Posts from the ‘elementary grades’ Category

DIABETIC DREAMER

Dream Big with Diabetes

Written and illustrated by Sally Huss and Elizabeth-Hamilton Guarino

Olivia sits on the sidelines because she suffers from diabetes. When her friends ask her to play sports, go swimming, travel, or attend group events, Olivia replies that she wants to sit it out to play it safe. Her friends respond to her objections and give her examples of others who take precautions but instead choose to live their lives like normal children. Olivia wonders, are there others afflicted with diabetes who are pursuing and succeeding in their dreams?

Read this beautiful multicultural picture book that proves all children with disabilities can find a path to follow their fondest dreams. All children deserve an opportunity to succeed.

Recommended for any reader who has ever dared to dream.

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Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday, virtual book tour and giveaway #thealycatseries

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Alysson Foti Bourque.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Written by Alysson Foti Bourque

Illustrated by Chiara Civati

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Pelican Publishing | ISBN-13: 9781455627233

Publisher’s Book Summary: Alycat hosts a big sleepover, complete with games, s’mores, and ghost stories. A surprise guest adds suspense!

People are talking . . .

The Alycat Series features Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day, Alycat and the Monday Blues, Alycat and the Friendship Friday, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday, and Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday.

The books in this series have won more than 17 awards, including the NYC Big Book Award, the Mom’s Choice Awards, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards; have been featured in Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly; and have appeared in the Oscars celebrity swag bag and the Grammy Awards gift bag. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, featured Bourque and her life-size mascot, Alycat, on her popular YouTube channel Little Red News.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Alysson Foti Bourque is a certified elementary education teacher and attorney who practiced law for six years before turning to writing full time. Her books featuring Alycat have been recipients of the NYC Big Book Award, the Mom’s Choice Awards, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards; have been featured in Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly; and have appeared in the Oscars celebrity swag bag and the Grammy Awards gift bag.

Find Alyson and Alycat online at www.alycatseries.com.

https://www.facebook.com/thealycatseries/

https://www.instagram.com/thealycatseries/

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAlycatSeries

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

SCAREDY CATS

Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday

Written by Alysson Foti Bourque

Illustrated by Chiara Civati

Alycat eagerly awaits her Saturday night sleepover with her kitten friends when she receives a phone call from Luna. The phone reception is poor, but Alycat thinks she hears that Luna cannot come but has an important secret to share.

The kittens enjoy playing Drop the Cake, cooking s’mores and telling ghost stories. As darkness falls, fear sets in. Suddenly a shadow falls on the outside of the tent and the kittens scream.

Who is stalking outside their tent? Will Luna reveal her secret? Read the newest release in the Alycat series to find out the answers.

Vibrant illustrations and large text will please the primary grade audience or beginning reader. The book includes a sleepover checklist for readers who would like to enjoy one with their friends.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover, autographed by Alysson Foti Bourque.

Two (2) winners receive:

A copy of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover, signed by Alysson Foti Bourque

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/pAENq/alycat-and-the-sleepover-saturday-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, March 8, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Thursday, March 9, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Friday, March 10, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Monday, March 13, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Tuesday, March 14, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Wednesday, March 15, 2023Barbara Ann MojicaA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Thursday, March 16, 2023JoanasbookshelfA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Friday, March 17, 2023Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Monday, February 20, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Tuesday, March 21, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview with Alysson Foti Bourque
Wednesday, March 22, 2023Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Thursday, March 23, 2023Twirling Book PrincessA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Friday, March 24, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Monday, March 27, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover
Tuesday, March 28, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

LARGER THAN LIFE LEGEND

Saint Patrick the Forgiver: The History and Legends of Ireland’s Bishop

Written and Illustrated by Ned Bustard

As a historian, I am familiar with the life of Saint Patrick, but this beautiful picture book written in rhyme presents Patrick in a novel way for both children and adults.

The line cut illustrations in brilliant colors combined with the rhymes that are fun to read and roll off the tongue compel readers to revisit the book and its lessons. Bustard integrates the larger-than-life legends about Patrick, but lays bare his personal human struggles. How could he forgive the slave captors who had kidnapped him and obey God’s calling to voluntarily return to the site of his captivity? Children immediately realize his torment and feel how difficult it might be to forgive.

