Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 41

Summer Reading Ideas for Kids Who Love Mythological Beings

So how’s your ‘warmer weather months’ going? I’ve been spending tons of time curled up on the patio with my nose in a book! I can also share that I’ve been up to my eyeballs in Norse Mythology. Currently one of my MANY publishing/writing projects I am working on includes a new book from Audrey Press all about the Norse Gods.

Some of you might not know this about me but my family comes from the Island of Gotland in the Baltic sea. There on this magical island is buried Thor,the hammer god himself. So I guess I can technically say that Thor is a part of my genealogy.

So needless to say, many of my past book reviews have been on books with mythological theme’s include Greek and Norse Mythology. Here are just a few of my favorites to add to you summer reading bookshelf.

Runemarks by Joanne Harris is one of my son’s favorite reads. He has read it several times and has continued on with the series as well. He highly recommends it with five golden stars and thumbs up.

Seven o’clock on a Monday morning, five hundred years after the end of the world, and goblins had been at the cellar again. . . . Not that anyone would admit it was goblins. In Maddy Smith’s world, order rules. Chaos, old gods, fairies, goblins, magic, glamours–all of these were supposedly vanquished centuries ago. But Maddy knows that a small bit of magic has survived. The “ruinmark” she was born with on her palm proves it–and makes the other villagers fearful that she is a witch (though helpful in dealing with the goblins-in-the-cellar problem). But the mysterious traveler One-Eye sees Maddy’s mark not as a defect, but as a destiny. And Maddy will need every scrap of forbidden magic One-Eye can teach her if she is to survive that destiny.

For the love of Greek Mythology: The Adventures of Achilles by Hugh Lupton 

–The Adventures of Achilles. Barefoot Books are high quality and unique and not typically found on Amazon. I’ve been a Barefoot Book Ambassador in the past but my hectic children’s book writing and publishing schedule forced me to put that venture on hold for now. BUT, I am still a huge fan of the diversity, quality and uniqueness that Barefoot Books offers.

A Norse God and Viking Booklist

Runelight

The squabbling Norse gods and goddesses of Runemarks are back! And there’s a feisty new heroine on the scene: Maggie, a girl the same age as Maddy but brought up a world apart – literally, in World’s End, the focus of the Order in which Maddy was raised. Now the Order is destroyed, Chaos is filling the vacuum left behind… and is breaching the everyday world.

The Gospel of Loki

This novel is a brilliant first-person narrative of the rise and fall of the Norse gods—retold from the point of view of the world’s ultimate trickster, Loki. A #1 bestseller in the UK, The Gospel of Loki tells the story of Loki’s recruitment from the underworld of Chaos, his many exploits on behalf of his one-eyed master, Odin, through to his eventual betrayal of the gods and the fall of Asgard itself.

K.L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr Blackwell Pages Trilogy
Loki’s Wolves

“The runes have spoken. We have our champion…Matthew Thorsen.”

Matt hears the words, but he can’t believe them. He’s Thor’s representative? Destined to fight trolls, monstrous wolves and giant serpents…or the world ends? He’s only thirteen.While Matt knew he was a modern-day descendent of Thor, he’s always lived a normal kid’s life. In fact, most people in the small town of Blackwell, South Dakota, are direct descendants of either Thor or Loki, including Matt’s classmates Fen and Laurie Brekke. No big deal.

Odin’s Ravens

When thirteen-year-old Matt Thorsen and Fen and Laurie Brekke, modern-day descendants of Thor and Loki, discovered they were fated to take the places of the Norse Gods in a battle against the apocalypse, they thought they knew how things would play out. Gather the other descendants, defeat a giant serpent, and save the world. No problem, right? Wrong. The descendants’ journey grinds to a halt when their friend Baldwin is poisoned and Matt, Fen, and Laurie must travel to the Underworld in hopes of saving him. From there, they’ll have to reunite…

Thor’s Serpents

Thirteen-year-olds Matt, Laurie, and Fen have beaten near-impossible odds to assemble their fellow descendants of the Norse Gods and complete epic quests. Their biggest challenge lies ahead: battling the fierce monsters working to bring about the apocalypse. But when they learn that Matt must fight the Midgard Serpent alone and Fen and Laurie are pulled in other directions, the friends realize they can’t take every step of this journey together.

An award-winning exceptionally great series by Nancy Farmer-The Sea of Trolls trilogy
The Sea of Trolls

The year is A.D. 793. In the next months, Jack and his little sister, Lucy, are enslaved by Olaf One-Brow and his fierce young shipmate, Thorgil. With a crow named Bold Heart for mysterious company, they are swept up into an adventure-quest in the spirit of The Lord of the Rings.

The Island of the Blessed

The fields of Jack’s home village are devastated, the winter ahead looks bleak, and a monster—a draugr—has invaded the forest outside of town. But in the hands of bestselling author Nancy Farmer, the direst of prospects becomes any reader’s reward. Soon, Jack, Thorgil, and the Bard are off on a quest to right the wrong of a death caused by Father Severus. Their destination is Notland, realm of the fin folk, though they will face plenty of challenges and enemies before get they get there. Impeccably researched and blending the lore of Christian, Pagan, and Norse traditions, this expertly woven tale is beguiling suspenseful and, ultimately, a testament to love.

