Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 21
November 20, 2018
A STEAM and STEM Activity Book Bundle Giveaway from QuartoKids!
Brimming with creative inspiration, how-to projects, and useful information to enrich your everyday life, Quarto Knows is a favorite destination for those pursuing their interests and passions.
So here’s how also can discover the wonder and quality of Quarto’s activity books for kids…you can enter to win the 8 STEM Activity Book Bundle Giveaway!
Just in time for Christmas too
November 19, 2018
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters
Abrams Books sent me a copy to check out and is partnering with me for a giveaway!
You may already know picture book characters Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Iggy Peck. Now join them for brand-new adventures in their debut chapter book series – ROSIE REVERE AND THE RAUCOUS RIVETERS THE QUESTIONEERS BOOK #1 By Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts
Introducing the Questioneers!
You already know Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Iggy Peck. Now join them for brand-new adventures in their debut chapter book series. Perfect for
every family library!
The Questioneers series is a celebration of STEM, perseverance, and passion. Like its characters, Iggy Peck, Rosie Revere, and Ada Twist, every budding architect, engineer, scientist, mathematician, and leader, will become inspired to solve everyday mysteries and come to think more critically about their world. Most importantly, they will learn that despite the inevitable difficulty in achieving success, they should always continue to “Read. Question. Think.”–and never give up on their dreams.
About The Book | Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters
Rosie Revere is no stranger to flops and fails, kerfuffles and catastrophes. After all, engineering is all about perseverance! But this time, Rosie has a really important project to tackle–one that feels much bigger than herself. Rosie’s beloved Aunt Rose and her friends, the Raucous Riveters–a group of fun-loving gals who built airplanes during World War II–need Rosie’s help. One of the Riveters needs a special contraption to paint in Blue River Creek’s annual mural competition. And Rosie’s just the engineer for the job!
After one flop . . . then another . . . and another . . . Rosie starts to lose hope. But thanks to some help from her classmates Iggy Peck and Ada Twist, Rosie creates the Paintapolooza, and, along with the Riveters, she rediscovers the meaning of home. Recommended for ages 6- 9. Published by Abrams Books
Follow the #THEQUESTIONEERS hashtag on social media, visit the official site, visit the Official Questioneers Site and follow @AbramsKids and @QuestioneerKids on social media.
Abrams Books sent me a copy to check out and is partnering with me for a giveaway!
MEET THE QUESTIONEERS!| Giveaway
One (1) winner receives:
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, plus The Questioneers Collection picture book box-set.
Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Abrams Books.
The post Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters appeared first on Jump Into a Book.
November 15, 2018
Mindfulness for Kids: 30 Fun Activities to Stay Calm, Happy, and In Control
We love supporting authors here at Jump Into a Book, especially ones we know very well!
Award-winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons and her nonfiction children’s book series, “If You Were Me and Lived in…” combines her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us.
But now Carole has a brand new book, Mindfulness for Kids: 30 Fun Activities to Stay Calm, Happy, and In Control and we love the topic and presentation of this book!
Homework horrors, chores, and not-so-friendly friends―that’s enough to make any kid’s brain hurt. The secret to staying cool is easy: it’s called mindfulness―and this Mindfulness for kids gives them fun activities to practice it on their own.
Mindfulness for Kids applies mindfulness exercises to stories and real-life scenarios that kids go through at home, school, or with friends. Shared through the voices of five children, Mindfulness for Kids is an engaging, kid-friendly guide for handling tough situations and powerful emotions mindfully.
It includes real-life scenarios that kids encounter and 30 fun exercises that show them how tricks like a gratitude list can help them relax and feel better from not-so-nice feelings.
About Carole
As long-time successful; businesswoman, Carole admits that writing for children has opened up a whole second act for her. While she is still working in her family business, this has enabled her to share her sense of humor as well as a love for history and culture with the audience she adores.
Carole fondly remembers the day she and her grandson were spending time together on a family trip to Las Vegas. As a curious four-year-old, Carole’s grandson spotted a replica of the Eiffel Tower and asked what it was. After explaining what the iconic Paris, France landmark was, she realized that kids needed a colorful and easy way to learn about the world around them. At that moment the idea for what is now a 50+ book collection was born.
“I wanted a way to explain cultures, provide gentle lessons, show examples of dreaming big to young readers so they don’t feel limited in what they can achieve,” Carole noted. “I also wanted to provide books that acted as introductions to cultures, religions, ethnic foods, historic times and even period dress. It was an exciting new journey that was vastly different than the current role, but one I was thrilled to embark on nonetheless.”
As a very successful business owner, Carole soon found herself “reinventing” her career path in her sixties and taking on the new role of children’s book author. Since that first inspiration moment with her grandson, Carole has self-published five different series-totaling 50+ books.
