An adorable picture book that features animal creatures getting ready for the first day of school. Each of the animals is associated with a different color The author uses vocabulary that stimulates interaction and even includes a bit of math to enhance the value of the book. When the animals arrive, they meet Mr. Mole, their teacher who assists them in painting a beautful work cooperatively that blends all their colors. Children learn to understand each has something important to contribute. Together, they create a beautiful tapestry.
This is an excellent book to read aloud to a preschooler or kindergarten child ready to begin school to allay their fears and teach them how each child is unique and special.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: It’s Sunday, the day before the school week begins, and Alycat is nervous. She just knows that Monday is going to be the Mondayest Monday ever! On the playground, Alycat realizes she isn’t the only one suffering from the Sunday Scaries. It’s hard to ride a bike. What if Kit falls? The treehouse is so high. Will Spotty make it safely back down? The kittens band together to overcome their fears, but can they turn the Sunday Scaries into a Sunday Funday? The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity toward problem-solving.
Fans of Alycat and her friends will enjoy spotting references to the kittens’ daily adventures within these pages. Tips for a successful lemonade stand are included!
Alysson Bourque began her career as a teacher after graduating from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education and went on to earn a law degree from Southern University Law Center in 2007.
After practicing law for nearly eight years, it was time to trade in writing trial briefs for writing children’s books and collaborating with non-profits to support philanthropic initiatives such as Foster the Love with First Lady Donna Edwards, Lafayette Walk to Defeat ALS, The Family Tree, Operation Shower, Wild Cat Foundation, and Hayley’s Bracelet fundraiser to benefit Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Her series has won over 23 awards and has received glowing reviews.
Another delightful picture book in the Alycat series, which teaches young children how to overcome problems, work cooperatively, and create lasting friendships.
In this adventure, Alycat confides in her mother that although it is Sunday, she is already imagining a Monday full of her worst fears. Her mother urges her to enjoy her Sunday and play with her friends.
Alycat and her friends go bike riding but soon find that their friend Kit needs help and encouragement. After overcoming this problem, the friends encounter Spotty in trouble at his treehouse. What can they do to help?
The book series contains attractive easy to read text and bright illustrations. Most importantly, primary grade readers learn the value of developing strong friendships, teamwork, and ways to solve problems creatively and with compassion.
A highly recommended series for children ages four through eight.
GIVEAWAY
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What a charming and whimsical book for toddlers and preschoolers! This learn the alphabet book features beautiful illustrations that draw the eye directly into the book. Garcia effectively uses alliteration that allows the rhymes to jump off the page. Young readers will laugh at the humorous situations created for the zany characters. Readers will not realize they are learning.
The book also enhances visual skills and interactivity because it invites the child to find hidden objects on its pages. Rollicking good fun for children and their adult teachers or parents who will have an enjoyable experience reading it aloud.
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An illustrated rhyming book with a twist. The protagonist, a young boy who hates writing, gets a writing assignment in class. He daydreams about the many activities he would prefer. While, he is a good student, he just cannot decide on a writing topic. Desperate, he scribbles all his ideas on paper in random fashion. When lunchtime arrives, the teacher collects all the papers.
The boy assumes he will fail. What do you think will happen? The plot thickens.
I especially appreciated the multicultural illustrations which also include students with disabilities. All children can identify with the characters in this inspirational read for students in the six to ten age group.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: The iguanas are back to their stinky shenanigans. They’ve fitted out the flying school bus for real mischief and are marauding all over the Borough. They’ve really got it in for John and Crosley, who must sniff out their evildoings before it’s too late! Will they succeed? Join the Night Buddies in their racing blimp for this exciting new adventure!
Sands Hetherington, creator of the Night Buddies series of chapter books, credits his son John for being his principal motivator. Sands and young John developed the Crosley crocodile character in the series during months of bedtime story give-and-take. They collaborated many nights on escapades starring John and Crosley until, eventually, it occurred to Sands why it was that Crosley was bright red. That was when the first book came together.
Sands majored in history at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and has an M.F.A. in creative writing and an M.A. in English from UNC-Greensboro. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Natalie Leininger, illustrator of the 4th title in the Night Buddies series, grew up in New Jersey and has been drawing ever since she was young. She now lives in Nebraska and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying the fine arts. She is in her third year at the university, primarily practicing oil painting, but spends time outside of the classroom working on a variety of projects. She has always enjoyed being with children, which made illustrating and working on Night Buddies such an enjoyable project!
