Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 103

Weekend Links:: Summer Fun Round-up

Happy Weekend Everyone. I hope you’ve had a great week. This week I’ve found some really fun links to share with you.

Who loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid?

That wimpy kid was a life saver here and helped get my young boy reading. Now Jeff Kinney, author and illustrator of The Whimpy Kid series is part of a middle-school  online writing camp called Boomwriters Storytelling camp. If you have kids in grades 6-8 here a great chance for them to get published, have some daily input from Jeff Kinney, and do something they love,…..writing. There are 4 different weeks to choose from starting July 22nd.

Friend Mia from Pragmatic Mom has a discount code as well. Thanks Mia.

Reading with Boys

Look at this super-duper list of reading ideas and resources for boys. It’s a complete winner !

Under the Sea

Some of you might know how much I love mermaids, especially in summer. Here are some wonderful mermaid paper dolls to go along with the book Mermaids on Parade. 

Little Monsters in the House?

The Mom Squad has a great round-up on Monster-themed Books, Treats & #Crafts!

Looking for books for summer reading? Little Pickle Press shared 15 excellent book picks from Julie Romeis Sanders, a freelance editor based in San Francisco with more than twelve years of experience in children’s book publishing. 

Have a great weekend everyone !!!

 

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It’s all in the Re-telling: Story Re-telling Activity for Young Readers

As many of you know, I am a great believer in reading aloud to children. But there is another skill which leads to their language development that doesn’t get discussed or encouraged as often as I’d like. It’s the skill of having your child re-tell the story back to you. This activity allows them to develop many great literacy skills for life.

By re-telling the story, your child uses the language patterns they’ve just heard as the story was being read.
Through narrating or re-telling a story, your child immediately uses the vocabulary they’ve just heard.
Nothing teaches story sequence better than having your child re-tell the story.
The power of re-telling is one of the best tools to increase memory retention in your child.
Re-telling a story is a great way to create flow and story structure in your child’s writing.

How to Create a Re-telling Moment:

Starting at about age 4 or 5 ask specific questions about events which happened in the story. Cover items such as who the main characters are, what happened in the story, and what was the outcome or ending of the story.
To instill a sense of story continuity (starting at about age 6) I would tell my children well-known fairy tales. After reading them a couple of times over a few days, I would ask them to re-tell the fairy tale to our family reading circle.
As we entered the chapter book years the kids would re-tell the part of the story we had read that night. The next evening before I would start reading again, I would ask one of my children to re-tell the story from the beginning to where we had stopped the night before.
As we read our family chapter book, I usually keep a running vocab/fact list going. As we get ready to re-tell the story to our previous stopping place, I’ll pull out the list and present it to that night’s appointed narrator. 

Some Simple Rules
Correcting:

There is often a great need for other siblings and sometimes even parents to correct the child doing the re-telling. It’s best to wait until the re-telling has finished and then approach the subject by asking each person to say one thing they liked about the re-telling. It’s only after ending the compliments that I come in with one or two small corrections. Reading and re-telling time isn’t about perfection, it’s about enjoying books as a family. There is a lot of time during the day to work on perfecting language skills but not during story time.

Active Listening

Make sure that everyone stays on task, and if it’s a group re-telling, make sure everyone gets to say something. If it’s a solo re-telling, the others in the group are fulfilling a very special duty and that is the role of the active listener. Remind everyone before starting that there isn’t any correcting, just listening.

If you haven’t been re-telling your books and stories, give it a try and let me know how it goes. I think you’ll be amazed how quickly your children start using the language they’re hearing in the book. There is so much reinforcement in doing the deed as opposed to passively sitting by and trying to capture the vocab, story structure, characters etc. 

Happy Reading and Re-Telling Everyone !!!

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Children of the Tipi: Life in the Buffalo Days

Today we are starting a special new series called Children of the Tipi. Wisdom Tales Press, one of our sponsors sent an ARC (advanced review copy) of this splendid book.

Michael Oren Fitzgerald in his new release Children of the Tipi, Life in the Buffalo Days assembles a collection of Plains Indian proverbs and photographs to answer the question, what was it like for children to grow up in the world of the pre-reservation Plains Indians during the Buffalo Days?

     

Though the nomadic tribes of the forest and plains vanished long ago, we can now have a first hand look as we gaze into the stunning black and white photos and hear the words of wisdom from plains tribes long ago.

Covering the topics of mothers, names, boys & girls at play, fathers, snow, grandmothers, storytelling, mother earth, nomadic life, life in the camp, pottery, jewelry, rugs, music dance, tipis, hunting, sacred life, horses, nature, and great chiefs, Children of the Tipi is a great resource to come back to again and again.

Author Michael Oren Fitzgerald has spent over 40 years searching through thousands of photos to discover this time gone by.

The quotes used in the book are from men and women living before 1904. These were the nomadic people of the Plains, living before the creation of reservations.

