Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 57

More Dragon Fun! Kenny and the Dragon review and activities

We are huge fans of the Spiderwick Chronicles, so when Tony DiTerlizzi’s book Kenny and the Dragon hit our book basket, a great time was had by all.

This charming and adorable book is about a little rabbit named Kenny who befriends a peace loving dragon named Grahame. The only problem is that the villagers seem to have preconceived ideas about dragons and call on George, the ever famous dragon slayer to exterminate the dragon problem and save the village. Kenny has to figure out a way to make the villagers see the truth about this kind and loving dragon.

Kenny is a little rabbit with a very big problem. His two best friends are heading into a battle of legendary proportions—with each other! In one corner there’s Graeme, a well-read and cultured dragon with sophisticated tastes. In the other there’s George, a retired knight and dragon slayer who would be content to spend the rest of his days in his bookshop. Neither really wants to fight, but the village townsfolk are set on removing Graeme from their midst and calling George out of retirement. Can Kenny avert disaster?

Tony DiTerlizzi puts a fun-filled, thoroughly theatrical spin on Kenneth Graeme’s classic tale of subterfuge and showmanship with this lighthearted romp of a retelling.- Amazon.com

Something To Do:

To celebrate the story of Kenny and the Dragon let’s have a little dragon fun of our own.

Have you tried our incredible dragon bread ?
Ingredients:

2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
3 3/4 cups flour
3/4 cup warm water
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar

Mix together the yeast and warm water. Let it rest. In another bowl, mix eggs, oil, salt, and sugar. Add flour. Add yeast and water mixture and mix until blended. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s firm and smooth, then round it into a bowl coated in a little oil. Turn the ball over once to coat both sides of dough with oil. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. Now place your dough on a greased cookie sheet or use parchment paper and shape it into a dragon.

Shaping your Dragon:

Make your dough into a long rectangle.

Take a section off on the left hand side of the dough for the head.

Take a little section off of the right hand end of the dough for the mouth, and feet.

Pull the end of the right hand side of the dough to make a tail.
Attach the head.
Place a ball of dough under the head for the mouth. Feel free to add almond slivers for the teeth.
Place the feet under the dragon body.

To decorate your dragon you can use dried fruit, almond slivers as spikes or do as we have and use your scissors to make dragon scales.
Cut down the middle of the body first and then another row on down on each side of the dragon’s body.

Do the same to the head. As much or as little as you’d like.

Add raisins or craisins for the eyes.

Some people cover and let their dragon bread rise again for about 30 minutes. We do not however ,as our children like the shape of their dragon to remain the same. Bake at 350 degrees until done, about 25 minutes.

Rhythm of the Home has the cutest felt dragon. Every home should have one.

Grahame the dragon especially loved Austrian Lattice Pie. Have you ever tasted Austrian Lattice Pie ? Well I think it’s about time.

Known as Linzer Torte, this is one of the oldest pies in the world.

Linzer Torte

Serves 12

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups sifted all- purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. dry cocoa ( not the drink mix)
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 egg, beaten
3 1/2 oz whole blanched almonds, ground ( 1 cup)
1/2 tsp grated lemon rind
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 jar (10 oz) red raspberry jam
Powdered sugar

Instructions

Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and cloves into a medium size bowl.
Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives.
Stir in egg, ground almonds, kirsch, lemon rind and juice until mixture is well blended. Chill 1 hour, or until dough gets firmer.
Cut the dough in half. Fit the bottom of a 10 inch greased and floured springform pan with first half of dough. Spread 1/2 cup jam over dough.
Sprinkle a pastry board lightly with flour and roll finger-thick strips of dough with second half of dough. Arrnage strips, lattice-fashion, over preserves. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50 minutes, or until pastry is firm.
Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Remove cake from pan.
Fill lattices with additional raspberry jam.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Has your family ever read Kenny and The Dragon? If so, what was your favorite part of the story?

**some of these links are affiliate links which means, if you click on the image or link of a book, and purchase

that book, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I use this money for buying new books to

review, supplies for activities and postage.

–

Its TIME!!

My newest book, Dragons are Real is now available on Amazon and the excitement is almost blowing the roof off of 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

–

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!

Sign up for Dragons Are Real Updates!
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The post More Dragon Fun! Kenny and the Dragon review and activities appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Weekend Links: The Mother’s Day Edition

Happy Mother’s Day! I hope this day finds you surround by love, family, and relaxation.

