Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 29
March 29, 2018
April Showers Bring May Flowers (and lots of #Booklists!)
Do you remember hearing the childhood rhyme, “April Showers Bring May Flowers?” The reality is that April showers DO bring spring May flowers and, to me, the underlying message is abundance. So, whether we are talking flowers or unique holidays, there is much to celebrate in April.
Here are the sweetness/highlights/hints of what is yet to come in April. Enjoy!
April 1 is Easter!
Whether you call it Pascha or Easter, whether you celebrate it at midnight or in the morning, the Feast of the Resurrection is the most important day of the year for Christians all over the world. Here are 6 amazing and diverse Easter picture books.
April is Poetry Month!
National Poetry Month each April is the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K-12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, bloggers, and, of course, poets marking poetry’s important place in our culture and our lives.
While we celebrate poets and poetry year-round, the Academy of American Poets was inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), and founded National Poetry Month in April 1996 with an aim to:
highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets,
encourage the reading of poems,
assist teachers in bringing poetry into their classrooms,
increase the attention paid to poetry by national and local media,
encourage increased publication and distribution of poetry books, and
encourage support for poets and poetry.
April is National Kite Month!
Here’s a fun Kite-themed booklist that is perfect for building excitement for a kite-flying adventure.
April 2 is International Children’s Book Day
International Children’s Book Day(ICBD) is a yearly event sponsored by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), an international non-profit organization. April the 2nd was chosen to mark this day for young literature lovers as it’s the same date as Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, the author of many famous children’s stories like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. I have a post with some fun facts on things you may not have known about Hans Christian Anderson.
April 8- 14, 2018: National Library Week
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.
Celebrations during National Library Week include: National Library Workers Day, celebrated the Tuesday of National Library Week (April 10, 2018), a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers; National Bookmobile Day, celebrated the Wednesday of National Library Week (April 11, 2018), a day to recognize the contributions of our nation’s bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities; and Take Action for Libraries Day, a national library advocacy effort observed on the Thursday of National Library Week (April 12, 2018).
The Public Awareness Office of the American Library Association coordinates the promotion and placing of articles in national media. Librarians, Friends and trustees of libraries join in sponsoring local promotions. Posters and other promotional materials are available through the ALA Graphics Catalog.
The ALA Public Awareness Committee assists in planning National Library Week and related activities. The committees holds open meetings at the ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting. Suggestions are welcome.
April 12: D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read)
Here are some great read alouds and picture book review roundups to help your family D.E.A.R.. 27 “dragon-themed” picture books for beginning readers
And some other top picks for fun read alouds:
April 21 is World Creativity and Innovation Day
When it comes to book reviews that showcase how Creatively Changed the world. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is one of my favorite middle-grade book about courage, innovation, and creativity.
April 22 is Earth Day:
Who doesn’t love Earth Day! 27 Books that Hug the Earth: An Earth Day Booklist for Kids
April 23: World Book Day
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) created this special day to celebrate books, authors, publishers, and illustrators. After all, reading is a huge part of our lives! World Book Day promotes reading to children and people in underprivileged areas.
April 27, 2018 is Arbor Day
A great chance to talk about nature conservancy and the importance of State Parks with your family.
What books and book-related holidays will YOU be recognizing in April?
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The post April Showers Bring May Flowers (and lots of #Booklists!) appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 27, 2018
Discover what Hidden Dangers lurk in this new #PictureBook from Chronicle!
They creep. They slither. They gallop, fly and swim. The world’s deadliest creatures can be hard to spot unless you are right on top of them!
Author Lola M. Schaefer and illustrator, Tymn Armstrong explore 13 of the world’s deadliest creatures in the vibrant new picture book, Hidden Dangers published by Chronicle Books.
About Hidden Dangers
From the Golden Poison Dart Frog or the Tarantula Hawk Wasp to the mighty Hippo and Grizzly, Lola and Tymn have created a beautiful tapestry on each page that challenges the readers to spot the creature before it spots them! They also invite readers to dig deeper into the facts about each dangerous critter so they can learn how to spot, and survive, and encounter with one.
“Like us, animals try to avoid danger. But if someone, or something, invades their turf and startles them, they’ll use their natural defense mechanisms to protect themselves. In some cases, their defense is nothing more than a harsh sting. Other times, it may be a venomous tentacle, barbed quills, or poison-oozing skin. Just like in the real world, you may not see all of the animals in the book at first glance. Take a few moments to look under leaves, stare closely at a wave or peer into a dense forest. Sometimes danger is right in front of you~”
Hidden Dangers is a hardcover picture book for ages 5-8.
Note from Valarie: The author is very straightforward about the topic of animal injuries and possible death. Though refreshing, not all parents will appreciate the blunt and slightly graphic descriptions of the dangers.