My children were simply mesmerized at looking into the faces of Native Americans who lived long ago. These photos have become a testament to the legends we hear about . We were awestruck in this books beauty and simplicity. 

Something to Do:
“Our games were feats with the bow and arrow. We had foot and pony reaches, wrestling and swimming. We imitated the customs and habits of our fathers.”  Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa), Wahpeton Dakota

 ”The first gift I received from my father was a bow and arrows. He made them himself. He painted the bow red, which signified that he had been wounded in battle. I was very young at the time, so the arrows were fashioned with knobs on the end, instead of the sharp points. The bow was not a strong one to pull. That bow and arrows was the beginning of my Indian training. It was to be my weapon in war, and was to get my food for me. I always kept it near me.” Standing Bear, Oglala Lakota

 

 How to Make a Bow and Arrow

 

One young man I know has been trying all winter and spring to make a bow and arrow that actually works. He’s consulted our neighborly boy scouts, guides, and on-line sources, but nothing seemed to work.

One night as this young man was complaining to his mother that this is an impossible task, someone’s father overheard and said,”On the weekend I will teach you how to make the greatest bow and arrow.”

The young man doubted that his father held this knowledge in his well-used craw, but he was game nonetheless. What did he have to lose?

The important thing is that the stick bends well. A young spring sapling is best.

Next measure double the length of thread as your bow size. Now make three threads the same size.

Braid them.

 

Cut notches into the side on both ends of the stick.

Tie one end of the braid into the first notch. Then tie it onto the other side. Now we’re ready.

 

Wonder boy’s sister was majorly impressed with this new “toy” and needed one of her very own. So off to the bow and arrow maker she went.

And all were very very happy.

The End.

 

 

The post Children of the Tipi: Life in the Buffalo Days appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Weekend Links: A Roundup of Summer Reading Booklists

Happy Sunday! How is your summer going so far? 

I hope you’ve been enjoying our Summer Reading Tree Series. There’s more “reading goodness” to come too:

Summer Reading Tree: Forming “Roots” for Motivated Readers
Summer Reading Tree- 15 Green Books for Kids
The A-Z Summer Reading Tree: 26 Ways To Encourage Reading This Summer

I’ve also discovered some other wonderful summer reading resources from fellow bloggers and book lovers this week that I would like to share:

10 Great American Revolution Chapter Books from Pragmatic Mom

Free Kindle Books & Deals:  No Twiddle Twaddle 

27 Vintage Books Every Child Should Read from No Time for Flash Cards.

 What Do We Do all Day had a great booklist of Early Chapter Books for Kids {Series about Girls}

We love how JDaniels4Mom shined the spotlight on Dear ol Dad with this booklist: 25 Children’s Books Featuring Dads

Mother/Daughter Book Reviews has another great Kid Lit Blog Hop #19 going on. This Blog Hops are a great way to get a tin of great reading ideas from various blogs and authors.
 

How’s that for a boatload of summer reading! If you want more great booklists and book ideas, subscribe to this blog (right sidebar) or follow our Best Books for Kids Pinterest Board HERE. This Board is a compilation of many great books posts and articles from a wide variety of bloggers and moms. Happy Reading!

The post Weekend Links: A Roundup of Summer Reading Booklists appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Summer Reading Tree: Forming “Roots” for Motivated Readers

 

There is never a shortage of Summer Reading programs for kids once school ends and many offers prizes, points, graphs, and charts as a way to keep your child reading during the summer months.

This is not a bad thing at all. But as a lifelong learner, educator, and mom I can tell you that many kids will do better with reading if they don’t feel it’s “mandatory.” Sometimes when things feel a llliiitttteee too much like homework during the summer break, your young readers can slam on the proverbial brakes!

Reading Tip: The best way to motivate your reader is to know what inspires them!

Making reading an adventure and not a “task/ chore/requirement” during the summer months is a great way to help the increase the desire to read and keep them interested as well. Sit down together and pick out your summer reading or make a family trip to the library. Here’s some more tips:

Summer Reading Tree: Forming “Roots” for Motivated Readers

1. Skip the List-Make the Shelf:

Make book reading like a seasonal shift in your wardrobe. One of our first family activities when school gets out is to make The Summer Shelf. Off come the passing seasons books and on comes the fun books of summer. Some are old friends and others are new, but The Summer Shelf is a way to herald in the summer reading season.

2. Leave ‘em Hangin:

You can leave your readers “hanging” and create a desire to come back to the story by pausing your read-aloud jjjussst before the end of a chapter. This creates so pretty big anticipation to keep them engaged and wanting more. Amp it up by throw in a little book-jumping adventure to go along with the story as well. While reading Tom Sawyer to my kids I practiced  the “leave ‘em hangin” method and threw in spontaneous bouts of white washing, cave touring, and river rafting. These activities created great anticipation and had them asking “what’s coming next?”