Natalie strives to capture our world in bloom. Whether it be through the literal sense of a blooming flower or the simple act of sketching a character’s smile spreading across their face, her art is a place for all to engage in their own way.
MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:
Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264
Written by Sands Hetherington
Illustrated by Natalie Leininger
The fourth book in this zany adventure series for chapter book or middle-grade readers. John, a clever wise guy who does not hesitate to express his opinion, joins up once again with his red crocodile, Crosley, to combat the evil iguanas in their flying machine. These villains are determined to cause chaos and confusion throughout the area.
John, the indefatiguable boy hero, wisecracks his way through one wacky scenario after another, as he persists in overcoming his evil adversaries. The plot contains numerous twists and turns that readers cannot anticipate. Though the book contains less than one hundred fifty pages, young readers will not be able to stop turning those pages. Illustrations perfectly complement the zany characters and non-stop action.
The type of book that will especially attract reluctant readers.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the giveaway for for your chance to win an autographed 4-book series, including Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare; Night Buddies and One Far-out Flying Machine; Night Buddies Go Sky High, and Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264!
Bartholomew Bear refuses to cut his hair. Eventually it grew to his knees and he no longer looked like a bear. Despite his family’s concern, he refused to comply.
One day when home alone, Batholomew decided he wanted a snack. That snack involved honey. His troubles began as he kept creating more turmoil and left the house in a mess. Eventually, he could not see and his hair was a sticky mess. Can you guess what happens when his mom returns home?
This book is a fun way to teach children to clean up themselves and their belongings. Bartholomew is a fun character with which young children will identify.
The rhymes are funny and the story fun to read aloud. Also, a good choice for parents with children who are reluctant to cut their hair.
Recommended especially for ages three through seven.
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I have read other books in this author’s middle-grade/YA mystery series, and I think this one is my favorite.
A group of eighth-grade children decide to raise money to buy toys for children in a homeless shelter in far-away New York City. When the money they have collected is stolen, they bond together to find the clues and catch the thief. Despite warnings from the adults who care about them, this unflappable group of stubborn friends refuse to withdraw from the challenge.
Set on an island originally inhabited by pirates, the setting exudes mystery. The 1940’s characters are colorful and fun, and the short book of under one hundred pages is definitely a page-turner.
An excellent choice for a reluctant reader, pre-teen or teen, but definitely one that can be enjoyed by adults as well.
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This book is packed with opportunities to expand the imagination, creativity, and knowledge of science principles and experimentation. As with previous books in this series, children ages five through twelve are provided with diverse subjects and opportunities to use all their senses to learn science. They can become superheroes, use food substances, glitter and glow, work with the environment, and share experiences with friends.
Calandrelli presents clear instructions, lists of materials, scientific principles, and a glossary for those tough terms to understand. This book is invaluable for use in planning science fair projects, rainy-days at home, or a classroom group project.
Recommended for any parent or teacher of curious children in elementary or homeschool school. Adults will have fun engaging in the activities along with students.
– Reviewed by Barbara Mojica for Net Galley
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The Donkeys Jesus Chose: A Catholic Chapter Storybook
Written by Christine Calabrese
A beautiful early reader for Christian families to describe the events leading up to Palm Sunday and the profound affect it had on one family.
Joshua, his wife, Miriam, and their disabled daughter, Mara lived a humble life in a small village. They have a stubborn, donkey named Sapphire who is about to give birth. Sapphire refuses to allow anyone to ride her. Mara must face the bullying of the village children who taunt her as a cripple. In those times, a handicap was often seen as a sign of sin. Mara has one true friend, Hannah, who tells her about Jesus, the Messiah.
As the village prepares for Passover, the family hears that Jesus will enter Jerusalem in a procession. Mara pleads to go. Then an unexpected request comes from a stranger to use the family donkeys for the Messiah in the procession. How will this request and the miracle that follows change the life of this humble family?
Along with the touching tale containing lessons of empathy, compassion, resilience, and hope, children are treated to the beautiful, colored pencil drawings of a budding young artist, Anna Williams who illustrates the chapters. As a bonus for young readers, the author includes a link to learn all about donkeys.
This book is especially recommended to Christian families and beginning chapter book readers.
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March 31, 2024
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