bookbug

Be back after we move

2010-04-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

We are going to be moving and so we will be back after the move and I plan on making some much needed updates and fun stuff like that. See ya then!

Library Loves

2010-03-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here is another List of some recent library loves. The pictures weren't working so I will put them on another day.

The Block Mess Monster
Author: Betsie Howie
Illustrator: C.B. Decker

Summary: Calpurnia has a block mess monster in her room who doesn't want to be put away. Her mom, who somehow can't see this monster, tells Calpurnia to clean up. Calpurnia doesn't know what to do. Her mother tells her to just say "poof" but that doesn't seem to be working, not even the double poof. How is she going to get rid of the monster. This book is very fun and will make you giggle for sure. Sometimes it reminds me of the block mess monster that sometimes visits our house.

I am Calpurnia. The lady over there, folding the laundry, that is my mom.

Use to teach: cleaning up, imagination
Ages: 3-9
Book Projects: Building Blocks

Pingo
Author: Brandon Mull
Illustrator: Brandon Dorman

Summary: Chad and his imaginary friend Pingo spend their days in zero gravity chambers, concocting potions, and fighting ninja's but the day finally comes when Chad needs to give up Pingo. But Pingo isn't ready to go and Chad's imaginary friend becomes his imaginary enemy waiting for Chad to remember that he is still there. This is a very funny and imaginative book, plus it's fun to hear your kids day "Pingo". :)

Ages: 2 and up
Use to teach: Imagination, Description, Story telling
Book Project: Make up a story about your ideal imaginary friend and tell them to eachother.

The Day My Radio Flyer Flew
Author: Zachary Pullen
Illustrator: Zachary Pullen

Summary: All about the adventures of a little boy and what he does with his Dad's old Radio Flyer that he finds in the attic on a Saturday. Each dad this little boy does something different to make his Radio Flyer ready for some flying fun. With lots of work, a great dad and some imagination he might just make it work. I love this book because it reminds me of little boys and their dads building something and trying it out. I thought it was really cute but great pictures.

Ages:3-9
Use to teach: Alliteration
Book Project: Find something old that you can transform into something new

Day Out With Daddy
Author: Stephen Cook
Illustrator: Stephen Cook

Summary: Mommy's leaving for the day and that means daddy is in charge. And when Daddy is in charge that means gourmet meals, late night T.V. and nutritious breakfast of donuts and pastries. This is a cute story told by a little boy describing his wonderful day with his dad. Although I'm not sure his mommy would agree that it was fabulous. Rose thought this book was very cute and it reminded me a little bit of Dave which made me smile.

I knew Daddy was going to extra excited so I got up extra early

Ages: 2-8
Use to teach: Dads
Book Project: Go on a date with daddy

Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!

2010-03-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

Today is the Birthday of Dr. Seuss. So it is time to pull out all of your favorite books, cook up some green eggs and ham and party with Dr. Seuss! Here are a few ideas to help you get into the spirit and have some seussical silliness! Visit www.Seussville.com for lots of great ideas and games as well!

Cat-in-the-Hat Hat

Thing one and Thing Two relay race: choose what you would like to do in the race

Clean up the mess Relay: Before mom gets home you must clean up the mess the cat created. Give the kids a big garbage bag and let them clean up the mess

Balancing Act: have kids try to balance as many things as they can on their heads like the Cat in the Hat

Get Bubble Wrap, a larger piece, and "Hop on Pop"

Create a Fish pond, put in different fish with paper clips attached and then fish them out with a pole with a magnet on the end. Read "One fish, Two Fish Red Fish, Blue Fish" or "McElligot's Pool"

Using "Green Eggs and Ham" find props; such as box, fox, mouse, house and have each person participating hold up their item when it is said while reading the book.

Have a Foot Fest, Invite people to come with fancy, silly, or crazy socks/shoes. Take pictures of them and have them play find your feet later. Use with "The Foot Book"

Have an undecorate the tree race after reading "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"

Have people match the quotes to the correct Dr. Seuss book.

Make cupcakes and sing Happy Birthday

Have a Sneetches race: See which team can run to the end put a star on their belly and run back the fastest.

Put Skittles in a Jar and have people guess the correct amount: Use with my many colored days

Make a "Daisy Head Maisy" headband: have paper headband, flowers, pipe cleaners and other craft supplies available to use.

