Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 38
July 25, 2017
Exploring the Asia’s Edo Period | Heart of a Samurai and the Bamboo Sword
That’s how I feel about not just one, but two books from award-winning author Margi Preus.
Several years ago I picked up a copy of her book Heart of a Samurai k because of the lovely cover, drawings, and illustrations inside. I was hoping the book would be as good as it’s cover and it didn’t disappoint. From the minute we started we were taken away on a real life adventure.
Then recently I stumbled upon another of her books, The Bamboo Sword-yet another book that gives reader insight into the beautiful and mysterious Asian Edo Period.
The Bamboo Sword / Book Trailer from Joellyn Rock on Vimeo.
Let’s look at these books separately.
Heart of a Samurai is author Margi Preus’ first novel for the young and it won a bank of awards including a Newbery Honor Book.
This is a wonderfully captivating TRUE story about 14 year old Manjiro, a Japanese boy who was swept out to sea in a fishing boat. After spending a month on Bird Island, Manjiro along with 4 other fishermen were rescued by an American whaling vessel called the John Howland.
Manjiro quickly learned English, became a sailor and learned how to catch a whale, traveled all over the world, was adopted by Captain Whitfield, went to school in America, signed on another whaling ship, worked the gold fields of California, and then finally after many years, returned to Japan, only to be imprisoned as an outsider. With his hard-won knowledge of the West, Manjiro is in a unique position to persuade the shogun to ease open the boundaries around Japan; he may even achieve his unlikely dream of becoming a samurai.
Manjiro, whose American name was John Mung, had to endure many taunts and much bigotry not only on the ship but on land as well. Interspersed throughout the text in this book are Manjiro’s sketches and drawing.
When American ships steam into Edo Bay for the first time, it is into the forbidden waters of mid-19th-century Japan. Outsiders are not allowed to enter the country, and Japan’s samurai prepare for war. Thirteen-year-old Yoshi longs to join the fight to expel the hairy barbarians…But how? As a lowly servant, he is not permitted to become a samurai or to carry swords.
Yet the ships have barely arrived when Yoshi finds himself wielding a sword in a way that will change his life forever. Forced to flee, he meets-and is employed by-and odd samurai named Manjiro, who is on his way to Edo to advise the shogun about the western invaders. Yoshi encounters plenty of adventures traveling with a man suspected of being an American spy.
Through it all, Yoshi, like most of his countrymen, just wants the “hairy ones” to go away. But when he and an American boy from one of the ships become entangled in a web of adventure and intrigue, including spies and assassins, the two boys discover that they must rely on each other to survive.
Though I haven’t had the chance to crack the cover of The Bamboo Sword, if has the same mesmerizing quality of Heart of a Samurai, I know it will be instant “book love.”
Happy reading!
Something To Do: Let’s Discover
Manjiro/John Mung: Manjiro/John Mung is actually a true story. He was from a small fishing village off the coast of Shikoku Japan in Naka-no-hama. Though his story is very well detailed in this book Heart of a Samurai, his story continued on.
Using his know-how of western shipbuilding, Manjiro contributed on behalf of the Shogunate to build a modern Japanese navy. Japan had been cut off from the world for 250 years. Manjiro, working as an ambassador between Japan and the United States, participated in the construction of the Shohei Mary, Japans first western style warship to be built after opening up its borders.
Along with shipbuilding he translated Bowditch’s American Practical Navigator into Japanese, and taught his countrymen naval tactics, whaling techniques, and English.
Among his many accomplishments, Manjirō was probably the first Japanese to ride a railroad, sail in a steamship, to be an officer of an American vessel, and to command a trans-Pacific voyage.
In Fairhaven, the Manjirō Historic Friendship Society is renovating William Whitfield’s home to include a museum dealing with the Manjirō legacy.
Our first step in discovering Manjiro’s life was to follow his footsteps taking the Manjiro Trail. Though we couldn’t be there in person, this lovely photographic map of Manjiro’s life in Fairhaven Massachusetts fills in the blanks and gives a close up look at Manjiro’s legacy there.
