Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Books by Sharon Creech

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Books by Sharon Creech Dec 29th 2011, 11:02 Sharon Creech has won a number of awards for her novels for upper elementary and middle school kids. These include a Newbery Medal and a Carnegie Award for her children's books. I have not had the opportunity to read all of her fiction yet, so this list will probably expand over time. I highly recommend these books for tweens and young teens by Sharon Creech. 1. Love that Dog Love That Dog, a boy's free verse journal, is both funny and poignant. At the start of a class poetry unit, Jack recounts his negative feelings about boys writing poetry. But with his teacher's help, he comes to not only appreciate the power of poetry but to create his own poem about the death of his dog. I recommend this for 8-13 year olds. (Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins, 2001. ISBN: 9780064409599) 2. Walk Two Moons Walk Two Moons, a Newbery Medal winner, is for older children (10-14). Two stories are interwoven in the 288-page book: thirteen-year-old Sal's story of her trip with her grandparents in search of her mother and the story Sal tells about a girl named Phoebe and her mother. As Sal recounts both stories, the reader becomes engrossed in this novel about family, loss and love. (HarperTrophy, 1996. ISBN: 9780064405171) 3. Granny Torrelli Makes Soup This book is briefer than most of Creech's novels but full of insight and heart. It also has several drawings by Chris Raschka. The book is 140 pages and has numerous, very brief, chapters, in which twelve year old Rosie recounts her discussions with Granny Torrelli. With stories and affection, her grandmother helps her to understand why she and her best friend aren't getting along and how important friendship is. (Joanna Cotler Books, An Imprint of HarperCollins, 2003. ISBN: 9780439649315) 4. Absolutely Normal Chaos Ohioan Mary Lou Finney's summer journal, an assignment for school, is the thirteen year old's account of her life in "a normally strange family" with five children. In her free ranging journal, Mary Lou discusses all the surprises and changes summer brings: her first boyfriend, the death of a neighbor, and her growing appreciation for her visiting cousin. Creech based the family in the book on her own family. (HarperCollins Publishers, First American Edition, 1995; 1990. ISBN: 9780064406321) 5. Chasing Redbird Thirteen year old Zinny Taylor lives in Bybanks, Kentucky with so many brothers and sisters that she often feels lost in the choas and escapes next door to the quiet of her aunt and uncle's home. The death of her aunt, family mysteries, a boy who is more interested in her than in her older sister, and a mysterious trail that Zinny claims as her own all lead to a summer of growth and new understanding. (HarperCollins Publishers, First American Edition, 1995; 1990. ISBN: 9780064406963) 6. Ruby Holler Twins Dallas and Florida have had some bad experiences in foster homes. Now they live in a badly run orphanage where they frequently get in trouble. When 13-year-old Dallas and Florida are sent to spend the summer in Ruby Holler with an eccentric elderly couple, the “trouble twins” are very wary of Tiller and Sairy’s motives. It’s a summer of learning, love, and the beginnings of trust. Creech’s novel for 8-12-year-olds is both moving and funny. (HarperCollins, 2002. ISBN: 9780060560157) 7. Replay Part of growing up is beginning to see your parents and siblings as individuals in their own right, as 12 year old Leo discovers when he finds a diary written by his father when he was 13. With a moody older sister and two younger brothers, Leo feels like a “sardine, squashed in a tin.” His fantasies are an escape. When Leo becomes involved in a family mystery while preparing for a school play, he gains insight about his family and his feelings. (Joanna Colter Books, 2005. ISBN: 0060540192) Sharon Creech's Books: Your Recommendations Have your 8-12-year-olds read any of Sharon Creech's books? Share your opinions and recommendations.

