The Year of the Baby - A Book Review

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cheng, Andrea. 2013. The Year of the Baby. Illus. by Patrice Barton. NY: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN: 9780547910673.


BOOK REVIEW
In the sequel to The Year of the Book, Anna is one year older and has two good friends by her side, Laura and Camille. Now, this year's challenge is Kaylee, her new baby sister that her parents adopted from China. Though she is adorably cute and stubborn she just does not want to eat. Anna and her family are concerned when the doctor says that she is not thriving. While the family, along with Grandma, focuses on helping Kaylee, Anna and her friends try to find just the right science fair project idea. Not wanting to do a project straight from a book, like the one chosen by Allison and Lucy, Anna decides through her observations that her baby sister is the answer. Perhaps singing to Kaylee will help her eat more? With the help of Laura and Camille, Anna sings two English songs and two Chinese songs to see which Kaylee responds better too, and the result is twofold.

The reading style of the book is calm and almost relaxing in nature. Yes, the story is compelling enough to keep the readers interested all the way through. The black and white illustrations are equally as simple yet charming. I love how Anna is curious, is always asking questions, and observing things. She is also honest with her feelings and worries, and she is accepting of others and their differences. The topic of an Asian American family adopting a child from China is a refreshingly new to children's books (or at least to this reader) and very interesting to read. Other minor topics about race and the opinions and treatment of girls (such as families in China prefer boys over girls) is also masterfully done. Readers also learn that having children can be difficult. Without out going into unnecessary details, it turns out that Anna's teacher Ms. Sylvester has been having trouble conceiving and wants to learn more about adopting a baby from China like Anna's parents.

Like in the first book, there are Chinese numbers (in character and English translation) and their pronunciations are included at the beginning of the book. In the back, there is also a recipe for Steamed Red Bean Bao Zi. Both are great connections for the young readers to explore after or during the reading of the book. A must-purchase sequel for any collection. You do not need to read the first book to enjoy The Year of the Baby, but if you would like more information about things about the year before when they are mentioned, then read The Year of the Book.I am looking forward to the next installment: The Year of the Fortune Cookies. 

CONNECTIONS

• Ask the children if they know what their parents did to make them eat when they were babies. 

Read WP-CC's review of The Year of the Book here!

Flora and the Flamingo - Picture Book Gush!

This is not entirely a book review (in some form and fashion it really is). This is more of a book gush. I don't know if I can put into words or complete sentences on how much LOVE this book. I have seen so many different types of picture picture over my lifetime as a reader and as a Children's Librarian. Generally, adjectives I've used in the past to describe the books include "cute," "adorable", "pleasant," "lovely," "funny," "icky," "gross" "ugly," (those last three are describing book illustrations are not my cup of tea). I cannot remember a time of when I used the word "beautiful" ... until now. Also, I am not only referring to the illustrations. I am referring to the entire book itself. Cover art. End pages. Illustrations. Book design. Flora and the Flamingo is a beautiful book. Hands down. I don't care what other people may say.

Another way I can describe this book is that it's like finding a friend and never wanting to let it go. I am constantly looking at this book, I had it on display during a My Favorite Stories storytime, I have a poster in my storytime room, and I am getting to the point that I will have buy this book so that it can grace my home for forever. This beautiful book makes me happy.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Idles, Molly. 2013. Flora and the Flamingo. Illus. by Molly Idle. San Francisco: Chronicle Books LLC. ISBN: 9781452110066.

BOOK REVIEW
Though Flora and the Flamingo is a wordless, flip-the-flap book it does not mean that this book lacks characters or a story. Unlike some lift-the-flap books, but not all, this book has a real storyline. A beautiful flamingo is resting by by the water when Flora appears in a bathing suit, flippers and adorable swim cap. She follows the bird's movement creating a graceful dance between the two of them. Then... a flop. through their twists and turns they have become friends and the flamingo encourages her back to the dance before splashing into the water at the end.

As you are turning the pages, in tuned with the story, and flipping the flaps to reveal the next move, you can hear the music they are dancing to in your head (at least I do!). The sense of movement you get of Flora and the flamingo dancing around the pages is excellent.

