Excellent first book on autism - a thoughtful book that looks at the creative process and how we can encourage it in individuals who may be different.Excellent first book on autism - a thoughtful book that looks at the creative process and how we can encourage it in individuals who may be different. Alex wants to play with the other children; but they do things (they are very loud) that make him want to go home and stay inside. This book would be perfect for small children who may have a classmate/neighbor/friend dealing with autism. Art really adds to the story....more
So here is how I would use this book: it will help you 'chart' what a child may be interested in: then you can decide what type of books/discussions mSo here is how I would use this book: it will help you 'chart' what a child may be interested in: then you can decide what type of books/discussions might help reinforce those interests. I think it is so important to learn about what a child is learning (!) and if I had children I would be spending time with them so that they could make wise choices as far as sourcing information. ...more
Interesting look at this federal law enforcement agency. Book does a good job of relaying the history and mission of this agency. Areas of jurisdictioInteresting look at this federal law enforcement agency. Book does a good job of relaying the history and mission of this agency. Areas of jurisdiction that US Marshals are tasked with are explored and example of cases are presented. 8 - 14 year olds who are interested in law enforcement would enjoy this book. ...more
So nice to see this old friend again! A very good book on the basics of meditation. This would be the perfect book to introduce/practice meditation wiSo nice to see this old friend again! A very good book on the basics of meditation. This would be the perfect book to introduce/practice meditation with a small child. For those of us who grew up with CITH this is what I call an 'anchor' book: a book that you can come (back) to when you get that 'drifting' feeling that pulls you away from the shores of certainty. Will look for more new CITH books!...more
Now I have a basic understanding of Passover - the Four Questions and how important they are to the Jewish people. The fact that the youngest child isNow I have a basic understanding of Passover - the Four Questions and how important they are to the Jewish people. The fact that the youngest child is the one who is asking is a wonderful way to connect generations together - can imagine how proud grandparents must be as this happens! Wonderful illustrations make this a truly special book....more
Wonderful first book on this amazing poet. Amanda Gorman is such a positive role model for young people trying to find their own artistic voice. I am Wonderful first book on this amazing poet. Amanda Gorman is such a positive role model for young people trying to find their own artistic voice. I am sure we will hear her voice loud and strong in the years to come - great motivational story for the next generation of poets - inspired and hopeful!...more
This book of quotations from Charlotte's Web is like catching up with an old friend. One of my favorite books when I was a small child. Forgot how mucThis book of quotations from Charlotte's Web is like catching up with an old friend. One of my favorite books when I was a small child. Forgot how much wisdom there is in this book. Glad to start out this new year by finding this book in my garage. Will read again....more
Very nice first book on WW. Traces the role WW has had on popular culture and how her changing character reflects the role women were expected to adheVery nice first book on WW. Traces the role WW has had on popular culture and how her changing character reflects the role women were expected to adhere to over the decades. Brief bios of people who created/shaped WW are also included. The illustrations are bold and vibrant adding to this well researched addition to the WW mythos....more
Really nice book on dinosaurs for small children. All of the different ages are covered - both popular and little known dinosaurs are included. AnotheReally nice book on dinosaurs for small children. All of the different ages are covered - both popular and little known dinosaurs are included. Another STEM pick that could channel the paleontologist inside to 'dig' science (sorry - that was bad). Illustrations are nice and very 'kid' friendly; the kind of book I wish I could have gotten my hands on when I was in the 4th grade....more
Fantastic look at the food of Cuba. Read this book to build my Spanish vocabulary; but found this look at Cuban culture very interesting. So many diffFantastic look at the food of Cuba. Read this book to build my Spanish vocabulary; but found this look at Cuban culture very interesting. So many different cultures - truly a 'ajiaco' of cultures that have formed and added new flavor to this country of hardy and resilient people - who seem to have borrowed the best of every culinary tradition and created their own cuisine....more
Another fantastic book from the Infographics series. Another book that would fit nicely on the STEM shelf for a young child. Books like this can 'sparAnother fantastic book from the Infographics series. Another book that would fit nicely on the STEM shelf for a young child. Books like this can 'spark' interest in a field of study and allow a child to explore what area of study they may want to follow. Graphics are bold and dynamic....more
Excellent first book on Thurgood Marshall. It is so important for small children to read about people who have helped society move forward due to theiExcellent first book on Thurgood Marshall. It is so important for small children to read about people who have helped society move forward due to their commitment to equal justice for all. This book had just the right amount of information; timeline and list for further reading are provided in the back of the book....more
A boy and his grandfather go to the zoo - and we go with then to learn Spanish! I know this may sound strange - but bilingual board books are really mA boy and his grandfather go to the zoo - and we go with then to learn Spanish! I know this may sound strange - but bilingual board books are really motivating me to learn Spanish. Guess we all have to start somewhere - so I will keep at it and hopefully it will pay off in the long run....more
Another great book in this series! Learn the different parts of the body with Luchadores! Art really goes well with the simple text. Always happy to fAnother great book in this series! Learn the different parts of the body with Luchadores! Art really goes well with the simple text. Always happy to find more books in this series - a wonderful way to help small children build there Spanish/English vocabulary while having fun - great for old guys (like me) trying to learn Spanish!...more
Wonderful board book that takes you through a tour Frida Kahlo's house. Simple words that are hilighted with colorful art that is sure to hold the attWonderful board book that takes you through a tour Frida Kahlo's house. Simple words that are hilighted with colorful art that is sure to hold the attention of a toddler. Great way to introduce a great artist to small children so that they will seek Frida out as they grow older....more
