Finally, a few book updates. We have been to the library several times so these books are a compilation of the past few visits.
What? Cried Granny by Katie Lum, illustrated by Adrian Johnson
This book is hilarious. A little boy goes to his grandmother's house but at bedtime, it turns out he is lacking a bed, pillow, etc., which his grandmother tries to rectify by whipping up the missing components. Best done in a completely exaggerated voice.
A Very Young Skater by Jill Krementz
This was much more for me than for Eleanor, though I think she enjoyed it too. A biography in words and photos of a young skater in New York, which details everything from where she gets her skates, to her training on ice and in the dance studio, to her favorite skaters. I remember reading it as a little girl and loving it, though I did not remember quite how long it was!
The Farmer in the Dell by Diane Zuromskis
Lovely illustrations to the traditional song. My favorite page (can't speak for Eleanor though), was the page where "the farmer takes a wife" -- he is giving a sweet little wink as he whisks her away. This book got a lot of read time, most likely because we would sing it.
Lets Go Riding in Our Strollers by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Benrei Huang
Eleanor really enjoyed this book with its charming rhyme about a couple of kids going out for a big long walk with their mommies. I am sure it is because she herself loves going for walks.
The Bear's Bicycle by Emilie W McLeod, illustrated by David McPhail
Another hilarious book -- this one got the most read time of all. This one is a perfect pairing of a simple straightforward story and wild and imaginative illustrations to make it a really interesting and fun read. The basic storyline -- a boy goes out for a responsible ride on his bike and his bear tags along breaking all the rules. The page that transfixed Eleanor contained a picture of the bear with a Band-Aid.
Showing posts with label library. Show all posts
Showing posts with label library. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Library Books - Week of June 23, 2008
I'm behind again on library book updates. Wanted to put a few from this past bunch that we enjoyed.
1. The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher by Beatrix Potter.
Eleanor loved this book. I think in part because it is physically small and certainly in part because it is an interesting story with lovely pictures. Beatrix Potter, of course, is well known for Peter Rabbit, which we also have and enjoy. But, I must say, Eleanor would take this book in to her bed with her and I would hear her repeating all of the little phrases ("the water was all slippy-sloppy in the larder...") to herself in a whisper before she fell asleep.
2. Rain Makes Applesauce by Julian Scheer, illustrated by Marvin Bileck
This is a unique book of "silly talk" with marvelously detailed illustrations. Another one that I read through once and heard Eleanor repeating as she perused the pages. I also like the idea that rain (indirectly) really does make applesauce. There is a small tree on each page that grows and eventually produces apples in a sort of surreal dreamlike way.
3. Train (Take it Apart) by Chris Oxlade, illustrated by Mike Grey
This book really brought out the train geek in Eleanor. She got all excited to learn that a "bogie" holds the wheels on a train and that "maglev" trains use magnets to move along the tracks. A bit technical in parts for a 2.5 year old but it didn't stop us from reading it about a million times.
I have a few more books to add as well to the train book list. Maybe I will get to that if Henry decides to take a nap!
1. The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher by Beatrix Potter.
Eleanor loved this book. I think in part because it is physically small and certainly in part because it is an interesting story with lovely pictures. Beatrix Potter, of course, is well known for Peter Rabbit, which we also have and enjoy. But, I must say, Eleanor would take this book in to her bed with her and I would hear her repeating all of the little phrases ("the water was all slippy-sloppy in the larder...") to herself in a whisper before she fell asleep.
2. Rain Makes Applesauce by Julian Scheer, illustrated by Marvin Bileck
This is a unique book of "silly talk" with marvelously detailed illustrations. Another one that I read through once and heard Eleanor repeating as she perused the pages. I also like the idea that rain (indirectly) really does make applesauce. There is a small tree on each page that grows and eventually produces apples in a sort of surreal dreamlike way.
3. Train (Take it Apart) by Chris Oxlade, illustrated by Mike Grey
This book really brought out the train geek in Eleanor. She got all excited to learn that a "bogie" holds the wheels on a train and that "maglev" trains use magnets to move along the tracks. A bit technical in parts for a 2.5 year old but it didn't stop us from reading it about a million times.
I have a few more books to add as well to the train book list. Maybe I will get to that if Henry decides to take a nap!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Library Books - week of April 14, 2008
We have gone through several library trips without documenting any of the books we've read. This is no good because, of course, now I can't remember which ones we really liked, or if I can remember them, I can't remember the exact title and/or author! So, I want to get back on track with this because there are a lot of really great books out there and some we may want to check out again when Henry is a bit older. Here are a few from our recent bunch:
1. the dot by Peter H. Reynolds
This is an amazing book about an encouraging teacher who gives a little girl named Vashti the confidence to create her own art. The illustrations are simple but effective. I think Eleanor likes it because she is really into painting right now and she has an art teacher who she she thinks is "sweet".
