and the cartoon based on this book. One of his favorite episodes is Fisherman Bear's Big Catch. In this episode Little Bear and Fisherman Bear go fishing and they meet an Octopus who takes Fisherman Bear to tea. He is fascinated with "Fisherman Bear" and even named his favorite teddy bear after him. So when we stopped by Build-a-Bear a couple of weekends ago, we just had to get this fishing outfit...
- 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!
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
This week Wes and I read Mmm, Cookies! He thought this book was hilarious and asked me to read it over and over again. If you aren't familiar with Robert Munsch, you have to check out some of his books. Kids think that they are so funny. Here are my children's Munsch favorites.
Stephanie's Ponytail (Annikins)
Alligator Baby
Printables for C is for Cookie 
A Thanks Giving Story
Thanksgiving’s in a few weeks; the last leaves begin to fall,
It’s getting colder; there may be snow upon the wall.
That leads down the driveway and ends at the sidewalk.
Inside it’s cozy, and Mom is in the kitchen looking at menus for the feast.
“I want pumpkin pie,” says Sam, the dessert fan.
“Well, I want macaroni and cheese!” from Gracen, the cheese eater.
“And I want pizza!” cries Weslyn, who isn’t sure what Thanksgiving is, but knows he loves pizza with pepperoni and cheese.
“We must ask Dad, turkey or ham,” muses Mom, paging through Betty Crocker.
“Turkey! Ham!” shout the three rascals, dancing up and down and banging their hands on the counter tops.
“Mashed potatoes! Butter beans! Sweet potatoes!
"Yeah!”
“There’s more to Thanksgiving than lots of food,” reminds Mom.
“Thanks Giving. That’s what we need to remember. We should be glad that we have so much to be grateful for.”
“Let’s make a Thanks Giving list of what we are happy about.”
“Well,” says Dad, coming through the front door, “I’m just happy to be home.”
“You can help with the list.” Mom hands out paper and pencils.
“Give me a min. to rest, then I will.” Dad sits down in his favorite chair.
“Guess what? When I look around, I see something to be glad for—Darla!” says Sam.
“I’m glad for my birthday presents,” smiles Gracie.
“And I’m glad for pizza!” yells Wes.
What else will the three rascals put on their lists?
Here are the children's responses:
Samantha
Gracen
Gracen is thankful for flowers and art.
Wes
This is the book we read to go along with this activity:
Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks
Sure, Thanksgiving is about pilgrims and history-and turkey, of course!-but most importantly, it's a holiday all about everything that we are thankful for. Cheerful, colorful illustrations accompany the simple text in this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday that brings them all together.
Wes watched an episode of Sid the Science Kid about pulleys. Later that afternoon, we found him doing this...
You can't tell in the picture, but he tied an empty milk jug to the end of a rope, pretended to make a pulley, and hoisted it up to the top bunk. Too cute!
Sam taught Darla to "Shake".
For more What My Child is Reading visit Mouse Grows Mouse Learns.
For more Learning Through Love visit My Family My Forever.