As usual, during my weekly on-line travels, I have happened upon some great, fun, and inspiring stories from fellow bloggers. So in honor of Mother’s Day, here’s some of my top picks:

There’s a wonderful Mother’s Day booklist on No Time for Flashcards (the Kissing Hand is a favorite!) Picture Books About Mothers

In honor of the book, Mama Miti, your family can plant a tree in honor of mom and help the Mother Nature at the same time!

LOVED this Tissue Paper Flowers for Mother’s Day and Spring craft tutorial from the amazing Suz Lipman at Slow Parenting.

Deirdre at JDaniel4’s Mom has some wonderful Mother’s Day ideas including a Poetry for mom, Poetry for mom and a great Mother’s Day booklist too!

Mom Animals need to be celebrated too!

Experience the magical story of a family of foxes that took up residence right in the front yard of the author and publisher, Valarie Budayr. The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden offers an enthusiastically educational opportunity to observe this fox family grow and learn together.



From digging and hunting to playing and resting, this diary shares a rare glimpse into the private lives of Momma Rennie and her babies. Come watch as they navigate this wildly dangerous but still wonderful world. Great to share with your children or students, The Fox Diaries speaks to the importance of growing and learning both individually and as a family unit. It is a perfect book for story time or family sharing. Not only can you read about the daily rituals of this marvelous fox family, there is an information-packed resource section at the end of the book that includes lots of facts and even a few “fox movies” that you can enjoy with your family. Grab your copy of this beautiful and inspiring book HERE.

Happy Mother’s Day!

The post Weekend Links: The Mother’s Day Edition appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Dragons Are Real Blog Tour and Giveaway!

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the charming children’s book written by Valarie Budayr and illustrated by Michael Welply, Dragons are Real. The tour will run from May 9 – May 30, 2016

 About the Book
 

Title: Dragons are Real | Author: Valarie Budayr | Illustrator: Michael Welply Publisher: Audrey Press | Publication Date: May 5, 2016 | Genre: Children’s Picture Book Number of Pages: 32

 

Book Description:


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? Did you know that Dragons are the master of disguises? Did you know that they love sugar and sweets (at unacceptable levels) and will do anything for treats? Award winning author Valarie Budayr brings us this fairly true story based on her childhood friendship with a REAL live Dragon.





Take a look inside the book…

 

About the Author: Valarie Budayr
 

 

 Award Winning and Best-selling author, Valarie Budayr inspires children and adults alike to experience their books through play, discovery, and adventure via engaging extension activities on her popular website, www.jumpintoabook.com.Valarie is co-founder of Multi-cultural Children’s Book Day , #ReadYourWorld, a celebration of diverse and cultural kid-lit shared with over 98 million people on January 27th. Her foundation puts hundreds of books into the hands of children in rural and intercity areas. www.multiculturalchildrensbookday.com

Valarie’s other best-selling and award winning titles are: The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden, The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and A Year in the Secret Garden.

 

Twitter | Facebook (Audrey Press) | Facebook (Jump Into A Book) | Google+

 

 Pinterest | Goodreads | Website

About the Illustrator: Michael Welply

 

 

Michael Welply was born in London in 1948. The family moved to Winnipeg, Canada, in 1950. He studied art in Winnipeg and then in Paris, but his idea of living from the sales of his paintings is somewhat compromised by the lack of buyers. He started his career as an illustrator in 1977 in London. In 1981 he returned to live in France with his American wife and their two children. Since then he has worked for publishers in both Europe and North America. To date he has illustrated over 80 books and more than 100 covers, in a wide range of subjects extending from detailed non-fiction to juvenile and adult fiction in the realms of fantasy, mythology, science fiction and fairy tales.

Website
Stops on this Magical Dragon-y Book Tour Include:

Tour Kick-Off May 9

BeachBoundBooks

May 9

Tickling Dragons (Review & Promo)
Dividing by Zero (Review & Promo)

May 10

Big Hair and Books (Review)
Romance Authors that Rock (Review)
Reading List (Review)
Word Magic All About Books (Review)
Bound 4 Escape (Review)

May 12

Lizards, Laughter, and Love (Review)

May 13

Mami Tales (Review)
The Blended Blog (Review)

May 16

Laura White Reyes (Review)
Eloquent Articulation (Review)

May 18

K&A Children’s Book Reviews (Review)

May 19

Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Review)

May 20

Kay LaLone (Review)

May 22

Bookworm for Kids

May 23

The Bravest Squirrel (Promo)
Domestic Chanteuse (Review & Promo)
Brooke Blogs (Review)
Amanda’s Books & More (Review)
Girl of 1000 Wonders (Review)