2. "Charlie Needs a Cloak" by Tomie de Paola
I love Tomie de Paola's illustrations. And, this book is not only adorably illustrated with adorable sheep and a very expressive shepherd named Charlie, but it also teaches how wool is made into fabric. There are also fun little things like the mischievous sheep and the little mouse to keep kids occupied from page to page. This also fit in perfectly with our recent play silk dying experiment, since there is a page in the book about dying the cloth.
3. The Piggy in the Puddle by Charlotte Pomerantz, illustrated by James Marshall
This is a funny rhyme about a neat freak family of pigs and their little girl who is lounging in the mud. After repeated efforts to get her cleaned up they all end up in the "muddy little puddle". This is a fun book to read but a note of warning, this may be where Eleanor picked up the word "nope".
I also added another to the train book list.
1. the dot by Peter H. Reynolds
This is an amazing book about an encouraging teacher who gives a little girl named Vashti the confidence to create her own art. The illustrations are simple but effective. I think Eleanor likes it because she is really into painting right now and she has an art teacher who she she thinks is "sweet".
2. "Charlie Needs a Cloak" by Tomie de Paola
I love Tomie de Paola's illustrations. And, this book is not only adorably illustrated with adorable sheep and a very expressive shepherd named Charlie, but it also teaches how wool is made into fabric. There are also fun little things like the mischievous sheep and the little mouse to keep kids occupied from page to page. This also fit in perfectly with our recent play silk dying experiment, since there is a page in the book about dying the cloth.
3. The Piggy in the Puddle by Charlotte Pomerantz, illustrated by James Marshall
This is a funny rhyme about a neat freak family of pigs and their little girl who is lounging in the mud. After repeated efforts to get her cleaned up they all end up in the "muddy little puddle". This is a fun book to read but a note of warning, this may be where Eleanor picked up the word "nope".
I also added another to the train book list.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Library Books - week of January 21, 2008
I've been wanting to write all week but the stars (and nap times) have just not been properly aligned.
I am way, way behind on books! But we have had some really good ones recently so I wanted to put down a few short notes about some that we have enjoyed. Plus, a few updates on the train book list -- some from our library books, some from when we were home in Michigan. (Thanks for going to the library Mu!)
1. Grandmother Winter by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Beth Krommes
This book has the most lovely illustrations, which is what initially drew me to it. The story of seasons and animals is also beautifully written. I do love winter and this book evokes all of the feelings of cold, wind and being cozy inside under a down quilt. Oh, by the way, Eleanor quite likes it too.
2. I Want My Potty by Tony Ross
Eleanor has thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about a little princess who is potty training. The refrain "the potty's the place" has struck some sort of chord with her. Maybe it will inspire her to start using the potty on a more regular basis.
3. Ballerina! by Peter Sis
This is the second time we have checked out this book. It is a simple color book but Eleanor really likes all of the descriptions on each page (stretch, dip, flutter, etc.) and has them all memorized. I am pretty sure she's going to enjoy dance throughout her life.
We actually have returned this bunch but will hopefully be able to stay more on top of things for the next bunch of books.
I am way, way behind on books! But we have had some really good ones recently so I wanted to put down a few short notes about some that we have enjoyed. Plus, a few updates on the train book list -- some from our library books, some from when we were home in Michigan. (Thanks for going to the library Mu!)
1. Grandmother Winter by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Beth Krommes
This book has the most lovely illustrations, which is what initially drew me to it. The story of seasons and animals is also beautifully written. I do love winter and this book evokes all of the feelings of cold, wind and being cozy inside under a down quilt. Oh, by the way, Eleanor quite likes it too.
2. I Want My Potty by Tony Ross
Eleanor has thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about a little princess who is potty training. The refrain "the potty's the place" has struck some sort of chord with her. Maybe it will inspire her to start using the potty on a more regular basis.
3. Ballerina! by Peter Sis
This is the second time we have checked out this book. It is a simple color book but Eleanor really likes all of the descriptions on each page (stretch, dip, flutter, etc.) and has them all memorized. I am pretty sure she's going to enjoy dance throughout her life.
We actually have returned this bunch but will hopefully be able to stay more on top of things for the next bunch of books.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Library Books - week of December 3, 2007
We finally made it to the library -- a week ago. I've added a couple train books to our handy train book list. Here are two of this weeks other hits:
1. A Truck Goes Rattley-Bumpa by Jonathan London, illustrated by Denis Roche
This is the most requested book since our arrival home from the library. Eleanor likes trucks almost as much as she likes trains. This book has an added bonus, a little squirrel to find on every page. I think more than anything she just likes saying "rattley-bumpa".