Acts of Friendship
Manjiro was a very kind and friendly person regardless of how people treated him. He always kept his honor by being respectful. While living in Fairhaven MA, he celebrated May Day by quietly leaving a May Day basket for Catherine, the girl he liked so much. It was the tradition at that time for a boy to make a May Day basket filled with flowers and leave it at the door of the girl he liked. Once the basket was deposited, the boy would knock on the door and then runaway with the girl he gave the flowers to chasing him. The idea was for her to catch him and give him a kiss. Though Manjiro ended up going back to Japan and working as an envoy to the United States, Catherine kept her May Day basket and the note he had written to her until the day she died, which was way into her 80’s.
As a sign of friendship, why not make a flower basket and give it to someone you’d like to know better? Word Play House has wonderful May Day basket ideas which are good for any season.
Edo Period of Japan
The Bamboo Sword is set during a time when American ships steam into Edo Bay for the first time, it is into the forbidden waters of mid-19th-century Japan. The 800’s was the end of the feudal Edo period of Japan. The Edo period lasted from 1603 to 1868. The first Shogun was Tokogawa Ieyasu, who ended years of civil war and established a stable society.
To secure his status as leader of a unified Japan, Ieyasu introduced a strict class system and the tight control of the ruling daimyo families from the capital city Edo (Tokyo).The four levels of society were created around Shi-No-Ko-Sho, Samurai (warrior),peasant, artisan, and merchant. Individuals had no legal rights and the family became very important at all social levels.
To read more about the Shi-No-Ko-Sho, go HERE.
–
Recipient of the 2017 IBPA Ben Franklin Awards-Children’s/YA-New Voices GOLD Award!
Ascension by Hannah Rials
Enter this world of vampires, set in the south, and realize you are being pulled in more—and deeper—with each page.
Steeped in the mystery, intrigue and rich history of New Orleans and the secretive world of the Deuxsang, teen vampire, Cheyenne, and her forbidden love, Eli, embark on a very different, and vastly more dangerous, journey as the net of betrayal tightens around them. This intense and fresh novel is enchanting, engrossing and impossible to put down right up to the cliffhanger ending. Remember, the end is not the end.
What an extraordinary debut novel with new and intriguing twists on vampires—a strong female protagonist as one. I already can’t wait for book two.-Jill Murphy Long, author of The Conduit
This book is by the far the BEST YA/Adult fiction that I’ve read in a very long while. So exciting!-Rebecca F
The wait is over-Ascension is here! Thrilling and entertaining, like the experience on a crazy roller coaster. Hannah has grown into the most amazing writer. Watching her journey has been as much fun as holding the book in my hands. A “must read” for YA and thriller fans!-Valarie B
Get sucked in….
Grab your copy of Ascension HERE and visit Hannah on Facebook, Twitter and on her website.
The post Exploring the Asia’s Edo Period | Heart of a Samurai and the Bamboo Sword appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
July 23, 2017
Weekend Links: Celebrating National Happiness Day (8/8)
National Happiness Happens Day is observed each year on August 8.
So what can you do to celebrate? Be happy of course! This fun day is the perfect time to slow down and recognize every moment of glee, joy, delight, and pleasure. Use #HappinessHappensDay to post on social media and let others know to do the same as well. Spread the smiles!
Founded in 1999 by the Secret Society of Happy People as “Admit You’re Happy Day”, Happiness Happens Day was created to recognize and express happiness. August 8 was chosen as it is the anniversary of the first membership in 1998.
The Secret Society of Happy People is an organization that was founded in August of 1998 and formed to celebrate the expression of happiness. The society encourages members to recognize their happy moments and think about happiness in their daily life. They have two motto’s which include “Happiness Happens” and “Don’t Even Think of Raining on My Parade.” Their purpose is to stimulate people’s right to express their happiness.
So what can you do to get ready for Happiness Day? Here are some fun, fabulous and smile-inducing activities and books to help celebrate the day. Enjoy!
I’ve always believed Kindness and Happiness goes hand-in-hand. If you agree, you will appreciate this Kindness Booklist for Kids.
