Ellwyn Autumn's Blog, page 2

Kiyomi And The Sacred Dreamlily Review

Author: Kristi Shimada

Illustrator: Eko Setiawan

Publisher: Dreampath Publishing

Released: June 2, 2025

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 979-8989912254

Page Count: 44 pages

Price: Paperback $16.99, Kindle $4.99

Age Range: ‎ 6 - 9 years

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:   3 1/2 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

A story of friendship and finding your life path.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:Book Summary: 

Kiyomi was born from the seed of a Sacred Dreamlily. One day, a gust of wind transported the Sacred Dreamliy to the Golden Temple, Master Fuji’s home.

To ensure their safety, Master Fuji put Kiyomi and the Sacred Dreamlily in the Sacred Pond of Life. Not long after, Kiyomi befriends Roku. The Dreamlily’s journey begins again, taking the pair on an adventure.

During their quest to return to the Pond of Life, Kiyomi and Roku encounter and befriend more characters who help Kiyomi find her true home and her life’s path.

Opinion:

Kiyomi and the Sacred Dreamlily is a heartfelt story about friendship and the personal journey we all take in life. The basic premise is imaginative and uplifting. A cast of eclectic characters model kindness and fellowship young readers will appreciate.

Kristi Shimada’s prose is charming and easy-to-read. One of my favorite lines is found in Chapter 1 on page 1. “The exquisite blue flower shimmered in a brilliant white light. Her soft petals were subtle yet strong.”

Setiawan’s vibrant illustrations give the story a sweet, energetic feel.

I’d like to briefly discuss a few story details that will improve the reader’s experience.

Kiyomi’s creative shrinking ability, used with the Dreamlily, felt rushed and out of place in the story. A short explanation of its origins would help the reader understand this skill better.

The dialogue is too formal and doesn’t sound like real conversation. Simpler words and fewer contractions would make it more kid-friendly.

I have some doubts about how it ends. To avoid spoilers, I’m not going to reveal what occurs, but I felt it detracted from the story’s enchanting quality.

I give it 3 Lemon Drops!

About The Author:



Kristi Shimada is an award-winning children's book author. She wrote and illustrated her first unpublished book, The Little Shoe Shop, when she was eight. As a child, she loved the story Cinderella because she saw the inner beauty, kindness, and strength in Cinderella, and she loved books with happily-ever-after endings.As a visionary artist and registered hypnotherapist, Kristi is passionate about how her stories empower the inner spirits of children and adults who read her books. She feels that having colorful illustrations is essential to the readers' experience. She believes every book she writes has a sprinkle of magic that brings a story to life.Kristi lives in Washington with her loving husband, Chris, and their tuxedo cat, Jasper. She has five children and ten grandchildren, whom she loves dearly.She is the author of Mariko and the Magic Mirror, The Enchanted Starflower, The Samurai's Gift, Princess Serafina and the Mystical Unicorn, Princess Serafina and the Jeweled Circle, Princess Serafina and the Wings of Heaven, Megumi & Kukana Friends Forever, Journey to Rainbow Valley, The Samurai's Gift Among the Forest, The Sea Princess, Pistachio the Owl, The Samurai's Gift A Ninja's Promise, Dragons of Lilia, and Dragons of Lilia: A New King.

Made With Love By Mummy Book Review

 

Author: Poppy Meadows 

Illustrator: AI

Publisher: Independently Published

Released: April 9, 2025

Format: Paperback

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 979-8314397091

Page Count: 30 pages

Price: $13.29

Age Range: 2-6 years

Reading Level: Kindergarten-1st

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:  3 Lemon Drops

A cute rhyming story about one mother’s venture into motherhood through IVF.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Reedsy and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:Book Summary: 

Made With Love By Mummy follows the journey of one mother as she conceives and prepares for motherhood. Throughout the text, the mother displays unconditional love. The mother’s dedication to her son’s physical and emotional health shines through, from pregnancy to his toddler years.