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Little Golden Books

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Little Golden Books Dec 29th 2011, 11:02 Little Golden Books are among the first books I remember. I enjoyed them as a child, my children enjoyed them, and now my grandchildren enjoy them. While certainly they have changed over time, many of the classic Golden Books from decades ago are available again, and many people have taken to collecting the early Little Golden Books. Little Golden Books: History How did it all start? The history of the company that ultimately published Golden Books goes back to West Side Printing Company in Racine County, Wisconsin. The first Golden Books were published in 1942. Initially, twelve different, 24-page, books were published. While the cover art varied, all the books were the same small size, hardbound, with like binding, and a price tag of 25¢. A timeline of Golden Books history stretches over 60 years and more than two billion Little Golden Books printed! Little Golden Books: A Success Story The success of the first Little Golden Books ensured the publication of others. According to Steve Santi's book Collecting Little Golden Books (compare prices) there are hundreds of different Little Golden Books that have captured the hearts of young children (and adults). The list of authors and illustrators who have been involved in Golden Books reads like a "Who's Who" of children's literature. It includes Margaret Wise Brown, Jeanette Sebring Lowrey, Mercer Mayer, Gustaf Tenggren, Eloise Wilken, Richard Scary, Garth Williams, Tibor Gergely, and a myriad of Disney artists. more than two billion Little Golden Books printed! Little Golden Books: Bestsellers Publishers Weekly's list of children's hardcover bestsellers from the date of publication through 1995 illustrates the popularity of the books. Little Golden Books occupy five of the top six places, with The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey in first place. It was published in 1942 and by 1995, 14,000,000 copies had been sold in domestic sales. In third, fourth, fifth, and sixth places respectively were Tootle by Gertrude Crampton (8,055,500), The Saggy Baggy Elephant by Kathryn and Byron Jackson (7,098,000), Scuffy the Tugboat by Gertrude Crampton (7,065,000), and Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt (6,146,543). While Pat the Bunny is for babies on up, the other books are popular with children from about two to seven years old. I am delighted to report that these and other classics are still available from Golden Books. Locating a Favorite Little Golden Book When You Can't Remember the Title One of the most frequent requests I get is for help in locating favorite Golden Books. The people who contact me are usually quite frustrated because they can remember the plot or a character, but they can't remember the name of the Little Golden Book they loved as a child. I found a great resource when I was searching. It's the Collecting Little Golden Books Forum, which is named after the book of the same name by Steve Santi that I mentioned above. You have to register to post a question, but I received a very speedy response from Steve himself when I was helping someone locate a Golden Book for which we only knew the name of the main character. I did find one thing confusing. Sometimes when you click to go to a new page on the site, it looks the same as the previous page until you scroll further down. Golden Books Today In 2001, Golden Books launched its Little Golden Books Classic line, reprinting old favorites on the basis of popular demand. Some of my favorite classic Little Golden Books now available are The Good Humor Man, The Poky Little Puppy, Seven Little Postmen, and The Shy Little Kitten. Golden Books is now part of Random House Children's Books. Some of Random House Children's Books imprints include Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, Bantam Books for Young Readers, Random House Books for Young Readers, and Yearling Books. It's wonderful to still be able to find favorite Little Golden Books.

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Children's Books: New Year's Resolutions: Raising A Reader

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New Year's Resolutions: Raising A Reader Dec 29th 2011, 00:01 I love to write New Year's resolutions. Somehow, seeing the resolutions in print makes me get more serious about them. If you're looking for some resolutions related to raising a reader, see my 10 Ways to Help You Raise Kids Who Love Reading. In my list are both strategies and recommended books, including Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever, by Mem Fox, Australian children's books author and literacy consultant and The Read-Aloud Handbook, by reading aloud advocate Jim Trelease. (Cover art courtesy of Penguin Books)

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Childrens Music: The Muppet Movie Original Soundtrack: Still a Classic

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The Muppet Movie Original Soundtrack: Still a Classic Dec 28th 2011, 22:37 A great soundtrack to a great movie...and impossible to purchase! That's right, The Muppet Movie: Original Soundtrack Recording isn't available for purchace on iTunes, Amazon, or the Disney store (Disney owns The Muppet franchise). While we wait for a digital release of The Muppet Movie Soundtrack, search those flea markets for the fold-out vinyl album and find a friend with a turntable. Can you picture that?!? Read a full review of The Muppet Movie: Original Soundtrack Recording Image Courtesy Atlantic Records

