Beginning Readers, Bob Books, and a Giveaway

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When Sam was in pre-k I bought her Bob Books, Set 1: Beginning Readers.  This set of little readers came in a cute little box, and she loved it.  Selecting a book from the box, reading it, and putting it back inside made her feel like a "big girl".  It also made her a reader.

I like this particular set, as well.  It is absolutely perfect for children who recognize the letters of the alphabet and and are beginning to pick up on some letter sounds.  The first story consists of only four letters, which makes it super simple for beginning readers to read the entire first book all by themselves.  Throughout the set,  new sounds are gradually added, until young readers have read books with all of the letters of the alphabet.

Bob Books has recently released two new sets of readers which focus on learning and practicing sight words.  Sight words are words that are recognized by sight rather than sounded out, in order to achieve reading fluency.  They are the most frequently used words in the English language, and are often unable to be read phonetically.  Bob Books Sight Words  features the top sight words in two sets - one for kindergarten and one for first grade.  This allows parents and children to read, learn, and practice easily and enjoyably.

Each Sight Words box includes 10 original books, 30 flashcards, and a parent guide.  Soon your child will be saying, "I read the whole book!'

The fun part ~ Scholastic Books is offering TWO lucky readers a Bob Books Back to School Pack, which includes a Bob Books lunchbox, Bob Books Sight Words Set for Kindergarten, and Bob Books Sight Words Set for First Grade.  The giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only.

To enter ~ Leave me a comment telling me something your remember about how you were taught to read.

The two winners will be randomly selected on August 28 and contacted by email.  They will have 3 days to respond with their mailing info. 

Good Luck!

Our Recent Favorite Reads...and a Giveaway

This giveaway is closed.

Wes's Pick

 Funny Lunch (Max Spaniel)

David Catow's loveable spaniel is back!
Readers will dine with delight as Chef Max serves up one hysterical meal after another at his very own diner. New readers will laugh-out-load as Max's pizza pie special creates one wacky lunchtime.
Read more about MAX!

Wes thinks this book is a huge crack-up!  He loves it.
He thinks the illustrations are hilarious and laughs out loud about Max's mistakes.  His favorite part is when a little dog tries to order a hot dog (Wes's favorite) and Max brings her a dog that is hot and panting.

Gracen's Pick

Chizzy's Topsy Tale

In Chizzy's Topsy Tale, Donna J. Shepherd's whimsical rhymes speed Chizzy and Dotty into the jungle on a whirlwind search for tempting fruit. Kevin Scott Collier illustrates Chizzy's rollicking escapades with a deft and humorous touch. Solid values, like helping a friend in need and minding Momma, make Chizzy's Topsy Tale a wonderful read-aloud choice.

Gracen, my budding artist, truly appreciates the vivid, colorful illustrations in this book.  In fact, she has even sketched and colored the characters in her own sketch pad. 


Samantha's Pick

Pandas' Earthquake Escape

Pandas' Earthquake Escape is a fictional story based on a real-life event. In real life, XiXi, a giant panda did escape from the destroyed Wolong Panda Reserve when the 7.9 earthquake rocked Northern China on May 12, 2008. Author Phyllis Perry uses the adventures of a mother panda, LiLing, and her one-year old cub, Tengfei, to teach children about earthquakes, animal survival, and to reinforce a mother s instinct to protect her child.

Earlier in the school year, Samantha's class did a comprehensive study of China.  They even went to The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. to see the panda exhibit.  Needless to say, she fell in love with the pandas.  Therefore, I knew she would appreciate this book.  Boy, was I right!  She has read it several times and comments on the adorable panda illustrations each time.  Not only are the illustrations beautiful, but the story is heartfelt and endearing.

My Pick

Motherhood is Murder (A Maternal Instincts Mystery)

Nights out are hard to come by for new mommy Kate Connelly. So when Kate and her husband are invited to a dinner cruise hosted by her new mommy club, Roo & You, they jump at it. But when the president of the club takes a deadly spill, everyone becomes suspect-and Kate's on deck to solve the mystery.

Motherhood is Murder is the second novel in Diana Orgain's Maternal Instincts Mystery series.  I read the first novel, Bundle of Joy, a while back and loved it.  Therefore, I was excited to dive into this one.  Motherhood is Murder did not disappoint.

Kate, the main character, learns a lot about herself as she continues to find her way as a new mother and private investigator.  I easily identify with Kate on many levels.  For example, I completely understand her deep desire to want to stay home with her new baby.  I felt the exact same way when I had my children.   Although Kate does not want to return to work full time, she knows that she has to have a source of income.  Therefore, she throws herself into the world of private investigating.  I love this facet of the story because it is exactly why and how I developed The Itty-Bitty Bookworm.  

For this giveaway, I am offering two lucky readers a copy of Motherhood is Murder.
To enter please leave me a comment telling me
what you would choose to do if you could begin a new career.

For additional entries ~
Subscribe to my blog.
Follow Diana Orgain on Twitter.

Winners will be randomly selected on May 14, 2010.
They will have 48 hours to respond.
Contest for US addresses only.

