Posts from the ‘reference book’ Category

BEING DIFFERENT IS A-OKAY

Jo’s Special Gifts

Written by Mariam Shapera

Illustrated by Lorna Humphreys

This book is written and illustrated by parents of an autistic child. As a special educator who has worked with dozens of autistic children, I highly recommend this book both to autistic parents and teachers and also to those seeking to understand autism.

Jo is a beautiful child who is autistic. He has a special interest in music and space, both areas in which he excels. Jo learns differently. He sometimes shouts out his words and needs to have a structured routine in which to function. Jo tries his best to fit in socially though he sometimes needs adaptations.

I liked the way the illustrator portrays children with disabilities in a wheelchair and a child wearing noise-cancelling earphones. The parents support Jo with unconditional love. Every child deserves to learn in the way that best suits his talents and capabilities.

Another valuable part of the book comes at the end when the author shares tips about communication, socialization, and the sensory needs of autistic children, which are a valuable source of knowledge for any adult working with an autistic child.

Highly recommended as a read aloud discussion book for preschool and elementary school children.

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Warning
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BIG, BIGGER, BEST

Pebbles and the Biggest Number

Written by Joey Benun

Illustrated by Laura Watson

Benun has managed to combine storytelling with an effective presentation of stem concepts, large mathematical numbers, and ecology in one easy-to digest- picture book.

This book encourages even the youngest child to stretch these skills. Pebbles, a butterfly with an insatiable curiosity, sets out to travel the world to find the largest number. Along the way, she travels through deserts, rainforests, oceans, and space. At every stop readers discover fun facts, scientific knowledge, and learn about the animals living in each habitat.

Children learn a ton of information without even realizing it. This book can be enjoyed over and over, revealing something new in each page.

I would highly recommend this book to homeschoolers, teachers, and parents of elementary and middle-school students. Warning! adults will be expanding their brains along with the young reader.

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INCLUDE THIS ONE IN YOUR TEACHING TOOLS…

Dogs Counting Activity Book: Count to 20 with this Fun Activity Book about Dogs

Written by Frances MacKay

I have previously reviewed this author’s count to ten with dogs book and found it useful. This book can be viewed as a logical extension of that book.

Here, the child not only learns to count to twenty but is provided lots of other learning opportunities that involve comparing and contrasting, more advanced language concepts, dot to dots, mazes, identifying differences, coloring, and simple math equations. The book would be a good supplement to kindergarten learning concepts as a means to prepare or supplement classroom curriculum.

Recommended for ages three through seven.

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COUNT ON HAVING FUN

Dogs A Counting and Comparing Book: A Funny Counting to 10 Book about Dogs

Written by Frances MacKay

One of the best toddler and preschool teaching tools that I have come across lately. The author uses vibrant illustrations and interesting scenarios with dogs to teach children how to count up to ten and then count backwards.

She also introduces positional and size concepts as well as simple emotions like happy and sad. Interactive activities included are access to a ten-page coloring book and freebies that can be downloaded.

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RESPECT OUR WATERY WORLD

Ocean Full of Wonder

Written by Anna Smithers

Illustrated by Nino Aptsiauri

I love how this author presents the ocean topic. Children learn about twelve examples of sea creatures that inhabit the ocean, and the life cycle of plant life that interact with them. Then the author discusses the problems that modern-day life has imposed on the oceans and the life within them.

The author uses crisp rhymes with challenging vocabulary that is highlighted in colors that pop off the page. Human characters represent the many cultures that inhabit our planet and how they can work together to sustain it. At the end of the book, readers receive an opportunity to go back and identify the creatures they learned about in the story. Then the author presents them with tangible and actionable steps they can take now to protect our oceans and its resources.

This interactive book should be part of libraries and classrooms. Parents who want to teach their children to be mindful of protecting our planet can count on this resource to put them on the right track.

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A HOCKEY JOURNAL BOOK FOR MIND AND BODY

Hockey Wars Journal: Stat Tracker Activity Book

Created by Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson

The authors have created a unique product that functions as a diary, journal, statistical record, exercises for mind and body, as well as fun activities geared toward life on and off ice. Inspired by The Hockey Wars series of books, boys and girls who are enthusiasts of ice hockey receive an opportunity to incorporate their passion with other areas of life.

Writing prompts encourage creativity, puzzles, inspirational quotes, tips on exercise and proper nutrition, riddles, space for artwork, and outside reviews of their games all have a place in this tracker. It is the perfect gift for children who are ice hockey afficionados.

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TEACHING KIDS FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

KIDS and MONEY TEACHING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND VALUES TO CHILDREN

Written by Connie Ragen Green

I believe it’s never too early to teach children about financial responsibility. This book begins with a history of money from the earliest times. Green explains that our concepts about money shift during our lifetime. She demonstrates how to determine a child’s financial personality and disputes the traditional viewpoint of setting up an allowance. Her five-part plan assists in fostering independence. Green shows why alleviating financial stress makes a dramatic difference in lifestyle.

