Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 56
June 7, 2016
Can You Dance Like a Swan?
In Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova, author Laurel Snyder takes us into the world of this very famous Russian ballet dancer.
Anna Pavlova, born in Petrograd in 1881, was one of the most talented and inspiring ballerinas. Many say that she is the best ballerina to grace the stage.
However, she didn’t originally live a life of luxury, as one would expect. Anna came from a struggling, single parent home in a world ruled by the cruel czars.
In order to follow her dreams of being a ballerina, which were originally sparked when she first heard Tchaikovsky’s music, she would have to leave her mother, her snowy city, and the only life she’d ever known to study at the ballet academy.
Laurel Snyder’s telling of Anna Pavlova’s inspiring life is, put simply, beautiful. Every phrase is thought out to create a melodic, charming phrase. The words dance across the delicate pages of the book. Julie Morstad’s illustrations fit perfectly with the simple yet flawless design and cadence of the book. She portrays the life of Anna so very well in a complex, yet simple way. This story is truly stunning and tells an inspiring story of a young woman who couldn’t help but share her art, an art typically reserved for the wealthy, with anyone who cared to watch.
Grab your copy of this delightful book on Amazon.
***Some of these links are affiliate links. If you click a link and buy a book, I will get a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. I use this money for book shipping supplies and giveaways.
Something To Do
First we need something to wear. Try this adorable, Super Easy, and fun ribbon tutu.
The driving force behind Anna becoming one of the world’s best ballerinas was the composer Tchaikovsky. She loved his music. Tchaikovsky was a master composer of ballets and many other types of music. Anna Pavlova was known for her performances of a ballet called Swan Lake. Here is a wonderful and immersive unit study and curriculum guide into the world of Swan Lake. And here is a link to the music and story told by Masetro Classics.
Start your kids out early with this Ballet Yoga for Kids.
If you’re feeling scientific AND artistic, try out this neat science experiment.
Here is a video of Anna Pavlova performing one of her most famous ballets, The Dying Swan.
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Now Available on Amazon and GumRoad!
My newest book, Dragons are Real is available and the excitement is almost blowing the roof off at Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press headquarters!
SO…what if I told you that all of the fairy tales, myths and legends that have been told about dragons over the years are WRONG. What if I told you that Dragons are indeed Real and that they are different than you’ve ever imagined?
This fairly true story is based on the author’s childhood friendship with a REAL live Dragon; a very special Dragon that she and her brother spent two magical summers with.
As readers turn the pages and learn the truth about Dragons, they will see that the fiercest beasts in known history can actually be the best of friends. It’s a lesson in finding companionship in the most unusual of places. Dragons are Real is a magical book filled with stunning illustrations and hints that dragon are indeed all around us 
Dragons are Real is now available for purchase on both Amazon and Gumroad! We are also offering a special free bonus gift of a Dragons Are Real Inspiration Activity Guide when you purchase your copy of this enchanting picture book.
The post Can You Dance Like a Swan? appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
June 5, 2016
Weekend Links: Preparing for Ramadan and other June events
Happy June!
June is a month filled with many exciting things from the ending of the school year to things like National Audio Book Month, World Oceans Day and Ramadan. I thought I would take this opportunity, since there is so much fun stuff happening this month, to share resources and books on each of these topics. Enjoy!
Ramadan (June 5th to July 6th)
Ramandan is the ninth month in the calendar used for Muslim holidays. When it is near, they watch for a new crescent moon.
The calendar for Muslim holidays follows the moon which means Ramadan starts on a different day every year, and can happen in any season. This year Ramadan falls during summer which is the most challenging season to fast during. The days are very long and hot.
Caring for the poor is important to Muslims which is one reason why they fast. Fasting helps them understand how people feel when they go hungry.
The new crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan and that day is called Eid al-Fitr. Muslims clean and decorate their homes and they have a big feast.
Ramadan has some similarities to Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement for Jewish people. Both holidays involve fasting, forgiveness, multiple prayer times, and is based on a lunar calendar.
