Sara Free

Say Hello Like This! by Mary Murphy

Book Title: Say Hello Like This!

Author: Mary Murphy

Recommended Age: 2-5 years

 

Themes: Animals, Beginnings

 

Summary:

Animals have special ways to say hello. From a licky dog, to a funny donkey, kids will love playing along when reading this book. The playful language allows children to go beyond basic animal sounds to explore more theatrical ways to say hello. 

 

My Thoughts:

This was a fun book. I could see engaging children by using a subject matter they generally enjoy, animals, with my own personal flare. The animals all have a special silly way to say hello, and kids will enjoy the fun story along with the simple, colorful illustrations. 

 

Books Alive (Activity Ideas):

After reading the book, children could present their own special way to say hello. It would be a great way for children to learn basic concepts like loud and quiet. They could say hello loudly, and then they could turn around and say hello quietly. 

 

Favorite:

I like the smaller pages between pages that flip over to reveal the way the animals say hello.

 

Other books by this author:

I Kissed the Baby

I Like It When...

How Kind!

 

Overall Rating:

*****

I would like to use this book for the beginning of the year storytime. I also think it would be a nice book to have for younger kids, between 2-4. It's a fun book!

 

My Rating System:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

****Great book! I could see it being a favorite in our house.

***Enjoyed it, but would probably check it out from the library.

**It was OK, but I probably won't read it very much.

*One time was good enough,  I wouldn't recommend it.

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Check out my other Children's book reads by clicking below:

I Carry Your Heart With Me by E.E. Cummings, illustrated by Mati Mcdonough

Book Title: I Carry Your Heart With Me

Author: E.E. Cummings

 

Illustrator: Mati McDonough

 

Recommended Age: 2-6 years

 

Themes: Mommies, Love, Poetry

 

Summary:

E.E. Cummings poem is interpreted by mixed-media artist Mati Rose McDonough. She shows a mother's love for her child using her unique artwork. The book shows the child grow from baby to school aged child. The mother carries the heart of her child throughout the whole adventure and beyond. The artwork is bold and engaging, and the poetry simple and heartwarming. 

 

My Thoughts:

I thoroughly adored this book. First, because I love poetry. Second, because mixed-media artwork really lights up my senses. I want to keep looking at it and see all the detail that has been used to create the image. Plus, it is a love story I can read to my children over and over. Their hearts are with me always. 

 

Books Alive (Activity Ideas):

Create mixed-media art using an image of the child. The child's image could be filled with hearts of people and things that he loves in his life. 

 

Favorite:

The artwork, the artwork, the artwork. Did I say the artwork?

 

And this quote:

i fear

no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)

 

Interesting Tid Bit:

Check out Mati Rose McDonough website to see more of her artwork. 

 

 

Overall Rating:

*****

5 stars! I want to add this to our personal collection. It would be a good gift to my children. It would be a good gift to a new mom. It's a true gem. 

 

My Rating System:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

****Great book! I could see it being a favorite in our house.

***Enjoyed it, but would probably check it out from the library.

**It was OK, but I probably won't read it very much.

*One time was good enough,  I wouldn't recommend it.

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Check out my other Children's book reads by clicking below:

Experience 38: Pick Blueberries

 The past weekend, Kyle asked me what would make me happy. I said, "Blueberry picking." And it was good to get out, even though there was rain on and off again. The clouds kept the heat away and allowed for a pleasant, happy afternoon. 

It was opening day at Moorhead's Blueberry Farm, so there were plenty of ripe blueberries to pick. There were also plenty of unripe berries so we did have to explaing the difference to the kids. Once they understood, that's when everyone wanted their bucket to be filled the highest. 

The farm is isolated from the city and is truly calm and peaceful. It cost $2.50 a pound for pesticide free local blueberries. I'd say that's a pretty good deal. I want my kids to know where food comes from and how it gets to the table. We are lucky to have this blueberry farm close by. 

After an hour and half, we picked 7 pounds of blueberries. I froze half - to be used later, and I put half in the fridge. Blueberries have been on the table almost every day. Now it's time to make a plan to use the rest. 