2. Wombat Divine by Mem Fox, illustrated by Kerry Argent
We picked up a couple of Christmas books and I think this one is pretty cute. Eleanor doesn't seem thrilled with it but the story of a sweet wombat who wants desperately to play a part in the Nativity play strikes a chord with me.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Library Books - week of November 5, 2007
Last week we checked out a bunch of books from the library that were not very exciting to Eleanor. If they are not of interest to her, they do not get reviewed. Now, however, we have a fabulous stack of books, which she finds much more appealing, so I figured it was time to do another library book roundup.
1. Peek! A Thai Hide-and-Seek by Minfong Ho, illustrated by Holly Meade
Eleanor is just starting to get into hiding and seeking so this book is perfect. The daddy in the book is looking for his little girl all around the yard, which happens to be filled with all sorts of exotic creatures making interesting noises. The rhyme is nice and I've even learned that "Jut-Ay" is the Thai equivalent of peek-a-boo. An added bonus -- the little girl is semi hidden on each page and Eleanor takes great pleasure in pointing her out.
2. Construction Zone by Tana Hoban
Tana Hoban created the Black on White book that I wrote about here. This book is equally as captivating but for an older (toddler-ish) audience. Actually, Henry enjoys it too. Anyway, Construction Zone features full color photos of heavy machinery, perfect for the truck/train/digger obsessed crowd. Each page simply has the name of the machine featured and the last page showcases thumbnails of each machine with a brief description of what it is doing. Eleanor enjoys pointing at the machines on the last page and having me read the descriptions in the order of her choosing. This usually involves reading the garbage truck and the dump truck much more frequently than any of the others.
3. The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper, illustrated by Loren Long
This is the classic Little Engine that Could with fantastic new artwork. This wonderful story is complimented so very nicely by the exquisite paintings. I love reading this book to Eleanor and giving the different engines that come along different voices. And, the images make you really believe that the dolls and toys are really about to cry -- slumped shoulders, sullen faces. If you haven't read the book, or can't remember how things turn out, don't worry, it ends well with the help of the sweet little blue engine.
1. Peek! A Thai Hide-and-Seek by Minfong Ho, illustrated by Holly Meade
Eleanor is just starting to get into hiding and seeking so this book is perfect. The daddy in the book is looking for his little girl all around the yard, which happens to be filled with all sorts of exotic creatures making interesting noises. The rhyme is nice and I've even learned that "Jut-Ay" is the Thai equivalent of peek-a-boo. An added bonus -- the little girl is semi hidden on each page and Eleanor takes great pleasure in pointing her out.
2. Construction Zone by Tana Hoban
Tana Hoban created the Black on White book that I wrote about here. This book is equally as captivating but for an older (toddler-ish) audience. Actually, Henry enjoys it too. Anyway, Construction Zone features full color photos of heavy machinery, perfect for the truck/train/digger obsessed crowd. Each page simply has the name of the machine featured and the last page showcases thumbnails of each machine with a brief description of what it is doing. Eleanor enjoys pointing at the machines on the last page and having me read the descriptions in the order of her choosing. This usually involves reading the garbage truck and the dump truck much more frequently than any of the others.
3. The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper, illustrated by Loren Long
This is the classic Little Engine that Could with fantastic new artwork. This wonderful story is complimented so very nicely by the exquisite paintings. I love reading this book to Eleanor and giving the different engines that come along different voices. And, the images make you really believe that the dolls and toys are really about to cry -- slumped shoulders, sullen faces. If you haven't read the book, or can't remember how things turn out, don't worry, it ends well with the help of the sweet little blue engine.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Train Book List
I decided to keep a list of all the train books we have checked out from the library or that we have in our own library at home. It seems that right around two years of age a train obsession develops in some children and I thought it might be handy to have this list available so I can remember what books are good when Henry is at this stage. Goodness knows, I'll never remember off the top of my head! I will continue to add to this as we find more good train books.
1. Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scary
(Has some trains, not entirely train focused.)
2. The Little Engine that Could -- Busy, Busy Day by Wendy Cheyette Lewison, illustrated by Cristina Ong
(This may have been the book that started Eleanor's train craze. My mom picked it up at a garage sale! Couldn't find a link with a picture at Amazon, sorry.)
3. Freight Train/Tren de Carga by Donald Crews
(I wrote about this book here.)
4. Train Song by Diane Siebert, paintings by Mike Wimmer
(I wrote about this book here.)
5. The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet
(I wrote about this book here.)
6. Trains by Anne Rockwell
(A good "about" book.)
7. Trains by Gail Gibbons
(Another good "about" book. Eleanor likes the signs and signals on the last page. Checked this one out a second time, it is still as much fun as the first time.)
8. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
(A Caldecott winning Christmas classic. Also extra cool because he is from Michigan.)
9. Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis, illustrated by Daniel Kirk
(Cute rhyming book following a toy train from morning to night.)
10. I Love Trains by Philemon Sturges, illustrated by Shari Halpern
(Nice board book.)
11. All Aboard!: A True Train Story by Susan Kuklin
(This one has some nice photos but didn't get as much read time as some others.)
12. Puff, Puff, Chugga-Chugga by Christopher Wormell
(This was one of the favorites from when we were in MI. A funny little story about a train with a heavy load of animals and groceries. Cute illustrations too.)
13. Inside Freight Train by Donald Crews
(Similar to Freight Train also by Donald Crews except that it is a board book and you can pull parts open to see what is inside. Kind of fun but Eleanor liked Freight Train better.)
14. Dinosaur Train by John Steven Gurney
(A book about a little boy who dreams about dinosaurs and trains. Eleanor liked this one, though I found it only so-so.)
15. Here Comes the Train by Charlotte Voake
(This one is about a girl, boy and their dad who go out on a bridge to watch the trains. Eleanor had this one practically memorized by the second time we read it.)
16. New Baby Train by Woodie Guthrie, illustrated by Marla Frazee
(About a train that brings new babies to their homes.)
17. My Freight Train by Michael Rex
(Cute book about a freight train and its contents. Educational and nice pictures.)
18. Trains by Byron Barton
(Talks about different varieties of trains. Bright colorful illustrations.)
19. Train (Take it Apart) by Chris Oxlade, illustrated by Mike Grey
(I wrote about this book here.)
1. Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scary
(Has some trains, not entirely train focused.)
2. The Little Engine that Could -- Busy, Busy Day by Wendy Cheyette Lewison, illustrated by Cristina Ong
(This may have been the book that started Eleanor's train craze. My mom picked it up at a garage sale! Couldn't find a link with a picture at Amazon, sorry.)
3. Freight Train/Tren de Carga by Donald Crews
(I wrote about this book here.)
4. Train Song by Diane Siebert, paintings by Mike Wimmer
(I wrote about this book here.)
5. The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet
(I wrote about this book here.)
6. Trains by Anne Rockwell
(A good "about" book.)
7. Trains by Gail Gibbons
(Another good "about" book. Eleanor likes the signs and signals on the last page. Checked this one out a second time, it is still as much fun as the first time.)
8. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
(A Caldecott winning Christmas classic. Also extra cool because he is from Michigan.)
9. Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis, illustrated by Daniel Kirk
(Cute rhyming book following a toy train from morning to night.)
10. I Love Trains by Philemon Sturges, illustrated by Shari Halpern
(Nice board book.)
11. All Aboard!: A True Train Story by Susan Kuklin
(This one has some nice photos but didn't get as much read time as some others.)
12. Puff, Puff, Chugga-Chugga by Christopher Wormell
(This was one of the favorites from when we were in MI. A funny little story about a train with a heavy load of animals and groceries. Cute illustrations too.)
13. Inside Freight Train by Donald Crews
(Similar to Freight Train also by Donald Crews except that it is a board book and you can pull parts open to see what is inside. Kind of fun but Eleanor liked Freight Train better.)
14. Dinosaur Train by John Steven Gurney
(A book about a little boy who dreams about dinosaurs and trains. Eleanor liked this one, though I found it only so-so.)
15. Here Comes the Train by Charlotte Voake
(This one is about a girl, boy and their dad who go out on a bridge to watch the trains. Eleanor had this one practically memorized by the second time we read it.)
16. New Baby Train by Woodie Guthrie, illustrated by Marla Frazee
(About a train that brings new babies to their homes.)
17. My Freight Train by Michael Rex
(Cute book about a freight train and its contents. Educational and nice pictures.)
18. Trains by Byron Barton
(Talks about different varieties of trains. Bright colorful illustrations.)
19. Train (Take it Apart) by Chris Oxlade, illustrated by Mike Grey
(I wrote about this book here.)
Library Books - week of October 15, 2007
This week's theme, trains. I asked the librarian in the children's reading room to give us some suggestions for books about trains, and, boy, did she come through. We came home with about six train books, as well as a book on fire trucks and one about a garbage truck. Of course the garbage truck book is Eleanor's favorite, despite her recent fascination with trains! So, here are our reviews:
1. I Stink by Kate and Jim McMullan
This is the garbage truck book. We had checked out another book by the McMullan duo, I'm Dirty, about a backhoe a while back which Eleanor also really liked, so we decided to try this one too. The illustrations give a whole bunch of personality to these machines -- we'll have to see what other titles they have available. After reading I Stink a couple of times, Eleanor is able to read it to herself. She goes through the pages and picks out one or two words from the actual text and repeats them to herself or to the person she is reading to. She especially likes the page where the truck backs up to dump out the load -- she practically sings, "Hey beep beep beep, hey beep beep beep" and then "Plop!".