Pragmaticmom has 16 Wonderful Ramadan Books for Kids of All Ages
Multicultural Children’s Book Day has a Ramadan book-inspired link-up going on as well. Book reviewers can link up their reviews and parents, teachers and librarian can use the ever-growing booklist as a resource.
National Audio Book Month
June is National Audio Book Month! Here are some Audio Books Your Kids Will Love
Live Oak Media has beautiful multicultural audio books for kids. Here is a wonderful and compelling blog post from them on the importance of utilizing audio books for young readers.
Participate in a World Oceans Day event or activity this year and help protect the ocean for the future! It’s up to each one of us to help ensure that our ocean is healthy for future generations.
Montessori-Inspired Resources for World Oceans Day
Becky at Kid World Citizen has some great books about oceans in this booklist.
Summer Reading Recommendations
Weekend Links Summer Reading Links
Book-Jumper Summer Reading: A Norse God and Viking Booklist!
Book-Jumper Summer Reading Series: Exploring Norse Runemarks
Summer Reading Series-The Great Redwood Tree Booklist
****Some of these links may contain 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.
Need more reading ideas? Check out this amazing (and FREE) booklist resource from Jump Into a Book!
180 Multicultural Book Ideas ebook to inspired fun Summer Reading!
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!
Sign up below for quick and free access to 180 Multicultural Book Ideas: World Travel through Kidlit Summer Reading!
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The post Weekend Links: Preparing for Ramadan and other June events appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
May 31, 2016
We’ve discovered Gravity! Gravity Booklist and Activities
It’s official summer has started here for us. I know some of you are still finishing up the school year and our friends down under are getting ready for winter break but us, we’re in the throes of summer and NO schedules. I love this time of year. I really do, I feel rested.
This summer on JIAB we’re focusing on a couple of things in book world. Along with our full-fledged book jumps and adventures we’ll also be diving down some new roads.
First it’s so important to be able to read and follow instructions. We’ll be focusing on a variety of wonderful and engaging books that get kids working independently to create cool and original art, cakes, boats, gardens, spaceships, etc.
Next we’ll be looking at some really cool reads that involve STEM activities. There is a whole new genre of literature out there that has young characters who are clever, science, genius types. I want to know what they know and I can say for certain that we’re having a fantastic time figuring it out.
Lastly, this summer will be about ROAMing. I love this planet, the people, places, cultures, religions, and nature on it. We’ll continue to share our discoveries and explorations and the new and wonderful things we experience via books and simply by being there.
One of the places I love to ROAM the most is to author’s houses and share a moment in their lives from the places they wrote from. We are working on something really special to share with you, so look for that coming up in a couple of weeks.
TODAY, however, the lovely people of Tinker Crate have sent us a wonderful Tinker Zine and box full of activities full of fun and interesting activities focused on gravity. A great way to start off the summer. It included reading for discovery and following instructions to have us delving into where we’re centered….Gravity!!! They gave us two awesome activities to demonstrate the center of mass, which is where your balance is the best!
Ever wondered why you spend so much money on those circus or carnival games, but no matter how hard you try, you can never knock them over? Well, Tinker Zine will teach you all tricks of the trade. You’ll finally be able to defeat those cruel carnival games. And you’ll save a bunch of bucks when you win the game on your first try!
The Gravity Game was fun to build and even more fun to play. I sat there for a good fifteen minutes trying to get more than thirty points. And I’ve always been amazed at those floating birds! So cool!
Reading doesn’t always have to be a fantastical journey, this little science magazine is awesome for someone like me, who has a hard time wrapping her head around science. I’ve learned some science today.
So go get yourself a Tinker Crate and delve into the magical world of science!
***This experiment was done by one Hannah Rials.
****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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Gravity Booklist and Activities
For those of you who wish to defy gravity by walking on your bedroom ceiling, we need to further explore what gravity is. Here’s some great reads to get you started.