Ripple’s Effect by Shawn Achor and Amy Blankson with beautiful illustrations by Cecilia Rebora is a look at how one little dolphin can change the world for so many around her.
Recently moved to a new water aquarium , Ripple tries to get the lay of the land or sea, I should say, when the biggest, meanest shark you could ever imagine, scared, bullied and sometimes even ate the other fish.
Determined not to live a life in fear, Ripple started creating fun for herself and all the others by spinning, twirling, and creating bubbles.
It’s not long before Ripples becomes the sharks new target. It’s the trainer, however, who shares a deep truth with Ripples that “Dolphins were made to play and laugh and smile. ”
Holly at Kids’ Activity Blog has a wonderful “Smile It Forward” printable for all ages!
What better way to “get happy” as a family that to do yoga together! Giselle Sharlow at Kids’ Yoga Stories has a wonderful book called ANNA AND HER RAINBOW-COLORED YOGA MATS (it’s won a Prestigious Family Choice Award too!)
Yoga has such a powerful effect on so many lives, so it’s only natural that many parents want to introduce yoga and its benefits to their children as early as possible. The Kids Yoga Storiesseries offers fun books that incorporate yoga into any routine. The publisher recently received a Family Choice award for their efforts.
Check out Giselle’s book and fantastic kids’ yoga site here.
It’s no secret that getting outside into the fresh air and sunshine does wonders for moods and personal well-being. The Nurture Store has 35 wonder forest-related activities to get everyone outside and adventuring.
C’mon! Let’s get HAPPY!
**Some of these links are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may get a very small commission.
This money goes towards postage and supplies to keep books and ideas in the hands of young readers!
–
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 Weekend Links: Celebrating National Happiness Day (8/8) appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
July 20, 2017
“Book Jumping” Revealed! | Creating book activities for kids!)
What is a Book Jumper?
It’s more than just an “activity.” Book-jumping is a way of life. It’s where we look at the story from the same perspective as the characters. Instead of the book “being magical”, we actually become the magic. -Valarie Budayr
It’s the process of taking the solitary act of reading a book and transforming it into an event to be shared with others. It’s the act of pulling books off shelves, stories off pages and creating book activities for kids. It’s the act of making kids books come ALIVE and living inside the pages. It’s creating places of magic and wonder, without ever leaving the house.
A-Adventure and exploration via the pages of a book.
B-Bringing about a movement where reading is no longer a solitary act, but one meant to be shared in a group atmosphere.
C-Creating crafts and projects to help bring stories to life.
D. Developing young minds and imaginations through the power of literacy.
E. Embracing the power of books and sharing that passion with others.
F. Finding pathways and walkways that lead to the wonderful world of reading.
G. Generational: Not just for kids, but also for moms, dads, grandmas, grandpa’s, aunts, and uncles.
H. Having fun and learning at the same time.
I. Inspiring a generation of Slow Readers.
J. Jump into a book!
K. Keeping the act of Family Reading a cherished and much-anticipated event.
L. Learning to unplug from the virtual world, and instead experience a world within the pages of a book instead.
M. Making supply lists before starting a new chapter.
N. Not just reading about the magic within the pages of a book, it’s becoming the magic.
O. Offering a platform to connect with children through reading.
P. Pulling books off shelves and stories off pages.
Q. Quiet reading time is the new “family time.”
R. Reaching into the pages of a story and bringing characters to life.
S. Stretching the act of Jumping Into a Book over the course of several days instead of one evening
T. Tugging at heart-strings and influencing young lives.
U. United families reading a single story together.
V. Varying themes and genres to expose kids to all aspects of literacy
W. Wandering through amazing worlds and strange lands without ever leaving the house.
X. Setting eXamples for young readers, communities, and schools.
Y. Young minds blooming and growing.
Z. EnthuZiasm!!
You Know You Are A Book Jumper When
Instead of using words like “read” or “enjoy”, you use “enter.” As in; “enter one of the most beloved children’s tales of all time.”
Reading a book is a group activity, not a solitary event.
You need to fill a “supply list” before you begin a new chapter.