When not enjoying life with her family on Long Island, Carole can a be found working on her collaborative online publication Indie Authors Monthly. She also hosts two radio shows. One is based on her books, Let’s Say Hello to Our Neighbor, and the other is Navigating Indieworld; a show to help indie author market. The show is inspired by her book of the same name, Navigating Indieworld: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing Your Book
Something To Do
Practice 6 Count Breaths
One of the 30 practical and effective Fun Activities to Stay Calm, Happy, and In Control is practicing “6 Count Breaths”
Practicing calming breathing is an excellent tool that we can give kids for their “managing emotions toolkit.”
Teaching children to breathe provides them with a simple but effective strategy for slowing down, both mentally and physically, helping them to take notice of how they’re feeling and to relax or calm down in the face of overwhelming emotions.
Explaining Mindfulness
Blissful Kids has a great graphic on Mindfulness and the Brain—How to Explain It to Children HERE.
Here are two more wonderful books we’ve reviewed on JIAB on this topic;
Let’s be Magically Mindful when caring for our Earth: The Magical Mindful Day #bookreview
My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing for Kids
Dragons Are Real by Valarie Budayr
What if I told you that all of the fairy tales, myth, and legends that have been told about dragons over the years are WRONG? What if I told you that Dragons are indeed REAL and that they are different than you’ve ever imagined?
Did you know that Dragons are the master of disguises? Did you know that they love sugar and sweets (at unacceptable levels) and will do anything for treats?
Dragons are Real by Valarie Budayr, with illustrations by Michael Welply is a 1st place Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winner and has been named Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2016. As readers turn the pages of this amusing read, they will learn the REAL truth about a dragon. They will discover that the fiercest of beasts in known history can actually make the best of friends. It’s a lesson in finding companionship in the most unusual of places Grab a copy on Amazon.
The post Mindfulness for Kids: 30 Fun Activities to Stay Calm, Happy, and In Control appeared first on Jump Into a Book.
November 13, 2018
A way to give your Favorite Diverse Author some Recognition
We all have family favorites when it comes to books for kids. The ironic thing is that oftentimes some of our favorite books are from authors that are not household names or even have been published traditionally.
Hidden gems of multicultural children’s books lurk on every home’s bookshelves but because many of these favorite authors don’t have huge marketing budgets, they remain a “best-kept secret” despite the fact they produce amazing diverse books for kids.
But the non-profit initiative Multicultural Children’s Book Day has come up with a fun and clever way to use their vibrant social media channels to show children’s book authors some online love and while also raising funds to support their Free Diverse Books for Classrooms Project!
The Friends of MCBD Shout-Out
The Friends of MCBD $25 Shout Out and Recognition of Author Friends
Anyone with a PayPal account can gift an online “shout-out” to an author friend who has a book with diversity themes. MCBD will then acknowledge the Shout-Out shout-out on their Twitter feed (over 13K followers) and Facebook as well.
Nominate and Donate HERE to support the cause and nominate an author for a virtual Shout-Outs!
The Multicultural Children’s Book Day website has some great examples here.
Love kids’ books? Multicultural Children’s Book Day wants to give you a FREE book to review!
Diverse Children’s Book Reviewers -We need you for MCBD2019! (1/25/19)
If you love diverse books for kids and have a social media platform to share a review on, we want to give you a FREE diversity book to review!
In a nutshell; you don’t have to be a blogger to review multicultural children’s books for our MCBD 2019 online event. You just need to have a love of diversity in children’s literature and be willing to share on your social media platforms such as Facebook (Pages only-no Facebook profiles), Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or YouTube.
**We encourage honest Amazon reviews of assigned books whenever possible as well.
SIGN UP HERE to be a MCBD2019 book reviewer or use the embedded form below.
MCBD2019 Book Reviewers: How it All Works
Reviewers can sign up via a Google Sign-up and review a multicultural children’s book for this event.
Reviewers are then “matched” with an author or publisher that will supply them with a free children’s book to review. Reviewers are encouraged to read the books and share their thoughts on the book (a basic book review) in the form of a complete review post that can (optional) contain fun book-related activities that will bring the story to life.
Once their book review post is live (any time between January 1 and January 25, 2019 is good), reviewers are invited to “link up” their blog post on the Linky that will be found on any of our CoHosts’ sites and also the MCCBD website. This linky will go live on January 25th..
Reviewer sign-up for 1/25/2019 (NOTE: We will not be shipping out any books for the 2019 online event until Nov/Dec of 2018!)
Watch for the #ReadYourWorld hashtag on social media and share
The post A way to give your Favorite Diverse Author some Recognition appeared first on Jump Into a Book.
November 11, 2018
Paper Cranes and Kidlit Origami Books for World Origami Day
Today is World Origami Day!
In case you are not entirely sure what exactly that is (or what it means), here’s a little backstory.
In September 2005, OrigamiUSA suggested the idea of celebrating October 24th as a special origami day to celebrate the birthday of Lillian Oppenheimer (1898-1992), co-founder of OrigamiUSA as well as the British Origami Society. Mr. Makoto Yamaguchi, the editor of Origami House, heard about this idea and reminded us that Japan already had a date defined as the origami day: November 11th (or 11/11). So it was proposed that we consider the complete time between October 24th and November 11th as the World Origami Days, or WOD for short.
