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Category Archives 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.

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.

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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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books jsl photos Tuesday Tales winter

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.

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 Educational gift ideas Product review Tuesday Tales

Tuesday Tales – Chanukah Book Edition

Posted on November 16, 2010 11:09 am by TheAngelForever

Even before I had kids, I liked to collect picture books about the Jewish holidays. I would use them in the classroom and knew that one day I would have them for my children. For years my collection of books was rather sparse. Thankfully, these days more and more authors are creating, and publishers are printing books about holidays like Chanukah, Passover, Sukkot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and beyond.

The selection of Chanukah books is much, much smaller than those available for Christmas this time of year. Still, there are so many more Chanukah books compared to when I was a child. While quickly searching around the book case in NHL and JSL’s room, I found the following Chanukah books. These include board books, along with soft and hard cover books that we have received and/or purchased in the past.

Board books:

Eight Nights of Chanukah Lights – Dian Curtis Regan
Where Is Baby’s Dreidel – Karen Katz
Hanukkah Lights – Ben Lakner
Rainbow Candles – A Hanukkah Counting Book – Myra Shostak

Hard and Soft cover books:

Chanukah Lights Everywhere – Melissa Iwai
Happy Hanukkah, Biscuit! – Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Mrs. Greenberg’s Messy Hanukkah – Linda Glaser
D is For Dreidel – A Hanukkah Alphabet Book – Tanya Lee Stone
It’s a Miracle – A Hanukkah Storybook – Stephanie Spinner

Of course, we also have some new books that will be added to our collection at the start of Chanukah when we light our candles on December 1. Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert came from the PJ Library. I bought Eight Wild Nights – A Family Hanukkah Tale by Brian P. Cleary and Hoppy Hanukkah! by Linda Glaser from a Scholastic Book Club flyer sent home from school.

I know we have many others, but I wanted to share some of our Chanukah book collection with everyone. Whether you are Jewish or not, it is a great idea to expose your children to other traditions.

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books holidays Tuesday Tales

Tuesday Tales – Ten on the Sled

Posted on November 9, 2010 4:43 pm by TheAngelForever

The other day, I pulled out a book to read to the boys during dinner. Yes, I did a read aloud as we ate our meal together. It was the perfect time. I had my audience sitting with me at the table. NHL (7), JSL (3), and TechyDad were all listening as I cracked open the new book called Ten on the Sled by Kim Norman. Please humor me later and tell me that other people do read aloud stories at dinner as well (or maybe this is just a teacher thing)!

About Ten on the Sled:

Author Kim Norman (Crocodaddy) and illustrator Liza Woodruff have whipped up a rollicking, jolly, snow-filled adventure!

In the land of the midnight sun, all the animals are having fun speeding down the hill on Caribou’s sled. But as they go faster and faster, Seal, Hare, Walrus, and the others all fall off…until just Caribou’s left, only and lonely. Now, a reindeer likes flying-but never alone, so…

one through ten, all leap on again!

An ideal picture book for reading-and singing along with-over and over.

Ten on the Sled – Written by Kim Norman – Illustrated by Liza Woodruff – Sterling Children’s Books – On sale October 2010 – ISBN 978-1-4027-7076-0 – $14.95 – Ages 3 and up

If you are interested in purchasing the book, the widget below is a link to my Amazon Store where I receive a small percentage for the sale.

What we thought:

My boys love animals. Ten on the Sled served as a great artic animal introduction for JSL, and a review for NHL. We were watching the story of the ten which included the caribou, seal, hare, sheep, walrus, fox, squirrel, wolf, moose, and polar bear. The boys all sat there listening to the repeating rhythmic nature of the words on each page. The kids really enjoyed making predictions about what may happen next. As the story kept going, they were able to see the pattern forming and guessing which animal would end up going off the sled in a new manner.

NHL enjoyed the book so much that he asked to take it to the couch to read again after dinner. I sat down with him and he read the story pointing out the animals and telling me what he knew about these creatures.

As I was glancing at the pictures, I was mesmerized with the details on the animals and the fun and colorful accessories that each was wearing. It isn’t every day that you see a moose wearing rainbow leg warmers, or a squirrel with a winter pirate hat on his head. Liza Woodruff captures the essence of the animal group with her illustrations and bring you onto the sled for the ride.

TechyDad noticed another item as we were reading along. He saw something in the corner of a few pages. It looks like a snowball that was slowly getting larger. Sure enough, it was a recurring item that shows what happened to each of the animals as they fell off the sled. Check it out when you read the book. Hint – it has something to do with the snowman that is seen on one of the first pages of the story.

I would definitely recommend this book for families to read together. It would make the perfect book to read when snowed inside this winter and drinking some hot chocolate while keeping warm.