Great first dictionary on things found in a house. Liked the way the book takes you room by room and gives you the name of the thing in both Spanish aGreat first dictionary on things found in a house. Liked the way the book takes you room by room and gives you the name of the thing in both Spanish and English. Really liked the design of this book; kind of felt like you were looking for each thing in your own house as you read the book....more
Simple one word pages that are next to a large image of the card. Another confidence builder for me as I knew every word. Board books like this are reSimple one word pages that are next to a large image of the card. Another confidence builder for me as I knew every word. Board books like this are really helping me out with my vocabulary building. The Lil' Libros books are a wonderful help to me and I will try to find more books by them!...more
Using the legend of La Llorona as a framework this count down from 10 book was really fun for me to read. Happy to say I knew all the words here; but Using the legend of La Llorona as a framework this count down from 10 book was really fun for me to read. Happy to say I knew all the words here; but it is still nice to reinforce what you already know. This would be a really nice book for your Halloween shelf - nice art that compliments the highlighted words....more
This board book was just right for me. Seeing Spanish words used in a simple sentence is really helping me get the feel of deeper meaning that comes oThis board book was just right for me. Seeing Spanish words used in a simple sentence is really helping me get the feel of deeper meaning that comes only with reading. Really feeling good about my ability to understand the sentence structure before looking at the English translation - a small first step!...more
As I was waiting to bet my COVID booster shot this book was on the table next to me. Of course I had to read it - and it really did make my day - becaAs I was waiting to bet my COVID booster shot this book was on the table next to me. Of course I had to read it - and it really did make my day - because it took me back to a simpler time when I was a child. I always like finding 'opportunistic books' like this; books that I encounter by chance which I probably never would have read otherwise. ...more
Just about everything you ever wanted to know about pigs! Hisory of domesticated pigs from all around the world. Looks at the role pigs have played asJust about everything you ever wanted to know about pigs! Hisory of domesticated pigs from all around the world. Looks at the role pigs have played as a food source through the ages. Living and social interactions are also covered. This is the type of book I would have used to write a book report in grade school. Great art!...more
A light-headed look at a little boy looking for breakfast. Nice book for small children who are curious about where their food comes from. I believe bA light-headed look at a little boy looking for breakfast. Nice book for small children who are curious about where their food comes from. I believe books like this are important in helping children appreciate everything animals provide for us; so many fail to see this connection. The illustrations are very nice....more
I can vaguely remember D&J books when I was a very small boy; just as I can barely remember playing marbles before the video game Pong hit. D&J were pI can vaguely remember D&J books when I was a very small boy; just as I can barely remember playing marbles before the video game Pong hit. D&J were part of learning how to read for so many years; my mother remembers them very well. Looking at the books today it is clear that this is a way of life that no longer exists; as such it has much to tell us of what we were and what we have become. ...more
Nice retelling of this foundational story from Japanese folklore. Issun Boshi embodies so many traits that were encouraged in young Japanese boys: tenNice retelling of this foundational story from Japanese folklore. Issun Boshi embodies so many traits that were encouraged in young Japanese boys: tenacity and bravery while never forgetting filial responsibilities. I have heard that this was one of the stories that was looked at after WWII because it had 'militaristic traits' that needed to be carefully watched to prevent a resurgence of Bushidō. This retelling has wonderful illustrations that complement the story. ...more
Dinosaurs and Cat in the Hat! The inner little boy in me really liked this book! Fun and informative - with just enough information - if you know of aDinosaurs and Cat in the Hat! The inner little boy in me really liked this book! Fun and informative - with just enough information - if you know of a small child who is interested in dinosaurs then this book is sure to be a big hit that will be read over and over again! ...more
'Q' needs 'U' more than 'U' needs 'Q' - and that is the premise of this book on friendship. We all have close friends who help make us better - friend'Q' needs 'U' more than 'U' needs 'Q' - and that is the premise of this book on friendship. We all have close friends who help make us better - friends that 'combine' with our strengths to make us even stronger. But we all need time alone - time to develop who we are. This would be a great book for a small child who has had an argument with their best friend. It will help them put their relationship in perspective when things cool down. Wonderful illustrations!...more
PLEASE DON'T - I AM JUST TRYING TO LEARN SPANISH! Really fun book that looks at how we can change when others take an interest in who we are. Simple sPLEASE DON'T - I AM JUST TRYING TO LEARN SPANISH! Really fun book that looks at how we can change when others take an interest in who we are. Simple sentence construction that really helps by highlighting certain words. The illustrations are fantastic - I will put this on my list of books to read again to 'refresh' certain words as my vocabulary (hopefully) grows....more
Another book I was able to read completely in Spanish; for those of you who speak more than one language I am sure you just smile when you read my 'leAnother book I was able to read completely in Spanish; for those of you who speak more than one language I am sure you just smile when you read my 'learning Spanish' reviews - but it is really nice to be able to say this for someone like me who is struggling...a real confidence builder!...more
A really fun book about friendship. Very happy that I was able to read several pages in Spanish without looking at the English translation. Hope to buA really fun book about friendship. Very happy that I was able to read several pages in Spanish without looking at the English translation. Hope to build on my growing vocabulary and start to get a better feel for very simple sentence construction. Nice book for those just starting to learn Spanish....more
Say that fast 10 times! I can see it as a countersign behind enemy lines! Nice first book on symbiosis for small children. Just because someone doesn'Say that fast 10 times! I can see it as a countersign behind enemy lines! Nice first book on symbiosis for small children. Just because someone doesn't want to be your friend doesn't mean you will never find a friend; you just have to look outside your comfort zone. Cute art that meshes well with the story....more