May 24

Untamed Doodler (Review)

May 25

Writer, Reader, Cautious Adventurer (Review)
Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog (Review)

May 26

Rockin’ Book Reviews (Review)

May 27

Ice Fairy’s Treasure Chest (Review)

May 29

Books for Books (Promo)

May 30

Where Connor and JT Go (Review)

Books Direct (Review)

Blog Tour Giveaway
 
Prize: One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card or $100 PayPal cash prize, winner’s choice 

Giveaway ends: May 30, 11:59 pm, 2016 

Open to: Internationally 

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Valarie Budayr and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.
 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Dragons Are Real Blog Tour and Giveaway! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

A Special #DragonsAreReal Dragon Booklist for Middle Readers

Disclosure: some of these links are affiliate links

I’ve been doing a lot with dragons lately and in honor of my new book Dragons are Real (see the end of this post for the scoop) so I thought I’d share a little bit of our favorite dragon reads from our favorite dragon library. I started this last week with my Dragons are Real booklist for Beginning Readers and the more I dug, the more amazing dragon books I found! You may not know this but Dragons love to read and are actually book hoarders. So if you’re missing a book, there’s a good chance a dragon took it.

Weekend Links: Teacher Appreciation Week!

Teachers are real life superheroes. They educate, innovate, encourage and support. Every day they touch the lives of millions of children and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

Take the time to celebrate these real life superheroes during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2-6, 2016.

Need some ideas on how to celebrate? Here are some good ones!

Reading Rockets has a whole list of Teacher Appreciation Week activities.

Teacher Appreciation Super Hero Themed Week at @EducatorsSpin

Fun Activities that Double as Teacher Gifts!

Little Passports has a clever activity idea involving simple supplies like mason jars and old maps!

Bake Some Honey Cinnamon Rolls

2 packages yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup HONEY
2 tsp salt
1 pint milk
2 eggs
6 cups flour
1/2 cup margarine
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon mixed

***Get full recipe and instructions HERE

Has a teacher in your life inspired you with their storytelling abilities? I’ve made a FREE off the shoulder felt story bag craft and tutorial just for this occasion! This simple craft is something the whole family can participate in creating it will make a delightful gift for the book lover in your life. I hope your little bag of tales holds as many wonders for you as ours has.

Click the image below and get instant access to this Hans Christian Andersen-inspired shoulder bag!

If you are looking for inspirational children’s books about teachers, the relationship between Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan.

It is time to say “Thank You” to the special teachers that you know.  Let them know that they are appreciated for all that they do. Use #TeacherAppreciationDay to post on social media.

–

Coming soon!

My newest book, Dragons are Real with be available on Amazon around the first part of May and the excitement is almost blowing the roof off of 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 slated for a May 5th release. If you want to be among the first to know when this colorful and enchanting children’s book goes on sale, sign up below and I will keep you in the loop. (P.S. I have plans to have some fun free gifts available as well!) Thanks for your support and Read On!

Sign up for Dragons Area Real Updates!
* indicates required
Email Address *




First Name


Last Name

The post Weekend Links: Teacher Appreciation Week! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Imaginarium Geographica: Here There Be Dragons #DragonsAreReal

SO…I may, or may not be ::wink::wink:: a little preoccupied with dragons these days. Scroll to the bottom of this post and you will see why I believe #DragonsAreReal!

BUT FIRST, let’s explore one of my favorite dragon-ish books that happens to be an extraordinary journey of myth, magic, and mystery. The book is Here, There Be Dragons.

The Imaginarium Geographica…



“What is it?” John asked.

 The little man blinked and arched an eyebrow.

 “It is the world, my boy,” he said. “All the world, in ink and blood, vellum and parchment, leather and hide. It is the world, and it is yours to save or lose.”

From the Publisher:

An unusual murder brings together three strangers, John, Jack, and Charles, on a rainy night in London during the first World War. An eccentric little man called Bert tells them that they are now the caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica — an atlas of all the lands that have ever existed in myth and legend, fable and fairy tale. These lands, Bert claims, can be traveled to in his ship the Indigo Dragon, one of only seven vessels that is able to cross the Frontier between worlds into the Archipelago of Dreams.