Little Cooks with Books: Peanut Butterflies

Gracen is so excited that after Spring Break her class will be observing as butterflies prepare to hatch.  I thought it would be fun to read a few butterfly-themed books over the break.  Here are our two favorites.

 Where Butterflies Grow (Picture Puffins)

Where Butterflies Grow describes the complete life cycle of a butterfly.  The author brings the process to life through her use of sensory imagery.  My girls especially loved the pictures in this book.  They are realistic illustrations that actually look like photographs.  A fun special feature of this book is the small creatures which are hidden among the plants.  This encourages readers to use their observation skills to locate as many of the creatures as they can.  My kids challenged each other to see who could find the most.

 Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly

The girls and I love this book.  It is about a first grade girl who feels like she will never compare to her older sisters. She feels like they were the most perfect first graders ever.  However, while on a school field trip to a butterfly conservatory, a butterfly lands and roosts on Velma's finger.  This experience gives Velma some extra special attention.  I appreciate how the author uses the beautiful colorful pictures and a story with which children with siblings can relate to help teach facts about butterflies.  Everyone will love Velma!

Peanut Butterflies

 To go along with our butterfly books, we decided to make Peanut Butterflies. They were fun to make and Wes and Sam thought they were yummy.  Gracen did not care for them.  I think they were to peanutty for her.  John loved them.

Here is how we made the butterflies:

1. Make the peanut butter dough.
2. Roll two large balls of dough, place them side by side on a baking sheet, and gently flatten them.
3. Roll two smaller balls of dough, place them underneath the flattened balls on the baking sheet, and gently flatten.
4. Gently press all of the balls together so they are forming a butterfly shape.
5. Roll a small cylinder shape to create the body of the butterfly.  Place it in the middle of the butterfly wings.
6. Decorate with mini chocolate chips.
   

Printable Recipe with Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe

 This recipe and idea came from The Kids-Did-It!  Cookie Bookie  This deliciously cute cookbook is an introduction to baking for kids ages 3 to 12.  It includes 14 tasty, easy-to-follow and fun-to-look-at cookie recipes, each illustrated with colorful animal paintings and other watercolors created by kids.

This post is part of the Mouthwatering Monday Blog Carnival over at A Southern Fairytale, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdsays at  Blessed with Grace, Tasty Tuesdays at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, and  Tuesdays at the Table at All the Small Stuff.  Stop by for more yumminess.

Our Latest Reads (and a giveaway!)

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With all of the snow and freezing cold weather (ugh!) we have been making a lot of library trips.  Our library has a nice children's section, so the kids really enjoy going.  We usually read a few books while lounging on the comfy bean bag chairs, play a couple of games on the computers, and pick out some books and movies to check out.  Amongst all of these reads, we have made some great finds. I thought I'd share some of our favorites with you.
*Notice the author and character websites, as well.  They are awesome!

Sam's Picks 

 The Year of the Rat by Grace Lin (one of my favorite authors)
Grace Lin's Website

 The New Girl (Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls) by Meg Cabot
Allie Finkle Website

 Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park Linda Sue Park's Website

Gracen's Picks

 Junie B., First Grader (at Last!) (Junie B. Jones, No. 18)
Junie B.'s Website

FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS (READING WITH HELP, LEVEL 2)

Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia (I Can Read Book 2)
Amelia Bedelia's webpage

Wes's Picks

 Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (Giant Little Golden Book)

How I Became a Pirate 

Wes has also enjoyed some books from BubbleGum Books.  They generously sent us three books to review.  All three books feature a likable main character named Sam.  Sam has a wonderful imagination that will inspire young readers.

 The Things a String Can Be

With rhyming, repetition and bold colorful graphics, children are mesmerized with Sam and his fascination with a silly old string. Sam’s imagination takes children on adventurous journeys that lead to a heartwarming ending. The book includes free fun and educational "string" activities.

 Something Shiny, Something Round 

With all of the snow we have had, Wes could totally relate to this book about how

...Sam and his friends turn an ordinary object into extraordinary adventures. This time, the ordinary object is a hubcap and the adventures are as clever as ever with a lesson of responsibility in the end. The book includes a free activity guide/lesson planner filled with fun, educational activities that complement a number of scenarios from the story.

 The Topsy-Turvy Towel (Our Favorite) 

Sam, Sally and Suzy continue to wow children with their elaborate imaginations. This time, their object d’art is a big, colorful beach towel. In their minds it becomes a hot air balloon, a flying magic carpet, a superhero’s cape… and that’s just the beginning. See where this remarkable towel and their playful imaginations take them! Beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations with computer-enhanced graphics. Text that sings. Places where only the mind can take you. The book includes a bonus activity guide.

Wes particularly liked The Topsy-Turvy Towel.  It was easy for him to relate to the concept of pretending a towel is a cape, a magic carpet, etc. because he uses his "blankie" in imaginative ways almost every day. He even commented on this coincidence, "Mommy, I use my blankie like Sam uses his towel!".  

As an educator and mother, I appreciate the related activity ideas at the end of each book.  They are all fun and engaging ways to encourage children to stretch their imaginations.  

The BubbleGum Books website offers free printables, as well.  Check out this page.

