Fool's Fun

Again I couldn't find the books I wanted to share for April fools day and so I will just put on some recommended books from some other people. I know it's the day before April Fool's and I'm just barely sharing these but maybe you can find them and if not next year you'll have some ideas. I'm going to have to look for my holiday books a little earlier from now on.

April Foolishness by Teresa Bateman

Publishers Weekly
The pair behind Farm Flu returns to the barnyard for another heapin' helpin' of monkeyshines. It's April Fool's Day, but who's fooling whom? With tight, energetic couplets, Bateman gives voice to the visiting grandkids (aided and abetted by Grandma, it turns out) as they try to convince Grandpa that the farm is in chaos. In their scenario, first the chickens fly the coop, then the runaway pigs use the tomato patch for a food fight and finally, "Grandpa, oh, Grandpa!/ The sheep are all gone!/ I heard that they're munching/ on somebody's lawn!" Westcott, game as ever for upping the ante of any silly scene, comically imagines the renegade grazing but also throws in a pair of sheep who've gone way beyond that-they've commandeered lawn chairs, and one of them grooves to an iPod. Grandpa refuses to rise to the April Fool's bait until his wife delivers the coup de grace: "You'll find, to your sorrow,/ it's not April Fools' Day today,/ but tomorrow!" Of course, everything is normal, and Grandpa realizes that despite his best efforts, he has been busted-big-time. A closing image proves that the group is not mean-spirited but just engaging in a bit of fun. The book's double-edged joke (Grandpa won't be fooled, and so he's more foolish) and the fact that kids love the idea of adult-sanctioned mischievousness makes this a surefire giggle-inducer. Ages 5-7. (Oct.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

April Fool! Watch Out at School! by Diane DeGroat

Gilbert plans to play tricks on everyone on April Fool's Day, but at first he's getting tricked by everyone else, including his mother and his teacher. The worst culprit was the school bully, Lewis. But by using his brain and with help from his friends, Gilbert comes up with the best trick of all. As with her other children's books, Diane deGroat has not only written a story children will want to hear over and over again, she's illustrated it beautifully. And, if readers look closely, she's included a number of jokes in her illustrations as well.

Seuss Caboose

Well I thought I'd add a few last Seuss books for this week! I hope you've enjoyed spending some time with Dr. Seuss and his silly rhymes.

Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You?

Author: Dr. Seuss

Summary: Mr. Brown can make any sound you can think of, from a cow to a bee to a butterfly. You'll enjoy seeing if you've got the stuff to make any sound just like Mr. Brown. This book is a easy reader from Mr. Brown that young children will enjoy and be able to participate in by making their own sounds

Oh the wonderful sounds Mr. Brown can do! He can sound like a cow. He can go Moo Moo.

Ages: 1-8

Use to teach: sound, 5 senses

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Author: Dr. Seuss

Summary: This book is filled with Dr. Seuss's silly rhymes and zany verses. It is sure to get any child's imagination up and going. It does move to many different verses and rhymes but is a book that small children will enjoy and is great for helping them to learn and practice reading.

Bump! Bump! Bump! Did you ever ride a Wump? We have a Wump with just one Hump. But we know a man named Mr. Gump

Ages: 1-7

Use to teach: Reading, rhyming/rhyming words

Big A Little A

It's time for a few Seussical Stories. Since March is the birthday month of Dr. Seuss, Theodore Geisel, I decided that there wasn't a better time than now to enjoy some of our favorite Seuss books. Originally I wanted to find a few that were less known and suggest them. But living in little Cedar City I found that quest was a bit more difficult than I thought. After looking in the book stores and at the library I had a hard time finding new books. I decided I would review some of our favorites and then below show a few pictures of other Dr. Seuss books for you to try out and of course for Rose and I to keep our eyes open for as well! Hopefully throughout the week we will add other Seuss books since there are so many to choose from.

