Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 84
October 28, 2014
Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy By Karen Foxlee Review and Crystalized Ice Heart Activity
Ophelia and The Marvelous Boy book review and activity!
This modern-day fairy tale is a revisit to Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”.
Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy is a mysterious story which takes place in a museum. Ophelia Jane Worthingto-Whittard is an unlikely heroine who doesn’t believe in anything except if it can be proven by science. There in the museum with Ophelia is her sister Alice and their Father who has taken a job in the museum to arrange an exhibit. All of them are grieving the death of their mother and wife.
On her very first day in the museum, Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. The boy, whose name has been stolen, is a prisoner of the Snow Queen. He has been waiting for someone to come and help him and now is his chance with Ophelia. He has waited a very long time.
Ophelia embarks on multiple journeys to various corners of the museum to help set the boy prisoner free. Along the way she endures many tests and trials and discovers more about the boy. The boy himself has taken his own remarkable journey to save the world from the icy embrace of the Snow Queen.
This book is well written with many stories inside stories unfolding. It is a great adaptation of the original classic, making it both believable and relevant.
We learn in this modern day fairy tale that the power of friendship, love, and courage can see us thru the most difficult times. Grab your copy of Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy HERE.
Something To Do
The Snow Queen lives in a cool and icy world turning everything she touches into a crystalized ice world. We thought we’d have a little indoor crystal ice fun.
What’s in that pot over there?
Would you believe ice crystals? Or nearly ice-crystals. This is a science experiment that would even please Ophelia.
Pipe- cleaners folded in half and twisted down to make a heart. 3 tbsp of borax per 1 cup water.
Boil water, add borax, take off heat, add pipe-cleaner hearts, and let it set overnight, to pull out these beauties.
Now we have a beautiful heart ring to place in our fairy garden, on our table, or as a wreath on the door.
and here’s our marvelous boy who keeps adding beauty to our world.
Please share your pictures of this activity on our Facebook Page!
Need to get a jump on gift giving? Books are always a great choice! A Year in The Secret Garden is the newest book from the Audrey Press line-up of quality children’s books! Click HERE for more details.
Visit A Year in the Secret Garden page HERE.
The post Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy By Karen Foxlee Review and Crystalized Ice Heart Activity appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 27, 2014
Calling All Bloggers and Children’s Book Authors! MCCBD Needs YOU!
Our mission is to not only raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity, but to get more of these of books into classrooms and libraries.
The prep of the upcoming (1/27/15) Multicultural Children’s Book day is humming right along! In case you’ve missed all the details, Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom and I are teaming up once again to bring awareness and shine the spotlight on all of the amazing multicultural children’s books that are available to readers, parents, teachers and libraries.
Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day, Mia and I are on a mission to change that; it’s a mission to raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity, and to get more of these types of books into classrooms and libraries. This event also provides an excellent way for us to compile a list of book titles and blog reviews for everyone to use to expand their bookshelves.
We have been very blessed to already have some amazing event sponsors in place. Both Wisdom Tales Press and Daybreak Press Global Bookshop & Gathering Space are our PLATINUM Sponsors, Satya House and DARIA’s World Music for Children are both GOLD Sponsors and Rainbow Books along with Author Felicia Capers are proud BRONZE Sponsors! Our special Early Bird Sponsorship pricing will be ending 10/31 so please pass the word if you know of any publishers/presses interested in Silver, Gold or Bronze Sponsorship levels and Sponsorship details can be viewed HERE.
This is an official call out to all multicultural children’s book authors! There are huge benefits for authors who participate in Multicultural Children’s Book Day by either sponsoring the event, or donating copies of their books to our vast pool of children’s book review bloggers who are standing by and ready to review books all month long leading up to the event. For those authors who are interested in purchasing an Author Sponsorship here are some benefits and perks:
Mia and I are providing an “in” with their readership and demographic and will be promoting sponsors via name mention, products or service in a new and fresh way. These P.R methods include guest blogging, social media and press releases; sponsors will be mentioned in all P.R methods whenever possible. We will be doing countless blog posts on the new MCCBD site before and during the event and all sponsors will be mentioned as part of the posts as well.
We are collaborating with The Children’s Book Council and First Book in various ways and will be tapping into their reach and readership to spread the word about the 1/27/15 event.
For MCCBD 2015 we will also be implementing advanced tracking and social media analytics for more defined information and feedback for our sponsors. For our 2015 event, Multicultural Children’s Book Day site has a brand new, stand-alone site allowing the MCCBD Team to give deeper details and easier to find information about our sponsors, our mission and other valuable information for multicultural book lovers. All sponsors will be listed either on the sidebar of the site, or on a specific Sponsor page. You can view the new site HERE.
