Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 92
April 19, 2014
50 Years of Charlie: A Celebration of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Send to KindleThis year marks the 50th anniversary of the beloved Roald Dahl book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Like most families reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, we were mesmerized and enchanted by the adventure into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
As my family closed the book for the third time on Charlie and Willy, as they’ve become known here, a litany of questions followed.
“Mom, can we please jump into Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?” This brought about a bit of a problem for me as “Charlie” was one of those “untouchable” books. A book so captivating that it’s better to let it rest in the mind and imagination instead of disappointing by not meeting up to the “enchantment” standards.
“Mom do you think a place like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory could really exist ? Is it possible or is it just too made up to even be realistic?”
It was the answer to that question which sent me down a path, not unlike the yellow brick road, with Willy Wonka in hand to create an enhanced e-book adventure of Wonka size proportions.
Little did I know that on the journey into opening up the magical world of Willy Wonka that we would need to find our own golden tickets, no admittance allowed without one is what the sign said. That we would venture into South American jungles to discover where chocolate comes from and how gum is made. Soon we would taste the banks of the chocolate river and learn the secrets to making delectable Swudge, the minty grass which grows on the banks of the Chocolate River.
As we raced a pack of clothes changing Oompah Loompah’s down the croquet lawn, we can absolutely verify that they exist. I can also attest that hot chocolate definitely tastes better churned by waterfall.
Oompah Loompah’s are great game players. While the rest of the world is trying to let their gobstopper’s last forever, Oompah Loompah’s never put their gobstoppers in their mouths. Instead they play a series of games which occupy their “off” hours. My family and friends play these games often and prefer to save their gobstoppers forever so that we can eternally play our favorite games.
One cannot explore Willy Wonka’s incredible factory without knowing a thing or two about mazes to keep ones bearings. Again gobstoppers came to our rescue with a clever shoe box maze game, as well as learning how to walk through a piece of paper by cutting a scissor maze. Like Charlie we found ourselves stopping in the Fizzy Lifting drink room and gave our hand at making a few of our own fizzy concoctions and of course burping incredibly loud. We wouldn’t want finger prints on the ceilings would we?
We are the creators of magical moments, magnificent candy, fun and nonsense, fizzy drinks, makers of Swudge, maneuverers of mazes, tower builders, but mostly adventurers at heart. To grab your copy of The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory enhanced digital e-book for kids, go to iTunes or to our Ultimate Charlie site to learn more about the making of this memorable adventure!
Send to KindleThe post 50 Years of Charlie: A Celebration of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
April 17, 2014
Little Passports Passover Stories and Facebook Giveaway
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**The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.
Passover has begun! I have a fun post to share with your friends about Passover traditions that many of our friends are celebrating this week as well as a big giveaway that Little Passports is running on their Facebook page. Share your family traditions and get creative!
Little Passports Passover Stories and Facebook Giveaway
Did you know the Jewish holiday of Passover began last night, April 14th, at sunset and continues until the night of April 22nd? This important holiday commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people in Ancient Egypt. If you have a minute, check out the post on the Little Passports Blog where a Little Passports employee details one of her favorite childhood memories of the Seder during the first night of Passover. Do you have any fun family traditions you’d like to share with us?
Little Passports is also hosting their own Facebook giveaway this week! Use this link below to sign up to win a 1 year Little Passports subscription and a 1 year NatureBox subscription. (That is almost $400 worth of goodies!) The deadline to sign up to win this prize is April 18th. If you miss out on this weeks opportunity, don’t fret…There are 2 more weeks of giveaways to enter.
www.facebook.com/littlepassports?sk=app_139312346250626&app_data=Little-Passports-Birthday-Giveaway
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April 15, 2014
Poem In Your Pocket Day!
Send to KindleThis week is Poem In Your Pocket Day! {April 17th}
On Poem in Your Pocket Day, people throughout the United States select a poem, carry it with them, and share it with others throughout the day. You can also share your poem selection on Twitter by using the hashtag #pocketpoem.
On that day we have a really wonderful project planned here, but to get you thinking about it early, here are 10 things you can do to get ready for the big day.
Poem is Your Pocket Day is simple really. You pick a poem, carry it with you and share it with others.
Below are a list of fun things you can do with poetry and that very special poem in your pocket. Enjoy !!
Read a book of poetry
Memorize a poem
Listen to poetry via books-on-tape or download.
read a poem before each meal.
Copy a favorite poem in chalk on the sidewalk.
Recite a poem to family and friends.