What goes up must come down. Everybody knows that. But what is it that pulls everything from rocks to rockets toward the center of the earth?
What Is Gravity?; Paperback; Author – Lisa Trumbauer
Scholastic Library Publishing · Paperback – Includes very basic science facts for early elementary readers.- Simple language patterns help emergent readers master the text.
Gravity; Paperback; Author – Ellen Sturn Niz
Introduces young readers to gravity, its characteristics, and its uses in the world.
Explore Gravity! by Cindy Blobaum (Ebook )
How can something that grounds us and keeps us here on this earth be so invisible and mysterious? We’re not talking about anything abstract and undetectable. We’re talking about GRAVITY! Gravity is a force that affects everyone and everything. Gravity is something we can easily understand, even kids, especially if they have the right tools to teach them.
Introduces the force of gravity, including how it works and the history of the theory.
The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water,
by Tom Robinson · Adams Media · Paperback Science has never been so easy–or so much fun! With The Everything Kids‘ Science Experiments Book, all you need to do is gather a few household items and let the experimenting begin!
The Everything Kids’ Nature Book,kowalski,fun Science Gr.4 5 6 7
by Kathiann M. Kowalski · Adams Media Corporation ·Nature-loving kids will be kept busy for hours roaming the natural world of their own backyard; discovering how birds, bats, and bugs pollinate and much more.
Gravity Pulls You In: Perspectives on Parenting a Child on the Autism Spectrum; Paperback;
by Kyra Anders on, Vicki Forman Unlike the dozens of books that chronicle the acute challenges families face in reaching and teaching their child with autism spectrum disorders.
Gravity; Hardcover; Author – Jason Chin
What keeps objects from floating out of your hand? What if your feet drifted away from the ground? What stops everything from floating into space …
What Is Density? by Joanne Barkan
Featuring full-color photographs that offer readers a real-life look at the subject they’re studying, simple text that makes complex concepts easy to comprehend.
What Holds Us to Earth?: A Look at Gravity by Jennifer Boothroyd
by Jennifer Boothroyd ·A ball drops to the ground. Leaves fall from a tree. Gravity is at work all around you. But what exactly is gravity?
****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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Free 180 Multicultural Book Ideas ebook to inspired fun Summer Reading!
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!
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 We’ve discovered Gravity! Gravity Booklist and Activities appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
May 29, 2016
Weekend Links: Kidlit Summer Reading Recommendations
If it hasn’t already, the school year is nearly over here in the States, the weather is warmer, and summer is nearly upon us. Wondering what to do with the kids over the summer break? The first answer I would give is to get ourside, 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.
Great Middle Reader Lists
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
Around the World in 30 Books from KCEdventures
Read Around The Continents: 24 Children’s Books About Western Europe
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!
Sign 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
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The post Weekend Links: Kidlit Summer Reading Recommendations appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
May 26, 2016
New Summer Book Releases that Kids Will go Crazy for!
If it hasn’t already, the school year is nearly over here in the States, the weather is warmer, and summer is nearly upon us. Wondering what to do with the kids over the summer break ? Have I got a list of fun and active favorites for you. Did you notice I didn’t use the word reading ? Well as much as your child is going to read with these books in hand, its actually active reading because they will need to read, follow directions, and create playful moments for themselves. Depending on the age of your child they might need a little help from you but mostly these are wonderful play books for kids which will engage them, and activate great independent reading and project skills.
Let’s Start in the Kitchen
Cookie Decorating: Easy-to-follow recipes and decorating tips for sweet cookie creations is one FUN cookie decorating book. Cookie Decorating invites your kids to discover and explore the art of cookie decorating with confidence. This book has richly illustrated and photographed step by step instructions which are easy for both child and parent to follow. We’re taught a variety of decorating tips as well as different types of frosting. I loved that finally I found a guide that could explain the various decorating tips for me with examples. This book comes complete with a cookie cutter, reusable decorating templates, a frosting pen and stickers for those cookie gift bags. This is an easy and fantastic books which inspires aspiring bakers to learn the basic skills and experience the fun of cooking !!! Oh and let’s not forget the sharing as in sharing all those good and beautiful cookies they’re baking with their moms, dads, and others, well if there’s some left over. All in all this is a well done book which will give your kids fun filled kitchen moments any time of year.