Now for the best part ~ BubbleGum Books is offering two lucky winners a copy of The Things a String Can Be. 

To enter:  Leave a comment telling us about something imaginative your child likes to do.

For additional entries:

• Become a BubbleGum Books Facebook Fan (1 entry).
• Become a BubbleGum Books Follower on Twitter (1 entry).

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry, so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! The winners will be announced Friday, March 19, and contacted by email. They have three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*

Promo Code ~ They are also offering my readers a 20% discount off of any of these three books.  Simply, order from their website and enter the voucher code "itty" at the bottom of the shopping cart page.  They will even have the books autographed by the author.  Great deal! 

**BubbleGum Books provided the books  for us to review.  However, as always, I blog with integrity and these are our honest opinions.

Chinese New Year: Books, Crafts, and Activities

We have decided to take the kids to the Chinese New Year celebration in Philadelphia's Chinatown.  The girls are very excited because they have learned about the Chinese New Year in school. They can't wait to see the traditional lion dance.  However, Wes does not have any background knowledge on any of this.  Therefore, I thought I would plan some activities and check out some books from the library to help him understand.  Here is what I have come up with.

Books

Toddlers

My First Chinese New Year - In this colorful picture book, a young girl prepares for and celebrates the Chinese New Year with her extended family, describing how she makes an altar to honor her ancestors, gets a haircut, feasts with her relatives, and attends a Chinatown parade. The tale radiates warmth and quietly builds up to the dramatic dragon dance and the traditional greeting of "Gung Hay Fat Choy!" The collage illustrations, cut from paper with colorful Asian designs, also include paint and other media to capture the joyful celebrants. ~ School Library Journal

Wes did not like this book as much as he liked Dragon Dance (see below).  It could have been because the main character is a little girl.  He is in this stage where he prefers to read books about boys.  I believe it is because it makes it easier for him to relate to the main character.  I, on the other hand, love Karen Katz, so I thought is was adorable.  The main character is extremely likable and very cute.  In addition, this book offers lots to learn.

Preschoolers

Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year - This lift-the-flap book follows a family as they plan for the Chinese New Year and celebrate the traditions (red envelopes, p Garade).  This is a great book for preschoolers.  It is relatively short and the rhyming text is fluid and easy to understand.  Wes really enjoyed it.  He liked lifting the flaps (of course).  He also appreciated the detailed illustrations.  He spent a lot of time looking at them and asking questions.  Good Choice!

Lion Dancer -  In brief, simple sentences, Ernie Wan describes his Chinese -American family's celebration of the lunar New Year. Ernie lives in New York City's Chinatown, where traditions are rooted in the culture of southern China. Ernie's father, a kung fu master, choreographs The Lion Dance, the center of the community celebration and a major tourist attraction. This year, Ernie dances in the place of honor under the lion's head. Color photographs depict private and public festivities. ~ School Library Journal

Wes loved the photographs in this picture.  This book really got him excited about going to the Chinese New

Year Parade and celebration.

Happy Chinese New Year, Kai-Lan - Join Kai-lan for a Chinese New Year celebration! Kai-lan and her friends get to carry the dragon costume in the big parade - but can they work together to make the dragon dance? ~ Product Description

Wes loves Kai-Lan, so I have ordered this for him.  I will let you know what we think.

School-Age

Celebrating Chinese New Year - Readers follow 10-year-old Ryan Leong and his family as they celebrate the Chinese New Year in San Francisco. Through big, bright photographs and a clear, easy-to-follow text, readers see the preparations and festivities and learn about the history and traditions. The author includes the symbolic meanings of the foods eaten and other customs, an explanation of the Chinese Zodiac, and an in-depth look at the Lion Dance. ~ School Library Journal

Samantha and Gracen enjoyed this one.  They especially liked the photographs and the fact that it is non-fiction.

 

The Chinese New Year Mystery (A Nancy Drew Notebooks Mystery) - The third-grade classes at Nancy's school are learning about Chinese culture, and they'll celebrate the Chinese New Year with a special parade. The highlight of the parade will be a dragon costume. Nancy's class is making it out of feathers, sequins, gold tassels, and red silk. But right before the big day, the dragon disappears! ~ Product Description

Samantha loves this series, so I have ordered it for her to read.   I will let you know what she thinks.

Activities 

The actual date of the Chinese New Year for 2010 is February 14.   

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2010 is the year of the tiger.  Make a tiger paper bag puppet.

Chinese New Year paper dolls and clothes and more clothes.

Color the Chinese Flag.

Make a dancing lion or dragon toy.

How to make a Chinese lantern.

Practice using chopsticks.  Children can practice picking up food, craft pompoms, marshmallows, cotton balls, and small toys.  For young children - tie a rubber band around the chopsticks to make them easier to use.   Great fine motor practice.

Make a parade dragon puppet.

Lots of Printables for School-agers.

Activities and Printables for Preschoolers.

Countdown to New Year - On-line game

Musical Lanterns - On-line game

On-line Tangram (originated in China) Puzzles

Cook some traditional Chinese New Year's Eve foods.

Do you have any fun Chinese New Year activities planned?  If so, I would love to hear about them.