is charming and so funny.  Some sage advice includes: you should definitely brush your hair so that it doesn't look like a bird's nest back there. And according to the narrator, who is wearing a paper crown, "you can marry anyone you like!" and advises the reader not to forget to "throw a big bunch of flowers at people's heads." The illustrations alone would certainly keep readers busy and engaged-no pun (entirely) intended!

We all enjoyed this book and laughed out loud! This would be a perfect book for your preschooler, early grade schooler, or a bride to-be. This book is the second from the creative team that wrote the NY Times Bestseller How to Be a Baby...by Me, the Big Sister. There is also a third installment in the series, How to Get a Job...by Me, the Boss. We will be getting both of those titles as soon as possible. Enjoy!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys


























written by: Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard

illustrated by: E.B. Lewis
ages: school aged

All that Virgie wants to do is attend school with her five older brothers, George, Will, Nelson, Val, and C.C. They keep saying that she is too small to walk the seven miles, that she'll miss her parents too much, and that girls don't need to go to school anyway. Virgie proves them wrong with her desire to learn to read and go to school.

Set in the post-Civil War South, this true story is beautifully written and illustrated. Virgie's story takes place during Reconstruction when schools were created to educate newly freed slaves and their children. Fewer than 10% of slaves were literate and schools offered an unprecedented opportunity to learn. During Reconstruction, only boys were allowed to go to school, but that doesn't stop Virgie. This book has a rich message of education and freedom and can be a real jumping off point for conversations with kids about the Civil War, slavery, determination, and the value of education.




Sunday, March 11, 2012

Goodnight Ipad

by Ann Droyd
All ages

A great parody book of our technology craze society.  I laughed so hard.  Everyone will enjoy this book if they loved "GOODNIGHT MOON."







Saturday, February 25, 2012

11 Experiments that Failed

Okay folks, we're back! I can't believe how long it has been since I've reviewed a book or a series; shameful really! Well, we're back and thrilled to share some amazing new books with you and your kids!

11 Experiments That Failed

written by Jenny Offill and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
age: elementary aged children (and their parents or grandparents)

11 Experiments that Failed is what every kid dreams of trying at least one time. I'm reminded of one time that I shot mashed potatoes across the table and they landed smack between my grandpa's eye and the lens of his glasses. Automatic trouble-but I digress. What would happen if you ate nothing but ketchup snow cones or tried to grow fungi in your brother's shoes? Can a washing machine wash more than just clothes? Well, this book answers those and many other pressing questions!

This is such a charming book with clever illustrations. 11 Experiments that Failed is fun and filled with whimsy and childhood imagination. The scientist in the family will enjoy the clever use of hypotheses and results. Everyone was laughing out loud by the time we finished the book. Reading this book is one experiment to try!

Monday, May 23, 2011

The Little Red Pen



written by Janet Stevens and illustrated by Susan Stevens Crummel
ages: kindergarten through 4th grade

The Little Red Pen is working so hard to correct a mountain of homework. When she asks the stapler, scissors, eraser, pencil, and highlighter for help they all say, "no!" When the Little Red Pen becomes so exhausted with work, she falls into The Pit of No Return (the trash can). Will the school supplies learn to work together to save the Little Red Pen?

Run, run, run to get this from your local library or bookstore. This is quite possibly the most creative and clever take on The Little Red Hen that I have ever read. We have read this book enough that we have some parts memorized. Sisters and long time corroborators Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel have crafted a truly delightful story. Although there are numerous speaking parts and a somewhat complicated plot, it is just plain fun for everyone.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Adventure of Captain Underpants

by Dav Pilkey
ages- 8+

George and Harold are best friends and trouble makers.  They have created their own comic superhero, Captain Underpants and sell them to their friends at school.  Their principal, Mr. Krupp, catches them during one of their practical jokes and blackmails them into doing good.  The boys decide to hypnotize him to get out of being blackmailed.  Quickly, they decide to make Mr. Krupp, their comic superhero, Captain Underpants.  Then, he escapes before they are able to turn him back into Mr. Krupp.  Mr. Krupp tries to save the world as the boys try to find him to un-hypnotize him.  

This is the first book a a great popular series.  It is funny and hilarious that a grown man is running around in his underwear believing he is a super hero.    

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Cook It In a Cup

Cook It in a Cup! by Julia Myall: Book Cover

written by Julia Myall with photographs by Greg Lowe

This is a wonderful book for the budding chef in your home. With 29 recipes ranging from breakfast in a cup to sweet treats, you and your child are sure to find something that sounds appealing. The book comes with 6 colorful silicone cups that look like cupcake holders. Author Julia Myall covers kitchen safety as well as how to care for the cups in the beginning of the book.

This cookbook has gotten quite a bit of use in our home. The recipes are easy to follow with simple, step by step instructions. The results have been tasty and appreciated by even the smallest eater in our family (and that is no small feat!).

Friday, November 20, 2009

Oh, Brother... Oh, Sister!: A Sister's Guide to Getting Along (American Girl Library Series)












written by Brooks Whitney and illustrated by Laura Cornell
ages 8-12 years

From the makers of the American Girl series comes a book that helps girls navigate the tricky relationships between brothers and sisters. Well written and cleverly illustrated, this book provides practical ideas for dealing with the ups and downs of having siblings. "Oh, Brother...Oh, Sister" includes quizzes, tricks, and tips on dealing with everything from sharing a room to tattling.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Ivy and Bean- the Ivy and Bean Series #1




















written by Annie Barrows
illustrated by Sophie Blackall
ages: 6-9 or grades 2-4

Ivy and Bean are two very different girls: Ivy has long, curly, red hair, Bean's is stick straight; Ivy is quiet and enjoys reading whereas tomboy Bean prefers not to read. Bean decides that the girls are just too different to be friends. But when a joke Bean plays on her older sister Nancy goes badly, Ivy is there to help. One witch costume, magic wand, and a big bucket of pink slimy worms later, the girls are on their way to becoming fast friends.