Create your own illustrated tasty treats with tantalizing scented markers and delectable stickers in one SWEET activity book. Decorate your own sweet treats throughout this fun-filled activity book. Whether your kids are decorating a seven tiered cake or adding colorful sprinkles to sugar cookies and snickerdoodles, they will quickly discover how easy it is to explore and push the boundaries of their creativity. Whatever their imagination can stir up can happen in this bakery.
With 48 pages of open-ended prompts and unfinished illustrations that encourage the use of scented markers and scratch and sniff stickers (provided with book), children will stay busy for hours frosting doughnuts, cupcakes, ad other delicious desserts just waiting for their creative help.
Each book comes complete with a set of scented markers, which includes strawberry, chocolate, mint, and lime, as well as a set of 75 stickers which also smell which interact with the book.
This is a great book for instilling the skill of following instructions which even the beginning reader can accomplish. This is a very well thought out and designed book and we greatly enjoyed it.
I think it’s time to head Outside !!!
Outside: A Guide to Discovering Nature by Maria Ana Peixe Dias and Bernardo P. Carvalho was created in collaboration with a team of natural history experts. This book is the winner of the much coveted Bologna Ragazzi award in 2015.
It is well thought out and beautifully designed. Outside aims to arouse your child’s curiosity about fauna, flora, and other aspects of the natural world. The range of this book is huge. Starting with simple things that one can find in the garden or near the house to exploring the natural world at large.
It has brief introductions to geology, space and oceans. It has many ideas for nature based activities and many illustrations to guide the reader to leave the house, and get outside and start discovering or maybe simply admire the beauty of nature. It’s an invitation to the whole amazing world that exists out there. This is a solid compendium of learning to love the outdoors. I’ve noticed a certain 9 year old who is not leaving the house without this wonderful guide to nature. He takes it with him everywhere and that’s the best testimonial any book needs.
23 Way to be an Eco Hero: A step by step guide to creative ways you can save the world by Isabel Thomas
Are you ready to be an action hero? Earth is in danger and it needs your help to rescue it. The perfect book for budding conservationists and eco warriors! The book is packed full of step-by-step projects for crafty kids eager to reuse, recycle, and do their bit for the environment.
With a mixture of simple and challenging projects, readers can learn how to create new objects from scrap materials, make their homes more eco-friendly, and turn even the smallest outdoor space into a wildlife haven. Activities are broken down into easy steps and technical information comes alive in bite-size facts. Each activity is deepened with facts about the actual science behind the project and the wider importance of caring for the environment. A very inventive, colorful and full of activities that share even the smallest action creates important outcomes.
Playmobil Journey Around the World by Richard Unglik
I’ve always loved Playmobil and now publisher Quartoknows it producing highly colorful books with playmobil and it’s center. It’s time to journey around the world with our favorite Playmobil Characters. This book is creatively and thoughtfully done. Travel around the world with Playmobil to over 30 different countries where we’ll explore the cultures, people and their habits.
Richard Unglik, a professional photographer and child at heart, uses Playmobil figurines and scenery to depict different parts of the world and its exotic peoples and places. Each double page showcases a country, city, or civilization, along with its traditions and customs. More than 30 countries from around the globe are portrayed and shown on a large, pull-out map of the world. This heartwarming atlas of the world is something that readers of all ages will enjoy. This is a fun and engaging book which peaks the curiosity of it’s readers to explore, learn and experience the world.
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!
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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!
Sign 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
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The post New Summer Book Releases that Kids Will go Crazy for! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
May 24, 2016
The Breakfast Table Book Club
Today’s post is coming to you live from the breakfast table. We get many books to read and review and the really successful ones, the books that become favorites, are those that get the “The Breakfast Table Book Club” approval!
