Thursday, March 24, 2011

4 Good Reads

The kids and I make good use of our libraries. There are 3 of them within 15 minutes of our house. Sometimes I'm scheduled enough to get us to story time, but even if we don't make it we usually come home with a stash of books that keeps us occupied.

Recently, I borrowed 3 books on Japan to let the kids know a little bit more about the country. I found this to be a great way to "connect" with the Japanese. Below are other books we are glad came through our house.

"The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig" was adorable in more ways than one. In the end of the story, it is the weakest house that keeps the wolves safe. Its detailed enough to entertain my 7-year-old, but the pages are short enough to keep my 4-year-old's attention.

"Earl the Squirrel" was written by Don Freeman (the same author of "Corduroy"). The colors you see on the front are the three colors that are in the book (black, white and red). The simplistic coloring offers opportunities to discuss art with your preschooler. There is nothing complicated in the book and yet it is a "feel good" book.

Its interesting to note that "Earl the Squirrel" was published many years after Don Freeman's death. Apparently many publishers politely rejected the transcript during his lifetime. His son tried again recently and it was a hit! I'm glad they printed it.


About a month ago the kids and I have started using a compost bin. My mom found this book for us: "Garbage Helps Our Garden Grow: A Compost Story". This is another easy to read book, but very enjoyable. The pictures are clear, the concept is well laid out and the kids (and I) learned a thing or two about composting.


Did you know President Obama wrote a children's book? Neither did I until I saw "of Thee I Sing" staring me in the face! This book includes many famous Americans throughout history who have made a difference.  The artwork is pleasant to the eyes. There is plenty to learn about those included, but the info is not exhaustive. It gives you a desire to explore the library more!

Do you have any suggestions of good books I can read to my kiddos?

2 comments:

Laura said...

Yay for books! We love books at our house. Some of my kids' favourites are:

-The Very Cranky Bear, by Nick Bland.
-We're Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.
-Goodnight Gorilla, by Peggy Rathman.
-Curious George books.
-The Five Little Monkeys series, by Eileen Christelow.
-Caps for Sale, by Esphyr Slobodkina
-Something From Nothing, by Phoebe Gilman

There are more that I can't think of right now. I love Corduroy, so I think I'll look up Earl the Squirrel :)

Michelle said...

Thanks for sharing those, Laura. I'm going to have to get my hands on them! I LOVE the five little monkey series. I looked up your books on amazon. "The Very Cranky Bear" has a very funny cover. It made me smile. :)