2. Train Song by Diane Siebert, paintings by Mike Wimmer
The paintings in this book are exquisite and the text is a simple poem/song that sounds lovely when read aloud. It might be a bit advanced for Eleanor at this point but I really like this book. And, she does like looking at the pictures.
3. The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet
This is the story of Katy caboose, a cute little red caboose, who is a bit sad to be all the way at the end of the train. She longs to live a quiet, calm little life with fresh air and be done with all noise, smoke and frightening things she encounters along the tracks. I won't spoil the ending, but this book is really sweet and definitely worth a read. It is long though, probably better for a child a bit older than Eleanor. We have been abbreviating the text on each page so that she enjoys it a bit more but we miss out on the nice rhymes that way. We will have to check it out again in a few months.
1. I Stink by Kate and Jim McMullan
This is the garbage truck book. We had checked out another book by the McMullan duo, I'm Dirty, about a backhoe a while back which Eleanor also really liked, so we decided to try this one too. The illustrations give a whole bunch of personality to these machines -- we'll have to see what other titles they have available. After reading I Stink a couple of times, Eleanor is able to read it to herself. She goes through the pages and picks out one or two words from the actual text and repeats them to herself or to the person she is reading to. She especially likes the page where the truck backs up to dump out the load -- she practically sings, "Hey beep beep beep, hey beep beep beep" and then "Plop!".
2. Train Song by Diane Siebert, paintings by Mike Wimmer
The paintings in this book are exquisite and the text is a simple poem/song that sounds lovely when read aloud. It might be a bit advanced for Eleanor at this point but I really like this book. And, she does like looking at the pictures.
3. The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet
This is the story of Katy caboose, a cute little red caboose, who is a bit sad to be all the way at the end of the train. She longs to live a quiet, calm little life with fresh air and be done with all noise, smoke and frightening things she encounters along the tracks. I won't spoil the ending, but this book is really sweet and definitely worth a read. It is long though, probably better for a child a bit older than Eleanor. We have been abbreviating the text on each page so that she enjoys it a bit more but we miss out on the nice rhymes that way. We will have to check it out again in a few months.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Library Books - week of October 8, 2007
Wow, I have been trying to write about this bunch of library books for a while now. We have had these books for over a week and there are a couple Eleanor and Henry really like.
1. Freight Train/Tren de Carga by Donald Crews
I saw this book on the Design Mom blog and given Eleanor's recent affection for trains, I decided to reserve it at the library and give it a try. What a hit! It is a simple book with bright colorful illustrations that any train loving kid will thoroughly enjoy. Eleanor especially likes the pages with just train tracks and the page that shows the train crossing trestles. Plus it is in English and Spanish.
2. Black on White by Tana Hoban
As the name implies, this is a book of black illustrations on white backgrounds, perfect for little eyes to enjoy. Eleanor picked this wordless book out for Henry and I would venture to say that he has really enjoyed looking at the illustrations of things such as a butterfly, a bib, and keys. Apparently, Tana Hoban also has a book called white on black, which I am sure would be equally entertaining for the younger crowd.
The other books we picked up are alright but pale in comparison to these two. So, I think I'll just leave it at that for today.
1. Freight Train/Tren de Carga by Donald Crews
I saw this book on the Design Mom blog and given Eleanor's recent affection for trains, I decided to reserve it at the library and give it a try. What a hit! It is a simple book with bright colorful illustrations that any train loving kid will thoroughly enjoy. Eleanor especially likes the pages with just train tracks and the page that shows the train crossing trestles. Plus it is in English and Spanish.
2. Black on White by Tana Hoban
As the name implies, this is a book of black illustrations on white backgrounds, perfect for little eyes to enjoy. Eleanor picked this wordless book out for Henry and I would venture to say that he has really enjoyed looking at the illustrations of things such as a butterfly, a bib, and keys. Apparently, Tana Hoban also has a book called white on black, which I am sure would be equally entertaining for the younger crowd.
The other books we picked up are alright but pale in comparison to these two. So, I think I'll just leave it at that for today.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Library Books - week of September 17, 2007
We went to story time at the library last week and picked up a few books while we were there. Story time was very fun, and somewhat intimidating for Eleanor. Henry, on the other hand, slept right through it. There were a ton of kids there -- this was the under two bunch so everyone was about Eleanor's age give or take a few months. Story time consisted of a few easy songs with actions, two books, and a bit of dancing. The books included one that we have at home, Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell, which is a great lift-the-flap book and What Shall we do with the Boo-Hoo Baby? by Cressida Cowell and illustrated by Ingrid Godon. They had copies of both books for us to check out so we picked up "boo hoo" as Eleanor calls it, and have been reading it daily. Despite Eleanor's initial trepidation, by the end of story time -- when La Bamba was playing -- she was shaking it up with the rest of the group. Who can resist dancing to La Bamba anyway?