This is how is works, I have stacks of books everywhere in this house. Often times there are a few books that have recently come in that just sit on the kitchen table. As the family wanders in for breakfast each morning, they’ll grab a book to read while eating their cereal. I always know a popular read when they ask where the book has gone once I move it to the review crates. “When is it coming back?” they ask.
Today I bring you two such titles that have tried to leave the breakfast table but have been a constant companion since they’ve arrived.
The first book is so appropriate for THIS year of all years because it’s an election year. 50 Things You Should Know About American Presidents published by the QEB publishing.
Everything you should know about US presidents is broken down into 50 bite-sized chunks. Every president is covered, from the first person to take office George Washington, to our current US president, Barack Obama. Fascinating facts are included on each page, for example, did you know that Franklin D. Roosevelt is the longest serving president ? There are also details about the US political system, clearly stating the changes that have occurred from the 17th century until today.
This is a very colorful book and perfect for reluctant readers. I say this because reluctant readers love little snippets of information as opposed to chapter books. This book is well suited for ages 8 to 12. It has become a greatly loved edition on our breakfast table.
Our second Breakfast Book Club selection is 50 Things You Should Know About Wild Weather by QEB Publishing. Who doesn’t love wild weather. My children are obsessed with it so you can imagine that a fun book on the breakfast table about wild weather would be very welcomed.
Rain or Shine- the weather impacts everything we do. Packed with facts, diagrams, infographics and photos, 50 Things You Should Know About Wild Weather takes you on a whirlwind of discovery. Covering the earth’s atmosphere and how weather works, you’ll find out all you need to know about weather fronts, heat waves, hurricanes, avalanches, ice storms, climate change and our favorite topic, tornados and much, much, more. Filled with facts, figures and world records for the wildest weather ever documented, you’ll also discover storm chasers and weather scientists who have tried their best to keep the weather in check. Be warned, it’s a stormy ride.
Wild Weather is in full color and grabs the eye, drawing the reader in.
Both of these selections will have your children not only reading but reciting and retaining the fun facts they learn about weather and presidents. I’m so happy these books have found their way to our breakfast table.
Thank you to QED for offering us these fine books to review.We highly recommend them. They are perfect for any library public, home or school.
****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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****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!
–
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!
Sign up below for quick and free access to 180 Multicultural Book Ideas: World Travel through Kidlit Summer Reading!
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The post The Breakfast Table Book Club appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
May 22, 2016
Weekend Links: Booklists that Share the Power of Diverse Reading
Welcome to Weekend Links! This is my chance every weekend to share the best-of-the-best in the way of wonderful booklists and links that I have discovered during my Internet travels. This week I have found some amazing books that will help guide and grow our young readers and share some booklists that share the Power of Diverse Reading.
Since the creation of Multicultural Children’s Book Day; a non profit that works to get diverse children’s books into the hands of young readers, the importance of books that allow children’s to “see” themselves within the pages has truly been on my radar. This week I am sharing a great list of multicultural books for you to enjoy and add ot your family’s reading list. Enjoy!
The Power of Diverse Books by Mia Wenjen (guest post from the Nerdy Book Club)
Here’s an excellent multicultural booklist from the Styling Librarian
Multicultural Adoption Books for Kids
14 Kids books about Refugees at HumanEducation.org
Your child loves animals?? They’ll love learning about Singapore’s wildlife, and reserves at Discovering the World Through my Son’s Eyes.
Books for Raising Global Kids: I See the Sun with FREE Printable at Educators Spin on It
Great Picture Books about Ramadan and Muslim Culture at the Logonauts
Happy reading!
But, before you go….
My newest book, Dragons are Real will be available and the excitement is almost blowing the roof off at Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press headquarters!
SO…what if I told you that all of the fairy tales, myths and legends that have been told about dragons over the years are WRONG. What if I told you that Dragons are indeed Real and that they are different than you’ve ever imagined?