The Land of Silver Apples

“Like the druidic life force Jack taps, this hearty adventure, as personal as it is epic, will cradle readers in the ‘hollow of its hand’ (Booklist, starred review). Jack has caused an earthquake. He was trying to save his sister Lucy from being thrown down a well, but sometimes the magic doesn’t quite work out. Not only does Jack demolish a monastery, but Lucy is carried off by the Lady of the Lake, and Jack has to follow her through the Hollow Road, which lies underground.


For the love of Greek Mythology: The Adventures of Odysseus

As a family we love the Greek myths but we especially love this edition of Odysseus. The story is written in a way that my family of varying ages can grasp it and the illustrations are simply stunning and brilliantly colorful.

Odd and the Frost Giants #BookReview- Plus A Visit to a Viking Village!

I think Neil Gaiman is one of the most inventive authors out there. His writing style is simple, he keeps us engaged with every page ,  every twist and turn, and those incredible scary moments that we know are coming but surprise us every single time. Every tale is unique unto itself regardless of genre. We read Neil Gaiman because we know that every story will be told masterfully.

Today’s story is no different. It is a heartfelt story of a young boy named Odd, which means point in the Norse languages, who has had some very bad luck. His father died during a Viking expedition. His mother is remarried to a man who looks at Odd as an unworthy misfit. Out in the woods a tree falls on Odds leg and shatters it, making him even more a misfit. The winters have come to an unending state and has made not only the people in-house grumpy but the villagers at large. Odd, in his frustration decides to leave the house.

While in his father’s workshop cabin, he encounters a fox who persuades him to follow him. As Odd does so he discovers what the fox is wanting to show him, a bear and an Eagle. This motley crew has a very strange story to tell. Such as, they’re actually Norse Gods who have been kicked out of Asgard by the Frost Giants. Not only this but they have been turned into animals. Committed to his new-found friends, Odd takes a journey he had never imagined. He is going to save Asgard and return the gods to their proper dwelling place. To restore the gods to Asgard and put an end to the long winter, Odd will have to use all his skills. To do this, he is going to have to outwit the frost giants. Is he clever enough, cheerful to the point of being infuriating enough ? You’ll have to see.

This is an endearing short tale that will have you on the edge of your seat rooting for Odd! Grab your copy of Odd and the Frost Giants HERE.

 Happy Reading!
**** **some of these links are affiliate links

 

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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!



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The post Summer Reading Ideas for Kids Who Love Mythological Beings appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Revisiting Secret Garden Wednesday: discussing children’s hunger issues

Every Wednesday you can drop by here and find new and special happenings in the Secret Garden. There will be crafts, great food, fun and laughter. So please be sure to come by and see us in our Secret Garden created just for you.

In the Secret Garden, hunger plays an important role. It shows the well-being or stress of various characters, as well as where they live in the well-established British class system.

For a majority of 19th-century England, hunger was a real issue. Though only a behind-the-scenes character in the Secret Garden, hunger is used as a symbol to show a return-to-health for main characters Mary and Colin.

In The Secret Garden we have this real paradox going on where Mary and Colin inside their rich manor house are skipping meals not to let on that Colin is recovering and then going outside to receive food from Dickon and his poor family.

Hunger, however isn’t just a 19th century problem but has found its way into 20th and 21st century America.

“If you can’t feed a hundred people then feed just one. ” Mother Teresa

This shadow lying character of “hunger” in the Secret Garden actually brings up a great opportunity to discuss with your children hunger in 21st century America. Here’s the hard cold facts, everyday in the United States 35.5 million Americans, including 16 million children do not have enough to eat. That’s a staggering figure when you think the U.S. is one of the richest countries in the world.

“16 million children is enough to fill 18,000 school buses and 223 football stadiums. On average, those who live in food-insecure households have only $36.50 to spend on groceries every week.” -SheKnows.com

Many of these hungry people actually have jobs. This issue arises when rent and cost of living rises but salaries do not. People have to pay their rent to have a place to live and often times this means they don’t have enough left over for food.

For this Secret Garden Wednesday let’s explore the world of hunger right here in our own back yard. I think important to look at hunger on a local/national level. If you’re one of our readers from another country, I encourage you to do a little research on hunger in your area. I think looking at hunger locally brings it home to kids that it’s not some problem over there but a real problem right where you live.

The wonderful people over at SheKnows.com in collaboration with Unilever project Sunlight, has this wonderful discussion and activity guide to discuss hunger with your children as well as figure out how to feed a family on $36.50 a week. This great guide also suggests a solution to hunger in America with the Share-A-Meal program.

I hope you’ll take this moment and think about hunger and how it impacts our communities and how you and your family can make a difference.