Organize a poetry reading with your friends.
Start a commonplace book in your family where everyone can copy in their favorite poems.
Watch the video “A Child’s Garden of Poetry.”
Place a poem in an unexpected place.
Poem In My Pocket Resources
ReadWriteThink has some great ideas and resources HERE.
I love Scholastic Books’ idea of Opening a Poetry Cafe to Celebrate Student Writing!
I found this on the Poets.org site. Second graders at Falcon Heights Elementary School in Minnesota made hanging pockets out of cast-off jean pockets. They filled them with poems and delivered them throughout the school. Recipients were invited to fill them with favorite poems of their own and send them back to the students. Love this idea!
Poetry is best when shared, and Poem in Your Pocket Day is the perfect time to surprise someone with the gift of poetry. How will you celebrate?
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April 12, 2014
Celebrating National Library Week with The Library Adventure
I have been a contributor to Vicki Arnold’s The Library Adventure for awhile and I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful site.
The Library Adventure was founded by Vicki Arnold in 2013 when she was faced with the quandary of how to fit her love of the library and books into her already bursting at the seams blogging schedule. She wanted a place for others to share their library finds with other bibliophiles.
As she started brainstorming, the idea kept growing and The Library Adventure was born. The Library Adventure strives to be a go-to resource for both library patrons and librarians. While The Library Adventure is for library fans of all ages, there is a special focus on children. I am not alone as a contributor, there are many wonderful bloggers and writers who contribute and you can get to know them here.
In honor of National Library Week (April 13-19) I thought I would shine the spotlight on Vicki’s amazine site, and recap some of the book jumps and activities I have done on The Library Adventure along with a few of my favorite posts from other contributors.
Having Fun with The Penderwicks!
The Penderwicks: A summer Tale of Four Sisters,Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall is filled with adventure, mystery, suspense, friendships, and villains–all of these ingredients mixed together make the best summer ever for the Penderwick sisters Rosalind, Jane, Skye, and Batty. Rosalind, the oldest, assumes the responsibility of taking care of her younger sisters. Jane just wants to have fun and enjoy the outdoors. Skye wants to finish her novel. And Batty…wants to be a butterfly. When they arrive at Arundel Hall for the summer with their Botanist father and their dog, Hound, the girls had no clue what was awaiting them behind the high walls of the Arundel house. Read article in its entirety HERE.
A Day With Pippi Longstocking {Hands On Activity and bookjump}
Pippi lives all alone in a large yellow and pink house, her mother died when she was a baby and her father is lost at sea somewhere but expected to return. Pippi fills her days with pancakes, games, dancing, and many other antics. Her best friends are a monkey named Nilsson and a white horse she lets in the house and sleep in the living room. She supports herself with her suitcase full of gold coins. Clearly, she needs no one and is very capable of handling every detail of life on her own. Read the rest of the article HERE.
Note: Myself and intern Hannah Rials had SO much fun creating this Hands On Activity! Let’s see if your family can create their own “Long Stockings!”
The Otter, the Spotted Frog and the Great Flood Activity
Over the years my family has enjoyed reading a variety of “great flood” tales from our local Blount County Library. This month found us enjoying the Creek Indian version called, The Otter, the Spotted Frog and the Great Flood by Gerald Hausman and beautifully illustrated by Ramon Shiloh.
In this version, spotted frog announces to the world that a great flood is coming which will destroy all of their homes. All of the animals ignore spotted frog’s warning, except an otter named Listener. Read the rest of the article HERE.
Hands-On Activities for Mama Panya’s Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya
We recently picked up a wonderful book from the Blount County library, this wonderful Kenyan Tale called, “Mama Panya’s Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya” by Mary and Rich Chamberlin, Illustrated by Julia Cairns.
This beautiful heart warming story shares the great message of “give and you shall receive.“ As Mama Panya and her young son Adika walk to the market, Adika invites every friend he meets to come and eat pancakes with him and his mother. Read the rest of the article HERE.
**Tops Picks from other Library Adventure Contributors**
Hands-On Activity for Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears tells the tale of the mosquito. This little creature begins the story by attempting to tell his friend iguana about a farmer digging yams. The grumpy iguana doesn’t believe the tall tale his friend is telling so he puts two sticks in his ears and walks away in a huff. As the other animals pass by the iguana they are confused about his actions. Iguana has no idea he sets off a chain of unfortunate events impacting all of the animals in the forest.