This book can be introduced in the elementary grades or during the middle grades. Recommended for parents who want to foster financial independence and accountability skills in their children.


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FISTON TELLS IT ALL!

FISTON TELLS IT ALL

Fiston’s Secrets

Written and illustrated by Lieve Snellings

I was elated to receive book five in this author’s stunning picture book series about groundhogs, chipmunks, and squirrels. In this edition, adorable Fiston reveals the secrets of life as a chipmunk.

I love watching these adorable creatures prance around my backyard in the northeastern U.S. Snellings taught me how they eat, move, hibernate, raise their young, and protect themselves.

It is fascinating that these creatures can weigh only two to four ounces yet manage to collect as many as 165 acorns a day when preparing for hibernation! As a history buff, I was delighted to learn about the Iroquois myth connected to them and the analogy of their coloring to the uniforms of the Swiss Guards at the Vatican. The photography is spectacular. Children can visually understand and relate to the fascinating facts that Fiston reveals to his new friends.

I highly recommend adding this beautiful book both to a home or classroom library as a gem of knowledge and a beautiful piece of photography.

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TROUBLES AND DOUBLES – A VIRTUAL BOOK BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

This post is sponsored by Dr. Drew Palacio. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew

Written by Dr. Drew Palacio

Illustrated by Apolline Etienne

Ages 4+ | 36 Pages

Publisher: Brandylane Publishers, Inc. | ISBN-13: 9781958754368

Publisher’s Book Summary: With a sigh, she went pacing before a large mirror that stood,

Remarking: “Ugh! I’m hideous! None of this looks very good!”

After struggling to find the perfect outfit, Emily Soo dances the night away at a fun party. But when she gets home, her inner voice Emily Two tries to put a damper on her evening.

Confronting our thoughts, fully facing tough emotions, and affirming ourselves can be difficult.

Can Emily Soo find it within herself to squash her Worry and Woe?

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Drew Palacio grew up in Mendocino County, California. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco and currently practices in Kansas. Clinically, he implores partnership and efforts from local families, schools, and the community. Lastly, Dr. Drew is himself a child a heart, using his love of magic and worldly mystery, whether via comic books, animation, video games, or through the passing daydream, to always stoke his inspiration.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

What a wonderful resource for children in upper elementary grades, middle schools and even young adults! Palacio reminds us not to listen to that nagging inner voice that tries to pull us into negativity. In this beautifully written rhyming story, Emily Soo has spent much time choosing her outfit and then enjoying a night out dancing. But when she returns home, that nagging voice in her head tries to tear her positive image down. Children need to learn we are all unique and special. Rather than paying attention to negative self talk, we need to develop affirmations to remind ourselves to stay positive. Palacio provides the tools to put us on the right path to form a healthy life-long habit of self-esteem and healthy lifestyle.

As an educator, I highly recommend classroom teachers and school counselors add this book to their library.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win a personalized hardcover copy of Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew: The Curious Case of the Two Emily Soos and Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound: The Quiet Wants of Julien J.

Twelve (12) winners receive:

-A personalized, signed copy of Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew: The Curious Case of the Two Emily Soos

A personalized, signed copy of Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound: The Quiet Wants of Julien J.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/2DTlL/the-troubles-and-doubles-and-reflections-askew-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, October 2, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Tuesday, October 3, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew and Little Free Library Drop
Wednesday, October 4, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Dr. Drew Palacio
Thursday, October 5, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Dr. Drew Palacio
Friday, October 6, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Monday, October 9, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Tuesday, October 10, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Wednesday, October 11, 2023Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Thursday, October 12, 2023Get Outside and ReadBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Friday, October 13, 2023My Reading GetawayBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Monday, October 16, 2023Heart to HeartAuthor Interview with Dr. Drew Palacio
Tuesday, October 17, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Wednesday, October 18, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Thursday, October 19, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn Article Written by Dr. Drew Palacio
Friday, October 20, 2023Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Monday, October 23, 2023Froggy Teach ReadBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Tuesday, October 24, 2023Pages for PaigeBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Wednesday, October 25, 2023Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew

TO BE OR NOT TO BEE

A Bee or Not a Bee (Early Science Books)

Written by Audrey Sauble

A wonderful nonfiction picture book that encourages elementary age school children to become young scientists.

The illustrations are colorful and fun but the biggest value of the book is the amount of information crammed into its short length. Readers not only learn about the types, habitats, and daily lives of bees but they are contrasted with many different types of insects. Children will learn about the likenesses and differences as well as learning about both bees and insects.

The author includes the scientific names for each and provides an interactive activity for matching pictures with information. They are also given a bee survey chart that they might complete by exploring bees in their own neighborhood.

A wonderful resource for parents and teachers to place in their home or school libraries.

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