I’ve had very different experiences with all of my children on when exactly to plan our little reading adventures. My eldest daughter and youngest son like to intersperse their reading with related activities, while my second daughter insists that the entire book is read completely before we dive into the pages. By mixing up everyone’s reading and book jumping preferences, will help to keep them clamoring for the next reading session.

3. Reading in Snippets:

Reading isn’t just for books only. On the breakfast table, family room and screen porch coffee tables, and in certain bathrooms, I leave bite size reading materials like trivia, jokes, riddles, and quizzes which keep readers engaged. Reluctant readers do especially well with “snippets” of information.

4. Take-Alongs: Reading Gear for Families on the Move!

Reading while in the car traveling has been an absolutely life-saver. As a family we tend to travel a lot and even more in the summer months. The back pockets of the car seats are brimming with some of our favorite kids magazines. Magazine are a great “portable” reading options for kids and again, is “bite-sized” information to keep them interested and learning. There are so many wonderful and educational kids magazine available theses days too. Some of our favorites include:

Highlights,
Cricket
Spider
Appleseeds
Ask
Cobblestone
Dig
Faces
Calliope
Odyssey
Muse
National Geographic kids
Your Big Backyard
Ranger Rick
Stone Soup for young writers and artists
Wilderness kids.

 

 

What are your summer reading picks?

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Star Spangled BookList: Reading for the 4th of July

We are getting ready to celebrate big time for the Fourth of July. Along with the hamburgers, hot-dogs, potato salad and fireworks come a long list amoungst other Fourth of July Favorites. And what else will we be doing? Reading of course Here’s a booklist of some of our favorite Star Spangled stories:

 

A is for America by Devin Scillian

From the British and our Constitution that replaced their rule, to Yellowstone Park and Zane Grey’s stories of the west, “A is for America” is a sweeping tribute to all we know and love about our country. With delightful poems that beg to be read aloud, and expository text to broaden a student’s horizons, this American alphabet will make you fall in love with the United States over and over again. Bright, beautifully detailed illustrations from California artist Pam Carroll bring each letter to life, from eagles to Thomas Edison to the veterans of two World Wars.

America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bares

From his unique perspective as the great, great grandnephew of “America the Beautiful” writer, Katharine Lee Bates, Chris Gall transforms this beloved patriotic song into monumental works of art–from purple mountain majesties to gleaming alabaster cities. Honoring his ancestry and national pride, Gall pairs the beautiful lyrics with striking illustrations of notable American images such as Pike’s Peak, the Tuskgee Airmen, and firefighters raising the American flag at Ground Zero.

Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong

Shocked that her parents are cooking Chinese food to sell in the family store on an all-American holiday, a feisty Chinese American girl tries to tell her mother and father how things really are. But as the parade passes by and fireworks light the sky, she learns a surprising lesson.

 Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols by James Cross Giblin

This spirited look at our national birthday explores the stories behind the familiar symbols of the Fourth of July and tells how they have come to be associated with the holiday. It will make the fourth of July more meaningful for readers young and old. James Cross Giblin is an editor of children’s books who also writes for children. He edited the Clarion holiday series started by the late Edna Barth. Ursula Arndt brings to this book the same delightful style she employed as illustrator of the six Barth holiday books. This title, along with all of Edna Barth’s classic holiday books, is now being reissued with a fresh, new jacket design and fun activities inside the paperback covers.

Fourth of July Mice by Bethany Roberts

It’s the most patriotic of all holidays-Independence Day! The Holiday Mice take part in all the activities that make the Fourth of July fun: a parade, a picnic, a baseball game and sack race, and a refreshing dip in the stream. Even Mr. Mouse, the littlest mouse’s special toy, joins in the festivities. The best part of all comes at the end of the day: a spectacular fireworks show!

Packed with plenty of red, white, and blue and featuring the four Holiday Mice at their most adorable, this story about our nation’s birthday will delight readers young and old alike.

God Bless America by Irving Berlin

This first illustrated picture book of Irving Berlin’s classic song celebrates America and invites young readers — and singers — to experience all of her colorful glory, from the mountains to the prairies. Lyrics by America’s most celebrated songwriter, together with Lynn Munsinger’s heartwarming illustrations, are sure to comfort and inspire young patriots across the nation.

Happy 4th of July by Jenny Sweeney

It’s the 4th of July and all over town, people are getting ready. Jenny Sweeney gives her dog, Rags, a bath. All the preparations lead up to the big parade and a night of bright fireworks. It’s a great day. “Happy Birthday, USA!”

Hats off for the Fourth of July by Harriet Ziefert

It’s the Fourth of July, and the people of Chatham know this is one parade they won’t want to miss! A juggler and baton twirlers are the first to march down the street. Who will come next? There are cowboys on horses, the third-grade marching band, and everyone’s favorite, Miss Eelgrass with the long green hair. Everyone is sorry when the parade is over, but wait! There is something else to look at-way up in the sky.

