PPPF: Arianna and the Strawberry Tea…Celebrating Uniqueness

Posted on December 7, 2012 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susanna Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of picture book writers, illustrators, librarians and others who contribute a picture book review.

Did you know that December is READ-A-NEW-BOOK MONTH?

The holiday season is upon us…I know that many bloggers will be reviewing holiday-themed books. Here’s one that celebrates, not Christmas, but a child’s unique qualities.

Arianna and the Strawberry Tea

Written by Maria Faulconer

Illustrated by Katy Arnsteen

Publisher: Ideals Children’s Books (Hambleton Hill Publishing) 1998

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Believing in oneself, confidence, rule-bending

Synopsis:

One snowy evening, Arianne and her parents arrive at a posh hotel. While her parents are dealing with the taxi and the luggage, little Arianna walks into the hotel and charms the housekeeping staff, the doorman, the manager of the hotel dining room and all of the restaurant patrons. When her parents discover her in the dining room and inform her that this hotel does not allow children, all of Arianna’s new friends refuse to let them leave and Arianna and her parents are given the Presidential Suite.

Why do I like this book:

As I read this story, I was reminded of the Fancy Nancy series. The illustrations and story are charming…and Arianna charms everyone she meets. This is a wonderful book for children who need an infusion of confidence…and, at the back of the book, are some recipes for the items Arianna ordered, an infusion of Strawberry Tea and delicious-looking Chocolate Tarts.

Related Activities:

MAKE SOME CHOCOLATE TARTS

Photo courtesy: http://www.devonportchocolates.co.nz

The recipe in the picture book calls for heavy cream and is, perhaps, a little complicated for very young children and busy parents. Here’s a much easier way to do it so that your child can help and it will take only a few minutes.

You will need: One package instant chocolate pudding, milk, small ready-made tart shells, can of whipped cream and a bowl. If you want to make this treat a little healthier, you can use organic pudding mix and whipped cream.

Make the chocolate pudding according to package instructions.
Spoon chocolate pudding into each tart shell.
Top with whipped cream, if desired.
You can decorate the whipped cream with candy sprinkles or other mini-candies for a more festive look.
Keep in the refrigerator in a covered container.
These make lovely gifts for neighbors or teachers.

Why not have a tea party for your child and a few of his or her friends?

Dinner tonight: Mrs Langan’s chocolate pudding (thetimes.co.uk)
Chocolate Mousse Pudding (thesizzlingsaucepan.com)
Danish Apple Crunch (hobbitkitchen.wordpress.com)
Variations on a Classic: Whipped Cream with Sass (persephonemagazine.com)
E-Z Triple Chocolate Pie (cookingwithchar.wordpress.com)

Parenting Blog Award: The Positive Parental Participation Blog Award

Posted on December 6, 2012 by viviankirkfield

The Positive Parental Participation Blog Award

Awards are a great way to let someone know they have done a stellar job! At the Academy Awards ceremony, actors and actresses covet the golden Oscar. Thoroughbred horses and their jockeys train fast and furiously to win the blue ribbon and flower-encrusted wreath.

Bloggers also have their own ways of giving ‘props’ to other bloggers…’The Very Inspiring Blogger’, ‘The Sunshine Award’ and the ‘The Versatile Blogger’ are only a few of the many awards a blogger can receive. Usually, the bloggers who receive the awards have to list a number of interesting things about themselves…and then pass the award along to a bunch of others.

During these past two years, I’ve connected with many wonderful people. I’ve created a special parenting blog award (I hope I’m allowed to do that)…The Positive Parental Participation Blog Award. This is an award that recognizes a blogger who exemplifies the tenants of Positive Parental Participation:

Encourages children to love books and reading
Believes that young children need to play in order to learn
Supports positive parental participation

I’m sure my list would run off the page if I included all those who deserve this award…so I’m starting with just nine special bloggers.