Something To Do | Hidden Dangers-related FUN
There are so many wonderful ways for kids to learn about animals in the wild. Here are a few of the best sites for kids to be entertained while learning:
Switch Zoo
Switch Zoo is another site where the learning is slightly disguised by fun! Children can play animal games, create their own wacky new animals, even solve jigsaw puzzles.
World Wildlife Fund
As well as discovering more about endangered species and the important work the WWF does, this website has lots of great educational materials about animals. Check out tabs like Species, browse the excellent close-up images, and find the answers to questions like Why Are Sloths Slow?
National Geographic’s magazine for the younger set: an appealing mix of articles on wildlife, entertainment, science, technology, extreme sports, adventures, amazing kids, and world wonders.National Geographic Kids magazine: 10 issues per year, with large pullout posters and maps, collectible trading cards, contests, stickers, cover wraps, and more.
See Ya Later Alligator! | Alligator Crafts for Kids
Kids love animals so creating crafts featuring them has an extra appeal and face it alligators are pretty exciting animals. MomFoodie.com has shared a handful of fun alligator-themed activities and the crafts in this collection were not just chosen for the ease of doing them with children, but also for their displayability. Have fun!
A Not-so-Scary Critter | The Fox Diaries.
This four-legged woodland creature is not something you want to run up to and pet, but their beauty and exuberant personalities are hard to beat!
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 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, there is 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 HERE.
The post Discover what Hidden Dangers lurk in this new #PictureBook from Chronicle! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 25, 2018
Weekend Links | Picture Books About FOOD
Food. Who doesn’t love it? Not only do we love to eat it, kids love to read about and books about food can open up a discussion about healthy eating, introduce young readers to other cultures and traditions…or just be fun reads! This week during my online travels I have come across many amazing books and booklists surrounding the yummy topic of FOOD.
Enjoy!
Allie from No Time for Flashcards has an excellent list of 18 Picture Books About Food
Brandon Makes Jiǎo Zi (餃子) is about a little Chinese-American boy named Brandon who gets a surprise visit from his grandma from China, Pó Po (婆婆).
While Brandon and Pó Po (婆婆) are making Chinese dumplings, called jiǎo zi (餃子), Brandon makes a mess and he and Pó Po (婆婆) have a good laugh! They chat and bond over the experience. Then Brandon eats and eats and eats and makes a surprise at the end that delights the whole family! This story includes some conversational Mandarin Chinese (including Pinyin – pronunciation) and is written the way a real Chinese grandmother and her Chinese-American grandson would speak with each other. It is a fun read for families with children who are learning or are interested in, Mandarin or Chinese culture.
Making noodles from scratch – little hands that cook with books- The Educator’s Spin on It
Johnny Appleseed Story & Mini Apple Pie Activity-How to Homeschool My Child.
Garden delights also make for good reading. Fantastic Fun and Learning has a great round-up of Vegetable Books
I LOVE this “Cookies and Bookies” idea from Growing Book by Book-Start a Cookies and Bookies ritual with your kids.
Here’s a flashback to my very popular Secret Garden Wednesday series.
My book A Year in the Secret Garden is filled with recipes and ideas inspired by the classic book, The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett Hodges.
One of my more popular posts in this series was my Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe! Sticky Toffee Pudding is warm, delicious and completely lovely. It’s also something we love to whip up even when it’s NOT cold outside. Give it a try and pretend you are transported back to the times of Mary, Dickon, and Martha. From the book, A Year in the Secret Garden (page 63) Get the full recipe HERE.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
picture source-Food Network
Strega Nona Pasta Night
Awhile back, blogger Kara Fleck did a wonderful post about her family’s favorite book and a fun recipe that went with!
Strega Nona is a story about listening, following rules, having respect for others … and it is also a story about magic, kindness, teaching, and sharing.
Reading Strega Nona is a frequent occurrence at our house, and it is only natural that my family and I think of Strega Nona and her magic pasta pot when we have spaghetti dinners. Spaghetti is an easy meal to make and, depending on the type of sauce you use, can either be a quick meal to pull together or a slow, lingering afternoon of preparation as you get the sauce just right.
Either way, preparing a pasta dinner together is a nice excuse for families to spend time in the kitchen. And, if you know the magic words for your own pasta pot, you can be sure there will be exactly the right amount for every hungry belly at your table. Read Kara’s Sharing “Magic” Pasta post HERE.
Rice and Rocks by Sandra Richards may sound a little odd, but the book’s title refers to the Jamaican staple rice and peas, a dish Richard’s nephew avoided eating because he thought the peas looked like rocks. The reference serves as the central theme of Rice & Rocks, which follows Giovanni and his magic parrot on a journey around the world to find other places where rice and beans are enjoyed. Young readers travel with Giovanni from Japan to Puerto Rico to New Orleans, returning home just in time for dinner to be served. Sandra has also been one of our returning Author Sponsors for Multicultural Children’s Book Day and you can read more about her and Rice & Rocks HERE.