Make Newspaper Hats to parade around in with Bartholomew and the 5000 hats

Make Oobleck: use 1 cup of corn startch and put into 1/4 to a 1/2 cup of water. Then add green food coloring to make oobleck.

Play Twister with the Foot Book

Make Stars for everyone to put on their bellies for Sneetches.

Now if that isn't enough ideas to get you ready for some Dr. Seuss fun I don't know what will! Have fun and spend some time sharing some Seuss this week!

Mini Math Monsters

2010-02-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some of my favorite math books this month and so I'll start out with a list of books I have that are good for really young readers 0-2.

1 is one by Tasha Tudor
Five Green and Speckled Frogs by Martin Kelly and Phil Legris
10 minutes Till Bedtime by Peggy Rothman
Anno's counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno
Don't Count Your Chicks by Ingri D'Aulaire
Fish Eyes: A Book you Can Count on by Lois Ehlert
Jelly Beans For Sale by Bruce McMillon
Miss Spider's Tea Party: The Counting Book by David Kirk
Olivia Counts by Ian Falconer
Over in the Meadow by Ezra Jack Keats
Piggies by Audrey Wood
One Gorilla: A Counting Book by Atsuko Morozumi

I hope you enjoy these and I can't wait to share some more of my favorite math books with you over the next month! Happy Counting!

Get Fancy

2010-02-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

At our house we love Fancy Nancy and so far my favorite one has been the original Fancy Nancy. With a little girl like Rose who loves accessories Nancy has been quite a favorite around our house.

Author: Jane O'Conner

Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser

Summary: Life is hard when you are the only fancy one in your family. That is exactly how Nancy feels. But she gets a great idea, Give her family fancy lessons, with those and a few extra accessories Nancy's family might just be as fancy as she's been wishing them to be.

Ages 2-8

Use to teach: Vocabulary, Adjectives, Description

Book Projects: Make your own Fancy Nancy outfits and accessories, use only Fancy words the whole day

What to Look For

2010-01-30T13:28:00.000-08:00

Well in the past few months my book bug blogging has been quite poor and nonexistent but this time I am really ready to get going again!:) So look for more library loves, some fun math books, and book projects to come in the coming weeks. Hopefully we'll have some fun books that you'll want to check out!

Pop-ups

2010-01-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

Although I have meant to talk about some great pop-up books to get for your kids, I forgot about it and was reminded because my mom gave us some pop-ups for Christmas. Some of the best authors to look for when you want to get a great pop up book are Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart. Both of these authors do fantastic work! Their books are amazing to look at and although they often cost a little bit more money they are a great investment and it's fun to just have one or two. They are books that are definitely for older kids or books that must be read with parents and then put away. But they are something you will love to look at and I'm sure your kids will think they are pretty neat too. Here are a few examples:

Library Loves

2010-01-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

We wanted to share a few of the books that we have found at the Library and have really enjoyed a few of these were suggested to us and some we just found on our own. So next time you head to the Library here are a few ideas to pick up:

While Mama Had a Quick Little Chat

Author: Amy Reichert

Illustrator: Alexander Boiger

Summary: The reason why I originally checked out this book was because the little girl was a red head named Rosie, but after reading it both Rose and I thought it was worth another check out. When her mama gets on the phone, she tells Rosie that she is only going to have a quick little chat and that Rosie needs to get ready for bed. But we all know what moms and a quick little chat means and for Rosie a lot more happens that just getting ready for bed.

Ages: 2 to 8

Use to Teach:

Book Projects: Make a homeade telephone with cans and a string

Gone With the Wand

Author: Margie Palatini

Illustrator: Brian Ajhar

Summary: Bernice Sparklestein one of the best fairy godmothers has seemed to have lost her touch. With a wand that doesn't work like it used to and no idea what to do next. Bernice's fairy friend Edith decides to help Bernice find something else that a fairy like her can handle. This fun and silly story make us giggle and laugh as we tried to figure out what Bernice would do next. This one was one of our favorites and I thought it was fun to read the whole way through.

"If yours truly, Edith Molarnari, tooth fairy second class, hadn't seen it with my own two peepers, I wouldn't have believed it myself --- Bernice Sparklestein, once the best fairy godmother in the biz, having a bad wand day. A very bad wand day."