Opinion:

I appreciated the story’s focus on diverse family structures. Multi-racial, single-parent, and same-sex families are shown happily expressing love for one another.

The story is complemented by the vibrant illustrations. However, subtle inconsistencies between the mother and son’s appearances made me suspect AI image generation. From my experience as a children’s author, I recognize the vital role of the human artist in picture books. 

Diverse representation is now more critical than ever given our current polarized society. Quality stories are crucial for teaching children about empathy, diversity, and acceptance. That goal is achieved by this book.

I review books through an educational lens. Things I consider: Would I read this to my Pre-K/Kindergarten class? Is there value in the story that will teach my kiddos something new or reinforce a concept or skill?

I analyze the story by focusing on some of the key elements that I taught my students during a read aloud: characters, plot, language, setting and illustrations. Other characteristics I look for are text quality and theme.

Characters:

When analyzing a story with students, the characters should be genuine, relatable and elicit emotion. This story’s depiction of a mother’s love for her son is both beautiful and real. The characters, as noted before, are diverse, inclusive and radiate joy.

Plot:

In a Pre-K/Kindergarten classroom, we describe the plot as the Beginning-Middle-End. Some stories present better examples of this concept, but many offer rich opportunities to explore various story elements.

The illustrations clearly show this story’s plotline progressing from beginning to middle to end. The story starts with conception, progresses through pregnancy, and concludes with moments of tender love.

Setting:

The story takes place in several locations, including the mother’s home, the doctor’s office, and the park. In every location, the mother is present. Typically, people aren’t the setting of a story, but in this case, I think the story’s true setting is the mother’s heart.

Language:

Vocabulary is key in children’s books. It’s one of the critical elements I taught my kiddos before each reading. I’d focus on five key words and develop an understanding of the words through the read aloud and related activities.

Fun, descriptive words in the story vividly recall the tenderness of early motherhood. One of my favorite lines, “Tiny toes in bubbly streams, First bath fills the night with dreams.”

Text:

This story’s loving message gains a musical quality through its simple rhyming scheme. The poem’s easy rhyme scheme flows nicely and sounds good until a sudden change on page 9 disrupts the pattern. It interrupted the lovely experience of the story for me.

Theme:

Illustrations and text combine to abundantly express the theme of family love on every page.

In short, this heartwarming story celebrates families of all types. While I was tempted to give it five stars, the jarring rhyming section on page nine and the AI-generated images, prevented me from doing so. 

I give it 3 Lemon Drops!

Two Free Library Books About The US Constitution

 

          Image by Wynn Pointaux from Pixabay

A constitutional crisis is gripping the U.S., and those who are paying attention know it. Teaching students to be responsible citizens is our duty as educators. Our daily words and actions matter, but these turbulent times demand more from us.

A sovereign country needs an educated populace that believes in the rule of law. To ensure a thriving USA, it’s crucial now more than ever for our children to understand their civic rights and responsibilities before becoming adults. 

I discovered two books at my local free library that explain the US Constitution’s history and purposes.

We The People The Story Of Our Constitution 

Author: Lynne Cheney

Illustrator: Greg Harin

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Released: January 3, 2012

Format: Hard Cover, Paperback, Kindle (Amazon)

ISBN: 978-1-4169-5418-7

Age Range: 6-10 years

Grade Level: Kindergarten-4th

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:  5 Lemon Drops

Hardcover and Paperback Available on Thrift Books 

Book Summary: 

We The People chronicles the tumultuous period before and during the creation of the United States Constitution.

It opens on October 19, 1781 with the ending of the Revolutionary War. Citizens of the emerging country were hopeful but this optimism was short-lived. The Articles of Confederation weren’t working.

The United States couldn’t pay its bills and other countries were taking advantage of the situation. At one point, farmers in Massachusetts, frustrated with their own debts, rose up against the government. Americans were getting killed.