John Hancock: Independent Boy by Kathryn Cleven Sisson

The life of John Hancock, contemporary of Samuel Adams and Paul Revere and first to sign the Declaration of Independence is featured in this volume of the Young Patriots series. Detailing Hancock’s early years, it focuses on his relationship with boyhood friend John Adams and his academic struggles with what he would later become most famous for—his writings. Hancock’s famous achievements later in life are also chronicled, from attending the Boston Tea Party to becoming president of the Continental Congress. The entirety of his life is colorfully illustrated with renderings that convey the drama of the birth of the United States.

My Country, ‘Tis of Thee by Samuel Francis Smith

Marguerite Fitch worked for many years as a school secretary in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, the town where Samuel Francis Smith had lived one hundred years earlier. Two things happened there which started her on the way to this book. First, school children contributed money to save the old Smith Homestead from an auctioneer’s block. Second, she noticed that her school library had no books about Smith. While still in Newton Centre, she studied primary source materials and contacted Smith descendents living in the area. Later, she moved to California and began work on this book and other writings. She also speaks in public schools, helping to make history come alive for children. The city of Lakewood presented her with an award for outstanding service to school children.

Stars and Stripes: The Story of the American Flag by Sarah L. Thomson

Schools, parades, post offices, and the moon. These are just some of the places we see the American flag. Fifty stars stand for the states that make up this country. Thirteen stripes remind us of the colonies that fought for their freedom. But the flag has not always looked the way it does today. Its history is as colored and rich as our country’s past. Yet despite the ways the flag has changed in the past two hundred years, the pride, unity, and strength it inspires have never faltered. STARS AND STRIPES: The Story of the American Flag invites readers to travel back in time and witness firsthand how our flag came to be.

The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh

A great ‘read aloud book’ for younger children who need to know about the history of our nation. Two-time Newbery Honor author Alice Dalgliesh makes history come alive in this accessible story of America’s birthday. Full color.

The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key Illustrated by Peter Spier

Due to careful research, Spier’s artwork depicts “the dawn’s early light” and “the rocket’s red glare” with remarkable authenticity and detail in this celebratory book. Among the highlights: a brief history of the anthem, a reproduction of Francis Scott Key’s original manuscript, music for guitar and piano chords and many photographs.

This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie

Since its debut in the 1940s, Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” has become one of the best-loved folk songs in America. Now the beloved picture book celebrating the classic ballad is brought to sparkling new life in this deluxe 10th Anniversary Special Edition the whole family will love to share. Includes a keepsake full-color poster featuring one of Kathy Jakobsen’s exquisite art pieces from the book!

Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? by Jean Fritz

Based on the diary of E.W. Conyers and Jesse A. Applegate’s Recollections of My Boyhood, this warm and uplifting story about an Independence Day celebration, set during the early days of the Oregon Territory, shows that it’s not the fireworks and the speeches, but the hearts of Americans that make the day glorious. 30 color illustrations.

Celebration! by Jane Resh Thomas

The members of Maggie’s African-American family–aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmother, and all–get together in the backyard to celebrate the Fourth of July with a picnic, jump rope, sparklers, noisy games, and a host of fun-filled activities.”

The Flag We Love by Pam Munoz Ryan

Enjoy a red-white-and-blue introduction to our nation’s most cherished ideals in this look at Old Glory. Dazzling illustrations and inspiring verse bring to life many famous moments in our country’s history and reveal fascinating facts about one of its most enduring symbols.

I Pledge Allegiance by June Swanson

The author, June Swanson is a historian with the pictures done by freelance artist Rick Hanson. I Pledge Allegiance consists of forty pages with the first printing completed in 1990. This is a children’s book offering easy to understand background on the history of The Pledge of Allegiance. The idea behind the book is to help children learn more about what they are reciting daily in their respective classrooms.

A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution by Giulio Maestro

This easy-to-understand book tells why and how the Constitution of the United States was created. “Simple, attractive, informative….The most accessible history of the Constitution to date.”–School Library Journal.

Felicity Series: American Girl Series

Felicity Merriman and Elizabeth Cole are best friends growing up in colonial Virginia. With their families on opposite sides of the American Revolution, can they manage to stay loyal to one another? Growing up during World War Two, Molly experiences many changes. Her dad is overseas caring for wounded soldiers; her mom takes a job at the local aircraft assembly plant; and Emily, an English girl, comes to stay with Molly’s family to escape the bombing in London. Through it all, Molly rallies hope for her family and friends and learns the importance of pulling together-just as her country must do to win the war.

Secret Seven Fireworks by Enid Blyton

Jack’s little sister, Susie, is so annoying! The Secret Seven are furious when they discover she’s formed her own “detective gang”! Then some money is stolen, and Susie is a chief suspect. The Seven can’t quite believe it – Susie wouldn’t do anything that bad…would she?