Ages: 3 to 9

Use to teach: Fairy Tales

Book Projects: Make Fairy Wands, Create your own fairy story

Princess Bess Gets Undressed

Author: Margery Cuyler

Illustrator: Heather Maione

Summary: Princess Bess has many beautiful dresses, full of lace and ribbons, and everyday she spends her time changing outfits for all of her different activities but her favorite outfit is one that may surprise and make you smile when you find out what it is. This is Rose's all time favorite book and she could read it over and over again.

Princess Bess has loads of clothes made with satin, snaps, and bows.
And she changes them all day, for her lessons and ballet.

Ages: 2-8

Use to Teach: Getting Dressed, Time, Schedules

Book Projects: Play Dress-up, Make up your own princess outfit, Make Paper Dolls with different outfits

Once Upon a Banana

Author: Jennifer Armstrong

Illustrator: David Small

Summary: This story is all about one silly monkey and how much trouble one banana can cause in one town. This is a picture book so there are no words but I found that Rose loves to look at all the pictures and giggle and point out all of the different things in each pictures. It is a definitely a fun book to check out!

Ages: 2 and up
Use to Teach: Writing Stories, Cause and Effect, Prediction, Description, Sequence

Book Project Ideas: Eat Bananas, Learn about Monkeys, Write your own picture story that follows a sequence and share it with someone in your family.

Now I know that most of these are girly books but hopefully I'll have a few more manly books in the next Library Loves.

Cowboy Classics

2009-08-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

So I wasn't quite up and running when I thought I was.... but now this book bug is really ready to go and so for the next two weeks we are going to have some cowboys classics along with a cowboy potato bug project, so we hope your up to it partner!

Little Britches and the Rattlers

Author: Eric A Kimmel

Illustrator: Vincent Nguyen

Summary: Little Britches in on her way to the rodeo to win the calf roping contest. She set out on her pony dressed in her finest cowboy gear. Little did she know that she would meet a bunch of rattlers with a appetite for little girls or their brand new rodeo outfit.

"It's gonna be a fine day," Little Britches said to herself. "I can feel it down to my boots." Little Britches took a shortcut through the dry gulch. She hadn't gone far when a rattlesnake lifted his head. "Little Britches-ch-ch-es, I'm gonna s-s-swaller you up!" The rattler hissed.

Ages: 3-9

Use to teach: Cowboys

Deputy Harvey and the Ant Cow Caper

Author and Illustrator: Brad Sneed

Summary: Someone is stealing cows from the towns herd in Ant Hill and it's causing quite a stir. It's been said that a gang of lady bugs are the culprits. Deputy Harvey is off to find out just who the cow thief and what he finds is quite surprising. This book is a fun cowboy book involving ladybugs, ants, and aphids, you kids will have a lot of fun with it.

Way out west at the foot of an old cottonwood, there is a sleepy little town by the name of Ant Hill. Nothing much ever happens there, and that is just fine with most folks, especially Deputy Harvey. But this morning was different. The deputy had just come from the Milking Barn and there was extra git in his giddyup as he hurried down dusty Main Street.

Ages: 4-9

Use to teach: Insects, Cowboys

Cindy Ellen, A Wild Western Cinderella

Author: Susan Lowell

Illustrator: Jane Manning

Summary: Cindy Ellen is one beautiful cowgirl who is forced to do all the ranch chores for her ornery stepmother and step sisters. And although she mends fences all day and tends the cows she is still as nice as ever. When the big cattle king invites all the neighbors for a square dance Cindy Ellen wishes she could go as well, and with the help of her fairy godmother she might just pull it off. This is a cute spin off of cinderella that is creative and fun.

Then one day the biggest cattle king for miles around invited all his neighbors to a two-day celebration, first a wild and woolly rodeo, and then a square dance-a real western fandango!

Ages: 5-9

Use to teach: Cowboys, Writing, Setting

Up and buzzin!

2009-06-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

Due to the arrival of a new book bug we have been slow getting books and activities posted but we are ready to get buzzin again! Look for a new potato bug project, summer activities and patriotic books coming soon!