Dr. Seuss's ABC's

Author: Dr. Seuss

Summary: In this book you are introduced to the alphabet Dr. Seuss style. You'll see fiffer feffer feff's, quacking quackeroo's and of course a duck dog too! It's a fun and exciting way to read about the alphabet and is sure to be stuck in your mind after a few reads. I've found this Dr. Seuss is good for younger ages and great for repetition as a small child reads. Rose and I really enjoy this book

Big A little a what begins with A? Aunt Annie's Alligator. A a A

Ages: 0-6

Use to teach: Alphabet(sound and letters), Rhyming

The Foot Book

Author: Dr. Seuss

Summary: This silly book is all about feet. In true Dr. Seuss fashion these feet are high, low, red, black, furry, and lots more. Although more simple this book is sure to keep you entertained and while taking you through all sorts of feet also teaches you about opposites.

Left Foot, Left Foot, Right Foot, Right. Feet in the morning, Feet at night.

Ages: 0-7
Use to teach: Rhyming, Feet, Opposites

Yertle the Turtle

Author: Dr. Seuss

Summary: "On the far-away- island of Sala-ma- sond Yertle the Turtle was king of the pond." But the king of this pond gets a little too greedy and soon isn't pleased with his little old kingdom and wants more and more and more. This is only stopped with a plain little turtle named Mack, sneezes and puts Yertle back where he belongs. This is a classic Seuss story told only the way he can do it and I have to admit it has to be one of my most favorite Seuss books!

"I know up on top you are seeing great sights, but down on the bottom we, too, should have rights!"

Ages: 3 and up

Use to teach: Greed, Humility, Rhyming

Other books to check for that I haven't read:

I'll post some more of our favorites throughout the week. Happy Reading!

The Luck of the Irish?

St. Patrick's Day in the Morning

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Jan Brett

Summary: This story is set in a village in Ireland. The young character Jamie wakes up on St. Patrick's Day full of excitement. He see all of the parade costumes set up for his brothers but is told that he is too young to make it up Acorn Hill. Jamie decides to prove them wrong. He sets out with hid dog Nell and his trusty flute to prove to everyone that he can make it up the hill. It's a very simple and sweet story of a little boy showing his determination.

"It's not fair Nell," Jamie Donovan said to his sheepdog. "I want to walk in the parade, too. They say I'm too small--that I couldn't get to the top of Acorn Hill alone. But what do they know?"

Ages 4-9

Use to teach: Ireland, St. Patty's Day, Hard work and Determination

O'Sullivan Stew
Author: Hudson Talbot

Summary: Someone has stolen the witch of Crookhaven's horse, and there will be no peace in the village until it is returned. So Kate O'Sullivan takes matters into her own hands. Kate ends up not saving the day but getting her family in trouble. Kate decides the only way she can save her family is to tell a good story. Filled with imagination, wit, and a healthy helping of good old-fashioned Irish blarney, this is a fun book with with all sorts of turns and unexpected ideas. This book is definitely better for older readers, it has more words and pages but the pictures are fun and a younger child may enjoy looking at them.

"The king looked glum. 'I'd like to agree,' he said slowly, 'if only I could. But you've pushed me too far with this tale about your father. I am tempted to reward you simply for your vivid imagination. But really, Miss O'Sullivan, who in the world would ever believe such a far-fetched story about him?'"

Ages: 5 and up
Use to teach: Ireland, St. Patty's Day, Tall Tales


Mary McLean and the St. Patrick's Day Parade

Author: Steven Kroll
Illustrator: Michael Dooling

Summary: Mary Mclean's family has moved to America after thier potato crop in Ireland failed. Now all she wants to do is to ride with Mr. Finnigan on his horsedrawn cart in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. All she has to do is to find the perfect shamrock and her wish will come true. A very cute story of a little girl's wish filled with beautiful illustrations.