The Firework-Maker’s Daughter by Philip Pullman

What Lila wants to be more than anything else in the world is …a Firework-Maker! But firework-making is not just about being able to make Crackle-Dragons and Golden Sneezes. There is also one special secret: every Firework-Maker must make a perilous journey to face the terrifying Fire-Fiend! Not knowing that she needs special protection to survive the Fire-Fiend’s flames, Lila sets off alone. Her friends, Chulak and Hamlet – the King’s white elephant – race after her. But can they possibly reach her in time?

Hannah and the Special 4th of July by Hilda Stahl

Book four in the Best Friends series contains a suspenseful story that teaches dynamic lessons in cross-cultural friendship and freedom from addiction.

Uncle Sam & Old Glory: Symbols of America by Delno C. West & Jean M. West

Have you ever wondered why the American colors are red, white, and blue? Did you know that our national mascot was almost a turkey rather than a bald eagle? Can you trace your family’s ancestry back to the Mayflower Pilgrims, or perhaps to a cowboy of the Old West? Do you think you would like to spend Thanksgiving watching foot races rather than televised football or eating venison and oysters rather than turkey? Many of us have played with Lincoln Logs, but did you know that they were named after President Abraham Lincoln, who was born in a log cabin?

Symbols have always played a crucial role in shaping our identity as a country. The American buffalo, the Statue of Liberty, the Mayflower, and Uncle Sam himself have all helped convey to the world the American values of liberty and democracy.

Delno and Jean West’s lively prose unveils the stories behind America’s symbols, complemented by Christopher Manson’s handsome woodcuts, which perfectly convey the rugged individualism of the American spirit.

Cat and Dog for President by Julia Dweck

The narrator asks the intriguing question all Americans want answered: Who would win if a cat and dog ran for President of the United States? Cat and dog lovers will both agree that this is a fun rhyming tale with a political heart. Both sides of the campaign are humorously depicted in a clever way that young readers will relate to and understand. The illustrations are rich, bold and colorful. “Cat or Dog for President” will keep readers engaged and laughing from beginning to end.

Little Miss Liberty by Chris Robertson

To begin with, her coloring is a little on the green side. Not to mention that she grows a few inches every day. Smart, independent, and a friend to all, when Little Miss Liberty outgrows her classmates, her clothes, her house even her city!she sets out to travel the world. And in the end she finds just the right spot to call her own. Author-artist Chris Robertson has created a humorous yet uplifting story about one of the world’s most symbolic monuments. An enjoyable romp and a perfect read-aloud it will entertain even the squirmiest listener and yet in its own way remind us why Lady Liberty is both unique and important.

 

 

 SOMETHING TO DO

The simplicity and beauty of this 4th of July tablecloth just makes me SMILE. Patriotic Bandana Tablecloth from Me & My Insanity

Red Hots & Blue Fourth of July Rocket Wreath from Tatertots & Jello

Patriotic Rocks by Green Owl Art

 

 What’s your plan for the Fourth?

The post Star Spangled BookList: Reading for the 4th of July appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Weekend Links: Ideas for the 4th of July

It’s time for weekend links! This is my top picks for fun, educational, and useful links that will appeal to parents and readers.

Since our beloved 4th of July is just around the corner I’d thought I would share some of the best “4th-related”  tips, books, activities, and crafts I could find. Enjoy!

Love this Red-White-and -Blue Drinking Straw Flag Craft Activity from Reading Confetti : Here’s an easy way for kids to make an American flag craft just in time for the 4th of July.

Mia at Pragmatic Mom always has wonderful booklists: Rising 5th Grade Summer Reading List 

I have always been a fan of luminaries and I found these cute Patriotic Luminaries over at My Blessed Life.

JDanielFoursMom is sharing a recommended book list for the 4th of July as well.

If you’re looking for some patriotic munchies, Sparkle Stories has some delightfully delicious ideas! sparkle kitchen – eating red, white & blue!

Do you have any patriotic crafts or booklists to share?

 

The post Weekend Links: Ideas for the 4th of July appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Summer Reading Tree- 15 Green Books for Kids

 

Toby Alone by Timothee de Fombelle

Toby Lolness is less than 2 millimeters tall. He and his family are part of a whole civilization that lives inside a giant tree. His father has discovered an inconvenient truth about the health of the tree and if they don’t change their irresponsible ways their tree will die, leaving them  homeless. This book is peppered with great illustrations,including a map of the tree on the inside.  Toby Alone will make you think of the environment.

Gaia Girls: Enter the Earth by Lee Welles

Lee Welles is a past camp instructor who really gets it when it comes to enrapturing children. This is a quick and fast read which has been billed as “fiction with a mission”.  This book is the first in a series which establishes Elizabeth, the main character, with the power of “Earth”.