Want to enjoy more month-by-month activities based on the classic children’s tale, The Secret Garden? A Year in the Secret Garden is over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. A Year In the Secret Garden is our opportunity to introduce new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room. Learn more, or grab your copy HERE.

 

The post Revisiting Secret Garden Wednesday: discussing children’s hunger issues appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

National Teacher Day- Honoring Six Teachers Who Changed the World

In many countries, Teachers’ Day (National Teacher Day is May 9th here in the U.S.) is a special day for the appreciation of teachers, and may include celebrations to honor them for their special contributions in a particular field area, or the community in general.

Here are six well-known teachers-turned-heroes-that changed our nation and the way we look at life and some fun kids’ books to read in their honor:

Who is Jane Goodall-Jane Goodall is a primatologist most known for her long-term study of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. The Gombe chimp observation, which Jane began in 1960, is the world’s longest running continuous wildlife research project. Her work has inspired many books including this wonderful one called,  I am Jane Goodall (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer

We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this New York Times bestselling picture book biography series from historian and author Brad Meltzer. Learn all about Jane Goodall, the chimpanzee scientist. Grab your copy on Amazon and be sure and visit Brad’s site to see the other books in his Ordinary People Change the World series.

Who is Maya Angelou: Known best for her books and poems, Maya Angelou was actually taught at a number of colleges, including the University of Kansas, Wichita State University and California State University of Sacramento. For over 20 years though, she’s remained a professor at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

Who is Anne Sullivan: Anne Sullivan was born on April 14, 1866, in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. A gifted teacher, Anne Sullivan is best known for her work with Helen Keller, a blind and deaf child she taught to communicate. To honor the determined teacher, Annie Sullivan, I created a Helen and Annie booklist. It is because of Annie’s help that Helen Keller grew up to be the advocate for special needs people and a most accomplished woman of her time. Read the whole booklist review HERE and also participate in some activities to learn more about the struggles and challenges of the blind and deaf.

Who is J.K. Rowling: The Harry Potter author worked as an English teacher in Portugal as she plotted out the early adventures of her young wizards.

Who is Henry David Thoreau: He was an American poet, author, teacher, surveyor, historian, philosopher and leading transcendentalist. He is better known for his book Walden, about simple living in natural surroundings. His articles, essays, journals and poetry total over 20 volumes. In 1845 in Concord, Massachusetts, Henry David Thoreau built a cabin in the woods and lived there alone for two years while he examined the world around him. Read my review of If You Spent the Day with Thoreau At Walden Pond by Robert Buleigh HERE.

Who is Albert Einstein:He was a theoretical physicist and his contribution to the physics is known from the special and general theories of relativity, the founding of relativistic cosmology, the first post-Newtonian expansion, explaining the perihelion advance of Mercury and others.  He is best known for his theories of special relativity and general relativity. In 1921, he received Nobel Prize in Physics for his services to Theoretical Physics and his discovery of law of photoelectric effect.

Read my full review of On a Beam of Light here.

A Lesser Known Teacher Hero

Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco.

This teacher-hero was not a celebrity…but a hero nonetheless. Author Patricia Polacco is not only one of America’s most loved children’s book creators, she one of MY favorite authors as well. I’ve review her books here and here on JIAB and her work never disappoints.

But once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha’s dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her reading disability. Patricia Polacco will never forget him, and neither will we.

This inspiring story is available in a deluxe slipcased edition, complete with a personal letter to readers from Patricia Polacco herself. Thank You, Mr. Falker will make a beautiful gift for the special child who needs encouragement&150or any special teacher who has made a difference in the child’s life.

Grab your copy Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco on Amazon

Something to Do for the Teacher in your Life

Little Passports has some sweet teacher appreciation gift ideas on their website. I think this mason jar gift is so creative!

**Some of these links are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may get a very small commission.

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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 National Teacher Day- Honoring Six Teachers Who Changed the World appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

May 8th is International Viking Day! Lycklig Internationella Vikingadagen!

Lycklig Internationella Vikingadagen! In case you were wondering, that’s Swedish for Happy International Viking Day.

Swedish tradition and culture is a huge part of my life. Both my parents and grandparents were from Gotland, Sweden so my Swedish roots run deep. I have been immersed in Nordic culture since childhood so when it comes to Vikings, those roots run deep too! As “Valli the Viking” I’ve had the pleasure of attending Viking Camp several times during my many years of traveling to Gotland to visit family. So this is the perfect occasion for me to bang me shield, raise me Viking banners and insignia and spread the joyful message that the Vikings have reawakened!

“A thousand years ago our ancestors in all likelihood considered the 8th of May to be time to get off the bedstraws, polish the swords and prepare the ships to visit friends and enemies near and far.” From the International Viking Day Facebook Page

Here are some fun ways you too can play along and celebrate Viking Day with me!

Read to Viking heart’s content with this Norse God/Viking Booklist

Go on a Pretend Field Trip

Let’s go on a Viking-inspired field trip! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live as a Viking? Well wonder no more. Every summer we go to bonafide Viking Camp. A few years ago my son had the most amazing experience. Here’s a look at his adventure back into the Viking Times.

