Perfect Picture Book Friday: What About Moose?

Posted on August 14, 2015 by viviankirkfield

Can you believe it? It’s already the middle of August. A couple of trees have taken on a tinge of the autumn that is yet to come. I’ll be sad to see summer disappear—I love long sunny days. So I might be asking,“What about making summer longer?”

But instead, because it’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’m asking, “What About Moose?”

WHAT ABOUT MOOSE?

Written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez

Illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (2015)

Ages: 3-8

Themes: Teamwork, social skills, friendship

Opening Lines:

Fox met her friends, with her toolbox in hand.

“Time to start building! Now here’s what I’ve planned.”

She divvied up jobs, and then Moose trotted in.

“I’m here,” he announced. “Let construction begin.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“It takes a team to build a tree house—but what if that team includes one very bossy moose?

When Fox, Toad, Bear, Porcupine, and Skunk set out to build a tree house, they know just what to do: they’ll follow a plan and they’ll work as a team. But when bossy Moose barges in and upends their plans with some of his own, his friends become more and more frustrated…until things go hilariously awry!

This lively rhyming picture book is pure, bouncy fun even as it imparts a subtle lesson about teamwork. Young readers will love to chant along: “But what about you, Moose!”

Why I like this book:

The incredible rhyme and humor of Corey Rosen Schwartz and her co-author, Rebecca Gomez
Bold colorful illustrations of Keika Yamaguchi
Addresses teamwork and sharing
Encourages friendship building

How a parent can use this book:

Wonderful read aloud
Great book for kids who are having a problem with sharing the load and teamwork
Talk about how to be a good friend – what are the qualities we want in a friend…those are the same qualities a friend wants in us

Related Activity

MAKE A PAPER BAG MOOSE PUPPET

Photo courtesy: http://www.brighthubeducation.com/preschool-crafts-activities

I’m a big fan of using inexpensive materials for craft projects with young kids…with a paper bag or a paper plate, you can have a barrel of fun!

You will need: One paper lunch bag, one piece of construction paper, markers or crayons, scissors, glue.

Help your child trace his handprints on a piece of construction paper.
Glue at the top of the lunch bag – these are the antlers.
Draw moose features with markers or crayons.
Role play with your child and retell the story – you can take turns being moose. Acting out the story is a great way to develop literacy skills like comprehension and vocabulary.

There are several other simple moose crafts here: http://www.brighthubeducation.com/preschool-crafts-activities/61650-four-moose-crafts-for-preschool

And guess what? I’ve got a special treat in store for you TOMORROW.

WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES

WELCOMES

REBECCA J. GOMEZ

CO-AUTHOR OF TODAY’S PPBF, WHAT ABOUT MOOSE?

Please don’t miss it—she’s got lots to share, including a stellar recipe for gingersnaps!

Thank you all for visiting – I look forward to your comments – please share this wonderful book and activity with parents, teachers and librarians – they are always looking for great books and quick & easy activities that educate and entertain.

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!