A study of lovely pink hues and a pop of yellow from Flora's swim cap is calm and soothing. All picture books are works of art. Art in writing. Art in illustrations. Art in book design. Plain and simple. Flora and the Flamingo is an example when all three things (yes, there are no words, but a story had to be developed somehow. Perhaps note taking? Also, don't forget the cover flap description!) combined creates the ultimate book. This book is a masterpiece. The fonts used on the cover and cover flaps are perfect. The delicate yellow scalloped border of the vignette on the cover. Matching plain yellow end pages. The black and white stripe at the top of the spine. A word for design: Perfect.

For those who enjoy picture books on eReaders I have seen the Adobe EPUB version as well as the Kindle Book version. I was disappointed in the EPUB format as the illustrations did not fill up the whole screen (it did better in the landscape view). The Kindle Book version was better. Not only are you required to view the picture book in landscape (and it fills the entire screen!), but it is still interactive like in the real book. Whenever there is a flap the reader will have to double-tap to "flip" it. The only downside side is that you cannot do both flaps at once like you can with the real book. I still recommend reading/sharing the real, original book format, but the Kindle version is my second best choice. 

It will be a sad day when the book's flaps will be separate from the book pages. However, that means that this book was read over and over again and was loved. Which is also a wonderful thing! A must read and own book!

CONNECTIONS

• View the book trailer at Chronicle Books' webpage (scroll down to the bottom). Ask the children if the music that was used matches the music that played in their head while they read the book.
• Play different types of music while reading the book (perhaps several times) and allow the children to decide which one they think fits the best. Different answers are encouraged!

EXRTA
I am not the only one who thinks so. I came across this blog post by Carter Higgins (Design of the Picture Book). Her review of the book is beautifully written and she echos the same thought I have:

 "... if I had to put all of my money on the top Caldecott contender for this year? This one, by leaps and bounds."

For the first time, my fingers will be crossed when it comes to the Caldecott Medal announcement next year!

Have I gushed enough? I don't know...

Smells Like Dog Series - Book Reviews

I think I have found yet another favorite read this past month and a half. It is the Smells Like Dog book series by Suzanne Selfors.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Selfors, Suzanne. 2010. Smells Like Dog. NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9870316043984. 

Selfors, Suzanne. 2011. Smells Like Treasure. NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN:

9780316043991.

Selfors Suzanne. 2012. Smells Like Pirates. NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9780316215756.

 

BOOK REVIEW
Homer W. Pudding is not necessarily your average twelve-year-old boy. He's a little chunky, he loves maps, and he dreams of being a treasure hunter like his Uncle Drake. The other kids at his one-room school (he lives in a small country town) all make fun of him. Living on his father's goat farm where he has chores isn't much of a treasure-hunter's way of life either. His father is a grouchy goat farmer (who has lives with dashed dreams), his bossy older sister (who has a pension for road kill and taxidermy) is always embarrassed by him, but his mother and little brother Squeak love him unconditionally (his father and sister do too, really). In the first book Smells Like Dog, not too longer after sharing the secret that he had found the map to the world's most famous pirate Rumpold Smeller's most coveted treasure, Uncle Drake is tragically and puzzlingly swallowed whole by a turtle at The City Zoo, and Homer inherits his "most treasured possession." But is it the basset hound named Dog who cannot smell a single thing or is it the coin found on his collar that has word L.O.S.T. on it? During a trip to The City and the Museum of Natural History, which is where he meets his first enemy Madame le Director,  the adventure begins to solve mystery of what happened to Uncle Drake, where did all his belongings disappeared to, what does the coin mean, and why did Uncle Drake have a dog that cannot smell? With the help of his new friend Lorelei,  Homer enters a whole new world as that he has always dreamed of. Full of twist and turns, readers will feel the excitement, hurt and betrayal (sometimes friends have secret motives and will stab you in the back, per say), and triumph right along with Homer and Dog.