This fairly true story is based on the author’s childhood friendship with a REAL live Dragon; a very special Dragon that she and her brother spent two magical summers with.
As readers turn the pages and learn the truth about Dragons, they will see that the fiercest beasts in known history can actually be the best of friends. It’s a lesson in finding companionship in the most unusual of places. Dragons are Real is a magical book filled with stunning illustrations and hints that dragon are indeed all around us
Dragons are Real is now available for purchase on both Amazon and Gumroad! We are also offering a special free bonus gift of a Dragons Are Real Inspiration Activity Guide when you purchase your copy of this enchanting picture book.
The post Weekend Links: Booklists that Share the Power of Diverse Reading appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
May 19, 2016
#ReadKidsClassics: The Jungle Book Book Review + Activities
It’s time for our May pick for #ReadKidsClassics! As many of you already know, I am a huge fan of children’s classics and over the years my family has actively read old classics and discovered new ones. In 2016 one of my many goals is to discover even more classics and share them with you, my valued readers.
So from now on, every month during my Read Kids Classic Challenge, I am going to present one classic that I simply can’t live without.
Joining me in this book-ish and fun campaign is a handful of powerhouse bloggers who are excited to share their very own #readkidsclassics picks! Please feel free to visit these five #ReadKidsClassics bloggers to see what classic book reading fun they have created.
Jodie at Growing Book By Book
Author Barbara Ann Mojica
Cindy at Too Cool for Homeschool
Lisa at Squishable Baby
Susan at Sock Fairies/Ever Ready
Katie at The Logonauts
This month we’re wandering into the jungle and reading Ruyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
One of the reasons for this is because of the recent movie which has just come out. It’s excellent and completely epic. I highly recommend it. Another thing I highly recommend is reading the actual book.
I had never read the book and I’m so happy I finally did. In both of the movie versions of the story we have a start to finish tale about Mowgli heading back to the man village so he can be with his own people. The book is a collection of jungle stories which of course has Mowgli as our main character. Some of the stories I recognized and then there were others that were completely new to me. The book version makes for great reading by a campfire or bedtime stories because you can finish a story in one night and then continue reading the following night. There are actually two volumes of Jungle Books written.
We read a beautiful edition by Nicola Bayley and published by Candlewick Press.
Nicola’s illustrations are exquisite. Working in crayon and colored pencil Nicola brings 3 of the 7 stories of the Jungle Book to life. Her beautiful illustrations drew me to the unabridged version of these stories. I want to hold them in my hands while I read them aloud to my family. I also downloaded the complete Jungle Book stories on kindle so I could get the full Jungle Book Experience.
Rudyard Kipling wrote both Jungle Book volumes between the births of his two daughter Josephine and Elsie. To my delighted surprise I learned that he was living in Brattleboro Vermont when he wrote many of his famous books but especially The Jungle Books. Even more spectacular is that we can actually rent the home he built there complete with his library and writing desk. It’s maintained and kept by the National Trust. I plan on going there soon as one of my little book pilgrimages.
Kipling is a master story-teller if you’ve never had the occasion to read him. He was born to British parents in colonized India. At the age of 6, he and his sister were sent back to live in England. He never got over his love of India and as soon as he was old enough he took himself back there. Knowing that he wrote the Jungle Book soon after the birth of his first daughter, one can hear the longing of a father wanting to share the mystic and beauty of his own childhood, to capture it somehow. And capture it he has. He created it for all of us to hold and share forever. I feel really regretful that I haven’t read these wonderful books until now. These will be pulled out and read often now. They are perfect for summer evenings or wintry nights. They are completely and perfectly stunning and captivating.
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!
Something To Do
Rudyard is a fascinating man. He was a Nobel Peace Prize winner for literature and a true global citizen. The biography channel has a wonderful video and article about him.
Stay at his house in Vermont. If you have, share a photo of your stay on the JIAB Facebook page.