November 11 also is Origami Day in Japan where the paper crane has become a symbol of peace.
Paper Cranes and Kidlit Origami Books for World Origami Day
When we think of paper cranes, the first book that comes to mind is Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
The story goes that Eleanor revisited Hiroshima in 1963 and saw the statue of Sadako in the Hiroshima Peace Park. Impressed by the stories she heard about Sadako’s talent for running, courage when faced with cancer, and determination to fold one thousand paper cranes, Eleanor was inspired to find a copy of Kokeshi, Sadako’s autobiography. The book inspired her to create a biography of Sadako Sasaki, on that American children could read and enjoy.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes has been translated into many languages and has moved both children and adults to write plays, perform ballets, compose songs, and collect money for peace statues-all celebrating Sadako and her wish for peace. Eleanor has visited schools all around the world encouraging her audiences to work for a nonviolent world. Folded cranes are everywhere, and always underneath the statue of Sadako in Hiroshima’s Peace Park. SOURCE.
More Wonderful Origami Books for Kids
Origami Peace Cranes by Sue DiCicco (Tuttle Publishing)
**Winner Creative Child Magazine 2018 Preferred Choice Award**
Origami Peace Cranes is a multicultural children’s book about the capacity for friendship in all of us, and the power of small, but meaningful actions.
When Emma moves to a new town, she’s afraid she’ll never make friends. She tries her hardest to make a good impression on her new classmates. Through a paper crane origami project, her classmates show her that they really want to get to know her. Later, when a new family moves into her neighborhood, Emma has a great idea how to make them feel welcome!
Fold Me a Poem by Kristine O’Connell
This wonderful book brings poetry to life through the art of paper folding, also-known-as Origami. Kristine O’Connell George is one of the principal voices in contemporary children’s poetry. Since her first highly-acclaimed book, The Great Frog Race was published in 1997, her poetry has generated excitement and earned honors and praise.
Kristine offers tips on her website and even a downloadable Teachers Guide for Origami folding. We hope you enjoy folding some animals of your own experimenting with different shapes and styles.
Origami Fun for Kids Kit: 20 Fantastic Folding and Coloring Projects: Kit with Origami Book, Fun & Easy Projects, 60 Origami Papers by Rita Foelker
*Winner of the 2016 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award**
Origami Fun for Kids is a great way to foster creativity by providing dozens of different paper activities!
Nothing beats the sense of accomplishment that kids gain from making something with their own hands. Parents will love this kit as it allows kids to learn and play at their own pace—and maybe they’ll even join in the fun!
Introduce your child to the basics of folding by folding up old standbys like a paper sailboat, a heart, and a flower.
Create a practical pencil holder and a candy tray—great gifts your child can give with pride.
Fold up a snake, an anteater, a macaw, and other exciting animals!
Create a set of easy-to-fold finger puppets and color them to create an enchanted world of fairies, court jesters, kings, and queens.
There are 20 origami projects in all, combining classic favorites with easy, original origami models. Sixty colorful origami paper sheets are included along with a detailed book and video instruction. Each project is rated by its level of difficulty, so kids can start with the easiest models and progress to more challenging ones when they are ready. (comes with instructional DVD).
RAAARRR! Origami Dinosaurs for Beginners by John Montroll
Montroll is an internationally renowned origami master recaptures the prehistoric allure of dinosaurs with this new series of original models. Twenty famous and lesser-known creatures from the Mesozoic era include a tyrannosaurus, apatosaurus, pterodactylus, dimetrodon, quetzalcoatlus, and protoceratops.
John Montroll designed these striking models with beginning paperfolders in mind. Based on his famous single-square, no-cuts, no-glue approach, they range from the very easy to the low-intermediate level. Each model features helpful diagrams and easy-to-follow instructions.
P.S. I add the “RAAARRR” myself. It’s not really in the title
November 8, 2018
Organizations and Books that Speak Up For Endangered Animals
Animals in the wild, especially ones that are at great risk and endangered don’t have a voice.
We need to be their voice. And here’s how we can help.
Books that Speak Up For Endangered Animals
Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel
What caught my eye instantly with Hello Hello was that there is a Pangolin on the cover. Pangolins, or scaly anteaters, are native to the jungles of Vietnam and are highly poached for their scales which many believe have medicinal properties. They are among the most trafficked mammals in the world.
In Hello Hello, past Caldecott Honor winner Wenzel shows readers through bold and vivid illustration how to say “hello” to creatures of all shapes and sizes. This seeming simple picture book is a look at similarities and differences that become a story of connection and a proud nod to our diverse and wild natural world.
Though this book does not directly focus on the endangers aspect of animals, we do know that Brendan is a life-long activist and advocate for wildlife. The animals in the book, many of whom are at great risk and endangered also greet each other with cheery “Hellos.” The animal groups are linked to each other by traits that start out simple and observable and continue with qualities that are more thoughtful and complex. This book is a “must have” for family and classroom bookshelves!