Quirky characters, an energetic story, and fun illustrations make this a book worth picking up. My daughters read this out loud together and, judging from their laughter, they loved it. We can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

I Stink!

















written by Kate and Jim McMullan
ages: 2-8

When you're a garbage truck, you can be sure that you probably stink. This big city garbage truck gobbles up everything from apples to leftover ziti with zucchini. Yum!

I Stink is a silly romp through the interesting (and sometimes gross) work of a garbage truck in a big city. Every kid (okay, and grown up too) in your family will love reading and listening to this rhyming, jiving book.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

The Fiji Flood

The Fiji Flood
By Irene Schultz
Ages- 7-11

The Woodland family is taking a family vacation to Fiji. They are excited to swim in the colorful island and snorkel. When they arrive, a huge storm has caused flooding and mud slides. The vacation is full of unplanned adventures as they travel across the island to the hotel and have to return early to the airport. The family takes disappointing situations and makes it exciting and fun

This is a great chapter book for younger readers who enjoy adventures and mystery. I enjoyed this book because the author includes helpful hints of the pronunciation, in a unique way, for difficult words that allows the reader to not feel dumb. I love the messages in this book. The author allows the characters to practice having a good attitude during tough situations. The Woodland family has many adventures in other books which makes a great series to enjoy reading.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Meet Rebecca (American Girl Collection, Rebecca #1)

















written by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
grades 2-4 (and their Moms)

Rebecca Rubin is a nine year-old Jewish girl growing up in New York City in 1914. She wants to be an actress, although her traditional parents and grandparents think that this is not an appropriate aspiration for a young lady; they want her to become a teacher instead. Rebecca's family is working hard to make a successful life in America. When Rebecca and her family learn of the hardships of her cousins still living in Russia, her passion becomes helping them find a way to come to America- and safety. Spunky Rebecca puts on a show on the front stoop of their apartment building to make money to help with her cousin's boat fare, only to be met with reprimand from her family. Still determined to help her family in Russia escape to America, Rebecca finds another unexpected way to help.

American Girl has become synonymous with well-written historical fiction for children. Researched thoroughly, Meet Rebecca also includes a section entitled "Looking Back," about Jewish immigration and culture. Rebecca is a charming addition to the American Girl series; strong-willed and intelligent, she is a girl to be admired.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Judy Moody Saves the World



By Megan McDonald
Ilus. Peter H. Reynolds
Ages: 7-11

Judy Moody is my new favorite series. Judy Moody is a spunky third grader with an idea and dream for every occasion. When Judy’s class studies the environment, she is startled to learn about the destruction of the rain forest, the endangered species in her own backyard, and her family’s crummy recycling habits. Can she come up with a plan to save the world?

It starts with the Crazy Strips contest and a dream that she might see her very own band-aid design covering the knees of thousands children all over the world. When her “Heal the World” band-aid is awarded only honorable mention, Judy realizes that it is time to focus on something bigger. She drives her family insane by throwing out everything that comes from the rain forest, including her mother’s lipstick. When she decides to release her brother’s pet Toady, she may have gone too far. Can Judy whip the plant into shape?

Other books-Judy Moody Gets Famous, Judy Moody Predicts the Future, Judy Moody Declares Independence, www.judymoody.com for more books

Friday, July 31, 2009

Beck and the Great Berry Battle



Beck and the Great Berry Battle
By Laura Driscoll
Illus. Judith Holmes Clarke & Disney storybook artists

Ages-7 to 10 years old

This series is for the children who love Disney and fairies. Disney has produced a movie about Tinker Bell and her friends and has written books to keep the fairy world alive. The books don’t follow the movie, but introduce readers to more fairies that live in Never Land.

Beck is fairy in Never Land. She is the best animal-talent fairy. Every fairy has a special talent that helps keep balance in the forest. Beck is able to communicate with animals. The hummingbirds and the chipmunks start a Berry war which escalates when other animals join sides. Can Beck get the bottom of the misunderstanding and convince the animals to stop fighting?

It is another decent, very strong moralistic story in the series. It shows how easily fights can start and stupidity of wars and the reasons for them. It demonstrates that people can decide to cooperate rather than fight, and things are much better that way. I was introduced to this series by my 8 year old niece. It is very popular with the 3rd and 4th grade girls. This series can help reluctant readers make the difficult transition from picture books to chapter books.
If you are interested in learning more about these books, of course, Disney has a website- http://disney.go.com/fairies/

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things




















written by Lenore Look and illustrated by Leuyen Pham
Ages: 7-10

Meet Alvin Ho, aka Firecracker Man, a very cool kid who is afraid of lots of things: heights, school, substitute teachers, the dark, kimchi, and wasabi, to name a few. After packing his personal disaster kit (or PDK), he prepares for the first day of second grade- little does he know the adventures that await. Alvin's encounters include learning about the "s-word," a girl named Flea (who has a peg leg and an eye patch), cursing a la Shakespeare, and scary piano teachers. With a family that loves and supports him (and occasionally drives him nuts), Alvin learns the importance of being himself- and he might just overcome a fear or two in the process.

Alvin Ho is a quirky, endearing character that your reader will cheer on. This is a book to fall into and devour. Fun and funny, yet pleasantly heartwarming with a wonderful message, Alvin Ho is a must read!