(Publisher Comments)

Elizabeth was happy to be at the end of the school year. She anticipated playing on the farm with her best friend and various family members. That was until the Harmony Farm Corporation moved into her town.  Her world starts to crumble as her best friend moves away and her parents whisper of farmers selling their land and the effects this factory farm operation could have on them. When she thinks things can’t get much worse, she meets the most unusual creature, Gaia, the living entity of the Earth. Strange things begin to happen to her, around her and through her! Elizabeth wonders if meeting Gaia has been a blessing or a curse. Will Elizabeth have the strength to fight a large corporation? or will her upstate New York home be spoiled by profit driven pork production that fouls the air, land, and water?

Gaia Girls :Way of Water By Lee Welles

Book 2 in the series. Way of Water is the winner of the 2008 Nautilus Gold Award in the category of Young Adult Fiction Fantasy. Miho’s backyard has always been the sea. The creatures of the sea are an endless source of fascination for her. Miho finds herself in the care of her uncle after her family has been stolen away by the sea. She has never met this uncle nor has she met his world and culture,Japan. From the city of Nagoya to the seaside town of Goza, Miho is trying to fit in by learning the language, the culture, at the same time she is dealing with her own grief. While in Goza, Miho discovers her family history and embraces new teachers, an old man who becomes her Sensei of Sho-Do. Sho-do is also known as “The Way of the Brush”. It is there that she meets Gaia from the first book. Gaia grants Miho amazing powers to connect with the “minds in the water” and she is given access and understanding to the many worlds of the oceans. Many questions face her as she learns and tries to use her powers to restore the balance of her traditions while teaching others to understand The Way of Water.

Green Boy by Susan Cooper

Newbery Medal winner Susan Cooper has created an eco-novel which covers in depth the clash between good and evil. Bahamian brothers Trey who are 12 and his younger mute brother Lou, who is 7 find themselves caught between two worlds. The first is their lovely island life, which is being threatened by business development and the second which is a dark and sinister unknown world called Pangaia. They accidentally find themselves there when they entered through a magical window. Through various journeys between the two worlds, the brothers embark on a number of journeys which leads Lou into being hailed the savior which had been foretold. The siblings are asked to lead the Greenwar against “The Destroyers” which is the current government. This is an action packed story which combines brilliantly nature,myth,technology, and destiny.

Operation Redwood by S.Terrell French

“Sibley Carter is a moron and a world-class jerk,” reads Julian Carter-Li in an angry e-mail message meant for his greedy, high-powered uncle. The fateful message sets him on the course to stop an environmental crime! His uncle’s company plans to cut down some of the oldest California redwood trees, and it’s up to Julian and a ragtag group of friends to figure out a way to stop them. This thrilling, thoughtful debut novel shows the power of determined individuals, no matter what their age, to stand up to wrongdoing.

  Pond Scum by Alan Silberberg

This book comes at environmentalism from a whole other angle. Oliver is the type of boy who enjoys pulling the wings off flies just to hear the little snap. His whole life changes when his mom moves the family to a run down old house in a small town. While attempting to install a TV antenna on the roof, Oliver tries to avoid a kamikaze attack by a vicious crow and falls through into the attic. There he finds a strange, glowing gem that has the power to transform him into any creature he touches. Suddenly he enters the amazing parallel world of the Pond, where he befriends a fat salamander named Mooch and a misfit crow called Antoine. Together, with their other friends they need to save the pond from a power-hungry crow who secretly plans to use the animal’s fears and distrust in humans for his own evil affairs.This lively and witty book, complete with body humor is a refreshing non-preachy delight and teaches kindness and stewardship from the perspective of the animals.

My Mommy Is a Blogger by Sommer Poquette

Sommer Poquette is a green living blogger who blogs at Green and Clean Mom. Sommer wanted to explain to children and the world what moms online might be doing with their blogs. A humorous look into the world of blogging based on this one mothers experience and a fun way to explain the importance of the words we choose, online privacy and ways mom bloggers make money and help companies. From Twitter parties, to blog reviews and everything in between this book will be sure to make you smile and be enjoyed by children of all ages!

What Does It Mean to be GREEN- Little Pickle Press

 This colorful, insightful story, demystifies for children what it means to be green by helping them to view everyday tasks through an environmentally-friendly lens. The book empowers children to do whatever they can to protect the earth’s precious resources. Don’t be surprised if they start coming up with suggestions of their own for you!

Zombie Kids Go Green by Julia Dweck

This merry band of recycled friends will teach us all a thing or two about caring for our most important resource, planet earth. Of course, Zombie-Kids do everything in the zaniest, funniest, and most outrageous ways imaginable. There’s lot of belly laughs for everyone.Hold onto your recyclables—Zombie Kids are back!

Whole World Fun Eco Activities from Barefoot Books (Illustrated By: Christopher Corr)

Enjoy some eco-fun with the games, puzzles, art activities and quizzes in this earth-friendly activity book. The fun is enhanced by tips on how to look after the environment, and the pages are printed on 100% recycled paper.

 

The next three books are from one of my favorite authors Carl Hiaasen.