Paper Jungle Animals
One of the fun activities we did for our Jungle Book Nights was to make paper animals out of pattern paper. This is easier than it sounds thanks to a book called Pattern Play. They have over 19 different animals to make complete with over 40 stickers to make the faces and such. Pattern Play is published by Wide Eye Editions. They make such inventive books and we really enjoyed this one.
Indian Tea
To set the mood, we brewed some fresh Indian Tea known as Masala Chai. It is very creamy smooth and spicy tasting and we really enjoyed it. The word Masala means a combination of spices and Chai is the word for milk tea. Here’s the recipe to get you started. I hope you enjoy it.
Ingredients
10 green cardamom pods, cracked, seeds removed, and pods discarded, or 1/2 teaspoon cardamom seeds or ground cardamom
1 (1 1/2-inch) piece cinnamon stick
4 peppercorns (preferably white)
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 cups whole milk
3 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups water
5 teaspoons loose orange pekoe tea or other black tea
Equipment: a mortar and pestle or an electric coffee/spice grinder
Preparation
Grind together cardamom, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, and fennel seeds with mortar and pestle or coffee/spice grinder.
Bring milk just to a simmer in a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Stir or whisk in brown sugar, ground spice mixture, ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes to infuse flavors.
Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a 1-quart saucepan, add tea, and boil 1 minute.
Pour tea through a fine-mesh sieve into hot milk mixture (discard tea leaves) and cook over low heat 1 minute. Stir before serving.
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If you are in the mood for another and interactive and classic story, check out the enhanced digital eBook for kids, The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory!
The Ultimate Guide To Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is a step by step roadmap to this magical world. Just some of the fun includes:
A story filled with beautiful graphic illustrations including tantalizing Treasure Maps and vibrant tutorials.
Over 20 Crafts and activities that not only entertain, but educate.
You get to jump inside the book and enjoy creating the adventures yourself (Templates, maps, and more are included.)
Ever wonder where chocolate comes from? Or how gum is made? Wonder no more. Now you get to make your own.
Conduct activities in the areas of crafting, cooking, and game-playing as well as exploring many facets of candy production.
The option to take Charlie’s journey over the course of several days or take shorter journeys if you wish.
The creation of a new ritual of reading time with your family and the opportunity to experience the reading of this imaginative tale as a group activity, not a solitary event.
Go HERE to learn more and grab your copy from iBooks!
The post #ReadKidsClassics: The Jungle Book Book Review + Activities appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
May 17, 2016
Whose Hands are These by Miranda Paul {+Helping Hand Activities!}
If your hands can mix and mash, what job might you have? What if your hands reach, wrench, yank, and crank? The hands in this book—and the people attached to them—do all sorts of helpful work. And together, these helpers make their community a safe and fun place to live. As you read, keep an eye out for community members who make repeat appearances! Can you guess all the jobs based on the actions of these busy hands?
Miranda describes each of the different professions that a child could be—a farmer, cook, police, scientist, potter, new reporter, mechanic, architect, referee, physician, and teacher. And this is just the beginning of the dreams a child can dream. The charming illustrations bring all of these different jobs that might seem boring at first to life and show all of the helpful things that they do for the community. I love books like this, books that plant ideas and hopes in children’s heads.
Whose Hands are These is absolutely charming and goes beyond teaching lessons. Definitely a book to add to your child’s bookshelf.
Miranda Paul is an award-winning children’s author whose books Water is Water and One Plastic Bag were both named Junior Library Guild selections. Whose Hands Are These?, her newest title (release date: Feb. 1, 2016) is a book and guessing game in one. Miranda is a frequent speaker at schools and libraries, and presented in 2015 at the Library of Congress Young Readers Center in Washington, D.C. She is the original founder of Rate Your Story.org, a site for aspiring writers, and a team member for We Need Diverse Books. Learn more about Miranda or invite her to Skype-visit with your students at www.mirandapaul.com.