Blueberry picking is something I'd like to experience at least once a year. It's an activity the whole family has fun doing. 

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This is my birthday project - Experience 38, a reverse to do list. Watch the experience list grow.

Toy Boat by Randall De Seve and Loren Long

Book Title: Toy Boat

Author: Randall de Seve 

Illustrator: Loren Long

 

Recommended Age: Preschool-up

 

Themes: Boats, Friendships, Feelings, Transportation

 

Summary:

A little boy has a special toy boat, made with his own hands. The toy boat looks longingly out to sea at the lake one day, wondering what lies beyond and what it's like to sail free. It doesn't take long for the toy boat to find himself alone in the sea. He runs into several types of boats who just don't have the time to speak to the little boat. When all hope seems lost, the toy boat finds his way back home with a little help and a lot more love for the boy. 

 

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed the pictures in this storybook. The different boats offer some discussion about what boats do. I was not wowed or excited by the story. It felt slightly heavy because the other boat treated the toy boat so rudely. It would be nice if there were more helpful boats out there in the big sea. This could be a means for getting children to talking about relationships and how the other boats could have engaged positively with the lost toy boat. 

 

Books Alive (Activity Ideas):

Make toy boats. 

Have the children act out the book. 

 

Favorite:

The details on the boats were well done. There are cars and planes movies, how about a boat adventure?

 

Other books by this author/illustrator:

Randall de Seve

The Duchess of Whimsy

Peanut and Fifi Have a Ball

 

Loren Long

Otis

Otis and the Puppy

  

Overall Rating:

***

The message the book sends about exploration is not my favorite. I like leaving a book with a little more optimism. However, I would read this book when the kids are learning about transportation, there aren't a lot of boat stories out there. 

 

My Rating System:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

****Great book! I could see it being a favorite in our house.

***Enjoyed it, but would probably check it out from the library.

**It was OK, but I probably won't read it very much.

*One time was good enough,  I wouldn't recommend it.

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Check out my other Children's book reads by clicking below:

How to Cheer Up Dad by Fred Koehler

Book Title: How to Cheer Up Dad

Author: Fred Koehler

Recommended Age: 3-5 years

Themes: Daddies, Feelings

 

Summary:

Little Jumbo finds many ways to get in trouble. When Little Jumbo talks back to Dad, he is put in time out. He considers ways to cheer up Dad by thinking of activities Dad may enjoy doing - or at least that Little Jumbo loves. He succeeds in making Dad feel better, only to continue his creative explorations that may result in more time outs. 

 

My Thoughts:

This was a sweet read. Little Jumbo pushes the limits only to turn around and do endearing and cute things. I can definitely see this cycle with my own kids. 

 

Books Alive (Activity Ideas):

Kids create a book filled with activities they can do to "cheer" their dads up. 

 

Favorite:

The illustrations in this book were appealing to me. I like the color palates he chose and they were simple with nice touches of detail. (Makes me want to go out and get an ice cream scoop tower.)

 

Interesting Tid Bit:

Little Jumbo was inspired by an actual standoff between the author and his two year old son. 

 

Overall Rating:

****1/2

I'm giving this four and half stars. I think it would make a great father's dad read. It could tie into a lesson on dads. I'd definitely hope to see more from this author-illustrator. Definitely a great debut!

 

My Rating System:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

****Great book! I could see it being a favorite in our house.

***Enjoyed it, but would probably check it out from the library.

**It was OK, but I probably won't read it very much.

*One time was good enough,  I wouldn't recommend it.

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Check out my other Children's book reads by clicking below:

 

Experience 38: Read 50 Children's Books

When I was a kid, I went to the library in the summer A LOT. Library summer programs were up there for entertainment along with going to swimming pools and watching too much TV. The library program in my home town would motivate the kids to read with crafts, prizes, and a pizza party. It helped that I liked to read and the cool air conditioned library offered some relief from the Texas summers. 

