Such a perfect book for anyone raising a little girl…um…I mean for anyone who has a little girl (or boy).  I’m not sure who enjoyed or could relate to this book more, my daughter or me.  Such a funny twist on the bad-mood blues and tantrums that girls (and yes, boys) sometimes have.

Maya is a grumpy force to be reckoned with…good thing that Gramma knows how to handle this mood… Not even Maya’s wild hair or “crispy, cranky, grumpy, grouchy” mood is untameable for Gramma.

Maya tries to spread her mood to those around her…her brothers, the birds and even the cat but nobody would pay any attention.

The illustrations, while very animated and fun, are so wonderful and really serve to enrich the text.  Pay attention to Maya’s hair, and how it’s illustrated to represent her mood.  Very clever!  Once her monster mood has been tamed, so is her hair.

A fun spin on a bad mood and a great way to shake it!

Ideas for Post Reading Discussion           

• Why do you think Maya was in such a bad mood?
• What do you think finally got her to snap out of her bad mood?
• How do you thing everyone else reacted when Maya tried to spread her bad mood?
• Do you ever feel like Maya?
• What do you do when you’re in a bad mood?  Do you try to snap out of it? How?
• What do you think you should do next time you wake up in a bad mood?

The post Maya Was Grumpy appeared first on Children's Book Reviews.

I’m not sure what it is about a new book by Rosenthal, but I always seem to be drawn to it….maybe it’s the sweet theme of ice cream or the colorful cover that happens to be my favorite shade of green, but the book itself certainly didn’t fall short when I read it!  Summer is supposed to be about fun and play….This book, while not what I expected at all, captures that essence with a fun way to incorporate the  concept of creative wordplay into a book!  Have fun with words and sounds!  Why not? This  creative and whimsical read-aloud book…or…is it a creative and whimsical READ A LOUD BOOK?…. is clearly, a catchy concept indeed!!  You and your children will have fun trying to figure out the wordplays and even making up your own.

I must admit that I’ve been having some fun with this book too (even when my kids aren’t around)….kind of the same way I find myself watching an episode of Disney TV long after my kids have left the room…

The illustrations are fun and add to the playful tone of the book.  A fun vacation book or even a game to play in the car on your long rides up to the cottage (if you’re lucky).

Ideas for Post Reading Discussion

Not much to add in the case of this book…you may wish to explain each word play to your children or see if they can figure them out.  You can come up with your own….perhaps give them one word and have them come up with the alternative?  Or whatever seems to flow naturally for your family.  Just have fun with this book.  I’m quite certain that this was the intention!

The post I Scream Ice Cream! appeared first on Children's Book Reviews.

Oh, how I love this book!  Frank truly represents all that is honest and charming and comical about kids…they say it like it is, oblivious to the adult phenomenon of social filters.  Frank takes a lot of slack from people for simply saying things as he sees them.  This is a challenge that we as grown-ups face.  How do we teach our kids to be honest but only under the right circumstances?  Or, how do we convey to them that lying is okay if it’s to spare someone’s feelings….is it?  The purity of childhood makes them prone to black-and-white thinking.  This book certainly touches upon this in a sweet and charming and yes, funny way.

In this story, Frank’s grandfather can certainly relate and empathize with Frank’s predicament, and he teaches Frank how to use his honesty in a good way.  Free from lying!  What could be better?  Frank’s grandfather not only helps Frank to modify his ways and improve his technique,  but he can help us parents too, in handling this issue and perhaps save us from some potentially embarrassing moments.

And, if the story isn’t enough, the illustrations are great.  They’re fun and whimsical and suit the feel of the story.  A perfectly balanced work!

Enjoy this book!  I know I do!!

Ideas for Post Reading Discussion

• What do you think of Frank?
• What do you think of Frank’s grandfather?
• Why do you think Dotty didn’t like Frank?
• Is there someone at your school like Frank? What do you think of them?
• Do you think Frank’s grandfather gave him good advice?  Why/why not?
• What was your favorite part of this book?  Why?

The post Being Frank appeared first on Children's Book Reviews.

Such a funny story that certainly sheds much comical light on Family Holidays!  The inevitable colourful times that inevitably happen when extended family and a busy, guest-filled house come together for Holiday time!!

This story is not short of zany and interesting characters…Miss Fetter, Grandpa Dave the “prank-loving joker”, Aunt Helen and the endless cousins and siblings and guests, will keep you in stitches.