Snowy the Leopard of the High Mountains tells the compelling tale of a little cub who overcomes danger through friendship, patience, and courage. Snowy becomes separated from her mother as they run away from menacing fur hunters. Lost and lonely, the little leopard cub makes new forest friends who teach her all she needs to know to find her way back home.
This beautiful book teaches respect for animals and nature and the illustrations from Xuna Loc Xuan brings a whole spectrum of emotions to the table. In a kid-friendly way, Snowy addresses the issue of poaching and the damaging impact it has on the endangered snow leopard. It’s a heartbreaking fact that each day, one snow leopard is poached – and experts estimate that there are only around 4,000 of them left.
Giant: A Panda of the Enchanted Forest tells the story of Giant, a panda bear. Giant is lounging in the majestic Sichuan forest, chewing on his bamboo shoots. Suddenly a forest fire starts because people from the city are clear-burning the forest for development! Giant seeks help and tries to extinguish the fire, but everything seems lost. It will only be by the heroic sacrifices of Giant and his friends that the forest and its inhabitants are saved.
This lovely hardcover book addresses the topic of deforestation and the tragic impact it has on animals. This book cleverly shares this issue in a gentle, yet impactful way, encouraging young readers to work towards a better future for the giant panda. Fact: With only around 2060 pandas living in the wild, the giant panda is considered vulnerable of extinction by the IUCN.
Endangered Animals: A 3D Pocket Guide
Humans are increasing the rate of extinction by up to 10,000 times — and here is a compelling look at some of the most endangered animals. What if the world had no more giant pandas? Or Siberian tigers, Asian elephants, or Sumatran orangutans? Would the ocean be the same without leatherback turtles or Hector’s dolphins? Explore these and six more species in a guide with a helpful glossary in this book.
Little Otter Learns to Swim
When we think of otters, the words that oftentimes pop into our minds are things like “cute,” “playful,” “graceful,” or “mischievous.” But usually the word “endangered” doesn’t come to mind. But, nationwide, river otters are experiencing a resurgence after over-trapping led to near extinction in some areas in the twentieth century. But it’s true and that fact needs to be shouted from the rooftops.
Experienced picture book author Artie Knapp and renowned wildlife artist Guy Hobbs pay tribute to these North American mammals, showing children how otters play and survive in their natural habitat.
In this endearing and beautifully illustrated picture book, a baby river otter learns to swim, dive, and play in her natural habitat. Buy your copy on Amazon and go here to learn more about the River Otter Project.
Follow the Moon Home
Follow the Moon Home: A tale of one idea, twenty kids, and hundred sea turtles by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson maybe a long title, but the book is a quick and delightful read for kids.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
-The Lorax
How many kids think it would be so cool to see a baby Loggerhead Turtle hatch and waddle over the sandy beach to the ocean, their home? I still think that’s cool! and Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson tell this wonderful story about one girl, with the help of her friend, classmates, and community, who made a difference and saved hundreds of baby Loggerhead Turtles by spreading awareness in their community about turning off the lights along the beach.
In the back of the book, the authors provide an action plan for a kid who wants to make a change and doesn’t know where to start.
Something To Do| Organizations that Speak Up For Endangered Animals
Capstone Publishing is declaring November as Endangered Animals Month and they are using their platform to help students learn about endangered animals and how to #speakup for their protection. Search #PebbleGo on social media or visit Capstone’s website page for quiz, activities, and downloadables related to endangered animals of the world.
Why Save Species?
Congress answered this question in the preamble to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, recognizing that endangered and threatened species of wildlife and plants “are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people.” Learn more at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s website here.
Use your Art to get involved with the Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest
About Endangered Species Day isn’t until March of 2019, but here’s how kids, teachers, and families can get involved:
Saving Endangered Species Youth Art ContestEndangered Species Day is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions they can take to help protect them. Started in 2006 by the United States Congress, Endangered Species Day is a celebration of the nation’s wildlife and wild places. Every year on the third Friday in May (and throughout the month), zoos, aquariums, parks, botanic gardens, wildlife refuges, museums, schools, community centers, conservation groups and other organizations throughout the country hold tours, special speaker presentations, exhibits, children’s activities and more to celebrate Endangered Species Day.
*2019 Contest Guidelines are here. March 1, 2019 is the deadline for submissions.
World Wildlife Fund, in collaboration with the London Zoological Society, recently published a study entitled, “Living Planet Report 2014,” that addresses the fact of global species loss. Overall, the report deduced that in the past 40 years, the world has lost a stunning 52 percent of wildlife.
Learn more at http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/wildlife-lost-in-forty-years-graphic/
Deforestation is one of the many reasons certain species are disappearing. With education, people can be taught the value of forests and the importance of caring for them and all life on planet earth. Being educated means to gather all the facts before making a decision. Sites like OneTreePlanted.org EarthDay.org and the ArborDayFoundation.org are working tirelessly on “reforestation” to combat the deforestation.
