International Day of the Girl: Perfect Picture Book Friday

Posted on October 11, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Today is Friday and this is my 450th blog post! I have a children’s book review to add to the Perfect Picture Book resource list that author Susanna Leonard Hill is building on her blog. For more wonderful reviews from authors, educators and others who contributed today, please go here.

We are still surrounded by crates and boxes – moving 2000 miles was exhausting, but so worth it! In the morning, our grandson greets us with a cheery, “Good morning, Grandma! Good morning, Grandpa!”

In the evening, we play games and read stories before bedtime. Last night, we were able to celebrate his birthday, in person!

One of the stories on Jeremy’s bookshelf is an oldie by Russell and Lillian Hoban. It’s PERFECT for International Day of the Girl. Continue reading →

Picture Book Review and Activity: CHICK-O-SAURUS REX

Posted on August 23, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday. I haven’t been blogging recently because of our up-coming move…but I just had to share this very special book with all of you.

With the start of the new school year, many parents and children will be coping with a problem that has been around for a long time – bullying. I’m joining a special blog book tour to raise awareness of this wonderful addition to every parent’s and teacher’s picture book shelf:

CHICK – O – SAURAS REX

Chick-O-Saurus Rex

Written by Lenore Jennewein

Illustrated by Daniel Jennewein

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers (July 2013)

Opening lines: “Every little animal at the farm longed to play in the tree house. Especially Little Chick.”

Age: 3 and up (the publisher website says 4 and up, but I read the book to an almost 3 year old this week and he LOVED it!)

Themes: Bullying, believe in yourself, helping others, courage

Synopsis:

Little Chick wants to play in the tree house. Donkey, Pig and Sheep don’t think Little Chick is brave enough or mighty enough. Will Little Chick prove worthy and be allowed in the tree house? Grab a copy and find out: Available on Amazon! Continue reading →

Multicultural Picture Book Review and Activities for Kids

Posted on July 19, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Today is Friday – time for a children’s book and an activity to keep the kids happy and busy!

I found this book in a box at an open air town flea market when I was visiting my daughter and grandson in New Hampshire. I get into trouble at these places – how can you say no to a beautiful picture book for 25 cents? The seller wanted me to take the entire box of over a dozen hardcover beautifully illustrated multicultural books for two dollars. That’s right…two dollars. And did I buy all of them? No, I exercised GREAT restraint and only spent $1.00 because I knew I would have to lug those hardcover books back on the plane. After I made my frugal purchase, I walked over to the next seller. Oh no!!! She was selling children’s books also! There was Frog and Toad, The Fire Cat and Danny and the Dinosaur – each for…you guessed it…25 cents. I couldn’t resist…I bought TWELVE…but I left those with my grandson!

Mei-Mei Loves the Morning

Written by Margaret Holloway Tsubaklyama

Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (1999)

Ages: 4 and up

Themes:

Multigenerational activities, family bonding, urban China

Opening Lines:

“Mei-Mei loves the morning. When she wakes up, she always hears Bai-Ling rustling impatiently in his cage and Grandpa’s slippers sip-slapping on the kitchen floor. Mother and Father are still asleep, but Mei-Mei jumps out of bed.”

Synopsis: Continue reading →