Eleanor picked out a couple of other books, all of which have been big hits with her. Here are a couple from her selection:
1. Kite Flying by Grace Lin
This is a really simple, beautifully illustrated book about a family that builds and flies a kite. The last page contains a nice (lengthy) explanation of the origins of kite flying, which was great for us adults, but Eleanor preferred the pages with more pictures and less words. She especially liked the inside cover where the illustration shows all of the supplies used to make a kite. The scissors captured her attention since we have a pair in the pencil holder in the living room. She always notes that our scissors are blue and the pair in the book are green. This book was also a perfect fit since we tried to fly a kite over the weekend.
2. Look at You! A Baby Body Book by Kathy Henderson, illustrated by Paul Howard
This book has been another big success with Eleanor. We read it five times in a row this morning before I was able to distract her with something else -- I like books as much as the next person but a little variety doesn't hurt! This book details all of the little things kids do: wiggle, squirm, toddle, crawl, etc. Eleanor likes the page that follows a baby through the stages of learning to walk -- she always gets up and walks at that point, as if to say, "I can do all of those things and I am very good at walking!" The last page contains some sleeping children, which of course elicit the response: "close eyes".
All of these books we have been reading and the book that Grandma sent make me want to write some books for Eleanor and Henry. Maybe that will be my next project.
Eleanor picked out a couple of other books, all of which have been big hits with her. Here are a couple from her selection:
1. Kite Flying by Grace Lin
This is a really simple, beautifully illustrated book about a family that builds and flies a kite. The last page contains a nice (lengthy) explanation of the origins of kite flying, which was great for us adults, but Eleanor preferred the pages with more pictures and less words. She especially liked the inside cover where the illustration shows all of the supplies used to make a kite. The scissors captured her attention since we have a pair in the pencil holder in the living room. She always notes that our scissors are blue and the pair in the book are green. This book was also a perfect fit since we tried to fly a kite over the weekend.
2. Look at You! A Baby Body Book by Kathy Henderson, illustrated by Paul Howard
This book has been another big success with Eleanor. We read it five times in a row this morning before I was able to distract her with something else -- I like books as much as the next person but a little variety doesn't hurt! This book details all of the little things kids do: wiggle, squirm, toddle, crawl, etc. Eleanor likes the page that follows a baby through the stages of learning to walk -- she always gets up and walks at that point, as if to say, "I can do all of those things and I am very good at walking!" The last page contains some sleeping children, which of course elicit the response: "close eyes".
All of these books we have been reading and the book that Grandma sent make me want to write some books for Eleanor and Henry. Maybe that will be my next project.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Library Books - week of September 3, 2007
We got some new library books on Saturday. We picked up a couple of books that I thought would fit especially well with her Granddaddy's visit this week. Eleanor already has a clear favorite of the bunch -- could be because it inspired Vince to bake cookies the other night!
Here are a few of the books from this weeks library line up:
1. Mr. Cookie Baker by Monica Wellington. This is the favorite. Eleanor likes the simple story of a man baking cookies to sell at his shop. She is drawn to the bright colors in the illustrations, which feature baking supplies, cooking utensils, and cookies of various shapes decorated with lots of sprinkles. In addition to the story, there are also four cookie recipes at the end of the book. Vince and Eleanor tried out the oatmeal cookies the other night right before bedtime and we had a hard time getting her into the bath after that!
2. Jazz Baby by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Laura Freeman. Vince has read this book to Eleanor many times already and he has just the perfect voice and rhythm to read it. I think Eleanor likes it because it talks about dancing, playing drums and other musical instruments -- things which she is very fond of. It is the perfect length for her too, enough words and rhymes to keep her interested but not too much on each page.
3. Nicky & Grandpa by Cathryn Falwell. This book we picked out specifically because of Granddaddy's visit. It is a very small picture book with heavy pages and few words, almost like a board book. The text consists of short questions, such as "Where's Grandpa?" and short answers, "Here he is!" Eleanor likes this book as well, especially now that we have read it a few times and she knows the answers to the questions, which she exclaims in her own language!
I find that each week when we go into the library, she wants to stay longer and pull more books off the shelves to have a look at them. I think it is wonderful that she is discovering the magic of books and the library.
Here are a few of the books from this weeks library line up:
1. Mr. Cookie Baker by Monica Wellington. This is the favorite. Eleanor likes the simple story of a man baking cookies to sell at his shop. She is drawn to the bright colors in the illustrations, which feature baking supplies, cooking utensils, and cookies of various shapes decorated with lots of sprinkles. In addition to the story, there are also four cookie recipes at the end of the book. Vince and Eleanor tried out the oatmeal cookies the other night right before bedtime and we had a hard time getting her into the bath after that!