Something To Do
Hands are super important, and there’s so many fun things you can do with them!
1. You can make art! Paint up your hands and you can make birds, turkeys, flowers, or just a nice, simple hand print. I adore the creativity of these handprint jellyfish from Made to be a Mama.
2. You can knit a big scarf! Love this tutorial at CuteDIYProjects.com
3. You can make a card for your mom, dad, or grandparents!
4. And you can make BOOKMARKS! Or try this super-simple bookmark craft from this past post of mine.
There are also ways to make your hands helpful now:
Help mom and dad clean up around the house
Carry in groceries
Run a lemonade stand and give the money to a charity
Help out in the garden
Help take care of family pets
Help grandma and grandpa with chores at their house
Be helpful to siblings
Donate your out-grown books to a women’s shelter or organizations like Oklahoma Messages Project or Barbershop Books.
And so much more!!
How do you make your hands helpful?
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Now Available on Amazon and GumRoad!
My newest book, Dragons are Real will be available and the excitement is almost blowing the roof off at Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press headquarters!
SO…what if I told you that all of the fairy tales, myths and legends that have been told about dragons over the years are WRONG. What if I told you that Dragons are indeed Real and that they are different than you’ve ever imagined?
This fairly true story is based on the author’s childhood friendship with a REAL live Dragon; a very special Dragon that she and her brother spent two magical summers with.
As readers turn the pages and learn the truth about Dragons, they will see that the fiercest beasts in known history can actually be the best of friends. It’s a lesson in finding companionship in the most unusual of places. Dragons are Real is a magical book filled with stunning illustrations and hints that dragon are indeed all around us
Dragons are Real is now available for purchase on both Amazon and Gumroad! We are also offering a special free bonus gift of a Dragons Are Real Inspiration Activity Guide when you purchase your copy of this enchanting picture book.
If you want to be among the first to know of special “dragon-y” updates, activities and specials, sign up below and we will keep you in the loop. Thanks for your support and Read On!
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The post Whose Hands are These by Miranda Paul {+Helping Hand Activities!} appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
May 15, 2016
Weekend Links: Great Books That Guide and Grow Young Readers
Welcome to Weekend Links! This is my chance every weekend to share the best-of-the-best in the way of wonderful booklists and links that I have discovered during my Internet travels. This week I have found some amazing books that will help guide and grow our young readers. The world can be a scary place, but luckily there are some wonderful books available to help kids understand tough subjects, Enjoy!
Books for Difficult Situations from Pragmaticmom.
Books about bullying (all ages)-Jump Into a Book
STEM Books for Kids via @teachbesideme
Books about Siblings from Sugar Aunts
18 Books About Friendship at Homeschool Preschool
Want to teach your kids how to be kind? A Kindness Booklist for Kids– Jump Into a Book
Books about talking to kids about the death of a sibling at Growing Book by Book
Picture books that teach kids about WWII, the Holocaust and Peace at Only Passionate Curiosity
What great booklists have you discovered this week?
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Now Available on Amazon and GumRoad!
My newest book, Dragons are Real will be available and the excitement is almost blowing the roof off at Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press headquarters!
SO…what if I told you that all of the fairy tales, myths and legends that have been told about dragons over the years are WRONG. What if I told you that Dragons are indeed Real and that they are different than you’ve ever imagined?
This fairly true story is based on the author’s childhood friendship with a REAL live Dragon; a very special Dragon that she and her brother spent two magical summers with.
As readers turn the pages and learn the truth about Dragons, they will see that the fiercest beasts in known history can actually be the best of friends. It’s a lesson in finding companionship in the most unusual of places. Dragons are Real is a magical book filled with stunning illustrations and hints that dragon are indeed all around us
Dragons are Real is now available for purchase on both Amazon and Gumroad! We are also offering a special free bonus gift of a Dragons Are Real Inspiration Activity Guide when you purchase your copy of this enchanting picture book.
The post Weekend Links: Great Books That Guide and Grow Young Readers appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
