Michelle Worthington's Blog, page 14
March 29, 2016
Book Review: Fearless with Dad by Cori Brooke and Giuseppe Poli
This book is a celebration of all the great Dad's out there who love their kids unconditionally and value the time they spend together. As seen through the eyes of a little boy and his lovable tales of the endless possibilities and adventures he has with his dad, this book is perfect for boys who are reluctant readers and to get Dad's involved in reading to their kids. A love of books sometimes comes from the memories you make of spending time together, cuddling close and having an authentic discussion about what is happening in the story. Dad's have busy lives, almost as busy as mothers, and it can be hard to take time out of the day to stop and be still with a child on your lap, but the benefits of doing this with reluctant readers are priceless. 
Product detailsFormat Hardback | 32 pages Dimensions 240 x 290mm Publication date 01 Jul 2015 Publisher New Frontier Publishing Publication City/Country Epping, Australia ISBN10 1925059405 ISBN13 9781925059403 www.michelleworthington.com
March 28, 2016
Illustrator Spotlight: Erin E Stead
http://erinstead.com/Erin Stead is the Caldecott Medal winning illustrator of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, also named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2010 and Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book of 2010
She and her husband, author and artist Philip Stead, with whom she co-created A Sick Day for Amos McGee and Bear Has a Story to Tell, live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Bear Has a Story to Tell was named a Best Children’s Book of 2012 by Kirkus Reviews.
Erin also illustrated And Then It’s Spring written by Julie Fogliano and named a 2012 Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book and a Best Children’s Book of 2012 by Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly.
Check out her website http://erinstead.com/ to sign up for her newsletter.
www.michelleworthington.com
March 27, 2016
Book Review: The Share-A-Not by Adam Wallace and Heath McKenzie
When I talk to parents of boys who don't enjoy reading, this is the first book I get them to look up. The Share-A-Not was obviously written by Adam Wallace, who must have been a very cheeky boy back in the day.
The story is not only engaging and fun, the illustrations compliment it so perfectly that the kids forget they are reading a book and think they are looking at a still movie. Adam Wallace is a great writer for reluctant readers to follow as his books hook them in by giving them great subjects and flowing text that rolls off the tounge and he teams with illustrators that bring out the best of the words. They can build from the picture book to his chapter books for a perfect transition to a love of reading.
Product details: Picture BookFormat Hardback | 40 pages Dimensions 230 x 250 x 9mm | 448g Publication date 01 Jan 2009 Publisher Jojo Publishing Publication City/Country Melbourne, VIC, Australia Illustrations note colour illus ISBN10 0980495083 ISBN13 9780980495089 http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Sha...
Product details: Chapter BookFormat Paperback | 80 pages Dimensions 129.03 x 198.12 x 4.32mm | 86.18g Publication date 01 Mar 2015 Publisher Krueger Wallace Press Publication City/Country Ivanhoe East, Australia Language English Illustrations note black & white illustrations ISBN10 0980828279 ISBN13 9780980828276http://www.bookdepository.com/Acciden...
March 26, 2016
Book Review: Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael B Kaplan and Stephane Jorisch
From author Michael B. Kaplan, creator of Disney’s T.V. show Dog with a Blog, comes the first picture book of the Betty Bunny series.
Betty Bunny is the youngest in her family of rabbits and she’s just discovering the important things in life, like chocolate cake. She declares, “I am going to marry chocolate cake” and takes a piece to school with her in her pocket. Mom values healthy eating and tells Betty Bunny she needs patience when it comes to dessert. But Betty Bunny doesn’t want patience, she wants chocolate cake! Reluctant readers will love this book, especially if they are picky eaters and chocolate lovers. It's great to get reluctant readers hooked on a series of books and Betty Bunny is a fabulous example of how it only takes one character to resonate with kids for them to fall in love with reading.
www.michelleworthington.com
Book Review: Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael B Kaplan and Stephanie Jorisch
From author Michael B. Kaplan, creator of Disney’s T.V. show Dog with a Blog, comes the first picture book of the Betty Bunny series.