This book is a good choice for Christian parents seeking to explain the role of St. Patrick in Ireland’s history or for educators teaching about the St. Patrick holiday. It teaches them a valuable lesson about forgiveness.

Highly recommended for children of all ages and adults who enjoy reading a well-written rhyming picture book that educates the mind while pleasing the eye.

Reviewed by Barbara Ann Mojica, children’s book author, for Net Galley

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#MY LOVE IS LIKE A GARDEN… A VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND FLYING CARDINAL PRESS.

ABOUT THE BOOK

My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Written and Illustrated by Laura Smetana

All Ages | 38 Pages

Publisher: Flying Cardinal Press | ISBN-13: 9781737140962

Publisher’s Book Summary: With bright, watercolor collages, My Love for You Is Like a Garden celebrates unconditional love with vibrant garden scenes that will delight fans of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle. Perfect for baby showers, bedtime read-alouds, or anyone you love!

Say “I love you” with this charming picture book families will love reading together over and over again. Bold, colorful illustrations of flowers, butterflies, and animals will inspire readers of all ages to explore the natural world⁠—and maybe even plant their own garden. Children will delight in finding ladybugs hidden throughout, and a glossary provides the names of each plant and animal featured. A beautiful book to share with a child, parent, or anyone who means the world to you!

My Love for You is Like a Garden Activity Kit – Free Download

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

Author’s Website

A Friends and Family Offer

If you’ve already purchased a copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, head on over to Laura Smetana’s website to receive two free downloadable 8×10 watercolor collage art prints:

Print 1 – My love for you is like a garden

Print 2 – My love for you flows freely

ABOUT THE AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR

Laura Smetana is the author and illustrator of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, a joyful picture book that celebrates unconditional love with bold, watercolor collages of garden scenes. She is also the author of Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer’s & Dementia (illustrated by Elisabete B. P. de Moraes), which was winner of a Northern Lights Book Award, and Little Squiggle’s Lake Adventure, which she co-authored with her son, Stirling Hebda.

shaWhen she isn’t writing or painting, Laura can be found talking to kids at school author visits, gardening in her sunhat, and spending time with her family outdoors. Laura lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and son. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Downers Grove Artists’ Guild.

Visit her online at www.laurasmetana.com and @SmetanaLaura on Twitter.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

OUR LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS

My Love For You Is Like A Garden

Written by Laura Smetana

What a beautiful way to express a message of love! This simple picture book contains soft, watercolors that match its gentle message. Smetana compares her love to the elements found in a garden like the warm sun, the smell of lilacs, the blades of grass, water flowing, and butterflies dancing, to name a few.

Its message correlated with our senses in short sentences presented in an easy-to-read font appeal to children of any age. Smetana includes a glossary at the end of the book. Young readers become participants when they search for each character mentioned in the story and the ladybug hidden on each page.

I would suggest this book as a fantastic gift for a reader of any age, including adults. Surely, a memento to be treasured or a valuable tool for a parent to express love for a child.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a glorious garden-themed grand prize, including a hardcover copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, autographed by Laura Smetana!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A cotton tote bag filled with:

-A hardcover copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, signed by author & illustrator Laura Smetana

– 4 oz of tea from Adagio Teas

– A bar of Italian rose soap

– Cherry blossom & tea rose hand lotion

– Sunflower & ladybug garden stake

– A 12 piece colored pencil set

– A mini sketchbook with elastic closure band

– 5 blank cards & envelopes featuring art from My Love for You is Like a Garden

Two (2) winners receive:

-A paperback copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, signed by author & illustrator Laura Smetana

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/V52H1/my-love-for-you-is-like-a-garden-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, February 27, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Laura Smetana
Tuesday, February 28, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Wednesday, March 1, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Thursday, March 2, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Laura Smetana
Friday, March 3, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Monday, March 6, 2023Lisa’s ReadingA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Tuesday, March 7, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Wednesday, March 8, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Thursday, March 9, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Friday, March 10, 2023Writer with WanderlustA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Monday, March 13, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Tuesday, March 14, 2023J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Wednesday, March 15, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Thursday, March 16, 2023Crafty Moms ShareA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Friday, March 17, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Monday, March 20, 2023JoanasbookshelfA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

IT’S YOUR CHOICE

Illustrated Would You Rather? : Jokes and Game Book for Children 5-11( Silly Kids and Family Scenarios, 1

Written and Illustrated by Dr. Shh

Book is part of a series. This one features jokes and games for elementary and early middle grade students.