Life in a Viking Village

By Valarie Budayr (as told by her son “O”)

We were just out walking, my mom and I, when we came across an old carved stone. There it was just standing out in the field. “Mom, do you know what this is for?” I asked.

“Well, it is a rune stone placed by a Viking to tell of the heroic deeds of one who died in battle or at sea. It is written in Viking symbols called runes or runic.”

“Can I touch it?” I asked.

“I don’t see why not,” she replied. “It’s been standing here for a thousand years or so and I don’t think you touching it will have any effect.”

It was amazing to feel this old stone. Parts of it were smooth while other parts were carved very deep. As I was tracing the designs of the stone I could smell smoke being blown on the breeze.  “Mom, do you smell smoke?”

But my mom wasn’t there. I started running through the field from the direction we came only now there stood a large wooden house. I didn’t remember seeing it before but I was sure my mom had to be in there. As I approached the door I could see blue smoke. What was that? It was very dark in there and all I could make out was a fire and some furniture. Entering the hall, I realized that this was a Viking long house, where the Viking chief and his clan would eat and celebrate. I had read about it in my Viking books.  I was the only one in there.  Where was my mom?

As I turned to leave, I heard a woman yelling at me from outside.  “Boy, boy, come out of there and have something to eat before it’s time to go.” Bounding out of the long house, I asked,” Go where?”

“Well to games school of course,” the voice of the unseen woman answered. “Come and have some barley bread and honey.”

Suddenly, there she was; a very kind looking woman baking bread on a hot iron pan. She was dressed in clothes from a different time period. She wore big brass pins to hold up each side of her dress. On her head she wore a headscarf and turned her bread with wooden spoons.  It sure smelled good.  I decided to have some and afterwards I would look for my mom again.  As I was eating a loud horn was being blown and then loud shouting.

“Invader! An invader! We have a thief amongst us!”

As I turned around, I saw a man running out to the center of the field and someone was chasing him.  Soon swords were clashing and shields were being butted against each other and held up to stop the crashing blow from the flying swords. They too were dressed in clothes I had never seen before.  It didn’t take long for either one of them to be disarmed. Both were very good swordsmen. The fight wasn’t over, however. Once they were both free of swords and shields they started wrestling. They kept flipping each other until one of them could no longer get up. The men who had been fighting were now lending a helping hand to get up, hugging each other, and laughing. The young woman who had baked my bread was clapping and laughing as well.

I didn’t know what would happen next. It was all so odd.  Somehow between the barley bread and the sword fighting I realized that, though I was in the same place, I wasn’t in the same time. Could it be true that I had somehow ended up in a Viking village in Viking times?

The answers to these questions would soon be answered when one of the fighting men grabbed me firmly on the shoulder and asked, “What’s your weapon?”

“Bow” I said.

Laughing loudly, he said, “That will do you from a distance but if you should ever get close to your opponent, he will have the best of you.  I’ll see you in the field then young brother and we’ll see what other sports we can teach you.”

Following a group of boys and men, together we arrived at a Games Course. Inside were a variety of games, archery, axe throwing, tug of war and log tossing.  As I walked in, there were two people sitting on a log, hitting each other with pillows until one of them fell off. All of the boys around my age were brought into the center of the arena and the men who had been fighting were standing before us.

“Can anyone tell me what this is?” I asked.

“A spear!” came a shout from the back.

“Exactly. Though the spear is very long and many people like to throw it,” My companion answered. “Its real purpose is to be used to stop a horse and rider. Hold the spear against your foot like this. The horse will toss its rider and you will be able to face your opponent.”

Next up was the axe. A Viking always carries a bow, axe, shield and sword.

They even sleep with them near their bed because invaders especially like to come at night. I learned that there are two kinds of swords. The ones the Vikings make themselves, which are very much lighter, and the ones that they acquire on raids. These are heavier metals and have rounded hilts (handles). I also learned that shields are a swordsman’s best friend. There are a couple of ways to use a shield. One use is to join a friend’s shield with yours and hold them together.Another use is to bump into an opponent’s shield, knocking them off-balance.

The lessons suddenly turned serious when we came to the topic of chainmail. Only the very rich could afford chainmail as body armor. One piece of chainmail costs about 200,000 dollars. Much of the metal needed is gathered on raids and then re-purposed for chain mail. It is extremely heavy but absolutely protects from a sideways blow of both axe and sword.

“Thank you young brothers,” shouted my companion. “Now it’s time to go off to your other courses. We will see you this afternoon for games practice.” Leaving the games course, we walked into a small wooden village where we were divided into small groups which would rotate through various daily tasks. First it was leather making. Everyone had to make their own shoes. Both men and women make shoes for children but once you are 10 years old, you are expected to make your own.

Each village and clan makes their own beads by melting sand into glass. You can tell where somebody comes from by the beads they are wearing. Bigger villages become trading centers for smaller villages to swap items they have for items they need. Many times beads are used in the exchange. This village has a large assortment of beads from all over the Viking world. I traded a leather purse I had made for the prettiest beads so I could make my mother a necklace.