What sort of deliciousness will you read this weekend?
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If you are looking for a fun digital and interactive children’s story inspired by a kids’ classic story, you will love The Ultimate Guide to Charlie out into the World.
Enter a world where collaborative play is woven into the fabric of our everyday family life. The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will open the door to transforming relationships, encouraging new perspectives, and indulging in the happiness and the joy of innovating with your children.
Who is Charlie? The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an interactive, adventure that leads us through the Chocolate Factory with stops along the way to create, laugh, and learn. It reawakens the passion and idea of “jumping” inside the pages of this book with the knowledge that each chapter is a gateway into a magical world. Now available on iTunes, it’s your opportunity to truly experience where art, literature, and technology meet allowing you to feel the story like never before.
Charlie was born of a unique collaboration between co-authors Valarie Budayr and Roscoe Welply, this dynamic duo along with Kite Readers have crafted an enchanting world that leaps from the pages, and coaxes the reader to immerse themselves in the adventures that await them at the Chocolate Factory.
What You Can Expect with Charlie:
A bridge between the “plugged” and “unplugged” world for families
A book that brings families together reading and enjoying their imaginations.
Creation of an atmosphere where reading becomes a family event instead of a solitary act.
The option to educate, inform, and entice children to want to know more about the world they live in.
The delight of pulling the story off the pages, and the act of bringing the pages to LIFE.
Gather your family and come along on a magical journey into one of the most beloved children’s books of all time to experience a story like never before. You will have a front row seat to this delightfully illustrated and fabulously written children’s enhanced digital e-book that will come to life with not only a great story, but over 20 activities and crafts that will spark their imagination and awaken their inner child.
Are you ready for an adventure? Enter HERE to start the Charlie experience or grab your download on iTunes.
Disclaimer: This book is not affiliated or associated with the author, publisher, or distributors of Roald Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The post Weekend Links | Picture Books About FOOD appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 18, 2018
March Picture Book #Kidlit Book Bundle #Giveaway!
Books! Books! I have so many books!
I am truly blessed to be able to receive and review children’s books from amazing authors and publishers…but I am running out of room on my bookshelf! So what do you do when you have too many books?
You give them away
March 15, 2018
#PictureBook Recommends for Read Aloud 15 Minutes Month
Reading aloud is a wonderful chance to share adventure, intrigue, and emotion – and that is irreplaceable. Connect with your child through a book and be transported to another time and place — together. March is the perfect time to create a new habit in honor of Read Aloud 15 Minutes Month.
Books are such a wonderful way for kids of all ages to experience imagination, adventure and learning in a bright, colorful and fun way. Family reading, unfortunately, has gone by the wayside these days, but something as simple as 15 minutes of reading aloud time can having lasting effects on young readers.
Another huge benefit for families is that this “quiet time” is nurturing young minds and creating a healthy habit that will follow them into adulthood.
Read Aloud 15 MINUTES
Read Aloud 15 MINUTES is a non-profit organization that is working to make reading aloud every day for at least 15 minutes the new standard in child care.
When every child is read aloud to for 15 minutes every day from birth, more children will be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten, more children will have the literacy skills needed to succeed in school, and they will be prepared for a productive and meaningful life after school.
This month this organization is exploding with amazing posters, downloads, and innovative ideas to get families reading together.
A Read Aloud 15 MINUTES Booklist
NO More TANTRUMS by Maria van Lieshout:
The title alone may make many parents sit up and take notice! This hardcover, easy reader picture book gently reinforces that fact babies may have tantrums, but big kids don’t! From the Big Kids Power series from Chronicle Books, this book is simple and funny and will encourage young children proudly proclaim, “I’m a BIG KID!” For ages 0-4.
Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex
We all know nothing rhymes with orange, but how does that make Orange feel? Well, left out, obviously!
When a fruit parade gets together to sing a song about how wonderful they are—and the song happens to rhyme—Orange can’t help but feel like it’s impossible to ever fit in. But when one particularly intuitive Apple notices how Orange is feeling, the entire English language begins to become a bit more inclusive.
Beloved author-illustrator Adam Rex has created a hilarious yet poignant parable about feeling left out, celebrating difference, and the irrefutable fact that nothing rhymes with orange. Published by Chronicle Books, hardcover, for ages 4-8.