Another effective way for you to participate as an author is to donate review copies of your multicultural children’s book to our pool of review bloggers. NOTE: All books provided to our review bloggers for the event need to be approved by our Book Review Panel. For a more specific description of a “multicultural children’s book,” go HERE.
Currently we have over 70 established bloggers who will be matched with authors and publishers to provide a review of your book. All book review blog posts will be compiled the day of the event in a huge Linky Party that doubles as a reading list for parents, teachers, caregivers and libraries that can be viewed and pulled from all year long.
Providing copies of your multicultural book to be reviewed is an excellent way to gain visibility and recognition for your work! If you are an author with a multicultural children’s book to share, we want to hear from you! Email MCCBD Project Manager Becky F. at Becky (at) AudreyPress (dot) com to get the ball rolling. We hope to hear from you soon!
NOW…..ON TO THE BLOGGERS!
We are still very interested in connecting with established bloggers who are willing to review books for the MCCBD event. Sign-up will be closing very soon (November 30th) so we can begin the matching process and start getting books into the hands of reviewers the first week of December. To view more details or sign up to be one of our children’s book reviewers, go HERE.
Thank you for your continued support of this important event!
The post Calling All Bloggers and Children’s Book Authors! MCCBD Needs YOU! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 26, 2014
Weekend Links: Multicultural Booklists, Activities and Resources for Kids
This month has been jam-packed with insightful, educational, globally important and just plain fun Multicultural Booklists, Activities and Resources for Kids and parents interested in raising global citizens. I would like to share them this weekend as my Weekend Links Round-up. Enjoy!
14 {Fun} Multicultural Education Activities at the Kids Activity Blog
Multicultural Bulletin Board Ideas: displays that can expose your kids to world languages and encourage global thinking! “How to say ‘friend’ in other languages at MKB
Jodi at Growing Book By Book has a wonderful and fun project going on! Family Dinner Book Club
The 50 Best Culturally Diverse Books of the last several decades @The Guardian
Updated!! Top 14 Free Educational Websites for Kids from Smart Apps for Kids
DON’T FORGET! My Book or Treat Halloween Community Guide is still free for the taking! Here’s your chance to add a fun “book-ish” twist to your Trick or Treating activities at your home or in your community!
Read about Book or Treat and how it all began HERE.
Need to get started on your holiday gift buying? Books always make an amazing gift!
The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden,
The post Weekend Links: Multicultural Booklists, Activities and Resources for Kids appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 25, 2014
More Multicultural Than I Look
My many hats include children’s book author & publisher, reading & play advocate, reading activist who is committed to diversity in children’s books. I am also co-founder of a very important event call Multicultural Children’s Book Day (1/27/2015) which is now approaching it’s second year. Co-founder Mia Wenjen of Pragmatic Mom is raising children in a 1/4 Japanese-American, 1/4 Chinese-American and 1/2 Korean American home. At first glance, my multicultural roots are not obvious, but I can assure you they are there.
On any given day, you may hear as many as six different languages spoken in my home.
My life and household has been diverse and multicultural for as long as I can remember. As the daughter of parents who emigrated from Sweden, I have been immersed in Nordic culture since childhood. As a child I attended German/English schools and as an adult I continued learning even more languages for a grand total of six (English, Swedish, French, Arabic, German, Japanese, plus working knowledge in a few others.)
I am also a wife to a Lebanese/Muslim man and am raising Lebanese-American children post 9/11. I may look like an All-American girl, but my multicultural roots run deep and I have been committed to raising my children as global citizens since the day they were born. As a family we speak Arabic, French, and English in our home and travel often to give our children exposure to people and various cultures on the globe.
Literacy has played a huge roll in my family. We are a family of avid book readers, however it has been very difficult to find books that have characters who are like my children, global citizens with a diverse and varied background.
Other tidbits of information about my life includes the fact that I am passionate about making kid’s books come alive on my website Jump into a Book where we creating moments for adults and children to share together while bringing the books they’re reading to life. I am the author of The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden, The Ultimate Guide To Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, and most recently A Year in The Secret Garden . In fact, the hard cover of this book was just delivered this week and to say I am giddy with glee is an understatement! You can view more details about my latest book here and I’d live if you connected with me!
Websites: AudreyPress.com and JumpIntoaBook.com.