(From the Carl Hiaasen Website)

Flush by Carl Hiaasen

You know it’s going to be a rough summer when you spend Father’s Day visiting your dad in the local lockup. Noah’s dad is sure that the owner of the Coral Queen casino boat is flushing raw sewage into the harbor-which has made taking a dip at the local beach like swimming in a toilet. He can’t prove it though, and so he decides that sinking the boat will make an effective statement. Right. The boat is pumped out and back in business within days and Noah’s dad is stuck in the clink.

Now Noah is determined to succeed where his dad failed. He will prove that the Coral Queen is dumping illegally . . . somehow. His allies may not add up to much-his sister Abbey, an unreformed childhood biter; Lice Peeking, a greedy sot with poor hygiene; Shelly, a bartender and a woman scorned; and a mysterious pirate-but Noah’s got a plan to flush this crook out into the open. A plan that should sink the crooked little casino, once and for all.

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

Roy Eberhardt is the new kid–again. This time around it’s Trace Middle School in humid Coconut Grove, Florida. But it’s still the same old routine: table by himself at lunch, no real friends, and thick-headed bullies like Dana Matherson pushing him around. But if it wasn’t for Dana Matherson mashing his face against the school bus window that one day, he might never have seen the tow-headed running boy. And if he had never seen the running boy, he might never have met tall, tough, bully-beating Beatrice. And if he had never met Beatrice, he might never have discovered the burrowing owls living in the lot on the corner of East Oriole Avenue. And if he had never discovered the owls, he probably would have missed out on the adventure of a lifetime. Apparently, bullies do serve a greater purpose in the scope of the universe. Because if it wasn’t for Dana Matherson…

Scat by Carl Hiaasen

Mrs. Starch – fearsome biology teacher – never returned from a field trip to Black Vine Swamp.

The principal says she was called away on a “family emergency,” but Nick and Marta don’t buy it. They think Smoke, the class delinquent, has something to do with her disappearance.

And he does! But not in the way that they think. There’s a lot more going on in Black Vine Swamp than any one player in this twisted tale can see. And Nick and Marta will have to reckon with an eccentric eco-avenger, a stuffed rat named Chelsea, a wannabe Texas oilman, a singing substitute teacher, and a ticked-off Florida panther before they’ll really begin to see the big picture.

Two of my favorite picture books fit in our green theme as well so I’m adding them here.

 Old Turtle by Cheng-Khee Chee

This beautifully illustrated book is a tender,thoughtful, and moving story about a turtle who gets everything on the earth to work together to take care of each other and the place we call home.

All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant & Nikki McClure

This sweet little book shines a light on all of the endless possibilities each day holds. The opportunities and chances that won’t come again. While doing this ,it kindly delivers the message about stewardship of our planet. It’s just a wonderful read.

 Do you like our Summer Reading Tree Series? We do too! Check HERE for our A-Z Summer Reading Tree: 26 Ways To Encourage Reading This Summer

 

 

And please feel free to print off, share, and Pin to Pinterest our gorgeous Book Jumper Tree poster.

What are your favorite “green reads” for kids??

  **some of these links are affiliate links.

The post Summer Reading Tree- 15 Green Books for Kids appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Stories from a Summer Night Sky: Learning about Constellations and Legends

 Today we’re celebrating the summer night sky with The Natural Nester’s At Home Summer Nature Camp. If you haven’t signed up for this wonderful nature-theme eCurriculum, it’s not too late! Just go here for sign-up information and registration.

Jump Into a Book is very proud to be one of the “camp counselors” for this series and this week we have three books and one activity which can guide you through the night sky in a memorable way.

Our first books is the Story of the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper in a book called The Story of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor : A Roman Constellation Myth 

 

Every night of summer there are dramatic stories being played out in the night sky. The stories include a great bear, a little bear, a king, a queen and their daughter. One of the oldest star groups, called a constellation, is made up from seven stars, known as the big dipper or the great bear. 

The Cherokee Indians believe the handle of the Big Dipper represents a band of hunters pursuing the bear from the time he is high in the sky in spring until he sets below the horizon in autumn.

In Greek legend, Zeus and Callisto, a mortal woman, had a son called Arcas. Hera, Zeus’s very jealous wife, turned Callisto into a bear. One day while Arcas was out hunting, found a bear. Not realizing it was his mother, he shot at the bear and luckily missed her. When he discovered that his mother was the bear, he was struck with grief. Coming to his son’s aide, Zeus rescued Callisto and placed both her and their son Arcas , who he turned into a bear, into the sky together. Callisto is Ursa Major (the Great Bear), and Arcas is Ursa Minor (the Little Bear).  There they will stay forever.

To the left of the bears is another eventful story from Greek/Roman Legend 

 

 The Boastful Queen or The Story of Cassiopeia by Thomas Kingsley Troupe

Once there was a very boastful Queen who reigned over the country of Ethiopia. Her name was Cassiopeia ( Kass-ee-oh-PEE-uh). Together with her husband Cepheus, they had a very beautiful daughter Andromeda.