Betty’s Burgergled Bakery (An Alliteration Adventure) by Travis Nichols
When the Gumshoe Zoo’s alarm alerts them, they learn Betty’s Bakery has been burgled! But how? Something isn’t quite right—and it’s up to these determined detectives to figure out what! Alliteration (the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words) abounds in this comic book caper featuring the Gumshoe Zoo, a detective agency facing the craziest crime ever committed: pilfered pastries. Perfect for lovers of wordplay and sweet treats, not to mention educators and librarians looking for an engaging story to teach alliteration, this multi-paneled early graphic novel is a raucous adventure. Detailed back matter discusses uses of alliteration and animal eating habits. For ages 4-8.
Professional Crocodile by Giovanna Zoboli & Mariachiar Di Giorgio
Mr. Crocodile loves his job. Every morning he gets up with an alarm. He brushes his teeth. He chooses the right tie to match his outfit, eats a quick slice of toast, and heads off to work on a crowded train. But what exactly is his job? The answer may surprise you! Readers will want to pore over this witty, wordless book, again and again, finding new details and fresh stories with every reading. This book is a 2018 American Library Association Notable Children’s Book. For ages 4-8
How do we love numbers? Let us count the ways: They’re on street signs and bus stops, featured on phones, thermometers, chalkboards, and scales. They show the time and the date, and help us to measure distance, sizing, and so much more. This spirited picture book by beloved author-illustrator Taro Gomi will charm and inform the youngest of readers, offering them a unique—and useful—look at a key concept we count on.
What books will you pick to read aloud this week?
**Chronicle Books provided me with this books free of charge. Opinions expressed are purely my own.
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If you are looking for a fun digital and interactive children’s story inspired by a kids’ classic story, you will love The Ultimate Guide to Charlie out into the World.
Enter a world where collaborative play is woven into the fabric of our everyday family life. The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will open the door to transforming relationships, encouraging new perspectives, and indulging in the happiness and the joy of innovating with your children.
Who is Charlie? The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an interactive, adventure that leads us through the Chocolate Factory with stops along the way to create, laugh, and learn. It reawakens the passion and idea of “jumping” inside the pages of this book with the knowledge that each chapter is a gateway into a magical world. Now available on iTunes, it’s your opportunity to truly experience where art, literature and technology meet allowing you to feel the story like never before.
Charlie was born of a unique collaboration between co-authors Valarie Budayr and Roscoe Welply, this dynamic duo along with Kite Readers have crafted an enchanting world that leaps from the pages, and coaxes the reader to immerse themselves in the adventures that await them at the Chocolate Factory.
What You Can Expect with Charlie:
A bridge between the “plugged” and “unplugged” world for families
A book that brings families together reading and enjoying their imaginations.
Creation of an atmosphere where reading becomes a family event instead of a solitary act.
The option to educate, inform, and entice children to want to know more about the world they live in.
The delight of pulling the story off the pages, and the act of bringing the pages to LIFE.
Gather your family and come along on a magical journey into one of the most beloved children’s books of all time to experience a story like never before. You will have a front row seat to this delightfully illustrated and fabulously written children’s enhanced digital e-book that will come to life with not only a great story, but over 20 activities and crafts that will spark their imagination and awaken their inner child.
Are you read for an adventure? Enter HERE to start the Charlie experience or grab your download on iTunes.
Disclaimer: This book is not affiliated or associated with the author, publisher, or distributors of Roald Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The post #PictureBook Recommends for Read Aloud 15 Minutes Month appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 13, 2018
A #Kidlit Book Round up for Women’s History Month (And 15 very Special Honorees)
This particular round-up of book reviews, activities and resources are especially near-and-dear to my heart because I am focusing on the fact that March is Women’s History Month.
The 2018 National Women’s History theme presents the opportunity to honor women who have shaped America’s history and its future through their tireless commitment to ending discrimination against women and girls. The theme embodies women working together with strength, tenacity, and courage to overcome obstacles and achieve joyful accomplishments. NWHP.org
I’d also like to call attention to the National Women’s History Project that has worked tirelessly to recognize and celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing information and educational materials and programs since 1980.
Every year this organization honors fifteen outstanding women for their unrelenting and inspirational persistence and for understanding that, by fighting all forof discriminationion against women and girls, they have shaped America’s history and our future. Their hashtag, #NeverthelessShePresisted, was born in February 2017 when Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-MA, was silenced during Jeff Sessions’ confirmation hearing for Attorney General. At the time, Warren was reading an opposition letter penned by Coretta Scott King (a past NWHP honoree) in 1986. Referring to the incident, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, later said “Senator Warren was giving a lengthy speech. She had appeared to violate the rule. She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless she persisted.”
Feminists immediately adopted the phrase in hashtags and memes to refer to any strong women who refuse to be silenced.
To learn about these 15 amazing women and what they have all fought for in their lives, go here.
Though many of these notable women do not have books written about them, they should! In the meantime, here are some other wonderful and inspiring picture and middle reader books about women who have shaped our history and beliefs. Enjoy!