Pursued by strange and terrifying creatures, the companions flee London aboard the Dragonship. Traveling to the very realm of the imagination itself, they must learn to overcome their fears and trust in one another if they are to defeat the dark forces that threaten the destiny of two worlds. And in the process, they will share a great adventure filled with clues that lead readers to the surprise revelation of the legendary storytellers these men will one day become.

**NOTE: This book is recommended for YA or age 13 and above. This has to do with the murder of the professor in the beginning of the book and subsequent battles between creatures both mythical and human. The last scene in the book is a full fledge war but described from a point of strategy and not gory detail. Each child is different and you have to make the decision which best suites your family. My 11 year old never felt frightened with this book or overwhelmed. 

Something To Do

This book had us dreaming of boarding a Dragon Ship or at the very least a Tall Ship to take us to the lands of imagination and myth.

Once we started this book we found ourselves staying up very late at night to find out “what happens next”.  Oh and what happened next can only be found in our imaginations and in the pages of this book.

The three young travelers meet Bert, who helps them flee from the minions of the Winter King, Mordred. They journey on Bert’s ship, the Indigo Dragon (captained by Bert’s daughter Aven, to whom Jack is attracted), to Avalon, and then to Paralon, the capital of the Archipelago. There was no king, as the lineage of Arthur had supposedly been ended when the Winter King killed the last king and all of his relatives. The party discovers also that the Winter King is searching for the High King’s Ring, which they have.

Around this time, the partners realize how dangerous the Imaginarium Geographica could be in the wrong hands, and decide to destroy it. As it can only be destroyed by he who made it, the Cartographer of Lost Places, the companions journey to his refuge, the Keep of Time. They lose the book, however, before reaching the Keep, but after they leave the keep they find that their potboy, Artus, is a descendant of King Arthur. However, the ring is then stolen.

The companions also discover that Mordred is using Pandora’s Box to create shadow minions, and decide to meet him in a battle on the island at the end of the world. During the battle, Charles is charged with closing Pandora’s Box, which he does, eliminating Mordred’s shadow minions. Jack is charged to fight on the battlefield, where he was responsible for the death of another man, Captain Nemo. John was charged with leading Artus to the bluffs of the island, where a descendant of Arthur could, with the incantation in the Geographica and the Ring of Power, summon dragons.

They summon the dragons, discovering that the Ring of Power is not jewelry but a ring of standing stones remarkably like Stonehenge located on the cliffs of the island. After the dragons rout the enemy troops, the companions again encounter Mordred, who is thrown off the edge of the world by a dragon.

The companions then return to their own world, where their true identities are revealed but you’ll have to read the book to discover that.

I found this book to be very well balanced in combining well known author figures and characters, as well as events from myths and a great combination of male and female heros working collaboratively.

All of our activities had to do with ship building and wishing for a magical ship to come and take us to imagined lands.

A Dragon Ship is assigned a dragon to it and this is what makes it move at lightening speed. It got us thinking, what sort of ship would one want? My son and I  loved the idea of recycle, reuse, re-purpose so we planned a ship building afternoon before we headed out to sea.

 

My daughter embraced a flying ship made of a cereal box and paper. Photo to follow. It’s still drying!

and I…..well I went with a basic look of a simple folded paper boat. Go with what you know! and…..it floats on water.

For your own afternoon fun, here’s how to make a paper boat and a fleet of your very own.

Download How to make a Paper Boat

Happy sailing!

–

Coming soon!

My newest book, Dragons are Real with be available on Amazon around the first part of May and the excitement is almost blowing the roof off of 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 slated for a May 5th release. If you want to be among the first to know when this colorful and enchanting children’s book goes on sale, sign up below and I will keep you in the loop. (P.S. I have plans to have some fun free gifts available as well!) Thanks for your support and Read On!




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The post Imaginarium Geographica: Here There Be Dragons #DragonsAreReal appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Tree of Wonder: The Many Marvelous Lives of a Rainforest Tree by Kate Messner

I love trees. You might have gathered that with my very long tree book lists which contain both non-fiction and fiction selections as well as some of my book extension activities. I’ve been known to travel many many miles to lay eyes on an old magnificent tree, or an ancient grove of poplars. Simply put; trees are my friends.

Inspired by her trip to Costa Rica, Kate Messner’s Tree of Wonder tells the story of the hundreds of thousands of animal and creature lives supported by the Almendro Tree in Latin America’s rain forests.