Hands-on Activity for Around the World in 80 Days
As Jules Verne’s story Around the World in Eighty Days 
opens we are introduced to the main character – Phileas Fogg:
“Mr. Phileas Fogg lived, in 1872, at No. 7, Saville Row, Burlington Gardens. He was one of the most noticeable members of the Reform Club, though he seemed always to avoid attracting attention; an enigmatical personage, about whom little was known, except that he was a polished man of the world.” Read the full article HERE.
Be sure and visit The Library Adventure to find even more delightful book reviews and hands-on activities!
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April 8, 2014
National Poetry Month and Poem In My Pocket Day
April is National Poetry Month and April 17th is Poem in your Pocket Day. Do you like secret little messages tucked into quiet little places like your pocket or lunch pail? My children love this and today we are sharing with classmates, friends, and neighbors alike a little rolled up poem to keep in their pockets to share with all they meet.
Some Facts About National Poetry Month
Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets throughout the United States band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.
Ever wondered why National Poetry Month is always held in April? In coordination with poets, booksellers, librarians, and teachers, the Academy chose a month when poetry could be celebrated with the highest level of participation. Inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), and on the advice of teachers and librarians, April seemed the best time within the year to turn attention toward the art of poetry—in an ultimate effort to encourage poetry readership year-round.
The goals of National Poetry Month are to:
Highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets
Introduce more Americans to the pleasures of reading poetry
Bring poets and poetry to the public in immediate and innovative ways
Make poetry a more important part of the school curriculum
Increase the attention paid to poetry by national and local media
Encourage increased publication, distribution, and sales of poetry books
Increase public and private philanthropic support for poets and poetry
Great Poetry Resources:
Keep A Poem in Your Pocket pdf Download Keep A Poem In Your Pocket
Kenn Nesbit’s Poetry4Kids
Giggle Poetry by Meadowbrook Press offers several poetry activities.
Word Mover App for Kids (helps kids form their own poems)
Diamante Poem interactive, kids create verse in the shape of a diamond.
RhymeZone’s Rhyming Dictionary helps kids in their struggle to find words that express their feelings and ideas.
Jack Prelutsky Website for Kids
Shel Silverstein Printables for your pocket
Favorite Poetry Reads
20th- Century Children’s Poetry Treasury edited by Jac Prelutsky
A Hatful of Seuss by Dr. Seuss
A child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein
You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You by John Ciardi
Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl
Joyful Noise: Poems for two voices by Paul Fleischman
Big Talk: Poems for Four Voices by Paul Fleischman
Creative Ways to celebrate National Poetry Month
Take it to the streets: Pick a favorite line from a poem and choose a clean piece of sidewalk or pavement to write on. You can search for a poem on Poets.org or check your bookshelf for an old favorite. Use brightly colored chalk to attract attention to your work, and add drawings or artistic flourishes to create some extra fun.
Hide Poems in Fun Places: Leave a copy of a poem in an unexpected place. Donate some poetry books to your local coffee shop or leave them in your doctor’s waiting room. (All those magazines are probably out-of-date anyway, and poetry doesn’t expire.) Post a poem beside the want ads on your supermarket message board. – See more ideas here.
Slip a Poem Into your Loved One’s Lunch Box: Putting notes in lunches is always fun, but how how making the note in the form of a poem? Your surprise poem can be one you love, or one you created yourself.
How will you celebrate National Poetry Month?
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April 6, 2014
Weekend Links: Multicultural Books, Deals & Rick Riordan Interview and MORE!
April has just begun and already it ‘s been packed full of Multicultural Books, special interviews, Deals & International Children’s Book Day celebrations! Here’s some of my top picks from the week:
Crafts Moms Share has a great A Round-Up of Multicultural Easter books.
STEAM-Powered Vlog–Poetry Books has a wonderful video full of top poetry picks for kids to help celebrate Poetry Month in April
Don’t forget the special Little Passports Birthday Sale ends 4/8 ! Go here for the details and special birthday deal code.
International Children’s Book Day was April 2, 2014
International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) has been celebrated annually since 1967 to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books. Hosted by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), it takes place each year on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, April 2.
Each year a different National Section of IBBY has the opportunity to be the international sponsor of ICBD. It decides upon a theme and invites a prominent author from the host country to write a message to the children of the world and a well-known illustrator to design a poster. These materials are used in different ways to promote books and reading. Many IBBY Sections promote ICBD through the media and organize activities in schools and public libraries. Often ICBD is linked to celebrations around children’s books and other special events that may include encounters with authors and illustrators, writing competitions or announcements of book awards.