A #Kidlit Book Roundup for Women’s History Month
Telling an Unknown Story | Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School: Lilly Ann learned to read and write from her master’s children in Kentucky. She shared her knowledge with other enslaved people in a hidden spot in the woods on Sundays when the family was away. Later, she was sold to Mississippi, where teaching others carried a punishment of thirty-nine lashes with a whip. To keep from being found out, Lilly Ann taught in a secluded cabin off a back alley from midnight until two in the morning. Over the years she taught hundreds of enslaved people, and they, in turn, shared their knowledge with others.
Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta knew, too well, the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality began to grow. Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision and a journey–with dreams of freedom for all.This extraordinary union of poetic text by Ntozake Shange and monumental artwork by Kadir Nelson captures the movement for civil rights in the United States and honors its most elegant inspiration, Coretta Scott. A Mighty Girl
We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this lively, collectible picture book biography series from New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer.
Amelia Earhart refused to accept no for an answer; she dared to do what no one had ever done before, and became the first woman to fly a plane all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. This book follows her from childhood to her first flying lessons and onward to her multi-record-breaking career as a pilot.
She Stood for Freedom: The Untold Story of a Civil Rights Hero
by Loki Mulholland is a unique story explores the life of Joan Trumpauer Mulholland; an ordinary girl from the South who just did the right thing.
Wilma Rudolf and The Quickest Kid in Clarksville
Written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Coretta Scott King winner Frank Morrison, is a charming story about wanting to be the fastest kid in Clarksville. It’s also about determination, dreams, and the friends we meet along the way.
Capstone Young Readers has published the most beautiful book called For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story written by Rebecca Langston-George and illustrated by Janna Bock. The words and deeply colorful illustrations work together in concert to tell the story of a young teenage girl whose courage has become legendary.
“One Child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. ” -Malala Yousafzai\
Here’s another wonderful Malala book: Malala-A Hero for All:
This Step 4 Biography Reader shares the inspiring story of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Even as a young girl in Pakistan, Malala spoke up about the importance of girls’ education, via speeches and a blog. Since the Taliban regime was intent on denying girls an education and silencing anyone who disagreed with their laws, this was very dangerous. Malala was shot, but she survived the attack and it did not silence her. In fact, she spoke at the United Nations on her sixteenth birthday, just nine months after she was shot. Malala’s resolve has only magnified her voice, delivering her message of human rights to millions of people.–Amazon
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark
Get to know celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—in the first picture book about her life—as she proves that disagreeing does not make you disagreeable! Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.
Sally Ride was the first American female astronaut to go to space. She worked on a space shuttle for two different missions. But Sally Ride did more than just travel to space. She also was a teacher, an author, and a professor. Learn more about her amazing life in this new biography!
The WHEN I GROW UP easy readers are the perfect introductory biography series. Each book takes the reader on a journey from a recognizable figure’s obscure childhood to famed adulthood. Aspirational first-person text is accompanied by a mix of photography and illustrations. This fun take on the early biography is ideal for home or the classroom and will inspire children to live out their dreams.-Amazon
What female role models inspire you? Go forth and #BeBoldForChange!
**Some of these links are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I will get a very small commission. This money will be used to get more books into the hands of parents, teachers, and librarians.
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Did you know that 70% of all kids quit organized sports by the age of 13, with girls quitting at 6x the rate of boys?
Alison Foley, Boston College’s Women’s Head Soccer Coach, and Mia Wenjen, parenting blogger at PragmaticMom.com, help coaches — both parent volunteer and professional — crack the code of how to keep girls in sports. As a mother of two daughters who played a lot of sports, Mia provides personal accounts to illustrate issues discussed throughout the book. Alison, also a mother of a young female athlete, has hands-on advice from coaching young women professionally for more than two decades.
Volunteer parents and experienced coaches alike will find invaluable advice on creating a successful team that motivates girls to stay in sports beyond the middle school years. Twenty-two chapters cover major issues, including how to pick captains, the importance of growth mindset, issues around body image and puberty, as well as the challenges of coaching your own daughter.
In addition, fifteen professional coaches from a range of sports, including former Olympian athletes, give their advice on what girls need from a coach to allow them to flourish in sports, and most importantly, have fun. This is a hands-on manual to help coaches keep girls in sports! Go HERE to read more about this much-needed resource for parents and coaches.
The post A #Kidlit Book Round up for Women’s History Month (And 15 very Special Honorees) appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 11, 2018
Weekend Links: Picture Books that Celebrate #Sheroes
Welcome to Weekend Links! This weekend I feel the need to share Picture Books that Celebrate Sheroes. This particular compilation of my weekly “best of” book reviews, activities and resources is especially near-and-dear to my heart because I am focusing on the fact that March is Women’s History Month.