In 1787, a convention was held in Philadelphia to prevent a government collapse. The attendees were charged with revising the Articles of Confederation. A distinguished list of patriots with differing opinions on how to revise the Articles of Confederation led to hot tempers and heated arguments.

After much debate and compromise the US Constitution was drafted. The process began on May 25, 1787; the US Constitution was approved on September 17, 1787.

Mini Review:

A wonderful and authentic history of the US Constitution’s conception. This book doesn’t understate what really happened. The men who gathered to revise the Articles of Confederation, argued and raged about topics like States’ rights, slavery and how representatives were chosen.

George Mason, a Delegate from Virginia is quoted, “Slaves bring the judgement of heaven on a country.”

There are many more quotes from prominent historical figures included throughout the book and anecdotes on aspects of their daily lives. The paintings are reminiscent of the time period they depict. 

I highly recommend to anyone who wants to introduce their children to the history of the US Constitution. 

I give it 5 Lemon Drops!

The Constitution Decoded

Author: Katie Kennedy

Illustrator: Ben Kirchner

Publisher: Workman Publishing Company

Released: September 1, 2020

Format: Paperback, Kindle (Amazon)

ISBN: 978-1523510443

Age Range: 8-11 years

Grade Level: 5th-9th

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:   Lemon Drops

Paperback available on Thriftbooks

Book Summary: Book Blurb:

It’s hard to be a good citizen if you don’t know your rights and responsibilities. The Constitution Decoded helps us all understand where the ideas that formed our country came from, and what we need to know to shape our future.

Be an active citizen. Know your Constitution!

 

Ever wonder why the president has a Cabinet? Why there’s such thing as trial by jury? Why someday you’ll have to pay income tax, or why there are no Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, or Countesses in the United States? Because the Constitution says so––and so much more.

And now, in The Constitution Decoded, the ideas, concepts, and rules that make America are unpacked and explained in detail to help all of us, kids and parents too, become more informed citizens.

 

Written with impeccable clarity and illustrated in a style that brings America’s early days to life, this fascinating guide goes through the Constitution literally word by word, sentence by sentence, and idea by idea to give readers a true understanding of not only how the Framers envisioned the United States, but also why they made the choices they did.

Here’s why, for example, the United States has three branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial. It explains how bills become laws, why we have the right to free speech, how we can change the Constitution as our country evolves, and so much more.

Packed with historical context and figures, vocabulary, anecdotes, and trivia, this book is an accessible yet richly layered work that belongs in every family library.

Mini Review:

The Constitution Decoded is a great tool to help educate young people in the U.S. about their country. The book’s large print and colorful illustrations draw the reader in as they learn about the origins of the document that founded the U.S. government. Diverse and inclusive illustrations present an accurate representation of the nation’s population. 

From the preamble to the amendments, youngsters will gain a solid foundation of the Constitution and their rights as citizens of the United States of America.

Other topics presented in the book include:

*Influential figures who advanced our nation’s ethics and justice through their contributions. (George Washington, Frederick Douglas, Dred Scott, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Richard Oakes, and many more!)

*An analysis of the division of powers among federal, state, and local governments.

*Key dates in national history, their impact on the nation, and the Constitution.

*Eligible Voters

*A chapter is dedicated to each Article. First, you’ll find the original article, then a kid-friendly version.

*Important words are on each page, with a glossary of key terms in the back.

*Another resource I highly recommend for a deeper dive into the study of our nation’s laws.

I give it 5 Lemon Drops!