** Are You a BookJumper? Click HERE to download your very own FREE A-B-C’s of Book Jumping Poster!
NOW…you may be wondering how to create your own book-inspired activities from your family’s favorite books. It’s not as hard or daunting as parents think 
July 18, 2017
July 2017 Kid Lit Blog Hop | A source for great summer reading ideas!
Hello, welcome back to another month of terrific children’s literature. We welcome you to the July 2017 Kid Lit Blog Hop. This hop takes place every 3rd Wednesday of the month. It is designed to engage a group of people who love everything that has to do with children’s literature. Everyone is welcome to join us: bloggers, authors, publicist, and publishers!
Summer is winding down and the kids will be returning to school soon. There is still a number of Summer reads left for kids around the blogsphere. Let’s show them off again on the blog hop and see what else you are reading!
Have you seen the Kid Lit Blog Hopper Facebook fan page? This page has all the news and information related to the hop plus ongoing posts, giveaways, news articles, etc. related to Kid’s Lit. Check it out and of course, please like the page.
So for our hop, please make sure that your posts are related to children’s literature only and add it to the linky. (Please make sure to add your direct post only) If you are a children’s book author, feel free just to link to your blog. Once you are done, then hop around to visit others. Please follow the co-host and visit at least the one or two people above your link. Please leave a comment when you do visit, we all like those.
It would be appreciated if you grab the Kid Lit Blog Hop Badge and display it on your blog and/or your post. If you tweet and/or posted on Facebook about the blog hop, we can continue to grow this wonderful community.
Thanks for sharing your great children’s books with all of us!
We will be around to see you.
Happy Hopping!
Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…
The post July 2017 Kid Lit Blog Hop | A source for great summer reading ideas! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
July 16, 2017
Weekend Links: Gearing up to see the 2017 Total Eclipse of the Sun!
ON AUGUST 21, 2017… a most magnificent sight is coming right to our backyard….the 2017 Total Eclipse of the Sun!
Literally….it will be in my backyard in the Great Smokey Mountains! This event is being called by many the Great American Eclipse because so many millions of Americans will be able to easily access the 70-mile-wide path of the total solar eclipse. Another cool fact is that this eclipse will be the very first, since the founding of our nation in 1776, to visit only the United States and no other country on Earth!
During this historic event, the the moon will fully cover the sun. This event will/can be viewed from anywhere in the U.S , but the best viewing will be found in the a 60 mile wide band that runs diagonally from, the Pacific Coast of Oregon diagonally across the U.S. to the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina. One of these prime viewing spots is Nashville-just an hour-or-so from my hometown.
To say we are excited for this event is an understatement. To share my giddiness, I’ve decided to round up some great tips, resources and even books that will help young readers and families not only enjoy this epic event, but learn something about it as well.
Curiosity Stream has a wonderful video on the meaning of this event and even a fun countdown ticker.
Artist Tyler Nordgren has some beautiful posters and images commemorating the event
How to Make a Pinhole Camera Project | NASA/JPL Edu
Solar Eclipse 2017: Printabables… by Tied 2 Teaching | Teachers Pay Teachers
30+ fabulous books to read for a space theme via @measuredmom
8 books about the sun for kids – Gift of Curiosity
The moon has been an important part of our history for many years. This month (July) marks the 48th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. That day holds little snap shots of memories as my family gathered around the television to watch the rocket launch on July 20th 1969 and the landing on the moon the next day on July 21st. Since the moon is playing such a big part in this landmark event, I though I would revisit a blog post that I did a few years ago in honor of Apollo 11 Moon Landing.
Enjoy!
The post Weekend Links: Gearing up to see the 2017 Total Eclipse of the Sun! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
July 13, 2017
Being BIG | Ways to be BIG and be a better YOU
BIG goes beyond the basics to show that size is more than a matter of height. Touching on ideas such as health, citizenship, and imagination, this book can be the key to heartfelt dialogue between children and caregivers about the importance of values over valuables.
This book from Little Pickle Press is simple and just plain lovely. It gives one warm fuzzies all the way around and it’s a book we will read again and again. I think it will be a new classic.