Supporting these organizations (and others like them) and arming yourself with the facts I’ve given you will help you know how to make the right decision and be responsible for caring for the earth.
What can YOU do to protect our world’s vanishing animals?
Experience the magical story of a family of foxes that took up residence right in the front yard of the author and publisher, Valarie Budayr. The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden offers an enthusiastically educational opportunity to observe this fox family grow and learn together.
From digging and hunting to playing and resting, this diary shares a rare glimpse into the private lives of Momma Rennie and her babies. Come to watch as they navigate this wildly dangerous but still wonderful world. Great to share with your children or students, The Fox Diaries speaks to the importance of growing and learning both individually and as a family unit.
It is a perfect book for story time or family sharing. Not only can you read about the daily rituals of this marvelous fox family, but there is also an information-packed resource section at the end of the book that includes lots of facts and even a few “fox movies” that you can enjoy with your family. Grab your copy of this beautiful and inspiring book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble Nook.
The post Organizations and Books that Speak Up For Endangered Animals appeared first on Jump Into a Book.
November 6, 2018
A Picture Book about Pediatric Heart Conditions, Courage and Love
There are so many lovely picture books available these days that help young readers understand empathy and the courageous struggles that go along with being someone who is “different.”
A Heart’s Journey Home: The Adventures of Eli Benjamin Bear, however, is the first picture book I’ve read about pediatric heart conditions that helps kids understand the bravery and long journey that youngsters who are born prematurely, and with heart conditions, must face.
This delightful book may, or may not have, made my eyes leak a little.
The story of Eli Benjamin Bear and his new Heroic Heart is a wonderful adventure about a baby bear born with a heart condition which sends him to a faraway hospital without his mom. This book for ages K-6 introduces a little bear named Eli Benjamin Bear who was born prematurely and had a heart challenge that could only be fixed in a Human Hospital for Kids.
When Eli gets sent far away from his parents, he finds himself smack-dab in the middle of serious adventures. With love and new friends, he discovers the secrets of a Heroic Heart. With his mother’s loving and secretly coded lullaby in his heart, his father’s “Bear Essentials Code” to live by, and a caring nurse’s lessons, Eli begins to repair his heart from the outside in and then from the inside out.
This is the poem that Eli’s father gave him at birth called, “The Bear Essentials Code… of Life”But Eli’s rhyming story becomes a race against time when he must beat a pending blizzard to find his way home before hibernation puts him into a long winter’s sleep. He shares his heart along the way, saving a rascally raccoon and a honey bee in need. And then only with their help, in turn, can he succeed in his quest.
It’s a story of courage that I promise will resonate with all children (and grown-ups too!).
“In this children’s tale in verse, a young bear has a heart operation and must find his way home to hibernate before winter sets in… A book that introduces kids to inner-wisdom concepts in an unusual, entertaining, and warm-hearted manner.” Kirkus Reviews
Follow Eli’s adventures on the Eli Bear Stories website.
About The Author
After serving as a lifetime marketing and branding executive for two Fortune 100 companies and his own branding agency for professional athletes (including Four-Time NASCAR Champion, Jeff Gordon), Hal Price moved from Atlanta, GA in 2015 to the small beach town of Carpinteria, CA to put his heart and lifetime skills to work writing and telling stories, volunteering and speaking.
In 2015, Hal realized that the rich, longtime family tradition of bedtime stories were slowly becoming a thing of the past and the long-term implications of children not receiving nurturing, quality time each evening with their parent(s). It was with this awareness in mind that Hal was driven to create a new series of stories that were fun, uplifting and full of great lessons about life, love, challenges, families, and friendships.
Hal is currently completing a series of virtues and values-based adventure books designed to teach important lessons of the heart
Something To Do
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation supports and assists families living on the Central Coast, providing financial assistance, emotional support groups and education programs with the help of the community. Families can apply for up to $5,000 for payment of rent or mortgage, auto expenses, utility bills, medications, home care services, counseling, and child care. This non-profit also offers families gasoline gift cards and hospital cafeteria gift vouchers. Learn more about this amazing organization here.
Your kids will love watching heartwarming stories about Lost and Found Teddy Bears!
Make your own Eli Bear!
Make your own Eli Bear with his simple brown bear puppet craft is the perfect preschool craft to go with the book. Be sure and include Eli Benjamin Bear’s signature zippered heart as well. Get the instructions at CoffeeCupsandCrayons.
Happy Reading!
Dragons Are Real by Valarie Budayr
What if I told you that all of the fairy tales, myth, and legends that have been told about dragons over the years are WRONG? What if I told you that Dragons are indeed REAL and that they are different from what you’ve ever imagined?
Did you know that Dragons are the master of disguises? Did you know that they love sugar and sweets (at unacceptable levels) and will do anything for treats?