Susanna @SusannaLeonardHill: Your Perfect Picture Book Friday list is an AMAZING resource for every parent and teacher of young children…your summer school visits with your daughter provided a lovely view for all of us on parenting the growing child.
Milka @PerfectingMotherhood: I love your dedication to providing your young children with books and creative experiences…somehow you’ve found a wonderful balance of being there for them and giving them space.
Marilou @SpanishPinay: I’ve enjoyed following your new-mom journey…Little Spanish Pinay is a lucky little girl…you are a wonderful mother…working hard to provide a positive loving environment for your precious child.
Ella @MyMemorableChildrensBooks: I connected with you when I first started blogging and you have continued to impress me with your dedication to getting books into the hands of young children. Your birthday book giveaway, wonderful book reviews and sharing of information about various book freebies that are available are all great resources for parents.
Kirsten @CreatingCuriousKids: I met you through Susanna’s PPBF and Julie’s 12×12 and was immediately struck by how involved you are with your children’s lives…you provide amazing activities for them, you help at their schools, and you share your passion for books and reading with them. Your latest post also shows how you are encouraging them to care about others and reach out to help in their own small ways. When they are adults, they will be caring about others in BIG ways, I know!
Elizabeth @MirthandMotivation: You were my first blogging ‘buddy’! Your posts never disappoint…they are always filled with peace, hope, inspiration, amazing photography, beautiful verse and wonderful quotes. Your blog is enjoyed by people all over the world…you are a great writer, a talented photographer and a caring human being!
Chris @BookDads: We connected a while back when you graciously reviewed “Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking” and then you invited me back as a guest poster. You empower moms and dads as they travel the parenting road…you also promote the love of books and reading and you do a stellar job…I love that!
Emily @mummumstheword It was a happy day when I linked one of my parenting/importance of picture books posts to yours, Emily! I’m so proud of your tremendous success with your children’s books…you are helping so many with the beautiful stories you tell! And I’ve enjoyed your honest and humorous posts that relate your first-time parenting adventure with your beautiful son.
Susan @Kindergarten&PreschoolforParentsandTeachers I’m loving the Google+ HangoutsonAir that I am doing with you, Susan! Your blog is an amazing resource for parents and teachers…your books are must-have’s for anyone with young children…and you are a wonderful mother. I always know there will be a post brimming over with great ideas when I visit your blog.

Please go and visit these special bloggersl…your time will not be wasted! I hope these nine amazing people will want to pass along the Positive Parental Participation Blog Award to other bloggers who are encouraging children to be lovers of books and reading and believe that children need to play in order to learn and parents need to participate positively with their children.

Inspirational familypreneur blogs | Sainsbury’s Money Matters (sainsburysbank.co.uk)
Universal Children’s Day: A Plea for Children’s Rights (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)
Sunday Post: Peaceful…How to Create a Peaceful Home (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)

Sunday Post: Peaceful…How to Create a Peaceful Home

Posted on December 2, 2012 by viviankirkfield

Jake at Time after Time has a Sunday Post Challenge and every week he provides a theme…this week’s theme is PEACEFUL.

Surroundings can be peaceful…many people find that being near quiet water helps relieve stress.

Children listening to a picture book story can be peaceful.

Children engaged in a craft activity can be peaceful.

Many years ago, when my own kids were young, I operated a home daycare. People couldn’t believe that there were six children in the house because the house seemed so peaceful.

The children were always engaged in one activity or another…listening at a picture book; building with blocks; telling a story with the flannel board; working on a puzzle; drawing or painting a picture.

The house wasn’t silent…but the sounds of busy children, happily engaged in activities are PEACEFUL sounds.

Do you have young children?

Is your home a peaceful one?

It’s important for parents to provide those types of activities for their kids.

But it is difficult. Parents are busy with other responsibilities. Some parents aren’t sure what activities are best to do with their children. Others don’t know how to plan a balanced and harmonious day.

That’s why Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cookingis such a super cool book.

It gives parents those types of activities.
It gives parents a simple hour-by-hour plan that can be modified for each individual family’s situation.
It gives parents 100 picture book suggestions that will develop better literacy skills.
It gives parents 100 quick and easy craft projects that will build self-esteem.
It gives parents 100 child-friendly healthful cooking activities that will encourage fussy eaters to try new foods.
No expensive materials…just paper, scissors, markers and a glue stick.
No planning…the activities are quick and easy…no muss…no fuss.
Buy the book today and help several children’s organizations because we donate a portion of the book sales.
The list price is $44.95…you can purchase it on my website for $24.95 and get THREE BONUS GIFTS: FREE SHIPPING, A HAND-CRAFTED FABRIC BOOKMARK FOR YOU AND A BRAND-NEW PENCIL FOR YOUR CHILD.

A local woman who makes beautiful quilts created these awesome bookmarks for me…she donates her profits to a family shelter, so this is a win-win-win for everyone…she used three different pieces of fabric for each…here’s a close-up so you can see the lovely detail.