Now, summer is rolling our way and there will be many hours I hope to fill with reading - alone, as a family, or with whoever wants to read. Initially, I thought about reading 100 children's books this year. That number began to seem overwhelming. I've slashed that number to 50 and if I happen to read more - that will be wonderful. 

My goal is to read 50 books published in 2014. I am choosing to be an active seeker in finding new children's books out there, both for my kids and my library job. I adore children's books. They can have powerful messages through their simple delivery and beautiful illustrations. I have again created a list that will grow. I like working within the boundaries of numbers, it gives me something to aim towards. 

I'm preparing for my own personal summer reading program, where I hope to find many great new children's books from 2014. First stop, my local library, which is on top of aquiring new children's book publications. Checkout my reading adventures! 

 

Children's Books 2014

1. Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds

2. How to Cheer Up Dad by Fred Koehler

3. Toy Boat by Randall de Seve and Loren Long

4. I Carry Your Heart With Me by E. E. Cummings, Illustrated by Mati Mcdonough

5. Say Hello Like This! by Mary Murphy

6. Fall by Aaron Carr

7. Numeralia by Jorge Lujan

8. Starring Me and You by Genevieve Cote

9. Troll Swap by Leigh Hodgkinson

10. Weeds Find A Way by Cindy Jenson-Elliott

11. Big Bad Bubble by Adam Rubin

12. I'm Brave by Kate and Jim McMullan

13. Pup-Pup-Puppies by Bonnie Bader

14. One Busy Day by Lola M. Shaefer

15. Animals Work (I Like to Read) by Ted Lewin

16. Bear and Bird by James Skofield

17. Robot Burp Head Smartypants by Annette Simon

18. Ed and Kip (I Like to Read) by Kay Chorao

19. Betty Bunny Wants A Goal by Michael Kaplan 

20. Monster Chefs by Brian and Liam Anderson

21. Alice From Dallas by Marilyn Sadler

22. Small Blue and the Deep Dark Night by Jon Davis

23. Food Trucks! by Mark Todd

24. The Storm Whale by Benji Davies

25. This Way to the Zoo by John Burningham

26. It's an Orange Aardvark! by Michael Hall

27. Sequoia by Tony Johnston

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This is my birthday project - Experience 38, a reverse to do list. Watch the experience list grow

Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds

Book Title: Going Places

Author: Peter & Paul Reynolds

Recommended Age: 4-8 years

Themes: Creativity, Building, Working Together

 

Summary:

Going Places is a go-cart kit that is "exactly alike" for every kid in the class. The deligent Rafael is good at following directions and is satisfied when he completes his project, until he checks in on his friend Maya. Maya inspires Rafael to think outside the box and go above and beyond what is expected.

 

My thoughts:

I am a big fan of this author/illustrator duo. I was not disappointed with the story line and believe children will be able to easily grapy the differences between Rafael and Maya's approach to the project. Peter & Paul Reynolds open the door for children to think creatively about their ideas.  

 

Books Alive (Activity Ideas):

Give children the same pieces in a box, encourage them to create their own invention. Hold a discussion about how everyoneused the same parts, but created their own unique product.

 

Favorite:

The exception - the person who dares to think differently and create new ways to do things. 

 

 

Interesting Tid Bit:

Peter & Paul Reynolds are identical twins. I am fond of twins, probably because I have a pair myself!

 

Other books by these author(s):

Ish by Peter H. Reynolds

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

 

Overall rating:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

 

My Rating System:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

****Great book! I could see it being a favorite in our house.

***Enjoyed it, but would probably check it out from the library.

**It was ok, but I probably won't read it very much.

*One time was good enough,  I wouldn't recommend it.

 

Experience 38: Take a Calligraphy Class

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take a modern calligraphy class with Korie Herald from The Weekend Type. Since I took the brush scripting class with Kal Barteski through Studio Calico, I have been obsessed with hand lettering. Or what I call "pretty words."

I've got a basic understanding after this class about modern calligraphy. I have a practice letter set and the basic tools - nibs, oblique pen holder, and ink. Now, I need to practice, practice, practice.