Dragons are Real by Valarie Budayr, with illustrations by Michael Welply is a 1st place Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winner and has been named Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2016. As readers turn the pages of this amusing read, they will learn the REAL truth about a dragon. They will discover that the fiercest of beasts in known history can actually make the best of friends. It’s a lesson in finding companionship in the most unusual of places Grab a copy on Amazon.
The post A Picture Book about Pediatric Heart Conditions, Courage and Love appeared first on Jump Into a Book.
November 3, 2018
Jump Into a Book is a CoHost for MCBD2019!
The team at JIAB is excited to announce that we get to be a CoHost for the much-anticipated Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD) 2019 (1/25/19)! This is a huge honor and we couldn’t be more excited!
MCBD is a non-profit that works with authors to get their books reviewed during our online event and also works to get free diversity children’s books into the hands of young readers.
The online event/holiday takes the last Friday of every January so this year it will fall on 1/25/19. In our 4th and 5th year, the event brought in over 3 billion social media share impressions and we expect the same sort of buzz and traction for their 6th year.
So what is a CoHost?
MCBD CoHosts are a group of hand-selected, powerhouse bloggers and parents who all share the same passion for reading and understand the importance of diversity in children’s literature. They also act as ambassadors for MCBD’s yearly event by assisting in spreading the word, extending the event’s reach through social media and acting as hosts sites for the wildly popular book review/blog post-link-up that occurs on the actual day of the holiday.
As we enter the 6th year of this online, non-profit event, Jump Into a Book is proudly one of 24 CoHosts for the 2019 event and WOW, we are in some pretty impressive company!
Here is just a sample of the CoHosts for Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2019:
MCBD 2019 Co-Hosts
The following list is a special group of hand-selected children’s book advocates, writers, and bloggers who work with the MCBD Team in extending the reach and spreading the word of Multicultural Children’s Book Day.
These CoHosts and Global CoHost’s sites will also host the wildly-popular book review/blog post-link-up that occurs during the last week in January. We would appreciate if you could take a few minutes and visit each of these excellent blogs. These reviewers and powerhouse bloggers were selected by the MCCBD team because of their true dedication to supporting diversity in children’s literature.
A Crafty Arab: Kay Tarapolsi is a Libyan American artist who creates art to promote a positive image of Arab culture. Kay creates handmade Arab, Fa
rsi and Urdu crafts and cards. Check out her wares on Zibbet (www.ACraftyArab.zibbet.com), Amazon, Etsy or select stores in Seattle, WA, Dearborn, MI, and Washington, DC. The Arabic Alphabet Animal Poster became an idea back in 2002 when Kay received an alphabet poster (in English) by Jill M. Schmidt, a published illustrator of children’s books. Kay realized there was a need for an Arabic poster that was bright, fun and colorful and began working with Jill in 2010 to create this product line. Kay teaches Arab art education to various schools in the Pacific Northwest and has been an artist in residence in several summer camps.
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, G+
Leanna is a stay at home mother to two sweet, funny, rambunctious boys and a sweet baby girl! Sh
e draws inspiration from the Writings of the Bahá’í Faith and tries to raise her Monkeys in a fun, spiritual, loving environment. She and her husband, who is from Costa Rica, are raising their boys to be bilingual and bicultural but more importantly to be “world citizens.” All Done Monkey is dedicated to sharing this journey with you! All Done Monkey focuses on multiculturalism, children’s education, natural parenting, and spiritual education.
Leanna is the founder of Multicultural Kid Blogs.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, G+
Barefoot Mommy
I’m Rebekah. Mommy, kidlit nut, social justice crusader, and your companion on the journey to raising little global citizens who are ready to change the world. From deciding I create a found worker rights nonprofit when I was fresh out of seminary, to helping my5-year-old write a letter to our Senator about ending deportations, I’ve always had this crazy idea that my life could be aligned with my purpose. I believe that as parents, we have a purpose that’s even bigger than helping our kids become successful.
We can help kids discover how to make our world a compassionate and fair place for every child on this planet. We can show them how to become Justice Kiddos.
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator and reading specialist with experience teaching in the US and in international schools. She also offers reading courses for parents/caregivers at Biracial Bookworms Academy. Her goal is to help parents and educators raise readers, activists, and leaders using multicultural and diverse books, culturally rich experiences, and learning multiple languages.
Connect with Bethany on: Pinterest Instagram Facebook Twitter Biracial Bookworms Academy, Google+ Goodreads
Books My Kids Read – Michelle is a parent of two girls and a lover of all things children’s literature. Her blog was born out of a need to find appropriate re
ading material for her advanced reader and has turned into a place to share interesting books that her family has found. Michelle’s passion for multi-cultural children’s literature stems from the fact that she is raising her girls to be Jewish in a community where they are in a complete minority. In addition, she loves finding books with really strong female characters who stand up to outdated traditions. When not blogging, Michelle writes for a local magazine, teaches Hebrew school, and shares her love of books by being an independent consultant for Usborne Books & More.