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The post More Multicultural Than I Look appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
Diverse? More Multicultural Than I Look
My many hats include children’s book author & publisher, reading & play advocate, reading activist who is committed to diversity in children’s books. I am also co-founder of a very important event call Multicultural Children’s Book Day (1/27/2015) which is now approaching it’s second year. Co-founder Mia Wenjen of Pragmatic Mom is raising children in a 1/4 Japanese-American, 1/4 Chinese-American and 1/2 Korean American home. At first glance, my multicultural roots are not obvious, but I can assure you they are there.
On any given day, you may hear as many as six different languages spoken in my home.
My life and household has been diverse and multicultural for as long as I can remember. As the daughter of parents who emigrated from Sweden, I have been immersed in Nordic culture since childhood. As a child I attended German/English schools and as an adult I continued learning even more languages for a grand total of six (English, Swedish, French, Arabic, German, Japanese, plus working knowledge in a few others.)
I am also a wife to a Lebanese/Muslim man and am raising Lebanese-American children post 9/11. I may look like an All-American girl, but my multicultural roots run deep and I have been committed to raising my children as global citizens since the day they were born. As a family we speak Arabic, French, and English in our home and travel often to give our children exposure to people and various cultures on the globe.
Literacy has played a huge roll in my family. We are a family of avid book readers, however it has been very difficult to find books that have characters who are like my children, global citizens with a diverse and varied background.
Other tidbits of information about my life includes the fact that I am passionate about making kid’s books come alive on my website Jump into a Book where we creating moments for adults and children to share together while bringing the books they’re reading to life. I am the author of The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden, The Ultimate Guide To Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, and most recently A Year in The Secret Garden . In fact, the hard cover of this book was just delivered this week and to say I am giddy with glee is an understatement! You can view more details about my latest book here and I’d live if you connected with me!
Websites: AudreyPress.com and JumpIntoaBook.com.
G+
The post Diverse? More Multicultural Than I Look appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 24, 2014
Rhyme Schemer by K.A. Holt Book Review and Activity
Many of you may be aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it is also National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. I was blessed to receive this wonderful book, Rhyme Schemer by K.A. Holt, and I thought this would be the perfect time to shine the spotlight on this well-written tale of bullying and learning from our mistakes.
Kevin Jamison rules the school as a big, mean bully. The beginning of his poetry journal talks about all the kids he picks on—Giant John, Freckle-Faced Kelly, Harry (his teacher’s mole). His parents are doctors, and even though they make a lot of money, Kevin does not consider himself rich. No one notices that he exists, and when they do, it’s only to acknowledge his mistakes. He has four brother’s, and he is the “mistake baby.” So this complicated middle-schooler takes his frustration out through poetry. He has a talent for picking out words in pages of books and turning them into unique poems.
However, when his older brother Petey throws his poetry journal out of the car window on the way to school, Kevin’s position as king of the school takes a downward spiral. One of the boys that he bullies, Robin, finds the notebook and begins to copy pages of poems and secrets for the whole school to see. Kevin switches from bully to bullied. The school begins to torture him; Robin wants to become the poet bandit—ripping pages out of books and creating poems to post around the school—but he wants Kevin to create them. Blackmailed by his poetry journal of secrets, Kevin has no choice but to submit to Robin, which eventually leads to him getting caught. Once Kevin sinks into his darkest place, a few faithful friends who can see past his rock hard outer shell pull him back into the light by recognizing his unique poetry talent. His librarian forces his family to see his talent, which in turn allows him to find faith in himself. Once he finds faith in himself, life only shoots up from there.
I have never read any story of this sort—a story written in verse. I love the fact that Kevin’s poetry inches slowly from words in short lines to actual, rhyming poetry I did not think I’d like it, since I’m not a huge poetry fan, but this story was wonderful. K.A. Holt tells a wonderful story of a bully turning into the bullied. We see the outside forces that go into bullying and how hard it is for middle-grade children to deal with this sort of pain.
Bullying is a much larger problem than people make it out to be nowadays. Whether it is mean comments, physical abuse, blackmail….bullying is problem that needs to be addressed. Encourage children to speak up for themselves and their friends if they are being victimized. If they don’t feel like they can speak, show them different ways to share what is happening to them—like Kevin’s journal.
While Holt’s simplistic plot resolves a bit too neatly, this transformative tale offers important lessons for all persuasions of middle graders, whether bullies or targets, complicit or horrified bystanders.-Kirkus Reviews
Grab your copy of Rhyme Schemer HERE.
Something To Do
This is basically the type of poetry that Kevin composed, except with this, we are not going to deface books—because that is just wrong. With chance poetry. You have a pile of random, set words, and you are allowed to put the words in any order they want. Watch amazing poetry appear before your eyes!
