What We Are Reading

We did a lot of reading here this week. Selena selected quite a few of her books from her own library of books. She seemed to always have a book in tow from Clifford the Big Red Dog, Just the Right Word by Richard Scarry, and so many others, too many to list.

We had picked the following two books up from our trip to the library and worked them in along with the library books from last week.

I discovered the Snow Music by Lynne Rae Perkins from someone’s blog here a while back. I am sorry I can’t remember who recommended this book. Selena wasn’t as excited about this book, she informed me “The words don’t make sentences.” That was because on a lot of the pages the words make curvy patterns up and down, she had a hard time following where I was reading. I however enjoyed the peacefulness of this book. It just seemed to be a calming story.

The Perfect Bear by Gillian Shields was adored by Selena. She related herself to the little girl in the story. I think this was in part to the fact the author starts out with, “There once was a girl a bit like you” Selena was drawn in right there. She loves Once Upon A Time stories so that just made total sense to her that this book was about her.

It is a story about a bear who is more concerned with his appearance, and doesn’t understand what love is all about. He feels lonely, and sad from the normal wear and tear he is receiving as this little girl is loving him and playing with him so much. At the end of the story when the little girl looses her bear and he doesn’t think he will ever see his friend again, he discovers the true meaning of love. And yes, it does end happy, the bear and the little girl are reunited.

To see what others are visiting in their homes visit Mouse Learns Mouse Grows. While your there share with us what you are reading.

What We Are Reading

Selena has really enjoyed reading this week. She is often found sitting on the couch reading her Bible, or one of her favorite books. Independent reading is becoming a regular routine for her. She loves to take a book with her to read during quiet time/nap time, and at bedtime. My favorite time though is when we read together. We are doing a lot of making up stories especially at bedtime. She much prefers for me to make up a bed time story, then she makes one up for me. These are such sweet tender stories, that I think we both will treasure for years to come.

Ballet Sisters, The Newest Dancer by Jan Ormerod was one of favorite finds at the library this week. It is an easy read with cute illustrations. The story is about two sisters, the oldest one has been taking dance lessons for a while. During one of her dance lessons her younger sister peeks around the corner. The instructor sees her and asks her if she can dance. The instructor announces to her that she can start dance lessons in the other class. It is adorable how the older sister makes sure her younger sister has everything she needs for her new dance lesson, and how they both share their love for dance.

Truelove by Babette Cole, is a very cute book about a dog who feels left out when a new baby is brought home. He ends up running away and having some wild adventures. The ending shows true love and forgiveness. I would recommend this book to anyone that is expecting a baby with an older child.

Ready for Anything by Keiko Kasza was a very fun book about a duck and a raccoon who are getting ready for a picnic. The raccoon is a bit of a worry wart, and can imagine all the worse happening on their picnic, including running into a fire breathing dragon in a cave. Duck after listening to raccoon’s story turns things around and tries to point out to raccoon that the picnic might end up being nice. Raccoon gives in but not before preparing himself for everything. Which is a good thing as Duck forgets to take the picnic lunch.

To see what others are reading jump on over to Mouse Grows Mouse Learns. While your there why not share with us what you are reading.

The Mom’s Bible Book Review

I received the Mom’s Bible God’s Wisdom for Mothers from Thomas Nelson to review. While This is a New Century Version, with notes by Bobbie Wolgemuth. I did not read the book from cover to cover, but did spend many hours going through all the different chapters, and reading all the notes written within. It has great introductions to each book of the bible, as well as very well written insights into what the Word is trying to tell the reader.

Being partial to the New King James Version, I did find the New Century Version an easier read, especially for a younger Christian. I really enjoyed how Bobbie Wolgemuth introduced and gave such wonderful insight into each book of the Bible. I also enjoyed the section in the back entitled Answers To Questions Kid’s Ask for the fact that it really gives a good biblical reference to answer many of those tough questions that children seem to ask. I also liked the Topical Index that is broke down by Topic. It isn’t tremendously long, which is nice and makes it easier to find just what one is looking for.