The 2018 National Women’s History theme presents the opportunity to honor women who have shaped America’s history and its future through their tireless commitment to ending discrimination against women and girls. The theme embodies women working together with strength, tenacity, and courage to overcome obstacles and achieve joyful accomplishments. NWHP.org
I personally love the term “Shero.” What is that? The best explanation I found is on the website SheroesUnited.org
From #metoo and #shepersisted to Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globes speech, there is a huge interest in making a better tomorrow for our daughters. Here are some Courage and Bravery Books for Girls that I recommend.
30 Picture Books About World-Changing Women from ItsFundamental.com
Women have been changing the world for centuries, but many times they’ve had to overcome bias and hardship to do so. There is much to be learned from the stories of amazing women who were able to break down barriers and make a difference. Books about awesome women are not just for girls! We all gain things from learning more about other people’s experience. Every child benefits from having a diverse bookshelf.
“Check out these six nonfiction and historical books about real women. In every field from science to politics to war, women are there, doing vital work, making discoveries, blazing trails, and changing the world. Tireless women broke down barriers so that we might exercise personal freedoms, rights and opportunities — things we often take for granted: vote, own property, recognition for research, and entrepreneurship. Think of the famous women in history we recognize and honor, including Anne Frank and Helen Keller. But what about those that history has almost forgotten?” Read the full story on HowDoesShe.com
A Book Long Enough has an amazing list of non-fiction and fiction titles, for kids of all ages, that teach young people about unknown people who dared to fight for civil rights. Check out her list of Everyday American Civil Rights Heroes: Kids Books About Regular People Who Dared to Stand Up
These Sheroes may be fictional, but they all believe in the greatness that exists inside every girl.
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Concerned that your kids aren’t getting enough “outside time?”
Despite data that shows that 80% of natural vitamin D comes from the rays of the sun, many children, roughly only 23% are spending enough time outside and welcoming the sun’s rays. Most children do not get enough vitamin D from food alone and are at risk of deficiency if they are spending prolonged periods of time indoors. Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book and Marilyn Scott-Waters from The Toymaker have combined their respective talents to not only create a clever solution, but also an amazing guidebook to help parents help their children regain their interest and love of nature.
With over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for families to enjoy, learn, discover and play together, A Year In the Secret Garden brings the magical story to life while also enjoying nature and the great outdoors.
With fascinating historical information, monthly gardening activities, easy-to-make recipes, and step-by-step crafts, designed to enchant readers of all ages. Each month your family will unlock the mysteries of a Secret Garden character, as well as have fun together creating the original crafts and activities based on the book. Our goal is to not only raise awareness for the necessity of families spending more quality “unplugged” time together, but to also share monthly activities that incorporate nature and the outdoors as well. Get your kids moving, exploring and playing today. Get access to this wonderful children’s activity book here.
Meet you “in the garden!”
The post Weekend Links: Picture Books that Celebrate #Sheroes appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 7, 2018
April is National Poetry Month! Get a jump start with these creative ideas and resources
I know you may be thinking, hey, wait! It’s only March!
Yes indeed it is but in my world Poetry Month in April is so exciting, we need a whole month to prepare! National Poetry Month was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets celebrating poetry’s vital place in our culture.
“It can’t be paraphrased. It can’t be translated. The great poetry I love holds the mystery of being alive. ”
—Marie Howe, Academy of American Poets Chancellor (2018– )
National Poetry Month PosterThe 2018 National Poetry Month poster, designed by AIGA Medal and National Design Award-winning designer Paula Scher, celebrates typography and is suggestive of concrete poetry and Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. More than 100,000 free posters will be distributed to schools, libraries, and bookstores coast to coast to help celebrate April events. Order your free poster here.
April may be National Poetry Month but another big part of the celebration is Poem in your Pocket Day on April 26. Do you like secret little messages tucked into quiet little places like your pocket or lunch pail? My children love this and today we are sharing with classmates, friends, and neighbors alike a little rolled up poem to keep in their pockets to share with all they meet.
Poem in Your Pocket Day 2018 is on April 26 and is part of National Poetry Month. On this day, select a poem, carry it with you, and share it with others at schools, bookstores, libraries, parks, workplaces, street corners, and on social media using the hashtag #pocketpoem.
Poem in Your Pocket Day was initiated in April 2002 by the Office of the Mayor in New York City, in partnership with the city’s Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education. In 2008, the Academy of American Poets took the initiative to all fifty United States, encouraging individuals around the country to participate. In 2016, the League of Canadian Poets extended Poem in Your Pocket Day to Canada.