2. Convert Old Books into Personal Journals: Run to Radiance
3. Host a Poetry Reading
Invite your friends and have them bring some of their favorite prose with
Make Coffee (Decaf for our young, aspiring poets)
Have muffins, scones, and other goodies
Have fun!
4. How Bullying Feels: This is a very compelling video from Pacer.org that I highly recommend families watch together.
What bullying resources would you like to share?
**some of these links are affiliate links
Now Available! The newest children’s book from Audrey Press. Click the image below for more details.
*JIAB received this book to review. These opinions and reviews are our own.
The post Rhyme Schemer by K.A. Holt Book Review and Activity appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 22, 2014
Kidlit Book Bundle Giveaway! {Picture Books for Young Readers}
Welcome to Jump Into a Book’s Three Months of Book Giveaways!
With the winter months upon us, I feel this is a great time for readers of all ages to snuggle in with a good book. I have been blessed with tons of amazing books titles for kids over these last few months and I want to get these books into the hands of young readers. SO, for the next three months Jump Into a Book will be hosting a book giveaway every Wednesday! Some giveaways will be a single title, some will be a “Book Bundle,” but all will be books that your readers will love and cherish. I think these books will also make great gifts as well!
This Book Bundle Giveaway includes three excellent chapter books that would appeal to girls (boys will love these books too!) and I’ve listed these books below. A few of them I’ve already done reviews on (I’ve included the links if that is the case).
GIVEAWAY
Jumping Jack by Germano Zullo
From award-winning Swiss author-illustrator team Germano Zullo and Albertine comes this unforgettable tale of Jumping Jack, a champion show-jumping horse whose partnership with his rider has earned him international fame. Victory is expected when Jumping Jack is on the course! Unfortunately, Jumping Jack’s success has mysteriously stalled. He tumbles and struggles. What could possibly be wrong? Jumping Jack’s loyal rider is determined to find out! What the duo discover will charm readers, not to mention reaffirm their faith in second chances, the power of friendship, and the potential for triumph despite stumbling blocks. A true winner! Read my extended review HERE.
Otto & the Grand Prix Bees by Kip Noschese
Kip Noschese’s beautifully illustrated story introduces readers to a funny friendship, a wicked race car and an important lesson. Read my extended review HERE
The Alphabet Tree by Leo Lionni
“The Alphabet Tree” by Leo Lionni starts with letters which change into small words, collecting themselves into small sentences, and then on to say something important. It’s an invaluable lesson that the smallest attributes can and do have the biggest effects. Read my extended review HERE.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
ONE winner will receive a copy of Jumping Jack by Germano Zullo, Otto & the Grand Prix Bees by Kp Noxchese and
The Alphabet Tree by Leo Lionni. Giveaway begins October 22nd and ends October 29th
Prizing & samples courtesy of Authors of the above books
Giveaway open to US addresses only
ONE lucky winner will win one copy of each of the above books.
Residents of USA only please.
Must be 18 years or older to enter
One entry per household.
Staff and family members of Audrey Press are not eligible.
Grand Prize winner has 48 hours to claim prize
Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on October 30th
The post Kidlit Book Bundle Giveaway! {Picture Books for Young Readers} appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 20, 2014
The Diwali Gift by Shweta Chopra and Shuchi Mehta Book Review & Activities
I’d like to thank authors Shweta Chopra and Shuchi Mehta for sharing their book The Diwali Gift with me.
In the Diwali Gift , three curious monkeys, Suno, Dekho, and Jaano get together for a playdate when a mysterious box from their grandmother appears.
What could be inside ?
Sparklers ? Bracelets ? Small lights known as divas?
No none of the above.
Inside is something very special to use on the night of Diwali. A special something which grants the owner their wishes to come true. To find out what the special something is, you’ll have to read the book.
This book is a simple and lovely story that invites us to share in the Hindu festival of Diwali. The Diwali Gift is fun, entertaining, and wonderfully educational. One truly feels the spirit, anticipation and festive feeling of the holiday.
From Wikipedia:
“Diwali also known as Deepavali and the “festival of lights”, is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity. After puja (prayers), fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.”
The illustrations by Anna Koan are fun and captivating. There is a glossary in the back of the book as well as an explanation of Diwali and how one celebrates it.
I advise reading the glossary before hand so you can clarify the story when reading it to children. I greatly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
The Diwali Gifts is a contemporary and fun book and is also a great tool for explaining Diwali to young readers. The Diwali Gift does a wonderful job of holding reader’s attention and making Diwali fun!