Her side notes, left the reader with a deeper understanding, as well as an opportunity to ponder numerous life questions. It was very inspirational. I would easily be able to buy this Mom’s Bible for any mom as a gift, something to give her encouragement. The fact that the book is hard bound in my opinion would make it a Bible that any mom would feel like keeping nearby throughout the day.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

What We Are Reading

I had big hopes of getting to the library this week to pick up more books themed around love and Valentines Day. Unfortunately with Selena’s cold and the weather turning to a nasty cold rain we did not get there. We did have fun with out make believe stories, making up stories about love, and of course Selena was the main character and she insisted on being Princess Selena. Oh I should say I was Princess Mama in a few of her stories that she made up and Papa was always the Prince.

I Love You As Much by Laura Krauss Melmed Illustrated by Henri Sorensen is actually the only thing her mom gave to her. I have shared this book with Selena many times. We love all the pictures of the mommy and baby animals, and how the story expresses how every Mom loves their baby.

Love Elmo To: Abby, is a book that I won at Christmas time through a giveaway. I did not give this book to Selena at Christmas instead I decided to save it for Valentine’s Day. We brought it out early. She loves Elmo, so this book was a huge hit. I enjoyed reading and sharing this with Selena, as it talks about the beginning of learning how to write a letter and how what goes into the letter comes from your heart, and ends with Love Elmo.

Sorry I do not remember who I won it from to give you appropriate credit, so if you recognize this book as one you did a giveaway on please let me know so I can give you credit.  

To see what others are reading with their children visit Mouse Grows Mouse Learns.

What We Are Reading

We’ve really enjoyed Ben’s Pens by Alice K. Flanagan. It is a very easy read, and emphasizes on the short vowel e sound. Selena has enjoyed being able to use her knowledge from Progressive Phonics while reading this book pretty much independently.

 

Yes, we seemed to have a theme this week. Selena grabbed almost every Biscuit book she could find at the library. We love the Biscuit books by Capucilli. Selena finds them easy to read by herself, but she also just enjoys having them read to her. They have very cute story themes with very nice illustrations.

Good Luck Bear by Greg Foley, is another cute story about a bear on the hunt for a four leaf clover. Again this was a book that Selena enjoyed having me read to her, but she also found it easy to read independently. The illustrations are very cute and simple for any young reader.

Natalie at Mouse Grows Mouse Learns recommended this book when Selena was beginning to ask a lot of questions about her family. Selena enjoyed the book, and the simplicity is a very simple read looking at all different make ups of families.  Again this book is illustrated very nicely and is an easy read, Selena had no problem with reading it independently after we read it together a few times.

To see what others are reading head on over to Mouse Grows Mouse Learns.

Phonics Readers

While at the library today, I was very excited over finding a series of books by Alice K. Flanagan. They are Phonics books, each book is based on a different letter of the alphabet, or letter blends. Today all our library had was some consonants, long vowel a, this short vowel e, and short vowel o. I picked up this one, the short vowel e since we just finished this in progressive phonics. Selena was so surprised to discover that there were so many of the words in the book that she could read all by herself. At first she wanted to try to figure the story line out from the picture, but after I pointed out all the words that she knows, she got so excited and didn’t put the book down for a good half hour.

I highly recommend these books to supplement any reading program you might be using. I know for Selena to read it from her phonics books and then to see those familiar words in our games and on her phonics wall was always pretty exciting but to see the same words in a library book made her day. I will be checking the entire series out before the year ends!

What We Are Reading

Natalie at Mouse Grows Mouse Learns hosts this wonderful carnival, it is a great place to share what we are reading in our homes and get ideas for books others are reading.

We loved this cute story, When You Grow Up by Lennie Goodings and Jenny Jones about a Mama bear and her cub. The cub insists he will stay with his mom forever. Through out the book Mama introduces him to different jobs that he might grow up to do. He dreams of those jobs but always insists on living with his Mama in the end. Selena enjoyed the pictures, and the story. I thought it was a very warm and adorable book about the love a child has for his/her family.