The illustrations, by David Udovic, are as colorful and uplifting at the story itself…certainly not your traditional Hanukkah story, but a welcome one in our home, and most definitely one to which everyone can relate!

And if the basis of the story wasn’t funny enough, Cleary has written it brilliant rhyming prose!  This story lends itself to be read aloud at your family’s Hanukkah party.  Truly a fun literary experience!

One of my favorite parts of the story is the last page, where you feel like you’re leaving the party and being told “thanks for coming”.

Ideas for Post Reading Discussion

• What was your favorite part of the story?
• Do any of the characters remind you of people in our family?  Who? Why?
• Do they do any of the same things that we do?
• What are similarities and what are some differences?

The post Eight Wild Nights; A Family Hanukkah Tale appeared first on Children's Book Reviews.

From the Dinosaur Vs. series, comes this festive tale about our little red Dino friend.  Written for a  younger audience, as with the rest of the series, this books offers a fun and festive tale about Dinosaur preparing for Christmas.  Will his curiosity land him on the naughty list or will Santa leave something under the tree?  How does Dinosaur do when it comes to wrapping gifts and getting ready for Christmas?

Ideas for Post Reading Discussion

• What did you like about this story?
• Did you think Dinosaur would win against being extra good?
• What was your favorite part of the book?

The post Dinosaur Vs. Santa appeared first on Children's Book Reviews.

My absolute favorite Hanukkah story.  I’ve been reading it to my children for years.  It never gets old…it’s not only a story of Hanukkah, but a story of giving and sharing and enjoying the traditional festivities.  Reading this story is one of our Holiday traditions and I really wanted to share it with my readers. 

In this story, the Bubba Brayna is so old and nearly blind, but it doesn’t deter her from making up a batch of her delicious potato latkes.  She happily serves them to the Rabbi when he comes for dinner….or does she???

Bubba Brayna thinks she’s celebrating Hanukkah with the Rabbi, but she has unknowingly welcomed in, and shared Hanukkah with a bear!  And he’s eaten all the latkes!

Such a sweet story of generosity and kindness and a great message to everyone….Everyone is welcome at Holiday time!!

Complete with a glossary of terms for those unfamiliar with the traditional terms, this book is a funny and warm story for all ages, all generations and all religions.  The pictures are wonderful….traditional and classic, like the story itself.  The art stands the test of time in my opinion, just as the story itself.  Flipping through the pictures, you can almost smell the latkes.

Ideas for Post Reading Discussion

• How do you suppose Bubba Brayna could have mistaken the bear for a Rabbi?
• What was your favorite part of this story?
• What is your favorite part of our Hanukkah parties (If applicable, of course)
• What do you think Bubba Brayna’s friends and neighbors thought when they showed up at her house for Hanukkah?
• If you had to write a different ending for this story, what would your ending be?

The post The Chanukkah Guest appeared first on Children's Book Reviews.

From the American trees, to Holland’s walnut-stuffed clogs, to South Africa and Mexico,  this books shows its readers how children around the world celebrate in different and special ways.  We learn about the Swedish candle wreaths, Korean cakes and Brazilian fireworks….this book is comprehensive, complete and universal. 

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this is a valuable book that teaches us about interesting cultures and customs.  Part of the Small World series, this book is a wonderful addition to any Holiday book collection, and a perfect stocking stuffer!  The book also comes with some fun stickers.  Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Ideas for Post Reading Discussion

• What are some of your favorite Holiday customs in our family?
• What are some of the customs you like in this book?
• Do you have any friends that may celebrate in different ways?

The post Christmas Around The World appeared first on Children's Book Reviews.

Nothing says “modern Holiday” better than this book….a cute story that celebrates the diversity of the Holidays and the wonderful gift of combining two religions to create a new set of customized and beautiful traditions.  Whether it’s leaving potato latkes for Santa or chanting Hanukkah and Christmas carols, or whether it’s combining traditional Christmas and Hanukkah desserts, this story celebrates the wonder of family traditions.

This book exemplifies for us, that the Holiday Season is what you make it.  In this family, Hanukkah Mama can participate in all things Christmas and Daddy Christmas embraces some Jewish practises.  It’s not about Jewish or Christian…it’s about Family and after all, isn’t that what the Holidays are all about?

As always, Alko’s illustrations are vibrant, and fun, and keeps your child interested and engaged.

Truly a Holiday Tale for all to enjoy! Merry Hannukah and Happy Christmas!