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Childrens Music: Classic Kids' Music: Bruce Haack's Dance, Sing and Listen

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Classic Kids' Music: Bruce Haack's Dance, Sing and Listen Dec 28th 2011, 07:01 Long before the robotic pop of DEVO and Kraftwerk, or the cut-and-paste production skills of The Bomb Squad or The Dust Brothers, there was Bruce Haack. His series of albums for children�is an acquired taste, but�those LPs�also offer a glimpse into the groundbreaking electronic music created by Haack primarily�to accompany�children's dance exercises and performances. For a look back at the past that provides a vision of the future, check out Bruce Haack's Dance, Sing and Listen, his first album in a long line of experimental electronic music for kids. Read a full review of Bruce Haack's Dance, Sing and Listen Image Courtesy Dimension 5 Records

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: Teen Babysitters

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Teen Babysitters Dec 28th 2011, 11:02 Teenagers, especially those age 16 or under, are often hard pressed to find a job ... any job ... and in particular one that pays decent money. Babysitting does provide teens with some much-desired cash and is a job that offers flexibility around other activities as well. Here are tips for getting a job ... and then getting a call back for another opportunity! How to land a babysitting job (and get a call back for a future job): Get training--Take a babysitting course along with a CPR/first-aid class for great appeal to parents. If you desire to watch infants, be sure to take infant CPR training as well. Parents will find your credentials particularly appealing. Charge fairly--Hourly rates for a babysitter varies depending on where you live, how long the service is required, whether there is one or multiple children to care for, your age, and also the time of year (special occasions typically command higher rates). Find out what the going rate in your area is, and be sure to stay within that range. Also, if you charge one family one amount, be sure to be consistent with another family if all things are equal (such as number/ages of kids). The word on your hourly rate WILL get a round. Advertise--Word of mouth can help get sitting jobs; so can creating flyers and distributing them around the neighborhood. Consider also giving out flyers that include your name, age, contact information, training, availability, and activities at your school, church, or other areas that parents will see. Ask if your neighborhood has an online posting area. If you participate in activities such as dance, see if there is a public bulletin board where you can display your information. Impress the parents--Don't view babysitting as a one-night gig or just something until you get a "real job." This is a real job, and these parents can become important references and a vital source for future work as well. Arrive a few minutes early (but not too early), bring a notebook and pen and take notes while parents give you information, and come prepared with kid entertainment. Sought-after babysitters have an action plan of activities (consider it your "sitter bag of tricks.") And be sure to ask parents questions and about expectations and rules. Don't plan to leave the house or yard without prior approval by parents. If there is a nearby park, for example, don't just assume you'll take the kids there. Be sure to ask if the activity is okay. Give your undivided attention to your charges--Don't be the type of babysitter who yaks on her cell phone or plants in front of the family television. Be attentive and interactive, or else you won't get asked back. Never invite a friend to come over, and never, ever leave kids unattended for any reason. After kids are in bed, be sure to check on them a time or two. Pick up the house before parents get home--A pet peeve of many parents is to come home after a night out only to find a dirty kitchen, muddy shoes, or things in general disarray with toys out of place, etc. A general rule is to leave the house cleaner than when you arrive. Parents WILL notice this extra effort, and it may result in a larger tip! Give a true report--Tell parents of any occurrences that happened while they were gone. Be honest about accidents or things they should know about. You don't need to tell parents about every small detail, however. They don't need to know that Suzy called her brother a name, however, unless it was really bad and/or repeated throughout the evening. On the flip size, be sure to note any special behavior that warrants a hug from mom or dad the next day. If Sam helped clean up the dishes and brushed his teeth before bed without being told, make a note and be sure to brag about it! Parents want to know about the good and the bad. Leave with grace--Thank parents for the opportunity to watch their precious children, and be sure to tell them how much you enjoyed them. Tell them that you really hope to be able to see their children again soon, and will be eager for another babysitting job. Chances are, you'll get that phone call soon!