“My daughter’s beauty is much greater than all of your Nereid daughter’s combined,” boasted the Queen to Nereus, god of the sea.

Nereus was so angry that he sent Cetus, a sea monster, to ravage their kingdom.

They were advised by an oracle that the sacrifice of their daughter Andromeda to Cetus was the only way to appease the god.

Sadly, the king and queen duly chained Andromeda to a rock by the sea. Perseus, son of Zeus, came to the rescue just in time, swooping down upon his winged horse Pegasus. Perseus was able to save Andromeda from her cruel fate by revealing the hideous head of Medusa to Cetus, which instantly turned the great monster to stone.

Queen Cassiopeia didn’t escape the wrath of the gods, however. Upon the queen’s death, she was banished into the night sky where she sits and suffers chained to her throne and forced to hang upside down for half the year.

Sitting just beside her is king Cepheus and their daughter Andromeda which can be seen in the autumn.

 

Andromeda

There is one more book in the series that we’ve been reading called The Story of Orion: A Roman Constellation Myth by Thomas Kingsley Troupe. 

The activity below lends itself nicely to all three books.

 

Sky Navigation

Now it’s time to find those stories in the sky. Astronomers, people who study the stars, measure the distance between stars in degrees. The easiest way to navigate your way through the night sky is to use your hand as a ruler. Hold your arm outstretched towards the sky. Really reach up.

5 degrees is 3 fingers.

 

10 degrees is a fist.

25 degrees is your thumb and pinky extended.

 

Use the big stars and star groups as guides. First let’s find the big dipper. It’s just below the North Star. Can you see the group of stars which look like a cooking pot. The square is the face of the bear and the handle of the pot is a long tail of the bear. 

To find the Little Bear or the Little Dipper, go to the upper left hand star of the pot of the Big Dipper. From there work your way to the left 28 degrees. You will arrive at Polaris, the last star in the tail of the Little Dipper.

Cassiopeia, The Queen: Following a line from the third star, left, in the handle of the big dipper through Polaris of the Little Dipper for a total of 55 degrees, will lead you to the wobbly w- shape of Cassiopeia.

Cepheus, The King is a house shaped structure found between Polaris and the end star of Cassiopeia.

Constellation Mandalas

What you’ll need

4  pieces of 12 x 12 dark blue cardboard stock
An Awl to punch holes with
A Sharpie marker
Round Ribbon
Glitter Glue Pens
Scissors
Tape
A hammer
Self healing mat
A dinner plate

 

Place the edge of the dinner plate on the corner of the cardboard.

2.  Mark with a pencil on all four corners.

3. Repeat with all four pieces of cardboard stock.

4.  Cut out your mandala circles.

5.  On each circle place a constellation pattern with a sharpie marker.

Cassiopeia

Cepheus

The Little Dipper or Little Bear

The Big Dipper or The Great Bear

6.Taking your punch tool, a hammer, and a self-healing mat, put out your constellations in your mandala circles.

7.  Taking your punch tool, a hammer, and a self-healing mat, put out your constellations in your mandala circles.

8.  Using your glitter glue markers, decorate the edges of your mandalas.

You can punch a whole, place a string and hang them or do what we did and that was to make a table runner by just placing on our table top.

Parts of this post first appeared in the Little Acorn Learning Enrichment Guides, July Issue.

 

The post Stories from a Summer Night Sky: Learning about Constellations and Legends appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Weekend Links: Be a World Traveler

It’s time for weekend links! This is my top picks for fun, educational, and useful links that will appeal to parents and readers. The summer months are a time for travel and adventure, and I am certainly feeling like a world traveler lately!  I have also seen many, many global-themed activities for kids this week. Here’s some of my favorites:

Busy Bee Crafts had a great craft on making Mexican paperplate maracas

I love this post from Sycamore Stirrings about all the amazing Hawaiian Floral they discovered. Makes me want to head for the tropics!

Kid World Citizen always has amazing crafts and ideas and this time was no different. Check out this activity on making Ghungroo Indian Ankle Bracelets.

 This was a show-stopper too! BlogMeMom has a delightful tutorial on creating a Rainforest in a Box.

I was also thrilled to discover Little Passports this week. Our family loves world travel so this was right up our alley!

Little Passports is your child’s ticket to an exciting global adventure. Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a country’s geography, history and culture in a fun and memorable way.

Sign up for one or both of our subscriptions and follow Sam and Sofia on their exciting adventures around the USA and the world. Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way. Little Passports offers two subscription packages:

World Edition: Join Sam and Sofia as they travel to a new country every month
USA Edition: Travel with Sam and Sofia as they visit two new states every month

If you are looking for a fun and creative way to introduce your kids to geography be sure to check out Little Passports. It would be a great way to learn more about the world around you ~ from the comfort of your living room!

**these links are affiliate links

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