         Image by Venita Oberholster from Pixabay

Additional Books from the Free Library:

We The People The United States Constitution Explored And Explained

By: Aura Lewis $ Evan Sargent

National Geographic The Constitution

By: Paul Finkelman

         Image by John Hain from Pixabay

Resources:

Youtube Videos About The Constitution

Teacher Pay Teachers Constitution Resources

https://constitutionus.com/constitution/when-was-the-constitution-ratified/#:~:text=The%20Constitution%20of%20The%20United%20States%20was%20officially%20ratified%20and%20therefore%20approved%20on%20June%2021st%2C%201788.

https://www.civiced.org/images/stories/downloads/United_States_Constitution_for_Kids.pdf

The Little Seed Book Review

 

Author: Adele Lemothe 

Illustrator: Steven Tu

Publisher: Adele Lamothe

Released: April 2, 2025

Format: Paperback, Hard Cover, Kindle 

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 978-1738943449

Page Count:  32

Price: Paperback $9.95, Hard Cover $17.99, Kindle $2.99

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 5 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

This book will have you reaching for the sky!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:Book Summary: Told through sweet and simple rhyme, The Little Seed follows the journey of an aspirational seed with dreams as high as the sky. Young readers will learn about the life cycle of a seed and how belief in yourself leads to your dreams coming true.


Opinion: Thanks to raindrops like Splish and Splash we have a new favorite character created by Adele Lamothe.

Adele’s rhyming verses are simple, fun and age appropriate. Add Tu’s colorful illustrations to the mix and you have a wonderful story about the life cycle of a dandelion.

I appreciated the life cycle of a dandelion diagram at the end of the book. The visual is straightforward and easy for kids to understand.

The Little Seed is perfect for a classroom read aloud or at home story time.

I give it 5 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

The Little Seed would make an excellent addition to a Spring Theme or a discussion on Life Cycles. The rich vocabulary used in the text will enhance young learners' word usage.

Age Range: The author recommends Baby to 9 years.
Targeted Vocabulary: ferocious, snuggly, breathtaking, sturdy, glorious, dainty, delicate, gush, spectacular, isles, flourish, scattered

Resources:



About The Author:



Adele was born in South Africa, an extraordinary country with a rainbow of nations and spectacular scenery. She shared her childhood with her sister, two brothers and Italian parents who showed her how beautiful life is with the unconditional love and support of family.

She met her husband in Johannesburg and they have two children who teach her so much and constantly surprise her! Among the treasures she holds closest to her heart are the cherished moments reading stories to her children and sharing quiet moments at the end of a busy day.

In 2022 they moved to Canada and embraced their new home, with its exquisite landscapes, remarkable seasons and friendly people. They live in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by beautiful forests, lakes and an abundance of ever-changing beauty.

Adele loves reading, cooking, paddle boarding and taking long walks in nature. Through her books, she wishes to encourage children to connect with the world and develop a deep appreciation of our environment.

About the Illustrator:

Ellie, The Tiny Little Chick Book Review

 

Authors: Avery Smart

Illustrator: Not Stated

Publisher: Independently Published

Released: November 16, 2023

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 979-8875667893

Page Count: 44 pages

Price: Paperback- $9.99, Kindle- $2.99

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:  3 ½ Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

A cute story that encapsulates childhood’s wonder and whimsy!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:Book Summary: 

Little Ellie has big and bold dreams. Life has much to offer, and she loves it all—except bedtime. One night before bed, her mother asks what she’s going to do tomorrow. Ellie excitedly shares her many roleplaying ideas. From masquerading as a pirate to practicing medicine as a doctor, Ellie has it all figured out.

Opinion:

Ellie’s boundless enthusiasm for life mirrors that of most youngsters. She’s bursting with exuberant amounts of energy and imagination. Her striking blue eyes hold the simple joy and wonder of a child.

A super cute story with a wonderful message that girls can dream big and be anything they want! The story’s charm is enhanced by the cheerful, soft-colored illustrations.

I have one minor criticism: the POV is inconsistent. Initially, Ellie narrates the story using a first-person perspective. Mom’s arrival in the story marks a change to a third-person perspective. That transition in the text is disruptive. The abrupt change may go unnoticed by young readers, but it’s important to highlight it for educational purposes.