I love interactive choice books because they encourage children to do critical thinking while they make choices. The first part of the book presents crazy scenarios, the second crazy questions. Each section is richly illustrated with black and white images. Readers are urged NOT to look at the answers provided ahead of time. As a bonus, the author includes references for the curious reader who wants to go into any of the topics in greater detail.

An excellent choice for readers age six through twelve as well as the reluctant reader.

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WHY YOU MUST LEARN TO BE A CRITICAL THINKER…

FIND OUT WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT WITH THIS FREE GIFT

DO YOU BELIEVE OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS IN TROUBLE?

SHOULD PARENTS AND TEACHERS HAVE ACCESS TO ALTERNATIVES?

WHAT SPECIFICALLY ARE THE PROBLEMS WE NEED TO FIX?

WHAT CAN WE DO TO GIVE OUR CHILDREN THE EDUCATION THEY DESERVE?

LET’S HAVE A DISCUSSION!

Click on the link below:

https://fabulous-innovator-745.ck.page/d2bf416904

I WOULD LIKE TO HELP.

WHO AM I?

I am a parent, grandparent, author, historian, and educator with forty years of experience as a teacher, principal, and school district administrator serving children in both the general and special education populations. I provide parents and teachers with tools and resources to accomplish their goals.

SET UP A FREE COACHING SESSION BY EMAILING:

BARBARA@LITTLEMISSHISTORY.COM

EVERY DAY CAN BE AN ADVENTURE

Catch Up!

Written by Cazzy Zahursky

Illustrated by Sam Cabbage

A family enjoys a picnic in a local park. When a bottle-cap falls off the table, their dog Buddy runs away with it. He just wants to play fetch. But that bottle-cap finds itself on an unexpected journey when different animal groups in the park commandeer it to use for fun. The boy runs around trying to regain possession while readers are treated to a riotous adventure.

The funny picture book features huge, colorful illustrations and large font. It is a fun read aloud for adults or beginnng readers. Characters are multicultural and diverse including children with disabilities.

Highly recommended for children ages two through five.

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PIRATE IN SPACE, MISSION ONE

Katt Scallion and the Oracle Bird: Katt’s First Adventure

Written by E. K. Issacs

Illustrated by Taru Haimi

This is the first book in an adventure/mystery series for elementary and middle school readers. Katt is a feline space pirate, accompanied by a sloth named Speedy. Things have been slow in the pirate business lately until he is dispatched to retrieve the egg of an oracle space bird.

Off the readers go on this mystery adventure. Katt meets lots of interesting characters on his quest. The book features lots of dialogue and humor. The characters are interesting and the plot moves along quickly. I would describe the book as a chapter book for advanced elementary school readers or an introductory middle school read. There are a few black and white illustrations that enhance the tale.

Recommended for ages six through twelve who enjoy mystery, adventure, humor, and animal characters.

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TIME SLIPPING AWAY

Time to Rhyme

Written by Nigel Tetley

Illustrated by Peter David Scott

A beautifully written rhyming picture book that captures the imagination of a child and the adult who reads. it.

A child views time through the days of the week, the months of the year, and its seasons. The lovely color pastels complement the mood of the text perfectly. While all of us never seem to have enough time, seeing the concept envisioned through the eyes of a child is refreshing and perceptive. After reading this tale, the mood felt is restful and calming just like the beautiful illustrations.

Recommended for a child of any age, but I feel adults will enjoy it just as much.

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BROKEN BUT NOT FORLON

Miranda, Queen of Broken Toys

Written an Illustrated by Andrea Tripke

Miranda grew up in an ordinary town, but her temperament was different from most children. While her friends discarded toys that were broken or in which they lost interest, Miranda collected and cherished these toys. Her friends thought her strange. Soon they abandoned her. So Miranda ventured far away, and became the Queen of Broken Toys. She lived a lonely life until one day a boy who had lost a toy came to her castle. An incident changes the lives of both.

The soft pastel illustrations are appealing and appropriate to the mood of the tale. Elementary school readers can learn many lessons from Miranda. I am sure many children will empathize with her.

A charming, quick read for children of all ages. It might inspire a few to take better care of their toys.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

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