If you aren’t a poet at heart, but would still like to participate, the National Poetry Month site has free downloadable poems for everyone to share and enjoy including notable favorites like:
The Red Poppy by Louise Glück
Remember by Joy Harjo
Here and There by Juan Felipe Herrera
Cotton Candy by Edward Hirsch
The Weighing by Jane Hirshfield
The Moment by Marie Howe
Lyric by Khaled Mattawa
Variation on a Theme by W. S. Merwin
Burning the Old Year by Naomi Shihab Nye
The Dogs at Live Oak Beach, Santa Cruz by Alicia Ostriker
Springing by Marie Ponsot
When Giving Is All We Have by Alberto Ríos
The Owl by Arthur Sze
Eleventh Brother by Jean Valentine
Imaginary Morning Glory by C. D. Wright
Reluctant Reader Tip #2
Today’s theme works nicely for those who aren’t quite sure they want to pick up the skill of reading. Little poems, jokes, or encouraging messages tucked inside pockets, backpacks or lunch sacks make for a nice way to reach out to your new reader. They’ll love hearing from you and won’t even realize they’re reading…..but that’s ok, you will.
Great Poetry Resources:
Jack Prelutsky Website for Kids
Shel Silverstein Printables for your pocket
Some of my Favorite Poetry Reads/Books
What fun and poetry to you have planned for this special event?
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Did you know that 70% of all kids quit organized sports by the age of 13, with girls quitting at 6x the rate of boys?
Alison Foley, Boston College’s Women’s Head Soccer Coach, and Mia Wenjen, parenting blogger at PragmaticMom.com, help coaches — both parent volunteer and professional — crack the code of how to keep girls in sports. As a mother of two daughters who played a lot of sports, Mia provides personal accounts to illustrate issues discussed throughout the book. Alison, also a mother of a young female athlete, has hands-on advice from coaching young women professionally for more than two decades.
Volunteer parents and experienced coaches alike will find invaluable advice on creating a successful team that motivates girls to stay in sports beyond the middle school years. Twenty-two chapters cover major issues, including how to pick captains, the importance of growth mindset, issues around body image and puberty, as well as the challenges of coaching your own daughter.
In addition, fifteen professional coaches from a range of sports, including former Olympian athletes, give their advice on what girls need from a coach to allow them to flourish in sports, and most importantly, have fun. This is a hands-on manual to help coaches keep girls in sports! Go HERE to read more about this much-needed resource for parents and coaches.
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March 3, 2018
Keeping our Girls in the Game | HOW TO COACH GIRLS Blog Tour!
Welcome to the HOW TO COACH GIRLS Blog Tour Party!
Driven to find the answer to why girls were dropping out of sports at a rate 6 times that of boys, sports mom, Mia Wenjen, and Boston College Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Alison Foley created their book HOW TO COACH GIRLS to help keep our girls in sports.
Active kids are healthy kids. Healthy kids take healthy habits with them into adulthood. Sports, whether team-based or individual, are great for all kids because they provide so many other benefits other than physical activity. Participation in sports can help build self-esteem and confidence while building bonds that formed can be life-long and life-changing.
But did you know that 70% of all kids quit organized sports by age 13, with girls quitting 6x the rate of boys? SIX TIMES!
As a mother of two girls, I found these statistics alarming…and so did my dear friend, Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom), and Boston College Women’s Soccer Head Coach, Alison Foley.
“My oldest daughter had an amazing volleyball coach who was so positive that even when they lost every game in a tournament,” Mia recalled. “He emphasized their improvements so left feeling like champions. I was walking next to him for a team dinner and he told me that early in his coaching career, he was that coach that yelled more at the most promising player. It took him a long time of trial and error to learn how to effectively coach girls.”
That revelation inspired Mia to then reach out to neighbor and friend, Alison Foley and together the dynamic duo cultivated a plan to create a blueprint for coaches that would help shed light on the intricacies of coaching girls and how they could keep girls active ins sport.”
The result of these two amazing women putting their heads together to find a solution is Mia and Alison’s brand new book, HOW TO COACH GIRLS.
How to Coach Girls provides the most comprehensive guide available to the many issues associated with coaching girls teams across the spectrum of sports, from soccer to lacrosse, field hockey to softball. Volunteer parents and experienced coaches alike will find invaluable advice on the process of making a successful team, encouraging girls to stay in sports beyond the middle school years. Twenty-two chapters cover all the major issues, including how to pick captains, the importance of growth mindset, issues around body image and puberty, as well as the intricacies of coaching your own daughter.This invaluable guide is the brainchild of Alison Foley, Head Coach of Women’s Soccer at Boston College and Mia Wenjen, a parenting and education blogger at PragmaticMom and mother of two daughters, who provide personal accounts to illustrate issues discussed throughout the book. The combination of Mia’s voice of parental experience coupled with Alison’s professional expertise provides an innovative and highly accessible approach to considering potential pitfalls and how to avoid them.In the final section, a broad range of experienced college coaches, including former Olympians, give crucial guidance on what it is that girls need from a coach to allow them to flourish in sports, and most importantly, have fun.–Amazon
Volunteer parents and experienced coaches alike will find invaluable advice on creating a successful team that motivates girls to stay in sports beyond the middle school years. Twenty-two chapters cover major issues, including how to pick captains, the importance of growth mindset, issues around body image and puberty, as well as the challenges of coaching your own daughter.