2. Jazz Baby by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Laura Freeman. Vince has read this book to Eleanor many times already and he has just the perfect voice and rhythm to read it. I think Eleanor likes it because it talks about dancing, playing drums and other musical instruments -- things which she is very fond of. It is the perfect length for her too, enough words and rhymes to keep her interested but not too much on each page.
3. Nicky & Grandpa by Cathryn Falwell. This book we picked out specifically because of Granddaddy's visit. It is a very small picture book with heavy pages and few words, almost like a board book. The text consists of short questions, such as "Where's Grandpa?" and short answers, "Here he is!" Eleanor likes this book as well, especially now that we have read it a few times and she knows the answers to the questions, which she exclaims in her own language!
I find that each week when we go into the library, she wants to stay longer and pull more books off the shelves to have a look at them. I think it is wonderful that she is discovering the magic of books and the library.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Library Books - week of July 20, 2007
Initially, I thought the books we got this week were a bust. Eleanor didn't seem interested in them at all. However, had I been a bit more patient, I would have seen that after becoming more familiar with them she has enjoyed each and every one. We got five books this week but I think I'll just review three again -- more feasible considering time constraints of rearing two children!
1. The Day the Babies Crawled Away by Peggy Rathmann
This is one I picked out because I loved the illustrations. Hmm, I seem to do that often! This book is amazing though -- all of the pictures are black silhouettes against soft colors that make up the sky. The negative space created throughout the book almost reminds me of lace, it really is beautiful. The rhyming storyline follows a bunch of babies who crawl away from their parents (who are eating pies) and the little boy (I think it is intended to be a boy) who brings them safely home. Eleanor had a hard time making it through the text on each page at first but once she heard some of the rhymes a few times it became easier. I think the concept of the silhouette was also a bit difficult for her. The illustrations are so clever though; on each page there is something new to look for that carries on throughout the book. Once Eleanor figured out the the dark part was where the story was taking place, she was thrilled to look for the little caterpillar, the frogs in the bog or the upside down baby in each picture.
2. Shake my Sillies Out by Raffi, Illustrated by David Allender
This book is based on a song by Raffi and actually includes the sheet music at the end of the book. Too bad I don't play an instrument! At any rate, Eleanor and I made up our own tune for the words and danced like crazy. She really got a kick out of shaking, clapping, jumping (which she hasn't quite mastered yet), and yawing all of her sillies out. In fact, we may even have to download Raffi's song so that she can continue to shake after we return the book.
3. Harry at the Garage by Derek Radford
This one was Eleanor's choice. She saw the big red car on the cover, grabbed the book and said "vroom, vroom". I knew this book was coming home with us. I found it hilarious to open the cover and see all sorts of cars from 1994 when the book was published, including a Chevy Camaro Coupe, a Lincoln Town Car, and a Pontiac Trans Sport SE. Guess that is the Michigan in me. This book is actually really interesting though. Maybe a bit advanced for Eleanor, it details a trip to the garage to have a car worked on by a hippo and his two kids. They talk about all the jobs that people in the garage do and there is one picture that discusses all the parts of the engine. Eleanor was a bit impatient with the pages that were text heavy but she did like looking at all the cars. Like father, like daughter!
1. The Day the Babies Crawled Away by Peggy Rathmann
This is one I picked out because I loved the illustrations. Hmm, I seem to do that often! This book is amazing though -- all of the pictures are black silhouettes against soft colors that make up the sky. The negative space created throughout the book almost reminds me of lace, it really is beautiful. The rhyming storyline follows a bunch of babies who crawl away from their parents (who are eating pies) and the little boy (I think it is intended to be a boy) who brings them safely home. Eleanor had a hard time making it through the text on each page at first but once she heard some of the rhymes a few times it became easier. I think the concept of the silhouette was also a bit difficult for her. The illustrations are so clever though; on each page there is something new to look for that carries on throughout the book. Once Eleanor figured out the the dark part was where the story was taking place, she was thrilled to look for the little caterpillar, the frogs in the bog or the upside down baby in each picture.
2. Shake my Sillies Out by Raffi, Illustrated by David Allender
This book is based on a song by Raffi and actually includes the sheet music at the end of the book. Too bad I don't play an instrument! At any rate, Eleanor and I made up our own tune for the words and danced like crazy. She really got a kick out of shaking, clapping, jumping (which she hasn't quite mastered yet), and yawing all of her sillies out. In fact, we may even have to download Raffi's song so that she can continue to shake after we return the book.