I give it  3 ½ Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

Ellie, The Tiny Little Chick fits well with “All About Me” or a chat about creative make-believe. It fits well within the Kindergarten Reading Block’s independent Reading Time. Children can also imitate Ellie’s role-playing in the Dramatic Play Center using props and costumes.

Age Range: The author recommends birth to 3 years.
Targeted Vocabulary:

Jolly, sleepy, role play, tomorrow, yummy, champion, precious 

Resources:


About The Author:

Avery Smart, a vibrant author who resides in the heart of the lively family chaos with her three energetic kids. Nestled in the midst of parenting, she channels her passion for nurturing well-mannered children into delightful tales.

It is within this dynamic environment that she draws inspiration, transforming her deep-seated passion for fostering well-mannered children into captivating tales.

Avery's writing becomes a heartfelt expression of her commitment to instilling values in the younger generation. Her three lively kids not only serve as a source of inspiration but also as eager test subjects for the lessons embedded in her stories.

Spirit Sisters Forever Review

 

Authors: Kristi Shimada

Illustrator: Eko Setiawan

Publisher: Dreampath Publishing

Released: January 20, 2025

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 979-8989912247

Page Count: 58

Price: Paperback $12.99, Kindle $3.99

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 3 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

Spirit Sisters Forever is a fantasy story with an enduring message of unity and peace.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:Book Summary: Raven, Elven Princess of Noblewood, and Yumi, Fairy Princess of Luminaria, are destined to unite their kingdoms. The two meet when Yumi accidentally enters Raven’s kingdom, which is forbidden. Elves and fairies do not coexist.Shared dreams unite the pair, creating a fast friendship and a spiritual bond that begins healing their peoples.With Frago, a banished troll, as their ally, they bridge the divide between their kingdoms. Frago hopes trolls will join this new pact, uniting all of Alcyone in fellowship.

Opinion:

I enjoyed the characters’ mystical powers and dream quest abilities. The main characters display selfless acceptance and compassion, extending these qualities to those around them. These traits are essential for societal progress and achieving universal equality.

Eko Setiawan’s bright illustrations add a joyful touch, enriching the story’s integrity.

The pacing felt a little off in places, and I wished the characters’ struggles had been explored more thoroughly. In short, a wholesome story carrying a wonderful message that is needed in these troubled times.
I give it  3 Lemon Drops!

About The Author:

Kristi Shimada is an award-winning children's book author. She wrote and illustrated her first unpublished book, The Little Shoe Shop, when she was eight. As a child, she loved the story of Cinderella because she saw the inner beauty, kindness, and strength in Cinderella, and she loved books with happily-ever-after endings.

I WILL RESIST MAGA!

 

The Kid With The Ear-Splitting Scream!

Available on Amazon

Author: Dorenda Boyle 

Illustrator: Maria Andrieieva

Publisher: Self Publishing

Released: January 28, 2023

Format: Paperback, Hard Cover, Kindle

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 979-8887593661

Page Count: 80

Price: $12.99, $24.99, $4.99

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 4 Lemon Drops

This story uses every trick in the book to explain idioms to kids!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:Book Summary: 

Kids learn idioms through fun, simple rhymes taught by a clever puppy.

Opinion:

The Kid With The Ear-Splitting Scream!: And The Dog Who Explains Everything is part of The Kid and The Dog Series.

In this installment, the dog introduces young learners to idioms. Expressive illustrations and simple language make this concept easy to understand.

The book’s easy rhymes will engage young readers while teaching them about figurative language. As a teacher, I appreciate the creativity children’s authors use to teach complex skills. Teaching idioms has become effortless and joyful thanks to Dorenda Boyle!

A free gift at the end is another fun part of the book.

I give it  4 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:



The Kid With The Ear-Splitting Scream is essential for an introduction to idioms and figurative language. It would also enhance lessons and increase understanding of idioms for Dual Language Learners.

