Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Happy Hanukkah!!!!!!!!Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Kwanzaa!!!!! Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

 

SEASON GREETINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good evening! Happy Holidays, Everyone!

 

 

I hope that you had a happy healthy Holiday celebration! I had the most delightful time with family and friends. I thought I would take a few minutes to list some of the holiday books that I enjoyed over this holiday:

 

I enjoyed the following Holiday books:

 

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Hanukkah Lights: Holiday Poetry - Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins and Pictures by Melanie Hall

 

My First Kwanzaa - by Karen Katz

 

McDuff's New Friend - by Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers

 

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas - Created an Illustrated by James Dean

 

The Donkey's Christmas Song - by Nancy Tafuri

 

Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve - Jan Brett

 

Santa's Kwanzaa - by Caren Eileen Thomas and Illustrated by Guy Francis

 

 

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I hope that you will all be able to enjoy these holiday books. Let us know your favorites!

 

Until the next time..

 

Happy Reading!

A Children's Book a Day, Keeps the Scary Monster Away!

 

Sally Goes to the Vet by Stephen Huneck

Sally goes to the Vet

by Stephen Huneck

Sally loves to play outdoors with her friend Bingo. One day while playing, Sally trips, falls, and hurts her head. She is told she has to go and see the veterinarian.

As a dog lover, I absolutely enjoyed this delightful book!

The illustrations, colors, and text were fun, engaging, and a joy to read!

I thought of all my trips taking my dog Figaro to the vet and was so happy reading this lovely heart warming story. I t hought of the last time we went and he was so naughty that they placed us in a room all by ourselves while we waited for our veterinarian to come and treat Figaro "Figgie."

Reading this book made me want to immediately hug and kiss my Figaro..::))

"Will it hurt? I hear click, and that isn't. Lucky you! No. broken bones," the vet tells me?"

 I love how the pup Sally is the narrator for this book!!!!!!

What did Sally do after she returned home from the Vet? You will have to read the story to find out...

I would recommend this must have book to young children. It is great for story time!

I recommend this for home, school, and public libraries... It would be a nice story for daycare centers before the little angels take their nap.

Until the next time...

Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!

A CHILDREN'S BOOK A DAY... KEEPS THE SCARY MONSTER AWAY!

 

If All the Animals Came Inside

by Eric Pinder and
Illustrated by Marc Brown

"The walls would tremble,
The windows would shake.
Oh, what a terrible mess we would make!

If all the animals came inside, bears would run down the stairs, kangaroos would bounce on the couch, and hippos would play hide-and-seek through the halls! Join one family's wild romp as animals of all shapes and sizes burst through the front door and make themselves right at home."

This is one of the happiest children's books that I have reviewed.  The collage art work is so incredible wonderful! I love the colors, drawings, and the rhyming words.

Every color of the spectrum is included in this book... Oranges, pinks, purples, blues, greens, yellows, reds, greys, browns...and wonderful variations of all these colors::))

I am the children's librarian at the Carnegie Library Allegheny Branch. I have recommended this book to several parents and children. What a great read! This book is such a happy friendly book that I am planning to purchase it and give it to friends and family members with small children.

As an animal lover, I was so happy looking at the pictures and reading the rhyming text!

I giggled at the children ridig the elephant knocking over objects in sight which is what you would expect from an elephant in a small confined space... THUMP RHUMP. BANG BUMP.

How cute!

There are all sorts of animals hiding in room playing hide-and-seek. Animals coming out of closets. However, every so often along with the collage drawings, we will see a photo os a real image... or two or three.

This would be a great game for children to locate the real images in the picture... It might be a teddy bear or a sandwich or peas or pasta or a rubber ducky... You will have to read the book to find the rest!


"At bathtime my daddy would stammer and stare.
'You can't take a bath wiht an octupus in there!'
The faucet would leak. The bathroom would flood.
Daddy would slip and he's land with a thud!"

How many of you have had a bath with an octopus? What other animals are included in this book...dog, giraffe, lion, monkey, cow, fox, kitten, grizzly teddy bear, panda bear, elephant... and the rest are??????????????????????

There is something for everyone in this book!

This is great for story time, right before bed, or any time... It is such a happy friendly enjoyable read that your children will love you for sharing this delightfully funny and witty story with them!

I recommend this gem for every home, school, daycare, and public library!

 

Until the next time...

 

Happy reading..........