Another daily task is gathering flax and wool to weave into rugs, blankets, and clothing. Using various flowers and herbs, we made our own dyes to color our newly spun wool. My favorite color is the yellow which comes from dying birch bark. An entire small wooden house was made for textiles and weaving.

Among the other houses for doing chores were blacksmithing and iron making, pottery with clay we gather from the sea, wood carving, and the board game house to teach strategy.  No matter how many tasks there are to be completed in a day it always comes back to one thing and that is be ready for an attack by raiders.Much time is spent in forging swords, making shields, and bending metal for chainmail. Ironically, I found this to be a peaceful task.

While I would bend the metal from one link to another, I could hear children playing, women talking, and the sound of birds and the breeze blowing in the grass. In the distance is the sound of the sea crashing against the shore. In the late afternoon, when the shadows are getting long, a horn blows in the distance. It’s time to suit up for the afternoon games. It’s a time for much “play” fighting, arrow shooting, axe throwing, wrestling, log tossing, and shield butting.

Though our teachers make mock sword fighting look so easy, it is very difficult. At home I can really move my wooden sword around very fast. It’s another story when the sword and helmet are made out of metal. Add chainmail to that and I’m not going anywhere fast. In fact I can barely hold my head up and my shoulder aches to even hold my sword up for more than a couple of seconds.

As I was walking away from the game field, I heard my mother calling me from a distance.  “Omi, Omi, …….” I ran towards the end of the village and the sound of her voice.  Before getting to the entrance, a hand grabbed my arm. A man with long brown hair said, “Always know where all of the entrances into a village are. Invaders can raid at anytime and you need to be able to escape. Remember, the nearest exit may be behind you. Be well young brother.”

Wow, I didn’t know that was a Viking saying..

I ran through the gate and towards my mother’s voice. When I got through the gate, the village disappeared.

“Omi, wake up. It’s time to go,”  I heard my mom say.

As I opened my eyes, my mother was folding up the picnic blankets next to the Viking stone we had found.

“Come on sleepy head,” she coaxed. “If you don’t wake up now you won’t sleep tonight.”

Walking back to the house I felt something in my pocket. I reached in to feel the beaded necklace I had made for my mom. Had it really been a dream or had it really happened?

P.S. A few summers ago my son and I spent our vacation on the island of Gotland , in Sweden. Everywhere you turn on the island you can find evidence of the Vikings. The largest Viking hordes have been found on Gotland, one in particular was found by a school group touring an old Viking village.  We would like to thank Annie and all of our friends at the Tofta Viking Village .  They run an incredible program of Viking camps, long house feasts,and sharing their love of the Viking world with us modern people.

Something to Do

1. Check out this complete list of Norse runes and their meanings HERE.

Interested in learning more about Norse mythology? Go HERE.

2. Even though in Runemarks, Thor has lost his hammer, we still know it exists. And he’ll need it back eventually so lets help him out by making our own Thor Hammer!

3. Idun is the goddess of healing. She heals the sick, wounded and dying, with her dried apples—the food of the gods. Make your own healing fruit!

Another thing that has been inspired by Sweden, Gotland and Viking lore is my children’s picture book, . This “fairly true” book came to life last year and is inspired my my childhood friendship with a real live dragon! Though many Vikings believe that Dragons are fierce beasts (maybe some are) the dragon I encounter was not like that at all.

What makes my book  book special is the idea that the fiercest beasts in known history or imaginations everywhere could actually be the best of friends. It’s a lesson in finding companionship in the most unusual of places. Readers will also learn things about dragons that might not be common knowledge such as they are master of disguises and how they love sugar and sweets (at unacceptable levels) and will do anything for treats.

Take a look inside the book…

Grab your copy by clicking the pink heart below.

HAPPY READING!

The post May 8th is International Viking Day! Lycklig Internationella Vikingadagen! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Top Dog And Other Doggone Delightful Expressions by Carli Davidson

(Guest post from Hannah Rials)

Top Dog and Other Doggone Delightful Expressions  is a charming book of photography that not only shares pictures of ADORABLE dogs but also teaches/reminds us of those cute phrases that we all know and love. Plus, any dog lover will by dying to put the word “dog” into their everyday language as much as possible, and this sweet book is the way told to do that.



From the lens of expert animal photographer and New York Times bestselling author Carli Davidson, an adorable cast of canine characters star in this doggone delightful tribute to everyone’s favorite idioms, from “working like a dog” to “the dog days of summer.” These endearing and hilarious images are sure to make any animal enthusiast smile in “two shakes of a dog’s tail!”–Amazon

As an added bonus, Davidson includes small personality profiles of all the dogs featured in her book, which I think just gives it that extra cuteness factor.




I mean, who doesn’t love learning about Laka the Pit Bull who “Knows all kinds of tricks and really excels at standing on her hind legs while giving a high five.” That’s definitely my kind of dog right there. I think dog high-fives are probably the best high-fives.