 

Age Range: The author recommends 3-10 years.
Targeted Vocabulary:

Idioms, unclear, jiggling, focus, scattered

About The Author:

Author, Dorenda Doyle, is a retired teacher (with LOTS of KIDS!) and a best-selling author.

Her favorite job is being a BoBo & Gamma (one grandson & seven grand-daughters!) Can you tell she loves Dogs?!

www.BooksByDorenda.org

About the Illustrator:

Illustrator, Maria Andrieiva, was born in Moldova and now lives in Kiev, Ukraine.

She is an architect who grew up to be an illustrator! She loves to tell stories

with images and to be part of the magical process of book-making!

www.behance.net/maxa-aa1cd8

Wee Three: A Mother's Love In Verse Book Review

Available On Amazon

Authors: Marta Moran Bishop & Helen Springer Moran

Illustrator: Hazel Mitchell

Publisher: Crowe Press LLC

Released: April 13, 2023

Format: Kindle, Audiobook, Paperback

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: ‎ 978-1939484130

Page Count: 57 pages

Price:$7.20 

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 4 Lemon Drops

A charming collection of poetry celebrating childhood’s exuberant imagination and its growing pains. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:Book Summary: 

Wee Three is a treasure trove of lyrical verse that encapsulates the whimsy and wonder of youth.

Opinion:

Wee Three hosts a charming array of poetry that kids will enjoy. The timeless poems include onomatopoeia and simple rhymes. They are imaginative, universal, and invite children to self-reflect on their thoughts and actions.

I give it 4 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

Wee Three would be a great resource for poetry units or, printed on chart paper, for group reading.

It can be utilized during quiet moments or as a journaling activity for older students.

Age Range: Read Aloud- K-3
Targeted Vocabulary:

Rhyme, onomatopoeia, meter, stanza, theme, figurative language, poetic devices

About The Author:

Marta Moran Bishop walks in the shoes of her characters and weaves the tapestry of their lives with the threads of her dreams.

Ms. Bishop is an award-winning and prolific writer with over 45 books and stories for sale. She writes in multiple genres and continues to stretch herself and her craft.

Her newest novel Whispers on the Wind is a time-travel romance with a brutal war with Atlantis as its backdrop.

It takes us on an adventure to the mythical civilization of Lemuria during the last days of the civilization.

Yet, her newest collection is a series of humorous short stories about the mice that live under the tack room of her barn.

The Mice of Barnville takes us into a new world of caring for each other as they build a new community. It was written for a family audience.

Currently, she lives on a small farm in New England with her husband, three horses, cats and a conjure parrot named Jack.

They help her remember to view the world through a child's innocence and keep her young and imaginative.

Magical Activities For The Classroom

                                                     Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Costumes, makeup, decorations and stories galore! Halloween is such a creative time of year.

On this cosplay holiday, children dress up as their favorite character and imagine themselves in another time and place. Grown-ups may do the same thing without being judged as crazy.

Those who do don an imaginative outfit delight youngsters. They’re hailed as fun loving; as someone who really gets into the spirit of the season.

As with other writers, my imagination is always in motion. Halloween gets my charged creative juices flowing even more.

I’ve created resources for the classroom to help get teachers and students in the mood for the spookiest of seasons.

I’ve made a list of my Halloween Resources. They’re available on TPT.

Math
Halloween Tricks & Treats

Price: $1.06

This product was created to complement my children’s book Trick or Treat A Halloween Poem and the other educational resources that go along with the book.

What’s Included:

Roll & Cover

Roll, Add, & Cover

Syllable Sort

Patterns

Halloween Writing

Haunted House & Ghost Counting Freebie

Price: Free

This free activity will get your kiddos counting from 1-20 using one-to-one correspondence. Perfect for small group lessons, a math center, or as play dough mats in your sensory center.

The freebie includes haunted houses numbered 1-20 and expressive ghosts for counting.

