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Tuesday Tales – Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox

Posted on January 25, 2011 10:43 am by TheAngelForever

Do you know the importance of next Wednesday, February 2? Well, it is the day that eyes all over the United States will be watching a little critter named Phil. Actually his full name is Punxsutawney Phil and he lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Each February 2, the town of Punxsutawney has a celebration. In the early morning, Phil emerges and we all wait and watch to see what he sees. According to the legend, if Phil sees his shadow and returns to his hole, the US will have six more “lovely” weeks of winter (please note the extreme sarcasm). If Phil does not see his shadow, spring will arrive early. Anyone want to get the word out now and bribe Phil?!

In our large book library we have a lot of books for various holidays. Last year I noticed that we did not have any for Groundhog Day and wished that we had. The other day we received a copy of a new book from Sterling Children’s Books called Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox. I read the book, but am saving it to read with the kids for the holiday since it will be special on that day.

About Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox:

In Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox, author Susan Blackaby elevates the familiar story of Groundhog Day to that of a delightful tale about two mismatched characters and the start of their beautiful friendship.

Brownie Groundhog wakes herself on February 2nd to see if spring might soon be arriving. But when Brownie steps outside, there’s not even the slightest sign of spring – just her shadow, a frosty field, and a very hungry fox. Like the familiar trickster tales of old, Brownie cleverly and consistently delays the fox’s anticipated lunch. Using all her wiles – and some delicious hot cocoa and cinnamon toast – Brownie finds a tasty way to sate Fox’s appetite and find a new friend in the process. Together, Brownie and Fox enjoy a friendship that helps to make the wait for winter’s end a little warmer.

Susan Blackaby’s deliciously witty writing and Carmen Segovia’s adorable animals and stunning landscapes combine to create a picture book filled with warmth and joy.

Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox – Written by Susan Blackaby – Illustrated by Carmen Segovia – Sterling Children’s Books – On sale January 2011 – ISBN 978-1-4027-4336-8 – $14.95 – Ages 3 and up

What I Thought:

The tale of Brownie Groundhog and Fox is unique. It begins with both Brownie and Fox wanting something that they can not have. Together, they learn about patience, passing time while waiting for something that they want, and working together. The two are unlikely friends, we read along and see how Brownie works in a clever way not to be lunch and keep Fox busy. When Brownie outsmarts Fox and tries to leave, we realize that a friendship is forming. The two bond over a snack and learn to trust one another. In the end, they learn that is is best to wait for what they want together than alone.

I really enjoyed this book and like the lessons that it teaches. Problem solving, tolerance, and friendship are all seen throughout the story. I am looking forward to sharing this book with my boys next week. I think I will even see if their teachers would like to have it to share with their classmates.

So what have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your Tuesday Tales and/or leave a comment below. Include something you read on your own, with a child or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

Disclosure: I received this book complimentary of Sterling Publishing in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. The opinions expressed in the review are my own. One widget within the review is for my Amazon Affiliate where I will receive a percentage of money for the sale of the books should you opt to buy the book mentioned.

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books holidays Product review Tuesday Tales

Tuesday Tales – More Book Time in 2011

Posted on January 4, 2011 10:05 am by TheAngelForever

Reading is very important in our house. TechyDad and I are constantly reading to and with the boys. NHL also likes to read to JSL, and JSL wants to read on his own. As a teacher, I know the importance of exposing children to literature, different genres, and authors. Our book collection is rather large, not including some of my other books from when I was in college getting ready for my own classroom.

Still, one of our favorite activities is to head to the library. I had wanted to take the boys there last week during break, but illnesses had other plans. Yesterday, JSL and I went to the library. We had a great time. First we looked at the DVDs to see if there was anything we wanted. After that, I checked out the audio books for me. When we were finished there we went to the children’s area. I got two more audio chapter books for NHL to read along to since he really liked doing that with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Right before leaving JSL and I explored the picture books for him.

I checked out three new audio books for me. I want them to listen to when I get back into my exercise routine and to knit and read. In 2011, I hope to read more for me – not simply the kids. Time to be a little selfish for once.

I look forward to sharing what we are reading here in Tuesday Tales again this year. So what are you looking forward to reading in 2011?

Please be sure to link up to your Tuesday Tales and/or leave a comment below. Include something you read on your own, with a child or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

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books jsl me moments nhl TechyDad Tuesday Tales

Tuesday Tales – Figment of your Imagination

Posted on December 21, 2010 12:37 pm by TheAngelForever

There is so much going on right now. KidsFunPlaza magazine deadlines, winter break coming, and the list goes on. Thanks to all of this, Tuesday Tales will be a Figment of your Imagination this week. You know, like this cute purple guy.

Lots of reading going on here. Yesterday, I read five books in one sitting with JSL. He pulled out a pile from our library bag and insisted on all being read. One of the books was the one written by President Obama to his daughters.

Meanwhile, NHL is listening to an audio version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. He has really enjoyed reading along with the CDs and is not phased by the fact that it is a chapter book. Success!

Over break we will probably try some more chapter books on CD. My other hope is to take some time to read a science mystery book that we were sent. The one we have is called Doyle and Fossey, Science Detective – The Case of the Crooked Carnival. As a science teacher, I am really intrigued with this series by Michele Torrey. Look for a review of this coming soon.

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books jsl nhl Tuesday Tales

Tuesday Tales – Snow Bugs: A Wintery Pop-up Book

Posted on December 14, 2010 11:34 am by TheAngelForever

Technically, it is not winter. Of course, the cold and snow over much of the United States would have many of us disagreeing with my first statement. It seems only fitting that today’s Tuesday Tales be about a winter theme book.