How did you celebrate that special day?
I am SO PROUD of two of my favorite kid authors! Felicia from Stanley & Katrina and Erik from the Kid Reviews actually got to interview the one-and-only Rick Riordian, author and creator of the Percy Jackson series! How cool is that!?
This clip is part of HuffPost Live’s “Tell Me Why” series, featuring young enthusiasts discussing the subjects they’re passionate about — from horror movies to string theory — with experts.
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April 3, 2014
Lin Yi’s Lantern: A Moon Festival Tale by Brenda Williams and Benjamin Lacombe
Guest post from Hannah Rials
Lin Yi’s Lantern: A Moon Festival Tale from Barefoot Books is a heartwarming story shows the rewards of putting others first, and includes educational notes at the end about the Chinese moon festival, life in rural China, and the legend of the moon fairy.
Lin Yi has a list of groceries that he absolutely must buy in the market for the Moon Festival tonight. He can repeats his list over and over again on his fingers, just so he won’t forget. More than anything, Lin Yi wants to buy a Red Rabbit Lantern to light at the festival. He is a good haggler and knows that he will have to get good deals on the rest of his grocery list in order purchase a lantern.
Upon arriving at the market, Lin Yi is tempted with all the other treats that he could spend his mother’s money on, but he is strong and only buys what is on his list. Then he spots the lantern booth. He still has two more items on his list, but he is terribly afraid that when he returns for his lantern, they will all be gone. But that’s not his real problem. Even though he haggled very well and received great deals, he still did not have enough money for a lantern, all thanks to Uncle Hui’s peanuts. So Lin Yi biked home empty handed and very disappointed. However, the magic of the Moon Festival was working in Lin Yi’s favor. When he returned home, handing Uncle Hui his peanuts, Uncle Hui surprised him with his very own, beautiful, red rabbit lantern. Together, boy and aging man, the two walked up the mountain with the festival, peanuts crunching and the lantern glowing brightly in the dark sky.
Barefoot Books has done it again! Brenda Williams and Benjamin Lacombe have created a beautiful story about sacrifice and reward. They educate on the magic of the Chinese culture and society. Lin Yi’s sacrifice does not go unnoticed by the Moon Fairy, and he is rewarded. The illustrations are beautiful and captivating! And be sure to check out the back of the book, where step-by-step instructions are given on how to make a Chinese lantern, Uncle Hui’s version of the Moon Fairy myth, and a description of the Chinese market! Order your copy of Lin Yi’s Lantern and view other Barefoot Books HERE.
Something To Do:
I followed the instructions in the back of the book and made my own paper lantern. Typically, butterflies, rabbits, and lobsters are drawn, but there is nothing wrong with making your lantern your own!
2. Make a Moon Cake:from DLTK KIDS
3. Moon Festival Coloring Pages: From Childbook.com
**some of these links are affiliate links.
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March 30, 2014
Weekend Roundup of Great Multicultural Blog Posts & Books
The planning for our next Multicultural Children’s Book Day: Celebrating the Diversity in Children’s Literature for 2015 will be starting very soon and in the meantime, I have seen some excellent bloggers authors sharing stories, thoughts and articles. Here are some of my top picks
The Cooperative Children’s Book Center had a great article and booklist on 50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should Know
Latinos In Kid Lit had a great list and roundup of The 2014 International Latino Book Awards Finalists!
InCultureParent Magazine offers up A Year of Multicultural Picture Books for the Global Child.
5 Ways Literature Can Teach Global Lessons in Elementary Classes http://edut.to/1i6vzkn via Edutopia
9 Picture Books That Celebrate Mixed Race Families #multicultural – I’m Not the Nanny http://ow.ly/uHKqQ
I am very proud of JIAB’s recent multicultural post. Tenzin’s Deer is a touching tale, breathtaking illustrations & a lesson in compassion. http://wp.me/p1MmQB-28g
Do you read poetry with your kids? April is National Poetry Month so it’s the perfect time to get started. A JIBA favorite, Erica at What Do We Do All Day has this wonderful post.
What great multicultural children’s books have you read this week?
**Don’t forget about the very special Little Passports Birthday Sale too!
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March 28, 2014
Happy Birthday to Little Passports!
Happy Birthday to Little Passports!
Little Passports is 5 years old and to celebrate, we are offering a 15% discount to all of our readers.
Sale: 15% Off New Subscriptions through 4/8
Dates: 3/26 – 4/8
Promo Code: HAPPY5
Little Passports 5th Birthday Wish is for You to get 15% Off!