We enjoyed Sally Gets A Job by Stephen Hunech. Selena laughed several times through this book, as this dog decides when her family leaves for the entire day that maybe she should get a job. I loved how smooth the story line was, and how it introduced some larger words while truly reinforcing what they meant, such as paleontologist was reinforced by a picture of Sally examining dinosaur bones. I felt the book with its heart touching ending really focused on family and how we all have important jobs, even when we stay at home.

We did go pick up some books that I had requested, that were recommended by some other bloggers. I must admit they were not successes in our home. While others really enjoyed them. While I thought they were good books, Selena was not interested in them at all.

I thought Selena would enjoy Cuckoo can’t find You by Lorianne Siomades, since it is a hidden picture book. She found it too easy and unappealing. She wouldn’t even let me finish the book. In my opinion it is a great book for those just beginning to introduce hidden pictures to the young eye.

There’s a Map on My Lap by Tish Rabe and Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney were books I had seen others reading. I thought they would compliment the map work we have been doing here at home. Instead, Selena would point out that we had already made maps and then close the books. She is such a hands on learner. I thought these were great reads myself, but I must remember when introducing new concepts to Selena she does much better with hands on in most areas.

Gifts by Jo Ellen Bogart and Barbara Reid, was another not so welcomed book by Selena. I thought it was a very cute story, but because it was Grandma leaving to travel, Selena clung to me, and kept saying your not leaving are you Mama? Again we did not get through this book at all.

I shared the last few books as I know other families have enjoyed them and while my experience with Selena was not as favorable, they are good books. I thumbed through them before checking them out and really thought Selena would enjoy them so the moral here is that our children have the ultimate say in what they like and dislike.

To see what others are reading head on over to Natalie’s at Mouse Grows Mouse Learns.

What We Are Reading

I am so happy to see Selena wanting to cuddle more and have me read with her. It was a real struggle for me when she just wanted to read independently, so this week we really have enjoyed all out books.

Selena just could not pass this book up when she seen it at the library. It is probably one of the better Clifford books we have read. Poor Clifford just can’t seem to do anything right no matter what he tries. Selena laughed all the way through the book and we have read it over and over again.

This was another one of Selena’s finds. She was really into helping me find her books this week as well. So many times she just goes in and plays and if she does give attention to the books it is just a grab fest. This week though I was proud of her for really taking her time and picking out some books, thumbing through them then handing them to me.  Anyway Happy Birthday Biscuit by Alysso Satin Capucilli is such a cute funny story about a little girl who is giving her puppy a surprise birthday party. Of course like most puppies, full of curiosity the party doesn’t go off quite like the little girl wants but fun was had by all.

This was my find! What The Sun Sees by Nancy Taturi. It is a simply wrote book with beautiful illustrations. Selena enjoyed reading it and the best part is when you get half way through the book you flip it upside down and backwards

And you have What The Moon Sees! The back half of the book shows everything that the first half shows but only at night. The book is laid out so that you can start from day time or night time and the story just flows into each other. We enjoyed this book, and Selena was quite surprised when I flipped the book around and she had a whole new book to read. I would definitely recommend this book for a great comparison  for the differences of night and day. Instead of dark and light being the comparison, it talks about different animals who wake up at night and sleep during the day, and how the world looks different from day to  night.

To see what others have been reading jump on over to Natalie’s at Mouse Grows Mouse Learns. While your there share with us what your child is reading.

What We Are Reading

In an attempt to take reading back to the reading style that Selena seemed to enjoy so much when she was younger, which encouraged so much more reading together time and some wonderful times. We are spending more time in the books we have and with fewer books at a time.

We continued to visit the books from last week, and I might even keep some of them for another couple of weeks. We did add these two books to our reading.