 

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

The Truth About Dragons

The Truth About Dragons

by Thomas Kingsley Troupe and Illustrated by Jeff Ebbeler


Dragons have roared their way through popular fairy tales for many years. Have you ever wondered why dragons look the way they do, where they might hide, or how they scare their enemies? Journey through this book to find out the truth about dragons.



The pictures are quite colorful. They are very bright, vibrant and rich as if hand drawn illustrations with colored pencils. What a treat to the eyes! There are lots of blues, greens, oranges, purples, reds, browns, yellows... Every color of the spectrum!

This book is an easy quick read. The pictures of the dragons seem larger than life just like dragons!

The book begins with "Here Be Dragons" that tells of dragons. "Stories tell of dragons that are big and scary. But are dragons real? Of course not!" We then move in to the history of dragons and where they come from. The oldest tales started in Europe and China.

Where do they come from? Do they live a long time?Do they get stronger or weaker with age? What do dragons look like? What is the difference between dragons from Europe and dragons from China?

Where do dragons live? Do they live in lairs, caves, homes, castles, swimming pools?

Do they spit fire, acid, water, or slime?

I won't tell you! You have to read the story!

A Glossary, Read More, Internet sites, and Index are contained at the end of
this book.

This is a great book for children wanting to learn more about dragons..::)))

I would recommend it for any home, school, and/or public library!

Kudos to Capstone for another job well done!

Until the next time...

 

Happy reading!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Welcome Everyone!

Today I am the Children's Librarian at the East Liberty Carnegie Library. I am having a blast!

I have had lots of registrations for the awesome Children's Summer Reading program. What a wonderful program. The children receive a gorgeous book bag and after reading 5 books or doing five activities, they will receive a free book.
When they read 5 additional books or 5 activities, they receive an Applebee's card for a free meal as well as the opportunity to select a free prize from the treasure chest.


I have lots of requests for books. One child wanted a joke book. Another wanted all of the books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Another wanted books on dogs. I even selected a few DVDs on:

The Dog that Saved Halloween, The Dog that Saved Christmas, and The Dog that Saved Christmas Vacation. I think the child and entire family will love the books and DVDs!

More later...

Until the next time...........

A Children's Book a Day, Keeps the Scary Monster Away!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Easter and Bunny's Easter Egg

Happy Easter!!!!!!!!!!!

I read the most delightful children's book today.

Bunny's Easter Egg by Anne Mortimer



"Bunny has spent a long night hiding Easter eggs, and now it's time to get some rest. But when she burrows down to sleep, something disturbs her, and everywhere else she tries to nap jsut isn't right.

She tries the old oak tree--- too noisy!

She tries a litte boat on the lily pond--to wet!

You won't be disappointed!

She tries the greenhouse--oh no!

Where will Bunny go?"

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You will have to read the book to learn about all of the places where Bunny will go..

This book was cute fun and easy to read. The colors were so rich and colorful. You will just want to hold Bunny in your arms or place her in your lap so that she will fall asleep as she looks so warm, fuzzy, and fluffy... just like my dog Figaro!

The watercolors are so beautiful and gorgeous!

The animals and scenery are very realistic.

I would recommend this book for young children. This book should be in every school, home, and public library!

Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time...

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Must read books for Women's History Month!

Books to Read for Women's History Month

The following books are a great read for Women's History month. You should check these out at your local library or purchase for your home library...

Madam President: The Extraordinary, True (and Evolving) Story of Women of Politics by Catherine Thimmesh

Sisters in Strength: American Women Who Made a Difference by Malcah Zeldis

Women Inventors & Their Discoveries by Ethlie Ann Vare & Greg Ptacek

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Until the next time.........

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Grow Your Own Monsters by Nicola Davies and Simon Hickmott

Grow Your Own Monsters

by Nicola Davies and Simon Hickmott and Illustratead by Scoular Anderson


Grow a death-trap for flies, a cabbage that turns into a walking stick, a living space rocket, or a cucumber with a secret weapon ...


Gardening will never be the same again when you give a home to these nine spectacular, exotic and easy-to-grow monster plants.

Each project has step by step, easy-to-follow instructions, a troubleshooting panel and a reference section showing


This book just might be the impetus to get children to learn about and engage in gardening!

I recommend this fun must read book for all children wanting to garden and to grow unusual plants...

Until the next time..... A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away.

Black History Month Children's Book Lists

Welcome to Black History Month

Here are some resources that are available for Black History Month children's books.

Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/for-black-history-month-childrens-books-can-be-enlightening/2012/01/24/gIQA47bxfQ_story.html

Reading Rockets
http://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/blackhistory/




New York Times Black Hisory bookshelf
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/books/review/bookshelf-black-history.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss







St Cloud Times
http://www.sctimes.com/article/20120212/LIFE/102120032/Black-History-Month-Books-young-children-notable-African-Americans-?odyssey=mod_sectionstories




The Children's Book Review
http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2012/02/african-american-history-month.html

Take a look at some of the resources and share with us what you have read!

Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next time.................

A children's book a day, keeps teh scary monster away!

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Welcome and Happy Martin Luther King Day!



I have included links below to some resources on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  There are a plethora of resources available online and I have included a few below!

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial... Visitors sharing their favorite quotations!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NacZCVkZPbU

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change

http://www.thekingcenter.org/

Los Angeles Times - Dr. Martin Luther King Day - Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://framework.latimes.com/2012/01/16/martin-luther-king-jr/#/0

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Biography, timeline, quotes, and more
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/mlkjrday1.html

Link to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bio

http://www.biography.com/people/martin-luther-king-jr-9365086

Wikipedia Link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.

Nobel Prize Biography

http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr.html

Lesson Plans from Education World

http://www.educationworld.com/search/google?cx=partner-pub-6489775476269284%3Ag11bqk-31md&cof=FORID%3A11&query=martin+luther+king+jr&op=Search&form_build_id=form-2eb4739c5b4c62f933edbb1994eeaeff&form_id=google_cse_searchbox_form

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Pre- and Post-Reading Activity

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/dailylp/dailylp/dailylp044.shtml

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Books for Kids on Amazon.com (Let us know if you have read any of these books and give us your feedback!)

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_7_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=martin+luther+king+jr+books+for+kids&sprefix=martin+luth%2Caps%2C194

 

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Until the next time....

 

Happy Reading...............

 

A CHILDREN'S BOOK A DAY, KEEPS THE SCARY MONSTER AWAY!

Happy New Year by Emery Bernhard and Illustrated by Durga Bernhard

Happy New Year

by Emery Bernhard and Illustrated by Durga Bernhard

"People around the world celebrate the new year in many different ways. How these traditions began and what they mean is the focus of this lively and engaging book. Why is noise-making such an important part of greeting the new year? Why do Nigerian children stay inside their homes until the old year is gone? Why do people in Burma pour buckets of water over one another? Here's a chance to travel to places as diverse as Ecuador, India, Italy, and China to find out how the new year is welcomed."

This delightfully written celebration of New Years tells the story of New Year's celebrations all over the world.

"People from all over the world welcome the new year. For everyone, it is a time of hope for the future. Different cultures measure time in different ways. The dates for New Year's celebrations vary from place to place and have changed through the ages."

This colorful fun book tells us that "Those of us who celebrate New Year's Dayon January 1 are using the calendar introduced by the Roman emperor Julius Caesar about two thousand years ago... January--the first month--was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings, of planting and harvesting.

Cowboys in the Wild West of nineteenth century United States rode into town to celebrate on December 31st. They began a tradition of going into the streets at midnight to fire their pistols in the air.

Ibo children in Nigeria must remain in doors until the year is gone, for if they are caught outside, the old year might carry them off when it leaves.

In Ecuador, families burn a straw man along with a list of everyone's faults at midnight on December 31st.

Rosh Hashana is the New Year holiday celebrated by Jews around the world. It takes place in early autumn.

On the Islamic New Year, Muslime worship quietly. They read their holy book, the Koran, which tells how the Prophet Muhammad fled from Mecca to Medina to escape death.

Chinese everywhere celebrate their New Year between mid-January and mid-February, which is the beginning of spring in China... The dragon that leads the Chinese New Year procession is a symbol of strength and good luck.

The Japanese also have a way of sealing their homes to keep out evil spirits on New Years Eve.

You will have to read this book to learn more about New Year's celebrations all over the world.

This book contains a glossary at the end that will be helpful to young children who might not understand some of the words that are included in this wonderful book.

This book is well written. The pictures are bright,cheerful, and very colorful. This book is a great read for young children to learn how people all over the world celebrate New Years Day.

Happy reading....

Until the next time!

A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!

Happy New Year!

Hello and Happy New Year!

I trust that this will be a great year for everyone... especially the children!

To start off the new year, I will be reviewing the book:

HAPPY NEW YEAR BY EMERY BERNHARD IN THE NEXT POST....::)))

You can plan to read this book by year's end in celebration for 2013!

OK... Let's begin!

Happy Reading...

Until the next time...

A CHILREN'S BOOK A DAY, KEEPS THE SCARY MONSTER AWAY!