If you like Carli Davidson’s work, this is not her only fantastic book of photography. You can also check out Shake Dogs, Shake Cats, Shake Puppies, and Invincible, which is my personal favorite since I had a dog who used a wheel chair.

Something To Do:

Learn about Reading Therapy and Dogs: Did you know dogs are used to help kids read better? And kids reading books are used to make shelter dogs feel loved? The internet is filled with amazing stores of human/dog interaction that benefits young readers.

This article talks about how kids can practice reading to shelter dogs.


Friend and JIAB teammate, Becky Flansburg, took her daughter to read to Lulu The Reading Dog and both were touched by the experience.


Reading dogs are also being used in Finland to help young readers flourish.

It is possible to teach an old dog new tricks! And here are some great hand signals that allow you to communicate with your lovable pup.


Does your dog have stinky breath? Here’s a great recipe for homemade doggie breath mints to freshen up the tongue that might slobber all over your face.


**some of these links are affiliate links
HANNAH RIALS: A Maryville native and current college student at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Hannah began writing her first novel at age twelve. Eight years later, the result is her new YA novel Ascension; a modern day teenage romance filled with “double-blooded” vampires and revenge-seeking witches. When not spending time with her family and playing with her beloved Corgi, Buddy, Hannah leads a creative group, crafts and cultivates her writing skills. Connect with Hannah on Facebook, Twitter and via her website.
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The day has come! The much-anticipated release of Ascension by Hannah Rials is finally HERE!

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

 

Grab your copy of Ascension HERE and visit Hannah on Facebook, Twitter and on her website.

The post Top Dog And Other Doggone Delightful Expressions by Carli Davidson appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Revisiting Secret Garden Wednesday-Sticky Toffee Pudding

Happy Secret Garden Wednesday! If you’ve been following along, the last four Wednesdays have been filled with A Year in the Secret Garden inspired crafts, recipes and nature activities.

Traditionally speaking snow days are behind us and so are the comfort foods that go along with chillier weather. In the past when there’s been snowy days, there’s always a big pot of vegetable soup on the stove, warm bread out of the oven, and more hot chocolate than you can muster. Our family also loves a very “Secret Garden-ish” dessert that is so warm and cozy that it’s one of the first things I make on a “snow day.” 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.

Cheers and Enjoy!

From the book A Year in the Secret Garden (page 63)

Sticky Toffee Pudding

picture source-Food Network

Pudding Ingredients

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for the pan
1 1/2 cups of sifted all purpose flour, plus more for the pan
1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates ( about 6 ounces)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs

Sauce Ingredients

1 1/4 cups (Packed) light brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup (1/2) stick unsalted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Pudding Instructions

(Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 C). Butter and flour Bundt pan. Bring dates and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a medium heavy saucepan with tall sides. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda ( mixture will become foamy). Set aside; let cool.

Whisk 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat 1/4 cup butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl to blend (mixture will be grainy). Add 1 egg; beat to blend. Add half of flour mixture and half of date mixture; beat to blend. Repeat with remaining 1 egg, flour mixture, and date mixture. Pour batter into mold.

Bake until a tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Invert pudding onto rack.

Sauce Instructions

(Can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm gently before using. )

Bring sugar, cream, and butter to a boil in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Cut cake into wedges. Serve with sauce and whipped cream.

Enjoy!

Want to enjoy more month-by-month activities based on the classic children’s tale, The Secret Garden? A Year in the Secret Garden is over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. A Year In the Secret Garden is our opportunity to introduce new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room. Learn more, or grab your copy HERE.

 

The post Revisiting Secret Garden Wednesday-Sticky Toffee Pudding appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Weekend Links-Children’s Book Authors who offer #bookactivities

Welcome to weekend links!

We all know that encouraging our children to read is critical. There are countless studies, organizations and websites on that very subject.

We also know that reading out loud to our kids, and having them read out loud to us is also very beneficial.

But how about the activities that are inspired by the books we and our children read? The activities we engage in called “companion activities” or “book extensions” that bring the story to life and  help kids become more involved in the stories that they read. Are these important?

YES. Activity around learning is nothing new-classrooms implement this practice daily. But the act of pulling activities from the pages of a favorite to deepen learning is a little less common. Yet something I have always believed in strongly.

That believe can be seen everywhere in the content of Jump Into a Book. Here, I write about the importance of collaborative play. When we weave play into the fabric of our everyday life, we open the door to transform our relationships, our view points and perspectives on creating happiness, and the joy of innovating with our children.

I write about experiencing and journey taking through the pages of our favorite children’s books. Through the process of experiencing and sharing our stories, our books and shared moments become a part of us, leading to creativity and collaborative problem solving.

I write about taking books off the shelf, and stories off the pages.

I write about giving back whether through giveaways, book donations, Reading Is Fundamental, or through book charities such as Room to Read.

Welcome to the wonderful world of jumping into books.:)

I also love it when I see quality children’s books that take the extra step of including book-related activities and resources either in the back of the book or on the author’s website. Here are some examples:

Reading Rockets has some great thoughts on making books come to life HERE.