That’s right, Happy Birthday to Little Passports who is now 5 years old and growing fast. Parents and kids are raving about the Little Passports subscription package that shows up each month in the mail. (Which is the first cool part of the process for your little ones…what kid doesn’t love getting mail!?) Each month, Sam and Sofia – the Little Passports guides, take your child on a journey to a different state or country around the world and teaches them about the culture, geography and history of each location. The exercises are fun and colorful, keeping your kids engaged while learning! Click on the link or banner below to sign up for your subscription today and get 15% off by using the code: HAPPY5 from today through Tuesday, 4/8.
15% Off New Subscriptions at Little Passports from 3/26-4/8 with code: HAPPY5
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March 27, 2014
The Adventures of Odysseus
As a family we love the Greek myths but we especially love this edition of Odysseus. The story is written in a way that my family of varying ages can grasp it and the illustrations are simply stunning and brilliantly colorful.
Here’s a look at Hannah’s journey into “The Odyssey” :
This is the tale of the wise, brave Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who nineteen long years ago went to fight in the Trojan War for ten years. These past nine years have been his attempt to return to his home, his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus, who was just a baby when he left.
He washes up on the shore of King Alcinous. His daughter, Princess Nausicaa finds Odysseus and brings him back to her father. From here he tells the court of his difficult journey from Troy. He blinded the enormous cyclops Polyphemus, son of Poseidon, angering the God of the seas. He then lands on the island of circe, where all of his men are turned into pigs, showing their true nature, but thanks to Hermes, Odysseus is immune to her power. After staying on her island for a year, Circe sends the men off with plentiful provisions and a plan for Odysseus to travel into the Underworld to visit the blind poet Tiresias. Here, he learns what he must do to earn Poseidon’s forgiveness. He must listen to the sirens’ song as his men row the boat past them.
Next they come to Scylla’s domain, and Odysseus and his men watch helplessly as six men are devoured to save the rest of the crew. They are left to mourn their fellow crewman shipwrecked on Hyperion’s island, home to his sacred animals. The number one rule: do not touch the animals. What do his men do? Roast two animals. So their fates are cursed. They sail off into Chrybdis, and everyone except Odysseus dies. He washes up on the shore of the nymph Calypso, who holds him hostage on her island for seven years.
Eventually at the bidding of Athena, Calypso allows him to build a raft, but Poseidon’s waves destroy his raft and this is when he ends up on Alcinous’s island. The king then provides Odysseus with new clothes, treasure and a ship to see him home. When he gets to his home in Ithaca, the goddess Athena appears to him and turns him into an old beggar man, because a happy welcome does not await him. Suitors have ravaged his home for these long years in hopes that Penelope will pick them as a new home. Telemachus has been gone searching for news of his father, and he arrives just as Odysseus does. They are both told to go to the herdsman Eumaeus, where they are reunited at last.
After they arrive back at their home, Penelope has been discovered unweaving the shawl that she is making for Odysseus’s father, so now she must pick a husband. She decides that the man that can string Odysseus’s bow and shoot it through twelve axes will be her new husband. They all try and they all fail, until Odysseus, still disguised as the beggar, succeeds, and he and Telemachus kill all the greedy suitors. After a test that only Odysseus would know the answer to, Penelope welcomes him with open arms and his family is reunited once more.
I loved this retelling of this classic tale. It is much easier to comprehend than the high school’s copy! The illustrations are beautiful and really remind me of Greek art! Including two complete discs, this is a must read for the family. I can picture reading this in sections, that way the next night, you will have to recap everything you read the night before until you know the entire story by heart!
Grab your copy of The Adventures of Odysseus and other amazing Barefoot Book titles HERE.
Something To Do:
How funny is this!? Cyclops Polyphemus TP Roll Craft from DLTK Kids:
What animal would Circe turn you into? (from What Animal Am I?)
Become an Ancient Greek at Crafty HomeSchool Mama
Food of the Gods from BrownieLocks.com
**some of these links are affiliate links
Born in the hills of Louisiana and raised in the mountains of Tennessee, Hannah Rials is a seventeen year old aspiring author and editor. She’s been writing short stories since she was a little girl, but for the past several years, she has been writing, editing, and reediting a novel of her own that she hopes to publish in the near future. Hannah will be attending college in the fall 2014 as an English major with the hopes of becoming an editor, but for now, she is enjoying her time at Jump Into a Book as a columnist and intern!
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