Hush Little Dragon

2009-06-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hush Little Dragon

Author: Boni Ashburn

Illustrator: Kelly Murphy

Summary: Hush little Dragon takes the lullaby, Hush Little Baby and turns it upside down. Instead of a mother singing to her baby this momma dragon soothes her baby with her own little lullaby full of all sorts of yummy snacks, Including knights, princesses and magicians. This book is sure to keep your little dragon delighted and giggling.

Hush, little dragon, don't make a sound. Mama's gonna bring you a princess she found. If that princess runs from you, Mama's gonna bring you a knight or two. And if those knights should try to flee, Mama's gonna get a bit fiery. When you want more goodies to munch, Mama's gonna bring you a king for lunch."

Ages: 2-8

Summer Read-a-thon

2009-06-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Another fun summer idea is to have your own read-a-thon at home. You could invite some friends if you wanted or just have a day by yourself. Because the weather is so nice, set up a tent outside, make a fort, use a treehouse or just lay a blanket on the grass and grab your favorite books. Make sure to include your favorite reading snacks and you're set. To make it more exciting you could stop and play games to go along with the books you are reading, have silent and read a loud sections, create book projects, or after reading a book if there is a movie about it watch that for fun.

Summer Reading Lists

2009-06-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a site that includes 10 summer reading lists with books for you to choose from if you just don't know what to read this summer. Many of them tell you what age they are written for so you know what your children will need. I wasn't able to check every single list or book so make sure you look at the books as well! Have fun reading this summer!
http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/forparents/tp/summer_reading.htm

Beep Beep Beep

2009-06-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

Little Blue Truck

Author: Alice Shertle

Illustrator: Jill McElmurry

Summary: Follow the friendly little blue truck around as he greets all of his animal friends along the road and makes time to help out the big yellow dump truck who is too busy to say hello to anyone. This book is full of animal and car sounds and a sing song rhyming rhythm which makes it easy to read. My little girl loves this book and will read it over and over again. The illustrations are fun and colorful as well.

Little blue truck came down the road. "Beep!" said Blue to a big green toad. Toad said, "croak!" and winked an eye when little Blue Truck went rolling by.

Ages: 1-8

Use to teach: sounds, rhyming, animals, friendship, Service

Beatin' the Summer Slugs

2009-05-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Now that summer is about to begin it's hard to remember to make time for reading and for books. I've found some fun ideas that you might like to try this summer with your little bookbug. Here is the first one:

Reading Rockets: Has 10 weeks of Summer Reading Adventures for you to try. I really like this one because it includes fun ideas that incorporate summer activities that you may be doing and lots of outdoor activities as well. You can also adapt the ideas for younger or older kids. Each week has a theme, such as Celebrate Summer, Travel the world, Discover Recipes and more. I'm going to try to do some of these activities throughout the summer. I'll let you know how they go. Here is the site to read all about each week: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/391

Enemy Pie

2009-05-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

Enemy Pie

Author: Derek Munson

Illustrator: Tara Calahan King

Summary: It was the start of a perfect of summer. I was on the best baseball team, dad had just built treehouse for me, and my sister was at camp for three weeks, but things changed when Jeremy Ross moved in next door to my best friend Stanley. I didn't like him and he became my one and only enemy. Dad knew all about this and he told me he had the perfect way to get rid of enemies.... enemy pie! All I had to do was to hang out with Jeremy for one whole day and my dad would take care of the pie. I thought this would be easy but I found out my dad's enemy pie worked out differently than I had imagined. This is a cute book about making friends and learning to get along with others. It has fun pictures and is cute. It does have more text per page so younger children will have a harder time listening. But I'm sure it is one that will help you make friends and have you baking up some enemy pie.

The buzzer rang, and Dad put on the oven mitts and pulled the pie out of the oven. It looked like plain, old pie. It looked good enough to eat! I was catching on. But still, I wasn't really sure how this Enemy Pie worked. What exactly did it do to enemies? Maybe it made thier hair fall out, or their breath stinky. Maybe it made bullies cry.

Ages: 5-9

Use to teach: Friendship

Last Minute Mom Classics

2009-05-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to put these on this week so I'll quickly put on my last mom classics and end it on Mother's Day. I've been pretty busy trying to get everything done for the second little book bug to come to our home. So I will just show the pictures and authors and let you try these out for yourselves, if you haven't already.