Students can also sort the ghosts by their emotional expressions, order the haunted houses in numerical order from 1-10 or 1-20.

Put those fine motor skills use: swap out the paper ghosts for ghost tracers/cookie cutters and invite children to make their own ghosts for the haunted houses.

Haunted House & Ghost Counting #2

Price: $1.06

This activity will get your kiddos counting from 1-20 using one-to-one correspondence as well as fostering number recognition. Perfect for small group lessons or a math center for children to work on together independently.

The freebie includes haunted houses with expressive ghosts for counting and numbered ghosts from 1-20.

Students can also place the ghosts in numerical order from 1-10 or 1-20.

Haunted House & Ghost Counting #3

Price: $1.06

This activity will get your kiddos adding from 1-20 using one-to-one correspondence as well as fostering number recognition through writing. Perfect for small group lessons or a math center for children to work on together independently.

The resource includes haunted houses with expressive ghosts for counting and understanding groups of objects from 1-20.

Halloween Calendar Numbers Freebie

Price: Free

Halloween Calendar Numbers has 31 numbers in an A-B pattern and five specialized days to mark a special occasion in your classroom.

What you get:

31 Jack ‘O Lanterns and Witch Hats

5 Special Days: Birthday, National Frankenstein Day, National Black Cat Day, Halloween, and Mad Hatter Day.

Great for wall calendars and pocket calendars. The numbers can also be used in your math center or as part of a small group lesson. Students can count the numbers or arrange them in numerical order.

Literacy


Halloween Creative Writing

Price: $3.50

Looking for a quick and easy creative writing activity for your kiddos? From creating characters to planning a story’s plot, this fun resource will introduce students to the writing process.

The resources are tiered for different skill levels.

What you get:

Two levels for creating a Halloween character

Two levels for creating a Halloween setting

Planning Your Plot (Beginning-Middle-End & Problem and Solution)

Theme Planning

Writer’s Checklist

Story Revising Checklist

19 Halloween Writing Prompts

Extra lined paper

Halloween Emergent Reader

Price: $2.00

Emergent Halloween Readers is a great way to introduce students to the beginning concepts of reading. Perfect for guided reading groups, Read to Self and more.

There are two different stories in color and b/w that use predictable text. The targeted sight words are: this, is, a, an, I, like, the. The booklet also introduces kiddos to many popular Halloween characters like the monster, the witch and the wizard.

Easy to prep. Just copy, cut, staple and go!

Boo Who? Halloween Riddles

Price: $1.10

Challenge your kiddos with these Halloween Character Riddles. Great for attention grabbers, large/small group, and turn and talk.

Enhances spooky character vocabulary and great for developing conversation norms (look and listen to the speaker, turn taking), inferences and critical thinking.

What you get:

12 Halloween Character Riddles

Templates for students to write their own riddle and draw a picture to accompany it.

Witch & Wizard Magic Cottage Dramatic Play

Price: $5.00

Bring some magic to your Dramatic Play area with a Magic Cottage!

The Witch & Wizard Magic Cottage resource contains printable signs, order forms, and labels perfect for supporting cross-curricular learning standards.

The only thing missing are little witches and wizards to stir up the fun and imagination!

I may have gotten a little carried away with this one. It was so much fun to create!

What you get:

Witch & Wizard Magic Cottage Sign

Open/Closed Signs

Pay Here/Line Starts Here Signs

Magic Cottage Banner

Potion Prices

Large and Small Menus

Order Forms in Color and Black and White

Role Play Name Tags and Witch/Wizard Hats

Vocabulary Cards

Magic Cottage Labels

Magic Cottage Money

22 Different Potions

Book of Spells Cover

Magic Chant

Make Your Own Chant/Magic Spell Templates

You can purchase supplies for the spells at a dollar store and Amazon.

I hope my Haloween activities bring a little magic into your classroom and get those creative juices flowing.

Let your imaginations soar! Happy Halloween!!