In addition, fifteen professional coaches from a range of sports, including former Olympian athletes, give their advice on what girls need from a coach to allow them to flourish in sports, and most importantly, have fun.
Order HOW TO COACH GIRLS
To learn more, please check out How To Coach Girls website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
So what can be done to retain girls in sports? The answers and so much more can be found in HOW TO COACH GIRLS. I am so proud to be able to support my friend Mia while also offering such a well-written guide that help parents and coaches understand the needs and tactics to make sports fun while cultivating WINNERS.
Other Stops on the HTCG Blog Tour:
Shelly Bean the Sports Queen-February 22
Wise Owl Factory-March 1
The Conscious Kid– March 2
Jump Into a Book-March 3
Books My Kids Read-March 4
Ms Yingling Reads-March 5
Youth Literature Reviews-March 6
All Done Monkey-March 7
Miss Panda Chinese-March 8
Biracial Bookworms-March 9
Mom of all Capes-March 10
Franticmommy-March 11
Randomly Reading-March 12
Here Wee Read-March 13
DawnDavis.com-March 14
The Pragmatic Parent-March 15
Audrey Press– March 16
Order HOW TO COACH GIRLS
To learn more, please check out How To Coach Girls website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Purchase a copy of HOW TO COACH GIRLS on Barnes & Noble or Amazon
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March 1, 2018
How a Bedtime Rhyme Led to a Promising Series from Moonjami Press
{Guest Blog post from Bianca Ksoll, author of The Mouse from Laos and founder of Moonjami Press}
Like most moms of two toddlers I read millions of books every night (and day), somewhere in my sleep-deprived stupor after my second child’s birth I began writing a rhyme in German, my spouse’s native tongue. For some reason, I give myself more leeway to be silly in another language.
Anyways I digress…in the end the rhyme became a silly, quirky book in English. When my son began singing it back to me and to himself – I thought maybe other children might like it too. However, he quickly assured me that would not be the case. I should rather publish the book with only one copy for him. I kept thinking about the lines of the rhyme and eventually distinct images were waking the little sleep I had.
This led me to the talented Cristina Szemere Enderlin who brought The Mouse from Laos to life. Being a mom and human rights advocate I wanted a book (now a series with 90 titles in the works!) that celebrates diversity, stimulates curiosity and provides teachable moments about lesser-known places in the world while fostering tolerance. Although the series has an underlying theme of identity, I truly believe creating a space for awareness leads to greater understanding.
The Mouse from LaosThe response from families and educators has been overwhelming. Initially, the book was targeting 0-6 year olds but after visiting many classrooms we were surprised how our silly simple book sparked the imagination of 10+ year olds and how many older adults were buying the book for themselves. We are so excited to be able to share our products worldwide now especially our Book Set with bag, stickers and t-shirt. Our t-shirts and bags are made by Lao young adults with disabilities and the company is female-owned.
Serendipitously, everything that brought The Mouse from Laos and Moonjami Press to life was fueled by moms, including our print house. I wanted to share this experience because I believe many moms out there are writing their own tales every night and from a mom that hordes children’s books (we do not have a library in Laos) I need more to read.
In March we will be releasing two more books, The Peacock from Bangkok and The Kitty from HoChi Minh City. Each book is created for small hands, soft cover and 36+4 pages. Originally I wrote the book for ages 0-6 but we have found it is ageless…and have facilitated readings with art activities with 10yo.
But I also have an additional mission of giving back to others and 5% of our net proceeds from the book supports Teaching Tolerance program at Southern Poverty Law Center. Our book sets (bag, book, t-shirt, and stickers) support companies run and staffed with youth with disabilities in Lao PDR. As a company founded by a health and human rights advocate (me) we celebrate diversity in all its forms!
Something To Do
There are lots of free activities on our site for download including an art therapy activity on identity and masks to color, visit https://moonjamipress.com/pages/educators
Bianca actively supports literacy in Laos and Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance initiative —her products are produced by Lao female-led business and people with disabilities. Bianca received a Master’s in Anthropology from the Graduate Faculty at New School for Social and Economic Research in New York (2004) and LLM in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany (2018). She currently resides in Vientiane, Lao PDR with her spouse Christian, two children Aidan and Anéli and their dog Kujo.
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