Connect with Michelle on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram
To view the rest of the rest of the impressive CoHost, visit the CoHost and Global CoHost Page on the MCBD site HERE.
So how can you get involved in Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2019? Here are some ways
Donate Books: For our next online event (1/25/19) we will have hundreds of book reviewers signed up to review diverse children’s books on their blogs or on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Authors and publishers have the option of offering copies of their multicultural children’s books to our reviewers to review and write a social media review about. There are no guarantees that we will be able to match your book to a reviewer(s), but if this interests you, let me know. We will provide you with names and addresses and you mail your book directly to the reviewer.
Go here to sign up as a book donator and send a copy diverse book to the below address. The book you send will then be donated to a classroom.
**NOTE: We do not limit book reviewers to just bloggers. There are so many book-loving moms who have vibrant social media channels we have opened up review options to include social media to give those who are not bloggers a chance to share books with their followers.
Multiple options for Sponsorship: Sponsorship is not only a great way to support this event; it is an excellent way to get your name (and your books) in front of thousands of readers. All of our Sponsors get a name mention within the hundreds of reviews that get posted from December to January 25th and also on the sites of our 20+ CoHosts sites. The first consideration for matching books to reviewers always goes to our paid Sponsors first as well.
Check out their Sponsorship levels range from Platinum to Author Level and “Friends of MCBD” to fit any budget. http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/sponsorship/sponsorship-info/
Connect with us on social media and share, share, share! Their official hashtag is #ReadYourWorld
– Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MulticulturalChildrensBookDay
– Twitter https://twitter.com/MCChildsBookDay
-Instagram https://www.instagram.com/readyourworldmcbd/
-Reminder: The hashtag for this event is #ReadYourWorld
4. Be a Book Reviewer!
If you love diverse books for kids and have a social media platform to share a review on, MCBD wants to give you a FREE diversity book to review!
In a nutshell; you don’t have to be a blogger to review multicultural children’s books for the MCBD 2019 online event. You just need to have a love of diversity in children’s literature and be willing to share on your social media platforms such as Facebook (Pages only), Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or YouTube.
SIGN UP HERE to be a MCBD2019 book reviewer or use the embedded form below.
MCBD Links to remember:
MCBD site: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/
Free Multicultural Books for Teachers: http://bit.ly/1kGZrta
Free Classroom Empathy Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians, and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/mcbd2018s-free-classroom-empathy-kit-is-here-empathy-immigration/
Free Kindness Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/teachers-classroom-kindness-kit/
Free Diversity Book Lists and Activities for Teachers and Parents: http://bit.ly/1sZ5s8i
Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use their official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.
The post Jump Into a Book is a CoHost for MCBD2019! appeared first on Jump Into a Book.
November 1, 2018
A Fun Fox Gift Guide for Kids (and maybe Adults too)
Gift shopping can be fun; especially shopping for kids. And there’s a segment of the population that doesn’t mind hunting for the perfect gift for the youngsters on their list in the crushing of herds of frothing-for-holiday-deal shoppers.
And then there is the type of consumer (:: sneaks hand up::) that prefers shopping intentionally, calmly, and mindful… and doing so online.
Either way is completely acceptable and we highly, highly recommend buying from a locally owned brick-n-mortar business whenever possible. But for those of us who don’t like sweating under heavy coats or standing in line for 4 hours to save fifty dollars, there are amazing online stores or sites like Etsy that are bursting with delightful gifts for the fox fanatic in your life.
The Fox Gift Guide for Kids/BOOKS
Books are the gift kids can open again and again.
Bedtime in the Meadow Padded Board Book for Babies
It’s time for the animals in the meadow to find their way back home to sleep. Butterfly rests on a cattail, dragonflies settle on leaves, and bees gather in their hive. Families of foxes, ducks, and rabbits cuddle close for slumber. Rhyming text and soft, inviting illustrations make this an ideal bedtime read.
The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden by Valarie Budayr
Experience the magical story of a family of foxes that took up residence right in the front yard of the author and publisher, Valarie Budayr. The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden offers an enthusiastically educational opportunity to observe this fox family grow and learn together.
From digging and hunting to playing and resting, this diary shares a rare glimpse into the private lives of Momma Rennie and her babies. Come to watch as they navigate this wildly dangerous but still wonderful world. Great to share with your children or students, The Fox Diaries speaks to the importance of growing and learning both individually and as a family unit.
It is a perfect book for story time or family sharing. Not only can you read about the daily rituals of this marvelous fox family, but there is also an information-packed resource section at the end of the book that includes lots of facts and even a few “fox movies” that you can enjoy with your family. Grab your copy of this beautiful and inspiring book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble Nook.
Fox Gift Guide/ FRIENDS
Einar the fox is a wise young king. Always ready to work hard to make his little kingdom a better place to live. A very humble and noble fox. The Fox is made from wool, cotton, stuffed with non-allergenic polyester fiber and embroidered with thread. Robin is about 15” (38cm) long. Soooo Ka-UTE! Check out Einar and his other fox buddies here on Etsy.