Kids Activities Blog has 100 crafts inspired by books…you KNOW there’s going to be some fun stuff there!

My Head Elf, Becky, recently called my attention to a great book called Bat Count- A Citizen Science Story.

Bat Count 4-page For Creative Minds section in the back of the book and a 30-page cross-curricular Teaching Activity Guide online. Bat Count is vetted by experts and designed to encourage parental engagement. Its extensive back matter helps teachers with time-saving lesson ideas, provides extensions for science, math, and social studies units, and uses inquiry-based learning to help build critical thinking skills in young readers. The Spanish translation supports ELL and dual-language programs. The enhanced ebook reads aloud in both English and Spanish with word highlighting and audio speed control to promote oral language skills, fluency, pronunciation, text engagement, and reading comprehension.

Here are some amazing children’s book author who also have learning/reading inspired activities on their sites:

Jan Brett’s Activities

Toni Buzzeo’s Curriculum Guides

Dr. Oneeka Williams Dr. DeeDee Dynamo series has fun companion activities as well.

Beatrix Potter

Katie Davis’ Educator Freebies

Dianne de Las Casas’ Book Activities

Elizabeth Dulemba’s Activities

Dottie Enderle’s Activities

J.K Rowling

Denise Fleming’s Activities

Bruce Hale’s Fun Stuff

Jennifer F and Jennifer J’s It’s A Jungle Out There (for Father Goose’s Books)

Eric Kimmel’s Hear a Story

Sharon Creech

Grace Lin’s Activities and Crafts

Wendy Martin’s Coloring Pages

Rick Riordan

ME! Inspired by my award-winning book, Dragons Area Real, I have a free gift for my fellow Dragon-lovers. Grab my FREE Downloadable Dragons Are Real Activity Guide below:

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Enjoy and I’ll see you next week.

Revisiting Secret Garden Wednesday: Creating a Bee Watering Hole

The air is warm, the grass is springing up nicely and some of my favorite inset friends are making an appearance; bees! They’ve been visiting my garden and they are a welcomed site.

Speaking of gardening, I want to take a look back to a wildly popular series I did earlier this in the Spring of 2016. Jump Into A Book readers loved it and I had a blast creating it as well. It was fun, fresh, and truly got everyone in the “garden” mood

Fun #Kidlit Books that Encourage New Perspectives

{Guest post by Hannah Rials}

Perspective is defined as a way of thinking about something, especially one which is influenced by the type of person you are or by your experiences. These experiences in life lead us to think about certain things in a certain way until something comes along that provides new information. This new information can lead to a shift in thinking or a shift in “perspective.”

Exploring new thoughts, concepts and ideas that possibly lead to a new shift is not a bad thing. In fact it’s a very healthy activity and one that our young readers should be exposed to as often as possible. The following are a few books that have come across my desk as of late that can do just that for young readers.

One Minute by Somin Ahn

A lot can happen in one minute. Think about it–all the possibilities. How many times do you blink? How many times does your heart beat? The little girl in Ahn’s One Minute  explores all the possibilities. She saves her dog, waves to a neighbor, plants a few seeds. There’s so much going on in the world, in just 60 seconds. This book is a charming contemplation of all that can happen, even in the world of a little girl

1. Is it time to start learning how to tell time? Here’s a super fun hula hoop clock activity to get your kiddo telling time on their own!


2. Fun Facts about Time:
     – The longest flight of a chicken is 13 seconds long
     – a Hummingbird’s heart beats over 1,000 times per minute.
     – Hiccups normally last for 5 minutes
     – The most overdue library book was 288 years late.
     – The first clock was invented in 1656
     – There’s a cuckoo clock factory in Germany’s black forest that gives demonstrations and       has hundreds of beautiful clocks for sale.

Follow the Moon Home: A tale of one idea, twenty kids, and hundred sea turtles by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson

“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 sea 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 sea turtles by spreading awareness in their community about turning off the lights along with beach.

This book does a wonderful job of encouraging young activists to take part in the world around them. Many kids think that they can’t make a difference. But that’s not true! There are kids all over the world who are making a difference in the world. Vivienne and her classmates are one example of that in their work with the baby sea turtles, based of a real project in South Carolina, which now claims the Loggerhead Turtle as its state reptile.

1. 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.

Identify something you want to change
Make a plan
Take action
Think back, keep a journal
Tell you story, let other kid be inspire by your work!

 2. Interested in learning more about environmental issues that you can be involved in? Visit http://earthecho.org ;

3. Here are some more books to teach your children about Social Justice:

  Malala Yousafzai, a warrior with words by Karen Leggett Abouraya
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Micheal Hall
Joleto’s Big Descion by Ann Berlak

Made by Raffi: Craig Pomranz and Margaret Chamberlain

Raffi is starting to realize that he’s a little bit different than the other boys in his class. He doesn’t care about being loud, and rowdy, and talking about sports. He would rather sit quietly with the teacher. And practicing this activity is exactly how he picks up his life’s passion of creating clothing! And it all starts with the rainbow scarf that he knits for his dad and it turns into a cape for their school play. And after that he’s a hit.