As a teacher, I love to gift books to children. Much to my delight, JSL received a wonderful new book from his speech therapist for Chanukah last week.

I have seen some of the other Bugs books before, but this one was new to us. Let me begin by saying that I love books that are unique and different. Anything that captures the interest of children is great. Then add in a twist, and you have the series of Bugs books by David A. Carter. To say that Carter take pop-up books to a new level would be a HUGE understatement.

More about Snow Bugs and David A Carter:

This next installment of the wildly popular Bugs series captures what everyone loves about chilly weather! From snowflakes and ski lifts to hot chocolate and snow angels, this new title is a perfect way to stay warm during the cold days of winter!
Paper-over-board book has cardstock pages with pop-ups on each spread.

David A Carter is a master paper engineer who created the Bugs series which has sold over 6 million copies for Little Simon . He is the author and illustrator of the critically acclaimed color series featuring One Red Dot, Blue 2, 600 Black Spots, Yellow Square, and White Noise. He lives in Auburn, California, with his wife and two daughters.

Snow Bugs: A Wintery Pop-up Book – Written by David A. Carter – Little Simon – October 2009 – ISBN-13 978-1416950547 – $11.99 – Ages 4-8

Some additional books in the Bugs series include: The 12 Bugs of Christmas, Jingle Bugs, Beach Bugs, Halloween Bugs, School Bugs, Birthday Bugs, Bed Bugs, Bedtime Bugs, and more.

What we thought:

Right after JSL opened up his package and revealed a “buggy” book (his words), he wanted to check it out. We were at Nana and Papa’s house, so he ran into the kitchen to sit at the table. He saw the pop-up items and wanted to sit where he could open the book better and check out all of the features.

After a little while of “reading” it on his own, JSL asked me to read the book to him. As I read, JSL took care of lifting flaps, turning items, or other surprises that were waiting inside. He loved checking each page to see what would happen next. There was no doubt in my mind that my three year old was actively engaged in the reading.

When we finished the story, I read it at least two more times before we had to pick up big brother. I like the repetitive nature that allows younger children to predict what they may find under items to explore within the book. The illustrations and paper art within are absolutely beautiful and amazing. My only caution is that this book should be looked at while supervised with younger children. We learned the hard way that a 3 and 7 year old can do damage to the delicate pages without meaning to. Oy!

So many extended craft projects could be done using this book. Children could create their own snow bugs, snow flakes, and more. I will definitely be using this book as inspiration for some projects over winter break.

I would highly recommend this book for kids to read during the winter months ahead. I know that JSL has already asked me to check out more “buggy” books since he enjoyed this one so much.

Disclosure: As mentioned, JSL received this book as a gift. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were in no way influenced by anything. The widget within the review is an Amazon Affiliate where I will receive a percentage of money for the sale of the books should you opt to buy the book mentioned.

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Tuesday Tales – The Twelve Days of Christmas Series

Posted on November 23, 2010 11:43 am by TheAngelForever

Books that include letters from the characters within them are big favorites of mine. Growing up, I remember adoring The Jolly Pocket Mailman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg. Then, when I was older, I loved Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary. Recently, I received some Christmas books to review. As a Jewish mother, I do not read many Christmas books with my children. We tend to focus on Chanukah and generic winter books.

One of the books in the package caught my attention.

I was very intrigued and wanted to know more. Soon after that, I was in a book store with my mother and bumped into the New York City book from the series. I knew that minute that I had to sit down with NHL to take a tour of Washington, D.C. in this unique manner.

About the Twelve Days of Christmas Series:

The sensational Twelve Days of Christmas Series is back with six more places to celebrate: Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C.! Based on the belobed son, every Twelve Days of Christmas book presents a host of entertaining, unusual, and kid-friendly facts about each locale. Plus, each of the now sixteen books are written and illustrated by authors and artists living in the featured area. Whether you sing along or just read aloud, The Twelve Days of Christmas series is the perfect holiday gift for the young and young at heart.

More about TheTwelve Days of Christmas in Washington, D.C.

Christmas in the nation’s capital is marvelous-and Olivia’s getting to see it all, from the gorgeous trees sparkling near the White House to the fabulous Sculpture Garden where she and cousin James ice skate on the frozen fountain surrounded by statues. And of course, there are plenty of monuments, memorials, and museums-like the amazing Smithsonian, with the ruby-red slippers from The Wizard of Oz-and adorable pandas in the zoo, too!

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Washington, D.C. – Written by Candice Ransom – Illustrated by Sarah Hollander – Sterling Children’s Books – On sale October 2010 – ISBN 9781402763946 – $12.95 – Ages 5 and up

What we thought:

I have to immediately say that I was beyond impressed with this book. The fun letters on each page to Olivia’s parents about her time in Washington, D.C. are packed with so much. Not only did my son learn about the different attractions within the Capital, but he also learned about people like Benjamin Franklin, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and many more. As we went on our adventure through parks, museums, monuments, and other places within Washington, D.C. the illustrations connected us to the topic. It was like we were there with Olivia, her cousin James, and Aunt Doris. I must also admit that at the end of each section, I was singing along to the tune about Washington, D.C. with my son.

NHL enjoyed listening to this unique story. He was curious about the items on each page and listened as Olivia’s letters helped to explain what was going on. After we finished reading NHL asked if we could go to Washington, D.C. to see all of the items. Check out a few of the pages from inside the book:

This was a fabulous moment as a parent and teacher. My kid was excited about learning and wanted more! Bravo to the creators of this series. I now look forward to checking out some of the other books in the series to read with my son about other states.