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. This book really needs no narration, since it is such a wonderful book that has been around for so long. This one has the train carrying toys for boys and girls, but with the same theme as all the The Little Engine That Could, was one that Selena truly enjoyed. She is so into trains now, and is working so hard at her learning, that she was easily attracted to this book, and ran around several times pretending she was the train repeating “I think I can, I think I can! I know I can!”

Sleeping Cutie by Adrea Davis Pinkney, was another big hit with Selena. It is a story about a sweet little girl, who is really good throughout the day, but come night time, she just couldn’t settle in to go to bed. Through all the fits, screaming and tears her parents find a special owl that is suppose to help children go to sleep. Now Selena wants an owl just like in the book, of course! It was a very cute book with great illustrations.

To what others are reading visit Mouse Grows Mouse Learns.

What We Are Reading

We visited the library on Wednesday. Selena was so excited since I gave her the library card to hold this time while we looked for books. She calls it her library card after all!

Selena had to revisit Little Bear by Ese Holmelund Minarik. She loved the story so much from the first time we read it. I think I am going to have to buy it for her. Anyone unfamiliar with Little Bear, it is a cute story about a little bear who is discovering how cold it is outside, but his Mama gives him warm clothing one piece at a time to keep him warm. 

A Kiss for Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik is a very cute story about the same little bear. Selena just enjoyed how the kiss got passed on and on, until Little Bear finally received it. We really enjoyed the ending, and I used it as a little discussion as to why we should just do things ourselves. I have a feeling this will be another one that Selena will want to revisit, so I will probably be looking to add it to our little library as well.

Apples & Oranges by Sara Pinto, was not one of my favorite picks by far. This author tries to put a piece of humor into her writing that truly does not make any sense at all. We did have fun though with the book. Here is an example: There is a picture of a motor cycle and a bike, the question is asked, “How are the motorcycle and the bike similar?” Selena loved telling me how they were similar, right down to every detail, then she told me how they were different. But when you turn the page the author states, “They don’t work in a bank.” Selena looked as puzzled at me as I looked at her. We did read the entire book, just looking at all the different pictures the author had compiled, always asking the same question, “How are they alike?” Selena did enjoy answering this question and telling me the differences, we just skipped the author’s joke page. I would recommend this book for young kids needing to work on the skill of same and different, as it is an easy read for that, and the illustrations are great, but overlook the humor.

To see what others are reading visit Natalie at Mouse Grows Mouse Learns. While your there share with us what your child is reading!

Our Reading Adventures/McGuffy’s Readers

I have been waiting for Selena to really get interested in the written word, and short sentences to introduce my McGuffy’s Readers. I have the complete set of 7 books, that go from Kindergarten to 6th grade. I absolutely love these books. We of course will be starting in the McGuffey’s Eclectic Primer. It introduces the basic phonics such as short vowel a, along with the consonants needed on each page to learn to read the simple sentences. An example of the first sentence in the book is, “A cat and a rat. A rat and a cat.” Each page from there the sentences remain small but start building upon themselves and introducing new words like  “the” “ran” “at” “has” . The other thing I love about these books are that they introduce the pronunciation symbols, that make for introducing the dictionary the next step. They also introduce “Script” writing, or as we know it cursive. Now understand I do not expect Selena to learn Script writing yet, but it is important that she begins to see it in print and realize it is more then just scribbles.

The other thing I love about these books is that as the child moves through each book they are learning so much about sentence structure, punctuation, sequencing, and the pace each book moves at the child truly fosters a love for reading. Each book always recaps from the previous book, then strengthens from there. Moving from teaching phonics and simple sentence structure to paragraphs, grammar, then finishes off with a nice chapter book. The stories are good tales, taken from history, this is not to say they are not fiction, but they teach an appreciation for history along their route to teaching good reading and writing skills.

If you are looking for books with Great Illustrations to keep your children captive, these books are not for you. But if you are looking for books that are going to teach everything your child will need to not only be great readers, but understand how to write, and to use grammar, then these books are great.

What My Child is Reading

This week we have done a lot of reading. I was able to escape to the library by myself last weekend so I had a little more time to pick out some great books.