The Snowy Day

Ezra Jack Keats

Amelia Bedelia

Peggy Parish

Bedtime for Frances

Russell Hoban

The Little Red Hen

Paul Galdone

I Can Read Books: These are simple easy to read book for children and some of them are very silly but I find that in our house some of these are the most remembered!:)

Potato Bug Project

2009-05-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

We finally completed our potato bug book project and it was a lot of fun. We used the book Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb. Originally we were going to make finger puppets and then I thought why not make musical instruments and it was a hit! This was a fun project that kids of all ages can enjoy. Rose and I made drums, shakers, a rubber band box guitar and more. The great thing is that you can use alot of stuff you already have in your house. Old shoeboxes, food containers, and water bottles. We did buy a few things, like pom poms, feathers, and so on. But you can use paper, beads, crayons, rubber bands, just whatever you want. We never made our rainstick, musical water filled bottles or a few other instruments, but we had plenty. I suggest for little children you make some of the other instruments beforehand and then leave one for them to make by themselves. Rose liked playing and shaking the instruments much better than making them. I also was going to explain each instrument but I got my ideas mostly from family fun. Here is the address: http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/specialfeature/musical_instruments/

Have fun drumming on the drums with your hand, hand, fingers and thumb!

Hand Hand Fingers Thumb

Author Al Perkins

Illustrator: Eric Gurney

Summary: A silly story for all ages that will have you drumming your fingers, strumming your thumbs and continually singing "dum ditty dum ditty dum dum dum" This is a simple yet entertaining story all about your fingers, hands and thumbs. It throws in a lot of monkeys and drums for a little extra spice and will have your little ones wiggling their fingers by the end. This is a great book to have in your collection.

Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb. One thumb, one thumb, drumming on a drum. Dum ditty, dum ditty, dum, dum dum!

Ages: 1 and up

Use to teach: Body Parts, Music, Mom Classics

Robert McCloskey Mom Classics

2009-04-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Make Way For Ducklings
Author and Illustrator: Robert McCloskey

Summary: Mr and Mrs Mallard have been searching for the perfect spot to build their nest and call home. They make friends with Michael the policeman and lay 8 eggs. Out of these eggs come 8 little ducklings to keep Mr. and Mrs. Mallard busy. Mr. Mallard decides to take and trip and he tells Mrs. Mallard that he will meet her in a week. As soon as the week is over Mrs. Mallard and the ducklings head out to meet Mr. Mallard. But they find crossing the busy highways and roads a little difficult, with the help of the policeman everyone is soon making way for ducklings!

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard were looking for a place to live. But every time Mr. Mallard saw what looked like a nice place, Mrs. Mallard said it was no good.

Ages: 4-8
Use to teach: Mom Classic, ducks

Blueberries for Sal
Author and Illustrator: Robert McCloskey

Summary: Sal and her mother are off to Blueberry Hill to fill their tin pails with delicious berries to can for winter. Sal's only problem is that her tummy is filling up faster than her pail. She finally plops down in a big clump of berries to pop some more into her mouth. On the other side of the hill Little Bear and his mother are also filling up their tummies to grow big and fat in time for winter. Little Bear grows tired of following his mother and decides to sit in a big clump of berries and eat. After Sal and Little Bear finish their berries they set off to find their mothers but both are surprised when they meet someone who looks a little bit different than their own mothers. I remember reading this with my mom and I loved it. It is a little longer with more text but is still a fun, cute story.

Little Sal picked three berries and droped them in her litle tin pail... kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk! She picked three more berries and ate them.

Ages: 4-8
Use to teach: Mom Classic, Canning/Food Preservation, Berries

The First Mom Classics

2009-04-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

Where the Wild Things Are
Author and Illustrator: Maurice Sendak

Summary: The night Max wears his wolf suit costume terrible things happen. This is the night he sails away to the wild things. There they rompas, and roar and roll terrible eyes. But despite all of the wild things Max becomes lonely and decides that he will sail back to his home. This story is a classic and one that children of all ages will love. After reading this you may have to hold your own wild rompas!