Ages: 4-8
Use to teach: Ireland/Irish, St. Patty's Day, Immigration to America

I thought it would be fun to provide a few perfect stories to go right along with your St. Patty's Day pinching. To be honest I haven't read very many St. Patrick's Day stories and was unaware of how many there really were. But there is a wide variety of stories that are both fun and entertaining. Unfortunately Rose has been feeling a little under the weather so we weren't able to go and investigate our finds a bit more, but I still have a few you can try to find for yourselves. Also you can go to the apples 4 the teacher site on the side and then to St. Patrick's Day to find some more titles if you are feeling in the spirit. These books tend to go to a little bit older children from at least 4 or 5 up but I think any child will still enjoy the pictures and the books. Good Luck finding something fun for your little leprechauns!

The First Book Bugs

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!

Author: Karen Beaumont

Illustrator: David Catrow

Summary: The little artist in this book gets caught by his momma painting his the ceiling and the walls as well as himself. His momma tells him no more painting and stows away the paints in the cupboard. But the little painter says there " ain't no way that he ain't gonna paint no more" as he climbs up and retrieves his paints and as you will see continues to paint all over himself. This book has lots of fun colors and pictures. You may have to pull out the paints afterwards!

"One day my mama caught me paintin' pictures on the floor and the ceiling and the walls and the curtains and the door, and I heard my momma holler like I never did before.."

Ages: 2 and up

Use to Teach: Art, Colors, Parts of the body

How I Became a Pirate

Author: Melinda Long

Illustrator: David Shannon

Summary: Jeremy Jacob and his family are enjoying a normal day at the beach when he notices a pirates ship off in the distance. When the pirates land they ask Jeremy to join their crew because he is a good "digger", "a good one to boot!" As Jeremy sets off on his adventure he finds that the pirates do lots of things he likes but he also finds out they leave out a few things he misses. So raise your Jolly Roger and join Jeremy for a great pirate adventure.

"When they landed the head pirate climbed out of the boat and yelled, "Ahoy thar, matey! Be this the Spanish Main?" "No," I said, "this is North Beach." "Shiver me timbers!" the pirate said. "We must have taken a wrong turn at Bora Bora

Ages: 4-8

Use to teach: Pirates

Hip, Hip, Hooray for Annie McRae!

Author: Brad Wilcox

Illustrator: Julie Olson

Summary: Annie McRae is an energetic girl with red pigtails, blue torquoise cowboy boots and a big smile. She goes through each day getting cheered on by all of her family members and teacher which adds extra "zing into Annie's swing". But when Annie doesn't get cheered on by all of her family members she doesn't know what to do. So she decides she will just have to cheer for herself. This is a fun story with lots of description and fun sayings.

"Good Morning," Dad smiled over the wall of boxes Annie was building on the counter. "What kind of day is it going to be?" he asked playfully. "It's going to be a rip-roarin', corn-crackin' day" Annie Responded."

Ages: 4-10

Use to Teach: Adjectives/Description, Rhyming, Family, Positive Attitude, The Writing Process

The Flower Man

Author and Illustrator: Mark Ludy

Summary: This book is one of my favorites and is just a picture book. Through the pictures this story tells about a little old man who enters a dull and colorless city. He begins to "color" the city by sharing flowers with those around him and they share with others until the city has changed. The pictures are amazing in this book and each page tells many different stories by watching each different person in the book

Ages: Any child will enjoy the pictures but probably a little older to understand the story

Use to Teach: Love, Service, Kindness, Writing, Cause and Effect

Welcome

Welcome to The Book Bug website! My sister suggested to me to start a website that reviewed children's books and I couldn't have been more excited! So Rose and I will do our best to share some of our favorite books. Now I will probably only do a book or two a week but this week since I was so excited I decided to do more! On the side there is a ladybug learning that includes a reading activity to do, An author buzz that highlights an author each week and the "fly on by" which are some reading websites. If you have any good websites to add or if you have any other suggestions just let me know, but until then happy reading!