My takeaway from this delightful book is that BIG doesn’t happen in one giant leap.
It happens little by little.
Each day we have a choice on how we are going to be BIG and leave our gentle touch on the planet, inside our communities, towards ourselves, and our families.
One little thought, question, action, change every day will leave a BIG impact.
Here are some of the topics they cover in BIG:
Being Big and Healthy
Being a kind and good friend in a BIG way
Being the BIGGER person and learning from mistakes
Being a BIG friend to the planet
Being BIG in our communities by being and active citizen
Being a BIG help to others
Being Big in Imagination.
Being BIG on Empathy and Awareness
Something To Do: Exploring the WWW for BIG Resources
Lets encourage our kids to be BIG on Creativity and Imagination! Sites like Inspiration Laboratories, Imagination Soup, KiwiCrate, GrowingPlay, Little Passports, Kids Activities Blog and even Jump Into a Book are bursting with ways to bring books to life and inspire pretend play.
I am amazed on a daily basis as to the amount of truly spectacular people that share my passion of reading advocacy for children. So I want to help broaden your horizons and shine a BIG spotlight on some things that can help your family be BIG. Thanks for being BIG in your own way. ENJOY
Being a BIG help to others: This isn’t a blog, but we sure like the way they roll. GenerationON is about guiding the younger generation with tips, games, and positive thoughts on being a BIG help to others. We also especially love their list for kids on 65 Ways To Make A Difference.
Being BIG in our communities by being and active citizen–KidsAreHeroes.org is a non-profit that empowers, encourages and inspires children to become leaders through volunteerism and community involvement. We do this by showcasing and supporting children who are making a difference through their selfless acts of giving.
Being a BIG friend to the planet: BigMamaEarth-Collectively empowers everyone on our Planet to do just a little bit in their own community, in their own school, in their own neighborhood, and in their own home and acted on together, will accomplish a great amount for our Planet Earth. Your conservation efforts matter.
Being the BIGGER person and learning from mistakes: No one likes messing up, but the secret is learning how to learn from you mistakes. The Proactive Parent blog is a great source for not only parenting tips and topics, but also this great article on How to Teach Kids to Learn From Their Mistakes.
Kindness is always a way to be a BIG help and a BIGGER person in the world. Check out my Kindness Booklist for Kids
Being a kind and good friend in a BIG way: Sometimes being a BIG friend can include what NOT to so. Bullying is a national epidemic and we really like how the Anti-Bullying Blog addresses this subject.
Being Big and Healthy: SuperHealthyKids.com Super Moms Amy and Natalie have a passion for helping families live a healthy lifestyle through good food choices and being active.
Being BIG on Awareness and Empathy:
Organizations like H20ForLife.org, Heifer International, OK Messages Project, Multicultural Children’s Book Day , Literacy.org and Project Humanity are all wonderful organizations that raise awareness and offer support to those in need. These are also excellent opportunities to show the next generation that life is not always easy and we should help when we can because it’s the right thing to do. Pick one (or more!) of these non-profit humanitarian projects to learn about more as a family and teach empathy as well.
What does it mean to be BIG in your family?
**Some of these links are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may get a very small commission.
This money goes towards postage and supplies to keep books and ideas in the hands of young readers!
–
Valarie Budayr is the founder of Audrey Press and author of the books, Dragon Are Real! A Year in the Secret Garden, The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden and The Ultimate Guide To Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. She is passionate about making kid’s books come alive and when she isn’t jumping into a book and creating wildly inventive adventures, she is “mom” to three uber creative children, married to a wonderfully patient man who has come to love yarn, proud owner of one adored cat, and the Fox Whisperer to lots and lots of Foxes (that come and go as they please). You can also find Valarie on Facebook or on Twitter at @JumpIntoaBook1.
The post Being BIG | Ways to be BIG and be a better YOU appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
July 10, 2017
An Incredible Serafina and the Splintered Heart Giveaway
I feel really excited and fortunate today because I’m hosting a giveaway in partnership with Disney-Hyperion !!