We are taken on a tour up and down the great trunk of the tree peeking into the lives of Great Green Macaws, Keel-billed Toucans, Howler monkeys, Fruit Bats, Fer-de-lace Vipers, Agoutis, Blue Morpho Butterflies, Poison Dart Frogs, Rusty Wandering Spiders, and Leafcutter Ants. Who knew that the fruit of one tree could support so many different animals, while also providing water and shelter. Some of these animals are just visitors while others are permanent residents of the tree’s trunk and branches. It’s quite the wonder tree if you ask me!

Kate Messner does a wonderful job of not only telling the story of the tree’s life and role in the ecosystem, but she also gives a scientific description of each of the critters supported by the tree, which gives a more in depth look for those curious kiddos. If you and your child are inspired to help the rainforest or learn more, she provides resources in the back of the book. The award winning illustrator Simona Mulazzani paints a vibrant, beautiful world of the life  in the Allemendro Tree.

Something To Do

Go to the end papers of the book and play a game of I Spy. How many different animals, insects, and birds can you name ?
Make your own binoculars so that you can see all the different critters around the Almendro tree!

Why are the Blue Morpho Butterflies wings blue on one side and brown on the other ? Discuss why? Read author Kate Messner’s description of how the Blue Morpho Butterfly survives. Here’s a little more information on the Blue Morpho Butterfly
Here’s a really fun Blue Morpho Butterfly Craft !!!
One of our favorites from this book is the poison dart frogs. Tree of Wonders shares with us that they have sticky toes. Can you imagine having sticky toes? Why is this important for survival in the rainforest ? What are some other unique features of the poison dart frog? Here’s a little more information on this interesting frog. 
What’s the difference between the Macaw and the Green Billed Toucan ?
Why do leaf cutter ants carry the leaves away from the Allemendro tree? Does it kill the tree? Where do the ants take the leaves ?
Nocturnal animals live at night. Going through the book Tree of Wonder discuss which animals live at night.
When we’re out in nature we learn very quickly that all things in nature on dependent on each other. How is the Allemendro tree dependent on the various insects, frogs, birds, and animals that live in the tree and how are the animals dependent on the Allemendro tree?
At the back of the book is a math problem. Be sure and do that !!! Can you create other math problems or story problems inspired by the math at the back of the book.
Make a Macaw like one in the book!
Since we love putting things in a jar, make your in rainforest in a mason jar!
Investigate the Almendro Tree.

Here’s a beautiful film about the Wonder Tree. It’s about an hour long but very interesting.

–

Coming soon!

My newest book, Dragons are Real with be available on Amazon around the first part of May and the excitement is almost blowing the roof off of 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 slated for a May 5th release. If you want to be among the first to know when this colorful and enchanting children’s book goes on sale, sign up below and I will keep you in the loop. (P.S. I have plans to have some fun free gifts available as well!) Thanks for your support and Read On!




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The post Tree of Wonder: The Many Marvelous Lives of a Rainforest Tree by Kate Messner appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Weekend Links: Exploring the Backyard of our World

So many wonderful things going on  this month! From Poetry Month to Earth Day or U.S Coin Day, April has been filled with amazing and fun learning opportunities. With this in mind, I thought I would share some of the best-of-the-best in links, resources and book-inspired fun that I have encountered this week. Enjoy!

 

How to Be an Explorer in Your Own Backyard: The Olinguito Activity Kit and Teacher’s Guide

How to Be an Explorer in Your Own Backyard: The Olinguito Activity Kit and Teacher’s Guide

40 Earth Day Crafter from 123 Homeschool4Me

Here’s a great booklist from FirstGradeNest.com

In case you missed it, here’s Jump Into a Book’s 27 Books that Hug the Earth: An Earth Day Booklist for Kids

Want to know how YOU can make the world a more beautiful place? Ask Miss Rumphius!

–

Coming soon!

My newest book, Dragons are Real with be available on Amazon around the first part of May and the excitement is almost blowing the roof off of 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 slated for a May 5th release. If you want to be among the first to know when this colorful and enchanting children’s book goes on sale, sign up below and I will keep you in the loop. (P.S. I have plans to have some fun free gifts available as well!) Thanks for your support and Read On!

Sign up for Dragons Are Real Updates!
* indicates required
Email Address *




First Name


Last Name

The post Weekend Links: Exploring the Backyard of our World appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

An Extra Special #DragonsAreReal Booklist for Beginning Readers

Disclosure: some of these links are affiliate links

I’ve been doing a lot with dragons lately and in honor of my new book Dragons are Real so I thought I’d share a little bit of our favorite dragon reads from our favorite dragon library. You may not know this but Dragons love to read and are actually book hoarders. So if you’re missing a book, there’s a good chance a dragon took it.