Betty Bunny is the youngest in her family of rabbits and she’s just discovering the important things in life, like chocolate cake. She declares, “I am going to marry chocolate cake” and takes a piece to school with her in her pocket. Mom values healthy eating and tells Betty Bunny she needs patience when it comes to dessert. But Betty Bunny doesn’t want patience, she wants chocolate cake! Reluctant readers will love this book, especially if they are picky eaters and chocolate lovers. It's great to get reluctant readers hooked on a series of books and Betty Bunny is a fabulous example of how it only takes one character to resonate with kids for them to fall in love with reading.
www.michelleworthington.com
March 25, 2016
Picture Book Spotlight: Chocolate
Great for non-fiction lovers
Perfect for older kids who love chocolate
Reluctant readers love rhyme
A great way to incorporate reading into active play
Max is a great bunny for reluctant readers to fall in love withwww.michelleworthington.com
March 24, 2016
Book Review: Picture Books for Easter
I love sharing books at special times of the year and it can be tricky finding good ones that capture the fun and family spirit of the occasion. Easter is always a special time for my family because we always go away for the public holiday long weekend to the beach and have done so since my boys were babies. They aren't big chocolate eaters, even though they are my children biologically, and they get books, pyjamas and an Easter bunny chocolate from the Easter Bunny each year.
The Smallest Bilby and the Easter Tale by Nette Hilton and Bruce Whatley is a great Australian Easter Story with out beloved Bilby who is often a stand in for the Bunny down under. Great fun for members of a big family or to send to expat Aussie kids as a gift.
Product detailsFormat Hardback | 32 pages Dimensions 246 x 253 x 8mm | 375g Publication date 20 Feb 2012 Publisher Working Title Press Publication City/Country Kingswood, SA, Australia ISBN10 1921504420 ISBN13 9781921504426 http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Smallest-Bilby-and-the-Easter-Tale-Nette-Hilton-Bruce-Whatley/9781921504426?ref=grid-view
Here Comes the Easter Cat by Deborah Underwood and Claudia Rueda is another great alternative to the traditional bunny story. Why should the Easter Bunny get all the love? That's what Cat would like to know. So he decides to take over by putting on his sparkly suit, jumping on his Harley, and delivering the eggs himself. But it turns out delivering Easter eggs is hard work and doesn't allow for nap breaks. So when a pooped-out Easter Bunny shows up, and with a treat for Cat, his surprise solution is stylish, smart, and kind, just like the Easter Cat. So much fun for reluctant readers and a great gift in place of chocolates. Product detailsFormat Hardback | 80 pages Dimensions 180.34 x 210.82 x 20.32mm | 430.91g Publication date 27 Aug 2015 Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc Imprint Dial Books for Young Readers,US Publication City/Country United States Language English Illustrations note colour illustrations ISBN10 0803739397 ISBN13 9780803739390 http://www.bookdepository.com/Here-Comes-the-Easter-Cat-Deborah-Underwood/9780803739390?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com
March 23, 2016
Illustration Spotlight: Easter Bunnies
Lisa McCue is a bunny master
Vintage style illustrations by Jan Brett
Gorgeous pictures by Lucinda McQueen
A treasure with pictures by Marjorie Hack
Great for young readers with illustrations by Louise Gardner
Vintage Little Golden Books bring back Easter nostalgia
www.michelleworthington.com
March 22, 2016
Book Review: Easter Bunny's on His Way by Brian James and Dara Goldman
Reluctant readers are often coaxed into reading books about topical holidays because they can see the relevance in what they are reading. They respond really well to the musicality of words and love books that are made to be read out loud. Easter Bunny's on His Way is a great example. Two children get ready for Easter by painting eggs and anticipating the arrival of the Easter bunny, in this story whose words can be sung to the tune "She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain." Sure to be an annual favourite. Incorporate the reading with physical activities like colouring in. Here is an idea to get you started.
Product detailsFormat Book Dimensions 209.55 x 209.55 x 12.7mm Publication date 15 May 2007 Publisher Paw Prints ISBN13 9781435202399 http://www.bookdepository.com/Easter-...
March 21, 2016
Book Review: Easter Parade by Irving Berlin and Lisa McCue
The song lyrics of Irving Berlin sing in my head as I read this book but Lisa McCue translates them through images of a father speaking to his daughter as he proudly takes his young daughter through town to the parade. The adorable pictures tell the story as the daughter bunny receives additions to her hand-decorated hat from friendly towns animals while she and her father walk cheerfully to the Easter Parade. I love the pages at the end of the book with Berlin’s words and music to sing and play it. A delightful Easter book for everyone to enjoy.
Product detailsFormat Paperback | 32 pages Dimensions 208.28 x 271.78 x 5.08mm | 136.08g Publication date 01 Feb 2006 Publisher HarperTrophy Publication City/Country United States Language English Edition statement Reprint ISBN10 0064437205 ISBN13 9780064437202 https://www.bookdepository.com/Easter...