The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind

Ages: 2 and up
Use to teach: Mom Classics, temper

There's a Nightmare in my Closet
Author and Illustrator: Mercer Mayer

Summary: The little boy in this story knows there is a nightmare in his closet and does all he needs to protect himself from his nightmare. But once and for all he decides to take care of his nightmare. With his army helmet and his pop gun he solves the problem of his nightmare.
This is a quick easy to read book.
Quickly I turned on the light and caught him siting at the foot of my bed. "Go away, Nightmare, or I'll shoot you," I said. I shot him anyway.

Ages: 3 and up
Use to teach: mom classics, nightmares

May I Bring a Friend
Author: Beatrice Schenk de Regniers
Illustrator: Beni Montresor

Summary: When invited to have tea with the King and Queen of course you must bring a friend. Throughout this book as the little boy is invited to the King and Queen's he always asks to bring a friend. Each time you will be surprised by the unusual guests who end up spending, tea, lunch, and breakfast with the royalty. This book will delight readers and will keep you turning the page so you will be able to find out what special guest will arrive next. Although this story is fun and has it does have a litle more text per page which may lose the interest of young readers

The King and Queen invited me to come to their house on Sunday for tea. I told the Queen and the Queen told the King I had a friend I wanted to bring. The King told the Queen, "My dear, my dear, Any friend of our friend is welcome here." So I brought my friend....

Ages: 3/4-8
Use to teach: Mom Classics, Animals, Rhyming patterns

Mom's Classics and Potato Bug Project

2009-04-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

In honor of Mother's Day I first thought that I would find books about mothers but instead I decided that I would choose books that I remember my mom reading to me when I was younger and ones that I loved. Hopefully this will remind you of your own mom classics and ones that you haven't yet read to your little ones. I know they aren't going to be the new ones but most of the time mom classics are the best ones! Also later this week we will be having another potato bug project using Hand Hand Fingers Thumb, which of course is one of my mom classics!

Soil Stories

2009-04-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

A few books that you might like to use for Earth day.

The Gardener

Author: Sarah Stewart

Illlustrator: David Small

Summary: Lydia Grace Finch is off to live with her uncle Jim while her dad looks for a job. She sets off with stationary, clothes, and a suitcase full of seeds. She arrives to a big city, an uncle who doesn't smile, and a building full of endless possibilities. Lydia sets to work planting seeds in the window boxes and in any containers she can find. As her seeds sproud and bloom she brightens up the whole house. But can she brighten up Uncle Jim's face. This is a delightful story told through the letters Lydia writes to her family

You should have heard Emma laugh today when I opened your letter and dirt fell out onto the sidewalk! Thank you for all the baby plants. They survived the trip in the big envelope.

Ages: 6-10

Use to teach: Earth Day, plants/flowers, seeds, writing style

The Great Paper Caper

Author and Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Summary:Something strange is happening in the forest. Branches are mysteriously dissapearing from the trees. The animals get together and decide something must be done. They set up a full scale investigation to find the tree thief. After searching for clues, police tape, and calling in witnesses, it's a simple paper airplane that leads them to the answer. This humorous story is a great way to talk about suing our recources wisely, replacing what we take, and how to make a fantastic paper airplane. A small child will stay interested but may not understand what is going on.

They took photographs, made notes and examined every leaf. But no matter how hard they investigated no clues could be found.

Ages: 4-9

Use to teach: Earth Day, Trees, Recycle, investigation, paper airplanes

Miss Rumphius

Author: Barbara Cooney

Summary: Alice Rhumbius tells her grandfather when she is young that she will visit faraway places and live by the ocean when she is old. He has her promise to add a third thing to her list; do something to make the world more beautiful. This she promises. She completes the first two and wonders how she can make the world more beautiful. She soon finds out she can do this in a simple way but one that can be enjoyed by everyone. This book has beautiful artwork but has more text and is geared to a little bit older child.

When I grow up," I tell her, "I too will go to faraway places and come home to live by the sea." "That is all very well, little Alice," says my aunt, "but there is a third thing you must do." "What is that?" I ask. "You must do something to make the world more beautiful." "All right," I say. But I do not know yet what that can be.