Believe it or not I’ve been sworn to secrecy by the author himself Robert Beatty not to give ANY spoilers in my review of his latest book Serafina and the Splintered Heart, the last book in his Serafina series.
I can say that you have to go and get this book immediately. Robert Beatty is a skilled storyteller weaving local lore, history, while giving a perspective of his characters that I’ve never ever encountered in a book before. As you might imagine, I read a lot of books in a year. It’s hard to believe that this is a third book in a series. It could easily be a stand alone and the unique perspective Robert writes it from had me turning the pages so fast I nearly won an award for speed reading. Through out the last few years as each Serafina book has been revealed, she has become a neighborly friend. I live just two hours from her stomping ground and each visit to the Biltmore Estate has me seeing it from Serafina and Braeden’s perspective. What a great gift writer Robert Beatty has given us.
Here’s a little bit more about the book:
Serafina and the Splintered Heart
The storms are coming….
Something has happened to Serafina. She has awoken into a darkness she does not understand, scarred from a terrible battle, only to find that life at Biltmore Estate has changed in unimaginable ways. Old friends do unthinkable things and enemies seem all around.
A mysterious threat moves towards Biltmore, a force without a name, bringing with it violent storms and flooding that stands to uproot everything in its path. Serafina must uncover the truth about what has happened to her and find a way to harness her strange new powers before it’s too late.
With only days to achieve the impossible, Serafina fights to reclaim herself as the Guardian of Biltmore, friend of Braeden, daughter of her Pa, and heroine of the Blue Ridge Mountains and all the folk and creatures that call it home.
In the epic third installment of Robert Beatty’s #1 bestselling series, Serafina takes her rightful place among literary champions as she battles fiercely to defend all she loves and become everything that she is meant to be.
The Serafina Series
Set in the magical Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Robert Beatty’s #1 New York Times best-selling series stars the fierce, resilient character of Serafina, a wild girl longing for kinship and struggling to understand her place in the world. This timeless story of finding one’s true family and best self chronicles an epic battle between good and evil and rewrites the rules of who can be a hero.
Book 1: Serafina and the Black Cloak
Book 2: Serafina and the Twisted Staff
Book 3: Serafina and the Splintered Heart
SERAFINA AND THE SPLINTERED HEART (Book 3 In The SERAFINA Series) By Robert Beatty will be In Stores July 3, 2017. This
Middle-Grade book will be a hit with readers!
The Scoop on…
Biltmore Estate
I invited you to come a visit the Biltmore Estate where all three of the Serafina books take place. We have beautiful mountains and I can think of no better book adventure than to grab your Serafina books and GO TO THE HILLS.
The Biltmore Estate is the most beautiful home in a America. Built at the turn of the 20th century by George Vanderbilt. His home boasts 250 rooms and a 175,000 sq feet a fine incredible living. Not only is the house exquisite but the grounds are stunningly beautiful and then the view of the mountains on top of that.
We make many seasonal pilgrimages to Biltmore every year. They have restaurants with good local regional food that make children very happy. They also have places you can stay at a variety of price levels and beautiful hiking and biking trails. It is a perfect place to take yourself and the family.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robert Beatty lives in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, with
his wife and three daughters. He writes full-time now, but in his past
lives he was one of the pioneers of cloud computing, the founder/CEO of
Plex Systems, the co-founder of Beatty Robotics, and the CTO and
chairman of Narrative magazine. Visit him online at
www.robert-beatty.com
Here’s what we’re giving away.
One copy of Serafina and the Splintered Heart
AND
Custom Serafina and the Splintered Heart Earrings
A huge thank you to Disney-Hyperion for their generous giveaway of a copy of Serafina and the Splintered Heart and a pair of fantastic earrings !!1
CONFIRMED PRIZING for SERAFINA AND THE SPLINTERED HEART Giveaway!
One (1) winner receives:
· Serafina and the Splintered Heart
· Plus custom Serafina and the Splintered Heart earrings!
_Open to US addresses only.
