PPBF: One Big Pair of Underwear – Sharing is Fun

Posted on November 6, 2014 by viviankirkfield

I know you don’t want to hear this, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Christmas won’t be far behind! It’s a busy time for everyone, especially parents of young children.

Keeping the stress level down is definitely a challenge. One of the most important things is for moms and dads to have good communication with each other so they are on the same page about activities and gifts – present a united front for the kids – things go much more smoothly if you do.

Whether you’ve got one child or several, sharing is almost always an issue. Young kids can be very possessive about their things. Sharing is a learned skill…most kids don’t come by it naturally. Reading today’s Perfect Picture Book with your children would be a great opportunity to talk about sharing.

ONE BIG PAIR OF UNDERWEAR

Written by Laura Gehl

Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

Publisher: Beach Lane Books (2014)

Ages: 2-8

Themes: Sharing, counting, animals

Opening Lines:

“One big pair of underwear, Two brown bears who hate to share. One bear wears the underwear. One bear cries, “That isn’t fair!”

Synopsis:

From Booklist: “The word underwear is enough to make kids erupt in giggles. But when two bears contemplate sharing one pair of underwear, youngsters will be rolling in the aisles. Add rhymes, tongue twisters, and alliteration into the mix, and you’ll find spirited entertainment in this picture-book introduction to basic concepts. A joy to read aloud with digitally colored pencil illustrations that are full of charm and humor.”
Why I like this book:

Great read-aloud
Hilariously funny…just the word underwear is enough to get kids laughing!
Great rhyming counting book

How a parent can use this book: Continue reading →

PPBF – No! by Tracey Corderoy

Posted on October 24, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Friday! And that means it’s time for a picture book review.

If you live or work with young children, there is a word that you probably hear very often. That word is…NO.

NO!

Written by Tracey Corderoy

Illustrated by Tim Warnes

Publisher: Little Tiger Press (2013)

Ages: 2-7

Themes:

Stubborness, self-control, socialization

Opening Lines:

“Otto was adorable. Everybody said so. Then Otto learned a brand-new word.”

Synopsis:

From Booklist:

“A new favorite word and a feeling of being in control lead a young rhino into several unsatisfying situations. Otto has expanded his vocabulary and learns to say “no” emphatically. He tries his new word out at home and at school. Though Otto lives in a loving household and attends a pleasant preschool, his parents and his teacher, a pink flamingo, are shocked by the toddler’s sudden negative attitude and stubbornness. Feeling powerful soon leads to Otto being excluded from many potentially enjoyable situations because he uses his new word indiscriminately. After a less than satisfying day at school, and with a hug and sympathy from his father, the youngster understands it is better to use that word sparingly.”

Why I like this book:

Simple read-aloud
Brightly colored illustrations with lots of action
EVERY child and parent will be able to relate to this story

How a parent can use this book:

Great read-aloud
Talk about how ‘no’ is an important that should be used at certain times – when should we say no – when should we say yes
Role-play with your child using the situations in the book – let your child think of other situations

Related Activity:

Make a Rhino Face Mask

You will need: Construction paper, paper plate, scissors, markers, glue.

You can go to http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/rhinoscraftsideasactivitieskids.html and print out the template of the rhino mask.
Or you can use a paper plate and cut out the eyes, nostrils, ears and horn from construction paper and glue them on the plate.
If you want it to be a mask, you can cut out the center of the eyes.

If you are looking for more great picture book suggestions, hop over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog where you will find a bunch more hand-picked picture book reviews with activities for you and your child. If you are a mom, teacher or librarian, please check out Susanna’s amazing Perfect Picture Book page with over 1000 categorized picture book reviews and activities.

I hope you will be back on MONDAY for a SPECIAL HALLOWEEN POST!

I’ll be sharing my entry for Susanna Hill’s Halloweensie Contest (yes, there is still time for you to write a children’s story of 100 words or less) and I’ll also be posting a book review of Barbara Gruener’s What’s Under Your Cape, a marvelous resource for parents and teachers!

Beautiful Rainbow World – National Diversity Awareness Month

Posted on October 16, 2014 by viviankirkfield

Today is Friday. TGIF for people who work during the week. And PPBF for those who love picture books. And National Diversity Awareness Month for EVERYONE!

The special book I’m featuring today is one that belongs on every diversity children’s book list. Through my parenting blog, I connected with the talented lady who wrote the song that the book is based on, Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou. She travels all over the world, sharing beautiful music with children. Daria graciously agreed to answer a few questions about the importance of music in the lives of children.

Hello Daria! Thank you so much for stopping by. I know music is such an important part of your life.

Do you play an instrument?

Yes! I’ve been playing guitar and dulcimer since I was a little girl. When I was young I was part of the Bucks County Folk Music Society and the older folks there were really kind to young learners. That was where I learned a lot about folk music from lots of different cultures and began playing the dulcimer.

When did you realize that music was the path you wanted to follow?

I was a young child in the 60’s and loved protest music because it gave a voice to many issues I felt strongly about, such as working for peace and caring for the Earth. I discovered that writing a song was a way to be heard, to speak out and yet it was a positive, non-confrontational way to change hearts and minds. That was when I knew I wanted to make music as my life’s path!
Why do you use music with kids?

Although music in most modern cultures is mainly about entertainment, it is so much more in other cultures. I love using music as a way to listen, a way to teach and a way to encourage kids to understand the power of cooperation. When children are playing together – for instance on a pow-wow drum- they can hear and even feel how something special happens when everyone works together toward a goal! It’s a great life lesson!
How can parents and teachers encourage a love of music in children?

That’s simple! First of all they can relax and enjoy music with them. Share what they know and love with their kids. They can sing simple songs to them and if they feel shy about that, they can still tap or clap along as their child sings a song they love. They can share music from their culture of origin. Plus they can visit a library and discover new cd’s with their child or ask their librarian about “kid-friendly” concerts or music programs that are available in their community.

Is music a universal language?

Yes! Music IS a universal language. People may disagree over politics, geography and other important concerns but once we begin singing, dancing, cooking, eating or celebrating together, then the differences disappear. Music can touch hearts where mere words cannot – and that is a beautiful thing!

If you have never visited Daria’s website, please do go there…it is one of the BEST multicultural sites around…you will be in for a treat: http://www.dariamusic.com/monthly_song.php.

AND GUESS WHAT? WHEN YOU GET THERE YOU CAN ENTER A RAFFLECOPTER TO WIN A SIGNED COPY OF THIS PRECIOUS BOOK!