Here's my practice so far:

The Future:

Sky's the limit - right? We'll see, I'm still in brainstorming mode about how I want to continue practicing this art.

Addtional Modern Calligraphy Resources:

I still Love calligraphy - Online modern calligraphy classes

The International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting - Lots of information regarding handwriting, including free video tutorials, lessons - basically an AWESOME resource with tons of information. 

Book - Modern Calligraphy: Everything You Need To Know Get Started in Script Calligraphy - something I'm hoping to add to my collection. 

The Paper Bride Handwriting Practice Sheets - FREE downloadable practice sheets, already printed mine!

Video: Calligraphy Basics (Approx. 26 minutes) - in the first few minutes I was directed to many more resources to explore (see above). 

Learning about modern calligraphy was so much fun. I'm grateful I had the opprotunity to take a class. I've only scratched the surface. It will be no surprise when more calligraphy shows up here!

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This is my birthday project - Experience 38, a reverse to do list. Watch the experience list grow

Experience 38: Eat at Food Trucks

The first item added to my reverse to do list is eating at food trucks. Our temple organized a food truck event and had about 6 different food trucks there. Half dinner trucks, half dessert trucks. I focused on dinner. Food trucks excite me because they tend to do very interesting and fun things with food. At least, these are the food trucks I try to seek out. 

Food Truck One: The Waffle Bus

This was a great food truck for the kids. The waffles and chicken were well received and the fries are always a hit. Our oldest son got wild and ordered a waffle burger. I had to try a taste. It was the delightful combination it sounds like, waffle goodness with a cheeseburger stuffed inside. I also sampled the Ancho Chile Honey, mildly spicy and sweet. We'll be back Waffle Bus

Food Truck Two - Oh My Gogi!

 Lessons learned from this food truck:

• Gogi - means meat in Korean
• Be ready to try many things. This food truck did not have what we wanted to order, so we tried something else. Hopefully this was an exeception and not the norm. 
• Have a back up option for your significant other. Even if you've waited in line a long time for the thing your significant other really wanted, be ready to order something else. 

Other than the slight disappoint in not getting to try what we wanted from the menu, we were still able to get our fill of gogi and kimchee. So that was a win. The gogi was quite flavorful. I'm enjoying kimchee more and more. It was obvious this was a popular truck because the line was long. They were playing Despicable Me while I waited. I appreciated that they took into consideration their waiting patrons and kept them entertained. 

Food Truck Three - Bernie's Burger Bus

No pictures for this food truck, but it was pretty awesome. I could not pause while eating my burger to justify taking a picture. I had a burger called the Firedrill which I can't seem to find on their website menu. It was spicy, with avocado, cheese, just some downright greasy goodness. 

Then I saw this, "Bernie is paleo friendly!" I wish I had informed myself about this before going because I like to be aware of my paleo options. 

Bernie's Burger Bus, I will hunt you down again.

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My hope is to grow this food truck list. Food trucks entice my adventurous eating habit. I'm impressed with the combinations that can be created in a food truck. I'd love to attend the Houston Food Truck Festival, but I would definitely need a plan in place both for my belly and for waiting in line with children. 

There will be more food truck experiences to be had, they are so fun!

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This is my birthday project - Experience 38, a reverse to do list. Watch the experience list grow. 

Experience 38

I found this article in Flow, my new favorite magazine:

I thought, hey what a good idea. I am one to beat myself up over all the things I haven't done yet. Plans go astray often in my world. 

Instead, my plan is to allow the list to grow. I have created a dream list of sorts, experiences or things I'd like to try and do in this upcoming years. Some of them will definitely be repeats from life, and that is bound to happen. It's nice to revisit the good, happy places. 

Let the good times continue to keep rolling. This is my birthday project for my 38th year. Hoping to turn hopes, wants, desires, and birthday wishes into reality.

Check back to see this list grow. 

Experience 38 - A Reverse To Do List

1. Eat at Food Trucks
2. Take A Calligraphy Class
3. Read 50 Children's Books (In Progress)
4. Pick Blueberries
5. Get to Storytime
6. Visit Museum(s)
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