_Prizing and samples provided by Disney-Hyperion._
FTC DISCLOSURE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD DISNEY’S FULL DISCLOSURE DETAILS.
The post An Incredible Serafina and the Splintered Heart Giveaway appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
July 9, 2017
Weekend Links: A Round up of #ReadtheWorldMKB Summer Reads
There are so many exciting things happening this summer, it’s hard to chose what to participate in! One yearly project I am very proud to be part of the MKB’s Read around the world Summer series. Different bloggers will be featuring and recommending multicultural books on their sites and social media. Its a wonderful time to discover new multicultural books for kids. JIAB has participated numerous times over the years and this summer I am happy to say I am joining in the fun and education again! Here’s my review:
The Rock Maiden: A Chinese Tale of Love and Loyalty
The multicultural location we have chosen to visit is Hong Kong and the book I am reviewing is yet another gorgeous offering from Wisdom Tales Press; The Rock Maiden: A Chinese Tale of Love and Loyalty by Natasha Yim
Here are some excellent diverse book recommends from other participants:
Spanglish House reviewed Gauchada; a very sweet read about the Argentinian culture. LOVE the illustrations!
This is my Head Elf Becky Flansburg’s post
**Some of these links are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may get a very small commission.
This money goes towards postage and supplies to keep books and ideas in the hands of young readers!
–
FREE Gift! Free 180 Multicultural Book Ideas ebook to inspired fun Reading!
School is out and our youngsters are settling into a new summer routine of sleeping in and hopefully doing some exploring and discovering. With the hectic days of summer just beginning, oftentimes one of the first habit to go by the wayside is the habit of daily reading.
Reading is always an important part of our children’s lives no matter what time of year it is so I decided to wrap my knowledge of fun kidlit books and activities up with my experience as one of the co-founders of the very successful Multicultural Children’s Book Day and create a unique resource for parents who are looking for creative ways to keep their kids reading this summer. Reading is important, but so is helping our young readers learn about other cultures, religions and traditions through the pages of these books. Here are some great booklists and resources that I have created over the years at Jump Into a Book that will not only give parents and readers great ideas on diverse kids’ books, but fun activities related to books that will bring stories to life!
Sign up below for quick and free access to 180 Multicultural Book Ideas: World Travel through Kidlit Summer Reading!
Sign up for 180 Multicultural Book Ideas for Summer Reading
* indicates required
Email Address *
First Name
Last Name
The post Weekend Links: A Round up of #ReadtheWorldMKB Summer Reads appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
July 5, 2017
#ReadtheWorldMKB Summer Reading Series! The Rock Maiden: A Chinese Tale of Love and Loyalty
Today I’m participating in the MKB Read Around the World Summer Reading Series. The multicultural location we have chosen to visit is Hong Kong and the book I am reviewing is yet another gorgeous offering from Wisdom Tales Press; The Rock Maiden: A Chinese Tale of Love and Loyalty by Natasha Yim
Subject(s):
Age level:
Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Asian
4 & up
Format:
Size / page count:
Hardcover
8″ × 10″ / 36 pages
ISBN:
Date available:
978-1-937786-65-6
March 2017
Read around the world this summer with great books recommended by the bloggers of Multicultural Kid Blogs (and friends!) Throughout the summer we will be sharing great books for the entire family! Mondays are for ages 5 and under, Wednesdays for children ages 6-10, and Fridays for tweens, teens, and adults! We’ll have some additional days sprinkled in, so can fit in even more great reads for you!
When her fisherman husband fails to come home after a storm at sea, the beautiful maiden Ling Yee is heartbroken. Every morning, she puts her baby on her back and clambers to the top of a cliff looking for any signs of his return.
But day after day, she is disappointed. The villagers try to convince her to give up her vigil. “No,” she would say, “He will come home soon.” Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Heavens, takes pity on her grief and turns Ling Yee and her child into stone so that they would mourn no more. The fisherman eventually finds his way home―only to discover that his wife has been transformed into the Rock Maiden. Will the family forever be kept apart? Or will devotion and faithfulness ultimately be rewarded? Find out in this re-envisioning of an old Hong Kong legend by award-winning author Natasha Yim, featuring stunning illustrations by renowned Finnish artist Pirkko Vainio.