Ages: 6-10

Use to teach: Earch Day, Service, Plants

Scarecrow
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Lauren Stringer

Summary: The life of a scarecrow doesn't seem extraordinary but from his viewpoint the world becomes a completely different place. For just a few minutes Rylant takes us out of our shoes and hangs us up next to the scarecrow and fills us with straw so that we can appreciate the world around us and the simple things that we often don't see. This book has beautiful illustrations and gives a unique and fun perspective.

His hat is borrowed, his suit is borrowed, his hands are borrowed, even his head is borrowed. And his eyes probably came out of someone's drawer. But a scarecrow's life is all his own.

Ages 4-8

Use to teach: Earth day, recycling, scarecrows, viewpoint

Other books I didn't get time to review or wasn't able to find that you may want to try out:

How a seed growns: Helene Jordan

Supermoo: Babette Cole

A Cow, A Bee. A cookie, and me: Meredith Hooper

The Garbage Monster: Jodi Sensel

Flower Garden: Eve Bunting

Planting a Rainbow: Lois Ehlert

On Meadowview Street and Jack's Garden: Henry Cole

The empty pot: Demi

Growing Vegetable Soup: Lois Ehlert

The tiny seed: Eric Carle

Potato Bug Project

2009-04-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

Diary of a Worm

Author: Doreen Cronin

Illustrator: Harry Bliss

Summary: Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a worm might be like. Diary of a worm is a hilarious story written from the viewpoint of a worm. Each page has a different diary entry from one little worm and all he experiences down on the ground. This book will make you laugh out loud and is a fun way to introduce worms.

My older sister thinks she's so pretty. I told her that no matter how much time she spends looking in the mirror, her face will always look just like her rear end

Ages: 4-8

Use to teach: worms, earth day, soil, decomposition, writing style

We had a wiggly, squiggly day for our first book project. The Diary of a Worm is a great project book and a great way to kick off Earth day next Wednesday. Here is what we did today hopefully you will find something fun for you and your family to try:

Worm diagram: Rose and I started off the day with a worm diagram. Since she is pretty small. I drew and labeled the worm and she glued on the parts. But it can be adjusted for the age of your child.

Diary of a Ladybug: We decided to start our own diary, we choose a different insect and went around searching for ladybugs to take pictures. We will have to keep working on this one since it has been a little cold and the ladybugs were scare, but we are going to make our own little Diary of a Ladybug.

Worm Hunt: This was our favorite activitiy. We headed out to the garden, anyplace with some soil, compost areas etc, will work. We dug in the earth to search for some worms to investigate with.

Worm Jar home: After finding some worms we filled up a jar with soil, old leaves, and some newspaper so we could watch the worms decompose. You can use a variety of items in the jar and you can make a much larger home for your worms.

Worm races: We drew a circle on the cement and put in our worms and waited to see which worm could make it to the outside of the circle first.

Cup of dirt: This is the best way to end your day of worms. Just crush up some oreos, make some chocolate pudding and add some gummy worms. A lot better than real worms!

All the Places to Love

2009-04-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

All The Places to Love

Author: Patricia Maclachlan

Illustrator: Mike Wimmer

Summary: A beautiful story of a little boy, Eli, who shares all the places that he and his family love. His mama carries him through the meadows and the hay fields, and his father takes him to the plowed fields, where the "soil is sweet". He catches boats at the river with his grandmother and watches the cows in the cool dark barn with his grandpa. He jumps from rock to rock in the woods, climbs the hill to pick berries with his mom and stops to watch the turtles in the marsh. After his little sister Sylvie is born he can't wait to share with her all the places to love. This book has beautiful description and beatiful artwork. It is sure to remind you of all the places you love especially those from your childhood. Young children will enjoy the pictures but there is quite a bit of text per page.

Ages: 5 and up

Use to teach: Writing Prompt, Adjectives/description, family

Someday I might live in the city. Someday I might live by the sea. But soon I will carry Sylvie on my shoulders through the fields; I will send her messages downriver in small boats; And I will watch her at the top of the hill, Trying to touch the sky. I will show her my favorite place, the marsh, Where ducklings follow their mother like tiny tumbles of leaves. All the places to love are here, I'll tell her, no matter where you live. Where else, I will say, does an old turtle crossing the path make all the difference in the world?

Our first book project

2009-04-15T20:59:00.001-07:00

Coming soon our first potato bug project. Come back on Saturday for Diary of a Worm and activities that you and your silly slugs can do after you read this book.