Fox Gift Guide/SWAG
What Does The Fox Say? t-shirt (comes in women’s, men’s and youth!)
Be sure and keep little feet warm with these fox slippers! On those cold days, cozy warm fuzzy animal slippers are the way to go! these are the perfect companion to your little one’s favorite jammies.
So, as your child (or adult bestie) is cuddled up with their fox books, snuggling Einar the Fox, sporting a stylish What Did the Fox Say? t-shirt, of course you are going to want to have them be sipping out of their Not Today I’m Booked Mug for book lovers!
Could life get more perfect?!
Enjoy your fox-filled holiday season!
Experience the magical story of a family of foxes that took up residence right in the front yard of the author and publisher, Valarie Budayr. The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden offers an enthusiastically educational opportunity to observe this fox family grow and learn together.
From digging and hunting to playing and resting, this diary shares a rare glimpse into the private lives of Momma Rennie and her babies. Come to watch as they navigate this wildly dangerous but still wonderful world. Great to share with your children or students, The Fox Diaries speaks to the importance of growing and learning both individually and as a family unit.
It is a perfect book for story time or family sharing. Not only can you read about the daily rituals of this marvelous fox family, but there is also an information-packed resource section at the end of the book that includes lots of facts and even a few “fox movies” that you can enjoy with your family.
Grab your copy of this beautiful and inspiring book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble Nook.
The post A Fun Fox Gift Guide for Kids (and maybe Adults too) appeared first on Jump Into a Book.
October 30, 2018
Otter Ecology Project | Little Otter Learns to Swim
Loving and protecting our world’s nature and animal resources has always been something that is near-and-dear to our hearts here at Jump Into A Book.
When we think of otters, the words that oftentimes pop into our minds are things like “cute,” “playful,” “graceful,” or “mischievous.” But usually the word “endangered” doesn’t come to mind. But, nationwide, river otters are experiencing a resurgence after over-trapping led to near extinction in some areas in the twentieth century. But it’s true and that fact needs to be shouted from the rooftops.
Otter Ecology Project | Little Otter Learns to Swim
In September, Ohio University Press published Little Otter Learns to Swim; a picture book for ages four and up.
Experienced picture book author Artie Knapp and renowned wildlife artist Guy Hobbs pay tribute to these North American mammals, showing children how otters play and survive in their natural habitat.
In this endearing and beautifully illustrated picture book, a baby river otter learns to swim, dive, and play in her natural habitat.
Encouraged by her mother, the little otter soon sets out to explore on her own, quickly learning to escape shoreline predators and to find her way back to the security of home.
“Sure to become a favorite for readers of all ages…Even better, in the end, there is a list of interesting facts about river otters to help you answer the many questions your youngster will undoubtedly ask. Little Otter Learns to Swim is the new must-have for your student’s bookshelf!” Sheila Cooper, board member, New Jersey Literacy Association
Both Knapp and Hobbs collaborated together to not only create an exceptional conservation-based picture book for kids, but the story is also followed by two pages of fun facts about river otters as well as information and resources from the River Otter Ecology Project.
River Otter Ecology Project
The River Otter Ecology Project researches and documents the status and ecology of local river otter populations; educates the public about their important role as apex carnivores in healthy watersheds; and networks with local organizations working on-the-ground to restore and protect their habitat.
One of their projects in an online sightings database where we document and share river otter observations (including photos/video). This allows them to begin documenting the range of the population, of which nothing is currently known. This data will also help them in a selection of sites to set up remote-camera observational points in various watersheds.
Something To Do
Give The River Otter Ecology Project a helping hand!
If you have sighted a river otter recently please let them know by going to their website, www.riverotterecology.org, click on the Otter Spotter icon, and fill in the easy online form.
Bring Your Own Otter to Life!
Thanks to this sweet craft idea from KidsandCreatures, kids can make their own curious otter!
What’s the Difference Between a Sea Otter and a River Otter? BeachChairScientist has the scoop.
Experience the magical story of a family of foxes that took up residence right in the front yard of the author and publisher, Valarie Budayr. The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden offers an enthusiastically educational opportunity to observe this fox family grow and learn together.
From digging and hunting to playing and resting, this diary shares a rare glimpse into the private lives of Momma Rennie and her babies. Come to watch as they navigate this wildly dangerous but still wonderful world. Great to share with your children or students, The Fox Diaries speaks to the importance of growing and learning both individually and as a family unit.
It is a perfect book for story time or family sharing. Not only can you read about the daily rituals of this marvelous fox family, but there is also an information-packed resource section at the end of the book that includes lots of facts and even a few “fox movies” that you can enjoy with your family. Grab your copy of this beautiful and inspiring book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble Nook.
The post Otter Ecology Project | Little Otter Learns to Swim appeared first on Jump Into a Book.