The Minds Behind the Magic:
Natasha Yim is an American Chinese author of fiction and non-fiction works for children and young adults. Born in Malaysia, she grew up in Singapore and Hong Kong, where she was captivated by the old Chinese legends she heard as a child. She is the author of Otto’s Rainy Day (a Kids’ Pick of the Lists selection), Cixi: The Dragon Empress, and Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas (a 2014 Junior Library Guild selection and 2015 Scholastic Book Club selection). Natasha lives in Ukiah, California, with her husband and three children.
Pirkko Vainio was born in Finland and studied at the Academy of Art in Helsinki. She has written and illustrated over thirty children’s books, which have been translated into fifteen languages. Among her books are The Dream House (winner of Frankfurt’s Prix Octagonale Graphique), The Snow Goose (winner of the Picture Book Prize, Finland), and the Hans Christian Andersen tales The Nightingale and The Ugly Duckling. Pirkko’s artwork has been exhibited throughout the world, while the Finnish Broadcasting Company has made two documentaries on her life and work. She resides in Jämsä, Finland.
Grab your copy of the moving #kidlit book HERE.
****I received a copy of this book to review. Opinions express are purely my own.
**Some of these links are affiliate links
–
FREE Gift! Free 180 Multicultural Book Ideas ebook to inspired fun Reading!
School is out and our youngsters are settling into a new summer routine of sleeping in and hopefully doing some exploring and discovering. With the hectic days of summer just beginning, oftentimes one of the first habit to go by the wayside is the habit of daily reading.
Reading is always an important part of our children’s lives no matter what time of year it is so I decided to wrap my knowledge of fun kidlit books and activities up with my experience as one of the co-founders of the very successful Multicultural Children’s Book Day and create a unique resource for parents who are looking for creative ways to keep their kids reading this summer. Reading is important, but so is helping our young readers learn about other cultures, religions and traditions through the pages of these books. Here are some great booklists and resources that I have created over the years at Jump Into a Book that will not only give parents and readers great ideas on diverse kids’ books, but fun activities related to books that will bring stories to life!
Sign up below for quick and free access to 180 Multicultural Book Ideas: World Travel through Kidlit Summer Reading!
Sign up for 180 Multicultural Book Ideas for Summer Reading
* indicates required
Email Address *
First Name
Last Name
The post #ReadtheWorldMKB Summer Reading Series! The Rock Maiden: A Chinese Tale of Love and Loyalty appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
July 2, 2017
Let Freedom Ring | An Independence Day Roundup of Kidlit and Activities
The 4th of July is fast approaching! As families scramble to come up with creative ideas of their yearly Independence Day picnic, I’d like to offer up some suggestions that incorporate two of my favorite things; books and activities! So for the last week I’ve been scouring the WWW and here are some holiday winners. Enjoy!
Get Your “Read” On: Check out Jump Into a Book’s Star Spangled Booklist from a few years ago
This Reading Mama has a great list as well.
JDanielFoursMom is sharing a recommended book list for the 4th of July too.
Something To Do
These chilly Red, White & Blue Fro-Yo Pops from My Sweet Mission have delicious fresh fruit flavors, with creamy yogurt, and perfect for your 4th of July celebration! They are light and refreshing pops that will help keep your guests nice and cool. Get the recipe here.
Love this Spirit Wand 4th of July Craft [From the Mamas]
Schooling a Monkey has some wonderful Patriotic STEM Activities for Kids Perfect for Summertime Fun!
I always love the idea of a good scavenger hunt and PeachyHill has a bunch of July 4th printables including one! Fun Fourth of July Printable Games-
No matter whom you are with, what your traditions are and how you do it, there are many ways to enjoy this grand holiday. Just look for fun ways to share the day with family and friends. Never forget that music, good food and lots of laughs with friends is the best way to spend the day outdoors waiting for the fireworks to light up the sky. Enjoy!
The post Let Freedom Ring | An Independence Day Roundup of Kidlit and Activities appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