3. Harry at the Garage by Derek Radford
This one was Eleanor's choice. She saw the big red car on the cover, grabbed the book and said "vroom, vroom". I knew this book was coming home with us. I found it hilarious to open the cover and see all sorts of cars from 1994 when the book was published, including a Chevy Camaro Coupe, a Lincoln Town Car, and a Pontiac Trans Sport SE. Guess that is the Michigan in me. This book is actually really interesting though. Maybe a bit advanced for Eleanor, it details a trip to the garage to have a car worked on by a hippo and his two kids. They talk about all the jobs that people in the garage do and there is one picture that discusses all the parts of the engine. Eleanor was a bit impatient with the pages that were text heavy but she did like looking at all the cars. Like father, like daughter!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Library Books - week of July 13, 2007
I have decided to include our Howler's reviews of some of the books that we get from the library. We have just started visiting the Little Falls Library in Bethesda, MD and they have a lovely children's reading room. Our little Howler loved sitting on the floor and reading through the various board books. She also thoroughly enjoyed pulling the picture books off the shelves -- my clue that it was time to pick some books and head home. Our little Squeaker slept soundly the entire trip but the librarian did take notice of him and correctly guessed that it was his first visit to the library. She even gave him a small sippy cup that said "Read to me". Very cute.
Once I get the hang of this blogger format, I will begin adding pictures and (hopefully) make it more exciting. In the meantime, enjoy the reviews and I am going to catch a quick nap while both little ones are sleeping.
So this week we just picked three books:
1. Digger Man by Andrea Zimmerman, Illustrated by David Clemesha
Our Howler loved this book about a little boy with a little brother (just like her) who buys a digger and does lots of work with it. She especially liked the illustration where the digger is deep in mud. The only problem I have with this and other books about machines, engines, cars, trucks, etc. is that they seem to be almost exclusively boy focused. If anyone knows of books which focus on these types of motorized vehicles and have a girl as the main character, please let me know! We do have one at home that is just pictures of trucks, no characters, and she loves that book too.
2. Creation by Gerald McDermott
This is a beautifully illustrated vision of the creation story in Genesis, told in a way that is, according to the author, "welcome to everyone, regardless of the direction from which they come". I actually just grabbed this book as we were heading for the check out desk because the illustrations caught my eye but our Howler has really enjoyed reading it. There are lots of interesting animals, birds and fish illustrated on the pages dedicated to that portion of the story and she has had fun pointing out the different stylized creatures.
3. Goodnight Engines by Denise Dowling Mortensen, Illustrated by Melissa Iwai
Another book that our Howler grabbed because it had a child playing with a truck on the cover. The child in this book also appears to be a boy, he wears blue and has short hair, but it is less explicit than in the previously mentioned Digger Man. This is a nice goodnight story and, again, lovely illustrations. It is not an especially wordy book but the rhyme is really nice. Also, it focuses on a variety of engines, trains, trucks, cars, airplanes -- all the things a toddler loves. Our Howler was especially taken with the picture of the mommy kissing the child at the end.
Once I get the hang of this blogger format, I will begin adding pictures and (hopefully) make it more exciting. In the meantime, enjoy the reviews and I am going to catch a quick nap while both little ones are sleeping.
So this week we just picked three books:
1. Digger Man by Andrea Zimmerman, Illustrated by David Clemesha
Our Howler loved this book about a little boy with a little brother (just like her) who buys a digger and does lots of work with it. She especially liked the illustration where the digger is deep in mud. The only problem I have with this and other books about machines, engines, cars, trucks, etc. is that they seem to be almost exclusively boy focused. If anyone knows of books which focus on these types of motorized vehicles and have a girl as the main character, please let me know! We do have one at home that is just pictures of trucks, no characters, and she loves that book too.
2. Creation by Gerald McDermott
This is a beautifully illustrated vision of the creation story in Genesis, told in a way that is, according to the author, "welcome to everyone, regardless of the direction from which they come". I actually just grabbed this book as we were heading for the check out desk because the illustrations caught my eye but our Howler has really enjoyed reading it. There are lots of interesting animals, birds and fish illustrated on the pages dedicated to that portion of the story and she has had fun pointing out the different stylized creatures.
3. Goodnight Engines by Denise Dowling Mortensen, Illustrated by Melissa Iwai
Another book that our Howler grabbed because it had a child playing with a truck on the cover. The child in this book also appears to be a boy, he wears blue and has short hair, but it is less explicit than in the previously mentioned Digger Man. This is a nice goodnight story and, again, lovely illustrations. It is not an especially wordy book but the rhyme is really nice. Also, it focuses on a variety of engines, trains, trucks, cars, airplanes -- all the things a toddler loves. Our Howler was especially taken with the picture of the mommy kissing the child at the end.
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