Smells Like Treasure, the second book in the series, starts off a few months after the first one ended. Homer is back in Milkydale at the farm when he gets the notification that L.O.S.T. (the Society of Legends, Objects, Secrets, and Treasures), a secret society of treasure hunters, has called a meeting to discuss Homer inheritance of his Uncle Drake's chair in the group. His friends and fellow members of L.O.S.T., extremely tall  Zelda and and inventor Ajitabh, are on his side, but other members are skeptical for allowing such a young member into the group let alone if he truly was rightful heir to the empty position. Then, all of sudden, Lorelei enters to claim the empty spot stating that she has the coin of membership. Now, Homer and Lorelei must put the treasure-hunter skills to the test and be the first person to find the hidden membership coin to claim their rightful place in the society. The introduction to the rest of the L.O.S.T. members expands Homer and readers' world.  Fellow member, and teenager, Hercules is a humorous and delightful hypochondriac character to meet that readers will greatly enjoy. This book is also laced with a few chapters about the history of Rumpold Smeller and how "he" became a pirate, which is very important to learn when you read the third book.

In the third book Smells Like Pirates Homer faces yet another hurdle soon after becoming a bonafide member of the L.O.S.T.. While at meeting to determine the new president of the society, it was announced that Lorelei has gotten ahold of Rumpold Smeller's map, which should have been safely hidden under Homer's bed back in Milkydale, and looks to claim the treasure for FOUND (her own treasure hunting society). Now, he and his friend/adversary have a gentleman's agreement to search for the treasure and split it 50/50. Hercules follows to record the hunt, especially to prove that Homer has not betrayed L.O.S.T. like other members.  All turns out well in the end, which is such a relief! New treasure has been discovered, friendships rebuilt, and new discoveries that will lead to new adventures for our dynamic duo, which could possibly turn into the terrific trio. Readers also learn that Lorelei has a famous treasure-hunting lineage, that she and Homer are still unaware of, and which the readers will love!

All three of these books have solid, well rounded characters that you will instantly love or hate or be suspicious of. Every single one of them have distinct qualities and characteristics that sets them apart from any other. Homer himself is an upstanding fellow who has an amazing qualities and feelings. Even though horrible things could happen and he feels the betrayal of close to him he can still put any ill feelings aside to work with the person or to refrain from saying things at the wrong time. All readers will fall in love with Dog and will connect to the attachment between Homer and Dog. When betrayal, distrust, a plotting scheme occurs that throws Homer's plans in a momentary spin, the readers will feel it, especially when Dog is "borrowed" on a couple of occasions. Another great element of this book is the use of Greek mythology, such as The Odyssey. 

Though the books could each stand stand alone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning to get all the back story. Smells Like Pirates ends with just enough information that leaves readers with the hope for a fourth book. I'm ready for more Smells Like Dog books! And maybe my own basset hound.

CONNECTIONS

• Have the children explore the realm of cartography! Allow them to learn how to read a map properly. 
• Let the children create their own map!  
• Explore books about lost treasures. Allow the children to create their own hypothesis of where the treasures would be located today. 
• If the children were a member of L.O.S.T. what would they be like? Would they be an inventor like Ajitabh? What would their official treasure hunting outfit would be? 
• Have the children compare elements of the book series to the Odyssey. 

Reading Comprehension - Book Club Style

Many local libraries have book clubs for children. Like with book clubs for adults, the members read a book and they discuss what they read. For more of a child friendly format a lot of times they will either read all the same title or they can read any of a select number of titles by a certain author. When they meet up for the program they'll talk about the books before they do related activities. Some clubs are just for children while others are meant for families (mother and daughter book clubs, for example)

As you may have caught on by now, book clubs are another great way to be aware of your child's reading comprehension progress!

Check out your local library system to see if they have a children's book club. This could be a in-library program or they have a virtual book club resource.

Create your own book club in the neighborhood. You can meet at home, at a community center or maybe even your library. There are a lot of resources online that will help you created your own club complete with guides.

• Duluth Public Library has a good page with all sorts of recommended links to help find what you need.  
• For example questions to ask see WP-CC's post on discussion questions: 

Join a Online/Virtual Reading Club. There are many bloggers out there in the world that participate a group initiative like a Virtual Reading Club. The blog Reading Confetti has such a club. You read a book that is chosen for the month and do an activity that matches the theme. A lot of people will post their activity ideas on their own blog, but if you don't have a blog you can do so on their Facebook page. The books in at least this group are pictures, which is great for families with young readers.