About the Authors and 3 Curious Monkeys:3 Curious Monkeys is a California based start-up that was started by Indian moms Shuchi Mehta and Shweta Chopra. 3 Curious Monkeys creates interactive digital toys and books for kids and this company was born out of need and passion to bring the sights, sounds and vitality of multicultural and multi-hued India to children all over the world with fun characters that encourage them to see, hear and learn more!
Somethings To Do:
Kim Vij from The Educator’s Spin on it has some really wonderful Diwali Activities.
Have a look at how the Activity Village celebrated Diwali.
3 Curious Monkey’s has a wonderful Dress Up Party app on iTunes
Playing dress up is always fun. But its even more fun dressing up your favorite monkey in traditional Indian fabrics and accessories while learning to compliment in eight different languages. (for ages 4-8). Download the App HERE.
Need more gift ideas? Books are always a great choice! NOW AVAILABLE!
The Waldorf Homeschool Handbook by Donna Ashton.
The post The Diwali Gift by Shweta Chopra and Shuchi Mehta Book Review & Activities appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 19, 2014
Weekend Links: A Month of Powerful Booklist for Kids
This month has been jam-packed with insightful, educational, globally important and just plain fun booklists based on national holidays and world news. I am very proud of how these booklist turned out (and how well received they were by readers!) so I would like to share them this weekend as my Weekend Links Round-up. Enjoy!
On October 10th in 1858, Buterfield and Company agreed to carry the mail out west starting in Missouri and ending in California. The 2800 mile Westward journey would take 24 days. The mail was delivered twice weekly using overland coaches, mules and horses.
Two years later, with the threat of the Civil War looming, the need for faster communication to the West was created.
To honor and celebrating the first ever cross country mail delivery and a bit of American itself, I created a booklist that takes a look at the Pony Express.
A Reading Booklist for Boys…….and girls too
Stargazing & Astronomy Booklist for the whole family.
The Banish Bullying Booklist: Reading Our Way to Awareness (Broken down by grade) http://www.jumpintoabook.com/2014/10/...
Love and respect the rainforest? We do too. Here is our Rainforest Booklist roundup in honor of World Rainforest Week (Oct 12th – Oct 18th)
DON’T FORGET! My Book or Treat Halloween Community Guide is still free for the taking! Here’s your chance to add a fun “book-ish” twist to your Trick or Treating activities at your home or in your community!
Read about Book or Treat and how it all began HERE.
Now Available! The newest children’s book from Audrey Press. Click the image below for more details.
The post Weekend Links: A Month of Powerful Booklist for Kids appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 16, 2014
The Rainforest Booklist in honor of World Rainforest Week!
This week we’re celebrating World Rainforest Week (Oct 12th – Oct 18th) with a Rainforest Booklist.
Did you know that: Rain forests are important to our global ecosystem?
Rain forests:
Provide a home to many plants and animals.
Help stabilize our world’s climate.
Protect us against flood, drought, and erosion.
Are a source for some medicines and foods.
Support tribal people, and are an interesting place to visit.
Every year, the Rainforest Action Network designates a week in October as World Rainforest Week to encouraging us to recognize the beauty and wonder of the world’s rain forests. An intact rainforest is worth $6,280 per acre if sustainably harvested; $1,000 if clear cut for commercial timber ($0 five years after a clear cut); and $148 if used as cattle pasture.
I’d like you to think about Conservation !! Please Save Our Rain Forests !!
Here are some lovely reads to inspire you.
The Rainforest Grew all Around by Susan K. Mitchell, illustrated by Connie McLennan
Nature’s Green Umbrella by Gail Gibbons
Over in the Jungle: A Rainbow Rhyme by Marianne Berkes
Slowly, Slowly, slowly by Eric Carle
Sophia’s Jungle Adventure by Giselle Shardlow
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
Monkey Puzzle Big Book by Julia Donaldson
A Rainforest Habitat by Molly Aloian
If I Ran the Rain Forest: All About Tropical Rain Forests by Bonnie Worth
Amazon Rainforest (TIME for Kids Nonfiction) by William B. Rice
Rain Forests ( Magic Tree House Research Guide) by Mary Pope Osborne
Rain Forest Animals by Mr. Maria L. Lopes
Sloths ( Animals that Live in the Rainforest) by Julie Guidone
A is For Anaconda: A Rainforest Alphabet by Anthony D. Fredericks
Amazing Animals: Rainforest Romp by Tony Mitton
**some of these links may be affiliate links.
Now Available! The newest children’s book from Audrey Press. Click the image below for more details.
The post The Rainforest Booklist in honor of World Rainforest Week! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