Pomranz and Chamberlain have put Made by Raffi into the world when it is desperately needed. This book teaches kids that it’s okay to be different. Being different doesn’t mean that you’re wrong or weird. In fact, we should embrace our differences because they make us who we are and may eventually lead to our life passions, like Raffi and his clothing design! And props to Raffi’s parents for being wonderful, understand, and loving of their child and his barrier breaking hobbies!

Something To Do
1. Want to learn to knit like Raffi? Here’s a great resource to get you started!
   
2. Here at Jump Into a Book, we’re all about multiculturalism and diversity and breaking down barriers in every way. If you’d like to learn more, visit Multicultural Children’s Book Day or We Need Diverse Books. Made By Raffi is a great start to your multicultural collection!
They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel

Brendan Wenzel, an illustrator, offers a charming new take on perspective that teaches children how different creatures see the world differently. Every few pages are so, readers are reassured that the cat is walking through the world with “its whiskers, ears, and paws.” So this is obviously the same cat, however, every creature and critter that the cat passes sees it differently.

The different perspectives of the cat are so unique and imaginative! From the snake’s perspective, we see the cat in thermal imaging as a cat would. My favorite is from the eyes of a bee, which looks like dot art–very cute! The book covers everything from a child, to a predatory fox, to a frightened mouse, to the cat looking at his own reflection in a pond, a great lesson for children about seeing the world in different ways based on where you come from and who you are!

1. Kaleidoscope’s are a fun way of looking at the world in a different light. Here’s a fun and easy kaleidoscope craft!

SAMSUNG CSC

2. Now that we’ve seen the way different critters see a cat in different way, you can make a copy cat book imagining how all the different characters in this book would see you!

Happy Reading!

**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!

HANNAH RIALS: A Maryville native and current college student at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Hannah began writing her first novel at age twelve. Eight years later, the result is her new YA novel Ascension; a modern day teenage romance filled with “double-blooded” vampires and revenge-seeking witches. When not spending time with her family and playing with her beloved Corgi, Buddy, Hannah leads a creative group, crafts and cultivates her writing skills. Connect with Hannah on Facebook, Twitter and via her website.

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Homeschooling can be complicated and frustrating, especially if you are overloaded with information. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Donna Ashton’s The Waldorf Home School Handbook is a simple and step-by-step guide to creating and understanding a Waldorf-inspired homeschool plan. Within the pages of this all-in-one homeschooling guide parents will find information, samples of lesson plans and curriculum, helpful hints and the secrets behind the three Areas for Optimum Learning. Join Donna as she guides you through the Waldorf method and reveals how to educate your children in a nurturing and creative environment. To learn more, or grab your copy of the Waldorf Homeschool Handbook go HERE.

The post Fun #Kidlit Books that Encourage New Perspectives appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Weekend Links: Get Inspired with these #kidlit Summer Reading Recommends

If it hasn’t already, the school year is nearly over here in the States and summer is upon us. Wondering what to do with the kids over the summer break? The first answer I would give is to get outside, explore, travel and spend quality time together! But another thing that is always on parents minds is the dreaded “summer slide” where kids backslide on reading habits. The following is a group of different booklists that will give parents resources and “ammo” for providing interesting, fun and inspiring books to keep their kids in step with healthy reading habits.

A few years back we visited the Redwood Forest in Northern California and were so inspired by these incredible trees. They are the oldest, tallest trees on the planet. Some of them are 1000 years old. It’s been a huge challenge to save these glorious trees from the blade of the lumber companies. Muir woods it a save haven for the redwoods. It’s our hope that our Great Redwood Tree booklist will inspire you as well to make a trip to visit these ancient giants and become active in saving them for future generations.

Around the World in 30 Books — A Trip Across the Globe – Inspire Creativity, Reduce Chaos & Encourage Learning with Kids

14 Diversity Graphic Novels for Middle Reader Girls from Franticmommy

Wonderful Diversity Mysteries for Ages 8-18 at pragmaticmom

99 Muslim Children Books #30DaysRamadan at A Crafty Arab

World Travel From Your Couch!

22 Books about New York-A New York City #BookList for Kids

Japanese Traditions: A Year of Seasonal Japanese Festivities via @CCastleView

21 Multicultural Middle Grade Novels for Summer Reading  via @coloursofus

Exploring Singapore with Books, Food & Maps — Global Learning for Kids

Activity Builders

New Summer Book Releases that Kids Will go Crazy for!

The Pirate Booklist : 32 Chapter Books about PIRATES!

ALSO, would you like to create your own pirate-inspired fun for your family? For a limited time I am offering my 50+ Treasure Island Day Adventure Guide or FREE!

****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!

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School will soon be out and our youngsters will settle 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!



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The post Weekend Links: Get Inspired with these #kidlit Summer Reading Recommends appeared first on Jump Into A Book.