Other virtual book clubs around include:

• Al's Book Club (for those who enjoy Al Roker) - grades 4-5 
• ReadingtoKids.org - grades K-5 
• Each book that is part of the theme includes great discussion questions and other ideas and activities! 

Family Reading Club. It's a book club. It's just for the family. Not only are you getting some quality time together as a family, but you are also promoting reading and comprehension. Whether you are reading the same book or books by the same author or if you each are reading different books open up a discussion by what you are reading. It doesn't have to be deep discussions, but you all should share what you like about what you are reading and answer other simple questions. Then you should do some fun book related activities! 

Book Clubs is yet another fun way to be involved with the books you and your child are reading. The comprehension part of it comes from asking questions. However, the fun activities are extensions of the book and it created an opportunity for the children to connect what they read to something that they are doing themselves. Even if your child doesn't like to talk that's perfectly fine because they'll warm up eventually and participate in the verbal part. They'll at least enjoy the connecting activities! 

Reading Comprehension - Book Adventure and Other Tips

Year round I get this question every so often. The asking becomes be more prevalent when school is wrapping up and will be out for the summer. Parents will come in and ask:

What can I do to test my child's comprehension of the books he/she reads? 

Typically, in the past, my answers always consist of the strong suggestion of having the parent be involved with their child's reading. Read along with them (by using the same book or by checking out a second copy) and ask them questions. If one can't read along, one can still ask questions:  What is the story about? What character do you like? and so on.

Now, after being an alligator in a vest (an investigator!) I've come across some more helpful resources for the parents who need assistance in working their young readers.

BOOK ADVENTURE
One of the popular questions is if we have quizzes for the books or if we have access to the AR or Lexile quizzes that their child's school has. Answer: No, we don't. Some books have questions in the back and sometimes there are other resources available at the library that one can use. But actual quizzes that maps the progression of the reader's comprehension? No, not really.

Now, here is my new discovery: Book Adventure. This is a Sylvan Learning Center sponsored reading comprehension quiz program.

The Perks 

• Free(!) login profils for students (grades K-8), teachers, and parents
• Students can created reading lists to take to libraries
• Students can take quizzes on the books they read.
• Each quiz completed is graded and student can earn points 
• Points can be redeemed for prizes (such as a three-month free subscription to Highlights magazine as an incentive) 
• There is a Reading Level system set up that is similar to AR 
• Teachers/parents can create classroom settings that can keep track of their student/child's progress 
• Teacher/parents have access to the quizzes with the answers provided
• There is a large database of book quizzes that can be on a K - Grade 12 reading level and is searchable and can filtered for interests and the likes. 
• Many more

I've played around with the site under two test logins (a student and a teacher) and so far the sight is pretty awesome for a free resource. The quizzes are developed by volunteers, but I have the feeling that these are verified questions that were developed by the teachers who participate (I was asked to join as a volunteer when I registered).  I will definitely be recommending this to parents in the future.


MORE RESOURCES AND TIPS 
There are other resources that can be found other places:

• Book Publishers may have quizzes available among their games and activities site for children. HarperCollins, for example, have some. 
• Workbooks. Some schools will provide copies of their text books for patrons to have reference access to at the public library. Some libraries may also have workbooks in a Parent/Teacher collection. My system has both options and with a little thinking and prepping activities can be set up for working with reading comprehension.

The last tip I can never not provide:

Be Involved!

You, as parent/guardian/caregiver, are an important part of promoting reading for a child. Be involved by sharing the book and reading together. 

WP-CC EXTRAS 
For those who would like more ideas on Reading Comprehension, check out the list available under related tool bar tab with the same name. There you will find:

• Reading Comprehension for Homeschoolers that will have recommended tips for families (not just for homeschoolers!) 
• Reading Comprehension - The Questions that will have recommended questions to ask your reader. 