The Carrot Seed

2009-04-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Title: The Carrot Seed

Author: Ruth Krauss

Illustrator: Crockett Johnson

Summary: I can remember reading this story over and over again with my mother when I was a little girl and it has always been a classic for me. Although it doesn't talk about Easter it does go right along with spring. This is a simple story with simple illustrations but it is sure to entrance even the youngest reader and inspire them to go out and plant their own little carrot seed. The little boy in this story decides to plant a carrot seed. He tends this seed patiently and lovingly even as everyone else tells him it won't grown. Although they tell him to give up he continues to care for his small plant with a simple childlike faith in his seed. He isn't disapointed and grows a beautiful carrot for everyone to see

A little boy planted a carrot seed.

Ages: 2 and up

Use to teach: Seeds, Garden, Hard Work, Patience

Rechenka's Eggs

2009-04-09T20:31:00.001-07:00

Rechenka's Eggs
Author: Patricia Polacco

Summary: Babushka is know for the beautiful eggs she paints for the Easter Festival each year. Her eggs always win first prize. One year while preparing for the festival Babushka goes outside to watch the caribou only to have an injured goose fall from the sky. Babushka takes in the goose and helps it heal. She names the goose Rechenka. After Rechenka begins to feel better she jumps onto the table overturning the basket full of painted eggs and breaks them. Babuska is sure that she will not be able to go to the Easter Festival but the next day to her surprise Rechenka has laid a beautiful painted egg. She continues to lay eggs until the Easter Festival, where Babushka takes first prize again. When Babushka comes home she finds a surprise awaiting her. This is a sweet story of friendship and kindness. Polacco's story gives a little background into Ukrainian and Russian background and has beautiful artwork. Again this book has more text so it is better for a child about 4 and up.

Babushka lived alone in a dacha, a little house in the country, but she was known far and wide for the fine eggs that she lovingly painted. Her eggs were so beautiful that she always won first prize at the Easter Festival in Moskva

Ages: 4-8
Use to teach: Easter, Kindness, Friendship

The Egg Tree

2009-04-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

The Egg Tree

Author: Katherine Milhous

On Easter Morning Katy and Carl search high and low for Easter Eggs in Grandmother's house. Katy has no luck until she ventures into the attic. There she finds some very beautiful and special eggs that her Grandmother painted when she was a child. They take the eggs from the attic and hang them on an egg tree, which begins a new tradition. This book is a childhood favorite and has beautiful illustrations. It would be best for children about five and older due to more text per page, but it is one that will entertain your children and have them begging for their own egg tree!

Ages: 5 and older

Use to teach: Eggs, Easter Egg

The Bunny Book Hop

2009-04-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

I thought we'd hope through a book a day until Easter. These are some of the books I enjoy but there are many books about Easter. Check out any of the sites on the sidebar and you will find lots of Easter books to try. Too many for me to get through this week, but I've managed to hippity hop through a few.

The Country Bunny and the little Gold Shoes
Author: Du Bose Heyward
Illustrator: Marjorie Hack

Summary: The country bunny has always dreamed that she will grow up to be one of the Easter bunnies. But all of the other rabbits scoff and laugh at her for having this absurd dream. After having 21 babies the other bunnies can hardly believe that she still imagines that someday she can become one of the Easter bunnies. But the country bunny continues to work hard, and to teach her little bunnies how to help and be responsible. The wise old Grandfather bunny notices the country bunnies kind heart, determination, perserverance, and common sense. He asks her to be one of the Easter bunnies and she proves to all of the other bunnies that she can do it. This book was written in 1939 and is a classic. It does contain a lot of text per page but the illustrations are beautiful and could be shown to a young child.

We hear of the Easter Bunny who comes each Easter Day before sunrise to bring eggs for boys and girls, so we think there is only one. But this is not so. There are really five Easter Bunnies, and they must be the five kindest, and swiftest, and wisest bunnies in the whole wide world, because between sunset on Easter Eve and dawn on Easter Morning they do more work than most rabbits do in a whole year.

Ages: 4-8
Use to teach: Easter, Hard Work, Determination, Responsibility, Kindness, Wisdom

Fool's Fun

2009-03-31T12:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-03-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

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!