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: Reading Activities for Kids

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Reading Activities for Kids Dec 28th 2011, 11:02 From preschool forward, most teachers strongly urge parents to have their children read--or be read to--on a reading activity schedule throughout the year. This includes summer months, holiday breaks, or any time when school is out. It's easy to understand why. Children who maintain their reading skills or younger ones who are read to on a daily basis will be on target for back-to-school or back-to-regular routines in the fall. Those who don't typically have to pay catch-up in the classroom, which can set the stage for a challenging year. Child care centers, in-home child providers, babysitters, and family members can do their part to foster a love of reading through fun reading activities. Parents should ask whether their day care center or care provider reads to children daily--and if not, ask them to start a story hour. Older kids who no longer take naps often find enjoyment in reading right after lunch, traditionally considered "quiet time." Parents can set an hour each evening for books; older ones can read in their room, read to their parents, or even to younger siblings. Younger children always enjoy being read a story on a topic of interest to them. The key is to always make the reading experience fun and a time to look forward to. Reading or a reading activity should never be perceived as a chore. What are things parents and child care providers alike should keep in mind to encourage reading? Take advantage of weather by dangling the reading carrot in fun ways. Be adventurous and make it a game as to where you should read to your child and how. In warm weather, read next to a pond or lake, under a tree, by the pool, or even in the tree house. Be bold and carefree. One mother reads to her young child in their blow-up children's pool in the backyard during the summer months. Another mom finishes the much-anticipated daily trip to the park in the spring or fall by reading a book before they leave. Cold months can mix reading activities by having books about snowmen, snowfalls, winter holidays, or sports such as ice skating. Day care centers or child providers can add reading fun into the mix by tying it into a planned activity for the week. If the theme for the week is "Under the Sea," then the books can be about the ocean or fish. Consider a reading series. There are countless book series tailor made for your child's age, and a good experience with one means there is a high likelihood your child will enjoy others about the same characters. There are series on action heroes and princesses, popular characters such as Bob the Builder, the classic Dr. Suess collection, and about young heroes and heroines. There are series about beginning school for the first time or about going on vacation. Older children like series such as Harry Potter. Build reading into the schedule. Parents and child providers can and should build a reading activity into the daily schedule. While evening or before-bedtime are popular times to read, reading after breakfast or before children go to an activity, sets a routine that most children embrace. Providers can set a daily story time and let parents know what book is being read and how it matches enrichment and learning activities for the week. Plan ahead with exciting books on vacation. Vacation is a prime time for reading enjoyment, when family is together and fun is in the plans. Reading is a great activity for around the pool or in the hotel room in the evening. Build a reading activity into life's planning. Children of all ages should learn the connection between reading and knowledge. If your family is adding a flower bed, have children read about how to prepare a bed and what flowers and shrubs are optimal for the area of the country and whether it is in sun or shade. Getting a new family pet? Read up on varieties of dogs, care required, and even stories about children and their pets first. Traveling somewhere? You guessed it, read all about your destination first and you and your children will have the added benefit of knowing more about the area when you arrive. Involve the entire family. Studies show that moms have the tendency to read more to their children then dads, robbing both children and fathers of positive reading experiences. Make reading time with dad or grandpa a priority. Dads read books aloud with children differently then moms do, and children will flourish with the perspective and experience of both. Ask for your child's feedback. Evaluation and discussion is an important part of a positive book-reading experience. Ask your child simple questions, such as: Did you like the book? Why or why not? Who was your favorite character? What was your favorite scene? Did you like how it ended? Would you like to read it again someday? Don't be surprised if your child wants to re-read the same book again! That means you did your job well and helped foster a love of reading.

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