If you would like more information about reading as a family check out WP-CC's page about R.A.D. - Reading Aloud Daily. Reading Aloud, individually or as a family, has good benefits for comprehension too!


P.S. ~ FELLOW BLOGGER RECOMMENDATION 

A fellow blogger Superbrarian (Observe, Analyze... Blog) also posted on her blog information about the same topic at her library that has quick information. From her post, I learned about two websites: Reading Rockets and Start with Reading that have a wealth of information and resources, such as their Reading Adventure Packets that parents, teachers, and librarians have access too. 

Do you have any recommendations for working on reading comprehension with your child(ren)? 

Miss Dorothy's Favorites - A Storytime Outline

The last storytime for the Spring Season was the first in probably a series of programs that will simply be entitled Miss Dorothy's Favorites. Such a simple theme does not mean it was an easy to plan for. I have too many favorite books!

BOOKS
Where Is the Green Sheep? written by Mem Fox and illus. by Judy Horacek  (T) 
I ::love:: this books so much! It is my ultimate goal to make a flannel version someday.  The children were wonderful in asking the question "But where is the green sheep?" with me.

What Does Bunny See?: A Book of Colors and Flowers written by Linda Sue Park and illus. by Maggie Smith (T) 
This is such a lovely book, and my storytime friend Agnes came out to hear the story too. The Toddlers did a great job naming all the colors.

Cows in the Kitchen written by June Crebbin and illus. by Katharine McEwen (T, P)
Fun book + a knowable tune to sing to = one of my favorites! I love it when the families sing along too to make the room full with the silly animal song!

It's A Tiger! written by David LaRochelle and illus. by Jeremy Tankard (P) 
The Preschool kids caught on to the pattern of the tiger is hiding on each page, but did love the ending!

Mary Had a Little Lamp written by Jack Lechner and illus. by Bob Staake (P)
I remember this book back when I was an assistant for my local library, and had never forgotten it. The children thought it was so silly!

Pigeon Wants a Puppy! written and illus. by Mo Willems
Oh, Pigeon. All the books are my favorite!

SONGS & RHYMES
Open, Shut Them (T, P) 

follow actions

Open, shut them

Open, shut them

Give a little clap

Open, shut them

Open, shut them

Lay them in your lap

Creep them, creep them up to your chin

Open your mouth wide, but don't put your fingers in!

Open, shut them

Open, shut them

Give a big clap

Open, shut them

Open, shut them

Lay them in your lap.

Cows in the Kitchen (T, P)

If you hadn't sung to this book... you must!

Touch Your Nose (T, P) 

follow actions

Touch your nose

Touch your chin

That's the way this game begins

Touch your eyes

Touch your knees

Now pretend you're going to sneeze!

Aaachooooo!

Touch your hair

Touch one ear

Touch your two red lips right here

Touch your elbow where it bends

And that's the way this touch game ends.

ACTIVITIES

Egg Shakers (T, P)
We ALL love egg shakers!

FLANNEL BOARDS
Where Do I Live? (T, P)
I brought out of my success flannel boards from last year because, well, for one thing they have the star fish and whale pieces at which I squeal in delight whenever I see them. But also, it's just fun to see the kids play with this one.

CRAFTS
Where is the ______ Sheep? Coloring Page (T)
A really simple craft for the toddlers to choose a color (or use all colors) and to create an interactive hiding place for it.

I Had A Little ______ Drawing Page (P) 
When it came to planning the craft for the Preschool group I noticed that I ended up with a "pet" under theme. So, I simply created a drawing page for them to use their imagination to create their own pet a lot like Mary who had a lamp for a pet. Mine picked a pie-pan kite that could taken out for a flight or to simply walk along side me.

PICTURES

Where Do I Live? flannel board,
Toddler and Preschool Storytime,
created by Dorothy WP-CC, 2012

Where is the ____ Sheep? color page, Toddler Storytime craft,
created by Dorothy WP-CC, 2013

There's the Red Sheep! 