This book, “One” by Kathryn Otoshi,  I wasn’t real sure of. I didn’t know if Selena would enjoy it or not. It ended up being the best find of the week. It starts out with just color dots, but red is a bully always picking on blue. The others do not like the way blue is being treated but does not know how to make red stop. Like any bully the more red bullies the bigger he gets. Pretty soon a number comes in and the colors begin to see how to put an end to the bully, I don’t want to spoil the ending of the book. Let’s just say it has its twists that are just perfect for a young mind, the concepts are easily followed. There isn’t a lot of dramatic illustrations to distract from the story, but the simplicity helps to pull the child right into the story.

“I Am I Am a Dancer” by Eleanor Schick. Selena loved this book. It is very simply wrote and illustrated. It basically is about a little girl who dreams of being a dancer, but not only that she dreams about how she be everything that is around her through dance. This book was read to me more then once this week, as Selena could not put it down. She even had to try to dance like the girl in the book, it was so cute.

”Brown Bear White Bear” by Svetlana Petrovic, Illustrations by Vincent Hardy. This was another book Selena enjoyed reading. She wasn’t sure of it at first, but she quickly discovered that the illustrations helped her to tell the story. This little girl receives these bears from her Grandmothers. As the Grandmothers argue over which bear is the perfect bear, the bears begin to act like the Grandmas. It is cute how the girl deals with the arguing and also how the bears learn that they really do like each other. 

“Christmas Soup” by Alice Faye Duncan and Phyllis Dooley, Illustrations by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. Selena wasn’t real warm to this book when I first brought it home. After we read it though she discovered that it was a delightful story. It is a story about a poor family who always has Christmas Soup for Christmas, the oldest boy can do nothing but complain. I don’t want to ruin the ending as it is a great book for teaching the gift of sharing with others.

“ Together” by Jane Simmons. Now I thought this was a cute book about two dogs who are best friends. They do everything together. I was really surprised when Selena just did not care for this book at all. It is a simple book not a lot of words, the illustrations are cute. Yet for one reason or another Selena just did not find it interesting. I do recommend it though as I feel it is a book that most kids would probably like, just not Selena!

We read a lot of other Christmas themed books that Selena has here from last year and the year before. I will see if I can’t share them throughout the week with all of you.

Want to see what other’s are reading? Then pop on over to Natalie’s at Mouse Grows Mouse Learns, while you are there let us know what you are reading.

What We Are Reading

I was so happy that we got to the library this week. We took an opportunity between storms and found some great books. We have a lot of books in our library but it is always nice to read something new.

This is a cute story about how Tilly the Mouse and all her animal friends come together to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. I enjoyed reading the story with Selena. While this was not one of Selena’s favorite picks, the illustrations did not hold her attention, she did enjoy the story. I feel it talked about Thanksgiving not being so much the food we eat but about the friends and family in our lives that we should be Thankful for.

Nuts is a cute story about a little mouse who needs to gather nuts for Winter. The nut tree is quite a trip away with a lot of dangers in his path to get there, but off he goes only to come home empty handed, but to his surprise his friends have a surprise for him. We enjoyed the illustrations and the adventures of the mouse.

Custard Surprise was one of the greatest hits this week. It is a cute and hilarious story about two pigeons who decide to open a diner only to discover that their menu does not meet the wants of their customers. They endured through it all though and pleased their customers, with a grand funny ending.

Babybug is actually a magazine subscription offered at Cricket. This was Selena’s pick from the library this week. It is a little book for each month of the year. This one for November and December has cute stories and rhymes that Selena really enjoyed and had fun learning. After just a couple times of reading this, Selena was definitely off reading it by herself. While I would be willing to subscribe to this magazine for Selena I believe I would choose a different age level. This particular one is for ages 0 – 3, but I can see where like many of our books here in our home, Selena would out grow it real soon.

To see what others are reading head on over to Mouse Grows Mouse Learns. While your there share with us what you and your little ones have been reading this week.