February 25, 2009 at 7:50 pm (Fairytales, Rhyming)
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
I came across this book on another site and remembered how much I love it! I used to use this in my reading groups when I taught 1st grade. The kids loved to read the clues and search for the items described. Motivation? Yes!
This book is a version of “I Spy.” “Each peach pear plum. I spy Tom Thumb.” Even if the children don’t know who Tom Thumb is, they can search and find him in the picture, thus engaging even the youngest of children. The story is filled with all sorts of fairytale characters, such as Old Mother Hubbard, Cinderella, and even Baby Bunting. At the end, the characters enjoy plum pie in the sun and get to find everyone!
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February 16, 2009 at 1:56 pm (Farm Animals, Rhyming)
When I Grow Up: Learning About Animals by Matt Mitter
This is a puzzle board book about farm animals. One day Fuzzy Chick asks his momma what he’ll be when he grows up. He asks about each farm animal, such as “Will I have a coat that’s fuzzy and full? Will children wear sweaters made from my wool?” The children have to find the puzzle piece that answers correctly and completes the picture. At the end, Fuzzy Chick discovers that “he’ll be like his dad and greet the sun. Each morning his song will wake everyone!”
So cute! This has always been one of my children’s favorites books! We started reading this book to them when they were babies and on through the preschool years. The puzzle pieces are big and chunky, perfect for little hands. The storyline is simple and rhymes. And I love how the children learn a little about the farm animals, as well as matching puzzle pieces. Fun and educational! What more could a parent ask for?!
Disclaimer: Our personal copy has been very “loved.” The animal pieces were found chewed to bits in my toddler’s crib yesterday morning (which is why this is my book pick this week). I cried! I loved all the teeth marks on them as my children were teething, and now, they’re gone! But, as I said, this has been one of the favorites by both my son and my daughter! We have definitely gotten our money’s worth!
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February 8, 2009 at 9:43 pm (Blissfully Domestic, Valentine's Day)
Hugs and Kisses by Christophe Loupy and Eve Tharlet
One day Hugs the dog wakes up early in search of something. He visits all of the farm animals and collects kisses from them. During his quest, he discovers that a kiss from his mom is the best kiss of all! Cute, cute book that young children (and moms) will definitely enjoy! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any other day when you just want an excuse to kiss your kids!
For a fun Valentine’s activity to go with this book, check out my article at Bissfully Domestic.
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February 2, 2009 at 6:00 am (Groundhog Day)
In honor of Groundhog Day!
Gretchen Groundhog: It’s Your Day! by Abby Levine
Gretchen Groundhog is about to step out into the world for the first time, and she’s scared!!! She decides she isn’t going to do it, which shocks the town. People try to convince her to come out, but she is just too scared. Finally it’s a little girl who helps.
We made pop-up groundhog craft in honor of the day:
hiding in his den
peeking out!
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