_____ Had a Little ____ Drawing Page, Preschool Storytime craft,
created by Dorothy WP-CC, 2013

Picture Perfect - A Storytime Outline

This was a really interesting storytime theme to plan. The only rule that I had to follow was that it had to include photographs instead of illustrations. I tried to find books about taking pictures and cameras that would be good for Toddlers and Preschoolers, but that was not going to happen. The idea of photographs was the perfect replacement and it went over extremely well.

BOOKS

Noisytime for Zoo Animals written by Caroline Arnold and photographs for Richard Hewett (T)
We started out with a really easy book with photos of zoo animals. The Toddlers always love making animal noises!

The Handiest Things in the World written by Andrew Clements (T)
This was a good book, but the Toddlers were not as interested in pictures of what hands can do.

Flamingos written by Cecilia Pinto McCarthy (T, P)
I shared this book with both storytime programs because I love the photos and the colors of flamingos(!). Everyone agreed with me.

City Colors written and photographs by Zoran Milich (T)
This is an extremely simple book with one color per page with a different photo of something found in the city that has that color. It worked great for my flannel board activity.

Here a Face, There a Face written and photographs by Arlene Adla (P)
I had a really small Preschool group and so the children were able to sit very close, and we took our time to try hard to find the faces in the photos. It was a lot of fun to see what the children found and did not find compared the librarians that I tested the book on. It was a joy to go through this book. Priceless moment #1.

Step Gently Out written by Helen Frost and photographs by Rick Lieder (P)
This is a new poem picture book that also happens to be on the new 2013 Texas 2x2 Reading List. The photographs are amazing and the poem is simply lovely. This is a great book.

If Rocks Could Sing: A Discovered Alphabet written and photographs by Leslie McGuirk
This was another great book to share with the kids. Just as with Here a Face, There a Face they all loved to study the rocks and decide they truly did look like the alphabet letter.

Sea Stars written by Jody Sullivan
Some of the photos of sea stars (or starfish to some kiddos) are amazing in the book.

SONGS & RHYME

Open, Shut Them (T, P) 

follow actions

Open, shut them

Open, shut them

Give a little clap

Open, shut them

Open, shut them

Lay them in your lap

Creep them, creep them up to your chin

Open your mouth wide, but don't put your fingers in!

Open, shut them

Open, shut them

Give a big clap

Open, shut them

Open, shut them

Lay them in your lap.

Old McDonald Had a Farm (T, P)
Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a cow, E-I-E-I-O
With a "moo-moo" here and a "moo-moo" there
Here a "moo" there a "moo"
Everywhere a "moo-moo"
Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O
Continue with other farm animals:
Sheep, Chicken, Pig

Touch Your Nose (T, P) 

follow actions

Touch your nose

Touch your chin

That's the way this game begins

Touch your eyes

Touch your knees

Now pretend you're going to sneeze!

Aaachooooo!

Touch your hair

Touch one ear

Touch your two red lips right here

Touch your elbow where it bends

And that's the way this touch game ends.

ACTIVITIES

Egg Shakers (T, P) 
Ohhhh, yeah!

FLANNEL BOARDS

City Color Match (T)
Needing a flannel board activity for the little ones I simply made different felt shapes that were in a array of different colors. When I read through the book City Colors the child(ren) with the matching colored flannels had to put their piece(s) on the board. This was a lot of fun.

Old McDonald Had a Farm Photos (T, P)
To have a visual for this song I printed out and laminated photographs of a barn and the different animals we had to sing about.

CRAFTS

Match the Colors Activity Page (T)
I loved this craft. I created an activity sheet page that had the names of different colors that were also printed in the corresponding color (does that make sense? If not, see the picture below!). The toddlers had to match little different photo cutouts. I overheard one mom say to her child that this was a really crafty and smart way of color matching. Big smile!

Foam Picture Frames (P)
What are photos without picture frames. Even in this digital day and age you need picture frames. Using a die cut, I created frame pieces out of fun foam for the children to glue together. They also decorated them with different foam shapes. Point to remember: don't glue one side of the outside frame because that is how you are going to slide your photo in!

PICTURES

"Old McDonald Had a Farm" photo flannel board,
created by Dorothy WP-CC, 2013

Match the Color Activity Page, Toddler Storytime,
created by Dorothy WP-CC, 2013