Ideas for Post Reading Discussion

• What are some of your favorite Holiday traditions that we do in our family?
• Do you have any ideas for some new things you would like to do together at the Holidays?
• What are some great things you remember from Holidays past?
• What are some not so great things you remember from Holidays past?

The post Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama appeared first on Children's Book Reviews.

What a great concept for a picture book.  You and your child can explore the future together in this imaginative and creative way.  You can feel like Marty McFly as you turn the pages of this fun and thought-provoking book.

The book takes you through the day of an average kid in the year 2030.  Your clothes have enough power to run all your electronic gadgets, and we all live in eco-villages.  Navigate through a day at school where you see kids preparing multi-media presentations and enjoy virtual sports at recess.  And parents, wait until you see the authors’ ideas for healthy eating…adorable and brilliant!

What I love most about this book is the fact that it really stimulates the imagination.  The conversations and ideas that you and your children will springboard from this book are endless.  Such a fun book!

The text is great….makes the reader feel as though the authors are speaking to you directly.  The pace is quick and flows nicely.  The pictures are fun, creative and a huge part of the story…they serve well to enhance the story and help you follow along with the futuristic ideas.

Fantastic for all ages!

Ideas for Post Reading Discussion

• It may be fun to talk about some of the everyday things we have today, that we didn’t have growing up.  You can discuss how certain inventions have changed our lives over the years.
• What were some of the things you think sound cool about 2030?
• Is there anything about 2030 you didn’t quite like?
• What would you like to see by 2030?

The post 2030: A Day In The Life of Tomorrow’s Kids appeared first on Children's Book Reviews.

I like to consider myself somewhat educated about the Holocaust, given that my grandparents were survivors.  I grew up listening to stories, reading about it and learning early on, to admire the strength of those who survived and those who didn’t, mourn those who perished and appreciate the freedom we enjoy.  I am so grateful for this book, because I never knew about the Kindertransport, and I’m quite certain, that I’m not alone. 

“Many of the Kinder believe that their parents gave them life twice:  once when they were born and a second time when they were sent to safety on the Kindertransport”.

This is the heartbreaking, yet heartwarming  story of bravery, strength and generosity.  It’s the story of the children,  who were spared death by the Nazis, thanks to their rescuers.   Told historically through the words of the author and  also personally, through the recollection of the Kinder themselves, this book not only gives children a kid-appropriate understanding of World War II and its effects on the Jewish people, but it also shows us all, that there were good souls, and many who assisted in helping and essentially saving many children. Ten thousand children were saved by the Kindertransport, trains, boats and planes which rescued children from Germany, Czechoslovakia and Austria, to safety in Britain in 1938 and 1939 (the final months leading up to the war).

This book includes a glossary of terms for children.  Terms like “anti-Semitism”, “Nazi Party”,  “refugee” and many more are defined and explained in easy-to-understand language.  There is a section on reunions of the Kinder, follow-up stories, and a timeline of the events from 1933 to the Nuremberg Trials.

The images are powerful and real…there is art created by the Kinder in the form of paintings and quilts, as well as photos.  The book isn’t written in a scary or frightening way, and the author has done a magnificent job of taking the scary out of one of our scariest times.

I have read this book with my children (ages 7 and 9).  They both had a basic understanding of the Holocaust prior to this book, but this book has certainly enriched not only their knowledge and understanding, but their appreciation of those non-Jews especially, who risked everything to go against what they felt was unjust.

This book is an essential educational tool, and a wonderful tribute to those brave enough to set their children free, those Kinder who were all brave and strong, and of course, to those organizations and individuals who prove that even amongst the greatest despair, goodness can prevail.

A personal “thank you” to Deborah Hodge for creating this book and of course, to the Kinder who shared their personal stories with all of us.  Regardless of your faith or religious beliefs, this is an important book and one that we can all learn so much from.

Ideas for Post Reading Discussion

There are many aspects of this book to discuss with your children, but based on your children, you will have to steer the dialogue in a way that you’re comfortable with.  Some questions to consider:

• How do you think the parents of the Kinder felt, having to say “good-bye” to their young children?
• How would you feel if that were you?
• How do you feel about some of the stories that the children told throughout this book?
• How do you think the Kindertransport changed the Kinder?

Speak to your children about the war in any way that works for you and your family.

The post Rescuing the Children; The Story of the Kindertransport appeared first on Children's Book Reviews.