A captivating middle grade book-Southern Gothic

I know many parents and visitors to this site are frequently on the hunt for captivating books for their older readers..and lucky me, I just discovered a new one!

Southern Gothic by Middle Grade/YA author Bridgette Alexander is a wonderful new book which incorporates art and mystery in very intriguing ways. I learned of Bridgette and this intriguing book when so became one of our Author Sponsors for Multicultural Children’s Book Day in January.

Celine Caldwell lives a life of privilege, allowed into the elite art community of NYC thanks to her powerhouse mother who is a curator for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Julia Caldwell has made a prestigious name for herself in the art community. With that comes loyal followers as well as fervent enemies, and Celine soon gets wrapped up in her mother’s political and backwards world.

Two paintings have gone missing from the Met’s archives, paintings that Julia Caldwell publicly deemed unfit for the Met’s prestigious reputation and her selective exhibitions. Julia’s attitude towards the paintings pinpoints her as the head suspect in the NYPD’s investigation into the missing paintings. Celine cannot stand by and let her mother be accused of something she knows she would never in a million years do. Julia may not appreciate the paintings, but she would most certainly never steal them.

Celine and her best friends Sandy, Baheera, and Troy jump right into their own investigation, unaware just how over their heads than they are. But Celine soon realizes that there’s much more to these paintings than meets the eye. While they might seem simple on the surface level, they tell a story—a true story at that, one that is near to a lot of people’s hearts and forces Celine and her friends to relive a murky time in the American South’s history.

Despite the mystery and the danger that follows her investigation, Celine manages to crack the code, piece together the story behind the missing paintings, and clear her mother’s name. All while dating a new guy and managing to stay in school. I’d call that a success, wouldn’t you say?

Learning about Art from Southern Gothic:

I actually learned a lot about art in this novel. I enjoy looking at art, but I cannot say I’m necessarily profound in my analyses of them. But Celine Caldwell taught me a lot. For instance, a provenance is a record of ownership of a work of art, used as a guide to authenticity and quality. Celine’s investigation involved creating a provenance for the Southern Gothic art trilogy.

Pieces of art have been used as legal documents in the past. The Marriage of Arnolfini depicts a wedding of the Italian Medici family, and it basically serves as a marriage licence. Portrait d’une Negresse depicts an African-American woman after she was freed from slavery and brought to France. This painting serves as her ticket of freedom, showing that she is a free citizen, not a slave.

You’ll have to involve yourself in Celine’s investigation to learn more.

Bridgette R. Alexander is a modern art historian. She received her graduate training in 19th century French art history at the University of Chicago. Alexander worked with some of the world’s greatest museums in New York, Paris, Berlin and Chicago and developed art education programs; curated exhibits; she has taught and published in art history. She’s been featured in a number of publications including, Art + Auction Magazine; the Wall Street Journal; and the Washington Post. SOUTHERN GOTHIC is her debut novel. Alexander currently lives in Chicago and when not writing, she takes her husband, daughter and friends on midnight tours of the cultural institutions.

 

**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: Interesting Links if you’re interested in getting more involved in the art community:

Art

Art Museums Around the World

Met Museums Kids and Family Resources

The answer to the question “Why the arts are important.”

Planning a visit to France? You have to stop at the world’s biggest museum, Le Louvre. And I’d plan your day around this massive museum. You can get lost for hours in this magnificent building.

Happy reading!

Speaking of art…Do you know what Hans Christian Andersen liked as much as his fairy tales?

Paper! He was an addict to paper. He wrote on it, he drew on it and he use to cut in it. Just like a sculptor carves the figure out of stone, Hans Christian Andersen use to cut his stories out of paper. In fact he was a very popular paper cutter. (images courtesy of the Odense Museum)

In order to amuse his friends and their children, Hans made his very famous paper cuts. Wherever he would go he would carry his bag filled with paper and these very large monstrous scissors which he used to cut out the most elegant figures.

Would you like to create a very special item that is inspired by the paper cuttings of Hans Christian Andersen?

I’ve made a FREE off the shoulder felt story bag craft and tutorial just for this occasion! This simple craft is something the whole family can participate in creating it will make a delightful gift for the book lover in your life. I hope your little bag of tales holds as many wonders for you as ours has.

Click the image below and get instant access to this Hans Christian Andersen-inspired shoulder bag!

The post A captivating middle grade book-Southern Gothic appeared first on Jump Into A Book.